This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners— 1 Timothy 1:15.

He came into the world to save sinners- and He will save you. His compassion inclines Him to save sinners- His power enables Him to save sinners- His promise binds Him to save sinners. And, oh, how easy is it to be saved when the Holy Spirit draws the heart to Christ! It is not great faith, nor deep experience, nor extensive knowledge that are required. The dimmest eye that ever looked to Christ- the feeblest hand that ever took hold of Christ- the most trembling step that ever traveled to Christ, has in it present salvation- has in it life eternal. The smallest measure of real faith will take the soul to heaven. Yes! there is hope for the trembling penitent. Jesus suffered to the uttermost, therefore He is able to “save to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him.” –By Octavius Winslow

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.-1 John 5:13 (also read 1 John 1:1-4)

Queen Victoria, sovereign of Great Britain from 1837-1901, attended worship in St. Paul’s Cathedral and listened to a sermon that piqued her interest. After the message she asked her chaplain the question, “Can one be absolutely sure in this life of eternal safety?” His answer was, “No, there is no way that anyone can be absolutely sure.”

This incident was published afterward in the Court News and came to the notice of a humble minister named John Townsend. After reading the Queen’s question and the answer given, he prayed for wisdom, and felt compelled to send these words:

To Her Gracious Majesty, our beloved Queen Victoria, from one of your most humble subjects: With trembling hands, but heart-filled love, and because I know that we can be absolutely sure now for our eternal life in the home that Jesus went to prepare, may I ask Your Most Gracious Majesty to read the following passages of Scripture: John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10. I sign myself, your servant for Jesus’ sake, John Townsend.

John Townsend took others into his confidence, and they offered up prayer to God on Her Majesty’s behalf. About two weeks later, he received the following letter:

To John Townsend: I have carefully and prayerfully read the portions of Scripture referred to. I now believe in the finished work of Christ for me, and trust by God’s grace, to meet you one day in that place He has prepared for us in heaven. Victoria Guelph

The Queen of England bowed her heart and surrendered her life to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords—the One whose majesty extends over all the earth. After she discovered the assurance of salvation through faith in Christ alone, she eventually carried copies of a small booklet to give to her subjects. Safety, Certainty, and Enjoyment contained the plan of salvation and the assurance that one could have in Christ. These were the very things she had discovered upon receiving the Truth.

My friend, don’t be deceived by the wisdom of the present age, which says that truth cannot be known, and that material, scientific evidence must be obtained before anything can be proven. As John writes, the proof is in our hearts, and only those who have tasted the everlasting water which God has so freely offered (John 6) can be assured of its never-ending benefit.

Here are the facts: Jesus was born; He died; He rose again on the third day; He is living in the hearts of all those who trust in Him.

And the Apostle John says . . . of this we can be assured!

Thank the Lord for writing down an eyewitness account of His ministry, His miracles, and His mission, so that “you may know that you have eternal life.”(Stephen Davey)

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” –Philippians 4:4

Rejoicing is a lost art today. People complain about their work, the weather, their sports team, the economy, the government, or their family. If it’s not one thing, it’s another. Have you ever met those people who seem to have nothing going right in life? You might ask them how they’re doing, then regret asking when they tell you everything that’s wrong!

We all know things go wrong in life. If we wanted to, I’m sure we could all list things we wish were going differently for us. However, rarely do people focus on all that is going right in life. How about the fact that we all woke up this morning? We are all still breathing, living human beings. The difference between an optimist and a pessimist is their paradigm of life.

What paradigm, or view of life, do you have today? Do you see life as a giant series of events that go wrong? On the other hand, do you see it as a divinely guided series of events—? God desires that you view life as a God-designed plan personally for you.

The greatest joy that can be had is in living for a higher purpose, a purpose given by God. When we focus on ourselves and the pains and trials we endure, our joy is diminished. Only as we look toward Christ and live out His perfect will for our lives will the trials be seen as opportunities to praise God.

Even in his day, Paul realized the pessimistic view some people had on life, and reminded Christians to be joyful, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” Notice that Paul didn’t simply tell the believers at Philippi to be happy. He told them to rejoice in the Lord.

Our ability to rejoice during hard times comes only from God.— roadblocks and difficulties will come (Paul could attest to that), yet he reminded believers that because of Christ’s sacrifice, they could rejoice.

Because God created you, you can rejoice. Because God loves you, you can rejoice. Because God sent His only Son to die on Calvary for you specifically, you can rejoice. Because death means an eternity with God for believers, you can rejoice. Because God has ordered your life, you can rejoice. Because even in difficult times God is working through your trials, you can rejoice. Because no matter what happens on earth God is still on His throne, you can rejoice.

Have you rejoiced yet today? Have you praised God for the fact that you’re alive? Don’t take each day on earth for granted. Take time now to rejoice in the fact that God loves you and is watching over you right now. Rejoice always because God is your Heavenly Father.(Dr. Paul Chappell)