Paid in Red - Encouragement Café - April 15, 2016

Paid in Red by Carolyn Dale Newell

Friday, April 15, 2016

Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.

Luke 22:20 NKJV

Growing up, I attended church.  I knew the Bible people and their stories, but I didn’t know Jesus.  Not really.  Not in a saving way.

I knew He had died for my sin, but I had never trusted Him with my life.  I didn’t even know what that meant.

At the proper age, I prayed the prayer along with all the other kids.  We were declared church members.  Making church members from unsaved goats didn’t make me any more saved than baptism did.

The day arrived at age 33, when God revealed to me I was a sinner headed for hell.

On March 24, 1996, I went to church, and during the invitation, I made my way to the altar.  I didn’t know what to do.  My childhood church never had altar call.  I told the preacher I needed salvation, and He directed me to call on God.

You may not remember the date.  Your life is the best record of your salvation.  Do you hate sin?  Do you live for Jesus or for self?

Jesus, God in the flesh, was born of a virgin for one reason.  Not to heal the blind.  Not to feed multitudes, but to pay the sin debt on the cross.  His shed blood washed me clean of sin.   Now when God sees me, He sees Jesus.  His death paid the penalty for my sin, something I could never do.

Friend, have you asked God for forgiveness, turning from your sin?

Perhaps, you have done that, but sin has lulled you away from Him.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness

1 John 1:9 NKJV

We are living in the last days.  Jesus can return at any moment.

When He does, do you have confidence you will go to heaven?

Make sure of that today.  If you are right with Him, share the gospel with someone today.  You don’t have to memorize Scripture.  Just tell them what Jesus has done for you.

Dear God,

I am a sinner. Forgive me for my sins, and help me turn away from them.  Help me live a life for you, serving You, and loving You.  I am a sinner in need of Your cleansing blood.  Come live in me today.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

© 2016 by Carolyn Dale Newell All rights reserved.

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