DO YOU RECOGNIZE YOURSELF AS A SON OF THE ETERNAL CREATOR?

 12 characteristics of the true child of God!

Making a reading of the first epistle of John, we can quickly conclude some characteristics of the true son of God presented. It is our hope that the believer will grow in his assurance of salvation, and that the unconverted will come to the recognition that they have yet to know Christ.

Proof 1: We know we are Christians because we walk in the light (1 John 1:4–7). Our way of life is gradually conforming to what God has revealed to us about his nature and will;

Proof 2: We know we are Christians because our lives are marked by sensitivity to sin, repentance, and confession (1 John 1:8–10);

Proof 3: We know we are Christians because we keep God's commandments (1 John 2:3–4). We desire to know God's will, we strive to obey it, and we grieve when we are disobedient;

Proof 4: We know we are Christians because we walk as Christ walked (1 John 2:5–6). We desire to imitate Christ and grow in conformity with him;

Proof 5: We know we are Christians because we love other Christians, desire fellowship with them, and seek to serve them in deed and in truth (1 John 2:7–11);

Proof 6: We know we are Christians because we have increasing disdain for the world, we reject everything that contradicts and opposes God's nature and will (1 John 2:15–17);

Proof 7: We know we are Christians because we continue in the historical doctrines and practices of the Christian faith, staying within fellowship with others who do the same (1 John 2:18–19);

Proof 8: We know we are Christians because we profess that Christ is God and hold him in the highest esteem (1 John 2:22–24; 4:1–3, 13–15);

Proof 9: We know we are Christians because our lives are marked by the yearning and practical pursuit of personal holiness (1 John 3:1–3);

Proof 10: We know we are Christians because we do what is right (1 John 2:28–29; 3:4–10). We do the things that conform to the standard of God's righteousness;

Proof 11: We know we are Christians because we have overcome the world (1 John 4:4–6; 5:4–5). Although we are often pressed and tired, we go forward by faith. We continue

following Christ and not turning back;

Proof 12: We know we are Christians because we believe what God reveals about his Son, Jesus Christ. We have eternal life in him alone (1 John 5:9–12).

If we have these qualities, and admit that they are increasing in us, we have evidence that we know God and bear the fruit of a child of God. But if such qualities are absent in our lives, we should be greatly concerned for our souls. We must be diligent to seek God concerning our salvation. We have to examine ourselves again to see if we are in the faith. We must be diligent and make our calling and election sure.

By: _Paul Washer - Ministério Fiel PAGE: PERSEVERANÇA DOS SANTOS

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CONFESS JESUS ​​AS YOUR ONLY & SUFFICIENT SAVIOR!

 MAKE THAT CHOICE IN THE TIME THAT IS CALLED TODAY!

Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

1 Timothy 6:12

How to accept Jesus as Savior?

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” - Romans 10:9. So, to accept Jesus as Savior, you must believe and confess. You can accept Jesus right now, anywhere.

Believe

“Without faith it is impossible to please God, for anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6

Believing means accepting as true that God exists and that He sent Jesus to save you (John 3:16). The Bible says that we all sin and that sin always has its punishment (death and being separated from God). We cannot “make up for” our sins by doing good things. A person can always obey the law, but if he commits a single crime he will have to serve the punishment and have a criminal record for the rest of his life.

God does not want to be separated from us. Therefore, Jesus came to take the punishment for all our sins. Thus, we can have our “criminal record” erased and return to a personal relationship with God – forever (Romans 6:23). Just accept that Jesus paid the price for your sins and want to be friends with God.

See here: what is faith?

To confess

“If anyone publicly confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” - 1 John 4:5

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - 1 John 1:9

Confessing is declaring with your mouth that you have rejected sin and that Jesus is now Lord of your life. This is a very important act because it confirms that you really believe.

When you confess that Jesus is your Savior, you are telling God and the world that you no longer want to live in sin, far from God. Now Jesus is your friend and your goal in life is to please God. With Jesus' help, you will strive to turn from sin and live righteously. Try to say it in your own words.

See also: What does God say about sin?

a life with Jesus

"Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." - Acts of the Apostles 2:38

Accepting Jesus as your Savior is a lifelong commitment! But don't be scared, you're not alone. When you accept Jesus as your Savior, you receive the Holy Spirit of God in your heart. He will guide and help you throughout your life, even when you don't feel it (John 14:16-17). God will never abandon you!

