Welcome!
Today: A gift which multiplies through sharing!
Passage: Titus 2
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (Titus 2, NIV 84) emphasis added
Today’s topic is “salvation”
Most kids brought up in Christian homes, need a good teaching on the subject of salvation. They need to know what real transformation means. They need to have a personal experience with Christ. Many are baptized around ages 12-15, without having a good understanding of salvation. Just because they come with us to Church and sing “Halleluiah” does not mean they are saved. Their “active participation” in various church activities is no proof of their salvation either
The only reason for our salvation is that God in his grace and mercy, was pleased to gift us salvation. The three stages of salvation are clearly evident here:
- Past: we are saved from the penalty of sin:
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. (Titus 2)-emphasis added
We are saved from the penalty of sin, which is spiritual, eternal death. Death is separation; spiritual death is separation from God. The way out is to be born again, to get connected to God.
2. Present: We are (being) saved from the power of sin:
12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, (Titus 2, emphasis added)
We are saved to live saved. The moment we return to a sinful life-style, we are neglecting the precious salvation we received through the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
3. The future: we will be saved from the very presence of sin!
Our bodies shall be saved and transformed into the immortal, heavenly body, at His coming
13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ….(Titus 2)-emphasis added
The coming of Christ is the one thing every true Christian is waiting for
As time passes by, we will see “shocking” things happening among our own! Many will start denying the second coming of Christ and will come up with various theories. It is important to keep our relationship with Christ very strong. Agape Love is dying within the Church, and in some cases, it is replaced by other forms of love, not welcomed in the church. When church is converted to a club style, it will not go too far!
God willing, we will continue on the topic of salvation
Have a blessed day!
BG
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for speaking to me. I need to “brush up” on the subject of salvation occassionaly, so that I can re-affirm my love for you and live the life of bearing the fruit of salvation. Help me to lead somone to you; Amen
“Salvation is God’s (free) gift which multiplies through sharing!”