Posted in Nicaragua by Katie Ballard on 4/1/2012
Why don’t I just set my alarm for 3am every night? …
Often on the WR, God wakes me up early in morning to talk about things that matter, things that He plans to do, or even just to sweep me away in His Love. Today,
He awakens my soul to Eternity. Today, He awakens my soul to Reality.
This is a typical night at La Quinta Esperanza, one of Casa Mateo’s many orphanages in Jinotepe, Nicaragua. I woke up around 4:30am and the wind seemed to be sprinting through the courtyard of the orphanage, the only sound to be heard was the banging and crashing of mangos as they tumble onto the tin roof of the kitchen. Although there’s not a soul in sight, it occurs to me that I am not alone. During the weeknights a watchman sleeps soundly on the front porch with a shotgun slung across his chest and a Bible resting under his chair, but it was Sunday & our protection was nowhere in sight. The empty rocking chairs are rocking themselves; the dogs are scrapping for bones or hides of anything they can hunt down, and the rooster faithfully crows every hour, on the hour, for an hour. BTW, who came up with the rumor that the rooster crows only when the sun comes up??? Yeah right!
Believe it or not I was actually comforted by these sounds, not that a mango or a dog or a rooster would help me in the case that a thief try to break into our orphanage and rape me. Terrible thought? Terrible thing to say?
It happens all the time here. The children at this orphanage are ALL victims of sexual sin such as perversion, molestation, pornography, homosexual abuse, and rape.
Mostly, children are abused by their own family members; in fact, the majority of young Nicaraguan girls have been “passed around” to every male member of her family, even daughters as young as the age of three or four. Adolescent males learn that they are the superior sex, and (specifically Nicaraguan) females are considered “basura” in the eyes of Central America.
Nicaraguan children live a typical lifestyle as victims of sexual sin, either they have been abused because of the wickedness in mankind’s (sinful) nature and/or the wickedness of the evil one. Certainly, Father has a special place in His heart for daughters & sons that are victims, orphans, and/or widows (James 1:27, Psalm 34:18). According to our Pastor and the local government, statistics are worsening in Nicaragua, possibly due to the ratio of females to males (70/30).
Nicaragua contends with Haiti for the ‘poorest country in the western hemisphere’ and the corruption within the government doesn’t add any relief for orphans, missionaries, or ministries within the borders. There is a high demand for ‘control’ within the heart of the government (of people and businesses);
Typically, the government is known for its persecution of the Church & its opposition towards Ministries/Missionaries in Nicaragua.
For example, the government demands that children must be sent “home to their families” after spending the day at an orphanage, unless the orphanage offers full time preparatory education.
There's more than one problem with this law: not only do the children return to the barrios where they find alcohol, drugs, and prostitution on every street corner, they also become probable victims/members of the gangs that run the streets of Nicaragua. In the past, many children spent the day with Casa Mateo Ministries but were forced to return to their families who didn’t want them and could not afford to meet the bare necessities of life.
In Jinotepe and Diriamba, our main ministry location with Casa Mateo, children are forced to watch and perform many kinds of pornography within the household; many of them are raped, many teens become pregnant, most children are given drugs and alcohol, and most are ‘borrowed’ or sold into prostitution.
Success stories...
by the MERCY and LOVE of our Abba, Father...
These are the typical friends a World Racer may make in Nicaragua
Everyday…
I wrestle with twin boys, both named Gustavo, who are products of rape & sexual abuse. “Chelae” acts as an older brother to (his twin) “Chico-tin” because “Tin” was born with a disability which is not yet diagnosed; but, officially, I have met "living JOY" in a childs body- his name is Gustavo Chic-Tin.
Tin is non-verbal, & his lack of balance & coordination causes him to fall at least 120 times a day (average of 10 times an hour)... with a permanent smile-laugh on his face. Their (single) mom lives at the orphanage & is responsible for feeding every mouth at the Casa Mateo orphanage.
