Trust In Jesus

People that I speak to and/or read about and converse with on conservative blog posts within the comment sections of those blogs, are all still so upset, distraught, fearful, hurt and disgusted about the fraudulent re-election of Barack Hussein Obama. Some wonder, why did God allow it?

For those who like BHO, they are THRILLED that God allowed it. 

Those of us, however,  who see the darkness of BHO and the harm that he and his evil cohorts are doing to our beloved nation, wonder how God could have possibly allowed such a disastrous result to happen during the election of 2012.

I can't say that I know the exact reason. Perhaps it has something to do with being a "mercy in disguise." We can't see the meaning or purpose in such an occurrence at this time in our lives, but perhaps we will see it some time in the future.

At the You Tube site where I obtained a copy of the video song ["Trust In Jesus" by Third Day] below;  there are commentators who snub the message of this song;  are blisteringly angry with God and are asking why God did not intervene to save the children in the New town Conn. massacre.  I can't say that I know the reason - but there must be one.  Perhaps it has to do with taking some innocents away from the evils of this world?   Perhaps it has something to do with "mercy in disguise" that we can't see on this side of heaven?

When we focus on only the life we experience on this earth as being "all that there is," the reality of the death of our mortal bodies - no matter at what age this occurs - becomes a cause of deep, deep sorrow that has no relief. 

However, when we trust in Jesus and his promises in the Bible, we see this life as just a blip on the radar screen of eternity.

When an individual person comes to realize and accept his or her need for forgiveness (and finally acknowledges his or her desperate need for salvation in Jesus Christ), the hurts of this world will still give them pain (sometimes, it is excruciating - like the pain those parents must be feeling having lost their little children);  but it's not the unsolvable, non-healing pain as those who have no hope for eternity, no future deliverance, and no personal relationship with God.

I have been there...believe me...I've experienced several very painful times in my life when I lost loved ones "too soon."    However, even when my grandmother died at age 101, it was difficult to let her go into eternity.

We don't like separation from our loved ones. But the promises in Scripture teach us that we will be reunited with saved loved ones in eternal life. Therefore, the separation - for just a brief time when considering all of eternity - could just be an example of a mercy in disguise.

We all grieve deeply over the loss of a loved one.   Recall the shortest verse in the Bible.  Jesus wept.  We have an Advocate, a Deliverer, a Defender, a Redeemer who knows us and sympathizes with our pain and grief.  We can cry out to Him!   But believers do not grieve as those who have no hope. That is the difference between knowing Jesus...and not knowing Him. When life gets tough, or pain enters your life, or deep sorrow happens during the loss of a loved one - listen to this song and continue to Trust in Jesus!

~  Christine





*******

Trust In Jesus - Third Day Lyrics:


One of these days we all will stand in judgment for
Every single word that we have spoken
One of these days we all will stand before the Lord
Give a reason for everything we've done and what I've done is

Trust in Jesus, my great Deliverer
My strong Defender, the Son of God
I trust in Jesus, blessed Redeemer
My Lord forever, the Holy One, the Holy One

What are you gonna do when your time has come
And your life is done and there's nothing you can stand on?
What will you have to say at the judgment throne?
Well, I already know the only thing that I can say

I trust in Jesus, my great Deliverer
My strong Defender, the Son of God
I trust in Jesus, blessed Redeemer
My Lord forever, the Holy One

There's nothing I can do
On my own to find forgiveness
It's by His grace alone I trust in Jesus, trust in Jesus

I trust in Jesus, my great Deliverer
My strong Defender, the Son of God
I trust in Jesus, blessed Redeemer
My Lord forever, the Holy One, the Holy One, whoa

I trust in Jesus, my great Deliverer
My strong Defender, blessed Redeemer
My Lord forever, oh yeah

God Loves You and Wants You With Him Forever

This day we honor all of our Veterans, both those living and those who have passed on in their duty to help keep America safe, as a land of liberty, freedom, and justice for all. We must realize,  recognize, honor and give thanks to all of these heroes for all of  their sacrifices for our sakes.  When we remember and reflect upon all that has been done by our brave military men and women; it is only then that we know,  in our hearts, minds, and souls,  that they have dedicated their lives and sacred honor in order for ordinary citizens, like me and you,  to enjoy the freedoms of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness here in the United States of America.  Let us thank them, in every way possible, for their service!

Today also happens to be Sunday - the Lord Jesus Christ's day - where we attend services all around the nation (and around the world) to honor our Savior, Lord and King.  One day, believers will be with Jesus.  We will also be with all the loved ones in Christ who have already passed on into eternity.

Today's message from Dr. David Jeremiah in his series called God Loves You - He Always Has and Always Will was truly awesome!

You can view the message at:

 David Jeremiah.org: God Loves You and Wants You With Him Forever | Week of November 11, 2012


After the disappointment that many family members, friends, and fellow Christians felt about the election on Tuesday, it is good to take our thoughts away from this temporal earth and see what God has in store for us In The Father's House.  Jesus told us that "in my Father's house, there are many mansions."

Here's the entire verse:

Jhn 14:2

"In My Father's house are many mansions; if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Dr. Jeremiah does a brilliant job of providing many Scriptures that whet our appetites for heaven!  There is a very good reason why we can never be completely satisfied here with life on earth.  And the biggest reason is because God has placed eternity upon our hearts.  We yearn and long for something else - other than what we experience in this world.  Knowing this makes the disappointment of the election absolutely pale in comparison.  At a time when many are grieving over the horrid direction our country is moving, it is so good to know that no matter what happens in politics, it is only temporary.  We grieve, but not as those who have no hope.

Rom 8:38

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,

Rom 8:39

nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

What's more, even though it is normal and natural to grieve deeply for those loved ones who have passed on, the hope of Jesus Christ gives us an eternal perspective which the secular world cannot.

