His Word. While conscience and creation point to the Lord, it usually takes more to bring us to a saving knowledge of Him. That is why God has given us His written Word – and ultimately His Son (Hebrews 1:2-3). With ample evidence of God’s power, character, and salvation, there is no excuse for doubting His existence and love for us.
Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, April 1, 2021.
There are some nonbelievers who think it’s okay to live as they please for awhile before repenting of sin and turning to Christ for salvation. But it’s dangerous to delay. The time to be saved is when you hear the gospel, feel the Spirit’s conviction about sin, and understand that eternal consequences await those who reject the Savior’s free gift.
Visit the Jesus tab if you are interested in finding out more about the free gift that is offered to every person.
Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, August 11, 2019.
Two different Greek words for “gift” emphasize the perfection and inclusiveness of God’s graciousness. The first denotes the act of giving, and the second is the object given. Everything related to divine giving is adequate, complete, and beneficial.
“Father of lights” is an ancient Jewish expression for God as the Creator, with “lights” referring to the sun, moon, and stars.
No variation or shadow of turning. From man’s perspective, the celestial bodies have different phases of movement and rotation, change from day to night, and vary in intensity and shadow. But God does not follow that pattern-He is changeless.
Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for James 1:17.
Nothing else is required to pay for our salvation. It has been completed by Jesus.
To be saved, all we must do is believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for our sins.
If you have questions, there is more about Jesus and our salvation here
Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, May 18, 2020.
It is important for us as believers to understand what happened on the cross, and that it was of supreme significance. Jesus’ crucifixion on a tree is far more than simply the site of a Jewish man’s execution-this was the solution to mankind’s biggest problem: sin and the resulting alienation from God. The crucifixion of Jesus is the divine transaction that saves us. Only the blood of Christ can cleanse us from sin and reconcile us to the Father.
Although the Jews and the Romans viewed the crucifixion as the execution of a criminal, God saw the death of His Son as the perfect atoning sacrifice, which allowed for the justification of sinful mankind.
Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, May 18, 2020.
The freedom Christians have is not a base from which they can sin freely and without consequence. Christian freedom is not for selfish fulfillment, but for serving others.
This does not mean God has abrogated His moral law (Romans 3:21). We are indeed under grace (Romans 6:14), but the Lord also guides and teaches us in the behavior He expects, by giving us His words and Spirit as that guide.
Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Galatians 5:13, Romans 6:14.
This is not to be taken as a universal declaration of peace toward all humanity. Rather, peace with God is a corollary of justification. A better rendering here might be “peace toward men on whom God’s sovereign pleasure rests.” God’s peace is not a reward for those who have good will, but a gracious gift to those who are objects of His good will.
Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Luke 2:14
Jesus, the only Savior, is both the birthday boy and the gift.
If you can, close your eyes and lose yourself in this amazing version of O Holy Night, by John Berry:
-Word- pictures by DLink 