Pastor's Points

Today is Lord's Supper Sunday at Primera Iglesia Bautista and preparation must be made. The Deacons have prepared, the Pastor has prepared and I trust you have prepared. This Ordinance of Jesus comes with instruction that it be observed in remembrance of Him but also a warning that we not take it "unworthily". "Unworthy" observance is to participate in the ordinance while harboring unconfessed sin in our lives. Doing so is to invite God's punishment for our insolence. Take time now to review your life, confess your sins before God, repent of your sin and ask for forgiveness. Done? Now you're ready. 27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who drinks and eats in unworthy manner eats and drinks judgement to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For...

It has long been my observation that we struggle with sin in our lives because of it's carnal appeal most of the time without considering the spiritual consequences of sin.. Why? Because Sin; looks good, feels good, tastes good and smells good. Our carnal senses are simply overwhelmed by these traits of sin but sin has its consequences and we need to consider them. It's been said that "all the glitters is not gold" and "if it seems to good to be true, it probably is" and God Words states it this way: "There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death." Proverbs 16:25 (NKJV)

How will I know I'm saved? I long ago lost count of the number of persons who've asked this in earnest, concerned about their salvation. Jesus said He would not leave us orphans (john 14:18) but would send His Spirit. At salvation God's Holy Spirit comes to dwell or live in the new believer (1 Cor. 6:19) marking us a property of God. The Holy Spirit's work then is to confirm a believer's faith and guide them in the path of righteousness. It is He who testifies to you regarding your personal salvation. Can you say, "HALLELUJAH!!"? 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: Romans 8:14-16 (KJV)

Many years ago litmus paper was used to test the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. In interviewing potential hires for a job a question was asked of the candidate to determine whether it was worthwhile to proceed with further interviews. This was called a "litmus" test or acid test. Here John applies the principal to our faith. A sort of litmus test of salvation if you would. How do you know you're saved or living in God's Grace? Read below and take the litmus test. 3 And hereby we do know that we do know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 John 2:3-6 (KJV)

It's human nature I guess that we so often anticipate with great excitement coming events with either great expectation, mild enthusiasm or dread. Birthdays, holidays, Fridays, anniversaries and the list goes on. The Apostle Peter wrote of a great day that he said we as believers should look for, prepare for and even long for. It's the Great Day of The Lord and what a day it will be. It's a day of judgement, a day when the world as we know it shall end and new one begin which will only be populated by God's Elect. Are you prepared against that day? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 2 Peter 3:13-14 (NKJ)  

Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3 (NKJV) How do you "see" God's Kingdom? Most of us probably take Jesus' statement to mean that unless we're born again we will not be able to enter Heaven and thus never "see" it. This is true, but the scope of Jesus' statement is much greater. To "see" the Kingdom involves among other things, to "see" the need to share the gospel, to "see" the to pray of others, to "see" the need to support your church, to "see" the need to study God's Word, to "see" the need to love your brother as yourself, to "see" the need to....well I think you get the picture. Bottom line? Born again believers can "see" the Kingdom of God Now! As in TODAY!

And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Luke 23:33 (NKJV) Jesus' earthly ministry is about to culminate in His death. He's been beaten, ridiculed, humiliated and now is nailed to a cross to die. At this point I don't believe anyone would criticize Him for berating and cursing His tormentors yet this would be out of character for the Son of Man. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." And they divided His garments and cast lots. Luke 23:34 (NKJV) The Pharisees, Sadducees, Priests, mob and Roman soldiers did not, could not realize the impact of the acts that day. Despite their cruelty Jesus, God's Son, refuses to condemn them. Instead, He prays to the Father that this sin, the killing of an innocent man, the Lamb of God, not be held against them. What love is this? It is the "Agape" love, the love only God ...