The Message

The angels had a message
for the world to hear
but no one with their passage
would listen as they near

What they had to say
had been welcomed by none
 they went on their way
just wanting to have fun

They accepted not a word
as they angels cried aloud
then a single person heard
in there among the crowd

He was struck with awe
when the angels did appear
 wondered why no one saw
what to him was so clear

The three angels took heart
for they only needed one
who would the message start
of the coming of God‘s Son!

Teresa Marie   7/31/11

This Week’s Sermon From The Ranch – Being Redeemed By Jesus

(This Day’s Thought is pleased to feature Eric Elder’s latest series called “Romans: Lessons In Renewing Your Mind”) 

 

Being Redeemed By Jesus

Lesson 8 from
Romans: Lessons In Renewing Your Mind
By Eric Elder
www.theranch.org
 

 

The great evangelist D.L. Moody was once confronted by a woman who said she didn’t like his method of evangelism.  D. L. Moody said, “I don’t particularly like my method either.  What’s yours?”  

 

The woman said, “I don’t have one.”  

 

To which D.L. Moody replied, “Then I like mine better!”

 

There are many methods for sharing your faith, such as “The Four Spiritual Laws” from Campus Crusade, “Steps to Peace with God” from Billy Graham, “The Two Questions” from Evangelism Explosion, or “The Ten Commandments” from the Way of the Master.  As someone has said, sharing your faith is like prayer:  there’s probably only one wrong way to do it, and that’s to not do it at all!

 

Still, I’d like to give you a method of sharing your faith today that I hope will make it easier for you to do it.  It’s called “The Roman Road,” and it begins with a Scripture that’s found in the passage we’re looking at today in the book of Romans, chapter 3.  

 

But before I start, I’d like to remind you that sharing your faith is not about a method, but about a person, Jesus Christ.  Remember that it is not a method that saves people, but Jesus—and He would love to work through you to touch the lives of those around you.  When you remember this, it takes the pressure off of you and your method.  It’s Jesus who will save people!

 

I’d also like to remind you to pray for opportunities to share with others.  Sometimes we don’t share with others because we don’t spend time praying for opportunities to share.  But if you’ll pray for God to open doors for you to share your faith, He’ll open your eyes to those who need to hear His good news today.  Pray for opportunities to share, and trust that God will help you share as He opens up those opportunities up to you!

 

And third, a practical way to get into a spiritual conversation with someone is to ask if you can pray for them, perhaps for their health or a situation in their life where they might need God’s intervention.  As they share with you their need, you can pray for that need specifically, and afterwards share how God may have helped you or someone you know with a similar need.  You can let them know that we can trust God for all of our needs because of what He has already done for us through Jesus.  This can lead naturally into a conversation about the needs we all have in life, and the way that Jesus can meet those needs.

 

Having said that, let’s take a look at “The Roman Road,” a way of walking people through a few passages in the book of Romans, like walking them down a road and pointing out highlights along the way.  

 

While there are many Scriptures that are included in the various versions of “The Roman Road,” I’d like to give you just four to make it as easy as possible for you to remember.  Since we’re in this series on renewing your mind, I think it’s helpful to commit these verses to memory so you can have them at the forefront of your mind, for your own sake, as well as for the sake of those people that God brings your way.

 

The Roman Road starts with Romans, chapter 3, verse 23:

 

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23).

 

We’ve all sinned.  None of us has a perfect moral scorecard.  Unfortunately, sin has consequences.  The consequences of sin are stated clearly in Romans chapter 6, verse 23:

 

“For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23).

 

The wages, or what we’ve earned for our sin, is death.  This is a natural outcome of what happens when we go against God’s will for our lives.  God wants us to have an abundant life, but when we go against His plan for us, we head in the opposite direction of life, and head down a path that leads to death instead.  

 

The good news is that Jesus came to put us back on track, and to save us from the penalty of death, as described in Romans chapter 5, verse 8:

 

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

 

God loves us so much that He doesn’t want us to die, so He made a way for us to be free from sin and free from facing an eternity of death and separation from Him.  When Christ died on the cross, He took our sins upon Him to pay the penalty for us with His own life.

 

Although God makes this offer available freely to anyone, He doesn’t force it on anyone.  He wants us to come to Him of our own free will, confessing with our mouth that ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believing in our heart that God raised Him from the dead.  When we do that, God will save us, as described in Romans 10:9:

 

“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).

