Righteousness

This matters a lot.  Not only are we called to walk in the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, standing secure in His righteousness now, the fact is that we must be righteous to enter heaven.  It is a place that is full of the righteousness of God.  No unrighteousness will possibly dwell there.  The Apostle Peter wrote, “2 Peter 3: 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”


Isaiah 32:17 – “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.”

The Christian & The World

Listen as Pastor Rick teaches about Christ's High Priestly Prayer in John 17.  One of the most beautiful passages in all of Scripture, Christ prayed these words for us as He faced the cross.  There is powerful truth in them.  Listen and be blessed!

A Garden Heart

In the beginning God created man and woman in His image, stamped with His likeness, possessing pure hearts.  They were made perfect without flaw.

Yet, when they chose to sin, they marred forever the perfect creation gifted them by the Creator.  From that day to this, the world has tended to chaos and mankind to decay. 

Many still believe there is no hope of restoration until eternity comes.  But I want to encourage you all.  It is true we cannot restore creation (though we should work to preserve it as best we can).  We cannot restore our bodies (though we should take care of them as God’s temple). 

However, God can restore our souls to the same status they had when created: pure and whole – perfect.  The same sacrifice which Christ made for our justification also provides the means for our sanctification – restoration of a Garden Heart.

This does not mean you will be perfect in every action, but it does mean you may be guided by the Holy Spirit in every motive.  Thus, though cursed with a dying body in a fallen world, we may live with Heaven in our hearts.

          How about you?  Have you met Jesus Christ and surrendered all you are to all He is so you may be all you can be until you reach the gates of Glory?  Do you have a Garden Heart?