Daily Bible Verses for 5/4/2016
Bible Verse
You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Reading Notes
Only Jesus has the real power to bring change in the lives of so many who were previously without hope. And only Christ can give us what we so desperately lack, which is freedom from the penalty of sin which is eternal separation from God. Jesus replaces hearts focused on the things of this world, with hearts sensitive to the things of God. Hearts which bear the fruits of a life saved from the penalty of sin which is death. As Christians, we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Therefore, our lives after salvation take on a whole new view of the world, along with a new purpose and focus which comes from following Jesus. This is because of the process of “Sanctification.” Sanctification is God’s process of spiritual growth carried out in the hearts of every believer by the Holy Spirit.
Christ Jesus our Lord, has led us from the darkness of sin and sure death to the light of His salvation. With our salvation we have been given a new spirit which is alive to God. Our old spirit which was dead in trespasses and sins, has been crucified with Christ and we are a new creation because of our faith in Jesus. Through faith we experience His love for us, and the joy of knowing we will spend eternity with Him. And as followers of Jesus, we too can share the light so graciously given to us with those still in darkness around us. The light of Christ shines forth every time we bear resemblance to Jesus in our day to day thoughts, actions and deeds. Not only do we shine the light of Christ with our actions. But we also act like salt by preserving what is good and flavoring the Gospel message by our love for others. A love which stems from the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and in our lives. And when we do this those who see and know us, may choose to partake in the saving grace Jesus alone can provide.