1Th 4:13But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. ******* The following is the outline from the message.  I pray that you will take the time to view the video of this message here [Note: Click on the green box that states "WATCH NOW - This Week's Broadcast.] I promise - the message will truly bless you, encourage you,  and give you joy and peace this day! ~  Christine

Here is the outline:

GOD LOVES YOU: HE ALWAYS HAS—HE ALWAYS WILL

Dr. David Jeremiah

“God Loves You and Wants You with Him Forever”
John 14:1-3

November 11, 2012

John 14:3
John 17:24
Luke 23:43
2 Corinthians 5:8
Philippians 1:23
1 Thessalonians 4:17

I. A Place of Ultimate Residence – John 14:2 Psalm 11:4

II. A Place of Ultimate Rejoicing – Psalm 16:11 2 Thessalonians 1:9

III. A Place of Ultimate Recognition – 1 Corinthians 13:12 Matthew 8:11

IV. A Place of Ultimate Relationships Hebrews 12:22-23

V. A Place of Ultimate Responsibility – Matthew 25:23 Revelation 22:3

VI. A Place of Ultimate Reality John 14:6

Life That Never Ends

All the craziness, chaos, lies, sin, evil, and death in this fallen world can affect us negatively.  This can cause health problems, depression, anxiety, fear and despair in our lives.  However, the following devotional tells us the reasons why faith in Jesus Christ can sustain us through it all.  If Christ be for us, who could possibly be against us?  That question tells us of the eternal message of the cross - how believing in Jesus Christ and his sacrificial death on the cross for the forgiveness of sin - can be applied to us right now and save us from all that this fallen world would attempt to do against us!

The following message from Dr. David Jeremiah of Turning Point ministries informs us of when eternity enters our hearts, minds, and souls.  It happens at the moment of conversion to belief in Jesus Christ!

God bless you this day!  No matter what happens...even death...NO ONE can separate you (me, us) from the saving grace of Jesus Christ which leads to eternal life and forever relationship with the one true God!

~  Christine

*******

Life that Never Ends
And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
John 17:3

Recommended Reading Ecclesiastes 3:11

"Eternity" is or has been the name of (at least) three different movies, two different television series, eight different music albums, eight different songs, a perfume, a mobile phone, a puzzle game, a superhero (Kid Eternity), a Christian magazine, a newspaper, a science fiction magazine... and more. It is ironic that a word that means "forever" is applied to short-lived products.


Fortunately, when the Bible uses the word "eternity" or "eternal" it means forever! In fact, for those who know God through faith in Jesus Christ, eternity has already begun. The clearest definition of eternal life is found in Jesus' prayer to the Father: eternal life is knowing "the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom [God has] sent" (John 17:3). Eternal life is not the same as heaven. Heaven is a place, while eternal life is entering into a personal relationship with God through Christ. That life begins when we meet Christ and never ends -- not even when we die (John 11:25-26).

Eternal life is a never-ending expression of God’s love -- the love that promises we will "not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

Eternal life does not begin with death: it begins with faith.
Samuel Shoemaker

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Acts 2:1-4:22

Characters In The Movie of LIfe

A new series is starting at the Rock Church in San Diego today - Sunday August 5, 2012.  Here is the website description:

In The Movies

Pastor Miles McPherson

Watch Sundays live online or Visit the Message Archive

Have you ever watched a movie and realized there was a deeper meaning behind the story? In this new message series, we’ll see how God sets up characters and situations in our lives, moves in our journey, and then restores us through His redemptive power of grace and forgiveness.

You’ll learn that we are all characters in the movie of life, each of us experiencing drama, love, comedy, horror, and maybe even a little science fiction. Our journeys bind us together as our lives intersect, becoming part of God’s larger story and ultimately ending in a finale worth waiting for

.

You can watch each Sunday -  live, online.  Also can be seen by IPhone or Android. Click HERE.


Notes:

IN THE MOVIES
Exploring Character: King David, a Villain and a Warrior
Pastor Ricky Page - August 5, 2012

Movie: Despicable Me

Scene: Super-villain Gru has a flashback of his childhood, remembering
how critical, disapproving and defeating his mom was to him.

 Scene one of David’s life reveals David as a child allowing
 the Lord to determine his calling - not his family’s opinion or his
 earthly position. -1 Samuel 16

Question: Are you allowing the Lord’s opinion to matter most?

Movie: Warrior

Scene: Wayward son Tommy returns home with a secret, a heart full of
hate and is driven by pain to take on an impossible challenge.

 Scene two of David’s life as a young man reveals that his
 passion and determination was driven by inner peace, and the
 peace provided supernatural power to do the impossible.
 -1 Samuel 17

Question: Are you driven by inner peace or is your heart conflicted with
unforgiveness, pain and hurt?

Movie: Despicable Me

Scene: Super-Villain Gru trades in his lifestyle of being a villain to take
on a new role as the adoptive Daddy of three orphan girls.

 In scene three of David’s life we find David face to face with a
 choice to do the right thing or do his own thing. His Godly
 conviction offered him healthy options. -1 Samuel 24

Question: Are you up against a choice to do the right thing or do your
own thing? Do the right thing, You will never regret it!

Movie: Warrior

Scene: Wayward son Tommy offers compassion to his recovering
alcoholic abusive father Paddy when he relapses after realizing his
mistakes of the past are here to haunt him.

 In scene four our hero King David is at the end of his life, sad
 and broken because he is reaping what he has sowed. The
 Lord has compassion on David, but he does not finish well.
 -Psalm 142

Question: Are you reaping what you sowed in life? Now is the time to
confess, repent and turn from regret. Finish well family!

What Matters Most To You?

It is certainly disturbing to see all the damage that Obama and his minions have done to America.  Obama is evil and (sorrowfully) an unchecked criminal. But what is even more disturbing is seeing him being led like a puppet by evil billionaire puppeteers like Soros. Many of the activities done by the Obama administration are certainly treasonous.

All of their ilk may think that they are getting away with it.

God will NOT BE MOCKED!