 

When you put your faith in Christ, you’ll be saved and given a new life, both here on earth and on into heaven forever.

 

While there are many other passages from the book of Romans that you could use to share God’s good news with people, these four verses make up the core of of the gospel:  addressing the fact that we’ve all sinned, that the penalty for sin is death, and that God loved us so much that He made a way for us to be freed from our sins, by putting our faith in Jesus who gave up His own life on our behalf.

 

While it may sound simple, don’t underestimate what God can do through a few verses from the book of Romans.  

 

It was while reading the book of Romans that a man named Augustine put his faith in Christ, back in 386 A.D.  He was sitting in the garden of a friend, weeping as he thought about the wickedness of his life.  Some children nearby were singing “Tolle, lege.  Tolle, lege.” which means “Take up and read.  Take up and read.”  A scroll of the book of Romans was laying open next to Augustine, so he took it up and read it.  The first verses he saw described the condition of his life—and what to do about it:

 

“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in or…es and drunkenness, not in se…al immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Romans 13:13-14, with letters omitted from some words to get past spam filters!).

 

Augustine put his faith in Christ that day, and became one of the greatest theologians and leaders in the history of the church.

 

It was while reading the book of Romans that a man named Martin Luther put his faith in Christ, about 1,000 years after Saint Augustine.  Luther was an Augustinian monk who was burdened by the weight of trying to do enough good works to get into heaven.  But that burden was finally lifted as he read a verse from the book of Romans.  The verse he read showed him that he wouldn’t be declared righteous by his good works, but by his faith in Christ:

 

“For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith’” (Romans 1:17).

 

Martin Luther put his faith in Christ that day, and went on to lead a reformation that impacted lives all over the world.

 

It was while listening to someone reading Luther’s notes on the book of Romans that John Wesley put his faith in Christ, several hundred years later.  As Wesley listened to those introductory comments about the book of Romans, his heart was “strangely warmed” and he committed his life to Christ entirely.  John Wesley, and his brother Charles, went on to found the Methodist movement, contributing many of the great hymns of the faith that we still sing today.

 

And it was while reading the book of Romans that I put my faith in Christ, too, (not that I’m making any claims to be listed among the greats of the faith like the others I’ve mentioned, but just to say that Paul’s words to the Romans still affect people today, almost 2,000 years after they were written)!  When I heard Romans 3:23 and 6:23, then read Romans 1:18-32 for myself, I realized that I was a sinner and needed a Savior.  Here I am, twenty-four years later, encouraging you to share what I’ve learned about Christ through the book of Romans with others!

 

And these are just a few of the lives that have been touched by a few verses from the book of Romans!  If you’ve been redeemed by Jesus, tell others about it!  And if you haven’t been redeemed by Jesus, then find out for yourself how life-changing it can be by putting your faith in Him today!

 

I’d encourage you to commit to memory these four simple verses from Romans.  They’re great for renewing your mind, and as you keep them at the forefront of your mind, they’ll help you to remember that you’ve been redeemed by Jesus.  They’ll also help you as you talk with others about how they can be redeemed by Jesus, too. 

 

Perhaps you’re reading this today and you’re like Augustine, or Luther, or Wesley, or me, and these verses that I’ve shared from Romans have somehow sparked your thinking and moved your heart in a way that you to want to commit your life to Christ, too.  If so, put your faith in Him today for everything in your life.  Ask Him to forgive you of your sins and invite Him to be your Lord and Savior.  Do what Paul encouraged the Romans to do, and you’ll be saved, too:

 

“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).

 

Will you pray with me?

 

Father, thank You for sending Jesus to redeem us from our sins.  Help us to share that life-changing message with those around us.  Open our eyes today to those who need to hear this message, and open their hearts to be receptive as we share it, so they can put their faith in You as well.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

P.S. I’ve also posted a 25-minute audio version of today’s message online, containing a short worship song led by my son in Australia, and a special explanation of “The Roman Road” by his housemate there on how he has used this method of evangelism with some of the people he’s met around the world.  You can listen to the message at the link below:

http://streams.theranch.org/theromanroad.mp3

 

