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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. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> CHRIST
IS THE DOOR Introduction
Bible Used: King James Version [KJV] Verses with words in red,
bold italics 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] Written and compiled by: CHRIST
IS THE DOOR Christ is the Door, the only Door by which we must access Heaven. Millions refuse to believe this fact. But, the Bible says it is the Truth. Just because someone refuses to believe it, doesn’t make it any less the Truth. A fact is a fact! Truth is Truth! Jesus is the Messiah (Christ). Most Jews will not accept Christ, they are still looking for the Messiah. But, Messiah came! He came in fulfillment of many Old Testament prophecies. He came under the Law. “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law” (Gal. 4:4). He came in the line of David according to prophecy (Luke 1:32). He was born in Bethlehem according to prophecy (Mic. 5:2). Not only was He in the line of David, but He was born of a virgin according to prophecy (Isa. 7:14). Isaiah 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: [KJV] By the time Jesus came, the royal line of David had dropped back to the level of the peasant. There was no more royalty. Jesse had been a lowly farmer in Bethlehem. He raised sheep. His son, David, had the anointing oil poured on him, and that line became the kingly line. But when the Lord Jesus was born, He wasn’t born into royalty, but instead peasants! Jesus was just a branch out of the stem of Jesse, the peasant. Jesus was simply a carpenter and wore a carpenter’s robe. Prophecies
were fulfilled very accurately! Jesus was/is the Messiah.
No one else could have had the credentials that He had. NO
ONE! He makes
a tremendous claim in John chapter 10. Israel is the sheepfold;
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. The prophet Ezekiel, when predicting
the coming of the Messiah, called Him a “Shepherd”
(Eze.34:23). Isaiah 61:1 speaks of Him as the “Anointed One” and this is He “of whom Moses in the law and the prophets did write” (John 1:45). Messiah (Christ) cannot be overlooked! If any one really wanted to know the Truth, all they have to do is open the Old Testament and they will find Him without much delay. Daniel’s prophecy in 9:24-26 clearly tell when Messiah would come and when He would die. It also tells us about the Great Tribulation. God does not try to hide things from us. Let’s not be too blind to see just what He is trying to show us in His Word! THE
DOOR OF THE SHEEPFOLD John 10:1-2 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. [KJV] This teaching of Jesus closely resembles the Parables. Jesus is discussing the legitimate leaders of the sheep (Israel). He is suggesting there were false leaders of God’s people whose intentions were unsound. This still goes on world wide today. Two things that set apart fraudulent leaders: (1.) their entry into authority is wrong (v.1). Only Jesus has true authority because of His credentials. He came in by the gate, He did not “climb up some other way.” (2.) A false leader’s voice won’t be recognized by the sheep (v.3). Jesus and Jesus alone knows and is known by the sheep. This is taken from the customs of the East, in caring for sheep. People are creatures who depend on their Creator, and are called the sheep of His pasture. Sheepfolds were enclosures, often made of stone fences or thorny bushes with just one gate, and was intended to protect sheep from predators. Many times the shepherd laid down to sleep in the gate of the sheepfold. There was a unique closeness between the shepherd and the sheep. Anything trying to get to the sheep, would have to go through him. The duties of a shepherd in an unfenced country could be very burdensome. Early in the morning he would lead the flock from the fold. He would not drive them, but walk ahead to the place where they would be pastured. They followed him. He would stay with them all day, day after day, making sure that none of the sheep strayed or got into trouble. If any did happen to wander off from the rest, he would search diligently until he found it and brought it back. In those lands sheep needed water regularly. The shepherd would guide them either to a running stream or to dug wells in the wilderness where he would furnish troughs for them to drink. Then at night he brought the flock back to the sheepfold, counting them as they came in, to make sure that none were missing. His work did not always end with sunset. Often he had to guard the fold through the night hours from the attack of wild beasts, or the attempts of the prowling thief (1 Sam.17:34). Israel was originally intended by God to be the sheep of His pasture. But, when Jesus came, most of them rejected Him as their Messiah. There were some then, and today who did/do accept Him, but they are few. I think these people were/are truly blessed. Today, born again believers (Jew or Gentile) in the world are the sheep of God. John 10:16 