“Christ In You the Hope of Glory” Colossians 1:25-27 By Pastor Dan Kennedy © February 19, 2017 www.pastorkennedy.com Many times I have mentioned to my wife while preparing messages for the coming Lord’s Day, how important I believed the particular topic of Scripture that was being studied, could be to the Body of Christ…since God’s Word had so blessed me in preparation! The topic today could not only be easily placed in the “important” category…in fact, I believe it could be placed in one of the most important topics that can be taught, shared, or preached! It is of critical and blessed importance. A Secret Held, by God, Since Creation We don’t often talk about God having secrets. Of course, if He had a secret, He wouldn’t tell anybody, right? Well, the truth of this Secret had been a held, by God, from the beginning of creation, until just the right time, when God permitted this major hidden Mystery to be revealed! There were specific events that had to take place before God would allow His secret to be brought to light: 1. Christ’s redemption for sins through His suffering, the shedding of His atoning blood, and His death on the cross, becoming our Savior. 2. Christ’s burial, resurrection and ascension to the right hand of God the Father; and, 3. God’s promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. God entrusted the Secret of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with Paul, to be His instrument to begin that process of telling His Secret. After God revealed the Secret, He wanted its Truth to be spread everywhere – to everyone on earth! Paul was Entrusted, by God, to Share God’s Secret: The “full” Gospel Jesus Himself taught Paul for three years in Arabia (Galatians 1:11-18; 2 Cor. 12:1-7), and the revelation of this secret became a foundation for the teaching of the fullness of “the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” that Paul and Christ’s disciples preached. Colossians 1:24b–27 24 … for the sake of his body, which is the church.25 I have become its (the church’s) servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Paul’s Commission · To be a servant to Christ’s Church (vs. 24b-25) Colossians 1:24b–25 24 … for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— Paul’s Completed Message · A Full Presentation of God’s Gospel finally disclosed to the World (v. 25) Colossians 1:25-26 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery… How Long had God withheld this “Secret” from the world? · Kept Hidden for Generations, this profound mystery is now Revealed in Paul’s Message, to be disclosed to the saints all over the world, for every future generations to hear. (v. 26-27a) Colossians 1:25-26 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery… · Why was God’s Secret Wisdom Hidden…from before the beginning of time? 1 Corinthians 2:7–8 7 … We speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. God’s Profound Two-Part Mystery has been Revealed to the World and has been Proclaimed by Paul the Apostle The First Part of the “Mystery of Christ” Revealed Colossians 1:25-26 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery… · The “Whoever” (Jn. 3:16), is now Included in God’s Salvation: All those who have faith in Christ as their Savior (including the Gentiles) can benefit from Christ’s Redemption from sin, not just the “Chosen People,” the Jews, who had been chosen and set apart as a nation to worship and serve the Creator God of Heaven, and through whom the Messiah, the Son of God, has been born. Ephesians 3:2–6 2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. John 3:16 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. The Second Part of “the Mystery of Christ” Revealed · “Christ In You the Hope of Glory” o Redemption in Jesus Christ brings New Birth, for all who believe in Him for Salvation. “Christ In You, the Hope of Glory.” This Transformation and New Birth had not happened for men and women of faith under the Mosaic Law in the Old Testament, since the Messiah had not come, nor His sacrifice been given, freeing them from the bondage to the Law, and the Holy Spirit had not been given to reside within all those believing in the Christ, the Messiah. Old Testament faithful were those “looking forward” by faith, to the Messiah’s coming and His redemption in bearing of our sin (Isaiah 53). That faith in God was then counted as righteousness (Rom. 4:4-9). There were many in the Old Testament specifically anointed by God’s Holy Spirit – some even from the womb, but these were anointed and empowered for specific spiritual accomplishments for the Lord – most often associated with the nation of Israel. Those instances cannot be compared with the pouring out of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which gave opportunity for the Redemption of those who would believe in Jesus Christ and be transformed into God’s Children from a host of other nationalities other than the Jewish nation. o New Birth is Essential, for Salvation and Transformation, by the Holy Spirit. “I was blind, but now I can see!” John 3:3 3 In reply (to Nicodemus) Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” 1 Peter 1:3–5 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:22–23 22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. Titus 3:4–7 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Ephesians 2:8–9 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. A person who, because of his or her depraved nature, has no personal relationship with God, is “born again,” through New Birth into God’s Family, when that individual believes Christ died for their sin, was buried and rose again, and invites Jesus Christ to “come in,” to their life, cleanse their sin through His sacrifice on the cross, and become Lord of his or her life. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…. The Holy Spirit then transforms one’s life, by God’s Grace, through faith… from the person’s honest invitation for Christ to come into their life as their Savior, bringing the “new nature” and the Life of Jesus Christ, to them personally: How does Christ, through the Holy Spirit, come “into” you? How do we receive the Redeeming Gift of God and New Birth by the transformation power of the Holy Spirit? We ask in prayer to God, by faith, for His free gift of Eternal Life through His Son, Jesus Christ. For cleansing and Salvation from sin, through Christ’s Redeeming Blood, and the transformation of our lives and mind through the power of His Holy Spirit and His Living Word. · The Diabolical Elements of Sin in my life, bring guilt, Spiritual Death and eternal damnation. · The Critical Elements of Saving Grace, through Faith in Christ, bring forgiveness, Spiritual and Eternal Life: “New Birth”/ “Born Again” Romans 3:23–24 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 6:23 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 10:9–10, 13 9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 12:1–2 12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. What did Jesus and His Disciples Teach about Receiving the Holy Spirit? Jesus’ Teaches the Disciples to Pray and tells us to “Ask” our Heavenly Father for the Holy Spirit’s Presence in our lives Luke 11:9–13 9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Acts 2:36–39 36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” “The Righteous Will Live by Faith” Romans 1:16–18 16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” 18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness…. Galatians 3:6–14 6 Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 7 Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham. 8 The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” 9 So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. 10 All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” 11 Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” 12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. Hebrews 10:38–39 38 But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.” 39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. A Prayer for Salvation and an Honorable Life before God “Dear Heavenly Father, • I know I have sinned against You. I do not deserve Your Salvation. • But, You have sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, as the Messiah… • To bear the punishment for my sin on the Cross. • I am sorry for and repent of my sin before You. • I ask Jesus’ Blood, shed on the Cross, to cleanse me from the guilt of my sin to Justify and wash me clean from sin before Your Holy Presence. • I invite Your Holy Spirit into my life to change me and to transform me. • To give me New Birth, so that my spirit, heart and person will be Born Again and have New Spiritual Life as a Child of God, looking forward to Eternal Life with You. • Thank You for Loving me and sending Your Son to die for me, and giving me Hope by the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit. • I want to serve you, so I give You my life – all that I am and all that I hope to be. • I trust You to give me the strength, by Your Spirit, to be who You want me to be, and how I should live in this world. Teach me to “put off” the old ways, and “put on” the new person in Christ – walking in the power of His Holy Spirit. • I ask You to guide me and empower me to serve You effectively. • Teach me to listen for Your Voice in my heart and spirit and to follow Your promptings, as reinforced by the Truth of Your Holy Word, the Bible. • Help me get back up when I fall. Keep me on Your narrow path. I trust You as my Heavenly Father to protect and keep me, even when I go through difficult situations. I want to turn from evil, draw near to You, and follow Your ways. • Teach me how to resist Satan, through the power of Jesus’ Blood and Jesus’ Name, using the “Shield of Faith.” • I want to learn more about You, so give me understanding by Your Holy Spirit as I read the Bible and meditate on Your Word. • I need Your help every day, and I want to grow more in my Faith in You through prayer, studying Your Word, and fellowshipping with other believers in Christ. • I want to love You with all my heart, soul and mind. • And, I want to love my neighbor as myself, and show practical care for others. • Thank You again for Your Love for me. • I trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.” “Christ In You, the Hope of Glory!”