Everyday…
I also give a 9 year-old girl named Amy reading homework in the Word of God; she has read all of 1 John, most of regular John, at least half of Romans & is seeking quiet time with me daily for more Bread. Amy is an orphan who was left on the street to die because she was “worthless, another Mouth to feed” in the eyes of her own mother, who gave birth to Amy after she was raped one night the poorest barrios in Nicaragua. Amy is in full-time school learning English & desires to be a “Profesora de Ingles en Los Estados Unidos un dia.”
Everyday…
I disciple in Love 10 year-old boy named Sámi, who came to be in this world because his grandfather molested, raped, & impregnated his own mentally retarded daughter when she was just 16 years old. True Story. As early as age 3, Sámi spent many days with his grandfather watching & performing homosexual pornography. Sámi has learning disabilities, such as speech impediments, stuttering, & attention deficit disorder. Sámi also experiences problems with violence, bullying, anger, rage, emotional outbursts, & possible turrets syndrome. His sister Flor used to live at Casa Mateo, but she returned to the streets because she is hooked on sex, alcohol, & street drugs; pray for God’s Mercy upon her life!
Today…
I met a boy named Frankie who is 28 years old & is dying of alcoholism; Frankie has been addicted to alcohol for 20 years. Frankie cannot speak, he weighs about 70 pounds, he is in a comatose state of mind, not able to eat or drink or move from a bed. Doctors say that there is nothing they can do to help him because he is dying from alcohol withdrawal and sickness. A Team of World Racers spent the afternoon with Frankie & his family; we are praying for Mercy, Life, Resurrection, Light, Salvation, Freedom, & God’s Healing Touch; we are praying for a milagro, for Power to bring him back to life.
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Posted in Identity 2012 by Katie Ballard on 3/29/2012
Q: What is the World Race all about?
A: Gospel Community
The first thing that I learned in El Salvador concerning the World Race (WR) was how to genuinely REPENT. I have humbly repented for “being wrong” and “assuming the worst” about pretty much everything on the World Race, including: WR teammates, WR squad leaders, WR authorities, WR purpose, WR vision, WR Training Camp, and WR Launch in January 2012. WR Training Camp ended in October and I spent many days wasting precious time worrying, doubting, complaining, assuming, accusing, questioning, slandering, and disagreeing with what I thought the “World Race community lifestyle” would entail. I didn’t know what a Mission Trip was supposed to be like; I didn’t know what the WR was supposed to be like; I didn’t know what my life would look like as a World Racer.
It only took a day in El Salvador to realize my need for: repentance.
It only took a month in Honduras to realize that BEAUTY is: Loving God’s people.
It only took a JEsus-Squad to bring: healing, hope, & joy to my heart as we serve & worship the Head, which is Christ, alongside the Body, which are His children.
At WR Training Camp, there were…
Some things I didn’t understand
Some things that I didn’t agree with
Some things I had never experienced
Some things I had never believed could happen
Some things I had never encountered before
Some things I had never learned before
Some things I had never considered before
Some things I had never seen or heard or asked before…
And, I repeat, that I humbly REPENT!
Let me cheerfully tell you…
That this World Race is ALL ABOUT JESUS CHRIST.
That this World Race is LED BY CHRIST-FOLLWING-AUTHORITIES.
That this World Race is THE BRIDE OF CHRIST SERVING THE LOST.
That this World Race is MAKING DISCIPLES IN EVERY NATION.
Before E-squad launched in January 2012, I spent almost 8 weeks with my Pastor discussing dreams, visions, strengths, weaknesses, fears and concerns for the Year; we also focused the final counseling sessions on studying “Gospel Community” and “The Bride of Christ.” The Question became…
What will my walk look like if I am able to walk in Gospel Community with the Bride of Christ in 2012? What kinds of fruit will my life produce if I am able to live in Grace, Faith, and Love in 2012? What Glory do you want from my life Lord?
