“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19 NKJV
God’s ministers so often have wisdom that can point out essentials to our Christian walk. Recently, Mark Hankins noted something Jesus shared that wasn’t merely “talk.”
Jesus said that He was giving us AUTHORITY over “ALL the power of the enemy.” That’s a high degree! Jesus wasn’t just saying that this authority was “available” if you might be interested–NO, He was giving us a VITAL KEY.
When we experience a trial, we must take authority over the problem at hand. The devil and his demonic beings must flee, for God has put us in command.
If things don’t seem to budge, remember–the devil doesn’t want to be arrested. But we must stand confident in the authority Jesus won for us, and with which we’ve been invested.
P. A. Oltrogge
Jesus secured the devil’s defeat, which we must enforce, by taking authority over him…
“Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 NKJV
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12 NKJV
“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:18-20 NKJV
“You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” Colossians 2:13-15 NLT
Of “The Believer’s Authority,” Mark Hankins writes:
“It is time for us as believers to take our place In Christ and exercise the authority that God has delegated to us. We must take steps to possess all that God has promised. We have been made for mastery. You’ve been deputized.”
A subject that Jesus taught, and that He made so perfectly clear, was the need to forgive others—God’s standard, to which we’re to adhere.
By word and by His example, especially on the cross, this was displayed…when forgiveness, of even His enemies, was the kindness for which Jesus prayed.
Jesus had warned that if we ever felt this was something too difficult to do, then, He said, of our trespasses, that “neither will your Father in heaven forgive you.”
Obviously, our merciful God has forgiveness at the very core of His heart. If there is someone you haven’t forgiven, therefore, forgive, letting withholding of Christian love depart.
Then, you’ll be confident, with Christ as your Savior, when you go to enter heaven…that you’ve forgiven others, along your life’s journey, as Jesus said, even “seventy times seven.”
P. A. Oltrogge
“But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:26
“Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him, up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’” Matthew 18:21-22
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 3:43-45
“Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’” Luke 23:34 KJV
On the need to forgive ourselves at times: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.” Psalm 103:8
“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14
“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
“But thanksbe toGod, whogivesus the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1
“And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, (Gideon) and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” (courage!) Judges 6:12
“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.” Mark 16:17-19 KJV
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:3-5
“This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9
“Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 RSV
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For you are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24
“Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:9-11 (and entire Psalm)
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20 NASB
“In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:11-15
“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16
“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” Hebrews 12:2
“He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8
“Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.” 1 John 5:3-4 NLT
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
Our armor:
“Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints….” Ephesians 6:10-18
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17
“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32 KJV
Have you read about or heard of a story…regarding a tough situation,
where prayer turned things around with a kind of heavenly litigation?
It’s good to remember such times, of great breakthroughs coming about,
when believers joined their faith in prayer, effectively driving out doubt.
This can also be likened to a soldier in battle–weary from fighting hard,
when suddenly fresh troops come to his aid, to relieve him and stand guard.
It’s wise to make declarations of faith when traveling down a difficult way;
but often we need our family in Christ, to join together with us to pray.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:19-20
“Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” Acts 12:5
“So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying.” Acts 12:12 (and Peter escaped prison by an angel of the Lord, sent in answer to their prayers)
“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints–” Ephesians 6:17-18
“Be kindly affectionate to one another, with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer, distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” Romans 12:10-13
“When I cry out to you, Then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God is for me.” Psalm 56:9
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
You may want to review “The Four Miracles of Dunkirk” in this blog’s archives.
Please see today’s message on being vigilant in prayer, even when just one person prays, at: http://www.givehim15.com
Recently I heard a minister challenge those listening…to judge God to be faithful, or they would have a problem believing His Word. God’s Word is settled in heaven, (Psalm 119:89) and He has forever bound Himself to His Word. (Hebrews 6:16-20)
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, to Timothy, a true son of the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Timothy 1:1-3
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I watched an amazing testimony of one who was miraculously healed. From wounds sustained in a destructive event, God’s resurrection power was (emphatically) revealed.
The mother of the child involved said that she couldn’t fully explain why…her prayers were answered, while, at times, it would seem that some prayers are being passed by.
But she said she felt we must fervently pray and continue to praise even when it’s hard to cope, because God is faithful to keep His promises. This we trust, and Jesus is our hope!
P. A. Oltrogge
“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NASB
“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hopein the Lord.” Psalm 31:24
“Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You.” Psalm 33:2
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” Psalm 42:11
“TrustinHimatalltimes, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:8
“But I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more.” Psalm 71:14
“Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides.” Psalm 119:89-90
“The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.” Psalm 147:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 RSV
“Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.'” Acts 10:34
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:1-5
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9
“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” 2 Corinthians 1:20
“To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13
“Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:16-20 NLT
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” Hebrews 11:1-3
“Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.” Hebrews 11:11 KJV
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you….” 1 Peter 1:3-4 KJV
“…And His Name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, MIGHTY GOD, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6…
It’s important to contemplate the “BIGNESS” of our God. That’s a rarely used word, as some have considered its usage to be odd.
But BIGNESS is very appropriate for Almighty God’s description. And, for the renewing of our minds, it’s an excellent prescription…
to keep us from thinking small, when the works of our God are VAST. Trees, mountains, planets and the stars by His words were cast.
The Israelites were enabled to cross over the Red Sea upon dry land, when the waters were parted by Moses’ reliance on God’s victorious hand.
