#faith victory salvation grace

[corneliusbella]

I believe this is a unique opportunity for you to give your life to Christ and connect to His power with the full involvement of your understanding.

If you want to be genuinely born-again and be doubly sure that you are saved, then pray this prayer aloud, meaning it with all your heart:

Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I know that I'm a sinner, and I cannot save myself. But Jesus died for me; He shed His blood that I might be saved. Today I accept Jesus as my personal Lord and Saviour; forgive me all my sins, wash me with your blood and make me whole.

I forsake the devil, the world, sin and all sinful habits; I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord. Father, I thank you because you have saved me in Jesus' name. Amen.

[christianotome]

“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.” (John 16:33)

[yeslordmyking]

[Zechariah prophesied concerning John,] 'You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most... [ Read devo thought and prayer for this Bible verse ]

[calledtobethelight]

Run to Win

“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.”

 – 1 Corinthians 9.24-25 (NLT)

As Christians, we all have a race to run. There’s an appointed course set before each one of us.  We must be determined to win our race and keep the faith to lay hold of our heavenly prize – the inheritance of eternal salvation and the victor’s crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4.7-8).

This does not contradict the fact that we are saved by grace through faith, for the Bible says in Romans 6.23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God [that is, His remarkable, overwhelming gift of grace to believers] is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” However, it is the responsibility of the believer to “work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) one’s salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ) (Philippians 2.12).” Although it is not in our own strength that we must work out our salvation for God empowers us, we still must be diligent in keeping the faith to ensure we will not be disqualified as Paul warns (Philippians 2.13, 1 Corinthians 9.27, 2 Corinthians 13.5, Galatians 5.7).

But how can we run our race effectively? How can we run to win? Here are 7 essential keys to run your race.

1.      Keep your eyes on Jesus

When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we maintain focus. Everything in this world is a distraction that can take us off course, but when we keep our eyes on Jesus, we stay spiritually minded. Colossians 3.1-2 states, “Keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value].” We gravitate towards the things we focus on. If we keep our eyes on the things of this world, we will only value temporary things. However, if we keep our eyes on Jesus – the Author and the Finisher of our faith, He will perfect our faith in Him and by this faith, we have the victory over the world (Hebrews 12.2, 1 John 5.4-5).

Jesus is also our example. When we look to Christ and see how He endured the cross “for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him” and triumphed, we can take courage to persevere in our trials and not become faint in our minds because Jesus has overcome the world and He lives on the inside of us (Hebrews 12.2-3, 1 John 5.4-5). John 16.33 states, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]”

We are victorious when we keep our eyes on Jesus!

 

2.      Strip off sin and every unnecessary weight

In a race where “endurance and active persistence” are vital, any burden or weight in the race would slow the runner down or make them stop progressing altogether (Hebrews 12.1). It is easier to run free. Galatians 5.1 says, “It was for this freedom that Christ set us free [completely liberating us]; therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery [which you once removed].” Sin is bondage. It is a weight that will keep us from going forward by easily entangling and tripping us up.

But in Christ Jesus, we are free. In Christ, we have the power to overcome sin and temptation. In Christ, we have the victory. We must strip off sin and anything hindering our effectiveness in the race so we can endure and succeed (Hebrews 12.1).

 

3.      Let go of the past

You can’t move forward while looking backward or you’ll remain stuck. Stuck in a mindset. Stuck in guilt. Stuck in regret for your past mistakes. When you look back, it won’t change your past. It will only keep you from moving forward. Philippians 3.13-14 states, “Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Forget your past. Forgive yourself. Fix your eyes forward so you can move forward.

2 Corinthians 5.17 states, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].” In Christ, who you used to be is gone and passed away. Take courage. You are not defined by your past anymore. You are a new creature. You have a new life. All things concerning you are made new because of Christ Jesus. Run your race in the freedom of this truth!

 

4.      Follow the rules

We must be doers of the Word of God to excel in our race.  2 Timothy 2.5 states, “And if anyone competes as an athlete [in competitive games], he is not crowned [with the wreath of victory] unless he competes according to the rules.” The only way to win a game is to know how to play. Likewise, we cannot be ignorant of the instructions and commandments in the Bible if we want to win our race or we will never succeed. We must obey God and His commandments.