I have come to realize that the World Race authorities have created an environment for God to work in these very things in my journey on the World Race. At Training Camp I discovered that World Racers use different terms, words, phrases, or sayings for many of the SAME things, ideas, and meanings for Living in Christian Community. For example…
WR uses words like: The American Church uses words like:
“Preference” “Bless, Serve, First choice, Consider”
“Feedback” “Fellowship, Advise, Accountability ”
“Honor” “Respect, Submit to, Admire, Worth”
“Called to greatness” “Purpose, Sanctify, Refine”
“Identity” “Christian, Disciple, Saved”
“Daughter of the King” “Inheritance, Bride, Child of God”
“Prophetic gifting” “Preach, Word, Truth, Vision, Spirit”
“Speak life” “Edify, Encourage, Build up, Enlighten”
“Words have weight” “Prayer, Authority, Power, Transform”
“People need to hear your story” “Testify, Witness, Evangelism, Gospel”
And…
God uses words like:
(Acts20:35) It is more blessed it is to give… (Phil2:3) In humility consider others…
(Prov24:26) An honest answer is like a kiss… (Prov27:17) As iron sharpens iron…
(Mt22:38) Greatest two commandments… (1Cor13:13) Greatest of these is Love…
(Rom12:10) Honor one another above yourselves… (Lk 9:48) The least is greatest…
(1Thes4:7) Called to live a Holy life… (1Peter1:16) Be Holy, for “I am Holy”…
(John17:17) Called to be sanctified by Truth… (Lev20:7) Consecrate yourselves…
(2Corinth5:20) We are Christ’s ambassadors… (Gal6:15) the New Creation counts…
(Gal3:26) Sons of God… (1John5:2) Born of God... (Col3) My life is hidden in Christ…
(Heb10:24) Spur on others in Love & Deeds… (Prov18:21) Tongue has power of…
(1Jn5:10-11) Testimony of Eternity in heart… (1Cor2) Spirit testifies of Truth…
(Romans 1:16) Not ashamed of Gospel… (Eph6:19) Proclaim the Gospel as I should…
and on
and on
and on…
with the Sword…
God has changed me. God is moving mightily in my heart regarding my love for & need for the Bride of Christ, my love for & need for (WR) Authority, my love for & need for Grace for peoples/cultures that are different than my own. God is using the WR to teach me about living in this kind of Grace-giving, Gospel Community with His Beloved. JOHN 17, in Grace I now LOVE loving the Bride of Christ.
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Posted in Identity 2012 by Katie Ballard on 3/22/2012
My Journal is now My Blog
And
My Blog is now My Journal
Dear America, Dear Home!
I have been praying about blogging during my travels in Central America and thus far I have made time to Journal rather than blog or use the website from AIM. Recently, God has been speaking to me about blogging and journaling and I believe God is calling me to actually substitute my “journaling time” … making that time available to Blog on the World Race website. This means that readers will truly get a glimpse of a day in the life of Katie Ballard as a World Racer! I am eager and hesitant at the same time about this, about transferring thoughts of my heart from pen/paper to the computer/internet for all to see and hear and read. Some thoughts and ideas and stories will not be pleasant for the flesh to hear, and other things told will certainly grieve the Spirit of God living in your hearts. I pray that you will prepare your hearts and mind before reading each blog so that you may receive what God has for you to receive in reviewing the life-style we have been living in 2012.
Thank you for praying for my life, thank you for praying for Team Abide15:5 and the WR E-squad as we travel Central America this Spring. We have spent time in El Salvador, Honduras, and we are currently half way through our Mission in Nicaragua. Our next continent will be Asia, beginning with Thailand then Cambodia and lastly Malaysia. After Asia, we will spend three months in Africa, including the countries of Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. The final countries we will visit this year are Nepal and India; as of the first week of December 2012 I will be retuning to America for the first time this year.
I want to thank every person who has sown into the World Race ministry this year, ultimately you have sown into the Kingdom that never fades nor perishes! Thank you for trusting that God has called me to the World Race, to serve Him across the globe as I walk with Him in Spirit and in Truth. I have grown more on the World Race than in any other season of my Christian walk, thus far. I have been able to hear VERY clearly the voice of the Lord and for the first time in my life I am easily, by Grace, walking and living a LIFE OF FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE. Truly, I am learning to believe on the one whom He sent (John 6:29) and live on Bread alone (John 4:34).
By God’s grace
I AM LOVING EVERY MINUTE of GOSPEL COMMUNITY!
