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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.
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LIVING WITH
ETERNITY IN MIND
INTRODUCTION
Eternity . . . I cannot explain it. I don’t think anyone can. But it most certainly is a reality, and the vast majority of people never even consider it! Some think that when you’re dead . . . you’re dead! There is nothing after the grave. They are wrong!
ETERNAL LIFE. This expression occurs in the Old Testament only in Daniel 12:2 (“everlasting life”). It occurs frequently in the New Testament (Jn.3:15-16, 18, 36; 5:24; 10:28; 17:2 etc.). Eternity in Heaven is reserved only for the “few” (Mt.7:13-14) who trust and accept Christ Jesus as their personal Saviour and Lord. It is a “GIFT” from God (Ep.2:8-9; Ro.6:23). We cannot buy it, we cannot work for it; we don’t inherit it through Godly parents. We simply must believe God and trust and accept His only begotten Son to save us. (Jn. 3:15-16; 1 Jn.5:10-12).
ETERNAL DEATH. The miserable fate of the wicked in Hell (Mat. 25:46; Mark 3:29; Heb. 6:2; 2 Thes.1:9; Mat.18:8; 25:41; Jude 1:7). The Scripture as clearly teaches the unending duration of the penal sufferings of the lost, as it does the blissful “everlasting life,” the “eternal life” of the righteous.
Only twice in Scriptures does it record that Jesus marveled
(be astonished or surprised). Once at a Gentile’s faith (Mt.8:10), and once at the Jews unbelief (Mk.6:6). I marvel at the world’s unbelief. It simply amazes me that the lost ones (those without Christ), cannot see their NEED for a Saviour. It is such a heavy burden on my heart, for I KNOW what the Bible so plainly states about eternity in Hell. It frightens me to think of all those who will be given the horrible decree: 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]
In God’s eyes, there are only two groups of people: His children (those who trust Jesus as Saviour), and those who refuse to believe Him and reject His Son. You are either a child of God OR a child of the devil. Only YOU can decide where you will spend eternity! It’s the most important decision you’ll ever make. Choose wisely!
LIVING WITH ETERNITY IN MIND
SCRIPTURES TAKEN FROM:
[KJV] = King James Version
NEVER AGAIN!
No pitter patter of a soft gentle rain,
No musical notes of a bird’s sweet refrain.
No cool breeze to soothe our hot aching body,
Or to stir the leaves gently up in the trees!
No luscious green grass, where children do play,
And no more laughter from them, on any day.
No beautiful flowers with fragrance so rare,
No fruit on the trees; for no trees will be there!
No majestic purple mountains, O’ so high,
No lush green valleys far from the sky.
No lakes, no rivers, not any where around,
No bright sunshine to cheer, shall ever be found!
No loving companionship, of man, or beast,
No joy, peace, or contentment; no more feast.
No windows, no exit doors, no where at all,
And no way of escape; don’t bother to call!
No friendship, no love, no caring for others,
No comforts of home; for you or another.
No rest or relief from your pain or distress,
No more pardon from God; no need to confess!
No mercy, compassion, or pity; no grace,
No water to cool you; a terrible place!
Do you want to go to this place called “Hell”?
If you reject Jesus; for sure there you’ll dwell!
************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Dec.30,1995 # 81
(Lu.16:22-26; Mt.8:12; 13:41,42,49,50; 22:13; 23:33; 25:41,46;
Ps.9:17; Mk.16:16; Heb.10:26,27,31; Jn.3:15-18,36; 8:24; 14:6)
I have had several people tell me this is their favorite of all the poems I have written. It is very sobering to say the least!
NO MORES OF HEAVEN
The beauty of our God’s Heaven can’t be told,
It’s unspeakable; and one day we’ll behold!
There’ll be so many things that won’t be there,
I’m looking forward to climbing that stair.
No more pain from troubles or labors long,
No more sickness, no disease; nothing wrong!
No more heart attacks, no cancer, no more stress,
No more old age, no more death, and no distress.
There shall be no more funerals, e’er again,
No parting, no families, broken by men!
No more poverty, no hunger, no more thirst,
No more afflictions that need to be nursed.
No more oppression of the poor weak folk,
No injustice, that take their only cloak.
No more suffering, no confusion, no more stress,
No more war, no more crime, no more wickedness!
No more evil, no hatred, and no more lies,
No drunkenness, no hard feelings to deny.
No more meanness, no ugliness, no more strife,
I can’t ev’n imagine this kind of life!
No more pride, no stubbornness, no more fear,
No depressing moments will e’er come near!
No disappointments, no more heartaches deep,
No more worry, no more loneliness to reap.
No more sin of any kind; Satan is gone!
No one to discourage; ‘twill be a new dawn!
Do you want to go to this marvelous place?
Just accept Jesus, you’ll go by God’s grace!
**********************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Dec.29,1995 # 80
(Rev.ch.21; 22:1-15)
There is NO way I can picture the beauty and bliss of Heaven!
PREPARATIONS
When you plan a trip, to go away,
Do you prepare for that special day?
If you’re like most, you plan well ahead,
With preparations; so there’s no dread.
Most people never prepare or plan,
For the most important trip of man.
Most live as if they won’t ever die,
Death is certain, don’t try to deny.
When your day comes; just where will you go?
Your soul lives for e’er, you’d better know!
Just two destinations; Heav’n or Hell,
You’re headed for one, for e’er to dwell.
Have you made preparations for that day?
When you will leave this Earth, and go away.
You will leave, there is no doubt at all,
When your time is up, our God will call.
Hell is the place folks don’t want to hear,
But it is there, and a place to fear!
You don’t want to go to Hell below,
Instead, our Saviour, you need to know!
Only Christ can take you to Heav’n’s land,
You must prepare, and be well planned.
Your most important trip is soon to come,
Just WHERE will be your eternal home?
***********************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Dec.29,1995 # 80
(Rev.ch.21; 22:1-15)
When I wrote this, there were many tears shed.
Because I can see so clearly what lies ahead, and
family members cannot, it distresses me greatly.
LIVING WITH ETERNITY IN MIND
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents Page
Copyright Page -A-
Introduction -B-
Contents Page -G-
Ch. 1 Eternity & Eternal? 1
Ch. 2 Destination: Heaven 5
Ch. 3 Destination: Hell 13
Ch. 4 God’s Perfectness 24
Ch. 5 Our Imperfectness 28
Ch. 6 Our Hearts 33
Ch. 7 Can We Be Forgiven? 38
Ch. 8 How Should We Live? 44
POEMS
Our Clock
Life Beyond The Grave
Never Again
No Mores of Heaven
Preparations
God So Loves The World
Only Two Roads
LIVING WITH ETERNITY IN MIND
Written and compiled by:
HIS SERVANT
Connie Kramer
ETERNITY? ETERNAL?
Chapter 1
What is ‘eternity’? The dictionary says: infinite time; time without beginning or end; continuance without end; future life; immorality. And of ‘eternal’ it states: without beginning or end; existing through all times; everlasting; timeless; forever the same; unchangeable; always going on; never ceasing; continual.
We must keep in mind that God IS eternal! These definitions definitely describe Almighty God. He is without beginning or end. He has and will exist through all times. He is everlasting. He is timeless. He is forever the same. He is unchangeable. He has and will go on always. He is never ceasing. He is continual. Can I explain this to you? NO! I cannot, nor can anyone else explain this, but we must believe it by faith!