Psalm 119.32 states, “I will [not merely walk, but] run the way of Your commandments, when You give me a heart that is willing.” We must know, understand, and rightly apply God's Word to our lives. Once we do, we won’t take tentative steps but run purposefully in our race.

 

5.      Be zealous

When a person walks for the duration of their race, it doesn’t express urgency, passion, or a desire to win. When you run, it communicates love and a zeal for the things of God. Your running is the exclamation point on what you believe! Romans 12.1 states, “Don’t be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” Keep your zeal for God and love Him with all of your heart. We must not be cold or even lukewarm, we must hotly pursue the Lord with all our hearts to attain our eternal prize (Revelations 3.15-16).

 

6.      Have a vision

There must be a vision to stay on the appointed course set before you. Vision sets your eyes above your current circumstances to the destiny God has planned for you. Proverbs 29.17 states, “Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish.” When people have no vision, they die because there is no direction and no revelation from God for their lives.

Psalm 32.8 says, “The Lord says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.'” When you trust God and surrender to His plans and purposes for your life, He will guide you and direct you to the best pathway. Once you allow God to lead and guide you, you can run into your destiny without fear of a misstep. Habakkuk 2.2 states, “Then the Lord answered me and said, ‘Write the vision and engrave it plainly on [clay] tablets so that the one who reads it will run.” You are not aimless or uncertain when you have vision. You are confident in your success because God directs your steps.

7.      Be consistent

Consistency is necessary to endure your race. 1 Corinthians 9.25, “Now every athlete who [goes into training and] competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things.” A runner benefits from the consistency of training, exercising self-control, and buffeting their body to win the race (1 Corinthians 9.27). Likewise, we must exercise spiritual disciplines to endure the race, such as reading the bible daily and praying in the Spirit. We must buffet our body by crucifying our flesh and we must “walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled by and guided by the Spirit]” (Galatians 5.16, 24-25). When we are consistent in our spiritual discipline and training, we can endure the length of the race set before us because we have equipped ourselves to persevere. When we are consistent in our spiritual discipline and training, we are setting ourselves up to win!

Each of these keys is necessary to win the race. Therefore, we must not be neglectful to do what is required of us. Finish strong! Keep the faith! Run to win and you will receive the eternal prize!

[walkswithmyfather]

1 Corinthians 1:18 (AMP). “For the message of the cross is foolishness [absurd and illogical] to those who are perishing and spiritually dead [because they reject it], but to us who are being saved [by God’s grace] it is [the manifestation of] the power of God.”

“The Power of the Cross” By In Touch Ministries:

“Jesus' determination to endure the cross won salvation for every person who wants to know God.”

“The scene of the cross is a paradox. It demonstrates the power of God in what appears to be the weakest moment of His Son’s life. With hands and feet nailed to rough wood, Jesus looked helpless.

Strength isn’t always shown in dramatic ways; at times it’s seen in determined endurance. What power held Jesus on the cross, when all authority in heaven and on earth was His (Matthew 28:18)? Divine love is what kept Him there. With our eternal destiny at stake, He hung on the cross until our salvation was secured.

But the power of the cross didn’t end when Jesus died. His death thrust open the door of salvation to all people—those who accept it by faith are forgiven for every sin and ensured a place in heaven.

Yet even after salvation, the power of the cross continues in believers’ lives. Millions of people have been transformed as a result of the Savior’s victory over sin and death. He sets us free from sinful habits and addictions, empowering us to live victoriously in His righteousness.

Have you let the cross do its work in your life? The Lord does not force its benefits on anyone. Rather, He offers them freely to all who will believe in Him and walk in His ways. With each step of faith that we take, the mighty work of God in us increases.”

[angelique-fireheart]

In Touch Bible Study Notes "Overcoming Inadequacy" 08/12/2024

"At one time or another, we've all dealt with feelings of inadequacy. Maybe it's because we lost our temper with our spouse, missed an important work deadline, or were too afraid to say yes to an opportunity at church. How did you feel afterwards? Maybe you were frustrated with yourself or felt as if you didn't measure up. In today's passage, Paul asks a question that points to this common insecurity. "Who is adequate for these things?" (v. 16)

Here's the good news: We are inadequate--but God isn't. And when we trust Him as our Lord and Savior, we become His children and He gives us His righteousness (John 1:12; 2 Corinthians 5:21) He empowers us and has promised to lead us "in triumph in Christ" (2:14). But unless we believe Him and step out in faith, we'll never experience the life He has planned for us.

