“God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.” Ephesians 1:12-14 NLT
God's redemption was first to the Jewish people. They were His covenanted people. Romans 1:16 says this: “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” NLT John 1:11-13 says it this way: “He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.” NLT God desires that Jew and Gentile know Him. When sinners come to the Savior it brings praise and glory to God. Those who are His children have been given a "seal". In ancient times seals were used as a sign of ownership and guarantee. Kings would use their rings as a signet. Jesus tomb was sealed by Roman authority, indicating that anyone who tampered with it would be reckoned with by full Roman prosecution. However, the Highest Authority could not be kept behind a sealed tomb. Can I hear shouts of Hallelujah? God has placed a down payment, an installment, a "seal" upon and within the believer. He is called the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the person of God inside the born again believer. His promise is to finish what He has started in us and to take us home into His eternal kingdom. “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 NLT Prayer for today: Father, in Jesus name, continue Your work in my life by the power of the Holy Spirit. Help me keep my eyes on my real home: Eternity - where I will see your face and live where there is no sin, sorrow, suffering, or Satan.
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![]() Rev. Curtis Norris Archives
March 2020
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