ETERNITY
• God inhabits eternity. Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. [KJV] Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. [KJV]
• God rules eternity. Jer. 10:10 But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. [KJV]
• Other Scripture relating to eternity: Ps.30:12; 41:13; 72:17; 90:2; 110:4; 119:142; Mat.6:13; 18:8; 2 Cor. 9:9; Jude 1:6
GOD, of Eternity: Gen. 21:33; Ex.3:15; 15:18; Deut. 32:40; 33:27; 1 Chron. 16:36; 29:10; Neh. 9:5; Job 36:26; Ps.9:7; 33:11; 41:13; 55:19; 68:33; 90:1-2; 90:4; 92:8; 93:2; 102:12; 102:24-27; 104:31; 111:3; 135:13; 145:13; 146:10; Pro. 8:23-25; Is.26:4; 40:28; 41:4; 43:13; 44:6; 46:4; 48:12; 57:15; 63:16; Jer.10:10; 17:12; Lam. 5:19; Dan.4:3; 4:34; Mic. 5:2; Hab. 1:12; 3:6; Ro.1:20; 16:26; Ep. 3:21; 1 Tim. 1:17; 6:15-16; Heb.1:8; 9:14; 2 Pet.3:8; 1 John 2:13; Rev. 1:4; 1:6; 4:8-10; 5:14; 10:6; 11:17; 15:7; 16:5
GOD, Self-Existent Ex.3:14; Deut. 32:40; Job 35:6-8; Is.44:6; Jer. 10:10; John 5:26; Acts 17:24-25
SOUL IS ETERNAL
Unless you are alive, and belong to the family of God when Christ Jesus at the Rapture, you will die a physical death.
1 Thes. 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. [KJV]
When Jesus comes for God’s children (Christians) at this most special time, He will NOT forget a single one, but there are many today who profess with their mouth: “I’m a Christian” yet their heart is far from God. These, Christ will disown! Mat.7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. [KJV]
Mat. 25:12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. [KJV]
Luke 12:9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. [KJV]
Mat. 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]
NOT everyone who says: “I’m a Christian” belongs to God's kingdom. Jesus is far more concerned about our walk than our talk. He wants us to do right, not just say the right words! Jesus exposed those people who sounded religious but had no personal relationship with him. Only our relationship with Christ . . . our acceptance of Him as Saviour and our obedience to Him . . . will matter. Many people think that if they are "good" people and say religious things, they will be rewarded with eternal life. This is NOT so! In reality, faith in Christ, and our acceptance of Him is what counts.
There is only ONE ‘work’ that will gain you access to Heaven. John 6:28-29 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? [29] Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. [KJV]
We gain access to Heaven by ‘faith’ in Jesus.
Eph. 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] . . . Salvation comes by believing in God’s own Son, Jesus! It is believing God by faith. If you don’t believe God, you are calling Him a ‘LIAR’. 1 John 5:10-12 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]
When Jesus comes at the Rapture, He will absolutely KNOW those that are His! You CANNOT just say (with your mouth) you are a Christian; you MUST possess Christ in your heart! Jesus knows what’s in your heart! John 2:25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man. [KJV] Also see Mt.12:25; 22:18; Mk.2:8; Lu.6:8; 11:17. God knows our every thought. Ezekiel 11:5 . . . . . . . . for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them. [KJV] We can hide things from people, but NOT from God! We can be hypocrites with people . . . but NOT with God! He knows beyond a shadow of a doubt if you are His child, or the child of the devil. There is NO gray area . . . it’s either black (of the devil) or white (of God). You CANNOT straddle the fence. You have to make a decision. Do you believe God? Or do you think He’s a ‘liar’? Let me say one very important thing; if you think to yourself “I can’t make that decision today. I’ll wait a while.” My friend, you have made a decision, and it’s the wrong one! You have gone with Satan! You are either FOR God . . . or you are AGAINST Him! When Jesus comes at the Rapture, will you be going back to Heaven with Him? Please think about this. There is ‘eternity’, and you shall spend it in one of two destinations: Heaven OR Hell! We must live with eternity in mind. Life on Earth is the time we are given to decide where we’ll spend eternity. Please choose wisely!
DESTINATION: HEAVEN
Chapter 2
Actually, the Bible does not say very much about Heaven. It states much more about Hell, as we will see in the next chapter. It states that it is God’s dwelling place.
Deut. 26:15 Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven, . . . .
1 Kings 8:30 . . . and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive. 2 Chron. 30:27 . . . and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven. Job 22:12 Is not God in the height of heaven? Ps. 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. Ps. 123:1 Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. Isa. 66:1 Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? Luke 11:2 Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Acts 7:49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? . . . All the above verses [KJV].
The Bible states that Jesus came down from Heaven.
John 3:31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. John 8:23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. John 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. John 16:30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God. 1 Cor. 15:47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
The Bible also tells us that one day we will be where He is. John 14:2-3 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. [KJV] . . . Jesus is talking to His disciples (then and now). If you are a child of God, you should be a disciple. A disciple of Christ is one who (1) believes His doctrine, (2) rests on His sacrifice, (3) is led by His spirit, and (4) imitates His example (Mat. 10:24; Luke 14:26-27, 33; John 6:69).
Although our faith often falters; although we may be foolish, base or weak; and have no special talent or ability on our own; although we come from many different cultures and backgrounds and life experiences; we can be effective disciples of Christ if we are willing to obey Jesus. John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. [KJV] John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. [KJV]
Chapter 4 of Revelation gives us an insight as to what Heaven will be like. Revelation 4:1-11 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. 2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. 3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. 4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. 5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. 7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. 8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. 9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, 10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. [KJV]
The clear teaching of the book of Revelation is that God will defeat all evil in the end. We must live in willing obedience to Christ Jesus, the coming Conqueror and Judge.
Rev. 4 & 5 record glimpses into Christ's glory. Here we see into the throne room of Heaven. God is on the throne and in complete charge. John could not distinguish a form of a Person, only the brilliance and brightness of His presence. The throne itself has an emerald (green) rainbow encircling it, and out of the throne proceed lightning and thunder, bringing us a contrasting portrait of God. His throne of judgment is depicted by the lightning and thunder; but His wondrous mercy is symbolized by the rainbow (Gen.9:13-16).
Who do the 24 elders represent? There are different interpretations as to these. I believe they represent the TRUE church, from Pentecost to the Rapture. White raiment is the righteousness of Christ. Crowns of gold indicates that the church will reign with Christ one day (1 Cor.6:3). Crowns also represent rewards, that Christ shall give believers at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Tim.4:8; Jam.1:12; 1 Pet.5:4).
The ‘sea of glass’ means its appearance, NOT the material of which it is made. It symbolizes God’s holiness and righteousness; too, the peace and tranquility of Heaven.
Who are these mysterious ‘living creatures’(beasts)?
These are NOT wild beasts, as we might think. These are ‘living ones’ or ‘living creatures’, NOT hideous animals. The first looks like a lion (majesty and power); the second like a calf or ox (beast of burden; a servant); the third had a face like a man
(intelligence; humanity); and the fourth like a flying eagle (sovereignty).
Revelation 5:11-14 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. [KJV] . . . I believe that every living creature in Heaven is there for one reason: to ascribe honor and praise to our wondrous and awesome, Creator God.
One other thing I’d like to mention: notice that all three Persons of the Trinity are clearly shown in these verses from Revelation 4 & 5. (1) God the Father (4:2, 8, 11) (2) God the Son (the Lamb) (5:12-13) (3) God the Holy Spirit (4:5).
Revelation 21:10-27And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; 12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. 16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. 17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. 18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. 19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. 22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. 27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. [KJV]
Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. [KJV]
Revelation 22:1-5 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. [KJV]
Revelation 22:14-15 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. [KJV]
There is NO way I can describe Heaven to you. I do not have the words! It is too wonderful to even try to put into words. I can read what the Bible has to say about Heaven, over and over again; but I simply CANNOT picture it in my mind. I can get a better view of Heaven by reading what God has to say about Hell. I know that Heaven will be the complete opposite of Hell. A word of wisdom: “It is much better to know God, than to know about Heaven.”
Heaven is one of the two (and only two) eternal destinations. Only God’s children will be permitted to enter into that blissful place that we will share with Almighty God!
