Message from Scripture: 3/15/2021

Our message from Scripture today is 1 Tim. 2:4. “God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Certainly, Jesus is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). However, God has created us all with free will, giving everyone the choice of whether to believe or not, to obey or not. Jesus is clear more will reject God’s loving offer of forgiveness through His sacrifice than will accept it (Matt. 7:13-14). If one wants to believe something other than the truth of the gospel, while the consequences of that choice can lead to condemnation, God allows it. Paul spoke of “those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved” (2 Thess. 2:10). As Adam and Eve chose to believe the lies of Satan over God, it is no different today.

Since everyone has free will, what is our response to counteract the effects of error, of the lies of the devil? Truth! The way to peace is through the gospel, through believing and obeying the truth of the gospel, to let go of those things that are in error and embrace truth. Paul encourages us, “For he himself (Christ) is our peace (Eph. 2:14).

Knowing the truth, living the truth, and proclaiming the truth can make a difference in the world. Christ and the gospel are the answer to all the woes in our world. “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’” (John 8:31-32). He also told His disciples “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Let’s show the love of God at work in our lives, and let’s speak the truth in love. It will make an eternal difference in us and others. Have a great day today. God bless.

 Robert