The Thief on the cross makes us remember that at the time of Jesus' crucifixion, two thieves were crucified beside Him (Luke 23:33-43), and both began their time on the cross by mocking and blaspheming Him (Matthew 27:44; Mark 15:32), as did many of the spectators. One of the thieves responded in faith to the message of salvation and that day Jesus told him that he would be in paradise. The man on the cross on the other side of Jesus never repented.
While in the excruciating torment of the cross, the Son of Man had the heart, mind and will to pray for others. It is to be noted that while in agony himself, the one thief heard the Spirit of God call him to repentance and acceptance of the forgiveness God was just about to provide through the death of Christ. (Luke 5:31-32, 12:8-10)
What we learn from the saved thief on the cross is that we are all sinners in need of a Savior, and NO MATTER the number of our sins and not matter if we, or the world, think our sins are minor or extreme, it is NEVER too late to repent and accept the free gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9, Revelation 22:17). Moreover, as long as someone still has a mind and the will to choose life over death (Hebrews 9:27) , it is not too late to proclaim the gospel.
Spend time learning about and becoming acquainted with Jesus is the first step. Then, "Forget the former things: do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! - Isaiah 43:18
Additionally, repenting and accepting God's free gift of salvation are paramount. Some guidelines are to:
This means to be like Jesus.
Walk like Him, Talk like Him, Think like Him. We become disciples by demonstrating Him not describing Him.
This is a process. Step by step, day by day.
God reminds us not to go into the day without being prepared and equipped for battle. He tells us to take up His full armor in order to stand against the enemy's schemes. Each piece has a specific purpose and is designed for our protection and covering. Just as a soldier would not go to battle unprepared, we also should be fully ready for the attacks we will face .Ephesians 6:13-18
There are forces, both angelic and demonic that are actively working around us.
You don't see them, but they are there.
Job is a perfect example of a spiritual conflict that was manifested in the physical form. The Bible gives us a clear look at what was happening concerning Job's life in the spiritual realm. Job 1:6-22
Elisha is another example of "unseen forces". In 2 Kings 6: the Bible describes how God provides an army of angels leading horses and chariots of fire to protect Elisha and his servant. God opens the servant's eyes so that he can see the angelic army surrounding them.
Let no one be found among you who consigns a son or daughter to the fire, or who is a soothsayer, a diviner, a sorcerer, one who casts spells, or one who consults ghosts or familiar spirits, or one who inquires of the dead. including witches, sorcerers, and those who consult the dead. Deuteronomy 18:10-11
The reason: these forces are evil.
Avoid tempting situations.
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation". 1 Corinthians 10:13
"Resist the devil and he will flee from you" . James 4:7
"Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new". 2 Corinthians 5:17
"Forget the former things: do not dwell in the past. See; I am doing a new thing!"Isaiah 43:18
While traveling from Galilee to Jerusalem, Jesus healed ten lepers who were desperate to be healed. Jesus' love, power and mercy healed the ten. Only one of those who were healed returned to give thanks to Jesus. One out of ten ! In the account of the thankful leper,Jesus is clearly upset at the unthankfulness of the nine lepers who didn't return . Luke17:11-19
Forgiving others means a deliberate letting go of resentment and giving up any claim to be compensated for the hurt or loss we have suffered whether they actually deserve your forgiveness or not.
Scripture tells us: "Forgive others their trespasses, and your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Luke 17:3-4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying "I repent", you must forgive them."
Forgiveness is NOT:
forgetting
denying
reconciliation
questioning God's justice (It is allowing God to execute His justice in His time and in His way.)
excusing wrong
explaining away the hurt
stuffing your anger
Study and know the scriptures
His Word shows us how to live.
"Thy Word is light to my feet" Psalms 119:105
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12
Tell others about God's love.
No, we cannot earn our way to salvation. Salvation is a gift of God that comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works.
I am the vine, ye are the branches,...without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5
Ephesians 2:8-9 states "For by GRACE YOU ARE SAVED through FAITH in Christ Jesus, and NOT by your own efforts or works, lest any man should boast.
We are all sinners and deserve to die. Jesus came to forgive our sins and save us IF we accept Him and His gift. This is the good news, the gospel! (1st angel)
If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
We are justified by His blood. (1 John 1:7)
For there is only ONE intercessor/mediator between God and men, Jesus Christ.
(1 Timothy 2:5)
Jesus said: I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John14:6)
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