Is there really life beyond the grave? In reality, life comes in two completely different stages: physical life which is temporary and brief , here on Earth (that we are now experiencing); and eternal (never ending) life, the one after the grave. Every person who has ever lived or ever will live, will live eternally . . . somewhere! Every soul is eternal! Ecc. 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. [KJV]
So, . . . when we go to the grave (die physically), our body goes back to the ground from whence it came, and our spirit (soul) goes back to God who gave it. Genesis 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. [KJV] . . . But, does God send everybody to Heaven? There are those who teach this false doctrine. NOT one place in the Bible does it say everyone will go to Heaven! Quite the contrary, Jesus clearly states that only a FEW shall find the way to Heaven. 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]
Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen. [KJV]
Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. [KJV]
1 Peter 3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. [KJV]
Another situation comes to mind: God’s destroying Sodom and Gomorrah because of all their wickedness. The Bible does not say how many people lived there, but there were many! And ALL were destroyed except Lot and his daughters (Gen.19:15). Lot’s wife also was permitted to leave. She left, in body, but her heart was still there. When she looked back she “became a pillar of salt.” (Gen.19:26). A FEW!
How can we be assured that Heaven will be our eternal home? How can we be among the “FEW”? How can we know for certain that when our “spirit returns to God who gave it”, that He will permit our entrance into Heaven? Remember, your soul is the real you, not the ‘body’ in which your soul resides!
Salvation is possible for ALL people. God made it easy, so that even a child could understand it. (1) We must be ‘born again” (spiritually) into the family of God. 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] How do we accomplish this?
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] . . . We must believe God! We must believe what He states about His Son. 1 John 5:10-12 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]
(2) Once you are ‘born again’ you must willingly obey Christ, and keep His commandments. Matthew 22:36-40 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? [37] Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [38] This is the first and great commandment. [39] And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. [40] On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. [KJV]
Love God first, with your all, then others! The commandments of Jesus boil down to ONE word . . . LOVE! John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. [KJV]
John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. [KJV]
God will accept any and all who turn to His Son in true repentance. It does not matter who you are; color, culture, rich, poor, well educated or no schooling at all, it does NOT matter what you have done. If you are truly sorry for your sins; repent (turn away from) and trust Jesus (by faith) to save you, God will accept you into His family as one of His children. Salvation is a ‘gift’ given by God in His marvelous grace.
Eph. 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]
Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. [KJV]
I pray that your eternal destination will be the place that is just too wonderful for words, Heaven! If you have not trusted and accepted Jesus, it is not too late. He waits patiently outside your heart’s door; but He will never force His way in. The door to your heart has just one door knob . . . on the inside. You have to open that door. Please consider these words before it is too late! There is life beyond the grave! Where will you spend eternity? I pray it will be Heaven!
DESTINATION: HELL
Chapter 3
I have a great burden for lost souls (unbelievers; those who reject Jesus our Lord). Several years ago, I prayed a prayer that most would NEVER even consider! I asked God to show me what Hell is like. Why would I ask for something that 99% of people would consider crazy? Because at that time, I did not have a heart that reached out to lost people. I wanted a soft tender heart that really cared about what happened to the lost souls without Jesus. I wanted to know more about Hell, so I might be more diligent in telling others about Jesus; that He, and He alone, could save them from this horrible, agonizing, eternal place. God answered my prayer. The burden I carry is a constant one, and a heavy one! When God gives me poems, so many of them are on Hell. I know some think I speak harsh and cruel words; and that I should speak on God’s love, not His wrath and judgment. First of all, I don’t take credit for any poems I write, nor any of the books I write. I ask God to give me ‘words’ and He does. I must write what He tells me to write.
Second, if we (whosoever) are teaching God’s Holy Word, we must teach the whole Word, not just what people want to hear.
If we teach God’s love and the bliss of Heaven, then we must teach God’s wrath and coming judgment and the horrors of Hell. If we don’t we are false teachers, because we are not bringing all the Truth in God’s Word! God does indeed have two sides! Third, I teach and write about Hell because I want to steer as many as possible away from there. What I do I do out of love. I don’t want anyone to suffer eternal destruction in the torments of Hell (2 Thes.1:9). Fourth, we are to imitate our precious Lord. Jesus taught more on Hell than any other subject (to my knowledge). WHY?? Because of His tremendous love for us. He doesn’t want anyone to go there. But friend, no one can make that decision for you. You have a free will. You must make the decision . . . Heaven or Hell? Jesus or the devil? You are accountable for what you decide, no one else. You will not be able to blame another if some day you find yourself in this awful place of no return. I pray you know the Saviour.
Is there really a literal Hell?
Yes! There most certainly is! 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] . . . As you shall see, “everlasting fire” is only one of the many names for Hell.
Luke 16:19-31 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. [KJV]
Jesus gives us a brief glimpse of Hell. Many people say this is just a story. This is a parable; a simple, yet obscure story from which we can learn a lesson. It conveys a truth, yet for the majority of people, that truth is hidden, because their hearts and minds are closed to Jesus. Yes, this Scripture is a story, and I believe it is a true story from real life, even giving the name of Lazarus, but I suggest you pay close attention, because of the truth it reveals.
This portion of Scripture is Jesus’ own personal description of Hades, the present place (home, Hell) of the unsaved dead; those who insist on rejecting Christ Jesus. Jesus is telling us that IMMEDIALELY after a person dies physically, he (or she) enters Hades ( the holding place of all unbelievers, until judgment). And immediately, there is anguish and woe and sorrow, and memory. The rich man has a tremendous thirst and there is no water to quench it. The rich man now becomes the beggar, and Lazarus is now the rich man! http://www.hisservants.org/death_then_what_1.1.htm
Ecc. 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. [KJV] . . . The bodies of all who die today go to the grave, but their spirit returns to God who gave it. The spirits of believers go to be with Christ (immediately). 2 Cor. 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. [KJV] . . . All spirits return to God who gave them; but unbelievers do NOT go into the presence of Christ . . . they are sent to Hades as the above Scripture so plainly states.
Luke 16:27-28 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. [KJV] . . . Notice two things about the rich man: (1) He has a memory. He remembers! Any time an unbeliever hears or reads the Truth about Jesus and the salvation only He can bring, and rejects it, he will suffer eternal torments remembering that he should have listened. But once a soul is in Hell, there is NO exit . . . ever! (Lu.16:26). (2) The rich man has concern for the ones he has left behind. He desperately wants them to repent before it’s too late. If the lost could return, we would hear a salvation message beyond compare! But that won’t happen.
There are many who think multitudes would be saved if someone returned from the dead. Jesus did return from the dead, and they didn’t believe Him, any more than they believed Moses and the prophets (Old Testament). John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. [KJV] . . . There will be NO more opportunity to turn to Jesus after death. Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: [KJV]
ALL the unsaved dead (unbelievers) are in the present day Hell (Hades), awaiting judgment. After their resurrection and judgment before the Great White Throne (Rev.20:11-15), they will be cast into the “lake of fire” (the final and eternal Hell). ALL who have died without Christ will be cast into Hell.
Other Scripture references about Hell.
