ABIDE IN THE GREAT LOVE AND MERCY OF GOD!

ABIDE IN THE GREAT LOVE AND MERCY OF GOD!

For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. —Daniel 9:18

And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” —Daniel 10:19

Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. —II John 1:9

            First, fellow followers of Jesus, know that you are greatly loved.  How do we know that we are greatly loved?  “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.  In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (I John 4:9-10).  Ponder the fact that Jesus left the glory of heaven to come to this sin infested planet, to be born as a baby, live among us for 33 years, die a wretched death on the cross, took the penalty and punishment and the sin and the sorrow of every person past, present and future upon Himself!  Surely, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command” (John 15:13-14).  Yes, we followers of Jesus are greatly loved!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxTOsQ3LDE4

            Knowing Jesus had nothing to do with our righteousness, we have none on our own.  The only righteousness we have is that which is given to us because of knowing Him— “God made him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us (on the cross), so that in him (Jesus) we might become the righteousness of God” (II Corinthians 5:21).  We are righteous only in Jesus and this is only possible because of God’s great mercy and love toward us.  Instead of giving us what we deserve— punishment in hell forever— He saves us from punishment to a relationship with God through Him— forgiving us, giving us eternal life and relationship with Him forever! “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_ZWEO36jok

            Now, dear brother and sister, let us abide in Jesus and grow in our relationship with Him— “Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son” (John 15:1-17).  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLDEt9KP2O0 Yes, Dear Father, may this be so out of our great gratitude and love for You.  Thank You for Your great love and mercy toward me.  Oh, that I would share this good news with others by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus.  Yes, may this be so and all for Your honor and glory.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcmqSfr1ENY