God’s GREATER power delivered three men from Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace fire. They didn’t even smell of smoke despite going through something that dire.
And the GREATNESS of God’s merciful love was plainly displayed…when all of mankind’s sins on His own beloved Son were laid.
“He who has seen Me has seen the Father,” are words that Jesus said. That BIGNESS was displayed when He raised Lazarus from the dead.
And many other difficulties brought before Jesus turned out to perfection—but the GREATEST triumph of all was at the moment of Jesus’ own resurrection.
So let’s remember the BIGNESS of our MIGHTY GOD in heaven—in every situation—even BIG forgiving—seventy times seven!
And remember to give as BIG as you can to others who have needs. “He who waters will himself be watered.” There’s blessing in such deeds.
The WIDENESS of His mercy, the BIGNESS of His heart…Don’t think small when thoughts that are BIG are what God wants to impart.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27
“Oh how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men.” Psalm 31:19
“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:10-12
“For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.” Psalm 47:2
“Sing out the honor of His name. Make His praise glorious. Say to God, ‘How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power, Your enemies shall submit themselves to You. All the earth shall worship You and sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name.’ Selah” Psalm 66:2-4
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies.” Psalm 103:2-4
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
“…and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” 2 Corinthians 5:15
“The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:25 NASB
For big encouragement, visit the websites of the many good ministries that have been previously mentioned on this blog. To give big, in light of the many disasters and conflicts in these times, we can refer to those ministries going boldly to give aid. And may our expectations and faith in the Lord be BIG as we serve Him and pray…
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due seasonwe shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do goodto all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10
When it looks to you, at times, like there’s simply no way out, let thanking God, the Father, be your sure and chosen route.
When it seems that pressing problems have no known solution, let thanking the Lord turn any worries into a grace revolution.
Paul and Silas were imprisoned but raised their praises high–then found they were delivered, with praise their only cry.
When the way seems very foggy and you’re tempted to despair, just know, though you can’t yet see it, the victory is there.
A great principle of the Bible is to walk by faith and not by sight–so thank God for His presence when it’s dark and you need His light.
Like a pilot relies on instruments through weather good or bad–let thankfulness be the “instrument” with which your life is clad.
P. A. Oltrogge
Acts 16:23-40: “But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were unfastened.” (25-26)
“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:14-17 NKJV
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
You can click on “Word Supply” and then “Media Search” where you can type in “Thanksgiving Victory” for a series of messages on this topic at: http://www.moorelife.org
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’” John 14:6
…if you’ve not already done so….
After you’ve acknowledged that you, like all, have sinned, then repent and simply receive the free gift of salvation by grace through faith in Christ, to become one of God’s own children….
“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith….” from Romans 3:21-26
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come to you in the name of Jesus…
who said, “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37), so I know You won’t cast me out, but You take me in and I thank You for it.
It’s written in Romans: “But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’” Romans 10:8-13
I am calling on Your Name, so I know you have saved me now.
I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I believe that He was raised from the dead for my justification, and I confess Him now as my Savior and Lord.
Because Your Word says, “With the heart, one believes unto righteousness,” and I do believe with my heart, I have now become the righteousness of God in Christ…and I am saved! “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Thank You, Lord!
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?’” Matthew 16:24-25
“Therefore, also God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him, the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Billy Graham went to his home in heaven on February 21, 2018. I’m taking a moment to think of him and his life once again…
I remember attending Billy Graham crusades when I was very young…and anticipating hearing Billy after George Beverly Shea had sung.
Cliff Barrows led the assembled choir in an always joyful way, giving mighty praise to God before someone on stage would pray.
Then Billy would come forward; and with his powerful voice, he’d say we needed to make a decision—God was giving us a choice.
He always pointed to the cross and what Jesus had achieved—redemption through His shed blood on Calvary for anyone who believed.
He said we should repent of our sins and give our hearts to Christ—that His was the only sacrifice which God says has sufficed.
He emphasized that “God loves you” and wants to be your friend, counselor, and advocate—from beginning of life to its end.
He said this earth was not his home—that he was just passing through—and that a home in heaven awaits every believer in Jesus Christ, too.
After many Biblical references, Billy would give an invitation. Then, an amazing number in the place would come forward to his station.
As they came forward, a familiar song helped set so many hearts free—“Just as I am, without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me.”
Today, Billy Graham is honored for faithful service to God during his life span. And we continue to share the Gospel of Christ—God’s gracious redemptive plan.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:14-17 NKJV
“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.” Hebrews 13:14-15 NLT
“I will not go to heaven because I am a preacher. I am going to heaven entirely on the merit of the work of Christ.”
“My home is in heaven. I’m just passing through this world.”
“Believing is seeing” is a faith-stimulating thought; and that phrase is how faith has correctly been taught.
“Seeing is believing,” however, is more frequently said, but “Believing is seeing” is vital spiritual vision, instead.
And a dream in your heart that you don’t want to see fade can be God-given “vision” to hold onto after you’ve prayed.
P. A. Oltrogge
“It’s not that faith is “blind” –faith is a sight of a higher kind.” a Keith Moore quote
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.” Hebrews 4:14 NLT
“Cast not away your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.” Hebrews 10:35 KJV
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” Hebrews 10:23 KJV
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:2-8
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
Faith is our aim, but an inspiring account of obedience to pray, (despite a “feeling” of lack of faith), is given today at: http://www.givehim15.com
The Porch of the Lord 