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. [KJV] When the Jews rejected the Messiah, He turned to the Gentiles. That too can be found in the Old Testament (Gen.12:3; 22:18; 49:10; Deut.32:21; Ps.46:10; 65:2; 66;4; Isa.55:5; 60:3-5; 65:1; Dan.7:13-14; Mic.4:3-4) just to name a few. The Great Shepherd of the sheep knows ALL that are His. He guards us by His divine guidance, guides us by His Spirit and Word, and goes before us, just as the Eastern shepherds went before their sheep. The TRUE sheep of Christ will recognize their Shepherd, and be very cautious and shy of strangers, who would draw them away from faith in Him to falsehoods about Him. John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice; and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out [KJV] The porter is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God came upon Jesus, and everything that He did and said, He did by the power of the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit opens the ears of His sheep so that we hear His voice. His sheep have responded. The religious rulers were spiritually blind and spiritually deaf. They didn’t hear His voice. It’s the same today! He calls out to people, they never hear Him! But He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. Do you know that Jesus knows your name? Do you know He even knows the number of hairs on you head? (Mat. 10:30). The blind man heard Him call. Simon heard His call, and Jesus changed his name to Peter. He called James and John, Nathanael and Philip. He stopped under a tree in Jericho and called Zacchaeus. He calls His sheep by name. I think at the Rapture, that His call will have every believer’s name in it. I think I’ll hear Him say personally, “Connie.” How great that day will be! He knows my name, and He will call it at that time. And He will call you if you are one of His sheep. You will hear your name when He shouts from the clouds! John 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice [KJV] When the shepherd gets ready to take his sheep out in the morning, his sheep could be all mixed up with somebody else’s sheep. For there is no brand or marking on the sheep. How does he get his sheep? He calls them by name. The sheep know their shepherd’s voice. When he starts out, his sheep come out of the fold and follow him. They know him. The sheep follow him because they know his voice. This is a wonderful thing to know. Any time that we give out the Word of God, Jesus is calling His sheep. Did you ever think about that? The Spirit of God is the Porter who does the opening, and the sheep will hear. The Lord will lead His sheep out of a church where they’re not being fed. They will follow Him. You can’t always fool God’s sheep. Some may get into a cult for a while, but His sheep will recognize the voice of the Shepherd. When a believer brings the Word of God, the sheep will hear it. We can depend on that. John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: [KJV] I think that you can fool some of God’s people some of the time, but I don’t think you can fool all of them all the time. ome may think they hear Him, but one day they discover that it is not His voice. Then they will turn to the Truth because they know their Shepherd. What about those who don’t hear Him? They don’t hear His voice because they are not His sheep. Any time we find someone who is eager for the Word of God, we know they are His sheep. THE
DOOR OF THE SHEEP John
10:7–8 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you,
I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are
thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
[KJV] Here Jesus gives another parable. He has spoken about
the door of the sheepfold. Now He says that He is the “Door”
of the sheep. Our Lord will state this same principle in John 15 when He says, “I am the true vine…. ye are the branches” (John 15:1, 5). The vine in the Old Testament is a symbol of the nation Israel. Jesus is saying that it is no longer the connection with the nation Israel but the relationship with Him, which is the joining of the branches with the Vine. Israel must come out from Judaism, come out from ritualism, and come to Him. He is saying that He is the Door. Remember, He is talking to the religious rulers, and many of them did come to Him after His resurrection (Acts 6:7). John 10:9–10 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 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. [KJV] Jesus Christ is the Door! He is the only Way. He is the only Way out of sin and its penalty for you; and He is the only Way into eternal life for you. He has come to bring us an abundant life. Abundant = superior in quality; exceeding abundantly, very high quality, beyond measure. In other words, What Jesus offers us is absolutely the best there is! The thief comes to steal, to kill and to destroy. I think this is a test you can apply to a church, a religious organization, and/or a radio or television program. Is it teaching Jesus and Him crucified? Or is it teaching some false doctrine? Is someone always begging for money? “Send me $$$ and I will pray for you. Send me $$$ and your sickness will go away. Send me $$$ and you will be healed. Send me $$$ and you will come into a fortune.” Ridiculous!!! This is nothing but a religious racket! Someone is getting rich on God’s Word, and to me this is absolutely blasphemous! Compare this to the Good Shepherd who came to save sinners and to give us life, abundantly, both in this life and the life to come. Jesus does NOT mean everything will go great for you all the time. Quite the contrary; He tells us to expect trials and tribulations. Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (KJV) We can carry heavy burdens of sin, oppression and persecution, worry, depression, doubt, weariness in the search for God, etc. Jesus can free people from all burdens. The “rest” that Jesus promises is love, joy, and peace with God, not the end of all labor. A relationship with Jesus changes a meaningless life into an abundant life! 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (KJV) Sometimes bad things happen to God's children. When it does, don’t ask “Why me?” Ask yourself “Why not?” Jesus suffered, we too will suffer. Consider this; no matter what trouble may come your way, Jesus will walk with you through it! Is that not sufficient? (2 Cor.12:9). James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; [KJV] Only a person of faith can do this! Most will say “How can I be joyful when I have all this trouble?” 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (KJV) Put your troubles in His capable Hands! He will give you rest. Christ Jesus is the Door for BOTH Jew and Gentile. He is the Door of salvation. John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (KJV) Jesus Himself is the Truth that sets us free. He is the source of Truth and the perfect standard of what is right. He frees us from the consequences of sin, from self-deception, and from deception by Satan. He is the only Way to eternal life with God. Jesus does not give us freedom to do what we want, but freedom to follow God. As we willingly serve God, Jesus’ perfect Truth frees us to be all that God meant for us to be. John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (KJV) Praise Him! THE
DOOR and THE GOOD SHEPHERD? John 10:11–13 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 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. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep [KJV] How can Jesus be both the Door AND the Shepherd at the same time? In fact, there was not a door that swung on hinges and it did not have a padlock to secure the sheepfold. The man who guarded it slept across the doorway so that he himself was the door. Jesus is not only the Door but He is also the Good Shepherd, the One who stays in the doorway; keeping an ever watchful eye on His sheep. He is the Door, the only One that opens up to eternal life in Heaven. He is the One who protects His own; and He is also the Good Shepherd who watches over us constantly. Should we slip and fall over a cliff, He is there to help us back up. Jesus is also called the Lamb of God. How can He be the Lamb of God and at the same time be the Good Shepherd, and the Door? Am I getting a little off track here? No! They all tie together and it is one of the most wonderful Truths in Scripture. Jesus is the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). He came down to Earth as Man and identified Himself with us who are the sheep; but He also is the Shepherd who takes care of the sheep. The fact that He became a Lamb shows the humanity of Christ Jesus. The fact that He is the Good Shepherd shows the deity of Christ. He was/is 100% God and 100% Man. He alone was worthy and able to save us. No other human being could do this; Jesus had to be God. The Lord Jesus has a threefold relationship to His sheep which
are known as His church. First of all He is the Good Shepherd,
and He defines the Good Shepherd in verse 11: “I
am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for
the sheep.” He is also the Great
Shepherd, for we read in the magnificent benediction as follows. Hebrews 13:20-21 So today He is the Great Shepherd of the sheep, as seen in Psalm 23. But that does not give us the total picture. He is also the Chief Shepherd. This speaks of the future. 1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. [KJV] Jesus’ watchcare for the sheep is never ending! He watches over us in this life, and He makes sure we make it to our “mansion” in Heaven. The hireling does not care for the sheep. Founders of some of the world religions did very little to help their followers. Modern cult leaders actually get rich off the people. What a contrast is the Good Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep. He protects His own in this world and will prepare us for the world to come. He will never leave nor forsake us, ever! JESUS
