What Secures Forgiveness
Our Deeds or His Cross?
We all long to do good, to live meaningfully, and to be approved — but whose approval are we seeking, and in whose strength are we working? The Bible tells us that even our best works, if done without God’s love, amount to nothing: “If I give away all I have... but have not love, I gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1–3). When we strive in our own strength, for the praise of others, we miss the heart of God. But there is another kind of work — works of faith, prepared in advance by God, carried out through the enabling of the Holy Spirit, done in Jesus’ name, and empowered by love. These reflect His righteousness, not ours. “Love is patient and kind… it does not envy or boast... it rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:4–7). The question is not whether you are working, but whether your life is rooted in His love and righteousness — or in your own efforts. Before you move on, take a moment.
Forgiveness isn’t earned—it’s received
through faith in Jesus and His finished work.
Every person lives in one of two realities: either in their sins or in the Savior. To remain in sin is to live separated from God—burdened by guilt, blind to truth, and headed toward spiritual death. It may feel normal, even comfortable, for a time, but sin always leads to ruin. Yet in His mercy, God offers another way: new life through faith in Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection secured the only way to be truly forgiven. In Him, we are cleansed, restored, and brought into right relationship with God. As Scripture says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The question is not whether you’ve sinned—we all have—but whether you will stay in your sin or come to the Savior who sets you free.
Prayer for the Faint, the Weak, And Broken Hearted
Heavenly Father,
Our spirits are willing, but our flesh is weak.
Jesus taught us always to pray and not to faint (Luke 18:1).
We humbly confess our lack of prayer.
We realize that our problems come from our brokenness and disconnection.
We need your view of things and your provision.
Without them we faint. We fail to love ourselves,
to love our families, and to love those who look to us in this life.
But with your help as those born again in spirit,
we can offer prayers that connect with You.
As we do, we see Christ overcoming the sin and death within us.
Lord Jesus, Resurrection comes through You.
You bring us to the Father just as the Holy Spirit brings
You near in this world. Humility moves us as individuals,
as families, and as churches to be faithful in prayer.
Help us to trust Your will, even when it seems less
than what we expect. Help us to wait for Your answers
and agreement in the Spirit. Teach us what is
pleasing in Your sight, that we might be truly
thankful and give you praise.
Please forgive us when we miss the mark
and pray selfishly. Yes, we can easily pray for You to bless
our plans rather than ask that Your will be done, first, and
above correcting the injustices in this world. We long
to see the crooked made straight, but evil must be opposed,
and the eternal put above the temporal.
Please help New England to come to life again with
Your gospel. Bless all those who will believe, and that
You will add to Your Church.
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
Jesus Prayer For Us
“That the love with which You have loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
— John 17:26
This is the response God is waiting for — to let His love into your life, and to welcome Jesus to dwell in your heart.
Will You Follow Jesus ?
One God, One Mission, One Church
Faith in the ONE true GOD unites us to follow Jesus,
moves us together as His Church: Seeing Christ above our denominational differences, Sharing the gospel
in our locations, and preparing for Jesus return.
Pray FIRST, then do works of Faith, in the Spirit's Power.
We have included links for additional
resources under the Beginnings Praise Page.
Please use what you find helpful
and email your suggestions.