"It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all." 1 Timothy 1:15
What I love about the Bible is it is all inclusive to mankind, therefore leaving hope for everyone in any state of sin. As we look throughout the Bible you will only find One without sin, and it was Jesus. All others who wrote the Bible were just like you and me, battling the nature we were born with. That is why we all must be born again to enter the kingdom of God in heaven.
The other thing I love about the Bible is it is brutally honest revealing the good with the bad. Nothing is covered up, or hidden. This is certainly true concerning Paul.
No true bondslave of Christ dare lift up themselves in any way. We know the truth about ourselves and we know the truth of God’s love for us. He sent His Son to save us, and that He did, and does, for all who will partake of His salvation through His death and resurrection on the cross.
Paul testifies in verses 12-14 of his former life and the grace of God:
"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy, because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus."
I pray whomever is reading this will understand the same God who rescued Paul will rescue you. He was a murderer of men, women, and children believing he was doing the right thing. If God’s love could lead Paul out of his ignorance and unbelief, He can for you also. Paul says the grace of our Lord was more than abundant with the faith and love found in Christ Jesus. That is true for you as well.
Paul understood that his life was to be used as an example for the foremost of sinners throughout the following centuries including the present one we are now living in. Listen to his declarations in verses 16-17:
"Yet, for this reason I found mercy so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen."
I ask you to consider that God created you with a purpose for your life. You were created to reveal God’s glory to others! His glory is His goodness.Remember our depravity and sin can never be greater than the love of God for each one of us. There is no sin the blood of Jesus can’t cover. Take a close look at the men and women’s lives who fill the Bible with transformed lives through the resurrection power of Christ. There is hope for all, and we know it is not His will that any should perish. (2 Peter 3:8-10)
Be encouraged today as we read of Paul’s testimony how he was truly made free from his former life. John 8:36 proclaims:
"So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed."
We are about to celebrate Independence Day in our great nation. As we know freedom comes with the cost of blood. It isn’t free. Many laid down their lives for the freedoms most of us take for granted each day. Let us realize freedom from the slavery of sin has been bought and paid for by the Son of God. Even though we are living in a free nation in comparison to the rest of the world, America has become a nation enslaved by our fleshly desires and the pride of life. I ask you a simple question: Do you want to be truly free as all followers of Christ are if they walk in obedience to His ways and His Word? Allow the Son to make you free, that you may be free indeed. There is only one way.
In His love.
Teresa Roberts
Masterpiece Fitness
276-237-6680
Taking my paddleboard out for the first time at Claytor Lake! Another fun way to enjoy the gifts of God’s creation!
