Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"
It took an earthquake to alert the man to ask the question: "What must I do to be saved?" (He was on the verge of suicide, for "he … was about to kill himself," but Paul had told him not to do it, Acts 16:25-30.) (There's a "health reform" message embedded here--value the life God gave you, stop any unhealthful practice; let your mind be clear so you can understand the voice of God; stop shortening your life.)
Many "evangelists" will try to answer the man's question of what to "do to be saved." Paul's immediate answer was, "'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved'" (vs. 31; that's the inspired answer!).
But what does it mean to "believe"?
(1) It's something you "do" with the heart (Rom. 10:10). Your choice is involved.
(2) It's not a terrorism ultimatum; it's a heart-appreciation of the love involved in the text, "God so loved that He gave ..." (John 3:16-18).
(3) Ponder that "love." Let it in. It "casts out fear" (Rom. 5:5; 1 John 4:18).
(4) There's a better motivation for serving the Lord than terror of the Lake of Fire, and it involves that love (2 Cor. 5:14-21).
(5) But believing also includes doing, for you "come to Me," says Jesus (Matt. 11:18-30).
(6) You can't "come" unless you humble your proud heart, for He is "meek and lowly in heart," He adds. That repels or attracts you.
(7) "He who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Heb. 11:6). You simply must believe that He is already your Friend, and also your Savior from the second death (2:9).
(8) You join the believing thief who is crucified with Jesus, and pray, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom" (Luke 23:42).
(9) "You mean I must 'join' riff-raff people, like that thief?" Yes, that's where we all belong (Rom. 3:23). The only other alternative is to join the other thief who was also crucified with Jesus.
We cannot evade making this choice. The whole world will eventually stand with the one or the other, and this will be included in the mark of the beast or seal of God choice all will make (Rev. 13:15-17; 6:1-4). Let's permit the Savior to "draw" us (John 12:32, 33)! Don't resist Him.
From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: August 28, 2006.Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
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Please forward these messages to your friends and encourage them to subscribe. The "Dial Daily Bread" Web site resides at: http://1888message.org/dailybread/
To subscribe send an e-mail message with "subscribe" in the body of the message to: dailybread@1888message.org
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Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" messages are availalbe via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.
It took an earthquake to alert the man to ask the question: "What must I do to be saved?" (He was on the verge of suicide, for "he … was about to kill himself," but Paul had told him not to do it, Acts 16:25-30.) (There's a "health reform" message embedded here--value the life God gave you, stop any unhealthful practice; let your mind be clear so you can understand the voice of God; stop shortening your life.)
Many "evangelists" will try to answer the man's question of what to "do to be saved." Paul's immediate answer was, "'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved'" (vs. 31; that's the inspired answer!).
But what does it mean to "believe"?
(1) It's something you "do" with the heart (Rom. 10:10). Your choice is involved.
(2) It's not a terrorism ultimatum; it's a heart-appreciation of the love involved in the text, "God so loved that He gave ..." (John 3:16-18).
(3) Ponder that "love." Let it in. It "casts out fear" (Rom. 5:5; 1 John 4:18).
(4) There's a better motivation for serving the Lord than terror of the Lake of Fire, and it involves that love (2 Cor. 5:14-21).
(5) But believing also includes doing, for you "come to Me," says Jesus (Matt. 11:18-30).
(6) You can't "come" unless you humble your proud heart, for He is "meek and lowly in heart," He adds. That repels or attracts you.
(7) "He who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Heb. 11:6). You simply must believe that He is already your Friend, and also your Savior from the second death (2:9).
(8) You join the believing thief who is crucified with Jesus, and pray, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom" (Luke 23:42).
(9) "You mean I must 'join' riff-raff people, like that thief?" Yes, that's where we all belong (Rom. 3:23). The only other alternative is to join the other thief who was also crucified with Jesus.
We cannot evade making this choice. The whole world will eventually stand with the one or the other, and this will be included in the mark of the beast or seal of God choice all will make (Rev. 13:15-17; 6:1-4). Let's permit the Savior to "draw" us (John 12:32, 33)! Don't resist Him.
From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: August 28, 2006.Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please forward these messages to your friends and encourage them to subscribe. The "Dial Daily Bread" Web site resides at: http://1888message.org/dailybread/
To subscribe send an e-mail message with "subscribe" in the body of the message to: dailybread@1888message.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" messages are availalbe via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.
