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HIS SERVANTS' MINISTRY www.godcannotlie.org Welcome to our web site We here at His Servants' Ministry, teach the whole Truth of God's Holy Word. We teach God's goodness and mercy and Heaven; but we also teach God's righteous wrath and judgment to come and an eternal Hell, a Lake of Fire. It deeply saddens me the way that the world is turning away from the goodness of Almighty God. The vast majoriy of people in the world today never, ever, think of eternity. They just keep on keeping on in their sin, and they really must think they will go to Heaven. My dear friend, there really IS a Hell, and there really IS a Judgment Day when ALL people will be held accountable for their sins. BEWARE!!! Many of our articles are linked to other Christian web sites. We do not always agree 100% with everything these sites say, but as a rule, they have the same basic beliefs that we do. This is our 'godcannotlie' web site. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> “A Loving God Wouldn’t Send Me To Hell,” “Would He?” Written and compiled by: His Servant, Connie Kramer
Contents We Who Bring the Gospel. POEMS Payday For lost Souls #192
Words in red, bold italics are Jesus’ Words. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV) WE WHO BRING THE GOSPEL We who bring the Gospel of Christ, are not public relations agents, attempting to establish good between Christ and the world. Our commission is not to make Christ acceptable to anyone. We are not diplomats but instead prophets, bringing the Word of God! We have no power to transform any soul; that power belongs only to God. But we are expected by God to bring the Gospel to lost souls. A person cannot be saved unless they “hear” (or read) the Message (Rom. 10:13-17). It is the responsibility of ALL believers to tell others about Jesus! The Message we bring is NOT a compromise, but a warning! It is not an option for us; it is the command of Jesus (Mat. 28:19). God offers life; not an improved life of our old ways, but a brand new life, out of the bondage of Satan and sin, God’s wrath and eternal death! We must never dictate to God, but fall down on our knees, in sheer humility, before our Creator God who hates all sin! From Jesus, our risen Saviour and Lord, and from Him alone comes eternal life, cleansing of all our sins, rebirth, and power to live a life that is pleasing to Him, and one day our resurrection. The power that raised Christ, will one day raise us also. The righteous (those who believe God and accept Jesus) will be raised to everlasting life, AND the wicked (those who reject Jesus and refuse to believe God) will be raised to everlasting shame and contempt and destruction (Dan.12:2; Jn.5:25; 6:40; 11:25; 2 Cor.4:14; 1 Thes.4:14-17; 2 Thes.1:8-9; Rev.20:6, 15). Trust Jesus, and tell others of Him. The Old Testament prophets were hated, along with the Message they brought (Ps.50:17; Jer.6:10; Zec.7:12); and too, we today who serve God faithfully, are also hated! This is no surprise to those who know and trust the Lord, for He said it would happen (Jn.15:18,25). We who have the Lord in our hearts need never fear the scorn and contempt of those who don’t know God (Is.51:7). Jesus plainly tells us IF we take a firm stand with Him, we shall be persecuted, even those nearest and dearest will turn against us. Luke 12:53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. [KJV] Jesus clearly tells us there will be “division” because of Him! Luke 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: [KJV] WHY the division? There is NO middle ground with Jesus. You are either for Him or against Him! You can accept Him OR reject Him. Jesus simply told the Truth, as do His faithful ones today. There are honest seekers who want to know more about Jesus, and those who don’t like what they hear. We are accused of fabricating Scriptures because cults are telling them what they want to hear (2 Tim.4:3), along with some preachers in the pulpit. They say a God of love would never send them to Hell. God does not send you to Hell, the decision is yours! You make the choice! God is a God of LOVE and a God of WRATH. IS GOD REALLY A GOD OF WRATH? Chapter 1 What is “the wrath of God”? We must understand exactly what it is, and WHY God is a God of wrath. The “wrath of God” is His great anger and displeasure with sin and with sinners. Psalm 7:11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. [KJV] Who in God’s eyes is “wicked” or a “sinner”? Quite simply it is all who reject Jesus by unbelief. John 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; [KJV] We must believe God, in all that He says. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [KJV] John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (KJV) Jesus says that there is no judgment awaiting those who trust Him. But those who do not trust Him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God. The moment that you trust Jesus with your heart and soul, Heaven is your eternal Home! You will never be condemned to Hell! BUT --- IF you refuse to trust Jesus and reject Him, you have already been judged and condemned to Hell. God does not hide the Truth about salvation, He makes it very plain! John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (KJV) All who believe in God's Son have eternal life. BUT --- those who do NOT obey the Son will never experience eternal life, but the wrath of God remains upon them. Here is another either/or verse, with a little extra punch! IF you believe God, you have eternal life now, BUT, if you don’t accept Jesus, the (here’s that word) “wrath” of God abides on you! In other words, you are doomed to an eternal Hell because YOU refuse to believe God! Did a loving God send you there? NO, my friend, you did it yourself! God loves you so much that He made a Way possible for you to live in Heaven with Him some day. NOTICE: I said “A” Way! There is only one Way to Heaven and that is Jesus! By rejecting Jesus, (God’s Way) you are choosing Hell. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV) NO ONE can get to the Father (in Heaven) except through Jesus! You either believe God and accept Jesus, OR you end up in Hell. It’s your choice! You must decide for yourself. It’s the most important decision you will ever make in your life! And, no one can make it for you. Jeremiah 25:4-5 And the Lord hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear. [5] They said, Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the Lord hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever: (KJV) Again and again, the Lord sent His prophets, but the people would not listen or even try to hear. Each time God’s message told them to turn from the evil road you are traveling and from the evil things you are doing. Only then will I let you live in this land that the Lord gave to you and your ancestors forever. Maybe you who are reading this have heard the Gospel many times before. As I stated, ALL true believers are responsible for bringing the Message of Christ Jesus. It is NOT an option with us. IF we do not tell others, we are in direct disobedience to God. We are as the prophets of old. We tell, over and over again; yet so very few respond. The vast majority of people do NOT want to hear the