The simplicity of His message is so easy to understand and even easier to accept yet so many try to add further rules and regulation to appease their own sense of superiority over others salvation. My question for those who feel it necessary to add more rules to God’s gift for all peoples of the world is this; “who do you think you are, a god?” I have sat through so many lectures and conversations where learned people try to explain salvation by deeds (which is what their ideas lean towards) where if a + b x c equals G then salvation can occur. All throughout the New Testament, the Master’s message is very clear. For example, read 1 John 2:1-2 NLT.
1 John 2:1-2 NLT
My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.
You see, if we add all these idiotic man-made rules to the simple message that Christ lived, communicated and told us to preach, then we end up with division, stress a feeling of unworthiness. Here is something to consider, God’s message has never changed but the additional rules His creation has added is very akin to a game of Calvinball where the rules change to meet the needs of the person carrying the “ball”. For those who keep changing and adding to His perfect Word, could I suggest they are so in doubt of His way that they have to set up proofs in order to have confirmation of salvation. Read through John 3:16-17 NLT.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
I hold to this Truth rather than the sometimes ridiculous rules made by the doubters of the world. An old joke about marriage comes to mind regarding happiness. I could be happy or I could be right. In the case of following the Lord I am happy and I am right when I stick to His perfect Word.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Eph 2:8-9 NLT
This week, Pastor Todd brings a message of victory over doubt and worry. Please join us either in person or online at 10:30 AM this Sunday. The service will be broadcast online on our website (https://www.mainavefellowship.ca/socialplatforms), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB.
Blessings,
Our Mission “To live the love of Christ”