P.S. We’ve had another 500 people download our new, short eBook this week called “Loving Thoughts.”  It includes quotes from Christians throughout the ages written to help those who are passing from this life to the next and those who love them.  The eBook is free and I’d love for you to get a copy for yourself, whether you need it now or in the future.  Although it’s a short book, don’t let that fool you about the life-changing perspective it can bring to those who are facing death.  It also includes a short gospel message for those who haven’t yet put their faith in Christ, so I encourage you to get a copy for your friends, whether they’re saved or unsaved.  You can also order a copy of this little book in a beautiful paperback edition that we’d be glad to ship to you anywhere in the world for a donation of any size to our ministry.  Your gifts help us to keep creating resources like these, as well as to offset the cost of printing and shipping, so thanks in advance for your gifts!  They really do bear fruit all over the world!  Here are the links to download the free eBook or to request a paperback:

To download the free eBook version, please visit:

http://www.thisdaysthought.org/Downloads.423.0.html

To make a donation and get the paperback, please visit:

http://theranch.org/Get-A-Book.359.0.html

 

Questions for Reflection

1.  Read Romans 3:21-31.  What do you think about Paul’s claim that “all have sinned” in verse 23?  What evidence do you see in your life and the lives of those around you that argue either for or against this claim?

2.  How does Paul say we can be justified in God’s eyes and redeemed from this situation, as stated in verses 24-26?  

3.  What place does boasting have in the life of a Christian, according to verses 27-28?

4.  Why not take some time today to write down the four verses mentioned in this message and commit them to memory as a way to keep them at the forefront of your mind?  The verses are:  Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, and Romans 10:9.  After you’ve memorized them, share these verses with a friend who has already put their faith in Christ as a way to practice what you’ve learned, then pray for God to give you opportunities with someone else who still needs to hear this good news!

 

To read more from this series, Romans: Lessons In Renewing Your Mind, please visit:

http://theranch.org/Renew-Your-Mind.705.0.html

 

To get more inspiring books and music like this, please visit:

http://theranch.org/The-Ranch-Giftshop.286.0.html

 

To find us on Facebook, please visit:

http://facebook.com/theranchmessages

 

To invite Eric to speak to your group of any size, whether by Skype or in person, please visit:

http://theranch.org/Booking-Information.707.0.html

To Be Six Again – Hilarious E-mail From My Brother

 

To Be 6 Again!

 

A man was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching his  wife, who was looking at herself in the mirror. Since her birthday was not far off he asked what she’d like to have for her birthday.

‘I’d like to be six again’ she said still looking in the mirror.

 

On the morning of her Birthday, he arose early, made her a nice big bowl of Lucky Charms, and then took her to Six Flags theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the Screaming Roller Coaster, everything there was.

Five hours later they staggered out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down. He then took her to a McDonald’s where he ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake.

Then it was off to a movie, popcorn, a soda pop, and her favorite  candy, M&M’s. What a fabulous adventure! 

 

Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed exhausted. 

He leaned over his wife with a big smile and lovingly asked, ‘Well Dear, what was it like being six again?’


Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed. 

‘I meant my dress size, you idiot!!!!’

The moral of the story: Even when a man is listening, he is gonna get it wrong. 

SEND
THIS TO ALL THE MEN & WOMEN WHO NEED A
LAUGH.

 

 

The Power Of Love

When the power of love overcomes
in all its total sums

The pursuit and love of power
’twill be our finest hour

When the world will know peace
hatred and war will cease

When the heaven of God‘ll be
on earth for all to see.

Teresa Marie  7/30/11

Measure Your Wealth

Measure your wealth not
on what it can buy
but rather you ought
a different ruler try

For what you have today
will another turn to dust
somewhere along the way
we need to conquer lust

 If you measure the things
that no money could buy
the joy that it brings
can almost make you cry

The friend that’s always there
through the good and bad
who has time to spare
when you are feeling sad

The spouse that loves you
who always takes your hand
and in everything you do
next to you will stand

The child that you adore
no money could ever replace
and you wish for nothing more
than a smile upon their face

If these are the things
which by wealth one measures
the song their heart sings
will be one of simple pleasures.

Since You Came

Since you came
into my life
I’m not the same
and now your wife

My heart does not
simply beat anymore
never to be forgot
it’s you I adore

It sings all because
of you my dear
for there never was
any greater it’s clear

Forever to last
unto heaven above
there’ll be no past
for our endless love!