Feeling inadequate isn't a sin, but using inadequacy as an excuse is. When God calls us to do something that feels beyond our abilities, we have two choices: We can focus on Christ and proceed in triumph or focus on ourselves and withdraw in defeat. It's really a matter of faith. God will always empower us to do what He asks us to accomplish. This doesn't mean we'll do everything perfectly, but each step of obedience is a victory that He will bless. (Psalm 128:1-2)."

My thoughts on this study are as follows:

It's okay to feel like we aren't enough. We are only human, and as such, we have emotions. But not allowing ourself to be the best we can be because we use that as the above study shows, "as an excuse," that is wrong. God has given us the power to do everything He set in our heart. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus. We are inadequate, but we serve THE God of the Universe. He created everything, and us too. He gave us His Son, His only Son, Jesus, so that we may be able to be saved from our sin. Hell is a very real place, and unless we accept Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, and believe that He lived, died, and rose from the Grave so that He goes on living even today, for our Salvation, then we are just another one among the lost. We also have a given responsibility, and that is to share the Gospel with as many as we can, so they can experience the joy we do, and so they can know Jesus as well. God thought we were enough. He made us and decided to keep us. He loves us so much more than we can ever understand. So we should never think we aren't enough. We are.

Verses read:

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:14-17 KJV

But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made 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 1:12-14 KJV

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, by ye reconciled to God. For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

2nd Corinthians 5:20-21 KJV

Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; That walketh in His ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: Happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.

Psalm 128:1-2 KJV

[taylor-on-your-dash]

AN ANALYS OF WOULD'VE COULD'VE SHOULD'VE THROUGH THE LENS OF RELIGIOUS FAITH

Taylor has written a lot of songs (State of Grace, Holy Ground and False God for example) that reference and/or talk about relationships and love through the lens of religion. Would've Could've Should've is one of them too and we can actually say that the whole song is an extended metaphor.

Let's start with these lyrics:

If I was a child did it matter, if you got to wash your hands?

Here, John Mayer washing his hands can signify two things:

He's refusing to take responsibility. This concept comes from Pontius Pilate symbolically washing his hands of the responsibility of Jesus' crucifixion even though he believed that Jesus was innocent.

He's washing away guilt, like Lady Macbeth washing her hands of Duncan’s blood to try to get rid of the guilt for his murder.

All I used to do was pray / You’re a crisis of my faith

We know that Taylor grew up Christian and still considers herself one, as we know from Miss Americana. She had a Bible on her nightstand, according to a photoshoot she did for People in 2007, and now she's not so sure anymore. She must've been taken comfort in praying, but now she's referring to it using a past tense, meaning she has lost her faith. it was an integral part of her identity and now it's in the past.

The chorus continues the metaphor:

I would've stayed on my knees - this is both a reference to praying and to the universal victory and worship of God: "every knee will bow, and every tongue will swear allegiance” (Isa. 45:23)

And I damn sure never would've danced with the devil at nineteen - mention of the devil, the ultimate enemy of salvation. she danced with the devil, meaning that she feels like she voluntarily engaged in "immoral" behaviour.

And the God's honest truth is that the pain was heaven - here she mentions of God and Heaven, the ultimate goal for a Christian, but she's actually swearing on God that dancing with the devil felt like Heaven, which is quite the contradiction. In fact, the whole chorus is a chiasmus that reinforces the anthesis: knees/heaven and God/devil.

If you never touched me, I would've gone along with the righteous / If you never saved me from boredom, I could've gone on as I was / But, Lord, you made me feel important and then you tried to erase us

Touch is an important part of humanity and in the Christian religion Jesus heals others through the touch of his hands. In this case, Taylor is regretting the touch of the devil and the fact that he woke her up from boredom, leading her astray. We also have an interjection (Lord), which mentions God through a metonymy.

God rest my soul / I miss who I used to be / The tomb won't close / Stained glass windows in my mind / I regret you all the time / I can't let this go / I fight with you in my sleep / The wound won't close / I keep on waiting for a sign / I regret you all the time

In what could be the best bridge of her career, Taylor is praying God to let her soul rest in peace, which is a way to say that who she was before John is dead, but the tomb still won’t close cause she can't find closure. Taylor sees love as her religion but her old self who believed in love with the innocence of a child died because of her relationship with John Mayer.

