Not Ashamed

 2 Tim 1:12
Nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Paul, knowing that his time on earth would be coming to an end, admonished believers to hold fast to their faith. Stand up and not be ashamed of what they believe to be God’s truth and salvation to man. Times have changed, but the message is still the same. Jesus came to save sinners. All of humanity is lost in sin, born with the Sin nature, in need of forgiveness. I had a friend who believed that men are basically good and just needed to be trained and surrounded by a good environment. This thinking is contrary to the teaching of the Bible. Paul writes in the book of Romans that ALL are born sinners and must come to God for salvation. This is the message given to us by Jesus. We need not be ashamed, for the answer is found in Christ. Accepting Jesus as our savior means that we have confessed our sins, turned away in repentance. He is then faithful to save us from being lost for eternity. This truth is sealed in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. As we commit our hearts to Christ, take up our cross and follow Him, He has promised to keep us by His grace and to hold steadfast the commitment we made the day we gave our heart to Him.

Holding Fast- 50 Years

 Revelation 3:11
 Behold, I come quickly; hold fast that which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

It was 50 years ago today that I took hold of a new life in Christ. There have been times in the last 50 years that my hands have trembled, and my grip was not always as tight as it should have been. Saved in a church that held strong against the trappings of the world and adding a few of their own rules and regulations, I have navigated through life asking the Holy Spirit to lead me, on the path of right living. 50 years later, at the age of 65, I still find myself navigating through life, shunning that which is evil and embracing that which is good. Holding fast to that which is clearly given to us in God’s word. Holding fast to Jesus, who is the only way to the Father. Holding fast to the promises of God’s word. Holding fast to my faith and belief that God is a rewarder for those that diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6) My eyes are set on that which is above. I’ve come too far to turn back now. He is the author and finisher of my faith. 
I started this journey as a young teenage boy of 15, and believe that God brought me to a body of believers that desired to live holy lives in this present world. Some were in bondage to their man-made rules, but many sincerely desired to please God in the way they lived. I hold fast to the teaching of a life of holiness. I find it to be a good way to live. I don’t hold fast to rules, but I do hold fast to God’s commandments that help and guide the way I live and the rules I keep. Those who have let go of God’s word will someday fall on their knees to confess that He is Lord of all. The temptation to let go and accept the way of the world and its “woke” ideas will cause the crown of God to fall from our head. We must hold fast to Christ, let our light shine in this dark sinful world, and don’t let anyone or anything take it away.

This Good Thing

2 Tim 1:12, 14-  …am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day…That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

What good thing? The Gospel of Jesus Christ has given us the spirit of love and a sound mind, and power to overcome all fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of death. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit we are able to keep this good thing. This good thing was committed to us in the hopes that we would not be ashamed of the gospel, and speak His word without fear of man. It is the Holy Ghost, the third person of the blessed Trinity that lives within our heart. He was the promise given to us by Jesus. This good thing is kept in our hearts by the power of the Spirit. Let us not grieve His Spirit in our lives by being careless with this pearl of great price. Let us hold fast this good thing.

Hold On To Faith

Heb. 10:23  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised).

The devil is out seeking to destroy our faith in God. Our faith in the blood of Christ to remain clean and pure. We have come into this relationship with Christ through His death on the cross. His blood was shed to remove the guilt of sin. We have been granted access to the holiness of God. Let us not lose sight of the prize before us, His faithfulness to keep his promises to protect us from the darts of the enemy. The journey does not get any easier as we walk with the Lord, we must surround ourselves with likeminded believers, encouraging one another in the faith. Praying for strength in the times of testing. There is strength in numbers as we gather together in our respected places to worship and find solace in God. Let us draw closer to God and closer to the body of believers even more so as we see the end coming.

Hold on to God

Heb. 10:23  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised.

Hold on to the Hand of God. Don’t let go! When doubts and fear surround us, and hope begins to dim, hang on. God has promise not to let go of us if we waver not in our faith. Believe that He is able to take us through our trails and tribulations. During times of testing and discouragement, He wants us to hold on in faith, that which we have seen and heard, that which changed our lives from darkness to light. He who gave His life, shed His blood that we may have newness of life. We need not travel alone, Let us unite together as one, hold each other up in prayer, and encourage one another in the most holy faith.

Hold On

Rev. 3:11 “Behold, I come quickly; hold fast that which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”-

Hold on! It will not be long before the return of Jesus. It is tempting to just give up the fight. Satan knows that his days are numbered and he is doing all he can to cause the faithful to let go of truth and the battle against sin. Holding fast to what God has given in through Christ. Holding on to His love and grace, holding on to what is true and right. We must not give up on those that we have been praying for salvation. We have a crown of righteousness given to us because we have been washed in the cleansing blood of Christ. We must not let the things of this world distract us from serving God and keeping His commandments. It is possible to let go and loose your soul, but through God grace we can hold fast to eternal life and believe God to keep us in the hour of temptation to give up.