To prove to the world that you have accepted Jesus, you must be baptized. That way, everyone will know that you have a serious commitment to Jesus. Pray (talk to God) and read the Bible to learn more about Him. It is also important to look for a church (Hebrews 10:25). With the support of other believers, you will be able to grow and have more strength to overcome difficulties in your relationship with God.

Find out here: how to study the Bible? and how to pray?

Welcome to the family of God! - Galatians 3:26

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IN FAITH I WILL USE IT!

 JESUS ​​GAVE ME AUTHORITY!

Luke 9:1-6

1 And summoning his twelve disciples, he gave them power and power

over all demons to cure diseases.

2 And he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

3 And he said to them, Take nothing with you for the way, neither staffs, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; nor have two tunics.

4 And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there you will come out.

5 And if they do not receive you in any city, when you go out, shake the dust off your feet as a witness against them.

6 And when they went out, they went through all the villages, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere.

Luke 10:1-42

1 And after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of his face to all the cities and places where he was to go.

2 And he said to them, Great indeed is the harvest, but the workers are few; beg therefore the Lord of the harvest to send workers into his harvest.

3 Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.

4 Do not carry a purse or a bag or a sandal; and greet no one on the way.

5 And into whatever house you enter, say first: Peace be to this house.

6 And if there is a son of peace there, your peace will rest on him; and if not, he will return to you.

7 And stay in the same house, eating and drinking what they have, for the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house.

8 And whatever city you enter, and they welcome you, eat whatever is offered to you.

9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say to them, The kingdom of God has come near to you.

10 But whatever city you enter and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets, say:

11 Even the dust that clings to us from your city, we wipe off you. But know this, that the kingdom of God has come near to you.

12 And I say to you that there will be more tolerance in that day for Sodom than for that city.

13 Woe to you, Chorazin, woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the wonders that were done for you had been done in Tire and in Sidon, long ago, when you sat in sackcloth and ashes, you would have repented.

14 Therefore for Tire and Sidon it will be less severe in the judgment than for you.

15 And you, Capernaum, who are lifted up to heaven, you will be brought down to hell.

16 Whoever listens to you listens to me; and whoever rejects you rejects me; and whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.

17 And the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us through thy name.

18 And he said to them, I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

19 Behold, I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions and all the power of the enemy, and nothing will hurt you.

20 But do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you; rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven.

21 At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children; so it is, O Father, for so it has pleased you.

22 Everything was delivered by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is but the Father, nor who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

23 And turning to the disciples, he said to them privately: Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.

24 For I say to you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it; and hear what you hear, and they did not hear.

25 And behold, a certain doctor of the law arose, testing him, and saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

26 And he said to him, What is written in the law? How do you read?

27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.

28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered well; do this, and thou shalt live.

29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbor?

30 And Jesus answering said, A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him, and beating him, departed, leaving him half dead.

31 And occasionally a certain priest went down the same way; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And in like manner also a Levite came to that place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

33 But a Samaritan, who was traveling, came to him, and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion;

34 And approaching, he bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and putting him on his beast, he took him to an inn, and took care of him;

35 And departing the other day, he took out two pieces of money, and gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, Take care of him; and whatever else you spend, I will pay you when I return.

36 Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to him who fell among robbers?

37 And he said, The one who showed him mercy. Then said Jesus, Go, and do likewise.

38 And it came to pass, as they were on their way, that Jesus entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house;

39 And this one had a sister named Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and listened to her word.

40 Martha, however, was distracted in many services; and approaching, she said: Sir, do you not care that my sister lets me serve alone? Tell him to help me.

41 And Jesus answering, said to her, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and weary about many things, but one is needed;

42 And Mary chose the good part, which will not be taken away from her.

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HAVE FAITH!

 WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE THE ETERNAL CREATOR YHWH!

