Counting Our Blessings
Randall Caselman
10/29/97
Counting Our Blessings
Scripture tells us that God is the author of all blessings.
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Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down
from the Father
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All Spiritual blessings are to be found in Christ.
Let's be reminded of three IN CHRIST blessings.
Forgiveness. Those under the Law of Moses never experienced the total freedom from their sins which we enjoy. They were called to an annual remembrance of their sins.
In Christ we have total forgiveness. God tells us through the Hebrews writer,
Ananias told Saul,
arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Those in Acts two were promised remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, if they would repent and submit to baptism.
But what about after baptism? What if I fail again? God has made provisions for our failures.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. Praise God for continual forgiveness made possible by the blood of the cross.
Assurance of salvation. Too many Christians are living and dying with our fingers crossed. There’s no need for this. Jesus said,
You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. We can know we are saved, heaven bound people.
My little children, I write you these things so that you may know you have eternal life. Some of us doubt our salvation, because we didn’t know we could know. We can!
God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. Do you have the Son? Are you in Christ? Then rejoice always.
His continual power and presence. Scripture tells us that
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in time of trouble... According to His power that is a work within us... Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Life is tough. We need help.
help with temptation:
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
help in our daily walk:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight... God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
help in time of trouble and sickness: Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you... His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness. Is anyone of you in trouble?... PRAY! Is any one of you sick?... PRAY! If any has sinned... PRAY! The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Indeed! Indeed, God is a God of ALL blessings.
Count your many blessings,
Name them one by one;
Count your many blessing,
See what God hath done.
—
RANDALL CASELMAN
