Peace & Blessings Beloved,
TGBTG for allowing us to see the start of another year. I pray all is well with you and yours. I know 2021 was wrought with challenge, trial, pain, depression, hopelessness, despair, and even loss. Some will say that 2022 can't be any worse, and are optimistic that this new US Presidential Administration will help usher in the peace & unity necessary for America to heal. What I want to share with you is the fact that, as Christians, we shouldn't concern ourselves with secular matters, which include any social and/or political agendas that are pushed or paraded in front of us. It is imperative that we operate with the proper perspective, and outlook on the world. In order to successfully do this we must first ensure that we're indeed a part of Christ's body. And that brings us to the first devotion of 2022.
If you have not given your life to Jesus Christ, I implore you to take the time to do so right now. I want to use three bible passages to lay the foundation & provide proper context for our salvation. If you have any questions concerning this matter, don't hesitate to reach out: contactus@brandlusu.com, or directly, if you have the means. Also, do note that we'll expound upon these verse, eventually, as we get into our bible studies.
As many of you already know, I am a stickler for context, and like to avoid using bible verses without any setup, or exposition otherwise. However, In the case of these three passages, the message and intent is explicitly clear, and gets to the heart of the matter at hand.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Romans 10:9-10
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Ephesians 2:1-10
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before
In conclusion, before we go any further into our study and focus on the bible, I want to ensure we're all saved. And so, may we all confess with our mouths, and believe in our hearts, that God raised His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, from the dead, in order to save us from eternal damnation, which is what we deserve, due to our sin nature. See Romans 6:23- For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Making this profession of our faith means we recognize that salvation is a gift from God, and something that we do not earn, but humbly receive, after which we dedicate our lives to good works, unto Him.
Beloved, I pray that you receive this message with the love intended, and apply it to wisdom.
Love you much.
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Blessed!
-Humble Servant