AS THE DOOR When saying Jesus is the Door, it also means He is the Way, the Path, the Road, etc. Let’s see what the New Testament has to say. 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) This is one of the most basic and important passages in Scripture. How do we find the way to God? Only through Jesus. Jesus is the Way because He is both God and Man. When we unite our lives with His, we unite our lives with God the Father. When we trust Jesus to take us to the Father, all the benefits and blessings of being God’s child belong to us. Jesus says He is the ONLY Way to God the Father. So many people argue that this Way is far too narrow, but the Truth is, it is wide enough for the whole world, if the world chooses to accept it. As the Way, Jesus is our Path to the Father. As the Truth, He is actually what all God’s Promises are based on. As the Life, He unites His divine life to our life, both now and eternally. Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (KJV) As believers, we stand in a place of great privilege. We are God’s children! Not only has God forgiven us and declared us not guilty because of Jesus; he has drawn us close to Himself. Our faith allows us to walk through the Door into the absolute and amazing grace of God. By being God’s children because of belief in Jesus, we are entitled to many blessings that unbelievers cannot have. All this comes about only through Jesus! We must go through Him to get to the Father in Heaven and to receive the tremendous blessings God has for us. Ephes. 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. (KJV) It is only through Christ that anyone, Jews or Gentiles, are able to come in the one Spirit into the Presence of the Father. Neither Jews nor Gentiles can be saved by good deeds, knowledge, religious rites, or sincerity. ALL people need to hear about the salvation available only through Jesus. When we go through the Door, we are brought near to Him. Only through the Person, sacrifice, and mediation of Christ, are sinners allowed to draw near to God as a Father, and are permitted into His awesome Presence. Hebrews 9:8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: (KJV) The Most Holy Place was the most sacred spot on Earth for the Jews. Only the high priest could enter. The other priests and the common people were forbidden to come into the room. Their only access to God was through the high priest, who would offer a sacrifice and use the animal’s blood to atone first for his own sins and then for the people’s sins. This all changed at the death of our Lord Jesus. Matthew 27:51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; (KJV) The temple had three main parts: the courts, the Holy Place (where only the priests could enter), and the Most Holy Place (where only the high priest could enter just once a year, to atone for the sins of the nation Leviticus 16:1-35). The curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place was torn in two at Christ’s death. This symbolized that the barrier between God and humanity was removed because Jesus, the Son’s Sacrifice had been accepted by God the Father. Now ALL people are free to approach God because of Christ’s Sacrifice for our sins. Christ is the Door, the only Door, that we can use to access the Throne of God. No one is welcome at God’s magnificent Throne unless they go through Jesus! Hebrews 10:19-20 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, [20] By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; (KJV) The Most Holy Place in the temple was sealed from view by a curtain. It is my understanding that this curtain (veil) was very high and very thick. No mere human could possibly have torn it, especially top to bottom (Matthew 27:51 above). That curtain was torn by the power of God, no other way. It was Jesus’ death that removed the curtain, and since that time, ALL believers may go into God’s Presence, at His Almighty Throne, at any time. Our way to Heaven is ONLY by a crucified Saviour, Jesus the Door! Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (KJV) The gate that leads to eternal life is called “narrow.” This does not mean that it is difficult to become a Christian, but that there is only one way to live eternally with God and only a few that ever decide to walk on that road. Believing in Jesus is the only way to Heaven, because He alone died for our sins and can make us right before God. He is the Gate and He is the Way! Living His way may not be popular, but it is true and right. Thank God for Him today! 2 Peter 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. (KJV) Though the way of error is a hurtful way, many are always ready to walk there. Let us be careful that we never blaspheme the Holy Name whereby we are called, or to speak evil of the way of salvation by Christ Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. False teachers deceive the hearts of their followers. They are condemned by God, and the wrath of God abides upon them. Sin is the work of darkness (Satan), and the wages of sin is death (Hell). But when God sends destruction on the ungodly, He commands deliverance for the righteous. Let the sins of others be troubling to us. While wicked men often escape suffering here, they are kept to the day of judgment, to be punished with the devil and his angels (Mat.25:41). Let us pray for lost souls, that they may see and go through the Door before it’s too late. 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, JESUS
