Category Archives: Spirituality

The Beauty and Benevolence of God

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…through Jesus Christ, His Son….

Evidence of a creative Master is seen throughout the earth;

Jesus, who was called, the Master, came to teach us of the new birth.

Unless you are born again, He said, you can’t see the kingdom of God.

His heart is that of a caring shepherd, who guides with staff and rod.

The beauties and wonders of creation amaze, seeming never to cease;

such things are divine reflections, which point to the Prince of Peace.

Jesus told us to consider the lilies and also the birds of the air—

that they could show us how to serenely rest within His Father’s care.

What a wonderful God we have; He taught us the blessing of serving—

Jesus was our example, sharing God’s love, though we were undeserving.

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men—God’s very glory revealed.

We do have a beautiful Savior, who gave us the beauty of the lilies of the field.

P. A. Oltrogge

“All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 1:3-4 

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 

“Jesus answered and said to him, (Nicodemus) ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” John 3:3 

“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 3:16-17

“…that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Acts 10:37-38

“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.” Hebrews 1:1-4 NLT

“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6 

Remembering the Hymn,
Beautiful Savior

Beautiful Savior, King of Creation,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Truly I’d love Thee,
Truly I’d serve Thee,
Light of my soul, my Joy, my Crown.

Fair are the meadows,
Fair are the woodlands,
Robed in flowers of blooming spring;
Jesus is fairer,
Jesus is purer;
He makes our sorrowing spirit sing.

Fair is the sunshine,
Fair is the moonlight,
Bright the sparkling stars on high;
Jesus shines brighter,
Jesus shines purer,
Than all the angels in the sky.

Beautiful Savior,
Lord of the nations,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor,
Praise, adoration,
Now and forevermore be Thine!

Author Unknown, 1677
Translated by Joseph A. Seiss, 1873

“The Lord is like a father to his children,
tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13 NLT

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Consider the Birds and the Lilies

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“In His Constant Care” by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission: http://www.GregOlsen.com

Look at the birds of the air…
They don’t sow, reap, or gather
Their needed food into barns—
But are dependent upon God, rather.

Consider how the lilies are clothed—
They toil not, nor do they spin,
But to the heavenly Father’s care
They’re blessed to give in.

Yes, consider these,
And consider giving in,
To the message of Christ’s love
Above this world’s din.

Partake, through the Bible, from God’s table
Of spiritual food fit for a King’s heir,
And be clothed in the love of Jesus,
The finest thing you could wear.

Consider the children,
So gentle and so tender—
What kind of faith
To them will you render?

One that speaks dislike
And contempt of others—
Or one that speaks love
And draws all men to be brothers?

The heavenly Father gave Jesus
To tell of God’s care and to guide.
When we take Him as Savior, He gives love
For all others for whom He has died.

So just like the lilies
Or the birds of the air,
May people of all nations be blessed to give in
To Jesus—the way to the Father God’s care…

P. A. Oltrogge

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies….” Luke 6:27

“And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’” Matthew 22:37-40

“For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?

“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And which of you by being anxious, can add a single cubit to his life’s span? And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these.

“But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? Do not be anxious then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’ For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:25-34

“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 3:16-17

“We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

“I know all the birds of the mountains….” Psalm 50:11

A Father’s Love

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The Prodigal Son, a parable Jesus told….

Once there was a man who had two sons fully grown, and the younger asked for his inheritance to go off on his own. So the father divided his wealth and the younger son went away, while the older one was loyal to his father and knew that he would stay.

In a distant land, the younger squandered all of his part of the estate. He lived in a wild and unwise manner, and poverty became his fate. A famine occurred in that country, and he couldn’t get ahead; he was hired to take care of swine and longed to eat what they were fed.

At that time, he came to his senses and remembered his father’s care–even his father’s servants had always had meals that were generous fare. So he thought out what he would say about the restoration he desired. “I’m no longer worthy to be my father’s son–I’ll just ask to be one who’s hired.”

He then traveled back to his home, and the father saw him when still far away–then ran to embrace and kiss him, before even hearing what he had to say. The son repented of all he’d done, telling all that had been on his mind; and there he found compassion and a heart that was only kind.

The father called to his servants to clothe the young man with all of the best–the best robe, ring, and sandals—even with a banquet, he’d be blessed. A celebration was called for everyone, for this was a time to rejoice! But out in the fields, the older son stopped, having heard his father’s voice.

At the sound of the merriment, he inquired of the servants of what had just transpired. They told him that his brother was home, and that a celebration was what his father desired. He became angry then and wasn’t willing to even go inside, but his father came out to entreat him–he wanted him to be alongside.

