The Bible Says . . .



IT’S ALL RIGHT TO REASON -- IF WE REASON WITH GOD

by Charlie Grier
Western Itasca Review


(Isaiah 1:18-20)

      “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.”

    I SIGNED AN ETERNAL CONTRACT
      And I decided to put it into writing

      God didn’t need this legal document as much as I did. He has a good memory (Amos 8:6). He always keeps His promises (Malachi 3:6). And He already knows whether or not I will keep my end of the agreement, for He knows my heart (John 2:25).

      With me it is different. I don’t know my own heart (Jeremiah 17:9); and have a tendency to forget (Isaiah 2:22), but He gives me faith to believe (Phil. 1:29).


    This Is The Agreement
     
   I confessed my past sins     (I John 1:9).
   God cleansed me from all sin     (I John 1:9).
   I repented and was baptized    (Acts 2:38).
   God gave me His Holy Spirit    (Acts 2:38).
   I confessed Christ as my Savior    (Matt. 10:32).
   Christ confessed me before God    (MT. 10:32).
   I was dead in trespass and sin    (Ephesians 2:1).
   He gave life, with a lifetime warrantee    (John 4:14).
   I gave thanks to His Name     (Hebrews 13:15).
   He wrote my name in heaven    (Revelation 21:27).
   I separated myself from the world     (2 Cor.7:17).
   He became my Heavenly Father    (2 Cor. 7:8).
   I took time to think it over    (Isaiah 1:18).
   And I decided I was getting a bargain!     (Isaiah. 1:18)


    The agreement is conditional
     
   If I confess Him before men
      Christ will confess me before God
   (Matt. 10:32).
      (Matt. 10:32).
   If I deny Him before men
      Christ will deny me before God
    (Matt. 10:33).
      (Matt. 10:33).
   If I put Him first God is pleased
      If I don’t put Him first God is not
   (Matt. 10:37).
      (Matt. 10:37).
   If I carry my cross God is pleased
      If I refuse I lose God's blessing
   (Matt.10:38)
      (Matt. 10:38).
   If I spare my life I will lose it
      If I die a martyr I will be rewarded
   (Matt. 10:39).
      (Matt. 10:39).
   If I pray in faith, God will hear me
      If I waver God will not answer
    (James 1:5).
      (James 1:6).
   If I am ready I will go with Christ
      If not ready, I will be left behind
   (Matt. 25:10).
      (Matt. 25:11-13).


    Are you looking for a bargain?
     
   Salvation is not cheap
      But it is free to all who come
   (I Cor. 15:3).
      (Revelation 22:17).
   God doesn't show favoritism
      All may come
   (John 6:37).
      (Matt. 11:28,29).
   It is based on God's love
      It will determine our eternal destiny
   (John 3:16).
      (John 3:17,18).



    Acts 13:39
      “And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses”
      The windows of heaven are open,
The blessings are falling today!
There’s joy! Joy! Joy! In my heart
For Jesus has come in to stay!
I gave up my old tattered garments
He gave me a robe of pure white!
I’m feasting on Manna from heaven --
For Jesus makes everything right!1



    Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith having our hearts (cleansed) from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water . . . not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching” (Hebrews. 10:22 and 25).



DON’T STAY AWAY FROM CHURCH BECAUSE —
     
  • YOU ARE POOR -- there is no admission charge.
  • BECAUSE IT RAINS -- you go to work in the rain.
  • BECAUSE IT IS HOT -- it’s hot in your house too.
  • BECAUSE IT IS COLD -- it is always warm and friendly at church.
  • BECAUSE NO ONE INVITED YOU -- people go to the movies without an Invitation.
  • BECAUSE WE HAVE AN EMOTIONAL RELIGION -- how about the ball games?
  • BECAUSE YOU HAVE VERY SMALL CHILDREN -- what if you no longer had them?
  • YOU DON’T LIKE THE PREACHER -- remember he’s human like you.
  • YOUR JOB MAKES YOU SO TIRED -- you could lose your job.
  • THERE ARE HYPOCRITES -- you associate with them daily - you should be accustomed to them.
  • YOU HAVE COMPANY -- they will admire your loyalty if you invite them along.
  • YOUR CLOTHES ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH -- church is not a fashion show.
  • CHURCH STANDARDS ARE TOO HIGH -- just take a look at the BIBLE standards!
  • YOU HAVE PLENTY OF TIME YET -- are you sure?



        I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God!
    I’ve been washed in the fountain -- Cleansed by His blood;
    Joint-heirs with Jesus, as we traverse this sod.
    I’m a part of he family -- the family of God!    2

    •         ____________________________________________________________________________________

            1  Old song.  For more information:  marvine@charliegrier.com
       
            2. Family of God.  For more information:  marvine@charliegrier.com