Tuesday 8/7/12 Salvation Week (2)

Matthew 9:10 - While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with Him and His disciples.  11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"  12 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  13 But go and learn what this means:  'I desire mercy,  not sacrifice,' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."  (NIV)

Dear Father in Heaven, please, please forgive us of our sins, even our sinful thinking, and help us each day to walk with you and to repent of our sins ... Thank You, Lord.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Yes, this week I am writing all week about Salvation, Salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the ONLY WAY TO RECEIVE SALVATION.  Amen!!!

Please pray for the lost today, and also starting with the one you see in the mirror.  If you are saved, pray for renewal with Jesus.  Let's get moving right into the message today!

Salvation Week (Day Two).

Matthew 3:1 - In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."  2 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:  "A voice of one calling in the desert.  'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.'"  (NIV)

Matthew 9:10 - While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with Him and His disciples.  11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"  12 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  13 But go and learn what this means:  'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."  (NIV)

One day Jesus was talking to the crowd.

Mark 8:34 - Then He called the crowd to Him along with His disciples and said:  "If anyone would come after me, He must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  (NIV)

Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  (NIV)

Brothers and sisters in Jesus, I know that I use the scripture Hebrews 13:8 often.  I do this because I think it is so important to know that even though things have changed in this world, all things, even us, one thing has not changed and that is Jesus.  Brothers and sisters, back in the days when Jesus walked this earth, some people hated Him, and even those who followed Him.  We will talk later in the week how Jesus died for us, and we will talk also about how John The Baptist was killed, beheaded, and that was done because he loved Jesus and spoke out for Him.  Why do I mention this?  Well, folks, look what happened to the owner of the Chicken place.  I think his name is "Dan", but he spoke out for marriage between a man and a woman, and look what happened.  But most people, and the news did not print the real message as he also talked about God getting upset.  I do not know the exact quote, but folks, when we sin, God does get upset, He really does.  We are His children, and we are the sheep of His pastures.  Do you and I not get upset when our children go astray or even differ a lot from our feelings?

Last night at "Big Springs School  District" it was voted to permit a "Gay, Lesbian, cross gender club".  Another step out against Jesus, for I would bet you two boxes of Mac and Cheese that if at that first meeting of this club, a Christian, and I am talking a real Christian, a young man or woman who really follows Jesus, were to come to the meeting and talk about the Bible and how Jesus hates sin, they would be told to stay away or keep their mouth shut.  Folks, we have over the years drifted farther and farther away from God, and to me, there is only one way back ... Are you ready for this?  It is in the Bible, but I will put it in my words.

REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR  (Pastor Dan Lehman, 8/7/12).  Now, folks, where must this start?  At the Big Spring School District?  Maybe the "Chick-Fil-A?"  NO, not a chance, this repenting must start with the one, yes, the one we see in the mirror each day.  Remember, being with Jesus, Salvation through Jesus is a personal thing with us.  Jesus died on the cross for all of us, but we, each one of us, must take Him on one on one.  We do it like this, first we prayed to be cleaned up by Jesus through faith in Him and washed in the blood He shed on the cross for us.  Next we must repent, and that is the message of today.  Yes, and I will say it again and again.

REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR!  REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR!!

REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR!!!  This as told by John The Baptist, Jesus Christ, and also now Pastor Dan.  And folks, it is time to go to prayer and ask for help in repenting and then staying away from sin.

Dear Father in Heaven, thanks for forgiving us of our sins this day, and now, Lord, we come to You as we want and need to repent of our sins.  Please, Lord, we just cannot do this one alone, our friends who have not come to You will try and get us back, Satan will try and get us back, but, Jesus, we want to walk with You, so, Lord, help us turn from sin and walk each day with You.  In Jesus' name, I pray.  Amen.

Now, brothers and sisters, go forth and share your blessings, and remember this -- REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR.  AMEN!!  Love ya, Pastor Dan (717 991 0754).