God does see all that is done on this earth and the silliness of men with extreme wealth and unchecked power will all fall to dust and blow away in the end.

Isaiah 64:6 tells us that we all "fade as a leaf" and our "iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away."

But those who hope in the Lord Jesus Christ are reconciled back unto God!

Earthly "success," whether good or evil is temporary. Heavenly rewards are eternal. Those damned to hell will spend eternity separated from God forever.

Choose this day whom you will serve. As for me and my house - we will serve the Lord. (see Joshua 24:15)

The Two Eternal Destinations of Mankind

Over the years, I have developed a habit of reading my favorite Christian books several times. Usually, it's a book that can give fresh insight each time it is read.    Dr. David Jeremiah's "Revealing the Mysteries of Heaven" is the kind of Bible study booklet that teaches the reader more wisdom and knowledge each and every time it is read!

Recently, I was reading a section of the book entitled "Two Principles." Learning about heaven through Scripture can seem like a complex task. But Dr. Jeremiah makes it easy to understand. He backs up facts with Bible verses, and admits when he ventures into suppositions; even when they are based on certain verses.   We will never know it all on this side of heaven, but God has revealed what we need to know in His Word!  In fact, the Bible says that those who read the words of the book of Revelation will be blessed!  Why ignore this important book?

I know.  Many people think that it is just to difficult to discern what was written in that apocalyptic book.  However, if we take the time to research and study, it becomes easier to understand.

The two principles that Dr. Jeremiah discusses in the "Heaven" booklet are located on pages 24 - 26. They include "The Priority of the Presence of Jesus" (in heaven) and The Permanence of Personal Decisions" (regarding salvation through Christ).

When I read the subtitle called "The Priority of the Presence of Jesus," I was reminded of a Bible study course that I took back in June, 2001.   The study was based on a book by Anne Graham Lotz (Billy Graham's daughter) called "The Vision of His Glory:  Finding Hope Through the Revelation of Jesus Christ."

I picked up my study guide today and re-read what I had written back then in the lesson workbook.  What I liked about the study is the fact that Anne concentrated on "the priority of the presence of Jesus" in the book of Revelation.  It was not the typical "end times" kind of study.  It was geared more towards knowing Jesus Christ through the written words of John the Apostle in the book of Revelation, as well as additional Scripture that backs up what is written about Christ in the last book of the Bible.

Here is a brief editorial review:

Review

In The Vision Of His Glory: Finding Hope Through The Revelation Of Jesus Christ, Anne Graham Lotz explains God's faithfulness regardless of circumstance. All who feel depressed, deluded or discouraged can find hope in all life's difficult situations:

When life seems to small and problems seem to great; when personal insignificance outweighs God's significance; when overwhelmed by the ungodly majority; or when facing death or choosing life. With skilled teaching, an inspiring sense of wonder, practical insight, and heart-touching parables, Anne Graham Lotz brings clarity and understanding to the glorious pageantry and awesome imagery of the book of Revelation. Sharing her passion for God's Word, she leads the reader step by step through John's glorious, eyewitness account of God's plan for our future. The Vision Of His Glory brings the reader to a fresh, personal encounter with Jesus Christ revealing the vastness of God's boundless love and enduring mercy, the source of real, life-changing hope. --Midwest Book Review

There are several additional reader reviews at the Amazon site. The following brief review is a good description of what you will learn throughout the study:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not your usual study of Revelation! Really hits where you live., February 10, 2012 By Candace Ellett "Gramma Honey" (MO, USA)


Before sharing the "Two Principles" from Dr. Jeremiah's booklet, I have to share a bit about the lesson that follows it. Lesson 3 is entitled, "Won't Heaven Be Boring?" The outline section tells us:

Some people suggest that heaven is going to be dull, sitting around strumming on harps all day -- forever! Nothing could be farther from the truth. Heaven is the place where every ultimate longing of the human heart and spirit is satisfied, something we've never experienced on earth.

Recall that Jesus told his disciples (just before his ascension into heaven) that he is going to prepare a place for you [us]. This is for the purpose of us being where He is for eternity! You see, heaven isn't just a beautiful place to live forever. It is heaven,  precisely because of the presence of Jesus Christ! The outline section also tells us:

Heaven will not be boring because:

1. God is not boring.

2. You will not be boring.

3. Your friends will not be boring.

4. You work will not be boring.

5. It is the place you've always longed for.

What is ironic (in the booklet) is what appears on the left sided page of the previous chapter.  It is the end of the chapter that discusses "Where Are They Now" - meaning, where are the dead in Christ.  But at the end of the chapter, the last study question appears at the top of the page:

5.  What level of confidence do you have about your eternal destiny?

Interesting question!  It is one that each of us needs to answer at some point during this lifetime.  It matters how each individual answers Jesus' most important question, "Who do you say that I am?"


Next, on the same page there is a "did you know" section that ends the chapter study question page.

Did You Know?

The most consistent Greek word translated "hell" in the New Testament is geenna, rendered Gehennah in English.  Greek geenna derives from Hebrew ge ben Hinnom--valley of the son of Hinnom, mentioned 10 times in the Old Testament (for example, Joshua 15:8).  It was a valley south and southwest of Jerusalem where Israelites participated in pagan idol worship and child sacrifice (Jeremiah 32:30-35).  Jeremiah prophesied it would become a place of God's judgment (Jeremiah 7:30-32; 19:2, 6).  By the first century A.D. it had become a smoldering trash heap where refuse, even dead bodies of criminals, were thrown to burn.  Jesus used it frequently as an appropriate image of God's final judgment--"hell...the fire that shall never be quenched"  (Mark 9:43).

Helluva way to end a chapter, isn't it? Let's go back a few pages to briefly examine the two principles Dr. Jeremiah mentions in his study booklet.