Truth, “that they will end up in an agonizing Hell without Jesus.” This is why so many turn to cults who teach “A loving God would not send me to Hell.” That is what people want to hear, but it is NOT the Truth! God is also a God of wrath, and I must teach the whole Truth. It is my job to keep telling others, whether they listen to me or not. Jeremiah 29:19 Because they have not hearkened to my words, saith the Lord, which I sent unto them by my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them; but ye would not hear, saith the Lord. (KJV) God said they refused to listen to Him, just as if He had not even spoken to them repeatedly through His prophets. --- People still are not listening to God! Ezekiel 33:8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. (KJV) If we do not announce that wicked people are sure to die and we fail to warn them about changing their ways, then they will die in their sins, but we will be held responsible for their deaths. Ezekiel was a watchman to Israel. His job was to warn sinners of their ‘sure to come’ misery and danger. He warned the wicked to turn from their ways, that they may live. If any souls perished through his neglect of duty, God held him accountable! So it is with those who bring the Gospel today! If we see an opportunity to tell someone of Jesus, and don’t do it, that soul might be lost forever, and we shall be held accountable by God. Yet consider too; those who ‘profess’ to be Christians, and what they will have to answer for: flatter sinners, make excuses for sin, encouraging people to believe that Heaven is secure for them, condoning living in (practicing) sin. The rich have watchmen to guard their homes and possessions, yet never once consider everlasting happiness OR everlasting agony where their soul in concerned. They are highly offended when true believers obey their Master’s command and give them a true warning concerning their eternal souls. It seems they would rather be condemned to Hell by listening to false things. Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV) Godless people worm their way in among you, saying that God's forgiveness allows us to live immoral lives. The fate of such people was determined long ago, for they have turned against our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. TRUE Christians are called to forsake the world of wickedness that is under control of Satan. We are called to higher and better things: to Heaven, things unseen, spiritual and eternal. Called from sin TO Christ, from emptiness to fulfillment, from uncleanness to holiness. The godless (wicked) are those without Jesus, who turn the wondrous grace of God into gross immorality (lasciviousness), or in other words, lawlessness topped off by arrogance! It is NOT all right to live immoral lives! The fate of those who do will lead them straight to Hell. 2 Cor. 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (KJV) We as God’s children are to separate ourselves from worldliness and live a life that is pleasing to God. There can be no union between God and any sin or evil. If we want God to be our God, we must behave like His people. IS GOD RIGHTEOUS IN HIS WRATH? Chapter 2 Those of us who are faithful and obedient to God in bringing the Truth in His Word, are looked down on by the vast majority of people, including our own families. Both my husband and myself can testify to this. I am simply not allowed to talk “religion” to my own mother. My “way” is not the only way, she says. I don’t have a “way”! It’s God’s Way, not mine! This tragedy weighs heavily on me, for Mother is in failing health and will not listen to me or anyone else who tries to tell her the Truth. All I have now is prayer. We are those whom unbelievers hate to see coming because they do not want their sin enlightened. They accuse us of bringing a Message of gloom and doom (Hell), whereas the truth of the matter is that we are bringing a Message of pure love, but they flatly disagree. All they want to hear is that a loving God will NOT send them to Hell, no matter what they do, and this is NOT true, and we cannot teach it! We preach Jesus out of LOVE! God does not want anyone to go to Hell, so He made a Way to save the souls of the wicked, and that Way is Jesus! How can a righteous and just God accept sinners? When we turn to Jesus to save us, His precious Blood (1 Peter 1:18-19) washes us white as snow. Even though our sins are “as scarlet, they shall be white as snow” (Is.1:18). The Blood of Jesus “cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Only then, can a righteous God accept us and not let His “wrath abide on us” (John 3:36). The “Light” of Jesus radiates in us, and as the Light of Jesus was not accepted when He was on Earth as Man, His messengers today also are not accepted. John 1:4-5 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. [5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (KJV) Life itself was in Jesus, and this life gives light to everyone. The light shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never snuff it out. Only in Jesus is there “life” (spiritual life). “Darkness” is a symbol of evil, sin, worldliness, wickedness and Satan. Jesus’ light shines but the darkness (evil, Satan) cannot comprehend it. Jesus is the Light of our lives. Only He can lighten the pathway to Heaven! Without Jesus, we stumble around like a blind man in a strange place. Only Jesus can kindle (arouse, set on fire) light in our hearts. Anyone without Jesus does NOT have this light in their hearts. It will be these people that the “wrath of God” will one day cast into the “furnace of fire” (Hell, Mat.13:49-50). Is God righteous and just? ABSOLUTELY! Psalm 116:5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. [KJV] Psalm 119:137 Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments. [KJV] God never did, never can, and never will do wrong to anyone! His Promises will be faithfully carried out by Him that made them. Good to those who live a life pleasing to Him; and bad to those who turn their backs on Him. God’s wrath is what God feels when people sin against Him. It is His Holy, righteous anger. God is so holy, just, pure, righteous, merciful and good, that He absolutely cannot stand to look on any sin! If you do not accept His Way (Jesus) to remove your sin and make you righteous, you are doomed to an eternal Hell! Without Jesus, to God you are “wicked.” Psalm 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. [KJV] This is a Promise from God! Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; [KJV] God shows His anger against all sinful, wicked people who push the Truth away from themselves. He very plainly reveals His holy wrath (both in the Old and New Testaments) against all “ungodliness” (all that is against God), and all “unrighteousness” (all that is against mankind). We cannot deny and scoff at God’s rules by which we should live our daily lives. If we suppress the Truth in any way: lies, stealing, oppression, immoral living, etc., we “hold the truth in unrighteousness.” Why is God so angry at sinful people? Because they substitute the Truth about Him with fairy tales. They stifle the Truth of God and people believe their lies. God cannot and will not tolerate sin because He is morally perfect! He cannot ignore and will not condone any willful rebellion! God wants to remove the sin and restore the sinner, and He is well able to do so, BUT, the sinner must not stubbornly distort or reject His Truth! His holy anger will erupt into out and out WRATH against those who persist in sinning; and that “wrath” will lead to their being condemned to an eternal Hell. Are you pursuing a fantasy of lies that will land you in Hell? Or, are you pursuing the true and righteous God who loves you and wants you to be His child and live in Heaven with Him some day? Only you can decide! Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (KJV) From the time God created the world, people have seen the Earth and sky and everything that God made. They can clearly see His invisible qualities, His eternal power and His divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God. Does anyone have an excuse for not believing God? The Bible very clearly states an definite NO! God has shown what He is like, in and through all His Creation. Therefore, every person either accepts OR rejects God. Don’t be fooled! When the day comes for God to judge your response to Him, He will accept NO excuses! There is not a person anywhere in the world that cannot “see” God in His Creation! The Person of God, and His awesome power are clearly shown, everywhere! ALL people are given enough “light” to “see” God! Psalm 8:3-4 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; [4] What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? (KJV) Look at the night sky ---- see the work of God’s fingers. He set the moon and the stars in place. Look out the window at God’s majestic world! Tell me you can’t see Him. Psalm 48:10 According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness. [KJV] Our faith in God and His Word should be strengthened day by day. The glorious hope within us should encourage others. Our minds should always be filled with good thoughts of God. His abundant streams of love and mercy that flow down to us, all can be traced back to the fountainhead of His loving-kindness. Let us praise God who deserves our worship, for all the things He has done for us. Since true believers are founded on Christ the Rock, we are fortified by His Divine power and guarded by Him who never slumbers nor sleeps. God is unchangeable in His love for us. He will lead, guide, direct and keep us to our last breath forever more. Psalm 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth. (KJV) God is always right, pure, holy and just. God’s righteousness and justice will never change! Praise Him today! Psalm 111:3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. (KJV) Everything God does reveals His glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. God’s most wonderful work is His pardoning of sin. We should remember this and glorify Him for it. But, IF we won’t believe God, and reject His Son; His holy and just wrath is kindled against us. God will never break any of His Promises, and His Promises to believers are many: forgiveness of sin and all the penalty of that sin, our assurance that He is always near to help in all situations, fulfillment of all our needs, resurrection to eternal life, name some terrific Promises. BUT, God also makes Promises to unbelievers (sinners, the wicked, those without Jesus); and these Promises are terrifying! Unbelievers will be held accountable for everything they ever did in their entire life (Rev.20:12), for they will not accept the pardon that comes only through Jesus, and they will be sentenced to an eternal, agonizing Hell (Rev.20:15). And the false doctrine that says God will weigh your good against your bad, and IF the good outweighs the bad, you will go to Heaven, that is ridiculous! There is NO such thing in the Bible! IF God did not keep His Promises, no one could trust Him, BUT, He does indeed keep ALL His Promises --- to His children AND to the children of the devil (1 John 3:10). Psalm 145:17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. [KJV] God is present everywhere, but to His children, He is close to them in a special way, as He is not with unbelievers. God is in the hearts of believers, abiding there because of our faith. He is close to all those who call upon Him, there to help in times of need IF they call upon Him in truth and sincerity. It’s foolish that more people don’t turn to God. Your choice: blessing or curse! Deut. 11:26 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; (KJV) Today God gives you the choice between a blessing and a curse! We ALL have broken the Law, just as Israel did, and we too are under a curse, without Jesus. There is NO way we on our own can change that curse to a blessing! But, in mercy, the Gospel also sets before us a blessing and a curse. A blessing, IF we obey the call to repentance and turn to Christ in faith, accepting the newness of heart and life that only Christ can make available to us, through Him. IF we reject God’s offer of eternal life through Jesus, a horrendous curse, for we have neglected God’s great salvation. Please do not harden your heart, but hear and obey the voice of God. In great love and concern He invites you to come to Him and be His child. God does not want you to hear the following words: Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: [KJV] Please make the wise decision. Psalm 96:13 -- he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. [KJV] His coming draws near! Christ shall come to judge the Earth and execute just vengeance on His enemies, and to fulfill His Promises to His people. Will you welcome this day? Please consider preparation to meet our Creator God who is also our Judge. Seek the pardon of your sins and the renewal of your soul to holiness, through the one and only Way, Christ Jesus! Acts 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. [KJV] There are MANY gods in the world today, and MANY religions! There are MANY so-called Christians who are earnest in their devotions, yet they worship false gods in vain, or they have accepted false doctrines that will lead them directly to Hell. We must admit one thing: when Judgment Day comes, and we are judged, it will be done right! The Judge will be the One with the nail pierced Hands and Feet; the One who was resurrected from the dead. Jesus’ resurrection assures us we will be resurrected as well. Those “in Christ” (the righteous) will receive eternal life in Heaven; those without Christ (unbelievers) will receive eternal shame and agony in Hell (Dan.12:2). God is righteous and just in ALL His dealings with us. Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen. [KJV] Many are called by God, but few accept His invitation (Luke 14:16-18). Most people make excuses as to why they reject Jesus. But, unless you repent and turn to Jesus, Hell for you is “As Good As Done.” Please consider this! PAYDAY FOR LOST SOULS Payday will came for all lost souls, Rejecting Christ thru’ unbelief, Unbelief to God, is the worst sin, Payday will come on Judgment Day, You can avoid payday in Hell, By: His servant: Connie Kramer Apr.4,1996 # 192 I realize I am writing some horrific stuff! But the Bible backs me up. I heartily encourage you to check out everything I write. I am simply God’s servant, writing and teaching what He has stated in His Holy Word. God loves you, very much! And He does NOT want you to spend eternity in Hell! Neither do I! GOD’S WRATH CARRIED OUT IN THE PAST! Chapter 3 God is always good, and righteous, and pure, and holy, and perfect and just. We are sinners! Let’s discuss SIN. Sin is any transgression of God’s Law (1 John 3:4) --- in our heart, soul and/or mind, as well as in the outward conduct of our lives. It can be by omission OR commission (Rom.6:12-17; 7:5-24). Sin in not merely a violation of the law of our constitution, but an offense against a personal Lawgiver (God) who will most certainly retaliate any offenses with penalties. Our soul is conscious of our sin. We know when we do wrong, and we know we rightly deserve punishment, and deep within we also know that sin calls down the wrath of God. Sin produces guilt and corruption in us. The character of our heart produces our actions. Sin always starts in our heart and mind. Adam and Eve’s sin (Gen.3:1-6) involved yielding to temptation and eating the forbidden fruit. So, what was so bad about that? Their sin boiled down to unbelief, or in effect, making God a liar. Their willingly disobeyed a definite command given to them by God Himself! By that sin, they became apostates to God, turning against their Creator. They lost the favor of God, and they lost the fellowship they’d had with Him. Original sin. We all (no matter who), go back to Adam and Eve. They sinned, we sin! They felt guilt, we feel guilt! Adam was the head of mankind. When he fell, we fell (Rom.5:12-21; 1 Co.15:22-45). His fall was our fall. Because of Adam’s first sin, ALL his descendants came into the world in a state of sin and condemnation, a state of moral corruption and guilt. Original sin is often and properly used to signify the moral corruption of our inherited nature. This moral corruption we inherit consists of: loss of original righteousness which God gave to Adam and Eve back in the Garden and a constant desire to do evil. It is called “sin” (Rom.6:12, 14, 17; 7:5-17), the “flesh” (Gal.5:17,24), “lust” (Jam.1:14-15), the “body of sin” (Rom.6:6), “ignorance, blindness of heart, alienation from the life of God” (Ep.4:18-19). Sin pollutes the entire person, driving them downward into deeper and deeper corruption. “There is no man that sinneth not” (1 Ki.8:46; Is.53:6; Ps.130:3; Rom.3:19,22-23; Gal.3:22). There are different kinds of sin: presumptuous sins or defiant acts (Ps.19:13), secret or hidden sins (Ps.19:12), sin against the Holy Ghost or the “sin unto death” (Mat.12:31-32) which is simply a willful rejection of the glorious grace of God. So, what are some examples of God bringing down judgment on those who willfully sin against Him? God clearly tells there will be judgment to come to all unbelievers (wicked). Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; (KJV) People won't listen. So they store up terrible punishment for themselves because of their stubbornness in refusing to turn from their sin. There is a day of judgment coming when God shall judge all the world. As I have stated before; God is loving, kind, righteous, good and perfect! He will NEVER do any wrong to any person, ever! But, because God has these attributes, He must bring down judgment on those who disobey Him or He would be a liar! God is NOT a liar! There is a day coming when you shall stand in His awesome Presence! And all unbelievers will be judged according to what they have done in their lives. It’s as good as done! Genesis 6:5-7 For every man shall bear his own burden. [6] Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. [7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (KJV) Do not deceive yourselves; no one makes a fool of God. You will reap exactly what you sow. God saw the abounding iniquity of the wicked world inpre-flood times and His wrath kept mounting. His holy decision was to punish it. The Spirit of God tried to reach people. God sent Enoch and Noah (maybe others) to preach to them. God was very patient, as He is today! But He stated that His Spirit would not always strive with men (Gen.6:3). He would leave them alone to be hardened in their sin, readying themselves for the destruction to come. He does this today too! (2 Thes.2:11-12). God sees all the wickedness that goes on in the world. It wasn’t hidden from Him then or now. When sin is not repented of, it shall ripen to receive God’s judgment. Sin was committed in all places, by all sorts of people. Their wickedness was great. God saw their every imagination, all their thoughts, and all was evil continually! Their hearts were deceitful and desperately wicked (Jer.17:9), their principles were corrupt, their habits and dispositions were evil. They did evil deliberately, maliciously dreaming up how to do mischief. There was no good among any of them. God saw all this, then and now, and it grieves Him and makes His Heart break. God hates sin, then and now! God resolved to “destroy man from the face of the earth” just like filth wiped off a place that should be clean. I think that was a very sad day for God when He had to send the Flood. Genesis 6:13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. (KJV) God’s decision was made! Because of people’s willful rebellion against God, they would be destroyed, then and in the future. Genesis 6:17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die. (KJV) Do you see just how furious God really was? Can you comprehend it? His wrath had climaxed, He could take no more! Genesis 7:19-24 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered. [20] Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered. [21] And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man: [22] All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died. [23] And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark. [24] And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days. (KJV) The waters covered even the highest mountains on the Earth, standing more than twenty-two feet above the highest peaks. All living things on earth died; birds, domestic animals, wild animals, all kinds of small animals, and all the people. Everything died that breathed and lived on dry land. Every living thing on the Earth was gone. Now, let me ask you a question. Do you honestly think that these wicked people that God killed in the Flood will be in Heaven some day? God killed their bodies, yes! But He did not kill their souls. Their souls went into Sheol (Hades) to await future judgment when they will be resurrected. In the Book of Daniel, it states there is ONE of two destinations for all resurrected souls. Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. [KJV] You must make your decision here on Earth, while you are physically alive. Will you believe God? Will you accept Jesus? Only Jesus has Heaven’s ‘key.’ Jude 1:5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. (KJV) Jude gives us three examples of rebellion against God. This is the first example. Even though the people of Israel were delivered from slavery in Egypt by God, later they refused to trust Him and enter the Promised Land (Num.14:26-39). The privileges these people had! They were God’s chosen people yet that could not keep them from the wrath of God, for they turned away from God in unbelief and disobedience. The destruction of the unbelieving Israelites in the wilderness clearly shows that NO one should take for granted their privileges. God performed miracles as to their daily bread and clothing, etc, yet even they perished in unbelief. We must believe God! Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. (KJV) The 2nd example of rebellion against God that Jude gives us is the angels. YES! There are bad angels! Although these were once living in the Presence of God, some gave in to pride and joined forces with Satan when he rebelled against God. Maybe they were not pleased with the positions God had given them. Pride was the main and direct cause of their fall. These fallen angels are kept (in chains) until the great day of Judgment. Shall fallen mankind (unbelievers) escape God’s wrath? No way, my friend! Will these angels be returned to Heaven some day? Absolutely not! Jude 1:7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. (KJV) The 3rd example of rebellion against God that Jude sets before us is one that nearly everyone is familiar with; sexual perversion. In today’s society, it is highly accepted. People see nothing wrong with it. BUT, what about God? What does God say about it? Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. (KJV) Leviticus 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. (KJV) 1 Kings 14:24 And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the Lord cast out before the children of Israel. [KJV] Romans 1:24-27 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: [25] Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. [26] For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: [27] And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. [KJV] 1 Cor. 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, [KJV] SO! What does God say about sexual perversion? It is very plain! He very clearly states, over and over again that it is an abomination to Him! That means God hates it! It absolutely disgusts Him! The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah are an excellent example of just how God will deal with the sin of homosexuality. The inhabitants of those cities were so full of sin that God wiped them off the face of the Earth (Gen. 19:1-29). Do people actually think that God will not judge today’s sodomites? IF God completely destroyed two cities (except for three righteous persons) back then, why would He overlook the same sin in people today? If God’s chosen people (Israel), angels and sinful cities were punished and destroyed, how can people think God will not judge sin of today in the same manner? Many do NOT want to believe that God sentences people to “eternal fire” for rejecting Him. But this is clearly taught in His Word. Rev. 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. [KJV] Any sinner who won’t seek forgiveness from God shall face eternal separation from Him. I can hear some say: “That wouldn’t be so bad, would it?” 2 Thes. 1:8-9 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: [9] Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; (KJV) “Everlasting destruction” is the lake of fire(see above). It is eternal separation from God and all that is good. If God is not there, there will be NO good at all in Hell. Those people who are separated from God in eternity no longer have any hope for salvation. To be cast out from the Presence of the Lord is eternal death. The grace of God will be gone! (Isaiah 2:19; 66:24; Mat. 25:41; Mark 9:44). WHY WOULD HE SPARE YOU?? If God spared not the angels that did sin, If God spared not the old world, way back then, If God spared not Sodom and Gomorrah, God won’t spare filthy dreamers of today, God made just one Way of salvation for man, I cannot teach just the ‘good’ things, I must bring the whole Truth. I must imitate my Master the best that I can. What did Jesus teach more than any other subject? HELL! Why? He does not want you to go there. DO YOU THINK ABOUT HELL??? Chapter 4 MEMORIES YOU WILL HAVE If you choose the broad road that leads to Hell, Today most folk don’t study the Good Book, Those who are there, wish they had one more try, The anger, pain, misery, and the thirst, If you were to ask any one of those, By: His servant, Connie Kramer Dec.31, 1995 #83 This is why I try my best to guide lost ones to Jesus. See: Lu.16:19-31. No matter who you are, you must go through Jesus to get to Heaven! God’s Holy Word repeatedly tells of the agonies of Hell! It tells much more about Hell than it does about Heaven, yet so many refuse to believe Hell is an actual place. Do you refuse to believe it? Do you think: “If I don’t think about it, it will go away?” Hell is most certainly a place! WHY does God say so much about it? Again I tell you, He does NOT want anyone to go there. He loves you very much! But, you say: “I have done bad things. God cannot forgive what I’ve done.” WRONG! God does not hide any dirty facts from us about those in the Bible. What about King David? David did much good, but he was a sinner, the same as we are sinners (2 Sam. 11:1-27). In the episode with Bathsheba, he allowed himself to fall deeper and deeper into sin. He focused on his desires and nothing else. When temptation came, he gave in to it instead of turning away. He sinned deliberately and tried to cover it up by deceiving others. He then committed murder to continue the cover-up. One wicked thing led to another, like a snowball rolling down a mountain, getting bigger and bigger! David’s sin was finally exposed, as most sins usually are, and he was punished by God. David’s sin not only affected him, but many others as well. David could have stopped and turned from his evil ways at any time, but once sin gets started it is not easy to stop (Jam.1:14-15). The bigger the mess we get into, the less we want to admit we were responsible for it. If you start sliding down a slippery slope, it’s much easier to stop near the top, rather than half way down. The best solution for us is to stop sin altogether before it starts. Don’t give in to temptation. SO! Did God forgive David? He most certainly did! Why, after all the horrible things he did? Because David realized just how he had sinned, and how wrong it was. Read Psalm 51. David pours out his heart to God. David was truly sorry for all that he had done, and God forgave him completely! God can also forgive us, IF we repent as David did. David turned from his wicked ways and God used him in a great way. The Psalms he wrote have blessed people throughout the ages and will continue to do so. David is the only person of whom God said: “he’s a man after his own heart.” Just how did God forgive sin in Old Testament times? Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. [KJV] How does blood make atonement (satisfaction for wrongdoing) for sin? When offered with the right attitude, the sacrifice and the blood shed from it made forgiveness possible. The death of the animal fulfilled the penalty of death. God thus granted forgiveness to the repentant, believing sinner. It is God who forgives, based on the faith of the person doing the sacrificing. So, all in all, God insisted on faith in olden times, and has not changed His mind about that in today’s times. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. [KJV] Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness. (KJV) Abraham believed God and because he did, God declared him righteous. Romans 4:3-8 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. [4] Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. [5] But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. [6] Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, [7] Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. [8] Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. (KJV) When Old Testament saints trusted and believed God, they offered a sacrifice to God. The blood of that sacrifice came from killing a lamb or other animal. The lamb was a sacrifice, a substitute for that person. The animal sacrificed was required to be “perfect and without blemish” (Lev. 22:19; Deut.15:21; 17:1; Mal.1:8,14). Animals with any defects were not acceptable as sacrifices, because they did not represent God’s holy nature, and the animal had to be without any blemishes, because this looked forward to the perfect and sinless life of Christ Jesus. When we give our best to God, whether it be our time, talent and/or treasure, we show the true meaning of worship and testify to God’s supreme worth. When God taught His people to worship Him, He taught that sacrifices were very important. Why? Because sacrifices in Old Testament times was God’s way for people to ask for forgiveness of their sins. Since God created the universe, He has made it quite clear that sin separates us from Him, and He also makes it quite clear that those who sin deserve to die. So, because “all have sinned” (Rom.3:23), God designed a specific Sacrifice (His Son) as a way for us, in today’s times, to seek forgiveness and restore our relationship with Him. Because He is a God of love, mercy and grace, God has planned from the first that He (Jesus) would come into our world (to suffer and die) to pay the penalty for all sinners. So, since Jesus’ death on the cross, we are no longer expected to offer blood sacrifices to God. Jesus paid the sin debt of ALL mankind. His perfect Sacrifice was completely accepted by God the Father (Ep.5:2) on our behalf. That’s why God’s wrath is upon ALL those who refuse to believe (John 3:36) and reject the perfect Sacrifice God designed for ALL mankind. God’s judgment is made so plain all through the Bible. He gives us so many warnings! God is the same holy, just and pure God now as He was way back then. He does NOT change His character or personality (Heb.13:8: Jam.1:17), but, at times He does change the way He deals with people. The sacrifices are one example. Let us not feel secure in sin, but be obedient to Christ, for nothing but the renewal of our souls can ever keep us from entering “everlasting destruction” (Hell). 2 Thes. 1:8-9 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: [9] Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; (KJV) Again I bring these verses before you. Just how much thought have you given to Hell? What about Heaven? Do you ever think of what Heaven is like? These verses clearly state that IF you do not obey the Gospel of Christ, you are doomed to Hell! These are NOT my words, they are God’s Words! Are you one of those who have come to believe that “A loving God would not send me to Hell?” My friend, this is a “damnable heresy” of cults! 2 Peter 2:1-2 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. [2] And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. [KJV] Jesus told His disciples that false teachers would come (Mat. 24:11; Mk.13:22-23). Peter heard the words Jesus spoke, and now he was seeing them come true. False prophets had contradicted the true prophets in the Old testament (Jer.23:16-40; 28:1-17), telling people only what they wanted to hear; so too, false teachers were twisting what our Lord had taught. Anyone who teaches in a false manner belittles the extreme importance of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. What they are saying is that our Lord died in vain. They are saying they can get to Heaven without Jesus, by their own way. They are actually contradicting God’s most Holy Word and calling God a liar! 1 John 5:9-12 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. [10] He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. [11] And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. [12] He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (KJV) Some claim that Jesus can’t be God, others claim He couldn’t have been a real man. False teachers allow and even encourage all kinds of wrong and immoral acts, especially sexual sin, then and now. We must be very careful to avoid false teachers, for it could mean your ending up in the depths of Hell, if you listen to what they teach. Any church, book, tape series, tract, newsletter (including ours), or TV message must be checked out with God’s Word. If it does not agree with the Word of God, stay away from it! Don’t listen to it, don’t read it, if it belittles our precious Saviour Christ Jesus, or His work. The devil is very strong and he does not want you to find out the Truth. But, IF you are searching for the Right Way, God will see to it that you find it. I guarantee it! God will never leave or forsake you in your time of seeking. He loves you dearly and wants you as His child. Again, I beg you, please check out everything I say on these pages! Please don’t take my word for anything! Your eternal future is extremely important. Don’t take the word of anyone (except God) where your soul is concerned, without checking it out. Just because someone is teaching something you WANT to believe, does not make what they are saying the Truth. Eternity is at stake. Please be careful. God’s Word tells us we’re all sinners. Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: (KJV) Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [KJV] Eccles. 7:20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. [KJV] I have one comment on this. Yes! We all are sinners, but there is a vast difference between saved sinners and lost sinners! All who are saved by the Blood of Jesus will NEVER see the depths of Hell, and all who are lost (without Jesus) will NEVER see the bliss of Heaven (John 3:3). Woe be to all those who do not know the saving grace of God our Father, for they shall know only everlasting destruction in an agonizing Hell. I cannot apologize for these brutal words. God has placed a burden upon me to reach those who are not saved. I really care what happens to you. If you are an unbeliever, please consider what I have said. If you are a believer, please reach out to someone today! Maybe the words you speak will save one soul from Hell. MAKE BELIEVE WORLD There’s a world of ‘make believe’ today, They say right is wrong, and wrong is right, They go to church, “To worship” they say, They practice sin, and think nothing’s wrong, The ‘make believe’ world, we must reject, Only God’s children will access Heaven, Only God’s Word can show you the real world. REDEEMED BY LOVE From the curse of the law, we are free, We have forgiveness of sins; thru’ Christ’s Blood, Redeemed by love; all of mankind, To redeem means to buy back something that had been lost, by payment of a ransom. There are many Passages in the New Testament that represent Christ’s sufferings as the idea of a ransom or price paid, and the result is the purchase (redemption) of our souls. Ephes.1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (KJV) Col. 