If anybody thinks I deserved it, by merit, entitled to, born Christian?
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Eph 2:8-9
It is God’s Grace! It is God’s Gift! 100% JESUS! None of myself, all to Jesus I owe.
If anybody still think we deserved salvation? The sorry answer is WE DO NOT DESERVE!
It’s a pain to see many people trying to do their very best to be a “Christian” and failing horribly, getting frustrated, falling away, defeated.
You do not become a Christian by works. By trying to be one. You become a Christian by complete surrendering to Christ! Complete surrendering to Christ in your mind, body and soul!
Have you ever been to a hospital, and how you fully trusted the doctor on what he is going to do? Have you not followed the instructions, advises given by the doctor?Fasting, abstaining, exercising, eating or drinking more of this and that to be stronger.Yet, so many people follow doctor advise so religiously because they have the faith that it is GOOD! Has Christ become your doctor yet? The doctor for our sin sick soul? And if you have accepted the doctor to help you, are you listening to his commandments and advises yet? Are you turning away from all things that will bring sickness to the soul?
Jesus is more than just a doctor. Jesus is a healer when he was on earth dwelling among mankind. Jesus is GOD! Jesus is the Messiah! Jesus is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! Jesus is Emmanuel! Jesus is GOD WITH US!
Oh, the gift of God given freely to all who believes on Jesus.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in
him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jn 3:16
The dying thief on the cross, he experience the grace of God. Underserving, dying, helpless.
Luke 23:39-43
[42] Then he(Thief) said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
[43] Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
The jailer in Acts who will surely be killed when the Prisoned Apostles and Prisoners jaildoors were swung open by an earthquake.
He attempted suicide which was quickly halted by Paul and Silas. Point of death, point of helplessness, point of defeat, point of surrunder.
Acts 16:31-33 – Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32
And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
Both the jailer, and his family believed on Jesus when Paul and Silas preached to the household.
The theme is common, total helplessness, leading to total surrender to Jesus.
Hymn: Not I, but Christ
Not I, but Christ, be honored, loved, exalted;
Not I, but Christ, be seen be known, be heard;
Not I, but Christ, in every look and action,
Not I, but Christ, in every thought and word.
Not I, but Christ, to gently soothe in sorrow,
Not I, but Christ, to wipe the falling tear;
Not I, but Christ, to lift the weary burden,
Not I, but Christ, to hush away all fear.
Christ, only Christ! no idle words e’er falling,
Christ, only Christ; no needless bustling sound;
Christ, only Christ; no self important bearing;
Christ, only Christ; no trace of “I” be found.
Not I, but Christ, my every need supplying,
Not I, but Christ, my strength and health to be;
Not I, but Christ, for body, soul, and spirit,
Christ, only Christ, here and eternally.
Hymn: GRACE GREATER THAN OUR SIN
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.
Refrain
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.
Refrain
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.
Refrain
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
Refrain
Hymn: Only a Sinner
Naught have I gotten but what I received;
Grace hath bestowed it since I have believed;
Boasting excluded, pride I abase;
I’m only a sinner, saved by grace!
Refrain
Only a sinner, saved by grace!
Only a sinner, saved by grace!
This is my story, to God be the glory—
I’m only a sinner, saved by grace!
Once I was foolish, and sin ruled my heart,
Causing my footsteps from God to depart;
Jesus hath found me, happy my case;
I now am a sinner, saved by grace!
Refrain
Tears unavailing, no merit had I;
Mercy had saved me, or else I must die;
Sin had alarmed me fearing God’s face;
But now I’m a sinner saved by grace!
Refrain
Suffer a sinner whose heart overflows,
Loving his Savior to tell what he knows;
Once more to tell it would I embrace—
I’m only a sinner saved by grace!
Refrain
Interesting... diary of a pilgrim 