What is God's Plan of Salvation?

Hear: Romans 10:17 (KJV) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Believe: John 8:24 (KJV) I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Repent:  Matthew 9:13 (KJV) But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Luke 13:3 (KJV) I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Luke 5:32 (KJV) I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Confess: Matthew 10:32 (KJV) Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

Baptism: Acts 2:38 (KJV) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Remain Faithful: Revelation 2:10 (KJV) Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

by Larry Judd

   

Care Givers

      Many members of the congregation have been care givers at one time or another;  caring for an ill child, caring for a sick spouse, caring for elderly parents, caring for a sick family member.

Why do we do that?  Why become a care giver?  Is it always fun cleaning up a mess?  Is it enjoyable to feel such helplessness as you see a loved one suffering?  Is it enjoyable to be under such stress and burden, as you don’t know exactly what to do?  Oh – that terrible feeling with a sick baby, as it cries and can’t tell you what is wrong, what is hurting, but something isn’t right.

The reason we do it is – LOVE!

During Bible times, a shepherd had love and compassion for his sheep.  He would search for them if they got lost.  He would lead them to pastureland to graze.  He would make sure they were at still water for them to drink.  He would check their fleece and skin for any injuries.  He was a caretaker.
I want us to reflect, be encouraged and uplifted as we realize we have the Great Shepherd, Jesus.  What a wonderful caretaker He is! 

John 10: 14 - 15 Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.”

Jesus loves!  Jesus cares!  Jesus is the Great Physician, the Good Shepherd.  He is our example of a true caregiver!