Christian Life Tools on Oneplace.com: Recent Episodes
Jim Reed
Take the time and to find a quiet place where your heart and mind can be fully engaged without distractions. You will be blessed and challenged by biblically inspired, life-changing messages. Each feature promises to be a one-of-a-kind listening experience you will find nowhere else.
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There are probably no two words that could seem more opposite than "love" and "justice." It is natural for human societies to want love. Who wouldn't? And it is natural for human societies to want justice. Who wouldn't? Here lies the problem: who will define love and justice? In the gospel of Jesus Christ we have been given a life-giving definition of love and justice. The definition is so life-giving that it is called "eternal life." The definition is so important to all of human history that it is called "salvation." Here is one well-known verse that reflects the miraculous definition of love and justice: "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). God's love and justice meet at the cross of Christ.
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How can a person be a success in this world, yet be a total failure in the eyes of God? The problem begins in how we calculate success. If we only value our own opinion we may find ourselves succeeding, not in success, but in failure. We might see ourselves succeeding in the opinion of this world, but in God's opinion we will be successful failures. Jesus told a parable about a man who was a success in his own eyes, but he was bankrupt before God. The man was on the world's pedestal, but to his surprise, the pedestal collapsed under the weight of eternal realities. God loves us and wants no one to be a successful failure. Jesus will get us on the fast-track to success according to HIS point of view as we bow to his will today and every day.
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If any of us were to approach a tomb where a dead body had been laid we would naturally expect the body to be in the tomb. However, what happened to Jesus was not natural. It was supernaturally planned ahead of time by God Almighty. It was no accident that that the Feast of Firstfruits was to be on the third day after the Passover Lamb was sacrificed. This was a promise of a future harvest. The Feast of Harvest (Ingathering) would take place seven weeks later on the fiftieth day. This was all planned and put in writing in the history of Israel and to be fulfilled in Christ. Jesus is our Passover Lamb and Jesus is our fulfilled the promise of a future harvest by rising from the dead. God is still harvesting people from this world until that Trumpet sounds. May more receive this miracle today. Amen.
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There are 150 Psalms preserved in God's Word for us that are there for the picking. We pick - God harvests. He will harvest the blessing of encouragement from soil in our hearts labeled: "Impossible." God's Word is the Sword of the Spirit to penetrate the deepest part of our souls. Psalm 121 is called a Psalm of Ascents. It is one of those precious psalms that is designed to lift us up to the heights. "Gee, how can that happen when I feel so low?" That being said (or thought) we then go to the holy arsenal of God's Word. We select out the perfect weapon to engage in our spiritual battle. We take a few swipes at the enemy of our souls and find, that soon, all is well. We praise God for the blessing of the miracle of encouragement.
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The fifth chapter in Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth is a very encouraging passage of Scripture. We are encouraged and motivated into service to God. Service simply means that believers will now express their worship of God by serving him. We serve God by putting him first in our lives. Today, we will complete our study on motivation for service by highlighting the call that God has placed on our lives as his people. We are motivated by a message: He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors. 2 Cor. 5:19-20
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Only God can take rebels and motivate them to willingly bow the knee in reverence to him. Only God can take a people who once cared only for selfish ambition and move them to reach out to others. The beauty of God’s motivating power is that he motivates from within by new creation in all who have put their faith in him. Paul says that Christ’s love compels us. Then Paul went on to say: He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised again (2 Corinthians 5:15). Everyone can be motivated and everyone is motivated. The miracle of God’s motivation is that he works from the inside. He transforms our hearts to be more and more like his. The love of Christ, who gave himself for us, compels us to give of ourselves.
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People can be motivated by all sorts of things. We can be motivated by praise or by the fear of losing praise. We can be motivated by great and noble ambitions or by ambitions that are far from noble. All human beings can be motivated. To be motivated means to be moved. It means that we have an overriding desire that will move us to persevere even when faced with overwhelming obstacles. The beauty of the gospel is that God motivates his people by renewing their hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit. God himself will move us to serve him. He will build us up to have confidence in his ways. Confidence means with faith. God will help us to have faith (confidence) to serve him more and more.