The older son said, “…For so many years I’ve been serving you, and I’ve never neglected a command….” He complained that he felt what his brother deserved was his father’s reprimand. “My child, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours,” the father said. But they needed to rejoice for this son now lived. “This brother of yours was dead–

He was lost and has been found,” he said–much like a Shepherd rejoices to find…a lost sheep that had strayed far from the fold but had always remained on His mind.

P. A. Oltrogge

From Luke 15:11-32

“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.” words of Jesus in John 10:14-15

Visit: http://www.givehim15.com

Enter Into God’s Kingdom

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Yes, Christians, in every walk of life, are working to persuade…that “the way” to eternal life for every person has been made.

Because of Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection–through Him, our Father God sees any believer in perfection.

And you don’t have to take one Christian’s word alone, for there’ve been many testimonies that conclusively have shown…

that Jesus is alive! His Father is still giving time to decide, to accept His invitation, which is going out worldwide…

to be a part of His kingdom through Jesus, His spotless Lamb–an invitation very graciously extended by the great “I AM.”

Please respond as soon as you can; one thing unknown is the exact date–of when things will come to a close, so it’s very wise not to wait.

There are really just two kingdoms, one of darkness and one of light. Come into the kingdom of God’s dear Son, the only choice that’s right.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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.” Jesus’ words, John 3:16-17

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” Jesus’ words, John 5:24

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6

“Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.’” John 17:1-3

“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:11-12 NIV

“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

“Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord [and understand the importance of obedience and worship], we persuade people [to be reconciled to Him]. But we are plainly known to God [He knows everything about us]; and I hope that we are plainly known also in your consciences [your God-given discernment].” 2 Corinthians 5:11 AMP

(“Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too.” 2 Corinthians 5:11 NLT)

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Jesus, Matthew 24:36-37

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Visit: http://www.govictory.com

The Only True God

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Christ the Redeemer statue, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3

Regarding Christians, Muslims, and Jews, some say that the God they all worship is the same. But the Bible is clear that the only true God is the One who is known through faith and belief in Jesus’ name.

Realize it’s a fallacy that knowing God is the same to all three…for Jesus said that “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

His words hold true for other “faiths,” too, whichever they may be. Again, “No one comes to the Father,” Jesus emphasized, “except through Me.”

There aren’t “many paths to God,” but He has provided a blessed one–opened for us by way of Calvary’s cross through Jesus Christ, His beloved and only begotten Son.

P. A. Oltrogge

…by the power of the Holy Spirit, many Jewish people are coming to know and believe in Jesus, the Jewish Messiah. Muslims and others are also finding faith in Jesus Christ for eternal salvation and for living a blessed life now.

“For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17

“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 3:16-17

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36

“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

“You know neither Me nor My Father. If you knew Me, you would know My Father also.” John 8:19

“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” John 14:6

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3 (and all of John 17)

“And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.” Matthew 1:16

“While he (Peter) was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!’” Matthew 17:5

“Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess…coming in that instance, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him (Jesus) to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” From Luke 2:36-38

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation to everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10

“And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:11-13

“Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6

Scriptures NKJV

Photo Unsplash
by Robert Nyman

To obtain a Bible and other Christian books, visit: http://www.christianbook.com

Oh Happy Day!

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“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:1-3 NIV

Dear Porch blog readers:

For a special Sunday musical blessing, go to Eagle Mountain International Church’s website: http://www.emic.org

There, scroll over to the right of the screen and then down to the bottom, where you’ll see “Latest Service,” (Championship Faith) of February 16, 2025. The entire service is always a blessing; but if you are pressed for time, scroll in to about 56 or so to hear briefly the history of the gospel song, “Oh Happy Day!” and then the Eagle Mountain choir’s rendition of the song…

Be blessed…

P. A. Oltrogge

“…We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 NIV

“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:19-20 NIV

Powerful Testimony of Healing/Living Word

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“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8

Mac and Lynne Hammond are the senior pastors of a large body of believers at Living Word, located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. 

A wonderful healing testimony can be found if you go to:

You Tube Living Word Christian Center Minnesota woman healed after falling off ladder

Colorado Autumn

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…September/October’s description…

Colorado wonderfully displays its yearly golden glow, which is grandly reflected in the aspens before the coming winter’s snow.

Backed by the beauty of mountains, seen most everywhere, our thoughts turn to the Creator amidst the fresh but chilly air.

There’s nothing like going on a hike when golden leaves start falling down–it gives a great refreshing from the busyness of town.

To join up with a friend, as leaves on a trail crunch under our feet, is the perfect combination to make for a day that is complete.

