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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #450 March 22, 2002 Email Answered I get a lot of email from people who can’t believe God will forgive them for what they have done. I also get a lot of email from people who don’t believe they need forgiveness, because they are "nice people". Some have gone to church their entire life, but have never accepted Jesus because "good people" don’t have any need for forgiveness. The other group wouldn’t go near a church because they don’t feel "good enough" to be in front of God. Both sides are wrong. We all need forgiveness because none of us is perfect. for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Romans 3:23 NIV "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone. Luke 18:19 NIV God knew all about the "terrible" sins of those who feel unworthy to attend a church, but He died for them too But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NIV Jesus talked about both kinds of people in a familiar parable: To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: `God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, `God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 18:9-14 NIV The bottom line is if you haven’t accepted Jesus because you don’t feel worthy, know that none of us is worthy but He loves us any way. Run to Him with open arms and accept His love. If you haven’t accepted Jesus because you are too "good" a person, it’s time for a reality check. Quit fooling yourself and look through God’s eyes. Until next time, if you have accepted Him as Saviour rejoice in His gift of Salvation. If you haven’t, run to Him. Hallelu Yah Kevin Email me and I’ll share some Bible verses that explain why a personal relationship with Jesus is so important and a prayer that will make it possible. Or simply begin the relationship by saying a prayer along the lines of: Dear God: I have made many mistakes in my life and done things I am not proud of. I need your love and forgiveness. I believe that you came into this world and gave your life on a cross to pay for my sins and that you defeated death and rose again. Please forgive me, and be the Lord of my life. I give my life to you Lord. Amen If you pray this prayer let me know and I will direct you to some free non-denominational resources that will help you grow in that newfound relationship. To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@hotmail.com. or write us at : Gleanings From The Word 114 Oak Street Sherwood Park, AB Canada, T8A 0V8 At Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential. If you enjoyed this issue of Gleanings From The Word, email it, in its entirety, to a friend. For information on use of Gleanings in your church newsletter or other situations please visit the permissions page on our website
© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin All Rights Reserved SUBSCRIBE TO GLEANINGS FOR FREE
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