The apostle Paul, recorded in Acts 16, told his jailer, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved." That Philippian man and his household had saving faith. They accepted the invitation and joined God's family.

Saving faith has three elements which are knowledge, conviction, and trust. The knowledge component means to believe in Jesus as our Savior, we need to know who He is. We need to know what Jesus accomplished. And finally, we need to know why it was necessary.

Jesus is the Son of God. At the request of God the Father, Jesus set aside His divine rights. Jesus took on human form to live on earth.

Jesus did this to accomplish much for us. Jesus lived a perfect life. This action qualified Him to be our substitute. Jesus stood in our place. He bore God's judgment for our sins. His death on the cross made way for us to be forgiven and experience peace with God.

Several people still question Jesus' death. But, we couldn't save ourselves. Our "good deeds" are scarred by our sin nature. When we accept Christ's remorseful work, we go from being God's enemy to a member of His family.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 2:39 PM CDT

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Motivating our children to pursue the path of godliness isn't always easy, but the rewards are great. It involves several things including commitment to love God with our entire heart. We should teach our children about His loving care.

The path of godliness for our children also involves sacrifice. We should give up those pleasures and habits that interfere with raising godly sons and daughters.

We also need to show our children courage. We need to admit we're wrong and ask for forgiveness when we make mistakes. Our family, who already know our weaknesses, will see Christ's power as we adjust our behavior.

The path of godliness also involves perseverance. We should show our children how to stay the course and not lose heart. It takes time for children to develop godly habits.

Prayer is another important aspect of godly parenting. Pray that your children will grow in understanding the Lord's character, plans, and purposes, and His love. Faithfully practice the spiritual disciplines of prayer and Bible study.

The path of godliness for our children means we must learn to live by faith. We should trust in God and please Him. Recognize our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit.

We should return to the Lord a portion of our children's time, talents, and treasure. And, we should speak to others about Jesus.

Give your children the gift of a godly role model. As they follow in your footsteps, you'll experience the joy of watching them grow in holiness.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 11:05 AM CDT

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God designed fathers to be influential in children's lives. Dads can have a big role in training their sons and daughters in godliness. This is demonstrated through love, support and modeled behavior. Second Peter says Christian fathers have access to all they need for shepherding children.

A father's most powerful influence is his own walk with the Lord. Preschoolers have impressionable minds. These young children will remember seeing us read our Bible. They'll remember us praying on our knees. These young children will remember us worshiping with other believers.

When children are in elementary school, we can talk to them about why we pray and read the Word. They'll notice how we look in the Scriptures for answers to life's problems. They'll see how we receive divine guidance in response to prayer. When they hear us express our confidence that God has a plan for them, their own trust in Him will grow.

As teenagers, they'll watch to see how well our lives match our words. Since we're not perfect, we'll stumble at times. Handling our mistakes in a righteous manner and making necessary changes will speak volumes to them. This will teach them about the Lord's forgiveness and transforming power. And our influence doesn't stop there. It continues even when our children are grown.

God did not plan for fathers to accomplish this alone. Moms, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends all have important roles in teaching and modeling godliness. Working together under the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can watch our children love and serve Jesus with their whole heart.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 11:29 AM CDT

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A fair amount of westerners claim to "know God". They call themselves Christians. But several of them don't believe in Jesus. They don't believe in His assertion. They don't believe Jesus is the Son of God.

A person can't know the Father and be His child unless he or she has received Jesus Christ and entered into a personal relationship with Him.

Jesus is the doorway to salvation. It's not enough to "know God" by simply realizing there's a supreme being. Jesus said without faith in Him, it's impossible to come to the Father.

Since God is holy, He can't tolerate sin in His presence. But all people are sinners. Jesus died in our place to pay our debt. His death bridged the gap between impure man and holy God. Anyone, who receives Jesus' sacrifice for sin, is forgiven. This person is declared righteous. Jesus welcomes this person into fellowship with God.

Jesus is the doorway to discovery. Jesus was the earthly representation of His Father in heaven. Christ's life among men provides the most complete picture we have of God the Father. Through the Son's actions, choices, and teachings, we learn how the

Almighty thinks. We also learn what He desires from His followers.

Jesus said He and His Father are one. Omitting Christ from religious beliefs or practice leaves people with a narrow and inaccurate view of their Creator. We can't know God unless we get to know the Son.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 9:32 AM CDT

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The Lord's Prayer expresses God's fatherhood to His human children. In Jesus' day, calling God "Father" must have seemed like a radical and marvelous concept. The Israelites understood a link between people and a divine being. But Christ's words implied a personal relationship.