FAITH IS THE SURE OF THINGS EXPECTED AND FACTS NOT SEEN. FAITH DOES NOT COME FROM US. IT IS A GIFT GRANTED BY THE CREATOR WHEN HEARING THE MESSAGE FROM THE WORD OF GOD... WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE THE CREATOR, BECAUSE THOSE WHO CLOSE TO HIM NEED TO BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS AND THAT HE IS A REWARDER OF THOSE WHO SEEK HIM IN SINCERITY... WHEN HEARING THE WORD OF GOD, BY HIS WILL FAITH IS GENERATED IN OUR HEARTS, AND HE MOVES HIS HANDS IN OUR FAVOR... IN FAVOR OF OUR PETITIONS... THE MIRACLE ONLY HAPPENS THROUGH FAITH!

HEBREWS 11:1-40

heroes of faith

1 Faith is the assurance that we will receive the things we hope for and the proof that there are things we cannot see. 2 It was by faith that the people of the past gained God's approval.

3 It is by faith that we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, and that what can be seen was made from what is not seen.

4 It was by faith that Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than that of Cain. By faith he gained God's approval as a righteous man, God himself having approved of his offerings. Through his faith, Abel, even after death, still speaks.

5 It was by faith that Enoch escaped death. He was taken to God, and no one found him because God himself had taken him. The Holy Scriptures say that before that he had already pleased God.

6 Without faith no one can please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek to know him better.

7 It was by faith that Noah heard God's warnings about things that were about to happen and that could not be seen. Noah obeyed God and built a boat in which he and his family were saved. Thus Noah condemned the world and received from God the approval that comes through faith.

8 It was by faith that Abraham, when he was called by God, obeyed and went out to a land that God promised to give him. He left his own country, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt as a foreigner in the land that God had promised him. He lived in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who also received the same promise from God. 10 For Abraham looked forward to the city that God planned and built, the city that has foundations that cannot be destroyed.

11 It was by faith that Abraham became a father, even though he was too old and Sarah herself could not have children. He believed that God was going to fulfill his promise. 12 So from one man, who was practically dead, there were born as many descendants as the stars in the sky, as numerous as the grains of sand on the seashore.

13 All these died full of faith. They did not receive the things that God had promised, but they saw them from afar and were glad because of them. And they declared that they were foreigners and refugees, passing through this world. 14 And those who say this show very clearly that they are looking for a homeland for themselves. 15 They did not think about returning to the land they had come from. If they wanted to, they would have the opportunity to return. 16 But, on the contrary, they were looking for a better homeland, the heavenly homeland. And God is not ashamed to be called their God, because he himself has prepared a city for them.

17 It was by faith that Abraham, when God wanted to put him to the test, offered up his son Isaac as a sacrifice. God had promised many descendants to Abraham, yet he was ready to offer his only son as a sacrifice. 18 God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that you will have descendants.” 19 Abraham recognized that God was able to resurrect Isaac, and, as it were, Abraham received his son Isaac again from death. 20 It was by faith that Isaac promised future blessings to Jacob and Esau. 21 It was by faith that Jacob, just before he died, blessed the sons of Joseph. He leaned on his cane and worshiped God. 22 It was by faith that Joseph, when he was about to die, spoke of the departure of the Israelites from Egypt and gave orders as to what should be done with his body. 23 It was by faith that Moses' parents, when he was born, hid him for three months. They saw that the boy was handsome and were not afraid to disobey the king's order. 24 It was by faith that Moses, when he was grown up, did not want to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. 25 He preferred to suffer with God's people rather than enjoy, for a little while, the pleasures of sin. 26 He thought it much better to suffer contempt for the sake of the Messiah than to possess all the treasures of Egypt. It's just that he had his eyes fixed on the future reward.

27 It was by faith that Moses left Egypt, unafraid of the king's anger, and continued steadfastly, as if he were seeing the invisible God. 28 By faith Moses began the custom of celebrating the Passover and had the doors of the Israelites' houses marked with blood so that the Angel of Death would not kill their eldest sons.

29 It was by faith that the Israelites crossed the Red Sea on dry land. And when the Egyptians tried to cross, the sea swallowed them up.

30 It was by faith that the walls of Jericho fell, after the Israelites had marched around them for seven days. 31 It was by faith that Rahab the harlot did not die with those who had disobeyed God, for she had welcomed the Israelite spies.

32 What else can I say? There is not enough time to talk about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets. 33 By faith they fought whole nations and won. They did what was right and received what God had promised them. They closed the mouths of lions, 34 put out terrible fires and escaped being slain by the sword. They were weak, but they became strong. They were mighty in war and defeated foreign armies. 35By faith women received back their dead, and they were raised.

