In His Praise

“Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 What do these words from Romans 8 mean? What does it mean to to be in Christ Jesus and to be free from condemnation? It is not really difficult to understand. The inspired writings of the apostle Paul lay out a simple to follow explanation of this verse. It has come to be called the Roman Road to Salvation. Beginning with Romans 3:10 and 23 we hear that no one is righteous (good) , everyone has sinned. We were condemned to hell for our wrongs.  Reassurance is found in Romans 5:8 ,though, when we read that“while we were still sinners,” God sent Jesus to die in our stead. He took our sins away. Furthermore when we…

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” Ephesians 3:20a Prayer is a wonderful gift that we have been given. Prayer brings us right into the presence of God. Prayer gives us an avenue with which to communicate with the Almighty. Prayer is the channel we use to make requests of, praise, thank and worship our Lord. There are some points about prayer that seem important to remember: *We don’t have to be shy or fearful when we pray. We can boldly go before the throne of God to make our requests known and expect to receive mercy and grace. (Hebrews 4:16) *We can be assured that our prayers are heard when we ask in Jesus name. (John 14:14, 16:23) *Even when…

“… Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which  are the prayers of the saints.” Revelation 5:8b There are many references throughout the Bible about prayer. We can read in the Old and New Testaments about  people praying and how their prayers were answered. Some of the writings in the book of Psalms are prayers. Jesus talked about prayer also and gave us a model to follow. (Matthew 6:5-14) Jesus prayed for Himself, His disciples and for us! (John 17) Prayer is important in our lives, for it lets us communicate with God. We can approach God with all our thoughts, cares and praises and be sure that He hears us.   We can get a glimpse of what prayers look like before God.…

“One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see.”  John 9:25b Jesus went about doing good — healing the sick, raising the dead, sharing His love with those that needed it most. You would think everyone would be rejoicing and praising Him! Yet they did not.  Once when Jesus restored the sight of a blind man the Pharisees began to question His motives. Jesus had done this great act on the Sabbath and almost any kind of activity was strictly forbidden on the Sabbath. The group of religious leaders questioned the man and his parents extensively trying to find fault with Jesus. Who is this Jesus? How did He do this thing? And why? Instead of rejoicing with the man and worshipping the one that had performed…

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 Happy New Year! It’s the first day of a new week and the first day of a new year! It’s a new beginning!   We serve a God of new beginnings. Look at the stories of Noah and family, Abram who became Abraham, and Job. Look at the disciples who left their work and families to follow Jesus. Think of the thief on the cross that Jesus assured would join Him in paradise. Think of all the lives down through the ages that have been changed by God. Anyone that has accepted Jesus as their Savior has experienced a new beginning. Psalm 40:2 says it beautifully, “He lifted me…

“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.”  John 3:16 As the celebrations of Christmas 2022  come to a close, we at East Point C.P. Church want to wish to all of you a very Merry Christmas! We pray that each of you have received the very best gift of all — salvation through Jesus Christ.  It is Jesus’ birth in which we rejoice during this season. It is Jesus’ death and resurrection that give us reason to rejoice in all seasons of life.  His gift of salvation is a treasure that anyone can receive. Through belief in and confession of Jesus all people may receive this free gift. (Romans 10:9-10) How…

“You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.” Luke 1:31 Have you ever had someone predict your future? There are people that claim to be able to tell what future events will be, but in reality no one, except God, knows what tomorrow will hold. In Luke we read the words spoken to Mary by the angel Gabriel. God had sent Gabriel to Mary with His message about her future. Mary probably did not fully grasp  all that was being said to her at the time, but she humbly accepted God’s will and praised Him for her part in it. Mary could be joyful in receiving this message from God because she knew that God’s plans were good…

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”2 Corinthians 9:15 This Advent prayer was part of our worship service today at East Point C.P. Church. It is very meaningful and directs our focus on the true meaning of Christmas. God of angels songs and hidden miracles, wing your way into our world,  for we are in need of your presence.  We have been caught up in busyness, frantic with lists too long and pocketbooks too empty. We have lost patience and misplaced hope.  God of heavenly choruses and humble beginnings, wing your way into our hearts. Let us know a peace that calms unrealistic expectations. Let us be lifted up by angels’ song and see with new perspective what is truly important. Let love grow, for after all the presents…

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 This week’s writing focuses on young people. We sometimes forget that God has work for children and youth to do too. We tend to think that only seasoned adult Christians can be leaders or set good examples. But in Paul’s letter to Timothy, his young protege’, we see that the opposite can be true. Timothy was sent to Ephesus to continue the work of spreading the gospel. Timothy was probably a teenager at the time and was given the responsibility of instructing believers in how they should live. He likely met with some resistance from some that thought him…

“You are the light of the world. … let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14, 16 Today is the first Sunday in Advent; the season leading up to Christmas Day when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Advent is a time of renewal and preparation; a time to emphasize and remember the true meaning of Christmas. As the first Advent candle was lit today in our church service, we were reminded that Jesus is the light of the world and His birth brought light (hope, salvation) into the world.  In Matthew 5 Jesus says that we, His children, are the light of the world. As Christ’s followers we  have received the light that He brought, and…