I LOVE THE BRIDE OF CHRIST!
I am praying for every reader and every supporter, for every member of God’s family that has put their hope and trust and faith in Jesus Christ; believe me when I tell you that YOUR PRAYERS ARE BEING ANSWERED. I have seen children and adults lives’ CHANGED because God has called and sent the World Racers to Central America. I have seen Ministries be encouraged, be refreshed, and BE CHANGED by young men and women on WR E-Squad this year; I have prayed for miracles, I have waited for miracles, and I have seen miracles ANSWERED.
I am a living miracle, for example…
How did God ever decide to save me?
How did God ever manage to do something important or impactful with my life?
I will tell you how…
Through the Mighty Power of Jesus Christ, the One and only True God and Savior.
I am learning that God really can do all things
I am learning that God really does listen when we pray by faith
I am learning that Faith pleases our Father
I am learning that anyone who doesn’t know Jesus is LOST
I am learning that community is the most beautiful thing in Fathers eyes
I am learning that the Gospel is the single most important message on my lips
I am learning to listen
I am learning to follow
I am learning obedience
I am learning that ALL authority is set up by God and for my good
I am learning holiness unto the Lord is Gods plan for my life
I am learning that marriage is ordained by God and is a delight
I am learning how to pray
I am learning when to speak
I am learning His voice
I am learning True Love waits
I am learning that God never rejects me
I am learning True Hope lasts
I am learning God is always with me
I am learning to Believe
I am learning that I LOVE the Law of the Lord my God,
that all of His ways are Holy and Good and Perfect and Delightful over my life.
Thank you supporters for financial and prayer support.
I am thankful that God has called you to “send” this year
I could not have been “called” to Missions on World Race without you
Praying in the Name of Jesus for everyone of you
Please begin and continue to read my blogging in the next 9months of travel with Christ. I believe God will use my words to build your faith, teach you prayer, and display the Glory of the Lord as Light conquers darkness in the world, until the Day.
Amen y Amen (Central American style “Amen”)
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Posted in El Salvador #1 by Katie Ballard on 1/28/2012
This Blog is a quick encouragement for Three groups of people in God's Kingdom:
1) The World Racers/Leaders on C, D, & E squads that launched in January 2012
2) The Friends & Family in the States that are praying for WR'ers on the Field
3) The World Racers/Leaders that will be launching in July/September 2012
 Key Words...
ENDURE
PERSEVERE
BE STRONG
TAKE HEART
ASK!
LISTEN!
SEEK!
LEARN
GROW
PRAY
READ
SPEAK
TRUST
OBEY
WAIT
BELIEVE
Dear World Racers & Leaders JANUARY 2012...
C SQUAD - D SQUAD - E SQUAD
I am writing to you IN LOVE to remind you that you are CALLED by God to:
Endure-persevere, be strong-take heart, ask-seek-knock-find, learn-grow, pray-read, speak-listen, trust-obey, wait-believe IN THE ONE TRUE LIVING GOD OF THE UNIVERSE.
You committed to serving the Kingdom of God when you said "YES" to Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior; God has called you, equipped you, empowered you, and blessed you with an opportunity of a lifetime in 2012
What life has God called us to live as World Racers in 2012?
What should our Christian walk look like everyday in 2012?
What kind of Son or Daughter has God called us to become in 2012?
How will we glorify God and fulfill His purpose(s) in 2012?
How will we adjust to Cultures, Language Barriers, & Foreign Lifestyle in 2012?
Why would God call us to spend time with Him away from the USA in 2012?
These are some thoughts, concerns, anxieties, and rhetorical questions that might be running through a WR'ers head & heart on a daily basis, so We are asking that Father would lead USA PRAYER TEAMS to be praying daily for C-D-E squads during our first month on the Field. These are some things that F-G-H (July Squads 2012) and I-J-K-L (September Squads 2012) ought to consider in prayer for one another pre-launch!
Truth? Gods purposes didn't change for us in 2012...
What are God's purposes for all World Racers, All Americans, and All people on earth?
1) TO WALK THROUGH A DAY WITH HIM IN relationship & friendship.