Creating the image of a snow shower, the wind in the trees takes leaves of gold, and shakes them loose in a golden “rain”–they’re unable to keep their hold.

We’re blessed to suddenly hear the sound of a nearby flowing brook, which reminds of our thirst for the living God, as shared in His holy book.

At times, along the trail, various kinds of wildlife do cross by us. Such scenes foster the serenity which brings relief from things that try us.

All the surrounding beauty remains in our hearts when we depart–to return again to home, while we say, “My God, how great Thou art!”

P. A. Oltrogge

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” Psalm 42:1-2 NIV

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” Acts 17:24-27 NIV

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, (Jesus Christ) whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” Hebrews 1:1-4 NKJV

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…Let’s continue to join in praying today and every day for our wonderful country, the USA. Father, deliver us from evil…as said in Your beautiful prayer. Thank You for strengthening all those who work with You to right wrongs...

“For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

“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. 

“Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You.”  …verses from Psalm 33

…a very encouraging post today at: http://www.givehim15.com

Colorado beauty…
Photos/Porch of the Lord

Find Your Place in God’s Family

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…the following is shared, with love, as a bit of a nudge for some…

I realize that regular churchgoing isn’t something you prefer…
but let me say this–that it’s not something to defer.

The Lord loves you greatly–you are meant to be a part
of fellowship with other Christians.  We’re all on God’s heart.

The blessing of the Lord makes rich…He adds no sorrow to it.
Giving into His kingdom will bless, you’ll find, as you do it.

Through Christ, we have eternal life, which is such an amazing gift;
but realize there’s more right now, so that your life won’t be adrift.

Protection, provision, healing, being “family” with Christian friends–
These God desires for you…so I pray you’ll find the right church to attend.

P. A. Oltrogge

The times have gotten dark…Come into His “ark” through His Son…
Like a unique piece to a puzzle, you’re His needed, and beloved, one.

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“It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich, and He adds no sorrow to it.” Proverbs 10:22

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” words of Jesus in John 3:16-17

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” words of Jesus in John 10:10

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:23-25

Going to church in person is the most rewarding; but if you’re unsure or perhaps work on Sundays, there are always online opportunities, through many local churches or others, such as:

Watch online at: http://www.josephprince.org
Join us live at: http://www.moorelife.org
Watch Eagle Mountain Church live via: http://www.govictory.com

…photo/St. Peter Lutheran Church (and school), Arlington Hts., Illinois, USA

The “Unknown” God Becomes Known

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“…for in Him we live and move and have our being….”

The above quote is from Acts chapter 17, NKJV, verse 28…the apostle Paul’s address at Areopagus/Mars Hill.  The following is a brief synopsis of the chapter, during the course of travels of Paul and Silas….

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From Thessalonica to Berea to Athens…they went to the synagogues, Paul reasoning with the Jews…about Jesus’ need to suffer and die and rise again, in order to bring about “the good news.”

In Thessalonica, Paul persuaded a great number of devout Greeks and some Jews that Jesus was the Christ; but the Jews in Berea much more eagerly believed that his declarations about the scriptures and Jesus sufficed.

Those Jews, however, who didn’t embrace the truths of which Paul had spoken…stirred up mobs to discredit him, hoping that the success of his “campaign” would be broken.

In Athens, Paul saw the many idols throughout the city, which made him feel grieved, so he later would give a passionate message about the Lord on whom he believed.

In fact, “To the Unknown God” was carved on an altar there.  That “God doesn’t dwell in temples made with men’s hands,” was what he continued to share.

Paul declared that God Himself, who made the world and all things in it, isn’t served by human hands…for He Himself gives to all people life, breath, and everything needed, by His very commands.

Continuing, he said that God made from one man every nation on the earth…and has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through the Man He has appointed–Jesus Christ, Lord of “the new birth.”

Paul shared that this was confirmed by God having raised Jesus from the dead…and so God was spreading this good news abroad through Paul and others who were being Spirit led.

Paul encouraged the people to seek the Lord while He may be found…that He is not far from any of us.  He’s made Himself known through that name that’s so renowned….

Jesus Christ–King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

P. A. Oltrogge

“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.  That at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth.”  Philippians 2:8-10 KJV

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12 NASB

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“Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, ‘Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:

TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.

“‘Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.’

“And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, ‘We will hear you again on this matter.’ So Paul departed from among them. However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.” Acts 17:22-34 NKJV

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“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’”  John 3:3 NASB

“Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.”  Isaiah 55:6 NASB

“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 3:16-17 NKJV

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’” Matthew 11:28-29 NLT

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” words of Jesus in John 16:33 NKJV

…a bit of the poetic:

In Christ, I live and move and have my being. I walk by faith and not by seeing…