Naked before Him. Job 26:6 Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering. [KJV]
Worm dieth not, fire not quenched. Isaiah 66:24 And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. [KJV]
Mark 9:43-48 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: [44] Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. [45] And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: [46] Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. [47] And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: [48] Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. [KJV]
Unquenchable fire. Matthew 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. [KJV]
Luke 3:17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. [KJV]
Hell fire. Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. [KJV]
Matthew 18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. [KJV]
Mark 9:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: [KJV]
Hell. Matthew 5:29-30 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. [30] And if thy right hand offend thee, cut if off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. [KJV]
Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. [KJV]
Matthew 23:33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? [KJV]
Luke 10:15 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. [KJV]
Luke 12:5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. [KJV]
2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; [KJV]
Chains of darkness. 2 Pet. 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; [KJV]
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]
Rev. 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. [KJV]
Destruction. Matthew 7:13 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: [KJV]
Pro. 15:11 Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? [KJV]
Pro. 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. [KJV]
Outer darkness. Matthew 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [KJV]
Matthew 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [KJV]
Matthew 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [KJV]
Weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [KJV]
Matthew 13:42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. [KJV]
Matthew 13:50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. [KJV]
Matthew 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [KJV]
Matthew 24:51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [KJV]
Furnace of fire. Matthew 13:42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. [KJV]
Matthew 13:50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. [KJV]
Rev. 9:2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. [KJV]
Everlasting fire. Matthew 18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. [KJV]
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]
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]
Everlasting punishment. Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. [KJV]
Eternal damnation. Mark 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: [KJV]
Smoke of their torment; NO rest. Rev. 14:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. [KJV]
Fire and brimstone. Rev. 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: [KJV]
Lake of fire. Rev. 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark
of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. [KJV]
Rev. 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. [KJV]
Wrath of God. 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]
Rev. 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: [KJV]
Second death. Rev. 20:14-15 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. [KJV]
Rev. 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. [KJV]
A prison. 1 Pet. 3:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; [KJV]
2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; [KJV]
Rev. 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. [KJV]
Rev. 20:7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, [KJV]
There will be absolutely NO escape from this awful place. NO doors, NO windows, NO light, NO water; just eternal agony.
I wonder if you who are reading this, are paying attention to the horrible things God has to say about Hell; and I still have more Scripture to bring forth. Everlasting destruction (2 Thes.1:8-9) does NOT mean annihilation. The Bible does NOT teach annihilation! It means total and absolute separation from God, the only source of true life.
Why would a loving God send anyone to Hell? My friend, He gives you every possible chance to believe Him and accept Jesus as your Saviour. He does NOT want you to go to this place. He loves you and wants you to spend eternity with Him. But, when a person refuses to obey the Gospel, God has no other alternative but to send you to Hell. Actually, He does not send you there; YOU do it yourself! To obey the Gospel means that you must believe (in faith).You must realize and admit (the hard part) that you are lost and undone; an enemy of God; and that you are dead (spiritually) in your sins and trespasses. This is called repentance. Then you simply trust Jesus with your all. Acts 16:31 Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved . . . . [KJV]
Jesus can tell you much better than I can!
John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. [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] . . . Jesus Himself wars over and over again about Hell and its eternal agony. Please listen to Him! You CANNOT enter Heaven without Christ Jesus. Rejection of Him means Hell.
Wicked (unbelievers) turned into Hell. Psalm 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. [KJV] Mal.4:1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. [KJV] Matthew 13:41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; [KJV]
Matthew 13:49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, [KJV]
Chief ones of the Earth are there. Isaiah 14:9 Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations. [KJV] . . . Many world leaders and mighty kings are there.
Never full. Pro. 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. [KJV]
Isaiah 5:14 Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. [KJV]
Hab. 2:5 Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people: [KJV]
Satan will go to Hell. Isaiah 14:15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. [KJV]
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]
Rev. 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, [KJV]
Rev. 20:7-10 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, [8] And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. [9] And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. [10] And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. [KJV]
Child of Hell. Matthew 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. [KJV]
Matthew13:38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; [KJV]
Matthew 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. [KJV]
Eph. 2:1-3 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; [2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: [3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. [KJV]
Eph. 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Col. 3:5-6 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: [6] For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: [KJV]
Eternal separation from God. 2 Thes. 1:8-9 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don't know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. [KJV] . . .
If anyone dies ‘in their sins’ (without receiving Christ as their personal Saviour) he dies in direct disobedience to the Gospel; and he is forever separated from the goodness of God. Anyone who chooses this road will be punished with “everlasting destruction”. God’s Words . . . not mine!
The wicked (unbelieving) in eternity have: NO peace. NO joy. NO rest. NO contentment. NO relief. NO God.
Hell is absolutely a definite PLACE! It is there for ALL who refuse to believe God and keep rejecting His precious Son. Only Jesus can keep you from Hell. Accept Him today, now!
GOD’S PERFECTNESS
Chapter 4
We have a loving, righteous, pure, holy, just and perfect God. He is a God of love, beyond our comprehension. BUT, He has two sides. He is also a God of wrath. The majority of people do NOT want to hear this. They are happy to go along with the devil’s doctrine that everyone will go to Heaven. This is NOT true, but a “damnable heresy” (2 Pet.2:1). There are many who live good, moral lives; ‘go to church’, are always helping others, etc. A person may go to Heaven without wealth, without beauty, without any education, without fame, without culture, without friends; but . . . NO one can access Heaven without Christ Jesus as Saviour. God very plainly states this in His Word, and IF He allowed everyone to access Heaven, He would be a liar! God is NOT a liar!
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 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]
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 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 5:10-12 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]
No matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, there is ONLY one God, and ONE Saviour; that being the only begotten Son of God, Christ Jesus. John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. [KJV]
God is righteous.
Righteous = acting in a just, upright manner; doing what is right and moral and good. There is none other that is more righteous than God.
Ps. 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]
Ps. 119:137 Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments. Ps. 145:17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. [KJV]
God is Holy.
Holy = spiritually perfect and pure; untainted by evil and sin; sinless. God cannot tolerate sin of any kind. We tend to categorize sin; (ours being the lesser). To Him, sin is sin!
Ex. 15:11 Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? [KJV]
Ps. 99:9 Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy. [KJV]
Isaiah 6:3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. [KJV]
Hab.1:13 Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: . . . [KJV]
Rev. 15:4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. [KJV]
God is divine perfection.
Divine = sacred; holy. Perfection = complete in all respects; without defects or omission; sound; flawless; faultless; completely correct in all things; excellence.
Deut. 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. [KJV]
Ps. 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. [KJV]
Ecc. 3:14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. [KJV]
Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. [KJV]
HOW can we (sinners) be ‘perfect’? Only through the precious Blood of Jesus (1 Pet.1:18-20). Only His precious Blood can justify us (declare us not guilty in the courts of Heaven).
Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: [KJV]
Romans 5:8-11 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. [KJV] . . . Only belief in Jesus can make us ‘perfect’ in God’s eyes!
A God to be feared.
Fear = awe; reverence; respectful dread. Also uneasiness; disquieted; anxious; to be afraid; dread; terror; fright; panic.
Deut.10:12 And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, [KJV]
Joshua 24:14 Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. [KJV]
Ecc. 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. [KJV]
Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. [KJV]
Drawing near to God.
Ps. 73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works. [KJV]
Heb. 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. [KJV] . . . In full assurance of faith means you have truly received as your Saviour as your personal Saviour and Lord. Salvation is without a doubt a very intimate relationship. It’s One on one! No one can achieve salvation for you. YOU must do it! You must make the decision to follow Jesus and trust Him with your very eternal soul.
Faith is not just believing there is a God. Even the devils believe and tremble. James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. [KJV] . . . Faith in Christ means you receive Christ as your Saviour to save your soul from eternal destruction and eternal separation from the loving goodness of our Almighty God.
Seek the Lord.
Deut. 4:29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. [KJV]
1 Chron. 16:10-11 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. [11] Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually. [KJV]
Ps.105:4 Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore. [KJV]
Ps.119:2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. [KJV]
Acts 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: [KJV]
Heb.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]
If you search for God with all your heart and soul, you will find him. He is always near to those who are searching!
Isaiah 55:6 Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: [KJV]
Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: [KJV]
Ps.10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. [KJV]
Pro. 1:28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: [KJV] . . . God will strive with people just so long, and finally turn His back. (Pro.29:1). SEEK GOD NOW!
OUR IMPERFECTNESS
Chapter 5
Imperfect = having fault or defect; prone to error; having shortcomings; not finished or complete; lacking in something.