AS THE DOOR Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (KJV) Jesus devotes Himself to the honor of God, in the service of the saints. Saints on Earth we must be, or we shall never be saints in Heaven. Who are the “saints”? All those who are renewed by the grace of God, and are devoted to the glory of God; these are the saints on Earth. Only Jesus can make a person a “saint.” NO mortal man can do this. When we believe on Jesus (John 1:12-13), we are “born again” and we then become saints (God’s children). Without going through Jesus, we will never be saints, and never even “see” Heaven let alone go there! (John 3:3). Most people look at the world for what they can get out of it. They place their happiness in the enjoyments of it. But this is not the way we should view happiness. We should strive for the love and favor of God, and to be accepted by Him. This present day Earth will one day be destroyed (Ps.102:25-27; Isa.24:19-20; 51:6; Mat.5:18; 24:3; 24:14, 29-31; 24:35-39; Mark 13:24-37; Luke 21:26-36; Heb. 1:10-12; 2 Pet. 3:10-13; Rev. 20:11; 21:1). It is only temporary! And all the things in it are temporary! We, as God’s children (saints), should be concerned about permanent things. Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: [20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: [21] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. [KJV] To be worldly-minded is a common and fatal symptom of hypocrisy. There is no other sin that Satan can get a faster hold of the soul. Satan makes people think this is the best thing; to have pleasure and confidence above other things. But Jesus wants us to make our best things the joys and glories of the other world. Those things not seen which are eternal --- those are the things that we should place our happiness in. What Is Spiritual Treasure??? Treasure is something you consider of great or high value. Col. 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. [KJV] Only in God the Father and Jesus, His Son are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Are you taking any courses from them? 2 Cor. 4:6-7 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. [7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. [KJV] ALL believers have a precious treasure within them; the light and power of Jesus that now shines within us. This treasure is held in our weak bodies, so everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own. Do you consider the light and power of Jesus a treasure? Philip. 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, [KJV] Do you count everything else as worthless when you compare it with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus as your Lord? Do you discard everything else, and count it all as garbage, so that you may have Christ? Do you consider Jesus your best and most highly prized Possession? Is Jesus your Treasure? God requires our whole heart, and will not share it with the world. When two masters oppose each other, no man can serve both. He who holds to the world and loves it, must despise God; he who loves God, must give up the friendship of the world. In this world sorrow is our lot, but in Heaven there is joy, a fullness of joy; our pleasures here on Earth are for a moment, but those at God’s right hand are pleasures for evermore. Only by going through Jesus, will God show us the path of life. Jesus is the Path! Psalm 23:1-6 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. [3] He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. [4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I willfear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. [5] Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. [KJV] Only when we allow Jesus, our Shepherd to guide us, can we have true contentment. But when we choose to sin, we go our own way and cannot blame God for the wrong pastures we end up in. Our Shepherd knows the green pastures and quiet waters that will restore us. We reach these places only when we follow Him obediently. When we rebel against the Shepherd’s leading, we actually rebel against our own best interests. We must remember this the next time we are tempted to go our own way rather than the Shepherd’s way. Only Jesus, our Shepherd is the Path we must follow if we want to “dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” Proverbs 12:28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death. (KJV) Jesus, the Way is righteousness. Jesus the Way is life. Jesus the Way leads where there is NO eternal death. For so many, death is a dark door at the end of life, and a black tunnel leading to an unknown and feared destiny. But for God’s people, death is a bright pathway to a new and better life. Death is the beginning of eternal life for believers. Death is not final, but is just another step in the eternal life we received when we trusted and followed Him (John 5:24). Jesus is the only Way, the only Door to Heaven! THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD My loyal
