Time for Grace – October 29, 2024

Time for Grace – October 29, 2024

Psalm 87:1-3 

The city he founded is on the holy mountains. The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken about you, O City of God.

Dear Heavenly Father,

What is so important about this city that you would love its gates more than all the other dwellings? That City of God is made up of all believers; we enter into it by faith in your Son, and the key to opening those gates is the forgiveness of sins. Your Son is that gate and everyone enters through him. He is also the foundation and cornerstone, your chosen One rejected by many, built in your sacred mountains.

Your will is for all people to live in this holy city with you for all eternity, but no one is forced. So those who trust in the forgiveness Jesus won on the cross will unlock that gate; by trusting in Jesus’ work, we have access to that holy city. Each believer becomes a building block, united with the cornerstone—Jesus. In contrast, those who reject Jesus’ forgiveness remain condemned and locked out. No one needs to stay in that state of condemnation; faith in Jesus gives each person access to your holy city.

It is easy to see why this city is so important to you. You want all of us to be with you, which is why you established your plan of salvation for us. We thank you for not condemning us to suffer for all eternity. So we ask for opportunities to share this good news with others who do not know you. Please send your Holy Spirit to begin faith in them so they will also enter through those gates of glory. Amen.

Written through Pastor Roger Emmons

God wants everyone to be with him, but he forces no one. Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross paid for all your sins so that you would be forgiven and have eternal life with God in his holy city.