The stained glass windows is probably the most interesting lyric of the track and it ties to the other religious themes in the song. She says that the tomb is in her mind, meaning that she feels trapped with and because of her memories. Stained glass windows can also represent the ones in Catholic Churches that depict an important scenes from the Bible, as if this relationship was reflected as a stained-glass image in her mind. The glass distorts the light that passes through it, just as her life experiences after that relationship were distorted by it. She went from seeing life through rose-colored glasses to stained glass windows, meaning that her view on love and relationships is being looked at through memories that “stain” any optimism and faith in new relationships.

They also represent an actual memory of hers… because at the time John Mayer lived in a parish converted into an apartment, which had stained glass windows.

The last subject I want to touch is “I regret you all the time”, because I feel like if you look at some of the songs written shortly after Dear John and/or her relationship with John Mayer, for example, Back To December: it is quite mind-blowing to consider how the tumultuous relationship with John Mayer influenced her regretting Taylor Lautner… but that's for another post.

[pogirosary]

“ And the name of the virgin was Mary. " (St. Luke 1:27)

In this simple phrase, St. Luke sums up the greatness of Mary, as epitomized in her holy name. The name of Mary was chosen by the Almighty God for the masterpiece of His creation, the Mother of His Divine Son, and was revealed to Sts. Anne and Joachim, Mary's parents by the Angel Gabriel.

The feast in Honor of Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary originated in Spain and was approved by the Holy See in 1513. Pope Innocent XI extended its observance to the whole Church in 1683 in thanksgiving to our Lady for the victory on September 12, 1683, by John Sobieski, king of Poland, over the Turks, who besieged Vienna.

The Council of Ephesus in 431 taught that the Blessed Virgin Mary was properly called the "Mother of God" or "God-Bearer" (Theotokos). By the sixth century, the angelic greeting in Luke 1:28 was commonly used as a prayer, "Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you!" By the fourteenth century, the second part of the Hail Mary prayer was often used in conjunction, "Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death." In the sixteenth century, the Council of Trent, in its catechism, formally recommended this entire prayer, as we have it today, to the faithful.

St. Louis de Montfort said, "The whole world is filled with her glory, and this is especially true of Christian peoples, who have chosen her as guardian and protectress of kingdoms, provinces, dioceses, and towns. Many cathedrals are consecrated to God in her name. There is no church without an altar dedicated to her, no country or region without at least one of her miraculous images where all kinds of afflictions are cured and all sorts of benefits received. Many are the confraternities and associations honoring her as patron; many are the orders under her name and protection; many are the members of sodalities and religious of all congregations who voice her praises and make known her compassion. There is not a child who does not praise her by lisping a 'Hail Mary.' There is scarcely a sinner, however, hardened, who does not possess some spark of confidence in her. The very devils in hell, while fearing her, show her respect."

Prayer in Honor of the Name of Mary by St. Alphonsus de Ligouri

O great Mother of God and my Mother Mary, it is true that I am unworthy to name thee; but thou, who lovest me and desirest my salvation, must, notwithstanding the impurity of my tongue, grant that I may always invoke thy most holy and powerful name in my aid, for thy name is the succor of the living, and the salvation of the dying. Ah, most pure Mary, most sweet Mary, grant that henceforth thy name may be the breath of my life. O Lady, delay not to help me when I invoke thee, for in all the temptations which assail me, and in all my wants, I will never cease calling upon thee, and repeating again and again, Mary, Mary. Thus it is that I hope to act during my life, and more particularly at death, that after that last struggle, I may eternally praise thy beloved name in heaven, O clement, O pious, O sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.