Others were tortured to death; they refused to be set free in order to be resurrected to a better life. 36 Some were insulted and beaten; and others, chained and thrown in jail. 37Others were stoned to death; others sawn in half; and others, slain by the sword. They walked about dressed in sheepskins and goatskins; they were poor, persecuted and mistreated. 38 They walked like refugees through deserts and mountains, living in caves and holes in the earth. The world was not worthy of them!

39 Because they believed, all these people were approved by God, but they did not receive what he had promised. 40 For God had prepared a still better plan for us, that they might be made perfect with us alone.

Ephesians 2:1-22

1 You were dead in your transgressions and sins,

2 in which they used to live, when they followed the present order of this world and the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in those who live in disobedience.

3 Formerly, we all also lived among them, fulfilling the desires of our flesh, following its desires and thoughts. Like the others, we were by nature worthy of wrath.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,

5 made us alive together with Christ while we were dead in transgressions—by grace you are saved.

6 God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

7 to show, in the ages to come, the incomparable riches of his grace, displayed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

9 not by works, lest anyone should boast.

10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

11 Therefore remember that formerly you were Gentiles by birth, called uncircumcision by those called circumcision, made on the body by human hands, and that

12 At that time you were without Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, being strangers in the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world.

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far off have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

14 For he is our peace, who has made the two of them one and has destroyed the barrier, the wall of enmity,

15 nullifying in his body the law of commandments expressed in ordinances. His aim was to create in himself, from the two, a new man, making peace,

16 and to reconcile the two to God in one body, through the cross, by which he destroyed the enmity.

17 He came and announced peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near,

18 for through him both we and you have access to the Father by one Spirit.

19 Therefore, you are no longer foreigners or aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone,

21 in which the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy sanctuary in the Lord.

22 In him you also are being built up together, to become the dwelling place of God by his Spirit.

Romans 10:1-21

1 Brethren, my heart's desire and my prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.

2 For I can testify that they have a zeal for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.

3 For, ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to the righteousness of God.

4 For the end of the law is Christ, for the justification of everyone who believes.

5 Moses describes the righteousness that comes from the law this way: "The man who does these things shall live by them."

6 But the righteousness that comes from faith says, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven? ' (that is, to bring Christ down)

7 or 'Who will descend into the abyss? ’" (that is, to bring up Christ from the dead).

8 But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith that we are proclaiming:

9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

10 For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses to salvation.

11 As the Scripture says, "Whoever trusts in him will never be put to shame."

12 There is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, for the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,

13 because "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear if there is no one to preach?

15 And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

16 However, not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?"

17 Consequently, faith comes by hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

18 But I ask: Did they not hear it? Of course he did: "His voice resounded throughout the earth, and his words to the ends of the earth."

19 Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? Moses was the first who said, "I will make them jealous of those who are not my people; I will provoke them to anger through a people without understanding."

20 And Isaiah boldly says, "I was found by those who did not look for me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me."

21 But concerning Israel he says, "All along I have stretched out my hands to a disobedient and rebellious people."

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📢 DECLARE!!! 📢

 DECIDE THAT NOTHING WILL STEAL YOUR FAITH IN JESUS!

There are times when the storms of life insist on trying to steal our faith... It can be pain, illness, loss, bad news, unemployment, abandonment. Decide that nothing, nothing will steal your faith in Jesus! May we believe, trust that the Eternal Creator will provide the deliverance we need in the opportune time 🙌

Aline Barros - Jehovah Jireh (Official Clip)

https://youtu.be/YyFd_dXy494

Jesus Calms the Storm (Bible Episode)

All the passages from the Bible people about the episode "Jesus calms the storm".

This episode is available on:

Matthew 8: Jesus calms the storm

Mark 4: Jesus calms the storm

Luke 8: Jesus calms the storm

Read all the texts in this episode:

Matthew 8:23-27

23 As he got into the boat, his disciples followed him.

24 Suddenly, a violent storm hit the sea, so that the waves flooded the boat. Jesus, however, was sleeping.

25 The disciples came to wake him, crying, "Lord, save us! We are going to die!"

26 He asked, "Why are you so afraid, you of little faith?" Then he arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a complete calm.