“Christ In You the Hope of Glory”

Colossians 1:25-27

By Pastor Dan Kennedy

www.pastorkennedy.com

Many times I have mentioned to my wife while preparing messages for the coming Lord’s Day, how important I believed the particular topic of Scripture that was being studied, could be to the Body of Christ…since God’s Word had so blessed me in preparation!

The topic today could not only be easily placed in the “important” category…in fact, I believe it could be placed in one of the most important topics that can be taught, shared, or preached! It is of critical and blessed importance.

A Secret Held, by God, Since Creation

We don’t often talk about God having secrets. Of course, if He had a secret, He wouldn’t tell anybody, right? Well, the truth of this Secret had been a held, by God, from the beginning of creation, until just the right time, when God permitted this major hidden Mystery to be revealed!

There were specific events that had to take place before God would allow His secret to be brought to light:

1. Christ’s redemption for sins through His suffering, the shedding of His atoning blood, and His death on the cross, becoming our Savior.

2. Christ’s burial, resurrection and ascension to the right hand of God the Father; and,

3. God’s promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

God entrusted the Secret of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with Paul, to be His instrument to begin that process of telling His Secret. After God revealed the Secret, He wanted its Truth to be spread everywhere – to everyone on earth!

Paul was Entrusted, by God, to Share God’s Secret: The “full” Gospel

Jesus Himself taught Paul for three years in Arabia (Galatians 1:11-18; 2 Cor. 12:1-7), and the revelation of this secret became a foundation for the teaching of the fullness of “the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” that Paul and Christ’s disciples preached.

Colossians 1:24b–27

24 … for the sake of his body, which is the church.25 I have become its (the church’s) servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Paul’s Commission

· To be a servant to Christ’s Church (vs. 24b-25)

Colossians 1:24b–25

24 … for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—

Paul’s Completed Message

· A Full Presentation of God’s Gospel finally disclosed to the World (v. 25)

Colossians 1:25-26

25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery…

How Long had God withheld this “Secret” from the world?

· Kept Hidden for Generations, this profound mystery is now Revealed in Paul’s Message, to be disclosed to the saints all over the world, for every future generations to hear. (v. 26-27a)

Colossians 1:25-26

· Why was God’s Secret Wisdom Hidden…from before the beginning of time?

1 Corinthians 2:7–8

7 … We speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

God’s Profound Two-Part Mystery has been Revealed to the World and has been Proclaimed by Paul the Apostle

The First Part of the “Mystery of Christ” Revealed

Colossians 1:25-26

27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery…

· The “Whoever” (Jn. 3:16), is now Included in God’s Salvation:

All those who have faith in Christ as their Savior (including the Gentiles) can benefit from Christ’s Redemption from sin, not just the “Chosen People,” the Jews, who had been chosen and set apart as a nation to worship and serve the Creator God of Heaven, and through whom the Messiah, the Son of God, has been born.

Ephesians 3:2–6

2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

John 3:16

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

The Second Part of “the Mystery of Christ” Revealed

· “Christ In You the Hope of Glory”

o Redemption in Jesus Christ brings New Birth, for all who believe in Him for Salvation. “Christ In You, the Hope of Glory.”

This Transformation and New Birth had not happened for men and women of faith under the Mosaic Law in the Old Testament, since the Messiah had not come, nor His sacrifice been given, freeing them from the bondage to the Law, and the Holy Spirit had not been given to reside within all those believing in the Christ, the Messiah. Old Testament faithful were those “looking forward” by faith, to the Messiah’s coming and His redemption in bearing of our sin (Isaiah 53). That faith in God was then counted as righteousness (Rom. 4:4-9).

There were many in the Old Testament specifically anointed by God’s Holy Spirit – some even from the womb, but these were anointed and empowered for specific spiritual accomplishments for the Lord – most often associated with the nation of Israel. Those instances cannot be compared with the pouring out of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which gave opportunity for the Redemption of those who would believe in Jesus Christ and be transformed into God’s Children from a host of other nationalities other than the Jewish nation.

o New Birth is Essential, for Salvation and Transformation, by the Holy Spirit.

“I was blind, but now I can see!”