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The justice of God is a reality. It makes perfect sense. How could a good God allow sin to run rampant in this lost and dying world and not bring justice? The definition of justice is to make things right. God sent Jesus to enter time and bring God's perfect justice down to earth. Jesus paid the just price on the cross. Everyone in this world has a choice: to trust in themselves, or to trust in Christ. The Apostle Paul shined the light on this choice by stating the reality of the choice this way: "The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" (2 Cor. 3:6). The letter of the Law no one can keep all are guilty and all are accountable. Only Jesus can pay the just price God's justice requires. God is calling all people to choose Jesus and receive life while there is still time.
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The Gospel is good news. The Gospel is not fake news. The Gospel is truth. The Gospel is such a message of truth that there is a powerful, God-ordained word that can be attached to its message. And that word is "Amen." In Isaiah 65:16, God even called himself, "the God of truth." Literally, the God of Amen El-Amen. This is exactly what God would have all believers understand as they live and dwell in the midst of this miracle of truth God's Amen. The Apostle Paul wrote to encourage the church in Corinth that the Gospel is not "Yes" and "No." In other words, there is no doubt of God's truth. Paul went on to say that in Jesus, the Gospel has "always been 'Yes'" (2 Corinthians 1:19)! May we all learn and grow in God's "Yes" more and more. Amen.
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A young man approached Jesus and was full of questions. Jesus answered the young man in a way that surprised him. This led to more questions. As the questions kept coming, the young man soon found that he didn’t know as much as he thought he knew. He also found that Jesus knew him better than he knew himself. The young man would never be the same. There is a beautiful aspect to this account of Jesus and his dialogue with this young man. We can read in Mark’s account that Jesus looked at him and loved him (Mark 10:21). Jesus answered this young man’s questions with truths that would rock his world. Why would Jesus want to rock his world? The answer is so that he would trust in THE Rock. Let the questions in this story rock your world. You will never be the same.
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Evangelical comes from two Greek words. Eu meaning good and angelos meaning message. For example, eulogy is a good word spoken and an angel is a messenger. So, evangel means good message. However, such is the nature of this world that it is in rebellion against this good message. We who have this message deep in our hearts should grow in our desire to get this message out into the world. We will want the miracle-working power of God to work in the hearts of those who have not yet accepted the message. One of the most powerful motivational forces to get us moving as evangelicals is to cultivate a deep sense of thankfulness. By the grace of God he has enabled us to receive his message of salvation. As our thankfulness increases, so will our desire to reach out to the lost. Amen.
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Those who have been born again those who are believers in Jesus Christ are privileged. We have access to blessings to which the world is not privy. The rest of the world remains underprivileged while the believer enjoys untold blessings. We are more than privileged we are supernaturally privileged. We are off-the-charts privileged. Part of our life of faith is to learn to enjoy and utilize our privileged status. It might sound that we are basking in the glory of selfishness and pride, but the opposite is true. If we have such privilege it is so that we may use our position in Christ to bring others to Christ. We become servants with privilege, not lords of privilege. We are called to go out in this world as servants so that others may be blessed with the same privilege. Amen.
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There is a difference between the holiness that has been imputed to a believer for all eternity and the holiness that a believer must pursue daily. The holiness imputed is a free gift of God’s grace through the work of another: Jesus Christ. Holiness that believers must now live out is our new work. What will protect us from imbalance and harm is the firm knowledge that we have no righteousness of our own. Exhortations of holiness are done in the midst of the loving grace of God We believers are challenged through the many exhortations in God’s Word to live in godliness and holiness. The phrase, see to it, is often used. We are the overseers of our lives in the context of God’s gift of salvation in Christ. We are called to grow more and more toward the high calling we have already received.
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The process by which the believer’s faith grows is called: sanctification. We are first justified through faith in Jesus Christ. Next, based on our position of right standing before God (in Christ justified), we have a calling to grow and walk more and more in line with the holiness of God (sanctification). An amazing thing will begin to branch out because of this growth. God will be able to use us more and more to reach others in this lost and dying world. May God bring his revival and Great Awakening across the U.S.A. Amen.
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The book of Hebrews is full of exhortations inspired by the Holy Spirit. These exhortations are designed with the intent of adding strength to our faith and to keep our faith alive. We all need encouragement. God knows this world wears us down, wears us thin and wears us out. Faith matters. Faith that is alive and growing matters all the more. Since our faith is so important, it is important to keep it alive. If our faith is alive, it will be growing. If our faith is growing, then our impact on those around us and our usefulness in the kingdom of God will increase as well. Our faith can increase and be strengthened through the Word of God. Scripture will feed our faith. Many become faith-starved due to their lack of involvement with God's Word.