[forgottenroderick]

The Banners of House Varmont

note: there may be more. the queens would have their own badges, as well, as would the late empress (tho likely that's now what guin is using, i'd think?), and cassandra likely has use of her mom's and/or arthur's with cadency marks, but since she's an imperial princess, and not just a royal princess, roderick would def ok her usage of her own badge, as well, though that's usually reserved for sons, heirs, and titled warriors, it is likely that guin, cassandra, and each of the queens, as well as the late empress, has at least one unit who fights in their honor given that roderick's empire is v much a military operation, so yeah! basically there may be as many as four other varmont insignias out there, but these are the big five! also pls note that i am convinced roderick has given each of his children an obscene number of titltes to bandy abt (tho not so many as he has!) in order to showcase their importance as his children, but we'll say these are perhaps shortened, more casual titles for astaira ;D

The Imperial Arms of His Imperial Majesty, Roderick the First of His Name, by the Grace of the One True God, of the Great and Holy Empire of [Varmont] and Astaira and of His other Realms and Territories One True Emperor, Conquer of the Twelve Kingdoms, Defender of the Faith, and God’s Own Champion

Or (yellow/gold): generosity and elevation of the mind

Gules (red): warrior or martyr; military strength and magnanimity

Pupure (purple): royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice

Phoenix: resurrection

Crown: heaven; victory, sovereignty, empire; success

Crown, naval (composed of masts and rigging): one who first boarded an enemy’s ship; distinguished naval commander/conqueror's crown

The Princely Imperial Arms of Her Imperial Highness, the Princess Imperial, Guinevere, of the House of Varmont

Or (yellow/gold): generosity and elevation of the mind

Argent (silver/white): peace and sincerity

Pupure (purple): royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice

Dove: represents the soul, the spirit of god; peace, purity, chastity

Crown: heaven; victory, sovereignty, empire; success/princely crown

Crown, Naval (composed of masts and rigging): one who first boarded an enemy’s ship; distinguished naval commander

The Princely Imperial Arms of His Imperial Highness, Archduke of [Varmont], Edmund, Prince of the House of Varmont, Lord of [the Riverbend]

Or (yellow/gold): generosity and elevation of the mind

Sable (black): constancy or grief

Argent (silver/white): peace and sincerity

Pupure (purple): royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice

Raven: divine providence; knowledge; durable resistance; bringer of death

Crown: heaven; victory, sovereignty, empire; success

Crown, naval (composed of masts and rigging): one who first boarded an enemy’s ship; distinguished naval commander

Crown, mural (a crown composed of bricks): defender of a fortress, token of civic honour; one who first mounted the breach in the walls of a fortress; power

The Princely Imperial Arms of His Imperial Highness, Archduke of [Varmont], Arthur, Prince of the House of Varmont, Lord of Kil-kennar

Eagle: nobility, strength, bravery, and alertness; magnanimity; or one who is high-spirited, ingenious, quick-witted, and judicious; a person of action and vigor especially where important and high matters are concerned; high intellect and quick comprehension; salvation, redemption, and resurrection

Eagle displayed (wings spread): the above + protection/one who is a protector

Or (yellow or gold): generosity and elevation of the mind

Gules (red): warrior or martyr; military strength and magnanimity

Pupure (purple): royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice

Crown: heaven; victory, sovereignty, empire; success

Crown, naval (composed of masts and rigging): one who first boarded an enemy’s ship; distinguished naval commander the imperial crown of conquest

Crown, mural (a crown composed of bricks): defender of a fortress, token of civic honour; one who first mounted the breach in the walls of a fortress; power

The Princely Arms of His Imperial Highness, Sebastian, Prince of the House of Varmont

Or (yellow/gold): generosity and elevation of the mind

Vert (green): hope, joy, loyalty in love

Pupure (purple): royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice

Falcon: one who does not rest until objective achieved; person of action

Crown: heaven; victory, sovereignty, empire; success

Crown, naval (composed of masts and rigging): one who first boarded an enemy’s ship; distinguished naval commander

Crown, mural (a crown composed of bricks): defender of a fortress, token of civic honour; one who first mounted the breach in the walls of a fortress; power

[coffeeman777]

I’m so afraid I’m not saved. People keep telling me I must be, because an unsaved person wouldn’t care if they were saved or not, but I don’t know. I can’t stop thinking about the part of the Bible where it says ‘many will say Lord, Lord’ and God will say ‘I never knew you, depart from Me’ (paraphrased Matthew 7:22-43).

