Confession of Faith - July 30, 2004

SCRIPTURAL VERIFICATION

The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

(Romans 10:8-10)

CONFESSION

Series 2.7.30 - #211

July 30, 2004

I behold the mercy and the grace that I have found. If God had not been on my side, I would be fallen and destroyed. I purpose to be thankful and always bless his name and his people. His people are precious in his sight. They are redeemed by precious blood. The great price that he paid for them is an expression of their value to him. The fact that Jesus laid down his life for them is how his love for them is perceived. There is no other way to realize his love the way it really is unless it is viewed through the lens of his sacrifice for the sins of the world. Now that I have perceived the love of God because he laid down his life for me, I should lay down my life for the brethren.

Jesus came into this world not to be ministered unto but to minister and to give his life a ransom for the sins of the world. He so loved the world that he gave himself for it so that all who believe on him should not perish but have everlasting life. No one took his life from him, but he willingly laid it down for the sheep. I must know his voice so that I can go forth and bring the other sheep, which are not of this fold, unto him. God has many people out there that shall hear his voice. I will go and declare unto them his great love. There is no greater love than for a man to lay down his life for his friends. He came as the man Christ Jesus and purchased me with his own blood. While men were yet sinners, he died for them. He commended his love toward them. Now that he has justified me by his blood, he will save me from wrath.

Jesus will save me by his life. He reconciled me to him by the death of the Son. He saves by his life. I must know of the sweet smelling savour that was offered as an offering and a sacrifice to God for me, or I will never have a right concept of love. He loved the church and gave himself for it. If I understand this, then I must love my wife in the same manner. I am redeemed from all iniquity. God is purifying unto himself a peculiar people who are zealous of good works. With the same blood that bought me, he is purifying me. I purpose to obey the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren and complete the purification of my soul. I will love others, for love is of God. Everyone that loveth is born of God and knoweth God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is love. I will open my heart to him and allow him to manifest the love of God through me. He must live his life out through me, and I must live through him. He has given me his Spirit. His Spirit is love. I allow him to love through me and then will I enter into new dimensions of fulfillment and powerful ministry.

Hebrews 10:22 - 23

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.