27 The men were perplexed and asked, "Who is this that even the winds and the sea obey him?"

Mark 4:35-41

35 That day, when it was evening, he said to his disciples, "Let's go to the other side."

36 Leaving the crowd, they took him in the boat, just as he was. Other boats also accompanied him.

37 A strong wind arose, and the waves crashed over the boat, so that it was filled with water.

38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping with his head on a pillow. The disciples woke him up and cried out, "Master, don't you care that we die?"

39 He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Be still! Be still!" The wind calmed down, and there was complete calm.

40 Then he asked his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still not have faith?"

41 They were terrified and asked one another, "Who is this that even the wind and the sea obey him?"

Luke 8:22-25

22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go to the other side of the lake." They got into a boat and left.

23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. There was a strong gale upon the lake, so that the boat was being flooded, and they were in great danger.

24 The disciples came to wake him, crying out, "Master, Master, we are going to die!"

25 He arose and rebuked the wind and the violence of the waters; everything calmed down and became calm.

"Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples.

Frightened and amazed, they asked one another, "Who is this that even the winds and the waters command, and they obey him?

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MUCH CAN IN ITS EFFECTS THE SUPPLICATION OF A RIGHTEOUS! JAMES 5:16

 IT'S NOT A VISION IT'S REAL

THE POWER OF PRAYER!

Peter is arrested and freed by an angel

12 About that time King Herod took action against some of the church. 2 And he slew James the brother of John with the sword. 3 Seeing that this pleased the elders, Herod arrested Peter during the Passover feast. 4 And he put him in jail guarded by four groups of four soldiers each. Herod's intention was to hand Peter over to the Jews to be judged after the Passover. 5 But all the time he spent in prison, the church prayed fervently to God, pleading for his life.

6 The night before his trial, Peter was sleeping in double chains between two soldiers; there were still other guards at the prison door. 7 Suddenly, there was a light in the cell and an angel of the Lord appeared next to him, touching him to wake him up, and saying: “Get up quickly!” Soon the chains fell from her wrists. 8 And he continued: “Clothe yourself and put on your shoes.” Peter obeyed. “Now wrap yourself in your cloak and follow me!”

9 He left the cell behind the angel, but not knowing that what the angel was doing was real, he thought it was a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate that led into the city, which opened of itself in front of them! They crossed it and walked together for the space of a block. And then suddenly the angel disappeared.

11 Only then did Peter understand what had happened. “It's really true!” he said to himself. "The Lord sent his angel to save me from Herod's hand and from what the Jews wanted to do to me!"

12 After some thought, he went to the house of Mary, mother of John Mark, where many were gathered to pray. 13 He knocked on the entrance gate and it was opened by a girl named Rode. 14 When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so happy that she ran back into the house saying who was at the front door; but they did not believe her words. 15 “You're not right in the head!”, they said. But when she insisted, they judged: “It must be your angel!”

16 Meanwhile, Peter kept knocking at the door. When they finally opened it, the surprise couldn't have been greater. 17 Peter motioned to them to calm down and told them what had happened and how the Lord had brought him out of prison. “Tell Tiago and the others what happened too,” he said, then left for a safer place.

18 When the morning came, there was a great commotion in the prison. What became of Peter? 19 When Herod sent for him and learned that he was not there, he arrested the guards who were sentenced to death.

After this Herod left Judea and went to Caesarea for a time. 20 There a delegation from Tire and Sidon sought him out. Herod was in conflict with the people of those two cities, but the envoys, befriending Blastus, the king's secretary, asked for peace, as their cities depended on the king for food. 21 After an appointment with the king had been arranged, on the appointed day, Herod, in his royal robes, sat on the throne and made a speech. 22 At the end, the people shouted with great applause: “This is not a man talking! It is the voice of a god!”

23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a disease, so that he was filled with worms and died, because he had accepted the worship of the people instead of giving glory to God.

24 The good news of God, however, spread quickly, and there were many new believers. 25 Barnabas and Saul finished their mission in Jerusalem and returned to Antioch, taking John Mark with them.

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 NOT EVERYONE WHO SAYS TO ME LORD, LORD WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM!

“Not everyone who says: Lord, Lord! He will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my father..." Matthew 7:21

Shall we talk a little about salvation? In fact, let's talk about how many people are deliberately giving up their own salvation and how we should behave in order not to make that same mistake.

