"Alive in Christ Pt 5 - Friday March 6, 2026

“Alive in Christ” Pt 5:

We can have all our sins forgiven and become a born-again Christian in an instant but living the Christian life and  will take a lifetime. We are not called to be better than anyone else, God wants to help us become the very best version of ourselves. At salvation, we become a new creation – not physically, but spiritually. From that moment on, God goes to work transforming our lives. That’s His part of the process, but we also must fulfill our part.

 

The first step is admitting we can’t do this alone and need help. When Jesus ascended into Heaven after his resurrection, he told the disciples his Father would send them a “Helper.” This “Helper” is the Holy Spirit. When totally surrendered to the Lord, the Holy Spirit renews our mind (we think differently), gives us wisdom, guidance, strength, and courage to do “right things.” What does this look like?

 

Romans 12:21 is a powerful biblical instruction from the Apostle Paul, telling believers, “Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.” This means one should not retaliate with negativity but conquer wrongdoing and hate with love, kindness, patience, and forgiveness. Breaking cycles of bad behavior reflect God’s character.

 

A true follower of Christ treats others as they themselves want to be treated. They counter hate with love, injustice with kindness, and anger with patience. As a committed follower of Jesus, we must understand life transformation is a process and doesn’t happen overnight. It takes daily commitment and discipline to do the right things because that’s what Jesus would do. We learn what’s right and what’s wrong by reading the Bible.

 

God, the Bible, church, and Christianity are under attack today. Words coming out of our mouths are meaningless today. People can’t dispute your love for God if you truly love them (see John 13:34-35). If you are serious about becoming “Alive in Christ” read Ephesians 13:34-35; I John 4:20-21; Ephesians 4:29-32, and Galatians 5:16-26. These verses explain the things we are to get rid of and what we should and will do as the Lord literally transforms our lives. What areas of your life need attention?

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

"Alive in Christ" Pt 4 - Thursday March 5, 2026

“Alive in Christ” Pt 4:

We can’t become a Christian on our own or live a Christian life without the power of Christ abiding within us. This doesn’t mean we can’t be a nice person and be respectful of others. There are a few things some people don’t understand or refuse to learn. One is that there’s a requirement for anyone and everyone that wants to go to Heaven when they pass from this world.

 

We come into this world at birth with a sin nature. This is proven over and over by the actions of a baby that’s gets angry or as they get a little older throw temper tantrums when not getting their way. Who taught them how to act this way? It comes naturally. Some people have calm dispositions and rarely get angry or make life difficult for others. Regardless of how good or how bad a person may be, the Bible says, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

 

The requirement of Heaven is asking Jesus Christ to forgive us of our sins and receiving him into our heart. Jesus is Lord, and he is the One who sacrificed his life and died in your place for all the sins you and I have ever committed. Jesus said, “I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except by me” (John 14:6). Going to Heaven requires our sins be forgiven and Christ is the only One who can forgive and give us a new life.

 

The Bible says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things pass away and all things become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Repenting of sin is called, “Salvation.” They are “saved” from hell and have heaven to look forward too. A new Christian is a new (spiritually) born baby that needs care and nourishment.

 

Receiving a new life in Christ makes one think differently (read Romans 12:1-2). When we think differently, we begin to act differently. Our sins are forgiven at salvation, but God doesn’t want us to remain a spiritual infant. He wants us to pursue a holy life and live as Jesus lives. Living like Jesus is following his example in everything we do. Tomorrow this series will close with some basic principles that when put forth develops into a lifestyle resembling the life of Jesus.

 

Pastor Carnes

"Alive in Christ" Pt 3 - Wednesday March 4, 2026

“Alive in Christ” Pt 3:

An extremely high percentage of people say they are going to heaven when they die. Some base their thoughts on being a good person, doing good deeds, or if God really is a loving God, he’d never send anyone to hell. There are also individuals who are confused or simply ignore the difference between being religious and Born-again.

 

The truth is that a price must and will be paid for sin. The Bible teaches God gave His one and only Son to die on a cross paying the debt for the sins of all who acknowledge and repent of their sins. This means the price for everything you’ve ever done wrong has been paid in full by the death of Jesus who knew no sin but died for yours.

 

Being religious may look good and sound good, but the Born-again believer has the Spirit of the living God abiding within their heart helping them learn and obey the teachings of Jesus causing them to live a lifestyle resembling the life of Christ. This doesn’t mean they are perfect, but repentance brings the forgiveness of Christ which is necessary (not optional) to become a follower (Born-again Christian) of Jesus. Salvation brings new life.

 

Our Lord said to Nicodemus, “Unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3 NLT). He told the disciples before being crucified, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NLT).

 

Romans 3:23 says “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 6:23 explains both, the punishment and remedy for sin – “The wages of sin is death (eternal separation from God and punishment), but the GIFT (salvation) of God is eternal life (Heaven).