Excerpt:

The Priority of the Presence of Jesus

We can get specific and detailed about the technicalities of heaven, but it boils down to this: Heaven is where Jesus is. The most important thing about heaven is that it's where Jesus Christ is and where He has promised to take us (john 14:1-4). When Jesus spoke to the thief on the cross He said, "Today you will be with Me..." (Luke 23:43). [Christine adds: "in paradise."]  Paul said that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). When Paul wrote to the Philippians, he didn't say he was hard-pressed between wanting to be with the Philippians or going to heaven. He said he was hard-pressed between being with the Philippians and being with Christ (Philippians 1:23-24). The priority is not being in heaven, it's being with Christ. Wherever heaven is, as long as Christ is there, we'll be fine. It wasn't heaven that saved us, it was Jesus. It wasn't heaven that is coming again for us, it's Jesus. So the priority is being with Him. The best summary statement of all is Paul's when he wrote to the Thessalonians: "And thus we shall always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17). It's fine to know that what, why, when, where, and how --but most important is to know the "who," Jesus himself.

Richard Baxter said it this way:

"My knowledge of that life is small,

The eye of faith is dim'

But it's enough that Christ knows all,

And I shall be with Him"3

We live in a world where celebrities, athletes, musicians, singers, actors, and even politicians are revered.   At times, many are even "worshipped" by their fans.  This is always a huge mistake.  There is only One person who ever walked the earth that deserves our worship - Jesus Christ.

But the mesmerized, wide-eyed young girl who dreams of meeting (or even marrying?) a handsome celebrity actor and gets her most fervent desire suddenly sees how much more important it is for her daughter to be brought up in the Christian faith rather than in a cult like Scientology.  God bless her for coming to her senses before it was too late!

We are to love others, but never worship them.  Worship is an act that completely belongs to God.  Period.  However, if you look closely at your own life and the lives of others, you will notice that those who choose not to worship the true God of the Bible will worship someone, or something else.  As the Christian song goes, "every body's worshiping something...I choose You." [meaning, Jesus Christ.]

This leads us right into Dr. Jeremiah's second principle.

The Permanence of Personal Decisions (Luke 16:26)

In Jesus' story of Lazarus and the rich man, Abraham described a "great gulf fixed" between hades and paradise, "so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us"  (Luke 16:26).  The gulf is fixed and is therefore permanent between heaven and hell.

The decision we make about eternity will be made in this life, and there will be no crossing from one side to the other after death.  There is no such place as purgatory where we can earn our way into heaven.  The Bible says, "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment"  (Hebrews 9:27).  The only thing that follows death is judgment.  there is no state in which transactions are made allowing one to change his eternal destination.  Whatever decisions are made about eternity will be made in this life.  Paul wrote, "Behold, no is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2).

[T]he prospect of spending eternity with Christ in heaven is powerful, but it requires a decision on your part.  I hope you make the same decision that I did--that your eternity is secure with Christ in heaven.

Notes:

3.  Quoted by J.I.Packer in "Hell's Final Enigma,"  Christianity Today, April 4, 2002.

Hat tips to all links

He Shall Be As the Light of the Morning

Daily Light on the Daily Path Devotional

Saturday January 12, 2008
Christians Unite Devotional
Evening

When shall I arise, and the night be gone? Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, The morning cometh.

Yet a little while, and he that is coming will come, and will not tarry.--[He shall be] as the light of the morning, [when] the sun riseth, [even] a morning without clouds.

I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.--Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard that I said to you, I go away, and come [again] to you.

Let all thy enemies perish, O LORD: but [let] them that love him [be] as the sun when he goeth forth in his might.--Ye are all children of light, and children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

There shall be no night there.

Job 7:4 Isa 21:11,12 Heb 10:37 2Sa 23:4 Joh 14:2,3,27,28 Jdg 5:31 1Th 5:5 Re 21:25

Better Is One Day

On the way to and from the mall (yet again!) today, my daughter and I were listening to the Kutless CD that my son bought me for my birthday in November. One song came on that she recalls listening to when she attended a Bible study with one of her friends. The song is called "Better Is One Day."

We were curious about all of the lyrics. You know...sometimes it is difficult to understand all of the words in a Christian rock song. So, I did a search and looked up the lyrics.

Here they are:


"Better Is One Day"

How lovely is
Your dwelling place
Oh Lord Almighty,
For my soul doth long
And even faint
For You
Oh, here my heart
Is satisfied (is satisfied)
Within Your presence
I see beneath
The shadow of
Your wings

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
(Than thousands elsewhere)

One thing I ask,
And I would seek,
To see Your beauty
To find You in
The place Your glory dwells
(One thing I ask)
One thing I ask
And I would seek,
To see Your beauty
To find You in
The place Your glory dwells

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
(Better is one day)
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

(My heart and flesh cry out)
My heart and flesh cry out
For You, the Living God
Your Spirit's water to my soul
I've tasted, and I've seen
Come once again to me
I will draw near to You
I will draw near to You
To You

Better is one day
Better is one day
Better is one day
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

*******
These lyrics present much more than what might initially catch your eye or ear.

I am reminded of Bible verses throughout this song that describe the awesome place where we, as born-again believers in Jesus Christ, will dwell.

How lovely is
Your dwelling place
Oh Lord Almighty,

Remember in John chapter 14 where Jesus tells his disciples that "he goes to prepare a place for you?"

Jhn 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Jhn 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

How does the lyricist know that the Lord's dwelling place will be lovely?

1Cr 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

That is a truly awesome verse! Our eyes, our ears, and even our hearts cannot fathom what God is preparing for those who love him and are called by His name!

You might ask, where "is it written?"

Answer: In the prophet Isaiah's book of the Bible!

Isa 64:4 For since the beginning of the world [men] have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, [what] he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

In the Old Testament, the believers and followers of God were waiting for the coming Messiah. The plan of salvation was mapped out - way back at the beginning of the world. We have the awesome privilege of knowing and seeing through the Scriptures, what the saints of the Old Testament waited for...the first coming of Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God. In his first appearance, he came to take away our sins and place a new heart inside of us. That way, we can be reconciled back to God.