A good part of the people who are within the most diverse congregations will simply not enter the Kingdom of Heaven, that is, they will not reach salvation if they continue treading the paths in which they find themselves today.

And what are these ways?

Their own way. For, as human beings we tend to think that we know what is best for our own lives, whatever the area; therefore, we tend to support and justify our decisions, dreams, desires, goals and wills on this egocentric perspective as if we had all the necessary knowledge to be able to determine what is good, right and most suitable for our life from our own vision. limited; but see what God reveals in Proverbs 14:12: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but the way of death is the end of it."

Many people gather together, call themselves Christians and confess that Jesus is the only LORD, but by their own deeds they deny every confession they make with their lips; as it was said in: "These people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me." Matthew 15.8. The fact is that these people say that the right thing is to involve the LORD in everything we want to work in our lives, to involve him in all our dreams, desires and desires; and I must admit that I have thought so myself for some time, for I was taught that way. However, the teaching contained in Matthew 7:21 made me wake up to the fact that we must not involve God in our desires, dreams and desires; on the contrary, we are the ones who must get involved in His dreams, desires and wishes for our lives; as clearly stated in, “Not everyone who says, 'Lord, Lord! will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my father..." Matthew 7:21, and this for a very simple reason, what we think is good, or rather, can be bad or terrible, becoming source of damage, weight, anguish and pain for our lives in the long term, and the paths that we consider to be safe and adequate, whether personally, lovingly, financially, professionally, socially and even spiritually, can lead us to all kinds of battles. unnecessary deviations and abysses; even being our dreams, desires and wishes, we need to have the wisdom to recognize that most of them are based on our human and social vision that we have of life, which by the way is completely limited, and often distorted, even for people who have achieved great wisdom.

Only God himself knows all the infinity of variables that make up each life individually, the past, the present and the future, from our birth to the end of our days on earth, only He can see precisely the steps we have not yet taken and to know the result of our most intimate aspirations; and only God can know which actions, on our part, are capable of generating the best fruits and results, and therefore, only He has the complete vision and the ability to determine what really is the best and fits most adequately in our live so that we can experience life to the full, also called in the bible life in abundance, as Jesus said he came to bring to us, in: "...I came that they might have life, and have it to the full." John 10.10. In other words, that's why the heavenly Father wants us to have the clarity of understanding to abandon our desires, our dreams and our wills, many of which are not really ours, but were "surgically" implanted in the depths of our mind and heart by the voices of society and the whispers of the spirit of the world. And, abandoning all this, we can start to seek God's dreams, desires and wills for our lives, these are good, perfect, pleasant and totally adequate to generate quality of life in our existence, spiritual, personal, professional, social , financial and etc.. Remember that God sees everything, far, beyond our rational capacity; as it is written, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9; therefore, the wisest thing to do is to involve ourselves in His Will and not spend our whole lives trying to involve Him in ours. This simple change of understanding is the big difference between being a true, converted, and saved Christian; or, remain a mere forgery.

Cry out to God in prayers, supplications, adorations, praises and preaching, so that He will constantly carry out our own will or seek Him only so that He meets our desires and interests; as it was said in, "For all seek their own, and not Christ Jesus'." Philippians 2:21, exactly as a part of people within congregations have done, taught and been taught to do, especially in the present day, is a clear behavior that demonstrates that these people do not truly consider God as absolute LORD of their lives, because all the one who truly considers God as the absolute LORD of their lives expresses himself in the following way: "...Thy will be done..." Matthew 6:10B, and this applies to any and all spheres of living; spiritually, personally, professionally, socially and etc...

In fact, all some people want is for God to be their servant, and as such, to satisfy all the desires, wants, and interests they have, many of which are based on their limited human view of things, physical and spiritual, and , in personal vanities full of disguised selfishness and narcissism. The text of Matthew 7:21 clearly says that these people will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven, no matter how successful they were during their time on the face of the earth, or how selflessly they lived; no matter how much they called God LORD during their lives, no matter how much they used the Name of Jesus to heal the sick, prophesy, cast out demons or work any kind of wonders; as it was said in advance by Christ himself in, "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name cast out devils? and in thy name not done many wonders?" Matthew 7.22. Realize that all these acts mentioned by such people will be true, for Christ will not say that they are lying, but even so, see what will be the answer of Jesus to their questions: "And then I will say to them openly, I never knew you; depart from me, you who work iniquity." Matthew 7.23

And what iniquity did these people practice?

