Top Reasons to Save Biblical Sermons

March 3, 2015 Gracie

Did You Know That You Can Save Great Biblical Sermons?

It’s true.

You can populate your hard drive with some great Biblical sermons with just a few clicks of your mouse.

Save sermons I think it’s a great idea.

Why?

Let me start out by saying that it should always be a priority to find and attend a good Bible-believing and teaching church.

You should be discerning. If you’re attending a church that preaches the infallibility of the Bible and that “sin” is still a sin, then you’re on the right track to finding a good church home.

Bible church

A Favorite Biblical Resource

But, how does saving sermons weigh into this?

Allow me to mention one of my favorite Christian resources again: OnePlace Ministries.

This is the site where you can, with their simple interface, save great Biblical sermons right to your hard drive.

Five Reasons To Save Biblical Sermons

Here are my five top reasons (in no particular order) that you should save a biblical sermon:

• If you’re ever too sick to attend church or if you ever become a shut-in due to a disability or otherwise, having your favorite topical sermons accessible on your hard drive assures that you’ll never miss a beat.

• If you haven’t found a biblical church home yet, the Bible and the OnePlace website are your resources! The website is simple to navigate. You can pick and choose your topic or pastor. I listen on an almost daily basis to at least one sermon a day when I’m getting ready for work. It’s much more encouraging and uplifting then the bad news we hear every morning on television. The only day off I take is Sunday, because I’m attending a Bible-believing church. 🙂

• The adjective “topical” sermon raises another good reason. How many times have you experienced a challenge in your Christian life and wished you had access to some guidance on that very topic? Let’s take “anxiety” for example. We’ve all experienced it. Researchers say stress and anxiety are deadly and can make you susceptible to many illnesses. Here’s the good news: on the main page of the One Place Ministries website, there’s an empty search field where you can browse topics. If you type “anxiety”, over five pages of results (sermons) pull up for you to choose from. Listen to one by a wonderful pastor and save it on your hard drive for the next time you’re feeling stressed or anxious. It can have a huge calming effect.

• Lastly, I’m sure you’ve heard the terrible news. Christians are being persecuted and killed for their faith. Terrorism is on the rise and the anti-Israel sentiments by the godless or misinformed in our society are reaching a fever pitch. This is an age of lawlessness and darkness like I never thought I would see in my lifetime. There may come a time when biblical churches are harassed to a point where people are afraid to even attend. There are shades of that happening now. Some news-making churches have unfortunately bowed to societal pressure.

God will not honor that concession.

churches should not bow to pressure Remember, you can always save sermons in case it ever gets to the point where Christians are not allowed to openly worship and express their faith. Current news events point to a rising demonic influence in the world that is threatening to overtake everything we hold dear as Christians. Churches are being picketed, vandalized, and verbally slapped by a mainstream media for standing up for the infallibility of the Bible.

How To Save A Sermon

OnePlace website

You can save a sermon by going to the OnePlace.com website. Register with your email address. Once you have access, you can browse and decide which sermons you want to save. When you find one, download the mp3 version to your hard drive. Now you will always have great biblical teaching, even as the world around us becomes increasingly dark.

Our country is on a downward spiral. We could easily place blame on the political party in charge, but it goes way deeper than that.

Way deeper.

Persecution of Believers

I believe that you should save Biblical sermons because, as the hatred towards Christians and Christian businesses continues to grow, our very access to Scripture may be increasingly limited. I have no doubt the internet controllers will threaten Christian broadcasts and websites. It’s all very anti-God.

We don’t know the timing of God’s divine plan to rapture His church. But, through Scripture, we do know that End Times prophesy is unfolding right before our very eyes.

Remember, dear readers, God is still on the throne, always and forever. He has promised to never leave nor abandon us.

Save Biblical sermons

Put On The Armor Of God

I’ll close with some verses from Ephesians 6:10-17, NASB, which encourages us to put on the armor of God –

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against [e]flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 [f]in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

Our Exceptional God

Created by God

February 26, 2015 Gracie

Only God Can Design A Butterfly

God created the butterfly Dear readers-

I have a few questions for your consideration:

Have you ever looked closely at a butterfly?

The design of a butterfly Beautifully-colored wings that can almost take your breath away.

Or, how about a magnificent Arabian horse?

God's creation Beauty, speed, and stamina personified in one spirited animal.

What about a majestic mountaintop?

A babbling brook?

