When Jesus was crucified, there were two other men crucified alongside. The first criminal hurled insults at Jesus stating, "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" The second criminal rebuked him saying, "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." (Luke 23:39-41)
The first criminal did not acknowledge his guilt and remained in his sin. The second criminal recognized his guilt and reached out to Jesus saying, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:42-43)
Each man eventually dies and stands before God to give an account of himself. The first man stands alone. The second man stands with Jesus as his substitute.
Just as each of these two men, each of takes our place on either side of Christ. The one that we identify with, the one that represents your view of Christ will indicate where you will spend eternity.
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Lessons from Nehemiah
When the Babylonians sacked Jerusalem and took many of the people captive, Nehemiah was among the captives. Nehemiah became "Cupbearer to the king" which really meant he was the king's food tester. But God gave Nehemiah another task - go back to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall.
The task was enormous - not only were the walls destroyed, but the volunteers were unskilled in repairing stone walls, Nehemiah's enemies were all around and there was no shortage of criticism.
But Nehemiah persevered - he established some guidelines. Everyone was responsible for the section of wall directly in front of them. They made sure that they help each other. To combat the enemies, the workers held their tools in one hand and there sword in the other. Finally, they focused on their goal - to rebuild the wall. Eventually the wall was completed - to which God got all the glory.
Here are some lessons we could learn from Nehemiah (From Chuck Swindell - Nehemiah: A Model of Pioneer Determination):
1. Never let life's difficulties surprise you - problems will come.
2. Be positive - remember God is in control - focus on building the wall.
3. Fight your battles in prayer.
4. Don't do this alone - a cord of three strands is not easily broken.
The task was enormous - not only were the walls destroyed, but the volunteers were unskilled in repairing stone walls, Nehemiah's enemies were all around and there was no shortage of criticism.
But Nehemiah persevered - he established some guidelines. Everyone was responsible for the section of wall directly in front of them. They made sure that they help each other. To combat the enemies, the workers held their tools in one hand and there sword in the other. Finally, they focused on their goal - to rebuild the wall. Eventually the wall was completed - to which God got all the glory.
Here are some lessons we could learn from Nehemiah (From Chuck Swindell - Nehemiah: A Model of Pioneer Determination):
1. Never let life's difficulties surprise you - problems will come.
2. Be positive - remember God is in control - focus on building the wall.
3. Fight your battles in prayer.
4. Don't do this alone - a cord of three strands is not easily broken.
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