The iniquity of going through life chasing only one's own interests, dreams, desires, and desires regarding all things, from the smallest to the greatest; the iniquity of seeking God only to be served in their disguised vanities, selfishness, and narcissism; the iniquity of judging that their thoughts about how they should live were superior to God's thoughts, the iniquity of considering that their own ways were better suited than God's ways for them. Though they never admit any of it publicly.

Something interesting to note here is that in Jesus' answer he reveals that he will openly say that he never knew such people, this means that the Holy Spirit tried throughout these people's lives to convince them privately, within them, that to follow the paths what they wanted was not the best, but such people simply did not listen and although they spent much of their lives within the congregation, praying, praising, preaching, asking, and worshiping, such people were never Christians, they never experienced real conversion. , even having spent a good part of his life inside congregations, on altars, behind pulpits; even having made countless prayers, supplications, cries, good deeds, worships, praises and preaching; even boasting an accumulation of ecclesiastical and ministerial titles, members, evangelists, pastors, teachers, prophets, apostles, missionaries, doctors or any others. Such people never listened to the directions of the Spirit of God, that is, they never wanted Christ to really be the LORD of their life, all they wanted and desire is to use the congregation, the bible and even God himself to to carry out in life according to the human and worldly vision they have; benefiting as much as possible to themselves, their dreams, desires, goals, objectives, wants and interests, social mundane. People whose prayer bases whenever possible revolve around thoughts and phrases like:

LORD, honor me;

LORD, give me a new car;

LORD, give me a bigger house;

LORD, increase my ministry;

LORD, develop my enterprise;

LORD, bless my affairs;

LORD, pay attention to my priorities;

LORD, make me earn more money;

LORD, give me more possessions;

LORD, multiply my prestige;

LORD, give me more power;

LORD, grant my desires;

LORD, make my dreams come true;

LORD, grant me victories;

LORD, add me more;

And so on. Their entire focus is on themselves, and whenever they get something of what they're asking for, they start asking again for more of the same in an endless spiral; a new car, more money, a bigger ministry, more fame, more power, more prestige, fulfillment of new selfish dreams and so on. And where is the "...Thy will be done..."? In other words they constantly say: LORD, do my will and not yours.

All these people are more concerned with putting and involving God in their lives, in their projects, in their goals, and in their things, so that the Creator always fulfills what they desire and none of them really prays the following prayer: "Father. ..Nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done." Luke 22.42. Because this is the constant prayer of true Christians, those who live to do the will and interest of their heavenly Father in every area of ​​their life, and not their own worldly desires, these are the ones who will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. , as said in, "And the world is passing away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." 1 John 2:17. That is, these are the ones who will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, as mentioned in Matthew 7:21 which says, “Not everyone who says, 'Lord, Lord! will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my father who is in heaven.” .

Those people who, though they never openly admit it, pretend that God is the Lord, and are more interested in other things pertaining only to themselves, are the ones the bible quotes when it says, "Their end is perdition, their god is their belly, their glory is to their confusion, who think only of earthly things." Philippians 3.19. Therefore, if we are really Christians, each one of us should make the following profound reflections:

1: Am I involving God in my stuff or am I getting involved in God's things?

2: Am I wanting Heavenly Father to do my will or wanting to do His will in my life?

3: What counts more for me are my dreams or God's dreams for me?

Meditating deeply on these 3 points, in the light of the scriptures, we will be able to acquire the clarity of thought and conscience necessary to truly surrender our whole life in God's hands, without reservations. And this is the way to submit ourselves completely to be transformed and to experience all the Father's will for us, which, perhaps, has no glamour, no fame, no millions or billions in money, no worldly success or victories; but it is good and pleasant and perfect; that is, full of lightness, peace, freedom, riches, prosperity, abundance, achievements, contribution, real victories, true joys and all sorts of blessings according to His interests. And in addition, by living in this way, subject to the will of God, we will also achieve the most important thing, which is to enter the Kingdom of Heaven; that is, we will maintain our salvation as many genuine Christians have done before us.

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