THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
A church that had been awhile without a pastor, finally secured a young man. The vote to bring him in as pastor had been argued against by one deacon...he said the man was too young.
Nevertheless, the new pastor came. All seemed to be going well. Then the deacons decided to take him fishing one Saturday. The man who had objected to the new pastor offered to allow him to ride in his boat.
They launched into the lake and motored away from the bank about 100 yards. The new pastor snapped his fingers and said, "Oh! I forgot my tackle box!"
Without another word, he jumped out of the boat and ran across the top of the water to the truck!
The deacon that had objected said, "See! I told you we shouldn't have hired him! He can't even swim!"
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________SCRIPTURE____________________________________________________________________
Phil 4:19
19 But my God shall supply all your need.
KJV
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_______THOUGHT______________________________________________________________________
We have many primary needs in this world: food, water, shelter, clothing, etc. And, I suppose, if one is going to be in a large body of water, he should learn to swim!
God supplies our physical primary needs. That doesn't mean that we just sit around waiting for Him to feed and clothe us. God has plainly said, "..if any would not work, neither should he eat." (2 Thess 3:10) Now, some cannot work because they are physically unable: children, disabled, and elder people. Therefore, God has told us that "labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)
God also supplies our greatest primary need: that of being "accepted" into His presence; that of being "adopted" as His child; that of being secure in His love and provision. This greatest primary need is provided "according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Certainly, we cannot be acceptable to God without Christ. For He Himself stated, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)
Acceptance with God is "in Christ." We cannot merit, or earn it. That acceptance is secured "in Christ," and can only be imputed to us by Him. He came to earth and lived in perfect obedience, making every law subject to Him. Then, He offered His life "a sacrifice" for our sins in order that we might be called "the righteousness of God in Him." (2Cor 5:21)
But being "in Christ" means that all He has done, in perfect righteousness to secure salvation, has been on our behalf!
So then, why isn't EVERYONE saved?
We are surrounded by many bodies of evil and stinking "waters" of sin (Revelation 17:1). But Jesus is the One Who leads us "unto living fountains of waters" (Rev 7:17).
The problem, for many, I'm afraid is they've learned to SWIM in the wrong waters!
Have you jumped into Christ, and learned to swim in His waters of life? Then, know that you are "accepted in the Beloved" (Ephesians 1:6).
Love ya,
Bruce