Shepherd is Jesus, my Lord, I shall
not want, He fills all my needs, He leads
me only in paths that are right, Tho’
thru’ death’s shadowy valley I walk, Secured
and refreshed; my Shepherd provides, His goodness
and mercy shall follow me, Psalm 107:7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. (KJV) Lost, hungry, thirsty, and exhausted, these wanderers represent the Israelites in exile. But they also represent anyone who has not found the contentment and satisfaction that comes from knowing God. If a person recognizes his or her own lostness and helplessness, they can receive the offer of Jesus to satisfy all these needs. Jesus is the Way (John 14:6), Jesus is the Bread from Heaven (John 6:33, 35), Jesus is the Living Water (John 4:10-14), and Jesus is the Giver of Rest (Matthew 11:28-30). Have you accepted His life-giving offer? He is the only Door that leads to God the Father who lives in Heaven. Hosea 2:15 And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt. (KJV) In this verse, God was promising (1) to bring the people to the desert, a place free from distractions, so that He could clearly communicate with them, and (2) to change what had been a time of hardship into a day of hope. The Valley of Achor (trouble) is the place where Achan had sinned, by keeping forbidden war plunder (Jos.7). He had brought great a catastrophe to Joshua’s troops when they were attempting to conquer the land. God uses even our negative experiences to create chances for us to turn back to Him. As you face problems and trials, remember that God speaks to you in the desert too, not just in times of prosperity. Jesus is our only Door of Hope in these days in which we live. THE DOOR If there
were no door; we’d not enter Heav’n, If we
don’t use God’s “DOOR”, we can’t
go in, Jesus
is the “DOOR”, and the only one, Only Jesus can bridge the tremendous gap between God and mankind. Only Jesus can give you access to the Father’s majestic Throne of grace. Only Jesus can guide you and keep you on that strait and narrow path. Only Jesus can make your darkest day seem bright and cheerful. Only Jesus can help you pass through the storms of this life. Only Jesus can give you peace and joy. Only Jesus can give you contentment you never even knew existed. Only Jesus can show you truly awesome love. Only Jesus has the Key to Heaven’s gate, that leads to the street of gold and that mansion He has promised. ARE YOU ONE OF THE FEW? Many
in the past have felt Your Hand, Many
invitations, You do send, So very
privileg’d and special am I, I’m
privileg’d to be one of the few, One of
the favored ones, you can be too, Only by going through the Door, can you ever be one of the few! God has made only one Way of access to Him and His Home, Heaven! I pray you have gone through the Door. If not, do so today. DOOR
SHUT One day the Door to Heaven will be shut. This is well illustrated by the following parable. Matthew 25:1-13 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. [2] And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [3] They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: [4] But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. [5] While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. [6] And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. [7] Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. [8] And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. [9] But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. [10] And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. [11] Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. [12] But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. [13] Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. [KJV] Our Lord told this parable to make it more clear by what it means to “be ready” for His return and just how we should live until He does come. In the story of the ten virgins (bridesmaids), He teaches that every person is responsible for his or her own spiritual condition. This parable is about a wedding. In those days, on the wedding day the bridegroom went to the bride’s house for the ceremony; then the bride and groom, along with all the guests, returned to the groom’s house where a feast took place; which often lasted a full week. These ten virgins were waiting to join the procession to go back to the groom’s house, and they hoped to take part in the wedding banquet. But when the groom didn’t come at the time he was expected to come; five of them ran out of oil for their lamps. By the time they had bought oil to replenish their lamps, it was too late to join the feast. When Jesus returns at the Rapture to take His people home to Heaven (His House), we must be ready. This preparation for our spiritual condition cannot be bought or borrowed at the last minute. Our relationship with God must be our own; it must be a ‘personal’ thing. As Christians we “profess” to serve Christ, to