For my soul doth long
And even faint
For You

It will be so wonderful, that our souls, right now, would "faint," meaning, 5. indistinctly understood or felt or perceived; "a faint clue to the origin of the mystery"; "haven't the faintest idea." We cannot even perceive or imagine what it will be like to see our Lord Jesus!

But right now, we are satisfied with what has been revealed to us through Jesus' birth, life, death on the cross and resurrection to life; and God's revelation of truth that His Word provides!

Oh, here my heart
Is satisfied (is satisfied)
Within Your presence

Knowing that Jesus is with me...ALWAYS...no matter WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS LIFE is an awesome knowledge that only God could place through His Spirit, upon my heart, mind and soul. It is God's wisdom that shines through...not my own knowledge.

1Cr 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Jesus promised us the guidance of the Holy Spirit when we confess, repent of our sins, and ask for forgiveness. Believing in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord releases His mercy upon us, and with his grace, we receive the forgiveness for our sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God to make our hearts more like Christ. We can be satisfied within His presence! The Holy Spirit also reveals God's Word so that it comes alive in our hearts and minds. He guides us in the understanding of Scripture!

I have seen this happen in my own life. Bible verses that I once could not comprehend and/or understand are now being made clear to me. This could NOT have happened on my own merit. It is further proof (to me) that Jesus lives in my heart through the power of the Holy Spirit.

I see beneath
The shadow of
Your wings

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
(Than thousands elsewhere)

When we think of being in a "court" on earth, we are either on trial because of a prosecution complaint against us, or, as a defendant against someone else who has done wrong towards us. The third reason we might be in court is as a juror.

However, believers in Jesus Christ go to the Court of God. At His Judgment, we appear with our Advocate, Jesus Christ. This is called the Judgment Seat of Christ.

2Cr 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.


It is different than the White Throne Judgment for non-believers. See Revelation 20:11-15.

With Jesus as our Redeemer King, we are not held accountable for our sins. They are as far as the east is from the west. What an awesome Lord we have! He died for every one of us so that we could be set free from the penalty for our sins! Our rewards will be affected by this judgment, but our salvation has been sealed in Christ Jesus.




Eph 1:13
In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Eph 1:14
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

I have shared the following essay numerous times on this blog, but it is worth it to read it again.

THE CROSS FROM GOD'S PERSPECTIVE

The Bible says, "We have an advocate with the Father; Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 2:1-2, KJV). Propitiation is the means by which God's anger is assuaged; His anger is dealt with, and God is made favorable toward us.

Some have said it is barbaric to think that God's anger needs to be assuaged by blood. They say, "How can a sacrifice that makes an angry God favorable be given by the God who is angry in the first place? And what about God's love?"

But it is precisely because God loves us that He had to deal with our sin - and it is on the basis of this that we are accepted. Jesus could die a thousand deaths and yet not achieve salvation for us unless God were satisfied with the sacrifice. Yet the question remains: How can God be both the One who provides the sacrifice that makes Him propitious and be the One who receives the sacrifice?

The simple answer is that God's holiness demands propitiation.

God is blisteringly angry about our every single sin. You can see the awfulness of sin only by seeing what it did to His one and only lovely Son. If God looked at a sin and said, "Well, I'm not too bothered about that one," there would be injustice in His character. God retains His honor by giving His Son.

God unfolded a plan that both showed His unbelievably strong anger at sin and His infinitely strong love for us. He sent His Son and punished Him on our behalf. "The Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world" (1 John 4:14, NIV). No other message beside the cross is able to deal with the root problem of man's sin in relation to the justice and holiness of God.

THE CROSS FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE

The heart of the Gospel is that through Jesus - and His work as our Substitute - God did for us what we could never do for ourselves. The punishment for our sin was dealt with by a substitute: Namely, Jesus. The Bible says, "When we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6, NIV). The Greek word translated "for" means "on behalf of." The word is used repeatedly concerning Jesus: "While we were still sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8, NIV).

In our evangelism it is so important that we grasp this because it tells us that when Jesus died on the cross He died on behalf of someone. There is no greater news than the glorious news that Jesus took our place on the cross. We are sinners by nature, but "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21, NIV). What a breathtaking verse!

THE CROSS FROM SATAN'S PERSPECTIVE

The Bible calls Satan "the accuser" in Revelation 12:10. He whispers, "You cannot possible expect God to accept you. You have a disgusting imagination. Look at those things you've done - your deceitfulness, your hatred and bitterness. You call yourself a child of God? " And to God, Satan says, in effect, "If You are just at all, You cannot possibly forgive his/her sins and accept him/her. Your justice demands that he/she be punished."

But John tells us how such accusations are dealt with: "If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1, KJV). Generally, an advocate will stand up before a judge and plead on behalf of the accused something like this, "My lord, yes, he is not perfect - he has failed- but he is now a kind and helpful citizen, and I am bringing witnesses to testify to his good character." In so doing, the advocate pleads for the judge to be lenient.

Jesus, as our Advocate, doesn't work that way. When Satan accuses, Jesus says to His Father, "Everything You said about him is true. He is wicked; he is sinful. There is not one good thing about him. But, Father, You cannot punish him because the punishment already has been paid - by Me."

The Father looks to the sacrifice of the Son to see that the punishment was paid in full. Atonement made, acceptance guaranteed - and we are free. This is what is meant by Jesus being our Substitute.
"Because the sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free,
For God, the Just, is satisfied,
To look on Him and pardon me." *

Jesus provided for our greatest need - the forgiveness of sin. Apart from Him it could never happen. That is why the cross must be at the heart of our evangelism.

* From "Before the Throne of God Above," by Charitie Lee Bancroft

From "Beware the Crossless Gospel" by Roger Chilvers

We now can see why the lyricist sings over and over again:

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

Youtube live Christian music video performance of "Better is One Day" by Kutless

The Hopelessness of Life Without Christ

In this thread, I asked a commenter named David:

What's your destiny, David?