Job 9:20 If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse. [KJV]
Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. [KJV]
How can we be perfect? (1) In character. In this life we cannot be sinless, but we can try to be as much like Christ as possible. (2) In holiness. We are to separate ourselves from the world’s sinful values. We are to be devoted to God’s desires rather than our own, and carry His love and mercy into the world. (3) In maturity. We can’t be like Christ and live holy in one day, one month, nor even one year. We (as spiritual babies) must mature slowly but steadily, as does a physical baby. Just as we expect different behavior from a baby, child, teenager, and an adult; so God expects different behavior from us, depending on our stage of spiritual development. (4) In love. We must seek to love others as completely as God loves us.
Our tendency to sin must never deter us from striving to be more like Christ. Christ calls all of His disciples to excel, and to mature in every area, becoming like Him. If we strive to become perfect will one day be perfect, even as Christ is perfect (1 John 3:2-3). Perfect = complete; mature.
The Bible tells us we all are sinners.
Ecclesiastes 7:20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. [KJV]
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]
We are not yet perfect.
Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. [KJV]
James 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. [KJV] . . . Our tongues can get us into ‘a mess of trouble’! All too often we speak before we think. This can be disastrous! Once the words are spoken, they can NEVER be retrieved! The hurt they cause usually remains, no matter how hard you try to make amends or say you are sorry. We ALL need to put our brain into gear before the tongue even thinks of starting.
Run, fast and hard from sin. 2 Tim. 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. [KJV] . . . Lust = an overpowering desire to gratify our senses. Most often thought of as sexual desires; but it can be anything for which we have an unnatural craving or desire for: riches, possessions, power, fame, food, drink, drugs, etc.
Sins from which we should run. Mark 7:20-23 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.[KJV] . . . These words are from Jesus! Some of His lessons are very hard!
It is NOT easy to control our thoughts! But, it is NOT impossible! We cannot do it on our own, but with His help, we can! Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. [KJV]
Sexual immorality = fornication, adultery, incest, sodomy, etc. Theft = taking that (whatever) which is not yours. It also consists of people taking too long of coffee breaks, lunch hours, coming in to work late, leaving early, loafing on the job. Murder = taking another’s life, including abortion (any term Ps.139:14-16; Ecc.11:5). John tells us hate is murder. 1 John 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. [KJV]
Greed = coveteousness. Always wanting more, more; always wanting what the other person has. Wickedness = acts that are intended to hurt others. Deceit = misrepresenting truth; lying; dishonesty; trickery; misleading others. Lasciviousness = eagerness for lustful (sexual) pleasure; tending to excite lustful desires, by the way of dress or actions. Envy = resentful feelings, hatred, or ill will because of another’s advantages or possessions. Blasphemy [KJV] slander against God in speech or writing, also against God’s children. Pride = an over high opinion of oneself; exaggerated self esteem; conceit; haughtiness; arrogance. Foolishness = all we do or say, without any respect for God or man. ALL of the above come from within you (your heart). This is why Jesus says: “Ye must be born again.” (Jn.3:3).
Gal. 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. [KJV] . . . When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results. These are things we should NOT do. God very clearly states here and other places, that anyone who participate in such activities on a regular basis (practice these things) will not join Him in Heaven. We all, on occasion, will stumble and do things that are not pleasing to God (SIN). But when a child of God sins, it eats away at his conscience until he confesses the sin and asks forgiveness; whereas when an unbeliever (Satan’s child) sins, it doesn’t bother him at all. If you are a child of God, you cannot practice sin and have a clear conscience. 1 John 3:9-10 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. [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] . . . We cannot ‘keep on in sin’ (practice sin) if we are “born of God” because God’s Holy Spirit is in us. 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 either ‘of God’ or ‘of the devil’. We cannot have two masters. (Mat. 6:24)
Romans 1:22-32 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 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.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. [KJV] . . . Three times here it states that God gave them up (24, 26, & 28). Man’s degeneration is measured by his perversion of sex. Many churches today are going along with and whole heartedly supporting the abominations of homosexuality. Yes . . . to God this is perversion, and to God an abomination (Gen.19:5-11, 24-25; Lev.18:22; 20:13; 1 K.14:24; 1 Cor.6:9-10; 2 Pet.2:6;
1 Tim.1:9-10). We must live our lives dear ones, as though this were our last day on this Earth; for it well could be! We must live our lives thinking about our eternal future and where we will be spending that time. Passions of moral depravity, disgrace and dishonor loom on the horizon; just tempting people to go that way. The devil tempts any and all; from the ones highest in government office to the common folk working hard to make a living. None are immune! Temptation though is not a sin . . . but . . . giving in to temptation is! Consider eternity!
A preview of coming attractions.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. [KJV] . . . When I read God’s Word and see the Truth it reveals, it astounds me! This is happening in the world today, all around us. And it will continue, and in fact will worsen, for fewer and fewer are turning to God, but instead, away from Him! Those who love and obey God will not do or be these things.
We are indeed imperfect! We do indeed sin! We displease God each and every day. But if you are ‘born again’ into the family of God, you have direct access to Almighty God, through His Son, to confess your sins and be cleansed (1 Jn.1:9).
Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 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] . . . Direct access to God by our faith in Jesus, His Son. What a privilege this is! And a privilege too, having His Holy Spirit abiding with us, forever (Jn.14:16). There to help us live the life God wants us to live; helping us to run away from all the wickedness around us. What a power we have to help us be perfect!
OUR HEARTS
Chapter 6
The Bible has some things to say about the human heart.
Does God procrastinate? Eccles. 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. [KJV] . . . Just because God does not punish you for a sin right away, does not mean He has forgotten about it. He could be waiting just down the road . . . or He could wait until Judgment Day. Can you afford to wait until eternity to make things right with God?
2 Cor. 6:2 For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. [KJV] . . God can afford to procrastinate IF He so chooses; you cannot! If you don’t know Jesus as your Saviour, accept Him now! Tomorrow may be too late. Tomorrow may be the beginning of eternity for you. No one knows when this life ends for them.
Desperately wicked. Jer. 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? [KJV] . . . Sin is a matter of the heart. Our hearts are inclined to do evil from a very early age. Our hearts are naturally evil.
Hypocrisy. Mat. 23:25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. [KJV] . . . Jesus condemned the Pharisees and religious leaders for outwardly appearing saintly and holy but inwardly remaining full of corruption and greed. Living merely as a show for others is like washing a cup on the outside only. When we are clean on the inside, our cleanliness on the outside won’t be a sham.
Heart is evil. Mark 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, [KJV] . . . All the sins we commit have their start in our hearts, just as do all the words we speak. You may be able to fool people for a long time by your good deeds and nice words you speak; but eventually the true you will come bursting forth.
Source of unbelief. Heb. 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. [KJV] . . . The writer in the previous verses is speaking about Israel and her 40 years in the wilderness. About what, was God so angry? What sin made Him so filled with wrath? They did NOT believe God! Their sin was unbelief! It is the same sin that makes Him so angry today.
Heb. 3:19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. [KJV] . . . Because of their unbelief, God would NOT allow Israel to enter the Promised Land. It’s the same today! If you do not believe God, He will not allow you to enter the ‘Promised Land’ (Heaven).
Fountain-head of all greed. 2 Pet. 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: [KJV]
Hardness of. Pro. 6:15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy. [KJV]
Pro. 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. [KJV]
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]
Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. [KJV]
Guard your heart. Pro. 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. [KJV]
Determines character. Pro.23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: . . . [KJV]
Controls speech. Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. [KJV]
1 Cor. 10:10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. [KJV]
Source of faith. Ro.10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [KJV] . . . Confession of Christ without faith is either self deception or hypocrisy. Faith in Christ (sincerely believing) without confession is being a coward. If you believe (by faith) confess Christ; tell others about Him. If you’re ashamed of Jesus, He will be ashamed of you (Mk.8:38).
BE EARNEST:
In love. Mat. 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [KJV]
In obedience. Ps. 119:2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. [KJV]
In trust. Pro. 3:5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. [KJV]
In prayer. Jer. 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. [KJV]
In repentance. Joel 2:12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: [KJV] . . . As long as you have breath in you, it is not too late to turn to Jesus. He loves you dearly, and just waits for you to open your heart’s door unto Him. You will never be sorry!
