Sermon for Covenant of Hope Ministries
by Cal Jennings
John 3:16-17
King James Version (KJV)
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the
world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Many Christians leave out John 3:17 when they're trying to
save someone, but why? Isn't that the
gospel or "good news" that we're trying to share?
Everyone has problems... almost daily if not daily. No matter what religion or faith a person is,
they do too. Trying to "scare them
into salvation" isn't going to do them or us any good. Remember, we all go through good and bad
things no matter our religion or social status.
Matthew 5:45
King James Version (KJV)
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in
heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth
rain on the just and on the unjust.
This is not to say that we have to approve of some of the
practices of others. It's true that we
walk a different walk than those of other beliefs or of no beliefs. Still, it's not our job to point our fingers
in their faces and tell them how they're going to hell because they're
sinners. They sin because they practice
witchcraft, they sin because they're homosexuals, they sin because they drink,
they sin because they are living together in sin. That may be true, but which of us are without
sin?
John 8:4-7
King James Version (KJV)
4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in
adultery, in the very act.
5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be
stoned: but what sayest thou?
6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to
accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as
though he heard them not.
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself,
and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a
stone at her.
We all commit one sin or another on a daily basis. We tell a lie, even if only a
"white" one. We may cheat at
something. If desperate, we may steal
something to eat. We may even commit the
ultimate sin and wear perma pressed clothing.
;)
Leviticus 19:19
New International Version (NIV)
19 “‘Keep my decrees.
“‘Do not mate different kinds of animals.
“‘Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed.
“‘Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material.
We all sin and not one person's sin is worse than
another's. "For all have sinned and
fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:21-23
King James Version (KJV)
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is
manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of
Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no
difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of
God;
I included verses 21 and 22 to put things in context. How is the righteousness of God without the
law manifested? It's because Jesus came
to fulfill the law so that ANYONE who believes in him has freedom from the
law. That is not to say that we aren't
to try to keep his commandments.
John 14:15-17
King James Version (KJV)
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you
another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot
receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he
dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
Jesus love and freedom are for every one of us. We are all God's children. Be kind to one another and be kind to those
outside the faith as well so that they may freely come to accept the love and
freedom that we come to find in Christ Jesus.
Besides, you might find you learn as much from them as they do from us.
Let's bow our heads and pray as Jesus taught us.
Matthew 6:9-13
King James Version (KJV)
After this manner
therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth,
as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors. And lead us
not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and
the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Love, Hope, Peace, & Christ be with you all,
Cal Jennings
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