Today, adoption into God's family is still an exciting offer for anyone seeking His love and acceptance. How amazing the Holy Creator wants a relationship with us! By receiving Jesus Christ as Savior, a person is welcomed into the Lord's family. This happens even though you can never be as holy or perfect as the heavenly Father.

The bond isn't based on your own abilities, but on God's great love. The wording of the Lord's Prayer guides Christians to develop intimacy in their relationship with God. This prayer develops a connection between father and child.

The relationship Jesus demonstrated directs spiritually, adopted children to share needs, confess sin, and admit weakness. In return, the Father answers prayers. He also makes His presence known during quiet times. God offers comfort and assurance that He is always near.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 3:15 PM CDT

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God wants our relationships to be peaceful. He understands human nature. God knows there'll be people that we can't live in harmony with. Scripture states Christians are responsible to resolve conflict with their fellow man. This doesn't mean pursuing tranquility at any price.

Keeping peace among family, coworkers, or friends sometimes requires going to great lengths. Scripture sets guidelines for frequent forgiveness, godly methods of correction, and right attitudes towards enemies. All of these principles run counter to human nature. The only way to successfully apply them is through the power and grace of Jesus Christ.

Despite our best efforts, peace is not always possible. When our actions are repeatedly rejected, ending the quest may be appropriate. If harmony is possible only by violating Scripture, we must refuse to compromise.

An attitude of "peace, no matter what" can affect who we become. Genuine feelings are repressed. Resentment and hurt get buried for the sake of pretending that all is well. The result will likely be either emotional turmoil or an explosive release of frustration. Neither is healthy or holy. Instead, approach others honestly. Live in true peace as stated in Romans 12:18 "if possible, so far as it depends upon you".

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 3:11 PM CDT

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Scripture calls some believers to be a source of encouragement to others. But, most of us know at least one person who brings us more conflict than comfort. Discord can take many forms. Two personalities may not go well together. Different beliefs can lead to arguments. Words and actions might be misunderstood. But through Jesus Christ, almost any difference can be overcome.

Those who've received Him as Savior have the ability to live a life of peace. Conflict results from living in "the flesh". That's man's natural desire for self-satisfaction by any means.

Believers given the Holy Spirit can act in the Spirit rather than in the flesh. When we give the Lord control, His goodness and grace flow through our life and create harmony. 

To have peace with one another, divine grace must first be expressed through prayer. We make it a habit of lifting up the other person to the Father. Next, we honestly discuss with this person the issue in the relationship. It could involve a past wound, incorrect assumption, or unhealthy thought pattern.

There's only one way to uncover the source of conflict. That way is to be willing to share our concerns and listen to the other point of view. Sometimes it's necessary to get help from a godly counselor to work through this step.

Finally, once the root issue is identified, both parties must cooperate in restoring harmony. They agree to confront new issues as needed. God desires His Children live in peace, but He knows we cannot achieve harmony ourselves. For that reason, He gave us the Holy Spirit.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 9:52 AM CDT

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Temptation's power lies in its deceptive offer of instant pleasure without penalty.

But the truth is sin always has consequences. The nature of sexual immorality is behavior becomes progressively worse. The costs then get higher and higher.

Rebellion against God causes some Christians to experience guilt and anxiety. Sexual sin carries additional consequences beyond the risk of pregnancy and disease. Sexual sin can cause emptiness, loneliness, and damaged self-esteem.

Love should make two people want what's best for each other. The best is always biblical. Sex apart from marriage is in violation of Scripture. Since the Lord cannot be part of it, some believers who give in to this temptation feel isolated from Him. They sense loneliness despite their human relationships. Their self-worth can easily erode.

God created us for intimacy with Him. This can occur only when we're obedient. Some believers caught up in immorality may begin to doubt their salvation. They may wonder if their prayers are heard. What's more, the Lord promises to give people over to their lust if they refuse to return to obedience. In Romans 1:28, the Lord said He may let their conscience be hardened until they lose the capacity to determine right from wrong.

No momentary pleasure is worth this high price. But there is good news. No matter what we've done, Jesus' blood forgives our sins. He welcomes us back into fellowship with Him when we confess and turn away from wrongdoing. We may still have to deal with physical and emotional consequences. But Jesus restores our spirit to purity.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 1:00 PM CDT

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The Lord designed sex as a pleasurable, intimate experience between a husband and wife. Sadly, popular media often corrupt the idea of intimacy. The media recast our God-given desire for physical, emotional, and spiritual connection as a physical necessity.

A prevailing philosophy considers sex a basic need for everyone. People who view life through this lens think abstinence requires more discipline than should be expected of people. They regard remaining pure for marriage as a burden.

If we go past the glamorous illusion of celebrity lifestyles, we find the world's system of casual sex with no commitment is based on lust. Lust is a selfish attitude based on what feels best for me and getting more.