honor Him, to love Him, also to be waiting for His coming. TRUE Christians are the wise virgins, and hypocrites are the foolish ones. Many profess Christ with their mouth, but do not have Him in their hearts. Their hearts are not filled with holy attitudes, which is brought about by the Spirit of God. The “oil” in this parable symbolizes the Holy Spirit of God! Our light must shine before men in good works; so we must keep enough oil on hand. We must not run out of oil for our lamps! Let the Spirit control every aspect of your life; and by allowing Him to do so, your light most certainly will shine out to all. They all slumbered and slept, but the wise virgins kept their lamps burning. The difference between the wise and foolish virgins is that some had the Holy Spirit and some did not. Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. [KJV] We are not controlled by our sinful nature. We are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in us. And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them are not Christians at all. Far too many Christians grow negligent and neglectful in their association with God; and one careless slip up makes way for another. Continual slumber will lead to spiritual decay. When Christ comes at the Rapture, will we be ready? Will we be prepared? Even those best prepared for death have work to do to actually get ready. 2 Peter 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. [KJV] The day of the Rapture should greatly concern us. Just how will our Lord find us when He returns? If you are living short of the true grace of God, you will certainly be grasping for His grace in that day. An outward profession of faith may light a man’s path in this world, but “the valley of the shadow of death” will put out all such lights. Those that would be saved, must have grace of their own; and those that have most grace, have none to spare. The best Christians always need more wondrous grace from Christ. To keep a constant supply of His amazing grace, we must keep a constant and continual personal relationship with Him. Only those that are All wise and are ready here on Earth, shall go to Heaven. Should our death come with great suddenness by some freak accident, or should Christ come for the church at the Rapture, nothing will hinder our happiness, for we will be with Him, if we are prepared. When the door is locked or shut (verse 10) many will seek to gain admission into Heaven, but it will be too late! The vanity of the hypocrites, that causes them to have confidence, will lead them in hopes of happiness, but the unexpected summons of death one day will alarm these false Christians. These will knock and cry out: “Open to us” but to no avail! The “Bridegroom” (Jesus) will answer: “I don’t know you!” What a sad and miserable time this will be for them! We must proceed without delay to get our lives in order, for His grace will cause our light to shine more brightly; while the hypocrite’s life shows that his lamp is getting dimmer and dimmer by the minute. We must keep watch and attend to the business of our souls. We must be in the fear (reverence) of the Lord all the day long, every day that we live, for we know not when the Bridegroom will come! Are you ready? Are you a “wise virgin”? I don’t think you want Jesus to say to you: “I don’t know you.” The “virgins” in this parable represent all Christians, female and male (Gal.3:28). Don’t be just a ‘professing’ Christian! Be a Christian that ‘possesses’ Christ in their heart and soul! 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] We can NEVER fool Jesus, for He is God and knows all things. Luke 13:24-25 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. [25] When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: (KJV) Finding salvation requires more real effort than most people are willing to put forth. Clearly we cannot save ourselves. There is NO way we can work ourselves into God’s favor. What it means “to enter through the narrow door” is sincerely desiring to know Jesus and diligently striving to follow Him whatever the cost. We cannot put off making this decision because the door will not stay open forever. We don’t know when it will be shut and locked. “Strive to enter in at the strait gate” is a command from God, directed to each of us! Strive means to exert yourself, to really try. Some times we may actually struggle, but we can do it! Jesus is there to help us. We can enter that Gate (Door) and we can stay on that narrow road with His help! And whatever you do, don’t wait too long. You do NOT want to hear: “I don’t know you.” Rev. 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; [8] I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. (KJV) The key of David represents Christ’s authority to open the door into His future Kingdom. After the door is opened and a person goes in, no one can close it; salvation is assured. But once it is closed, no one can open it. Judgment is sure and certain. NO one can avoid this Judgment. This same Jesus has the key of authority in the church today.