Teresa Marie  7/29/11

Kiss, Laugh, Love, Forgive

Life is much too short
to be worried over things
or with others to consort
for the treasures money brings

Love will give you bliss
that no money could afford
when a slow, gentle kiss
is more to be adored

To laugh like you’re insane
the best medicine you’ll discover
and for happiness to remain
be playful with your lover

To your love be true
or it’s not love at all
if this you do not do
your heart is very small

You must be quick to forgive
put your anger on a shelf
and done each day you live
that you may heal yourself

Then for the very last
let God be your guide
onto Him your burdens cast
and in His shadow hide!

7/29/11

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Talents

God gives us a talent
not for us to shine
but that it be spent
for His glory Divine

So to them we bring
the Light of heaven above
where forever the angels sing
before the throne of love

All for His glory
do we breathe and live
and tell the greatest story
of the One God did give

Your talents are a gift
that God has given you
that you may then lift
what praises are His due!

Teresa Marie  7/28/11

Memories and Friends

Forever lasts a memory
So build them every day
Tomorrow you will see
They are all that stay

You blink your eyes
The years have flown by
Before you can realise
That your memories won’t die

True friends stay together
Through the thick and thin
Hard times they weather
From when they first begin

And never say goodbye
No matter what the distance
On friends you rely
For all of time’s existence

With you they will go
Into the great unknown
To reap what you sow
The harvest love has grown.

Teresa Marie  7/28/11

57 Cent Church – One Of The Best E-Mails From Mom

A CHILD IS SOMEONE WHO PASSES THROUGH YOUR LIFE AND THEN DISAPPEARS INTO AN ADULT..
 
 
                  ” 57 CENT CHURCH “

A little girl stood near  a small church from which she had been turned  away because it was “too crowded.”  ”I can’t go to  Sunday School,” she sobbed to the pastor as he  walked by.   Seeing her shabby,  unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the  reason and, taking her by the hand, took her  inside and found a place for her in the Sunday school class. The child was so happy that they  found room for her, and she went to bed that  night thinking of the children who have no place  to worship Jesus.  Some two years later,  this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement  buildings Her parents called for the kindhearted  pastor who had befriended their daughter to handle the final arrangements.    As her poor little body  was being moved, a worn and crumpled red purse  was found which seemed to have been rummaged  from some trash dump.  Inside was found 57  cents and a note, scribbled in childish  handwriting, which read: ‘This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go  to Sunday School.’  For two years she had  saved for this offering of love.        When the pastor  tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what  he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked,  red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion.    He challenged his  deacons to get busy and raise enough money for  the larger building.      But the story does not  end there..   A newspaper learned of  the story and published It. It was read by a  wealthy realtor who offered them a parcel of  land worth many thousands.       When told that the  church could not pay so much, he offered to sell  it to the little church for 57 cents.    Church members made  large donations. Checks came from far and wide.   Within five years the little girl’s gift had  increased to $250,000.00–a huge sum for that  time (near the turn of the century). Her  unselfish love had paid large dividends.    When you are in the city  of Philadelphia  , look  up Temple Baptist  Church, with a seating capacity of 3,300. And be sure to visit Temple University, where thousands of students are educated.      Have a look, too, at the  Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday School building which houses  hundreds of beautiful children, built so that no  child in the area will ever need to be left  outside during Sunday school time.    In one of the rooms of  this building may be seen the picture of the  sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so  sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her  kind pastor, Dr. Russell H. Conwell, author of  the book, “Acres of Diamonds”.    This is a true story, which goes to show WHAT GOD CAN DO WITH 57  CENTS.     Please send this back.  (You’ll see why.)    St. Theresa Prayer  (cannot be deleted)  REMEMBER to make a wish  before you read the prayer. That’s all you have  to do. There is nothing attached. This is a  powerful novena.  Just send this to four  people and let me know what happens on the  fourth day..  Do not break this,  please. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we  receive. There is no cost but a lot of reward.    (This is true)   (Did you make a  wish?)  If you don’t make a  wish, it won’t come true. Last Chance to Make a  Wish.  May today there be peace  within..  May you trust your highest power  that you are exactly where you are meant to be.   May you not forget the infinite  possibilities that are born of faith..    May you use those gifts  that you have received, and pass on the love  that has been given to you.  May you be  content knowing you are a child of God.  Let  this presence settle into our bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing and dance. It is  there for each and every one of you.

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