I know only God can save me. I know that everyone who truly calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. I just keep feeling like… what if I haven’t truly called on God? What if I haven’t really repented? What if I’m just deluding myself into thinking I love God and that I’ve really repented. I know I can’t trust myself, so I can’t know if I’ve really honestly in my heart of hearts turned to God, or if it’s all fake. And I know I’ve seen changes in my life, I’ve turned away from sins that used to hold me captive… can unsaved people do that? I know there must be unsaved people who stop doing things they shouldn’t because of their conscience, aren’t there? And I just keep sinning so much, all the time, and I hate it, and I know I can’t be perfect but my brain tells me I have to be perfect or God won’t love me.

I know it’s wrong and sinful but I keep trying to prove that I love God enough for Him to save me, that I’m trying enough and that I genuinely want to be saved and I’m not faking the desire. I know salvation is through grace alone and it’s sinful to pretend otherwise or to try to save yourself, but that’s what I kind of keep trying to do, or at least, trying to prove I’m worthy to be saved when I know I’m not worthy

I just feel like I have to be able to trust that I’m not faking wanting to be saved before I can believe that God has saved me, but I know that’s wrong. I know there’s nothing in me I can trust. I rarely go to church because I’m afraid, isn’t that a sign against salvation?

I just wanna love God and be saved, but I can’t see how that’s possible for me

Heya.

I understand the fear. But you have to surrender the fear and accept instead what the Word of God says.

As you've noted, salvation is by grace through faith and not of works; no works of righteousness can merit salvation. We must depend completely on the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross.

Second, although unbelievers can of course modify their behavior to an extent, they can't mimic the total effect of the Holy Spirit in their lives. The Holy Spirit breaks the power of sin over us, empowers us to repent and turn to the Lord with our whole hearts, and motivates us towards personal holiness, not because of a desire to become self-righteous, but out of a deep, sincere love for the Lord. And that love for the Lord will manifest in several ways, not just in a deep desire to obey Him and do good works. Our goals will change to conform with God's will, as will our interests. In the life of a truly born-again person, literally all areas will be affected by the Holy Spirit's presence, causing us to, over time, conform more and more to Christ.

As for sinning, well, even after coming to Christ, we all still contend with the fallen nature. Our new natures in Christ are at war with our old fallen natures, and we aren't always victorious in every skirmish. We sometimes give in to temptation or fall to old habits in the heat of the moment. And God gives us all the grace and mercy in those times. Our goal every day is to honor God and avoid sin, and we apply real grace-enabled effort to that end.

What shouldn't be in the life of a real Christian is deliberate, premeditated, purposeful sin. No Christian should ever plan to sin, or embrace sin as part of their lifestyle. That kind of thing is a big red flag. That proves that we don't love God at all, we don't respect Him, we aren't interested in worshipping Him or doing His will.

So, if the sin you're talking about is the first kind, then don't worry, you're in good company. It's very good that you recognize the sin as a problem and that you hate it. Keep fighting it. Change your daily habits to avoid circumstances where you're tempted to sin. Keep reading the Bible and applying what you learn to your life. Keep seeking the Lord in private prayer and worship. And get your butt back in church, no matter how you feel.

However, if the sin you're talking about is the second kind, you need to repent. Confess it to the Lord, reject it, start fighting against it. Fall down on your face and cry out to God for salvation, and don't stop until you know you're in Christ.

Repentance is a change of mind about sin that leads to a change in behavior. Real repentance causes real change in a person's mind and life. If you're heartbroken over sin, and you really hate it and want to be free of it, and you're taking real grace-enabled steps to avoid it and fight against it, your repentance is genuine. If you simply acknowledge that sin is bad but you don't really feel badly about it, and you want to keep the sinful things from your life before Jesus in your life, you want to keep practicing those things and engaging in those behaviors, and you don't really try to avoid temptation, and you don't resist at all, and especially if you defend the sin and embrace it as part of your lifestyle, your repentance is fake.

I hope this helps. I'll keep you in prayer. Be blessed!

[corneliusbella]

A witness to the truth, let my voice resound,

In Jesus, our Savior, salvation is truly found.

In every heart that seeks, in every soul He saves,

Let His love and mercy lead us through life's waves.

