EC Week 9-Believing in Jesus as Savior

Ever Closer Episode 49: Spoken

Though all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, we are justified freely by His grace through the redemption found in Christ Jesus. God’s spoken Word brought the world into existence, and Jesus, as the expressed Word of God, calls us to life with Him while challenging us to guard our hearts and trust in His ways rather than our own understanding. Like trees planted by streams of water, those who delight in God’s law and respond to His truth by faith will flourish, while learning to pierce through life’s fog with the belief that circumstances can improve through God’s transforming work.

Here is today’s song:

Spoken
God spoke the world into existence. Jesus is the expressed word of God whose message and mission saved the world. He is calling you to life with him and to share his truth so others can be saved as well.

(Verse 1)
From the depths of eternity, God’s voice resounded.
Speaking our world into being, creation founded.
Heavens and earth, animals, and people too.
All formed by His word, powerful and true.

(Verse 2)
God’s promises ring true, His word never fails.
His prophecies of justice and redemption prevail.
What He declares, He fulfills with gracious care.
His fidelity and wisdom are beyond compare.

(Chorus)
God does what He says, you can count on him.
God says what He does, he’s revealed his plan.
In the Bible and in Jesus is God’s will and way.
Spoken to our hearts, if we’ll listen and obey.

(Verse 3)
Jesus, God’s own Son, his express nature divine.
Spoke with authority, turned water into wine,
Healed the sick, calmed the storm, raised the dead to life.
His words bring hope and peace, amidst any strife.

(Verse 4)
On the cross, Jesus spoke, “It is finished,” He declared.
By His death and resurrection, salvation shared.
Trust in Jesus, be set free from deadly sin.
Through faith, you can have eternal life with him.

(Bridge)
Listen to God’s word, let it guide your steps.
Then speak life into others, so his truth takes effect.
As the Good Shepherd calls his sheep, seek to hear.
With love and courage, proclaim his message clear.

(Chorus)
God does what He says, you can count on him.
God says what He does, he’s revealed his plan.
In the Bible and in Jesus is God’s will and way.
Spoken to our hearts, if we’ll listen and obey.

(Outro)
Live with integrity, let your words be true.
With God’s help, do what you say you’ll do.
Be honest, helpful, and reliable, in every way.
Share the love and words of Jesus, all your days.

Ever Closer Episode 50: Planted by Streams

Blessed are those who delight in the law of God. They are like trees planted by streams, but the wicked are like chaff that the wind blows away. (Inspired by Psalm 1).

(Verse 1)
Blessed are those who choose the righteous way
Who shun the path where sinners and mockers lay.
Their joy is found in God’s law, pure and bright
Meditating on His words both day and night.

(Verse 2)
Like trees by streams, they stand tall and strong.
Their leaves stay green, their fruit comes along.
In every season, they prosper and thrive.
God’s living water nourishes their lives.

(Chorus)
In obeying God’s word, they find delight.
His presence guides them, with divine insight.
They grow in his image, their hearts made new
Empowered for his work, mighty and true.

(Verse 3)
The wicked are chaff, blown by the wind.
Their deeds will crumble, their joy will end.
But those who love God will forever stand
Rooted in faith, blessed by his hand.

(Bridge)
When judgment comes, the wicked fall away
Having rejected God’s grace which saves.
But the faithful, will reign with him on high
In his kingdom, beneath a glorious sky.

(Chorus)
In obeying God’s word, they find delight.
His presence guides them, with divine insight.
They grow in his image, their hearts made new
Empowered for his work, mighty and true.

(Verse 4)
The Lord watches over His children dear
Transforming their lives, drawing them near.
While those who rebel face a different fate
Destruction awaits, beyond salvation’s gate.

(Outro)
By faith humbly trust Jesus today.
Let God’s law be your guide and stay.
For in him you’ll find blessing and peace
Abundant life that will never cease.

Ever Closer Episode 51: Fountainhead

Take heed of the following wisdom from Proverbs 4 and Proverbs 21:
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
“A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”

(Verse 1)
A witty little riddle, I’ll spin for you,
About something essential, a vital clue.
Shocking when arrested, yet serves no time.
With you always, even when left behind.

(Chorus)
What could it be, this enigma inside?
It’s renewal, only God can provide.
It can break into pieces, yet still play its part.
Stolen away, but never truly apart.

