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...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their sins against them...2 Cor 5:19
...Through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
"I will forgive their iniquity, I will remember their sin no more.” Jer 31:34b
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Jephthah’s Tragic Vow – Ken Barnes
And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord. He said, “If you give me victory over the Ammonites, I will give to the Lord whatever comes out of my house to meet me when I return in triumph. I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.” (Judges 11:30-31 NLT)
Sometimes we can do things to bring about a good result with a bad action. Jephthah made a vow before he had thought it through. Often, we try to give God things he does not want.
Tragically, when Jephthah returned from battle, Mizpah, his daughter, and only child, ran out to meet him. His heart sank (Judges 11:34-35). Zeal for the Lord is good if it has been measured by wisdom. Jephthah spoke before considering the consequences of his words.
Bad methods never bring about good results. The Bible tells us that obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). Surely, compliance does often include some form of sacrifice, but sacrifice is not a prerequisite for obedience. We frequently try to negotiate a deal with God. Jephthah made a proposition, if you give me victory, then I will return the favor. God deals through a covenant relationship, not by contract.
We sacrifice because we already have God’s favor not to obtain it.
Obedience has no contingency clauses that say to God if you will, I will. If we relate to God on a contractual basis, we will always end up giving him things that he does not require. The problem with this strategy is that everything depends on what we do and not what God does. Sacrifice, unless directed by God, is futile. When we give up just to get from God, it always has the opposite effect, as Jephthah found out due to his tragic vow.
Contact Ken and read more from him HERE. |
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WRITE FOR JESUS!
Be a Better Christian Writer Six Month Program The world desperately needs more excellent Christian writers. FaithWriters is offering a plan to dramatically improve your writing for Jesus in six months. Go HERE to learn more. |
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FREE READS FOR REVIEW
Be inspired while you encourage and support new Christian authors. Read great Christian books for FREE in exchange for a brief review.
This is one of over 40 Great Christian books you can read for free in exchange for a simple review on Amazon. New Books come into the program on a regular basis.
Today's featured book in Free Reads for Review.
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The Gift of Self Esteem
Jim Thomson
Jesus taught us to love our neighbor just like we love ourselves. Often, "love ourselves" is the hardest part of that command. Counselor James Thomson shows us how to embrace The Gift of Self Esteem graciously given by God so that we can truly love ourselves as He wants us to do.
Go HERE to see today's book.
Go HERE to learn how Free Reads works.
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Now available in over 100 languages.
Unique Free Gospel tract that you can copy and reprint. This tract is being used in many locations around the world and producing much fruit. Print one out in your own language and then make copies to hand out. |
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Perfect to equip the believer for defending their faith. Ideal to send to a skeptical friend or family member. Great for teens and young adults who have never reviewed the objective evidence for God's existence and identity.
An in-depth study of the factual evidence leads a person to realize how little faith they need to believe, while they gain great faith at the same time.
Free e-book and bulk orders of print copies at our cost for handout HERE.
Recent Email:
"James told me that originally he saw and read this book at the Erie County Holding Center in Buffalo, NY. He told me that the book is amazing and had 6 signatures of men accepting Jesus as their Savior in the back before his." Email message from the spouse of an inmate who asked that 10 copies be sent to her husband in prison so he could share the gospel.
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