 

In Romans 3:19 -22 the Apostle Paul teaches, “Now we know a righteousness from God, apart from the law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God COMES THROUGH FAITH in Jesus Christ TO ALL WHO BELIEVE. There is no difference, they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption (sacrificial death) that came by Jesus Christ” (v 24).

 

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. If you do not have a personal relationship with Him, you are spiritually lost. Today can be your salvation say. Would you like to ask Jesus to forgive you of all sin? If you confess with a repentant heart, He promises to forgive you (I John 1:9). That’s repentance. If you pray this prayer, reply to this email and let me know about it. (Tomorrow we’ll share what a life in Christ looks like).

 

Pastor Carnes

"Alive in Christ" Pt 2 - Tuesday March 3, 2026

“Alive in Christ” Pt 2:

After the universe, earth, animals, and fish were created, God created the human race. The Bible says that we are created in God’s own image. God patterned humans after himself; male and female he created them” (Gen. 1:25-26). Being created in the image of God I believe includes a physical body complete with a mind, emotions and will.

 

At birth, we were also given the privilege of choosing the path we wanted to follow in life. We can love and follow God or follow false gods and the desires of our own ways. Eternity awaits each decision. Accepting Christ as Savior assures us of Heaven, rejecting him results in eternal damnation. But we do have a choice.

 

Many have said, I’ve tried to follow God and his commands, but it’s too difficult. People make resolutions, promises, turn over new leaf’s’, and read self-help books. The truth is, your best efforts aren’t good enough, because you can’t live a Christian life by yourself. Following Jesus is more than keeping the commandments, praying, reading your Bible, attending church, paying your tithe, and being a good person.

 

The story of the Rich young ruler must be important because it’s told in Matthew 19, Mark 10, and Luke 18. He had wealth, was a moral leader who asks Jesus how to gain eternal life. Although he was doing right things, he could not follow Jesus’s command to sell his possessions and give to the poor. Let’s be clear – there’s nothing wrong with having possessions – UNLESS – possessions have you! Which was the case with this young man.

 

In John 3 we read of another very good, moral individual who had earned respect from most everyone. He was a scholar and teacher of the Law. His name was Nicodemus and he actually believed in God. In a private meeting Jesus told this “Good” man, “Unless you be born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God” (v 3 NLT).

 

What does it mean to be “Born again?” Some folks “think” they are a Christian but worry that they are not. Maybe you’re wondering, “How can I know for sure I’m going to Heaven?” Watch for tomorrow’s devotional.

 

Pastor Carnes

"Alive in Christ" Pt 1 - Monday March 2, 2026

“Alive in Christ” Pt 1:

At creation, humans were made in the image of God. The New Living Translation Bible explains it like this; “Then God said, ‘Let us make people in our image, to be like ourselves (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). They will be masters over all life – the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the livestock, wild animals, and small animals.’ So, God created people in his own image; patterned after himself; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:26-27).

 

Because we are patterned or made in the image of God and understand He is all knowing, it shouldn’t be too difficult to grasp that’s why He knows everything about us. We were physically made as He is – arms, legs, body, eyes, ears, head, and brain. We are emotional beings – we can be happy, sad, laugh, cry, love and be loved. All these things are the characteristics of God and we were made like Him (in his image).

 

God knows when we are hurt physically, mentally, emotionally, or relationally. He knows when we’re lonely, afraid, discouraged, or depressed. He’s aware of all of these things because during his life on earth, Jesus experienced every one of these particular descriptions of life. Some of his family members didn’t believe in him until after his resurrection. He was mocked, betrayed, beaten, and mourned over the loss of a good friend. He wept over the sins of Jerusalem and mourned the passing of a good friend. Jesus understands our pain.

 

Hebrews tells us, “That is why we have a High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it” (4:14-16).

 

Read the words of a John W. Peterson song:  1) No one understands like Jesus - He’s a friend beyond compare - Meet Him at the throne of mercy - He is waiting for you there 2) No one understands like Jesus – Ev’ry woe He sees and feels – Tenderly He whispers comfort – And the broken heart He heals – (Chorus) No one understands like Jesus – When the days are dark and grim – No one is so near so dear as Jesus – Cast your every care on Him.

 

Pastor Carnes

 

 

 

"A Hard to Believe Story" Pt 4 - Friday February 27, 2025

“A Hard to Believe Story” Pt 4:

The famine in Samaria had been predicted in Deuteronomy 28:49-57. It’s believed this famine lasted several years and people were doing everything they could to survive. Surrounded by the Aramean army by order of King Ben-Hadad, the Israelites would be taken captive or killed and their city lost if they went out seeking food. Outside the walls were four lepers (2 Kings 7:1-3) that were not allowed around anyone not having leprosy.