November 20, 2007 4:03:00 PM PST

His reply:

You're curious about my "destiny" are you? Well, Christine, my destiny is exactly the same as yours. We are both biological animals created by evolutionary processes that are well-explained, and proven, using science and logic. This evolutionary history explains not only our moral and social development but also explains the advent of religion. Religion as a cultural institution, was created by natural evolutionary processes to address our fear of death. Without this fear of death, we would likely not have survived as a species -- it gives us a distinct evolutionary advantage. It has also motivated us to build communities, start agriculture, and eventually create civilization. I understand that your fear of death is so consuming you will suspend logic and reason to believe in mythological beings such as "God". But no matter how much you try, you will someday die just like the rest of us. And when we die, that is it. We no longer exist. Our time on this planet has expired to make room for other evolutionary life to flourish. Some of us, namely atheists, have a more advanced moral development and do not live our lives in fear of death.

I'm sure in response you will try to tell me how wrong I am and how these mythological characters from a 3,000 year old book will try to punish me (a book, btw, written by slave-owning polygamists). I hate to disappoint you, however, as I have as much fear of "God" as I do the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, or the Tooth Fairy.

We are now quickly approaching a time in human history where religion has accepted defeat against truth and science. It is a war that religion has been loosing for 300 years now. You and your children represent the last Christian generation that will enjoy majority status. Only about 10-30% of American children are choosing Christianity as adults. A new study (search Religion News Service for details) of Americans age 18-29 demonstrated that 91% view Christianity as "anti-gay" and another 85% view it as hypocritical. Christians are doing an EXCELLENT job of ensuring their future irrelevancy. And this atheist couldn't be happier about it.
Happy Thanksgiving!! ;)

November 20, 2007 6:40:00 PM PST

David,

You have placed your faith in Darwinism and appear to have a certainty regarding your final destiny.

Evolution cannot address the reality of our eternal souls.

The Bible, Jesus Christ, and Christian faith informs us of the fact that there is life after death. Depending upon whom one places their faith (in your case, Darwin) in this life determines the ultimate destiny of the soul in eternity.

Perhaps you might be familiar with the humanist Bertrand Russell. In his book Why I Am Not a Christian, Russell writes:

Man is the product of causes which had no prevision of the end they were achieving,...his origin, his growth, his hopes and fears, his loves and his beliefs are but the outcome of accidental connocations of atoms,...no fire, no heroism, no intensity of thought and feeling can preserve an individual life beyond the grave, and...all the labor of the ages, all the devotion, all of the inspiration, all the noonday brightness of human genius are destined to extinction in the vast death of the solar system. The whole temple of man's achievement must inevitably be buried beneath the debris of a universe in ruins. All these things, if not quite beyond dispute, are yet so nearly certain that no philosophy that rejects them can hope to stand. Only within the scaffolding of these truths, only on the firm foundation of unyielding despair can the soul's habitation henceforth be safely built.

Now...that's a rant on hopelessness and utter despair if I've ever read one!

Contrast such a belief with what the great philosopher Immanuel Kant wrote:

...life without an afterlife, like the marathon runner with no finish line, would be an absurd and meaningless joke. It would be, as Shakespeare so eloquently put it, "a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."

Kant reasoned from the point of ethics. Everyone, he says, realizes right and wrong exist. Without ethics, life becomes meaningless and chaotic. Ethics, however, he reasoned, depend ultimately on justice. Why should we do right rather than wrong if there is no such thing as justice? If justice does exist, then there must be a life beyond death, because it's quite obvious that in this world evil people often prosper and the good suffer.

Kant didn't stop with an afterlife. This afterlfe, where justice is dispensed, must be ruled over by a great Judge. This Judge, unlike human judges, must be absolutely perfect in His knowledge. Therefore, He must be omniscient - knowing all facts, circumstances, and motives - if He is to judge justly. Once He has judged, He must also be omnipotent. He must have the power to enforce His ruling. That, of course, sounds very much like the Christian God, doesn't it? Kant said that without all this, life is meaningless. (fn1)


Did you know that you can know for sure that when you die, you will go to heaven? Here is what the Bible says:

"These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God" (1 John 5:13).

The brilliant scientist, Michael Faraday, the discoverer of magnetism, was asked on his deathbed, "Sir Michael, what speculations do you have about life after death?"

He replied in astonishment, "Speculation! Why, I have no speculations! I'm resting on certainties! 'I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.'" Only in Christianity is there such certainty, and this certainty is based on the veracity of God's Word. (fn2)

I have been studying the Bible for 21 years. Each and every year of study has solidified my certainty that Jesus Christ is whom he claims to be. The Messiah, Son of the living God, Savior, King of kings, and Lord of Lords.

Biblical Christian faith is a reasonable faith, based on an historical person named Jesus Christ whose death, burial and resurrection is a proven fact of history. God's Word points to the coming of the Messiah in the Old Testament, and the New Testament reveals Him. Most of the over 300 prophecies written about the coming Messiah in the OT were fulfilled by Jesus Christ. The rest will be fulfilled at his Second Coming. The odds of one Man fulfilling such a large amount of prophecies is astronomical and the revelation of all of these prophecies is unique only to the Bible.

Jesus performed many miracles (the miracle of the resurrection to life being the point and destiny of his mission) during his three year ministry on earth. Over 500 people saw the risen Lord over the course of 40 (I think) days.

I think that 500 witnesses to someone's resurrection from the dead would stand up in any court testimony no matter how many years ago it happened.

The life of Jesus Christ proves that God exists. Christ also had surprising character witnesses, including, some secular detractors who could not negate the reality of his existence, life, death and resurrection to life eternal. Several wrote about his life after the resurrection.

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the hope of the world. He overcame the problem of evil, sin, pain, and death; pointing to life eternal with God in heaven for those who believe in Him. He is the only way to be reconciled back to God the Father.

The question is who needs a savior?