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: (KJV) 1 Tim. 2:5-6 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; [6] Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (KJV) Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (KJV) Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (KJV) 1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; [19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (KJV) The Blood of Jesus is certainly most precious to all who trust Him! The idea that runs through all these verses, even though they vary, is that payment was made for our redemption. The debt against us was not just canceled, but was paid in full! Christ’s Blood which He surrendered for us all, was considered payment in full by God the Father. We are delivered from the bondage of sin and the consequences of sin (Hell). Christ saves us, not by exercising His power, not by His doctrine, not by His example, not by His moral influence; but by His work on the cross which was considered sufficient and satisfactory by God. His death was the expiation (making amends) for our ever present sin, and a ransom from the curse of the law. When we believe by faith, we are justified (declared NOT guilty in the courts of Heaven) by God the Father. Does God love us? Without a doubt! Does Jesus love us? So much that He died for us! You decide whether He loves us or not. Atonement is reconciliation. It also means satisfaction, in regards to the sinner, to reconcile to God. This is necessary. Romans 3:24-25 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: [25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; [KJV] We are sinners. God saves us by His awesome grace. There is NO merit, whatsoever on our part. “Justified” means we are declared ‘not guilty’ by the Supreme Judge. When God forgives our sins, our record is wiped clean. From His viewpoint, it’s as though we had never sinned. Redemption is quite simply Christ setting us free from the slavery of sin. When we believe, God transfers Jesus’ righteousness over to the believer. His righteousness is upon ALL who believe, no matter who! That righteousness is placed upon us as a robe, and it is free grace (wondrous love and mercy of God) that makes this possible to us. We can never do anything to merit or deserve this grace. It is given freely to us, but Christ bought it for us, paying a full and total price. Faith in His Blood tells of Jesus’ life, which He surrendered for us all. He made the propitiation (atonement) for our sins. Nothing less than the Blood of Jesus would ever satisfy God. There is only one Way to be reconciled with God and saved from His wrath, and that is His Son. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV) God clearly reveals His Plan to all who wish to know the Truth. He shows us the one and only Way to Heaven if we are not too stubborn to believe Him. His Plan (Gift) is FREE! Grab it! Ephes. 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. (KJV) God saved you by His special favor when you believed. You cannot take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV) Salvation is a GIFT from God, but it seems the more education a person has, or the older he/she is, the harder it is for them to accept this precious Gift! I’ve heard some pretty lame excuses! “I wasn’t brought up that way” is one a dear soul keeps repeating to me. The truth is, neither was I. Never did I see a Bible in our house, never did I hear a prayer of any kind. Yet God got me out of there because I was searching. I kept searching and He found me! If you haven’t accepted Jesus as your Saviour and Lord, what’s your excuse? Remember, NO excuse will hold up when you stand before the Great Judge. Salvation, or How to Avoid Hell. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (KJV) What does it mean to be “born again?” Simply, that you are spiritually born into the family of God. John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (KJV) John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV) The “Way” to eternal life (Heaven) is Jesus. Only Jesus can put your name in the book of life (Phil.4:3; Heb.12:23; Rev.3:5; 20:15). Jesus is the Way, and the only Way! You cannot work your way there, you cannot buy you way there. Only Jesus has the key! Jesus is God! He plainly states you must go through Him to get to His Father. John 10:30 I and my Father are one. (KJV) When God planned salvation, even before the Creation (Ep.1:4-7), He made it easy so that even a small child or retarded person could attain it. Anyone (whosoever) trusts Jesus as their Saviour and Lord, becomes God’s child. Plain and simple! Maybe it is too simple for a lot of people, for they think they must DO something. You do have to DO something! Believe God, and accept Jesus by faith (Jn.6:28-29). Salvation is a free Gift from God. All you need to do is reach out and take it! Matthew 7:13-15 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: [14] Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. [15] Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (KJV) Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? [23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (KJV) There are many “religions” out there, as people will be quick to tell you. A “religion” is anything you believe in, worship or practice. There are many FALSE religions (cults) today. What we must keep in mind is that there is only one true God in the universe. He is the God of Creation and the God of the Bible. The Bible proves Him over and over again! His Truth plainly tells us how to achieve Heaven and avoid Hell. Yet false teachers run rampant world wide. They teach false doctrines that will lead people right to Hell. The worst part is that people eat it all up, they devour it. Why? Because they teach that a loving God would never send anyone to Hell. That’s what they want to hear! “I’m not a bad person” they’ll say. The truth is that some unbelievers live a good moral life, better than some professing Christians. BUT, they refuse to believe Jesus is the only Way to Heaven. They simply can’t see that road being so small. Yes, the road is small, but in reality, it’s wide enough for the whole world. On Judgment Day these false ones ALL will be denied by Jesus, also those who fell for their lies. Then, they will see the big mistake they made, but it will be far too late! IF YOU DON’T KNOW CHRIST Think ‘bout your worst pain and agony, Think about awful unhappiness, Just think ‘bout the sun’s sweltering heat, Think about no light ever again, Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (KJV) God’s Words, not mine! If you don’t know Jesus, turn to Him now. Luke 9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. (KJV) My prayer for you as you read this is that Jesus will never be ashamed of you. NO OTHER DOOR Chapter 5 John 10:1-5 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. [2] But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. [3] To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. [4] And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. [5] And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. (KJV) In