He opens a door of opportunity to His churches; He opens a
door of utterance to His ministers; He opens a door of entrance
to the heart. But, He also shuts the door of Heaven against
all the foolish ones, who sleep through this day of grace;
and shuts the door against all workers of iniquity, no matter
how vain and confident they think they are. JUDGMENT Judgment is referring to God’s holy and divine Judgment, reserved for the end of the age. At that time, each and every person will stand before God and will be found “guilty” or “innocent” based upon his or her rejection or acceptance of Christ Jesus. No one can hide from it. ALL people who have ever lived will have their turn before the Great Judge. There will be two different Judgments. One for the righteous (believers, God’s children), and one for all workers of iniquity (unbelievers, the devil’s children). There will be two resurrections. Even Daniel knew this all those years ago. Daniel 12:1-2 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. [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] This is a clear reference to the resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked, although the eternal end of each will be quite different. This is a reference to a bodily resurrection of both the saved and the lost. John 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (KJV) Jesus also tells us there will be two resurrections. Rev. 20:4-6 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. [5] But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. [6] Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. [KJV] This Passage also tells us of the two resurrections. Those in the first resurrection are blessed and holy. But the rest of the dead (the wicked, unbelievers) of all times will not be resurrected until after the Millennium. All of these souls are condemned to Hell (second death, lake of fire, everlasting destruction). Each and every single sin these people ever committed will be judged. There will be some very moral people here; good as the world sees it. But they would not believe and accept Jesus for the full pardon to their sins, so God considers them “sinners” (John 8:24; 16:9). God considers the wicked (sinners) to be ALL those who refused to go through the Door. Those in the first resurrection are blessed and holy (verse 6). All their sins have been forgiven them. They have been made right in God’s sight by the precious Blood of Jesus (Rom.5:1-10). We will be judged on many things, but our sins is not one of them. See: http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_judgment_seat_of_christ.htm Matthew 25:31-34 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: [32] And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: [33] And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. [34] Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: (KJV) Obedient followers will be separated from pretenders and unbelievers. Again I tell you, God knows the difference! He can see and read our hearts. The real evidence of our belief is the way we act. Jesus used sheep and goats to picture the division between believers and unbelievers. Sheep and goats often grazed together but were separated when it came time to shear the sheep. In verse 34 Jesus talks about those who have gone through the Door! He gently tells us that we are blessed by God the Father, and that we will inherit the Kingdom prepared for us long, long ago. Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. (KJV) This verse speaks of the two options people have today. Hell OR Heaven! Which option have you chosen? I pray it’s the Door to Heaven. JOURNEY TO ETERNITY You’re
on a journey, to eternity, As on
your journey, you speed, On to
eternity, as you journey, Most
important, is this journey you take, As you
journey, to eternity, Which
precise road are you on today? WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED? There are two groups of people on the Earth today:
1 John 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. (KJV) The difference between God's children and the Devil’s children is super clear! IF you do not do what is right, IF you do not love others, you are not God’s child; you belong to the devil’s family. Everyone who is now a child of God was once a child of the devil. Because of Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden of Eden (Gen.2:16; 3:1-7), their sin was transferred to the entire human race. We ALL are born with a sinful nature (Psalm 58:3) from day one! We ALL are sinners (Rom.3:10,23). We ALL need the forgiveness and salvation that only Christ Jesus can offer. NO one is exempt! Until we turn to Christ to save us from the penalty of sin (Hell), and from God’s wrath (Rom.5:1-10), we are doomed to everlasting destruction in the fires of Hell (Mat.25:41), along with the devil. Only belief in Jesus, by faith, can bring us forgiveness of our sins, make God our Friend instead of our enemy, and guarantee us a mansion in Heaven for eternity, thus saving us! Without Jesus we are walking on that huge wide road that leads to Hell. We need to get on the narrow road that leads to Heaven. We need to be saved! 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] 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] 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] John 1:12-13 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: [13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. [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] 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] 1 John 5:11-12 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] Matthew 7:13-14 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. [KJV] Jesus is the only DOOR to Heaven. More information on Christ Jesus CHRIST JESUS IS OUR . . . ********************************************** A Gift, Unequaled . . A Loving God Wouldn't Send Me To Hell . .But I Say unto You . . . 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 . . Privileges . . 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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