Disclaimer
Disclaimer
By Dennis Huebshman
Over the past couple months, I have received some emails giving advice as to how I should write these messages, and what I should and should not include. Some comments are very humbling, and all praise and glory for any message belongs to the Father, It is through the Holy Spirit that He provides me with the topics and content. Any errors or typos are strictly my own, and when discovered, I will correct them. (emphasis mine)
From the very first message that was posted, I have tried to aim for new believers; those who are searching for the pathway to salvation, and try to show them a relationship with Jesus is necessary. Instead of using “50 cent” words, I try to use nickel ones. I have heard pastors that gave very enlightening sermons, but they seemed to be trying to show just how educated they were, by attempting to impress people with unnecessary big words. For someone trying to learn, it can be very frustrating, and some will actually turn away because of this.
My goal is to not insult anyone’s intelligence, however, if plain words are used, all should be able to understand the message, and hopefully have a desire to look further. Jesus spoke in plain everyday language, and even used parables to help those hearing for the first time, to be able to relate his messages to their lives. Why have a wonderful message to be given if people can’t comprehend the content?
Some correspondents have written that I don’t go deep enough, or that I’m leaving valuable information out. Some have said that unless works are involved, a person’s faith is useless. First, God gave us the ability to provide works to show our love for Him, but they in no way save us. It all depends on the motivation we use.
By having these messages posted, you might say that I’m doing work for the Lord. Thing is, it may be a good work, but I don’t count on this for my salvation. I write to honor my Savior, Father and the Holy Spirit; so that others may be able to learn the basics and search the scriptures for themselves. I do not look for accolades for providing to others what the Father has freely given me. I have already received the promise that because I have accepted Jesus and His sacrifice, that I have an eternal home prepared for me with Him forever. (John 14:1-3) I just want to use what talent the Father has given me to show others I love my Jesus, and to share Him with others.
If I were to believe my motive for serving Jesus was to see how many rewards I can “earn”, then my “works” are of a selfish nature and useless. I would be insulting Him by saying His sacrifice just wasn’t enough for me. Jesus didn’t say He was laying down His life so that we could “buy” our salvation. He knew we could never ever provide anything that would be sufficient for the Father to cover our sins. Only the purest blood could have done this, and only Jesus’ blood was worthy. He gave us the “gift” of eternal life through His own precious blood.
Once a person truly knows they need a Savior, and realize Jesus is the only Way (John 14:6), the first step is to call out to Him, and ask His forgiveness. King David gave a very good call for forgiveness in Psalm 51:1-4, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to Your abundant mercy, blot out my transgressions. (2) Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity; and cleanse me from my sin! (3) For I know my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. (4) Against You, You only have I sinned, and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be justified in Your words, and blameless in Your judgment.” Moving down to verse 11, “Create in me a new heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” David sinned, but he was always ready to accept responsibility for his actions.
When we call out to the Savior, we need to repent of our sins, and be ready to turn away from them. To continue to live without any change is making a mockery of our “confession”. We will never be perfect as long as we are on this earth, but when we do slip and sin, as everyone will, we have 1 John 1:8-10 to count on. Sin needs to be the exception in our lives, not the rule!
From here, we need to believe that Jesus really came to this earth as “fully human” yet was still “fully God”. He experienced first-hand, what our emotions, pain, hunger and all aspects of being human is about. We have a Savior we can talk to who is not so far removed that He can’t have true feelings for us. In fact, He wants us to regularly talk to the Father through Him. We must accept His death, burial and resurrection as a fact.
Some verses I use often are Acts 2:21; Romans 10:9-13; Acts 4:12; John 14:6; John 3:16-18 and several others. These are in no way the only verses I am saying to look up. For new believers, or someone who really needs refreshing, I recommend reading the book of John first; followed by Romans. This will provide a good base-line to get started. Then, I would say to go back to Matthew, and read through the New Testament. Just a chapter or two a day will set you up to have a learning habit. After this, I would recommend going to Genesis 1:1 and read through the whole Bible. A good study Bible would be a tremendous help.
For those who are, and have been biblically educated, my messages may not seem to give enough information. However, for someone who has never opened a bible, or even heard they can call out to Jesus, this may be the one opportunity for the Holy Spirit to touch them, and get them on the road to Salvation. I believe Isaiah 55:11, “…so shall My word that goes out from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose; and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
Unfortunately for many, 1 Corinthians 1:18 is present; “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing; but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.”
Most prophecy experts (of which I consider myself a novice) agree we are very close to having Jesus call all true believers up to meet Him in the air. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53) It would be wonderful if more “lost” souls would be touched by the Holy Spirit, and call out to Jesus and be saved. (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13)
If any message the Father gives me is instrumental in letting the Holy Spirit in, then I believe I will have used what the Father gave me to bear fruit. I have constantly prayed to the Father, that if I can be used, please use me. (Isaiah 6:8)
Shalom b’Yeshua! (Peace with Jesus)