The answer is everyone.

Why?

Because we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. If you are spiritually lost, you need the Savior.

No matter what happens in this world, even when all is dark, it's wonderful to know that my faith is built on historical facts and that those who went before me found the faith to hold up to death itself.

As Christian believers, it is precisely because the Bible is true and because we love and belong to God, that we should all examine our lives and our goals and the way we live. Our foremost goal is to glorify and honor God.

How do Christians do that? D. James Kennedy summed it up when he wrote:

1. Living a life worthy of His high calling, by obedience to His commandments, including the command to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love those people God has placed in our lives.

2. Keeping close to the Lord by daily Bible reading and prayer.

3. Striving for holiness, without which no person can honor the Lord.

4. Bearing witness to others and striving to bring them into the kingdom of God.

5. Making disciples, teaching and encouraging and helping our fellow believers.

6. Keeping our spiritual eyes open to see the good deeds He has prepared for us to do, so that in reliance on the Holy Spirit, we may do them to His glory. (fn3)

Such a life as this will be glorifying to God, and so we will then be able to enjoy Him forever in heaven when our lives on this Earth are over. All of this we know through the words of the Bible, which is verified from many different angles. We can know the truth and the truth will set us free.

"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31b-32

Footnotes 1,2,3:

Skeptics Answered by D. James Kennedy, 1997 Multnomah Publishers, Inc.

*******
Update:

See Dr. David Jeremiah's Living a Life of Wisdom

Excellent!!

Outline for Study:

LIFE WIDE OPEN

Dr. David Jeremiah

“Living a Life of Wisdom”

Ephesians 5:15-21
Eph 5:15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
Eph 5:16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Eph 5:17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Eph 5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
Eph 5:19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
Eph 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Eph 5:21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.[fn3]



November 25, 2007

I. The Wise Walk Is a Diligent Walk – Ephesians 5:15

A. Walking Diligently Keeps Us from Defection

Psalm 14:1
Romans 1:21-22
Titus 3:3-6

B. Walking Diligently Keeps Us from Disobedience

Galatians 3:1,3

C. Walking Diligently Keeps Us from Destruction

1 Timothy 6:9

II. The Walk in Wisdom Is a Disciplined Walk – Ephesians 5:16

Colossians 4:5
Ephesians 5:15-16
Psalm 90:10
Psalm 103:15-16
James 4:14
1 Chronicles 29:15
Psalm 39:5
Job 7:6
Psalm 102:3
Psalm 39:4-6

III. The Walk in Wisdom Is a Directed Walk – Ephesians 5:17

Psalm 37:4
John 7:17
Psalm 32:8
Psalm 32:9

IV. The Walk in Wisdom Is a Dynamic Walk – Ephesians 5:18-21

A. The Command to Be Filled with the Spirit

Ephesians 5:18

1. Desire to Be filled
2. Denounce Sin in Your Life
I John 1:9
3. Dedicate Yourself Fully to Christ
Romans 12:1-2

*******
Update #2:

At the end of Dr. Jeremiah's sermon, he shares:

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for "wisdom" meant "skill" - used to describe the skill of a craftsman. In the Bible the term wisdom means "the skill of living life successfully".

In the book of Proverbs, the term "wisdom" is used to reveal the moral and spiritual failures in our lives; as well as how to avoid them.

The apostle Paul described Jesus as being the Wisdom of God. By knowing Him, we know the very foundation of wisdom itself.

1Cr 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Because of Faith, Destiny is Fixed

Last Sunday, I shared a post entitled, One of Life's Greatest Questions. It was about Dr. David Jeremiah's sermon that week. I sincerely hope that each visitor to Talk Wisdom took the time to view and listen to that video sermon. It was one of the best...ever!

When someone we love dies, who doesn't want to know the answer to the following question:

Where Are They Now?

In this sermon, Dr. Jeremiah shared a Bible verse that brought back to my mind a miraculous spiritual experience that I had several years ago. It happened while visiting my dad back in January, 1995. It was 4 1/2 months before his death from lung cancer.

In Luke 16:19-31 Jesus tells the account of the rich man and the beggar. During Dr. Jeremiah's sermon about this account, many of the Bible verses he shared helped clarify how our destiny is fixed because of our faith. The one verse that popped out at me was:

Luke 16:22 - "So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried." (bold mine)

If you had read my previous post about the spiritual encounter during my visit with my sick father, you would have read:

During our discussion, I discovered something about my dad that I never knew before. When my family was attending the Catholic church and my dad stayed home, he would usually watch sports on TV. What I didn't know is that he would often flip through the channels during the commercials and watch Charles Stanley's broadcast! I was certainly thrilled to hear that! It gave me an "in" to share the Bible with him.

I refered to the Scriptures I had highlighted in the booklets and shared the verses that would lead into sharing the gospel with my dad. Sometimes he would tire easily and ask me to stop. This went on for about 3 days. On that third day, I presented the gospel message to him and asked if he would like to repent and ask Jesus into his heart for the salvation of his soul. HE SAID YES!! My mom was nearby sitting on a chair and we all prayed together! I was so thrilled that my dad, in what was close to the 11th hour of his life, made the eternal decision for Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior! Praise God!

We continued with our Bible studies until it was time for me to fly home.

One afternoon, an unusual thing happened. I often hesitate to share this because people often do not react well to it and/or they claim that my dad was "doped up" and didn't know what he was saying. This is what happened.

We had just finished our Bible study and my mom was in the kitchen getting lunch ready. My dad said, "Alright Joe." I said, "What dad?" My dad said, "I was talking to Joe." I said, "Joe? Who and where is Joe?" My dad said, "He's right over there," as he pointed to the empty chair where my mom usually sits. I looked at the empty chair, then I looked at my dad. He seemed to be listening intently as he stared at the chair. There was a moment of silence and then my dad said, "Oh." I said, "What dad?" He said, "He says you can't see him." I was flabbergasted! Something like this had never happened to me before.