2) TO SEE GOD AS HE TRUELY IS SO THAT WE MIGHT worship Him as He desires to be worshiped.
3) TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD & He will draw near to you to sanctify you in Word, Spirit, Truth.
4) THE RIGHTEOUS WILL walk by faith in His Sovereignty, Faithfulness, Gospel, Truth, Hope, & Love.
5) TO WITNESS/BELIEVE & pray for God's will to be done ON EARTH as it is in heaven.
6) TO LIVE FOR CHRIST IN BRINGING Him Glory & Honor & Praise & Thanksgiving.
A COMMON WR CHALLANGE SEEMS TO BE THE LANGUAGE BARRIER...
For those of you that don't speak the Native language of a Nation, be patient & focus on prayer...
God is speaking in the stillness, God is speaking in the smiles of children.
God is speaking through creation, both visible & invisible qualities are revealed in creation.
God is speaking through tears of the oppressed, God is moving in the hearts of the hopeless.
God is speaking of things in the Americas, God is speaking of things in the Bride.
God is speaking about the past, the present, & certainly He is speaking about what is to come.
It is true that we are changed (sanctified) when we see God for who He truly is, that we're changed when we come to know Him & learn His heart for matters of the Kingdom...
PRAYER: Does NOT know language barriers
LOVE: Does NOT know language barriers
Kindness: Does NOT know language barriers
HOPE: Does NOT know language barriers
JOY: DOES NOT KNOW LANGUAGE BARRIERS
THANKSGIVING: Does NOT know language barriers
Freedom: Does NOT know language barriers
JUSTICE: Does NOT know language barriers
grace: Does NOT know language barriers
Good News: DOES NOT KNOW LANGUAGE BARRIERS
Do you live in the USA? Are you without permanent residency?
Did you launch last week with AIM? Are you preparing for launch in 2012?
Are you a Mom? Are you a daughter? Are you a pastor? Are you a teacher?
Are you ALIVE?
Might I encourage you ALL to waste your day away in PRAYER with God, coming into agreement with His will on earth, connecting with His heart, growing in the image of His Son, serving & loving the Bride of Christ, & walking in friendship with your Maker...
As long as Today is Today,Worship the Lord your God & serve Him only, Amen.
ENCOURAGEMENT:
1 Peter 4 Living for God, Suffering for being a Christian
Jeremiah 1 The Call of Jeremiah
2 Thessalonians 2 Stand Firm
Psalm 117
John 15 The Vine & the Branches
James 1 Trials & Temptations, Listening & Doing
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Posted in Identity 2012 by Katie Ballard on 9/14/2011
Am I really being called to the Mission Field??
Am I really being called to the World Race in 2012??
Am I sure that I'm even qualified to go??
During the Summer of 2011 God would not allow these thoughts to escape my mind...
My youngest sister (Racer Annee Ballard) came back from Training Camp in 2011 and was excited to share her experience from training camp, her heart for the mission field, and the wonderful new friends she had made at Camp. Just by hearing her testify about the Work of the Lord at camp, i was PUMPED to see God's will unfold in the lives of the Racers in 2011-2012. So I began praying for her life, the WR, and Missions 2012. The first night she arrived in STL, she had exciting news to share with ME: God had given her a vision for MY LIFE during the Training Camp...
I prayed about what we talked about. I knew that God was calling me to missions over seas and I knew that it was perfect timing. I had complete peace about applying, and I had joy in my acceptance. I praise God for choosing me and allowing me to serve Him in the Race.
Where you go, Lord... I will go. Where you go, Father... I will follow.
BUT...
Why would God call ME to go?
Why would God call ME to preach the gospel?
Why would any organization want ME to join their team?
Why would any Mission Team accept ME without a Jesus-Resume?
ANYWAY...
"I am just a baby Christian," I thought
"I am not a seminary student, I for sure don't have a Jesus degree"- I thought
"I am a sinner in need of a Savior each day" - I thought
"I am not experienced in mission work at all" - I thought
Little did I know what God had been planning to work in me...
I hung up the phone from my WR interview with a girl named Ali (Racer Alumni 2010)
and I found myself crying in a pile of laundry on my floor until noon... I kept hearing
"Katie, you are SO...NOT...BROKEN..."