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The children of Israel were in for a big surprise. Having just been rescued from Egypt, they had no idea of the full extent of God's power to bless. God could bless them even in the middle of a barren desert wasteland. The power of the blessing would come from God's covenant name: The LORD. This is what has become known as "The High Priestly Blessing of Aaron." Praise God that we now have a High Priest who has gone through the heavens on our behalf. Jesus Christ rose and ascended to heaven to be our Blessed High Priest. Jesus will place God's Name on us. That is a miracle in our lives today and forever. Amen.
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The world has a place for its servants. We have the servant’s entrance, the servant’s quarters and the servant’s job description. The servants have a designated status that is very obvious: the last and the lowest place. After all, they are the servants. To have a servant would naturally imply that there must be a master. Both know their places well. It is interesting that the kingdom of God has the same hierarchy. Except for one thing: Jesus said, Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all (Mark 10:43-44). This does not sound like the world’s idea of the typical master/servant relationship. Of course, it all depends upon who is the Master. When God is Master, and people are in HIS kingdom, there is a transformation that is not of this world.
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Hebrews, chapter eleven, is called "The Faith Chapter." In the first verse we are given the definition of faith. Then, we are told that believers are to be commended for living out the faith just described. Then we are told that our knowledge of creation itself is derived from faith in God, the Creator. In the following several verses we are given examples of faith being demonstrated by three heroes of the faith: Abel, Enoch and Noah. In the center of this Faith Hall of Fame we are given a powerful explanation of God's point of view: "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Hebrews 11:6). If you find yourself struggling and you feel your faith is leaning toward bankruptcy, just declare "chapter eleven" Hebrews chapter eleven!
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The world honors those who appear to be successful. Our heroes are the ones who succeed. They are promoted on the world's pedestals. However, God wants people to be sure they are on the right pedestal. In other words, we should be careful how we measure success. People can succeed in the eyes of the world, but be total failures in the eyes of God. Jesus told a parable was about a man who was a success in his own eyes, but he was bankrupt before God. The man was on the world's pedestal, but to his surprise, the pedestal collapsed under the weight of eternal realities. God loves us and wants no one to be a successful failure. Jesus will get us on the fast-track to success according to HIS point of view as we bow to his will today and every day.
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The gospel and the concept of salvation are very difficult topics for those who belong to this world. However, once people are saved, they are taken out of this world. They now belong to God's kingdom. This is a radical shift in citizenship. So radical that it takes a little time to get adjusted. And the adjustments never end. Paul wrote to Titus, not only to remind him that he once belonged to this world, but also to help him move forward in his walk with God now that he no longer belongs to this world. Believers have an inheritance that is alive today. Now, like Titus, we may receive the same coaching "so that having been justified by God's grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:7). God himself put that hope in our hearts and he wants everyone to be so blessed.
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We all know how troubling things can seem in this world in which we live. We are surrounded by trouble: past, present and future. Despite what the optimism of humanity might proclaim there has been no sign of anything changing much at all. It is the same old story again and again. Part of the same old story is that this world will never understand. The world is in the dark and cannot be trusted. "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15). The gospel is the good news proclaiming that God can make things right again. Just like the light that penetrated the first creation brought order and goodness, the light of the gospel will bring new order and new goodness. There will be new creation in anyone who might bow to The God of Salvation.
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All of human history, from beginning to end, may be understood by all those who will take the time to study God’s word. God’s word is the Bible. The Bible reveals exactly what this world needs. It reveals the deepest part of human nature. For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to the dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12-13). This is a miracle that is open to all who will take the time and give the effort to receive what God has revealed. However, it will take a humble heart that is open to receive. May more bow and allow God’s word to penetrate their hearts. Amen.
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Most all of us are susceptible to discouragement. At one time or another we may have suffered from the "I'm-all-alone" syndrome. There is probably nothing worse than the discouraging thoughts that enter our minds when we feel that we are all alone in the midst of life's struggles. It is during these times that we need to lean, not on our own feelings, but on God's Word. God himself said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus said, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Jesus said, "I will give you another Counselor to be with you forever, the Spirit of Truth" (John 14:16). We have a triune promise of help and encouragement. The disciples had just experienced the horrendous events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus. Yet, God’s grace revealed what was God’s plan all along.