GOD KNOWS YOUR HEART.
Jer. 2:22 For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much sope, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord God. [KJV]
Jeremiah 16:17 For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes. [KJV]
Hosea 7:2 And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face. [KJV]
Amos 5:12 For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right. [KJV]
CANNOT HIDE FROM GOD.
Jeremiah 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. [KJV]
Jeremiah 23:24 Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. [KJV]
Numbers 32:23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out. [KJV]
Eze. 11:5 And the Spirit of the Lord fell upon me, and said unto me, Speak; Thus saith the Lord; Thus have ye said, O house of Israel: for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them. [KJV]
Amos 9:3 And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them: [KJV]
Zephaniah 1:12 And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil. [KJV]
Romans 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. [KJV]
JESUS KNOWS OUR HEARTS
Matthew 12:25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: [KJV]
Matthew 22:18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? [KJV]
Luke 6:8 But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth. [KJV]
Luke 11:17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. [KJV]
John 2:25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man. [KJV]
Acts 15:8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; [KJV] . . . If you are not a Jew, you are a Gentile. God loves ALL people equally! He is NOT a respecter of persons
Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: [KJV]
Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God. [KJV] . . . No matter your race, color, culture, who your parents are, what you have done, etc. God loves you.
HEARTS CAN BE RENEWED.
Deut. 5:29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever! [KJV]
2 Chron. 11:16 And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the Lord God of their fathers. [KJV] . . . IF we set our hearts to seek God, we will find Him!
Luke 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. [KJV]
Jeremiah 24:7 And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart. [KJV]
Ezekiel 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: [KJV]
Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. [KJV] . . . Only Jesus can give you a new heart!
If you do not have a ‘desire’ within you to know God (Job 21:14), you are being stubborn and willful. With an attitude like this, you will never ‘find’ God or the salvation He so desperately wants to give you. I humbly beg you to please consider the results of such a decision. All God asks of you is to ‘believe’ Him, in faith. God cannot lie; what He says, He will do! If you believe Him in faith, and accept His precious Son, Jesus, He states you shall spend eternity in Heaven with Him. But if you refuse to believe God because of a cold, hard heart; He states that you shall spend eternity in the agony of Hell. Please listen to Him!
John 3:35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. [KJV] . . . If you reject Jesus, you reject God the Father also, for they are ONE! (Jn.10:30).
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] . . . Believe, and trust Jesus today! If you don’t, I warn you, Hell awaits (Jn.3:18, 36; 8:24; 16:9).
CAN WE BE FORGIVEN?
Chapter 7
Forgive = to give up all resentment against, and/or the desire to punish; stop being angry with; to pardon; to give up all claim to punish; to cancel; to absolve; to pronounce free from guilt or blame; to acquit; to free. FORGIVENESS OF SIN is a part of justification. In pardoning sin, God absolves the sinner from the condemnation of the law, and that on account of the work of Christ, He removes the guilt of sin, or the sinner's actual liability to eternal wrath on account of it. All sins are forgiven freely (Acts 5:31; Acts 13:38; 1 John 1:6-9). The sinner is by this act of grace forever freed from the guilt and penalty of his sins.
Acts 13:38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: [KJV]
Psalm 130:4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. [KJV]
Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. [KJV]
God put Jesus in the place of highest honor, at His right hand as Prince and Saviour. (Acts 5:31) Forgiveness can be found in Christ, and Christ alone!
Eph. 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] . . . The precious Blood of Jesus is the payment made for our redemption. The debt against us is not viewed as simply canceled, but is fully paid. Christ's Blood or Life, which He surrendered for us, is the “ransom” by which the deliverance of His people from the bondage of sin, and from its penalty, is secured. It is the plain doctrine of Scripture that Christ saves us neither by the mere exercise of power, nor by His doctrine, nor by His example, nor by the moral influence which He exerted, nor by any influence on His people, but as a satisfaction to divine justice, as an expiation for sin, and as a ransom from the curse and authority of the law, thus reconciling us to God by His perfection to exercise mercy toward sinners. We are no longer God’s enemies when we believe God and accept Jesus, His Son as our Saviour.
Romans 5:8-10 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. [KJV] . . . IF we trust Jesus by faith we are not only forgiven of all our sins, no matter what they may be, but we are no longer God’s enemies. Because of Jesus, we are God’s friend and better still, God’s child.
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] . . . We are ‘born again’ (spiritually) into God’s family because of our faith in Christ Jesus. How wonderful this is!
1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. [KJV]
Trusting Jesus gives us great privileges! (1) Forgiveness! (2) No longer God’s enemy, but His friend and His child! (3) We are delivered from eternal punishment (Hell)!
(4) Peace in our hearts . . . John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. [KJV] . . . (Jesus’ Words.)
(5) Joy . . . John 16:24 . . . . . . ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. [KJV] (Jesus’ Words).
(6) Direct access to God that His children have, but unbelievers do not have. John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. [KJV] . . . A “sinner” here means an unbeliever.
Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. [KJV] . . . The world’s worst sin is unbelief. John 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; [KJV] . . . God will NOT hear prayers of unbelievers!
(7) Last, but certainly not least, we have the Holy Spirit abiding with us, to help us live a life that is pleasing to God. And He will abide with us “forever”!
John 14:16-17 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; [17] Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. [KJV] . . . The moment we become God’s children by faith in Christ as our Saviour, God gives us as a ‘down payment’ (earnest) the Gift of His Holy Spirit. Receiving God’s Spirit is just the beginning of the great things He has promised; for instance: a home in Heaven with Him, and becoming heirs of God (Ro.8:17; Gal.3:29; 4:7; Tit.3:7; Heb.1:14; Jam.2:5).
2 Cor. 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. [KJV]
2 Cor. 5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. [KJV]
Eph. 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. [KJV]
When we receive the Holy Spirit, we receive access to great power. There are those who deny the Holy Spirit of God. May God have mercy on their souls. This verse tells us beyond a doubt that if we do not have God’s Spirit abiding within us, we do NOT belong to God! 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] . . . This is a very important verse because of the false doctrine of denying the Spirit; so I will include the other translation as well. If you do not have the Holy Spirit of God within you . . . you do NOT belong to God. The Holy Spirit IS God!
1 Cor. 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? [KJV]
1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. [KJV]
We all need human teachers. We need to get into the Word of God and study it. The Holy Spirit is given to us that we may be enabled to understand the Truth. He is our Teacher, above and beyond all human teachers. Before we begin to study, we should go to God in prayer and ask that His Spirit guide us into all Truth; help us to understand what we are studying. If you still don’t understand something, get down on your knees and tell God you don’t get it! You are missing the point. The Holy Spirit is there to help you! Ask Him to help! The Spirit helps us learn God’s Word and then helps us live righteously.
God Can and Will Forgive You.
When you turn to Christ in faith, God forgives all your past sins. Your slate is wiped clean. What a wonderful feeling that is! The burden of those sins is lifted.
Matthew 11:29-30 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. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. [KJV]
James 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. [KJV] . . . IF you truly repent of your sins, there should be tears for the wrong things you have done; there should be sorrow and deep grief; there should be sadness instead of laughter and gloom instead of joy . . . IF you truly repent of your sins, God will forgive you! “But,” you say, “you don’t know what I’ve done.” I don’t need to know you’ve done, nor does anyone else. God already knows everything you’ve done (Eze.11:5-B).
Are you sorry for what you have done? Tell God that; and turn to His Son for forgiveness and salvation. 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 will save you, and God will forgive you.
1 Jn. 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. [KJV] . . . We ALL have sinned (Ro.3:10, 23). Only God is holy and righteous and pure. His glorious light and Word only shows how depraved we really are. We desperately need His Son, Jesus the Christ. There is only one way possible for a Holy God to receive sinners without violating His righteousness and justice, and the answer comes from the Book of Exodus. (Ex.12:13) “When I see the Blood, I will pass over you.” When God looks down on believers, He does not see our sins; He sees the precious Blood of His Son, and God will NEVER turn His Back on that precious Blood.