"Katie, there is SO MUCH MORE that I want you to see about Me..."
"Katie, you MUST DECREASE so that I can truly increase..."
"Katie, SURRENDER this year to Me... Just let me break you completely..."
"Katie, this life is NOT ABOUT YOU... it is about Me..."
Exhausted, I crawled into my comforter and the Lord spoke to me with two Scriptures hanging on my ceiling above my bed: Micah 6:8 and Psalm 15
"And what does the Lord require of you: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. And who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? One whose walk is blameless and righteous, one who speaks truth from the heart and doesn't slander his neighbor, one who honors those who fear the Lord; one who keeps an oath even when it hurts, who lends money and doesnt accept bribes or abuse the innocent..."
This is the one who never be shaken...
I thought in my heart...
I'D LOVE TO BE THIS
I'D LOVE TO LIVE MY LIFE LIKE THIS
I'D LOVE TO PROMISE GOD THAT I CAN AND WILL DO THESE THINGS
BUT, I knew there was NO WAY I was going to promise all these 'righteous things' to my Father; Suddenly I knew that there was no way that I could do this on my own.
In that moment, God softly spoke peace over me-
"This is my perfect will for you, Katie... you're finally walking into something that you'll HAVE TO rely on me for, 100%. This is what I am calling you to, Katie. This is where I want you to learn and grow and REMAIN all of your days, RELYING ON ME100%."
The Truth I am learning is this:
Did you know that life is NOT about me?
Did you know that life if NOT about my lack of a "Jesus-resume/experience?"
Did you know this Race is NOT about skills or abilities or talents or gifts?
Did you know that 2012 is not about me, and not about you either???
The entire year of 2012 belongs to God. 2012 is about the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords! His Name is Jesus, He saves completely and He lives to intercede for His beloved. He is the Author of the year 2012, He is the Perfecter of every World Racer's life... He is the Savior of mankind. I am learning to trust His voice, I am learning to rely on His comfort when I obey His leading and guiding. I am learning that He is ALWAYS Perfect when He prompts me to speak or listen or touch or see or pray or walk or stay or obey or help or hope or love...
I am learning that His Way is the best way every time.
I am learning to walk in righteousness.
I am learning to walk by faith.
I am growing in the desire to please my Friend, my Lord.
I praise God for obedience like this in Believers, because it is exactly what God used to bring me intot the WR family/Kingdom in 2012!
All glory, praise and honor be to Him who is Mighty to Save!
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Posted in Identity 2012 by Katie Ballard on 8/31/2011
"Who do you say that I am?"-asked Jesus.
Matthew 16:13
My Name is Katie Ballard and I am a New Creation in Christ Jesus!
About 5 years ago, God revealed Himself to me while I was reading 1 Peter chapter 1, as it is written "Be Holy, for I am Holy." I had not read the Bible since I was a child, but I had always believed that what was written was the Truth. How could anyone "Be Holy?" How could anyone "Be Perfect?" How could God demand the impossible?
There was nothing "Holy" about Katie Ballard.. I knew it, everyone knew it. I knew there was a God because I had been a church-goer all my (adolescent) life, but I didn't KNOW GOD. While I was reading the Word, God confronted me about sin and folly in my life: I had not been living for God's purposes, I had been living in continual sin the majority of my adulthood, and Jesus was certainly not the Lord of my life. I couldn't imagine how God was going to turn my life around, I didn't know what He would be able to do with the mess I had made of the life He had given me.. But I asked Him anyway.
I asked Him to forgive me and cleanse me from sin, to give me a new heart that wanted to live according to God's ways, God's purposes, and for God's glory. I fell asleep in my tears that night, only to wake up a NEW CREATION the next morning. In an instant I was changed forever, being grafted into an eternal covenant with my Maker as I found myself entering true fellowship with my Father; the best thing that ever happened to me!
All glory, honor, and praise be to the God who saves us in His great mercy. Jesus Reigns!
JESUS IS GOD...
GOD IS LOVE1John 4:8 ...
