Dear brothers and sisters,

Good morning! Today we will look into The Word of God to know if we are saved. That may sound strange to those of you who have been calling yourselves Christians for a long time. Let's just get that settled in our hearts right now.

There are so many who say they are Christians, especially here in America where there are a number of churches available. Even in our small town there is a church every couple of blocks to choose from. Be careful. There will be many in these last days who are deceived.

God's Word makes it perfectly clear who are His. In the early church Peter and John had been talking to the people when they were arrested and put in prison. But many who had heard their message believed on Jesus as the Christ. Their numbers grew to about 5,000 that day.

Well, when the high priest and others asked them by what authority they were healing people and teaching, Peter and John had an answer. Going on down to Acts 4:12 says, "And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved.

Philippians 2:9-11 says, " Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, that in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Great and holy is the name of Jesus! We have this blessed assurance from John 6:37, "All whom My Father gives (entrusts) to Me will come to Me; and the one who comes to Me I will most certainly not cast out [I will never, no never, reject one of them who comes to Me]." We can boldly tell others what we believe and know that Jesus will stand behind us! We may go to prison but as long as we speak of His salvation, there will be many who believe. Don't worry about the number, just keep moving in the direction the Lord leads you. You are saved? Then you are also filled and empowered with the Spirit of God.

In John 11 Jesus is speaking to Martha. Lazarus had died 4 days earlier. She believes in the resurrection that will come but now she will learn more about the Lord. Verse 25-26 says, "Jesus said to her, I am [Myself] the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trust in, and relies on) Me, although he may die, yet he shall live; and whoever continues to live and believes in (has faith in, cleaves to, and relies on Me shall never [actually] die at all. Do you believe this?"

The Resurrection and the Life is something that you don't want to miss out on by trying to walk with the world and sitting in church playing a religious game. Your relationship with the Lord Jesus makes all the difference! Every knee will bow.

Do you want eternal life? John 17:3 tells us, "And this is eternal life; [it means] to know (perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand) You, the only true and real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the] Christ (the Anointed One, the Messiah), Whom You have sent."

Jesus knows His power and authority and was talking to His Father. When we become His children then, we can come before the throne of grace too. Faith in Jesus makes this not just a possibility but a reality to take hold of and bask in.

Are you ready to join the family of God? If this is your first opportunity to step out of darkness into the wonderful, marvelous Light of God's truth then, let's pray right now. This will be the most important Heartstrings entry to date. Your salvation is most important. Will you trust Jesus to be your Lord?

Heavenly Father, thank you for this word today. Thank you for leading us into eternal life. We do lay down our sins, our pride, our selfish desires. They are completely out of our hands and placed at your feet. Thank you Jesus for showing us the Way, the Truth and the Life! We can't fix ourselves but we trust your Holy Spirit to make us new creations. Thank you for your amazing grace! In the matchless, wonderful name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Oh, I am so glad you gathered with us today! If you made this decision to follow Christ will you leave me a comment on the home page? I rejoice with you and keep you in my prayers until we meet in heaven. Love in Christ, your sister, Patricia.

Abundance is...to know that I know I am saved!