 

The four lepers were also dying of starvation, and one says to other three, “Why should we sit here until we die?” (v 4). We’ll die if we stay here and we’ll starve if we go into the city. Let’s surrender to Aramean army, maybe they will help us and if they kill us, we’re going to die anyway. That evening they went out and God caused the Army of Aram to hear a loud noise sounding like chariots and horses, so they fled their camp thinking a large army was coming to attack them.

 

As the lepers entered the Aramean camp, they found food, wine, silver, gold, and clothing. Finally, they said to each other, “This isn’t right. We have wonderful news and need to share it with others. If we don’t something bad may happen to us” (vs 8-11). Returning to the city they informed the gatekeepers what they had discovered. The lepers were sharing an unbelievable story, but scouts went to look and reported the lepers’ story was true. What can we learn from this story?

 

1. The lepers had an UNBELIEVABLE MESSAGE – there are people in our world who do not believe that the Christian message of salvation is for all people. It isn’t our responsibility to make people believe the message, but it is our responsibility to tell people the “Bread of Life” is available for them and it’s free.
2. The lepers were the most UNLIKELY MESSENGERS - they were outcasts and not accepted by society. These guys were the most least likely to bring a message of hope to anyone.
3. They were UNTRAINED – these men didn’t have a church to attend, or knowledge of the 4 spiritual laws. All they knew was they had found and tasted the bread. They believed starving people could be saved if they too found the bread.
4. Their message was FOOD in the midst of FAMINE – hungry people will eat. Our country, even people in the communities where we live are spiritually starving. And we can tell them their life can be spared in Jesus..
5. Their message was Peace amidst War – when one comes to Christ, he is no longer their enemy for they are on the Lord’s side. Peace not only can be gained with those where conflict exists, but a peace that passes all understanding will be secured within. No one cares for you like Jesus!
6. They offered LIFE in place of DEATH – the lepers cried out, “Hey – wait, don’t eat that dung or donkey’s head. Don’t kill any more children, we’ve found the answer to everyone’s need. You can life and not die!”
7. Folks, as followers of Christ, WE HAVE A MESSAGE to share that will mean the difference between life and death for people we hang out with. You may feel intimidated, untrained, unworthy, and the most unlikely source, but God wants you to tell your loved ones and friends, where they can find HOPE for their life.

 

One more thing: yesterday 2:Kings 7: 1-2 was shared stating Elisha told the king of Aram and his officer,” by this time tomorrow, you’ll see with your own eyes a plentiful supply of flour and barley, but you will not eat any of it.” In verses 19 and 20 we read, the king’s officer replied, “That couldn’t happen even if the Lord opened the windows of Heaven!” Elisha said, “You’ll see it happen, but you won’t be able to eat any of it.” “And so it was, for the people trampled him to death.”  God never goes back on His word!

 

Pastor Carnes

 

"A Hard to Believe Story" Pt 3 - Thursday February 26, 2026

“A Hard to Believe Story” Pt 3:

The assassination attempts by King Ben-Hadad (of Aram) on Elisha’s life was not successful. This story is told in 2 Kings 6:33 and the beginning of chapter 7.  For years there was conflict between the kings of Israel and the prophets of God. The prophets often predicted doom because of the kings’ evil. Kings saw them as troublemakers.

 

People were doing desperate things to stay alive as mentioned yesterday. The king was extremely angry and said to Elisha, “This disaster is from the Lord, why should I wait for him any longer?” (6:33). Elisha responded with, “Hear the word of the Lord, about this time tomorrow flour and barley grain will be plentiful and available at discount prices at the gate of Samaria” The officer assisting the king asked, “How can this possibly happen?” Elisha said, “You’ll see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it” (7:1-2 paraphrased).

 

Another dynamic to this story is four lepers camping outside the city gate entrance. According to the law, lepers were not allowed in the city but were to depend on charity outside the walls (Leviticus 13:45,46; Numbers 5:1-4). Because of the famine and the presence of the Aramean army, their situation was desperate.

 

One never knows what they will do (or become) should they ever become desperate. The four lepers make a fascinating story that stretches our wildest imagination. The story concludes with four unlikely individuals who were lonely, frightened, starving, and simply waiting to die.

 

These lepers were most likely thrown out of the city because of their disease. I suspect they were not a pretty sight. It was common for a leper to have an ear missing, an entire cheek, several fingers, or an entire hand. According to society in that day, they were “unclean.” They weren’t allowed to drink from a public drinking fountain, enter a restaurant, or even come near a non-leprous.

 

As these four individuals talked, one of them said, “Why do we sit here until we die?” (7:3). Tomorrow this series will come to an end with seven things, we as followers of Christ, can learn from what they decided to do.

 

Pastor Carnes