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It is very common to think of Christianity as a religion. A religion can often be thought of as something we do, or something that we must orchestrate ourselves. If this is true, then we are the ones who are running things. What makes Christianity different is that we do not, and cannot, store it way with all the other religions of the world. We learn that there exists a Sovereign Lord of the universe who is separate from any religion that exists in this world. This Sovereign Lord calls people out of this world. Once so called, we no longer have a religion that is run by humanity. We have a relationship that is alive by the power of God. We are saved through the sacrifice of Christ and made alive through the power of the Holy Spirit.
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Jesus entered our world under the authority of God Almighty. It was all planned and authorized from The Throne of God. God’s number one plan is to bring salvation to all who are willing to receive. It is only natural for all people to want to rule and reign over their own lives. It all started in Genesis 3 and it still with us today. It’s only natural. The number one environmental problem on earth is sin. Sin is so bad that it is very natural for this world to deny that sin even exists. One day time will cease to exist for every person. No one will live forever on this earth. This is why NOW is the time to receive God’s gift of new life. God has authorized his salvation through Jesus Christ. This offer is a miracle available to all under the authority of God Almighty.
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We have some interesting holidays on our calendar. We can get a little numb to them and not think much about them. We are born surrounded by holidays and we have grown up with them. Soon it becomes our turn to run the holiday program. It's that time of the year again - a holiday season. It is time for Thanksgiving. We have turkey, pies, candy and then, there's football. Thanksgiving is a disciple that is not often thought of as a discipline. But when circumstances do not go our way, the disciple of giving thanks might be the way to turn things around. God's Word has a little help to give our discipline of giving thanks a boost. "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thess. 5:18).
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Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. There are 22 stanzas with eight verses in each. Every verse will begin with the same Hebrew letter that is assigned to that stanza. Every verse can be divided into two halves with each half reflecting back to the other half. Psalm 119 is a hymn to God’s Word. Many terms are used for God’s Word such as: commands, laws, precepts, promises, decrees and statutes. We started working our way through Psalm 119 about seven years ago. Today, we celebrate as we dig into the last stanza. The last verse could be said to sum up all the previous verses. It speaks of God’s promise to bring his healing and his redemption to all who will turn to him in repentance. I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands (Psalm 119:176).
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People have many ideas about Jesus Christ. The Mormons consider Jesus to be the spirit brother of Satan. This would mark Jesus and Satan as being equals. The Jehovah’s Witnesses proclaim that Jesus is merely on of God’s created beings. This would mark Jesus as being less than God. Muslims view Jesus as one of God’s great prophets, but nothing more than human. Christian Science portrays Jesus as one who was keenly aware of his Christ-spirit a spirit that is within all of us. Many atheists believe that Jesus was just a regular fellow who happened to have the misfortune of getting on the losing side of some political unrest. The most reliable testimony to the true nature of Jesus Christ is the Bible. The Bible is a miracle of revelation for all who will humble themselves to search for the reality of God’s holy truth in his Word.
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When you are holding a Bible in your hands you are holding a miracle. Once a person becomes a believer in Jesus Christ the miracle of God's Word becomes their breath of life. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God has provided a way for anyone who belongs to him through Jesus Christ to have access to HIS breath of life. People lost at sea will cling to a life raft. God's Word is our life raft. People starving to death will long for just a taste of a tiny morsel of food. God's Word is our heavenly food. People lost and alone will rejoice at the chance of having fellowship restored. God's Word is our fellowship with the very Creator of all things.
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It is interesting that we have five chapters in Paul’s letter to the Galatians that carefully lay out our position in Christ before we are given admonitions on how we are to live. The care that God’s Word gives to tutoring us in who we are in Christ should be a lesson to us. The lesson is that we must know who we are in Christ. We must be students of God’s Word. It may be hard work, but it is worth the effort. Once our position is better understood, we will be better enabled and equipped to live properly in this fallen world. Under the supernatural inspiration of the Holy Spirit, keeping with the supernatural plan of God and purchased by the supernatural work of Christ on the cross, we may receive this admonition: Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
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