The MOST AMAZING THING ABOUT GOD IS: that even though we are sinners God loves us!
When I started reading the Bible, I found the Truth about God: that He was and is Holy, Perfect, Sinless, Good, Faithful, and Righteous. I also found the Truth about myself: that I was not Holy, not perfect, not sinless, not good, not faithful, and not righteous. Most importantly, I found Good News that changed my life and brought me everlasting hope:
That God still loved me even though I was a sinner, and that Jesus paid the price for all my sins. The Good News for you? This is also God's Truth for every single person that has ever been born!
The book of John and 1John are great books of the Bible to read about God's love for us. John 3:16 tells the Truth about God, "That God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This is one of the most popular Scriptures quoted by people and it is the ABSOLUTE TRUTH.
1John2:1-2 "But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father on our defense- Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for our sins but also for the sins of the whole world."
1John3:16 "This is how we know what love is: that Jesus Christ laid down his own life for us."
1John 4:9-10 "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love, not that we love God, but that He loved us first and sent His son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."
JESUS CHRIST IS GOD'S LOVE IN ACTION!
Our God loves us SO MUCH and desires to be with us SO DEEPLY that He sent Jesus into the world as a Holy sacrifice for all the sins of all the sinners in all the whole world! Because God requires a HOLY sacrifice for the punishment of sin, God knew that human beings would not be able to save themselves; for there is no one righteous and no one who is able to keep the whole law! So, God added to His divinity HUMANITY, and He came in the flesh as Jesus Christ (John 1:1-18)
(Emmanuel, "God with us").
All GLORY, THANKS, PRAISE, AND HONOR BE TO GOD FOR HIS LOVING KINDNESS, DEMONSTRATED ON THE CROSS!
**In the understanding of God's law: that because of my own sin I was destined to be separated from God and doomed to be punished for all my sins... and
**In view of God's mercy: BUT BECAUSE JESUS gave His life as an atoning sacrifice for my sin... I will live
**MY WHOLE LIFE in surrender, devotion to, allegiance to, and trusting in God's ways and God's plans and God's truth and God's purposes for my life.
THIS IS MY TESTIMONY, TO THE POWER OF
GOD'S GRACE & LOVE & FORGIVENESS in Christ Jesus!
"But what about you?" Jesus asked.
"Who do YOU say that I am?"- Matthew 16:15
This the question that ALL PEOPLE will answer, for it is written:
"God exalted Him to the highest place and gave him the Name that is above every other name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD," to the glory of the Father (Philippians 2).
It is just a matter of time for you, like it was for me... like it is for every person on earth..
but the question is: WHEN will be your time? Will you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus is God before you take your last breath on earth, or after you have taken your last breath on earth? Either way, you WILL confess that Jesus is God, Savior, and Lord... I PRAY THAT IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR ALREADY, THAT YOU WOULD HUMBLY BELIEVE IN HIS SACRIFICE, THAT YOU WOULD ASK HIM INTO YOUR HEART AND THAT YOU WOULD ASK HIM TO FORGIVE YOU FOR SIN!
Anyone who does not repent will die in their sin (John 3:17)
Anyone who does not have a Savior will die in their sin (Hebrews 7:26)
Anyone who does not believe that Jesus is God will die in their sin (John 8)
Anyone who is not born again of God's Spirit will die in their sin (John 3:3-5)
No one is sinless, everyone must repent (Romans 3:23)
No one can take away their own sin (Ephesians 2:8)
No one can be their own savior (Romans 5:6-8)
N one can know God unless they are born of His Spirit (1 Corinthians 2)
Jesus Christ IS THE MESSIAH that came into the world to save sinners from their sin. He is the Savior, He is the Redeemer. Jesus is the Holy (Perfect) sacrifice that God requires in order that sin might be removed from the sinner! Believing that Jesus died on the cross to pay for OUR sins, asking Jesus to give us a NEW HEART, and surrendering our life to God is the only way to: "Be made Holy" and spend eternity with Him forever...
GOD LOVES YOU, AND WILL CLEANSE YOU IF YOU ASK HIM
Receive Jesus Today as your Savior!
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