GOD’S WORD FOR  NOVEMBER 26

Our  book excerpt today, and ongoing,  is from “Chiseled by the Master’s Hand”  Lessons from the Life of Peter, by Erwin  Lutzer.  Dr. Lutzer is  Canadian-born and served as Senior Pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years, until his retirement in 2016.   He now serves as Pastor Emeritus of Moody Church.  He’s written many books and has radio and internet teaching programs.

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TRUTH MUST BE ACCEPTED OR REJECTED

To the baker, He is the Bread of Life.

To the banker, He is the Hidden Treasure,

To the florist, He is the Lily of the Valley,

To the astronomer, He is the Bright and Morning Star

To the therapist, He is the Wonderful Counselor

To the builder, He is the Chief Cornerstone.

To the philosopher, He is the Wisdom of God.

To the scientist, He is the Creator.

To the sinner, He is the Lamb of God.

To the politician, He is the King of Kings.

(See Scriptures for these at the end)

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To whom shall we go?  There are no other options. 

“You have the words of eternal life.  And we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68).

There was one disciple who did not agree with Peter.  He went somewhere else.  He refused to see Christ as “the Holy One of God.”  Judas decided that he would turn to himself; he chose to make decisions based on what appeared to be his immediate, selfish needs.  Though he listened to Peter’s moving response, he only hardened his heart once again.  Thus Christ responded to Peter’s confession with these frightening words:  “Did I myself not choose you, the Twelve, and yet one of you is the devil?”  (John 6:70).

Before Judas rejected what he heard, he should have made certain he could find someone else to take Christ’s place.  There is none other, of course.  Hence Judas, was eternally lost.  We don’t know all the reasons why Christ chose Judas,  but doubtless Christ wanted to demonstrate that EVEN THOSE WHO APPEAR TO SERVE WITH THE HIGHEST HONOR MAY HAVE AN APOSTATE HEART.

Here was a man whose apostasy was concealed, but within time it would be revealed.

Judas was lost forever because he refused to accept Christ as his personal sin-bearer.  For if one does not come to the Son of God, there is none other.

Peter knew that we all must go somewhere.  We are not able to take away our own sin;  we cannot bring ourselves to God.

Let us come quickly to Christ.  There is NOWHERE ELSE TO GO.

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John 6:35

And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

Matthew 13:44

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Song of Solomon 2:1

I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.

Revelation 22:16

I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Ephesians 2:20

having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,

Luke 2:40

And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

John 1:3

All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

John 1:29

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Revelation 19:16

And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

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