Below are some extremely comforting verses to all who have trusted and accepted Christ Jesus as Saviour.
Jeremiah 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. [KJV] . . . I will forgive their iniquity and will remember their sins NO more! Never!
Ps. 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. [KJV] . . . Do you realize what this means? Had God said as far as the north is from the south, there would have been a stopping point to God’s forgiveness; for you can go only so long to the north and you will eventually come to the north pole, and must then start south. North and south meet, but east and west NEVER meet! He forgives completely, never to remember those sins, ever again! How wonderful that is!
Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. [KJV]
Hebrews 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. [KJV]
Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. [KJV] . . . IF you are God’s child, you will suffer for Christ in some way; but the suffering we will have is minor compared to what Christ suffered for us, plus this life is brief compared to eternity.
Galatians 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. [KJV] . . . Heirs of God!
Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. [KJV]
Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. [KJV] . . . We’re ‘justified’ (declared not guilty in the courts of Heaven), because of God’s great kindness and mercy (grace), and our faith. It is impossible to please God without faith!
Heb. 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] . . . Trust Christ Jesus today . . . by faith.
THE UNPARDONABLE SIN.
Matthew 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. [KJV] . . . Every sin or blasphemy can be forgiven . . . EXCEPT blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which can never be forgiven.
Blasphemy = speaking evil of God; ridiculing God, His Word, and His children. (Ps. 74:18; Is. 52:5; Ro. 2:24; Rev. 13:1, 6; 16:9, 11, 21; 1 K. 21:10; Acts 13:45; 18:6) Our Lord was accused of blasphemy when he claimed to be the Son of God (Mat. 26:65; 9:3; Mk. 2:7). They who deny His Messiahship blaspheme Jesus (Luke 22:65; John 10:36).
Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost (Mat. 12:31-32; Mk. 3:28-29; Luke 12:10) in the time of Jesus, was giving the devil credit for those miracles which Christ performed (by the power of the Holy Ghost).
I think in today’s time, it is the continued and stubborn rejection of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit is attempting to convict the hearts of all unbelievers (Jn.16:8), but as long as a sinner remains in unbelief, rejecting the urging of the Holy Spirit, he voluntarily excludes himself from God’s forgiveness. A person who has committed this sin has shut himself (or herself) completely off from God . . . so much so that they are not even aware of their sin.
Can a believer commit the unpardonable sin? NO! Anyone who is afraid that they may have committed this sin, has shown by their fear and concern that they have not committed it. Anyone who fears and believes God has NOT committed this sin.
If you are reading this, and you have felt a tugging at your heart, it is God’s Holy Spirit trying to lead you to salvation through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Submit to His urging now!
HOW SHOULD WE LIVE?
Chapter 8
We should live our lives here on Earth as though this were our last day here, for it may well be for someone. We must live with eternity in mind!
OUR CLOCK
Our clock keeps ticking, the hours rush by,
We cannot stop time, no need to try.
God gives each soul a number of days,
When our time is gone, He’ll take us away!
Then shall our body return to the Earth,
No matter who, or how much your worth.
When our Creator beckons, we must go,
And leave all we have, here on Earth below.
But you do have an eternal spirit,
At death your spirit will still exist!
God’s Word is as plain as it can be,
Just read with an open mind and see.
Our spirit shall return unto God,
He gave it, He’ll take it, the world abroad.
There is no soul sleep as some do say,
Your soul is awake for all your days.
Just what will God do with your spirit?
It goes back to Him, you must admit!
Will your angels carry you to Heav’n?
Or will the prison of Hades be giv’n?
Our clock keeps ticking; time on Earth is brief,
When God takes your soul, will it find relief?
Christ can grant the key to Heaven’s door,
And Hell will be gone from you, for e’er more!
*************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Aug.18,1996 # 245
(Jer.31:35; 33:20; Ps.148:1-6; 89:37; 104:19,29; Ec.12:7; 3:20; Gen.2:7; 1:27; Job 32:8; Ac.7:59; 2 Co.5:8; Lu.16:19-26; Phil.1:23;
1 Thes.4:17; 1 P.3:19-20; 1:10,24; 2 P.2:4; Jam.4:14; Ps.91:11;
Heb.1:14; Jn.14:3; 17:24; 3:15-18,36; 5:24; 8:24; 14:6)
How should we live? How should we walk? God’s Word tells us very clearly.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [KJV] . . . We all would be rightly condemned to Hell if it were not for Christ Jesus. But trust in Him makes us “NOT GUILTY”! Praise Him and walk after His Spirit who will never lead us astray.
2 Cor. 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) [KJV] . . . All God’s children can look forward with confidence to living in Heaven for eternity.
Gal. 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. [KJV] . . . The Spirit of God within us is much greater than the old devil. Trust Him to help you live rightly.
Eph. 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. [KJV] . . . If we are ‘in Christ’, we must love! He commands this over and over again.
Eph. 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, [KJV]
Col. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: [KJV] . . . Trusting Christ as your Saviour is wonderful! But . . . we must also obey Him! Trust and obedience are bound in the same bundle. You cannot have without the other.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. [KJV] . . . Notice: that tiny word: IF.
1 John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. [KJV] . . . IF we say we are Christians, we had better live a life like He would live. We must use Christ as a role model. If He didn’t do or say it . . . you had better not do or say it either!
Living a Christian life is not easy. We cannot do it without Christ, but with Him, we can! Philip. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. [KJV] . . . Most often, our biggest mistake is attempting something without Him! We get our strength from Him (Jn.15:5).
Eph. 5:3-6 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. [KJV] . . . God tells us very clearly what we should not do!
Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: [KJV] . . . Even though we are God’s children, and a new creature (2 Cor.5:17), we still possess our old nature, and will, until we receive our new glorious bodies. (See Rom.7:14-25 for Paul’s struggle with the old nature). This is why we must have help to live our lives for Jesus! Satan is constantly tempting us to go his way. We must rely heavily on the Holy Spirit to help us.
Galatians 6:7-8 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. [KJV] . . . Do NOT let anyone mislead you. There is NO way that you can ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow! IF you live only to satisfy their own lustful desires, you will harvest eternal decay and death. But . . . IF you live according to the Spirit, you will harvest everlasting life!
So many mock and ridicule God. They should instead fear Him! People just do NOT fear God today! Very recently my husband and I were at a Walmart store. Paul had seen a teen age boy with a shirt that boldly stated: “The 11th commandment, Thou shalt kick ass.” He felt so badly because he knew he should have spoken to the boy, and didn’t. When we left the store, there was the boy and his mother going to their car. He approached the boy and told him in a nice way that he shouldn’t make fun of God. The mother grabbed the boy and said, “Come on.” In other words, “Get away from those religious nuts.” It was as if she did not want him any where near us. What a shame! I just pray that the boy may consider what my husband said.
But, it is not only this young man. He had to buy the shirt somewhere. Someone had to design and make that shirt; and place them in a store to be sold. How many people are there out there walking around with that shirt (or worse) blaspheming God? God will not be mocked (Gal.6:7). A TRUE Christian cannot live like this! Walking with God sets us apart from the world. It is close communion with Him; divine fellowship with Him; it is obedience to Him; and it is loving Him . . . and other believers. We cannot go along with the world and ‘walk with God’!
John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. [KJV] . . . IF we do NOT honor Jesus, God will not honor us.
Eph. 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; [KJV] . . . Follow God . . . not the devil.
Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. [KJV] What does it mean to “deny himself”? It means saying NO to your desires and YES to God, even if it means giving up earthly ambitions, friends and even family, for the cause of Christ. It means putting Christ FIRST in ALL things, over and above all your desires. It means: (1) True commitment to Christ (2) even at the risk of death (3) or rejection. (4) It means no turning back, no matter what!