John 3:3

3 In reply (to Nicodemus) Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”

1 Peter 1:3–5

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 Peter 1:22–23

22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

Titus 3:4–7

4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Ephesians 2:8–9

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

A person who, because of his or her depraved nature, has no personal relationship with God, is “born again,” through New Birth into God’s Family, when that individual believes Christ died for their sin, was buried and rose again, and invites Jesus Christ to “come in,” to their life, cleanse their sin through His sacrifice on the cross, and become Lord of his or her life.

1 Corinthians 15:3–4

3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures….

The Holy Spirit then transforms one’s life, by God’s Grace, through faith… from the person’s honest invitation for Christ to come into their life as their Savior, bringing the “new nature” and the Life of Jesus Christ, to them personally:

How does Christ, through the Holy Spirit, come “into” you?

How do we receive the Redeeming Gift of God and New Birth by the transformation power of the Holy Spirit? We ask in prayer to God, by faith, for His free gift of Eternal Life through His Son, Jesus Christ. For cleansing and Salvation from sin, through Christ’s Redeeming Blood, and the transformation of our lives and mind through the power of His Holy Spirit and His Living Word.

· The Diabolical Elements of Sin in my life, bring guilt, Spiritual Death and eternal damnation.

· The Critical Elements of Saving Grace, through Faith in Christ, bring forgiveness, Spiritual and Eternal Life: “New Birth”/ “Born Again”

Romans 3:23–24

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Romans 6:23

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 10:9–10, 13

9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 12:1–2

12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

What did Jesus and His Disciples Teach about Receiving the Holy Spirit?

Jesus’ Teaches the Disciples to Pray and tells us to “Ask” our Heavenly Father for the Holy Spirit’s Presence in our lives

Luke 11:9–13

9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Acts 2:36–39

36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

“The Righteous Will Live by Faith”

Romans 1:16–18

16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness….

Galatians 3:6–14

6 Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 7 Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham. 8 The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” 9 So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

10 All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” 11 Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” 12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Hebrews 10:38–39

38 But my righteous one will live by faith.

And if he shrinks back,

I will not be pleased with him.”

39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.

A Prayer for Salvation and an Honorable Life before God

“Dear Heavenly Father,

• I know I have sinned against You. I do not deserve Your Salvation.

• But, You have sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, as the Messiah…

• To bear the punishment for my sin on the Cross.

• I am sorry for and repent of my sin before You.

• I ask Jesus’ Blood, shed on the Cross, to cleanse me from the guilt of my sin

to Justify and wash me clean from sin before Your Holy Presence.

• I invite Your Holy Spirit into my life to change me and to transform me.

• To give me New Birth, so that my spirit, heart and person will be Born Again and have New Spiritual Life as a Child of God, looking forward to Eternal Life with You.

• Thank You for Loving me and sending Your Son to die for me, and giving me Hope by the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit.

• I want to serve you, so I give You my life – all that I am and all that I hope to be.

• I trust You to give me the strength, by Your Spirit, to be who You want me to be, and how I should live in this world. Teach me to “put off” the old ways, and “put on” the new person in Christ – walking in the power of His Holy Spirit.

• I ask You to guide me and empower me to serve You effectively.

• Teach me to listen for Your Voice in my heart and spirit and to follow Your promptings, as reinforced by the Truth of Your Holy Word, the Bible.

• Help me get back up when I fall. Keep me on Your narrow path. I trust You as my Heavenly Father to protect and keep me, even when I go through difficult situations. I want to turn from evil, draw near to You, and follow Your ways.

• Teach me how to resist Satan, through the power of Jesus’ Blood and Jesus’ Name, using the “Shield of Faith.”

• I want to learn more about You, so give me understanding by Your Holy Spirit as I read the Bible and meditate on Your Word.

• I need Your help every day, and I want to grow more in my Faith in You through prayer, studying Your Word, and fellowshipping with other believers in Christ.

• I want to love You with all my heart, soul and mind.

• And, I want to love my neighbor as myself, and show practical care for others.

• Thank You again for Your Love for me.

• I trust in You.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

“Christ In You, the Hope of Glory!”