The waves crashing on the seashore?

created by God Or, our family and friends who inhabit the earth with us? Where did they come from?

Did they just pop up randomly and insignificantly?

As humans, we are amazingly complex creatures created by God.

God created us

Godless Theories Taught in Schools

We are created by God, who knew us before time even began. That makes us very special in His eyes.

Every time I hear or read about someone pushing the evolution theory, I feel sad for them. They’re elevating a man-made theory above the Word of God.

Have you ever read Psalm 139 in the Bible? It’s one of my favorites. Here’s an excerpt:

For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.[a]
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
¹⁵My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.

– Psalm 139:13-16, (ESV)¹

Isn’t that a beautiful passage from Scripture?

There is a God

How some misguided folks can look at God’s wonderful designs in nature and claim that there’s no God is beyond me.

The theory of evolution has more holes in it than Swiss cheese.

Can a building pop up out of nowhere without an architect, a design, or blueprint?
No.

Evolution – the very secular and Godless theory designed to fool people into thinking that God did not create the universe.

We need to pray for our evolution-believing brothers and sisters.
Amen?

Amen!

Unfortunately, as a result of their disbelief in God, they are misleading many people.

We can pray for them and also praise the Lord for another day to embrace God’s goodness!

# # #

Our Exceptional God

Please Pray For Persecuted Christians

February 18, 2015 Gracie

persecuted Christians

Mere words can barely describe my sorrow and compassion for persecuted Christians across the globe. They are in great danger. It seems like every day, there’s a new account of Christians suffering at the hands of evil people.

Christian men, women, and children are being murdered, simply for professing their belief in God.

I’ll say that again – and children.

This is undeniable truth.

There are people in America who want to act like it’s not happening.

It is.

There are people in America who think that it can’t happen here.

It can and it has.

Many News Networks want to discard that type of news from our TV sets, but you can find it online if you look. As believers in God, burying our heads in the sand and pretending it’s not going on, helps no one.

You should be outraged.

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Edmund Burke

Please Pray For Persecuted Christians

And, we need a God-sized intervention in America before it’s too late. We’re already being crippled as it is. I’m sure you know what I mean.

These horrifying persecutions are not random in any way, shape, or form. Christians are being targeted. This is a concentrated “movement” out to destroy those of us who believe in God.

Is There Hope For America?

We don’t know God’s plan. There’s always hope, but only through the saving Grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Unfortunately, atheists have succeeded in taking God’s name out of schools and, in some cases, out of the public square.

Praying for persecuted Christians

Think about that for a minute. This is a country that was founded on Judeo – Christian principles and yet a very vocal group has bullied their agenda into the mainstream and, believe me, it will eventually affect all of us. Should it really be any surprise if God removes His blessing on America?

Without His intercession soon, we could be in for a time of national grief and suffering – if God chooses to allow that to happen.

When World History Ends

We do know that there will be an End to Time, just as the Bible foretells. And, because of His revelation to us, we know that God ultimately triumphs and we will one day be in His presence, worshiping Him for eternity. The timing is God’s alone.

In The Meantime

We can pray for those in danger. Millions of Christians all over the world can lift their voices and pray for God’s mercy. He hears every prayer.

These horrifying persecutions are our wake-up call. I just wish more people would see it.

Our Exceptional God

No Phishing

February 18, 2015 Gracie

No Phishing – Move on!

There’s no phishing here.

Hello dear readers,

Unfortunately, I’ve received some off-topic comments and spam so I need to post this PSA.

Please bear with me as I share this personal, Public Service Announcement:

NOTICE

Okay, you crazies:

Please listen up!

I will not publish any comment that is spam,

offensive, obscene, off-topic, or promotes your business.

That is not the purpose of this blog. This is a Christian blog to honor God.

Please go phishing somewhere else.

Update

Unfortunately, due to some scammers turning a deaf ear, I’ve had to turn off comments on my Christian blog. It goes against everything I believe in about sharing views, but I have to protect it.

I was bombarded with so-called seo experts jamming my inbox with their advertising. I deleted their comments thinking that would fix it. It didn’t. I proceeded to receive more every day after that. These people don’t give up with their obnoxiousness. In addition, there were also some folks who commented and then wanted to direct my readers to their off-topic websites. Really folks? Very uncool. Bye bye.

Regardless of these distractions, I continue to keep my eye on the prize, delight in God, and keep focused on things above.

Our Exceptional God

You’ve Said the Sinner’s Prayer. Are You Saved?