Galatians 5:16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. [KJV]
Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. [KJV]
1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; [KJV] . . . This Earth is NOT our home. If you know Christ as Saviour, Heaven is your eternal home. It is there, you will spend eternity; not here, not Hell.
I shall bring forth the Scripture on the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12. Consider the following as ways to interpret them.
(1) They are a standard of conduct for all believers. (2) They contrast eternal values with worldly (temporary) values. (3) They contrast the superficial (hypocritical) “faith” with the true faith that Jesus wants. These beatitudes are not multiple choice . . . pick what you like and leave the rest. They must be taken as a whole. They describe what we should be like as Christ’s followers.
Jesus began His sermon (vs.3-5) with words that seem to contradict each other. But, God's way of living usually contradicts what the world considers right. If you want to live for God you must be ready to say and do what may seem strange to the world. You must be willing to give when others take, to love when others hate. By giving up your own rights (denying self) in order to serve Christ and others, you will one day receive a great blessing (reward). There are eight different characteristics mentioned in the Beatitudes that represent “blessed” people. God’s children should express these characteristics in their daily lives.
Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [KJV] . . . Each beatitude tells how to be blessed. "Blessed" means much more than happiness. It implies the fortunate and enviable state of those who are in God's kingdom. The Beatitudes do NOT promise freedom from trials and tribulations, no pain or sorrow, pleasure, or earthly prosperity. "Blessed" means the hope and joy that only Jesus can give, in this world, and in eternity. (1) The “poor in spirit” are those who realize their total need for God, and seek after a Redeemer.
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. [KJV] . . . (2) Those that mourn shall be comforted and gratified. Godly sorrow for sin always works true repentance, watchfulness, humility, and a constant and continual dependence for acceptance on the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. Those that mourn for the wrongdoings in their lives will be constantly seeking the Holy Spirit, to cleanse away any remaining evil.
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. [KJV] . . . God hates pride! (Pro.11:2; 21:4; Jam.4:6; 1 Jn. 2:16; Mt.18:4; 23:12). Why? Because in effect, you are saying: “I can do it myself. I don’t need God!” God wants us to rely on Him for all
things in life. God's Kingdom is organized much differently from worldly kingdoms. Wealth, fame, power and authority are not important. Its subjects seek different blessings and benefits; have different attitudes. Does your attitude copy of the world's selfishness, pride, and lust for power, or does it reflect the humility and self-sacrifice of Jesus, your King? (3) Those that are “meek” have a mild, calm and patient disposition, and are not easily stirred to anger or resentment. They are submissive. Most people consider being ‘meek’ to be a weakness. Quite the contrary . . . it is one of our greatest strengths! It is ‘power under control’. Our precious Lord was meek (Mt.11:29; 21:5). This being the case, we should diligently seek after this quality!
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. [KJV] . . . (4) Those that hunger and thirst after righteousness are those trying to learn more about God and His Word. These are strictly God’s children! An unbeliever does NOT hunger and thirst after God’s goodness and righteousness. They think the Bible is foolishness! (1 Cor.2:14). They also think our Lord is foolishness! God’s children are in direct contrast to unbelievers! 1 Cor. 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: [KJV] . . . Only trust in Jesus can make us pure and holy and acceptable to God. God’s children understand this truth; unbelievers do not!
Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. [KJV] . . . (5) We must be merciful; but don’t misunderstand this verse. We do not obtain mercy only when we are merciful. There is not a condition here (do this or else). Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; [KJV] . . . There is NO good work we can do to obtain salvation. We should ‘be merciful’ because God first had mercy on us!
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. [KJV] . . . (6) Pure in heart. If you are honest with yourself, you must admit you are NOT pure in heart. We can be “pure in heart” only through Jesus! Only His Blood can cleanse us.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. [KJV]
We can be made clean only through the Word of God. John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. [KJV] . . . (Jesus’ words). Only Jesus and His Word can make us “pure in heart”. Without Him, our hearts are desperately wicked and evil! Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? [KJV]
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. [KJV] . . . (7) Peacemakers. The world looks for “peace”, but it looks in the wrong places! We can find “peace” only with Jesus. Only God’s children have true peace, and we should strive to keep from any conflict in this troubled world.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. [KJV]
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. [KJV] Be patient, keep away from all arguments, do your best to ensure a peaceful environment where ever you may be.
Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. [12] Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. [KJV] . . . Those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake should be happy. This is a very distinctive characteristic to Christianity. God will see that those who lose for Him, shall not lose by Him in the end. Precious Jesus! How greatly different are your principles from those of men in this world! They call the proud happy, and admire the rich, the famous, the powerful, and the victorious.
John 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. [KJV] . . . Jesus said we would have persecution, even from our families.
Matthew 10:34-36 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. [35] For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. [36] And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. [KJV] . . . Taking a stand for Jesus often results in conflict, division and persecution. Just what is “persecution”? It is to afflict or harass constantly; to injure or distress; to trouble or annoy. Jesus demands a response from us, and if you decide to stand with Him, you will forsake friends and/or family, and in doing so the ones you leave behind
for Jesus will persecute you, along with the others in the world who refuse to believe. Will you be loyal to Jesus? Will you commit your life to Him? Most often you will risk your family’s and friend’s approval in order to gain eternal life. But, anything you give up for Jesus, He will restore unto you in some manner.
Mark 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. [KJV] . . . Jesus assures us that anyone who gives up something valuable for His sake will be repaid a hundred times over in this life; although not necessarily in the same form. Most often they are spiritual blessings on which the world would look down upon. If we are rejected by our family for accepting Christ, we will gain a larger family of believers. I can certainly verify this! Along with these rewards, however, we will definitely experience persecution, because the world hates God. Jesus makes sure He emphasizes persecution to make sure that we do not selfishly follow Him only for the rewards we will receive.
Mark 10:31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. [KJV] . . . In the world to come, the values of this world will be reversed. Those who seek status and importance here will have none in Heaven. Those who are humble here will be great in Heaven. Those who have humbly served others are most qualified to be great in Heaven.
We must live keeping eternity uppermost in our minds. This life on Earth is only the place where we decide where we will spend eternity. Where will YOU spend eternity??
LIFE BEYOND THE GRAVE
There is life beyond the grave; indeed,
So the Gospel of Christ we must heed.
Trust Jesus as your Saviour today,
Only with Him will you go the right way!
For certain, there’s life beyond the grave,
List’ to the Gospel; be bold and brave.
To access God, you must go thru’ His Son,
Or the gates of Heaven can’t be won!
Beyond the grave, there’s eternity,
All souls are eternal; both you and me.
There’s two destinations, where we could go,
To blissful Heaven, OR Hell below!
As we on this Earth, our lives do live,
A free will; our gracious God does give.
He will not force us, to go His way,
He gives us freedom, to decide each day!
Accept OR reject Jesus, God’s Son,
This decision is an eternal one.
Only Christ, your soul from Hell can save,
For friend, there IS life, beyond the grave!
*********************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer
Jn.3:15-18, 36; 5:24; 6:40; 17:3; Gal.6:8; Ro.6:23; 8:6;
Jam.1:15; 5:20; Rev.21:8; 2 Thes.1:8; 1 Pet.4:17; Jn.14:6;
Mt.7:13-14
The Scripture verses mentioned are backing up this poem.
There is definitely LIFE BEYOND THE GRAVE! There is absolutely an ETERNITY for you (and everyone else) somewhere.
I cannot put into words just how important it is to consider this fact! Please consider: where will you spend ETERNITY??? If you haven’t trusted Jesus as Saviour, PLEASE DO IT NOW!
Bible Study Booklets
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?
Home Page
We have more Bible study booklets on our other web sites.
For our other web sites:
http://www.godcannotlie.org
http://www.hisservants.org
Poetry . . . http://www.hisservantsministry.org . . . Poetry
http://www.judgmentcoming.org
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org
http://www.worldlychaos.org
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