My mom entered the room and we had lunch. Later, I asked my mom if dad knows a "Joe." She told me that he was best buddies with a guy he knew while serving in Japan in World War II. His name was "Joe." Joe died while in the service.

I have often wondered if my dad had been visited by an angel who appeared before him looking like his friend Joe. I know I can't prove anything and I'm not trying to convince anyone here, but this incident has stuck in my mind and will never leave.

When I was flying back home, I realized that I probably would never see my dad alive again. The sorrow of that fact led to tears which were replaced by joy when my thoughts came to the great realization that I would one day see him again in eternity!

A wonderful thing happened soon after my visit. My dad improved a lot and was able to get out of bed and into a wheelchair. He had two last wishes. He wanted to take a ride in one of his antique convertible cars and sit in his favorite chair in the living room. He did both and much more in the month of March!

I saw this as a reprieve, sent by God!

If you had seen how bad my dad looked when I visited him in January, you would never have believed that he would have lived another 4 1/2 months!

My dad died on May 30, 1995 at around 9 a.m. in the morning.

My entire family went back for the funeral. I was asked to speak at the podium during the funeral. I will share that account next time. It was another incident where the Holy Spirit helped me so tremendously that it is one of times in my life where my faith became steadfast and solidified. I know that the Lord is real and He is with me...no matter WHAT happens in life.

I truly believe that experiences such as these are gifts from God designed to increase our faith. It was in the midst of my father's impending death that I was given this gift. At the same time, my father was given the gift of reprieve to do the two things that he really wanted to do; despite his bed-ridden condition. Praise God for these gifts because they are even more evidence of His glory!

Dr. Jeremiah's sermon helped solidify the fact that this spiritual experience was biblical.

If you go to the original link about this experience (above), you will also read some comments where other Christian believers had similar experiences about their loved ones. I say similar, because each and every one is completely unique. These experiences speak to the heart, mind, soul and spirit of the individual that it was meant for!

Our God is a God of individual salvation, as well. No two conversion testimonies are ever alike, either! That is why each and every one of us must come to the cross of Christ individually, and answer Jesus' question, "Who do you say that I am?"

In 2 Corinthians 5:1-5, we are told that we will be clothed in a spirit body in Paradise. We will be able to recognize each other, and when Jesus comes back at the time of the resurrection of the dead, we get (as Dr. Jeremiah said in the video) "bodies by Jesus."

The most important thing about eternity is the priority of the presence of Jesus. It isn't so much about the "place," but about Who will be there! Heaven is being with Jesus!

Notice in John 14:3 Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. Why?

Jhn 14:3 "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."

Heaven will be a place of residence with Jesus.

Take note of what Jesus told the repentant thief in Luke 23

Luk 23:43 And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

Paul reiterates this fact in 2 Corinthians 5:8 - We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

In Philippians 1, verse 23:

Phl 1:23 For[fn3] I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.

[Footnote: 1:23 NU-Text and M-Text read But.]

The decision to repent and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior must be done while here on earth. There is no such thing as "purgatory." In fact, Luke 16:26 tells us of the great gulf between the opposite places where Lazarus was taken by the angels and where the rich man ended up:

Luke 16:26 'And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.'

Those are the words of Jesus himself!

It is important to realize that the Pharisees considered wealth to be a proof of a person's righteousness. Jesus startled them with this story where a diseased beggar is rewarded and a rich man is punished.

Remember the account where Jesus mentions that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to go to heaven?

Mat 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Mar 10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Was Jesus against people being rich? No. He said that because many times people who happen to be rich, with most of their basic physical needs met, often become self-reliant. When they feel empty, they could just go and buy something new to dull the pain that was meant to drive them toward God. Their abundance can lead to selfishness, too. It is as if their self-sufficiency becomes their deficiency. This is why Jesus made the "camel through the eye of a needle" analogy. The person who has everything on earth can still lack what is most important - eternal life.

The rich man ended up going to hell. This was not because of his wealth, it was because he was selfish! He refused to feed Lazarus, take him in, or care for him in any way whatsoever. The rich man was hardhearted in spite of his great blessings.

It's not about how much or how little money we have. What is important is the way we use it. Our attitude towards money and possessions make the difference. Do we use them to help others?

Selfishness is a symptom and result of a hardened heart and pride of life. Luke 16:25 illustrates this reality:

Luk 16:25
"But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. (bold mine)

The rich man's next thought was about his five brothers:

Luk 16:27 "Then he said, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house,
Luk 16:28 'for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.'
Luk 16:29 "Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.'
Luk 16:30 "And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.'
Luk 16:31 "But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.'" (bold mine)

Jesus knew that many would reject him. The rich man thought that if someone were raised from the dead, then surely they would believe. But Jesus said that if they did not believe Moses and the prophets, then neither would they be convinced when he (Jesus) was resurrected from the dead.

Today, there are those who are also so set in their ways that neither Scripture nor God's Son himself would shake them loose from their unbelief.

Mat 7:14 Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

The gate that leads to eternal life (see also John 10:7-9) is called "narrow."

This doesn't mean that it is difficult to become a Christian. The gospel message is simple enough that even a child can understand it. However, it is also profound enough to "confound the wise."

There is only one way to God, and only a few that decide to walk that road.

Believing in Jesus is the only way to live eternally with God.

Why?

Because He alone died for our sins at the cross of Calvary and thus made us right before God. It is a gift that must be received through faith. To intellectually know about Jesus isn't enough. Through faith, we must believe that Jesus is who he says he is.

Jhn 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

And, when people speak evil of Jesus and his followers, don't be discouraged. Remember this verse:

2Pe 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

*******

"My knowledge of that life is small, The eye of faith is dim; But 'tis enough that Christ knows all, And I shall be with him." - Richard Baxter

One of Life's Greatest Questions

What is one question that many people want to know the answer to?



Where Are They Now?



Answer: One of two places...

*******

HT: Turning Point

LightSource.com