Tag: #Grace

The Power of Unity: Surround Yourself with Other Believers

Nicole Luallen

Last night, while studying Genesis chapter 19, I came across a significant verse I want to share. The chapter covers the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. I couldn’t help but notice that Lot, who offered his daughters up for abuse, didn’t seem like a righteous man. I wondered why God spared him and his family from the destruction of these wicked cities. Then I found the answer in this verse: “So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham and brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived.” (Genesis 19:29). In chapter 18, Abraham pleaded with God about Sodom, and his main concern was the deliverance of Lot. The prayers of a righteous man are what saved Lot and his family. This verse was enlightening as it highlighted the significance of surrounding oneself with other believers. In this blog post, I will explore why being in the company of fellow followers of Christ is crucial.

Remember that as believers of Jesus Christ, we have all been made righteous through His crucifixion and bloodshed. Although, the lessons behind these old testament stories are still of immeasurable value. With that said, let’s dive in.

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Healthy Comparison

We must acknowledge that not everyone possesses the same anointing. Despite thinking otherwise, this is not the case. Although Abraham was highly anointed, Lot did not match up to him. Following someone who carries a powerful anointing in their life will aid us in following their example and actions. As Proverbs 13:20 states, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” I am not suggesting that we compare ourselves to others and feel inadequate in our faith journey. Nevertheless, there is a healthy way to do so. Observing how other believers live and behave should inspire and motivate us to improve ourselves.

Feed Your Spirit

Jeremiah 3:15 says, “And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Being around other believers will feed your spirit. Having your soul filled with the truth of God’s word and positive confirmations will help you see God’s purpose for your life. It will help you stay on the right path. The Hebrew term for knowledge is based on the verb yada, “to know.” It is understanding with insight. The Hebrew word for “understanding” is tebuna, which denotes intelligence or discernment. And knowledge will continuously pursue the truth.

Prayer and Support

Having a solid support system is crucial. Being around a community of Christ followers will provide immense emotional support. Scripture says, in James 5:16, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” We all know that prayer is a potent tool we believers have. Note the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. You can learn more about the power of prayer in my previous blog: https://nicoleluallen.wordpress.com/2023/05/17/the-power-of-prayer/

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Surrounding yourself with other believers is an essential aspect of the Christian faith and a profound source of strength, growth, and encouragement.

Stay blessed, everyone!
Making a difference in the Kingdom of God, one word at a time.

Unforgiveness and Your Salvation

Nicole Luallen

Let’s talk about Matthew 6: 14-15 “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

I want to bring some clarity to this verse because I have heard it preached on and taught about in a way that, simply put, makes Jesus’ crucifixion in vain. I want to start this out by saying

UNFORGIVNESS WILL NOT TAKE YOUR SALVATION AWAY!!

You know how I know this to be true… because Jesus Christ bore all that unimaginable beating and was crucified on the cross for ALL sins!

But let me back up because I never want anyone to just take my word for it. I will add scripture references. Unforgiveness can be an issue and will cause a hardening of your heart and possibly cause you to miss out on some earthly things God has in store for you. However, unforgiveness will not take your salvation away. When someone accepts the FREE GIFT OF SALVATION through Jesus Christ, all their past, present and future sins (including the sin of unforgiveness) are washed away! Hebrews 10:10 says “Our sins are washed away and we are made clean because Christ gave His own body as a gift to God. He did this once for all time.”

It is very important when reading your bible to keep it in context. My greatest advice on understanding scripture is

#1 Pray for understanding before reading and

#2 Context, Context, Context!!

Yes, Matt. 6: 14-15 was said by Jesus Christ, but to put it in context this was said BEFORE THE CROSS! Jesus was teaching about forgiveness to the Jews, (in this passage to His disciples), who were trying to gain God’s approval through fulfilling the Law. A lot of Jewish people believed that strictly adhering to the Law with their behavior was enough to earn forgiveness from God. But Jesus revealed to them that despite their efforts, they did not measure up. In Romans 3:23 – 24 we learn that we all fall short, but praise God for the redemption of sin that came by Jesus Christ! “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” He was preparing them to receive Him as their Lord after He paid the price for their sins on the cross. Matthew 15:24 “He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”

After the Cross

In Acts 4:12 and 1 John 2:12, we can see a very important difference in what Jesus is speaking to us now AFTER THE CROSS. WE HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN! JESUS HAS ALREADY PAID THE PRICE FOR OUR SINS! We do not forgive others so that God will forgive us. We CANNOT EARN our forgiveness. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works so that no one can boast” Ephesians 2:8-9. Today, we forgive others because we have been forgiven!

PRAISE GOD!!

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R​eferences:

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12

I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.” – 1 John 2:12