Stocks and Bonds
Welcome, friends, to another week. Yesterday, I wrote a blog that would not flow, which I intended to publish today. It seems when we are not in his will, nothing goes as planned. Therefore this morning, I was thinking about Jeff Bezos's ex-wife and how she has been set up financially for the rest of her life. She does not have to worry about situations most people think about, such as a lack of food, losing her home, or anything she desires. However, money does not last for eternity, nor does it buy salvation. I am not saying it is wrong to be rich; however, it is about which rules the heart- money, stocks, bonds, or Christ.
I thought about the rich young ruler in Luke 18. He followed the ten commandments from a child and most likely could recite them word for word. Jesus, knowing his heart, invited him to sell everything he owned and then give the money to the poor. The conversation upset him because he knew he was not ready to give up his possessions or believe in Christ. The young man was happy to remain under the law of Moses; yet, the law could not save him; however, he did not see himself as lost, nor did he recognize he was a sinner. The law shows our sins; however, salvation gives us hope by washing away our sins.
As we distribute church invites, we see people who remind me of the rich young man. They do not want to give up the lifestyle they have become accustomed to living. Yet, it is not their physical lifestyle; instead, it is the lifestyle of their hearts. They are happy living their lives, yet not realizing when they pass away, nonbelief dooms them for eternity. Therefore, many people do not see the need for Christ. They have become accustomed to their state in life- a life without Christ. God does not ask anyone to give up homes or automobiles; he is asking for a tender heart willing to recognize its state- which is doomed. Living in beautiful surroundings, driving newer model automobiles, and having money and a stock portfolio is nice. However, in the end, none of us can take any of these beautiful possessions with us. They remain here as our bodies go to the ground and our souls go to Heaven (2 Cor 5:8, John 14:2-3 and Romans 6:23) or Hell.
Yes, many sacrifice for the few possessions they acquire. Yet, millions in underdeveloped countries possess nothing except the clothes on their backs, yet they trust God. God does not require anything from us but a willing heart to hear his word and believe in his sacrifice. It is more than giving money to one's favorite charity. As many assume, salvation is not works based- it is heart-based. Anyone can contribute to worthwhile causes. However, what have we gained if the heart does not believe Christ died, was buried, and rose again?
During the Old Testament, salvation was works based. The congregation followed the law- Ten commandments (Deuteronomy 5). Yet, they struggled to keep the law. When they broke them, Moses offered sacrifices to God. Today, Jesus became our sacrifice forever. We no longer sacrifice animals to make atonement for our sins. (Praise the Lord!). Millions of us would not enter Heaven if that were the case. Thank the Lord, our salvation does not hinge on our righteousness but on the righteousness of Christ. However, before we were saved, we were once under the law. As Paul said, the law was the schoolmaster, Galatians 3:24-5:25, to bring us to Christ. However, once we believed in Christ through faith, we were no longer under the law but under grace. Amen! I am grateful for grace and the power God gives us to spread the gospel. Most importantly, he has not given us the spirit of fear. We are no longer afraid of dying or the law. When Jesus died on the cross, he removed both, and we accepted the contract terms.
I hope this blog blesses all who search for Christ or may have never read the Bible. God's love is unmatched and will always continue. He is the ruler of all and offers salvation- (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), no questions asked when belief is from the heart. It is only too late to accept his offer of redemption when a person dies. God gives grace and mercy each day; therefore, each day is another chance to take his gift. I'd love to hear from you. Please email me at mailto:dorothy@savedheartfaith.com or mailto:dburrell38@yahoo.com I hope you have a great week. Please remember to visit YouTube for the shortened companion video to this blog. I appreciate your support.