In contrast, when God brings two people together through marriage, sex deepens their bond. He wants to create an intimate relationship of sacrificial love. This love has both parties looking for what is best for each other. This love connects them through mind, body, and spirit. For this to happen, there must be mutual respect, admiration, and a shared commitment to the welfare of a partner and family.

Sex intensifies intimacy when practiced according to God's will. God's will is sex between a married man and woman. Sinful attitudes and behaviors enslave people to selfish desires that achieve only brief satisfaction. Genuine liberty is found in intimacy with our heavenly Father and through Him with others.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 5:11 PM CDT

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It may sound strange, but some people actually get excited about certain times of frustration. They feel restlessness followed by dissatisfaction. They can't identify the cause. Then they know the Lord wants their attention. Once they make the move He desires, frustration will end. They're in sync with His plan for their life.

Frustration is usually considered a negative feeling. But, when God irritates us, His purpose is always good. He sometimes uses spiritual and physical barriers to guide us toward new insights. Pray about these feelings and ask the Lord to reveal His will.

In a culture of busyness, we can easily and foolishly overlook or ignore restlessness. But divinely sent frustration is meant to get our attention. God wants us to ask questions like "What are You saying?" or "Do You want me to be doing or thinking something different?"

As soon as we're willing to deal with whatever the Lord brings to mind, things will change. He reveals what we need to change to receive His insight.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 1:34 PM CDT

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Franklin Graham speaks about God’s permanent standards:

God’s standard is the same yesterday. It’s the same today. And it’s going to be the same standard a million years from now. And the Bible says that breaking God’s laws are a sin. You say, "What do you mean by that?" Well, murder is a sin. You say, "well, Franklin, we agree with you." Well, you know what? There are probably people in this audience today who are guilty of murder. And it’s a sin against God, but I’m here to tell you that God will forgive you. If you’re guilty God will forgive you, and he’ll cleanse you if you’re willing to come to him tonight in faith and receive his Son, Jesus Christ, into your heart, into your life. You see, God loves you.

You will be forgiven, and made new, when you come to Jesus Christ by faith. If you'd like to know more about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, toll free, at 866-JESUS-CARES. Or click billygraham.org.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 2:07 PM CDT

Updated: Saturday, 14 June 2008 2:09 PM CDT

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Many people have seasons of frustration in life. Some feel hindered from achieving goals. The natural reaction is to blame circumstances or individuals instead of ourselves. External forces may trigger unhappiness. Sometimes we make changes to avoid irritation like quitting a job, ending friendships, or moving away. But we can't find genuine peace that way.

When we feel frustrated, we need to investigate the cause. Discontent has three internal roots. One is not being able to accept ourselves as we were created. Our talents, personality, and physical attributes may not be what we desire. But, they're exactly what we need to follow God's will for our life. Dwelling on what we lack or what we would change distracts us from service.

A second internal root for frustration is an unwillingness to deal with our past. We may have painful memories or recall mistakes that brought heartache. We need to admit their impact. Then we can confront any resulting emotional or psychological issues to move on in peace.

The final source of frustration is a refusal to deal with behaviors or attitudes that are outside the Lord's will. Holding on to an ungodly action often makes us try to justify ourselves to our Father and others.

The human solution for frustration by changing external situations will fail every time. The only way to end frustration is by relying on God for the strength to cope with its source.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 11:18 AM CDT

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Jonah was swallowed by a big fish, while trying to run from God. In the creature's belly, he decided to follow the Lord's will. When Jonah was called a second time to preach remorse (repentance) in Nineveh, he obeyed.

The often-overlooked part of this story is what happened after Jonah obeyed. Jonah warned the people across the city of divine wrath. They responded by turning away from wickedness.

The Ninevites' response should have made Jonah happy. But, Jonah grieved over their sorrow. Jonah was upset about God's mercy on them. Nineveh and Israel were longtime enemies. Jonah angrily told the Lord he had fled to Tarshish to avoid this time of forgiveness.

Jonah was displeased because his heart was hard. It was just as hard as when he ran to Tarshish. Trapped inside the fish, Jonah changed his mind about following the Lord's command. He expressed willingness to do whatever God wanted him to do. But, Jonah's heart still desired the Ninevites' destruction. Jonah's bitterness and reluctance showed through in spite of his righteous actions.

God is not fooled by good behavior from a hard heart. Obeying Him with an unwilling spirit may achieve His purpose, but we lose the joy of our reward. Perhaps the Lord has called you to serve Him in a way that is personally challenging. As you commit to following His will, pray also for a soft heart. You will find peace and blessing in doing the work, if you follow Him without hesitation.

Posted by Prophecies Of Revelation at 8:04 PM CDT

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