February 11, 2015 Gracie

Did the Sinner’s Prayer save me?

Have you said the Sinner’s Prayer and you’re wondering if you’re saved? Please allow me to give you some steps in the right direction.

First of all, know that while the intention to say a sinner’s prayer is good, the prayer itself is not what saves you. It’s an oft-repeated prayer, but unfortunately in some circles, it’s held up as a sort of badge of honor, a guarantee of eternal life. It’s not a guarantee.

You can’t have salvation without repentance. One without the other does not add up. God knows the heart and He knows who authentically believes and who is giving lip service.

So, please be careful with this and don’t be fooled into thinking that saying a prescribed set of words is all that’s necessary. That can lead to a false sense of security without the substance to back it up. Too many people have experienced a false conversion.

Anyone can simply repeat the words to ask “Jesus into their hearts” and not actually believe in what the Bible says. It’s the same as certain celebrities wearing crosses around their necks for example and yet, their very public actions do not reflect transformed lives.

That may sound harsh, but it’s true. It is God who saves, not simply a recommended prayer. A transformed life reflects a person’s life-changing faith, commitment, obedience (bearing fruit), and godly character.

²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ²⁴And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. – Galatians 5:22-24.

Child of God God will bless you if you sincerely guard your heart (with the help of the Holy Spirit) towards Him. Praise God if it was a certain friend or family member who planted the seed and led you to the authentic saving grace that comes only through Christ Jesus.

Expect some resistance though if you have friends or family who aren’t believers.

Remember, dear friend, that the Bible says in Matthew 5 –

¹¹ “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

– Matthew 5:11-12, ESV

There’s No Free Ride

Christianity is not a free ride. Your life won’t suddenly get better and all of your problems won’t go away. In addition, a newfound faith doesn’t lead to a bigger bank account (despite the false teachings of prosperity preachers).

Life will continue to be hard, but you will be rich in so many other ways. You’ll have the knowledge that our perfect God has chosen you to be a part of His holy family.

Salvation is attainable through Jesus Christ alone.

Your commitment serves as your conscious affirmation that you believe in the saving grace of Jesus Christ and recognize His atonement for your sins.

The Sinner's Prayer Here are some commitments to take to heart:

– Find a Bible-believing and teaching church. It can be non-denominational, but they must preach the authentic gospel of Jesus Christ. Not a watered-down version of it that some false teachers think is the only way to help a church grow. Start your search for a bible-believing church by talking with other believers. You can also check each potential church’s website for their mission statement. Unfortunately, the teaching may not line up with the mission statement, so a visit is necessary. If a church is teaching that every religion is basically the same and every cult leads to God, stay clear.

– Buy your own personal copy of the Bible. Until you do, churches have them in the pews so you can follow along with the Biblical preaching. Recommended versions are the English Standard Version Bible, the King James, and the New American Standard Bible.

– Read your Bible. You’ll find that, once you become a Christian, your thirst for Biblical knowledge will increase ten-fold. Have a good commentary to go along with your reading. As a new Christian, you’ll need one and, if you’re a long-time Christian, you’ll still need one. Some are free and online, while some are found for a price, i.e. the John MacArthur Bible Commentary.

– Pray for God’s continued guidance, strength and comfort in your life. He hears every prayer you pray. Speak to God from your heart, not prescribed prayers.

– Learn to memorize Scripture. The verses are the actual inspired words from God the Father. If you can have some of these treasures tucked away in your heart, they’ll come to mind more easily when you’re stressed or going through a difficult trial.

– Read Randy Alcorn’s book, Heaven. It will give you a wonderful perspective, based on an interpretation of Scripture, of what Heaven could be like. It’s a hopeful and thought-provoking work for those who mistakenly believe Heaven is boring. Quite the contrary, Heaven is full of unspeakable joy.

– You may want to consider listening daily to a sermon from OnePlace Ministries on your cell phone or iPad. This website has links to great teaching from wonderful pastors such as Alistair Begg, John MacArthur, and others. It will enrich your life, I promise.

– Check out the website gotquestions.org. You’ll find many answers there to your questions about God and the Christian faith.

– Start listening to Christian music. It will soothe your soul. If you enjoy hymns, there are so many choices. If you like more contemporary, you can find the music of Beckah Shae, High Road III, TobyMac, and others to your liking. Scan through some Christian songs on youtube. You’ll see what I mean.

Through Him, You Become A New Creation

You are God's new creation

God bless you!

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Our Exceptional God

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