Blessed: Poor in Spirit

The Beatitudes is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, perhaps the most famous, most inciteful sermon ever spoken. Jesus lays out the characteristics of a person who follows Him. I have heard it said that the Beatitudes do not describe who Jesus is looking for but the kind of person He wants to make you. The word ‘blessed” does not just mean happiness. Happiness is based on circumstance. It is closer to joy, which is being content regardless, or despite circumstances. But the word blessed is more like having favor from God. It is being fully satisfied. True fulfillment can only be found through a relationship with Jesus Christ (see Romans 5:1-8) and there is nothing greater than that fulfillment. That is the true blessing that Jesus offers each one of us. Let’s take a look at each blessing from the Beatitudes the next few weeks.

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Putting Away the Doubt of Salvation

Many worry if they are really saved or not. They doubt that just believing is enough. John lets us know. Throughout the New Testament God’s Word tells us that we cannot earn our salvation but God through His love, sent Jesus to pay for our sins by dying on the cross. Not only that, but Christ was raised from the dead defeating death and sin. He paid the price. We are saved by grace through our faith by trusting that only through Jesus Christ are we saved. It is a gift of God. In this little series we discussed how we are saved; what happens when we are saved; the assurance and promises God gives to those of us who are saved, and what salvation does not look like. Today we will answer the specific question of how do we know that we are saved.

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Knowing We are Saved: What Salvation Does Not Look Like

Today we are continuing with the question of how do we know we are saved? If you wonder if you are saved or not, the Bible gives us some clear indications. In the previous posts of this series we discussed how a person is saved and what happens when we are saved. One of the first questions to ask yourself is “has there been a change in your life?” If there hasn’t been, go to God and ask Him to reveal those things that are keeping you from Him. Then ask Him to forgive you of your sins and accept the grace He has offered to you. In the previous post, we discussed the assurances and promises God has provided for His children, for those who are followers of Jesus Christ. Now we look at those red flags to watch out for in ourselves. This is not about judging others but looking into ourselves to see if that change from salvation has taken place and to discern any falsehoods that are being taught in this world (which I have written about in the past). So let’s dive in!

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Knowing We are Saved and the Assurances and Promises God Gave Us

God gives us grace. God gives us mercy. The Bible says that He wills that no one would perish but all come to repentance. But He gives us a choice. And with that choice, He gives us assurance. He has promised believers many things and He always keeps His promise. He promises us that all who believe in His Son will have eternal life. He assures us of that. He says He will never leave us or forsake us, and nothing can separate us from His love.

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How We Know That We Are Saved – How and Why It Happens

Ever have doubts about your salvation? Are you really saved? I think we’ve all gone through that at one time or another. But God gives us assurances. The Bible, particularly, tells us how we can know, without a doubt, that we are His children.

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