[influencingforjohn]

Here are some Bible verses to help you overcome the enemy:

Victory in Jesus

· "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 15:57

· "For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith." - 1 John 5:4

· "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." - 1 John 4:4

Armor of God

· "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." - Ephesians 6:11

· "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place." - Ephesians 6:14

· "And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." - Ephesians 6:17

Authority in Jesus

· "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues." - Mark 16:17

· "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." - Luke 10:19

· "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves." - Colossians 1:13

Resistance and Perseverance

· "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." - James 4:7

· "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." - 1 Peter 5:10

· "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." - Romans 12:21

Remember, overcoming the enemy requires faith, perseverance, and reliance on God's power and authority. May these verses inspire and equip you for spiritual battle!

[pamphletstoinspire]

Consecration to Saint Michael

Saint Michael the Archangel, invincible Prince of the Angelic hosts and glorious protector of the universal Church, I greet thee and praise thee for that splendor with which God has adorned thee so richly. I thank God for the great graces He hast bestowed upon thee, especially to remain faithful when Lucifer and his followers rebelled, and to battle victoriously for the honor of God and the divinity of the Son of Man.

Saint Michael, I consecrate to thee my soul and body. I choose thee as my patron and protector and entrust the salvation of my soul to thy care. Be the guardian of my obligation as a child of God and of the Catholic Church as again I renounce Satan, his works and pomps.

Assist me by thy powerful intercession in the fulfillment of these sacred promises, so that imitating thy courage and loyalty to God, and trusting in thy kind help and protection, I may be victorious over the enemies of my soul and be united with God in Heaven forever. Amen.

[orthodoxadventure]

O holy and great Archangel of God Michael, first among the angels that stand before the inscrutable and transcen­dent Trinity, overseer and guardian of the human race, who with thine armies didst crush the head of the most-proud Morning Star in Heaven and dost ever put to shame his evil and cunning on earth, to thee do we flee with faith and to thee we pray with love;

Be thou an invincible shield and a firm bulwark of the Holy Church and our homeland, pro­tecting them with thy lightning-bearing sword from all ene­mies, both visible and invisible. Be thou a guardian angel, a most wise counselor and helper of Orthodox Christians, of our country, bringing them from the throne of the King of kings enlightenment and power, joy, peace, and consolation. Be thou the chief captain and companion in arms of our Christ-loving armed forces, crowning them with glory and victory over adversaries, that all who oppose us may know that God and His holy angels are with us.

And leave not without thy help and protection, O Archangel of God, also us who glorify thy holy name today; for behold, even though we be great sinners, nevertheless we desire not to perish in our iniquities, but rather to turn to the Lord and be quickened by Him unto good works. Illumine, therefore, our minds with the light of God’s countenance, which con­tinually shineth on thy lightning-like forehead, that we may understand what the good and perfect will of God is con­cerning us, and know all that which we ought to do, and that which we ought to despise and abandon. Strengthen through the Grace of the Lord our weak will and feeble state, that, made firm in the law of the Lord, we may hence­forth cease to be tossed to and fro by earthly thoughts and the lusts of the flesh, enticed away, like senseless children, by the quickly-perishing beauties of this world, foolishly forgetting the eternal and heavenly for the sake of the corruptible and earthly. Above all these things, do thou ask for us from on high a true spirit of repentance, unfeigned sor­row before God and contrition for our sins, that we may spend the number of days that remain to us of this transito­ry life not in gratifying our senses and in slavery to our passions, but in wiping out the evil things we have done by tears of faith and heartfelt contrition, by struggles of purity and holy deeds of mercy. And when the hour of our end and liberation from the bonds of this body of clay draweth nigh, O Archangel of God, leave us not defenseless against the spirits of evil in the upper air, who are accustomed to hinder the ascent of man’s soul on high, that guarded by thee we may attain without hindrance those most glorious dwelling-places of Paradise, where there is neither sorrow, nor sighing, but life everlasting, and be vouchsafed to behold the most radiant countenance of our all-beneficent Lord and Master, fall down with tears at His feet, in joy and compunction shouting aloud: Glory to Thee, our most dear Redeemer, Who, because of Thy great love for us unworthy ones, hast been pleased to send Thine angels in the service of our salvation! Amen.

[newprophets]

The Gift of Grace Understanding Romans 5 and Its Transformative Power

Adam vs. Christ: The Two Adams in Romans 5

In Romans 5:12-21, Paul presents a monumental comparison between Adam and Christ, describing how each man’s actions have affected all of humanity. Through Adam’s disobedience, sin entered the world, and with it, death spread to all. As a result, all of humanity is born into sin and under the reign of death. Adam’s one act of disobedience brought condemnation to all people.

