Need Some Confidence?

O. T. #2141 "Need Some Confidence?"

March 3, 2022

Summary of Amos

LET IT GLOW

So I went for a walk down my country road yesterday, enjoying the warm weather. What a relief it is after 3 snow storms this year alone. I picked some daffodils for my table. What blessings God sends; we just have to look for them.

John is writing to the church at Ephesus. This 85 year old man uses the phrase "little children" some 5 times in this second chapter. (He also use "abide" some 5 times.)

And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. (1 John 2:28)

Little children refers to a Christian convert; a child; an infant.

Sounds like John wrote to young Christians, maybe new converts to Christianity. What did John want them to do? Abide, remain in Christ. Then when He appears, returns back to earth, they will have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

Confidence means all out-spokenness; frankness; bluntness; assurance.

Dear friend, do you have assurance that you are a child of God? Is your confidence in Jesus Christ today?

If not, then you can have it today. Believe Jesus loves you so much that He died on the cross to take your place for punishment of your sins. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins and be your Savior today. He will. It isn't by works or who we are, but by grace that we are saved from the penalty of our sins. Then you will have confidence and assurance whenever Jesus comes back to get His children or if your death comes first. Then you/we won't be ashamed.

Tony Evans had this to say about this verse:

A Christian can be accepted but not "acceptable." A child who plays in the mud, is accepted by his parents; he is not, however, in an acceptable condition. Live everyday on high alert, looking for Jesus to return, and it will influence how you live.

 

LET IT GROW

As we continue to look back over some outstanding verses found in Amos, join us.

Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of Hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken. (5:14)

But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. (5:24) So we need to be righteous in character and just in conduct. (Wiersbe) A proper heart expresses these in all aspects of life.

Since none is righteous, no not one, except Jesus, we need to be covered in His righteousness. Is it flowing down on you like a stream? 

LET IT GO

We seek You, Jesus, for You are good.

Thank You, Father for Your acceptance and the confidence You give us.

Your love never fail, never gives up, never runs out on me.