WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL..... 7/21/13

BIBLICAL TOLERANCE

TALKING TO GOD

Thank God for the people in your life who help you learn more about Him. Ask God to help you recognize when other people's opinions do not agree with His Word.

DIVING IN 

Hide a toy or snack in a place where family members would not think to look for it. Set a timer for five minutes, and tell them they can ask you questions about the location of the item while they hunt for it. (Here's the catch: When

they do ask, shrug and give them random answers such as "blue" or "astronaut.") When the timer goes off, set it for another five minutes. But this time, answer their questions correctly to help them quickly find the item.

GOING DEEPER 

Notice how it was impossible to find the hidden item when random answers were given. The item was easy to find, though, when the questions were answered correctly. People who are searching for something want clear directions. Some people think it doesn't matter how you seek God or what you believe about Him. This "anything goes" attitude toward God is one form of what the world calls tolerance. The world's definition is not helpful to people who truly want a relationship with God. God's Word, on the other hand, gives very clear instructions. It does not treat all beliefs as equal; instead, it points to the one and only path, which is found in Jesus. Matthew 7:13-14 says, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." What you choose to believe about God matters. It is the most important choice of your life.

DEUTERONOMY 30:19-20

19  “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! 20 You can make this choice by loving the

Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord , you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

TALKING TO EACH OTHER 

- How did unhelpful directions make you feel?
- Why are the right directions important when you're searching for something?
- What directions does God give us through His Word?

If you just started reading the Bible and have not yet asked Jesus into your heart to become your Lord and Savior, all you have to do is:

A - ADMIT YOU ARE A SINNER
Roman 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard.

Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

B - BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS GOD'S SON AND EXCEPT GOD'S GIFT OF FORGIVENESS FROM SIN

Acts 16:31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household"

Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.

John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life, No one comes to the Father except through me."

Ephesians 2:8-9 ....8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

C - CONFESS YOUR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST AS SAVIOR AND LORD

Roman 10:9-10, 13 .....9 If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart the God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

If your are ready to ask Jesus into your heart to be your Lord and Savior, you can pray a simple prayer like this to God.

Dear God,

I know I have sinned and my sin separates me from You. I am sorry for my sin. I believe Jesus died on the cross for me so my sin can be forgiven. I believe Jesus rose from the dead and is alive. God please forgive me. I ask Jesus to come into my life and be my Savior and Lord. I will obey You and live for You the rest of my life, Thank You in Jesus' name I Pray.

Amen

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