the time of Jesus, sheep were often gathered into a sheep pen at night to protect them from thieves, weather or wild animals. These pens could have been caves, sheds or just an area surrounded by a wall of stones or branches. The shepherd often slept in the doorway of the pen to protect the sheep. Just as the shepherd cared for his sheep, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, cares for His flock (those who follow Him). Ezekiel predicted the coming of the Messiah, calling Him a Shepherd (Eze.34:23). The parable above, comes from the customs of the East and how they managed sheep. Those who believe depend on their Creator, and are called the sheep of His pasture. The true church of God is like a sheep-fold. We’re exposed daily to deceivers and persecutors, but our Great Shepherd knows ALL who belong to Him. He guards us by His wisdom, guides us by His Spirit and His awesome Word, and goes before us (leading us, NOT driving us), just like the shepherds of old went before their sheep. Pastors and teachers must serve the sheep and feed the sheep in all their spiritual concerns. If we are lax in this, we will be held accountable. Every pastor is responsible for every soul that enters the church building. It is their responsibility to make the Gospel of Christ known to the flock in order to keep them safe from oncoming attacks of Satan and his children (false teachers and false preachers). If a pastor or teacher does NOT bring the Gospel of Christ to those who enter into the church building, and those souls are lost because of their neglect, woe be unto them! Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (KJV) Jesus warned that anyone who turns little children away from faith in Him will receive severe punishment! I believe this applies not only to the physically young, but the spiritually young as well (1 Jn.2:1,12,18). We are responsible to tell the Truth about Jesus, or we will be held accountable. John 10:6-9 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. [7] Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. [8] All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. [9] I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. (KJV) Many who hear the Word of Christ, do not understand it. Why? Simply because they will not! If you want to know the Truth, God will most graciously see to it that you find the Truth. One Scripture Passage expounds another, and the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit will make known to you the marvelous and awesome Christ Jesus. Christ is the Door. He is the only door that leads to Heaven. As I have said before, the foolishness of unbelievers simply astounds me. They fall hook, line and sinker for the “damnable heresies” (God’s Words, 2 Peter 2:1) of false teachers, but they cannot see the Truth that God clearly sets before them. Jesus is the Door, open for passage and communication, and He is our Security, for He stands between us and our enemies. We must go in through Christ the Door. He is our Mediator, between God and us, and only by our faith in Him can we ever hope to access the sheep-fold of God (Heaven). John 10:10-18 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. [11] I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. [12] But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. [13] The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. [14] I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. [15] As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. [16] And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. [17] Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. [18] No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. (KJV) Who is the “thief”? None other than the devil and his children. There is quite a contrast between the thief who takes life and Jesus who gives life! The life Jesus gives (here and now) is abundantly richer and fuller than we could ever hope for without Him. And later, we have eternal life, which begins immediately when we accept Christ. John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (KJV) NOTICE: We “have” eternal life NOW, through Jesus. But, if you insist on listening to people who are telling you what you want to hear; that “a loving God would never send you to Hell,” you are listening to a “thief” who will NEVER give you eternal life, but instead --- eternal death in the Lake of Fire. Jesus offered Himself for a Sacrifice to God in our place. He died in our place, to obtain for us freedom from the punishment of sin. He obtained that pardon of our sin by His death on the cross. Our Saviour and Lord and Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep. Living a life “in Christ” grants to us blessings not known to those outside Christ. We receive abundant love, joy, peace, hope, mercy contentment and guidance. All these will be yours, when you turn to Jesus in faith. John 10:19-21 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. [20] And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? [21] Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind? (KJV) There was then and is now, a division because of Jesus. How well Paul and I know! Satan is strong and ruins many by temptation, twisting Scriptures, subtle deception, out and out lies, by any way he can; to keep a person from Christ. Satan has many followers (many more than Jesus, Mat.7:14; 22:14), and they are enthusiastic and tireless as they serve their master. They are leading millions down that broad road to Hell. IF only TRUE Christians were half as energetic in serving Christ as professing Christians are in serving the devil, the TRUE church would greatly increase. Please be warned: check out everything you hear or read with the perfect Word of God! Don’t take anyone’s word for something as serious your eternal destiny! Don’t let the devil get his foot in the door. Don’t ever think of speaking with the devil! The minute you do, you lose --- big time! Turn instead to Jesus who can give you LIFE not death. CHRIST, THE DOOR There is but one “Door” into Heaven, God’s children have one qualification, Salvation for e’er, and liberty, A river of water, clear and pure, (Rev.22:1-2; Jn.10:7; 14:6; Rom.5:2; Eph.2:18; Heb.9:8; 10:19-22) Only through Jesus do we have access to God the Father, now in prayer and fellowship, later in the bliss of Heaven which is God’s Home! Christ is the only DOOR that will access Heaven! This has been a very difficult book to write. I know many will think my words harsh, or even brutal; but my only desire is to tell the Truth about salvation and hope some may find Jesus! A Gift, Unequaled . . A Loving God Wouldn't Send Me To Hell . . Christ in Psalms . . Christ Is the Door . . False Teachers . . God's Kind of Love . . Living With Eternity In Mind . . Is Jesus God? . . Messianic Prophecies . . Olivet Discourse . . Sermon on the Mount . . Satan and Witchcraft . . The Will of God . . Unfilled Prophecies . . What Must I Do To Be Saved? We have more Bible study booklets on our other web sites. For our other web sites: Poetry . . . http://www.hisservantsministry.org . . . Poetry http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org
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