receiving forgiveness

Apr

2024

Jesus, the Physician of Souls

Mark 2:17 – On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Many feel too far gone for God’s love, believing their sins are unforgivable. This can lead to avoiding Jesus and the Bible due to shame.

The Diagnosis

The Bible affirms we’re all sinners in need of God’s grace. God, in His immense love, sent Jesus to die for our sins and offer forgiveness. We are invited to come to Him “as we are,” for He heals, forgives, and transforms us (Mark 2:17).

Jesus didn’t call the righteous, but sinners. This doesn’t imply some are inherently righteous; rather, some recognize their need for God, while others remain self-righteous and closed to His grace.

Jesus came for those who acknowledge their spiritual illness and need a Savior.

The Prescription

How do we experience Jesus’ healing?

Admit Your Need: You must confess your sins and acknowledge your shortcomings before God. You can’t save yourself; true healing comes from Him.
Believe in Jesus’ Sacrifice: Trust that Jesus died for your sins and rose again, accepting His gift of salvation and eternal life.
Receive His Healing: Allow Him to cleanse, heal, and restore you. Let the Holy Spirit fill you with love, renewing your mind and heart, transforming your desires and actions.

The Recovery

Responding to Jesus brings justification. God declares you righteous through Jesus’ work, accepting you as His child and offering peace and joy in His presence.

You also experience sanctification. God sets you apart for His purposes and makes you holy, enabling you to live a new life of obedience and service. He helps you grow in faith and love.

Finally, God promises glorification. He will one day complete His work in you, making you perfect. He will raise you from the dead, granting you a new body and welcoming you into His eternal kingdom.

The Invitation

Jesus calls you today, just as you are. He offers healing for your soul, forgiveness, and transformation. Will you answer?

A Prayer

“Lord Jesus, I confess I am a sinner and need Your grace. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I receive Your healing for my soul. I surrender my life to You and follow You as my Lord and Master. Thank You for saving and changing me. Amen.”

If you prayed this prayer, congratulations! You’ve made a life-changing decision. You’ve received the greatest gift – becoming a new creation in Christ.

Growing in Faith

Find a Bible-believing church for fellowship and growth.
Read the Bible and pray daily to deepen your relationship with God.
Share your testimony to inspire others to seek Jesus and His healing.

May God bless you on your journey with Him.

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“One Minute with God”

Apr

2024

Faith and Forgiveness

Mark 2:5 tells us, “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.”

This verse highlights the powerful connection between faith and forgiveness.

Power of Faith

Faith is not simply intellectual assent; it’s complete trust and confidence in God and His promises. It’s the conviction of unseen realities and the assurance of things hoped for.

In Mark’s account, Jesus recognizes the faith of the four men who brought the paralyzed friend. He sees their unwavering belief, their persistence in overcoming obstacles, and their expectation of healing.

This shows us that faith is the key to pleasing God and receiving His blessings. It empowers us to overcome challenges, access His grace, and experience His presence.

Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness isn’t just overlooking an offense; it’s the release of a debt and the restoration of a relationship. It’s the embodiment of love and mercy.

Jesus, acknowledging the deeper need, forgives the paralyzed man’s sins before healing him physically. This demonstrates His authority, compassion, and offer of a new beginning.

Forgiveness has the power to heal our wounds – guilt, shame, bitterness, and isolation. It allows us to heal not just emotionally but also physically.

Demonstrating and Receiving Faith and Forgiveness

Faith and forgiveness are not passive concepts; they require active participation.

We can demonstrate faith by following the example of the four men: bringing our needs and the needs of others to Jesus, persevering in prayer, and believing and obeying His words.

Likewise, we can demonstrate forgiveness by following Jesus’ example. This means forgiving those who have wronged us, seeking forgiveness from those we’ve hurt, and extending forgiveness to ourselves and others.

Receiving faith and forgiveness starts with responding to Jesus’ invitation. We receive faith by accepting His gospel and promises, confessing our sins, and trusting Him as our Lord and Savior.

Forgiveness is received through His grace and sacrifice. We acknowledge His love and mercy, experience His peace and joy, and grow in His presence.

Reflecting and Revealing Faith and Forgiveness

Having experienced faith and forgiveness, we’re naturally compelled to share them with the world.

We reflect and reveal faith by sharing God’s word and love. We explain His message, invite others to join Him, and tell them about His works.

Similarly, we reflect forgiveness by showing God’s grace and mercy. We care for others, use our gifts in service, and offer prayers and blessings.

Faith and forgiveness are expressions of God’s power working in your life. They move mountains, heal wounds, and bring you closer to Him.