(Verse 2)
Regal or common, it beats just the same.
In cards it’s a trick, but might cost the game.
A rhythm it strikes, but no music to claim.
This riddle’s answer, what is its name?

(Bridge)
Guard it well, this treasure you hold.
Your emotions, your values, your dreams so bold.
Your desires and passions, both new and old.
From within it, your actions unfold.

(Chorus)
What could it be, this enigma inside?
It’s renewal, only God can provide.
It can break into pieces, yet still play its part.
Stolen away, but never truly apart.

(Outro)
The answer, my friend, is clear from the start.
The riddle’s solution, it’s your precious heart!
So guard your heart, keep it pure and true,
For from it, your essence flows through.

Ever Closer Episode 52: Four Soils

A parable from Jesus in Matthew 13 describes four ways people respond to truth about God. Only a reception by faith brings about growth and blessing.

(Verse 1)
The sower walks throughout the land
Scattering seeds with open hands.
Some fall on hard and beaten ground
Where birds of evil, leave nothing around.

(Verse 2)
Some seeds land on rocky soil
Sprout quick, but wither from trials.
Shallow roots can’t stand heat.
Sun-scorched, they admit defeat.

(Verse 3)
Among the thorns, some seeds are tossed.
In worldly worries, they’re soon lost.
Choked by cares and wealth’s allure
These plants fail to ever mature.

(Verse 4)
But some find soil rich and deep
Where truth grows a harvest to reap.
A hundredfold, these seeds will yield
A bountiful and golden field.

(Bridge)
Now you’ve heard the sower’s tale
Of truth spread far o’er hill and dale.
The seed is God’s word, pure and true.
The soil is how it’s received by you.
Only those who trust by faith
Will flourish and bear fruit through grace.

(Outro)
Oh, what will grow? What will take root?
From tiny seed to fruitful shoot.
Truth about God, a precious gift.
What will you do with what you’re given?

Ever Closer Episode 53: Pierce the Fog

Believe things can be better. Despite your circumstances, you can learn and grow. The work you invest will pay off.

(Verse 1)
I know you feel stuck, trapped in a cloud you can’t subdue,
But I want you to see, there’s so much more you can do.
Adopt a fresh perspective, a positive state of mind,
Embracing every challenge, leaving doubt behind.

(Chorus)
You’re gonna be better, stronger than before,
Reach for the stars, go for even more.
With effort and hard work, climb that mountain high,
I believe in you. Pierce the fog and fly.

(Verse 2)
Mistakes are great lessons, learn from them and grow,
Feedback is a gift, receive what others know.
Every obstacle’s a stepping stone, an opportunity,
To level up and rise above, to break loose and run free.

(Chorus)
You’re gonna be better, stronger than before,
Reach for the stars, go for even more.
With effort and hard work, climb that mountain high,
I believe in you. Pierce the fog and fly.

(Bridge)
Your journey’s important, not just the end
Persevere through struggle, over trials ascend.
With a playful spirit, and a heart that’s true,
There’s no limit to what I know you can do.

(Chorus)
You’re gonna be better, stronger than before,
Reach for the stars, go for even more.
With effort and hard work, climb that mountain high,
I believe in you. Pierce the fog and fly.

(Outro)
Better, smarter, stronger than before,
Reaching higher, achieving a little more.
It starts with your mindset, your willingness to try,
Embrace the challenges, let’s watch you rise.
I believe in you. Pierce the fog and fly.

Ever Closer Episode 54: Reflection for Week 9

Each of us is fallen and broken. We need Jesus—the savior of the world. Jesus is God, as well as, God’s expressed nature in human form. His mission and his message show you who God is and enable you to be forgiven and reconciled with God. Receiving and applying the Word of God by faith results in experiencing true life and freedom.

Our scripture focus this week is Romans 3:23-24:
“For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

Here are three questions to consider.

1. The song “Spoken” reminds us that Jesus is the expressed Word of God whose message and mission saved the world. How has engaging with God’s written Word deepened your relationship with Jesus, the living Word?

2. ”Four Soils” refers to Jesus’ parable about different responses to God’s truth. Which of the four soils (path, rocky ground, thorny ground, or good soil) best represents your current receptivity to Scripture, and what might help you become more fertile ground?

3. The song “Fountainhead” refers to Proverbs 4:23 about guarding your heart. How might consistent Bible reading serve as a protective “guard” for your heart against deception, discouragement, or distraction?