But Paul doesn’t stop there. He introduces Christ as the second Adam, whose act of obedience—His death on the cross—has an even greater impact. While Adam’s disobedience brought sin and death, Christ’s obedience brings righteousness and life. Where sin abounded, grace abounded even more. This means that no matter how deep sin runs, God’s grace runs deeper. Christ’s one act of righteousness brings justification and life to all who believe.

This comparison reveals the monumental nature of Christ’s work. Through Him, we are not only freed from the curse of sin but are also given the gift of eternal life. While Adam’s failure affected all humanity, Christ’s victory opens the door to salvation for all who place their faith in Him.

https://newprophetsgodschosen.blogspot.com/2024/09/the-gift-of-grace-understanding-romans.html

#AdamAndChrist #GraceAbounds #RighteousnessInChrist #Romans5 #RedemptionInChrist #NewLifeInChrist

[catcas22]

If you don’t mind my asking, why did Idril eat a dragon heart if she never interacted with the church?

Was it an instance of cultural memory (stories of warriors doing the same)?

Or did she perhaps merely let the intrusive thoughts win?

By the time of the Second Liurnian War, Godfrey's original warband had dwindled to a paltry few. Some achieved their glory and simply died, welcomed back into the roots of the Erdtree. Some lost their Grace in the grinding campaigns against the Storm Lord and the Dragonbarrow. Others were swallowed up by the Blackflame Rebellion, either drawn to the usurper's banner or consumed by her godslaying flame.

When Lord Radagon made his second excursion into Liurnia, he led an army not of champions, but of volunteers drawn from the ranks of the faithful. While their parents and grandparents remembered a time before Marika's godhood, these had known only the light of the Erdtree.

Though the blessing of Grace was a rarity amongst them, they fought with the fervor of the most devout -- how else could mortal men have been compelled to stand against dragons, against troll knights, against sorcerers wielding the might of the moon and stars?

The First Liurnian War had been a short-lived affair. Lord Radagon had anticipated only piecemeal resistance -- instead he had found the scattered houses of Liurnia united under the banner of a new High Queen.

The Second Liurnian War saw the full might of the Golden Order brought to bear, as the Order sought to break the power of the Moon by sheer force of numbers. Legion upon legion of common foot soldiers marched into the teeth of the Carian counter-offensive, unflinching before the storm of dragon fire and spell-blades. For they had been told that they marched against ultimate evil. They had been told that if they should fail, the Full Moon Witch would set a frost within the roots of the Erdtree and usher in an age of eternal darkness. They had been told that, though they marched over mountains of their own dead, the Greater Will would grant them victory in the end.

Idril was one of these, one spear-carrier amongst tens of thousands. Her grandparents had served Godfrey, but she had known only the Order. After months of miserable battle in the swamps, a Carian dragon descended and burnt Idril's company to the last man.

From amongst the charred and waterlogged wreckage, Idril alone rose again, chosen by Grace just as the champions of old. She died five times more before the sunrise, and upon her sixth revival she finally slew the dragon. Half maddened by grief, exhaustion, and the pain of her grievous burns, she carved open the dragon and devoured its cooling heart. In those days the tales of the Drake Knights were not yet forgotten, and the Golden Order remembered the Dread Communion in its bloodiest form -- a way by which a foe may be utterly broken, and even in death be made to serve the victor's cause.

Idril devoured the heart in hatred and vengeance, but also for the sake of devotion. One sword could not sway the wars of gods and champions. But by taking in the dragon's fire, she might better serve the cause of Gold.

The gift of Grace offered salvation from death, but it promised no sure victory. Idril died dozens of times more as the war dragged on, pierced by spell-blades, drowned in mud, burnt and crushed again and again. Each time Grace raised her up, and she fought on. Each time, the dragon's curse remained.

When the war ended in victory for neither the Moon nor the Erdtree, Idril's curse yet remained. The fire she had fed for the sake of the Order now threatened to consume her, devouring her humanity whole. The curse persisted even as her Grace faded and her faith went with it, even as she and her Tarnished compatriots were hounded from the Lands Between. That which she had taken on for the sake of her devotion now served as a reminder, a gnawing memento of those who had used her and cast her aside.

@blueberrygoopdemon I think this answers your question too :)