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A Bit Of Poetry
A Bit Of PoetryCan I have a little fun? Would you honestly mind?
There’s a point I must make, but I won’t be unkind,
I was thinking of white skin, black skin, yellow and brown,
And all the racist remarks which are going around,
Like it really matters, the color of one’s skin,
As if that reflects the value within,
The color of the paper, or the ribbon attached
Doesn’t determine the value of the gift which is wrapped,
We’d be better off, so please give me no flack,
If we’d pretend each other’s skin is just a grocery sack.
It wouldn’t matter if we’re paper or plastic,
Or doubled, in case our load is fantastic,
Every single life matters, our value’s the same,
Let’s stop making remarks which bring others pain,
I believe it’d be great, and life so much better,
If we made sure our words brought grace to each hearer,
Thanks for allowing this word to be said,
Good night, and God bless – I’m headed to bed.
😌
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The Cause Is Christ
I’m not against Kim Davis. Really, I’m not.But I’m not for gay marriage either. In fact I’m against it. I believe the issue at hand shouldn’t be “for Kim/against gay marriage” or “against Kim/for gay marriage”.
I don’t believe it’s what the bible teaches.
However, it’s my opinion that Kim Davis was wrong in not issuing the “couple” a marriage license. It was her job, and according to the latest SCOTUS ruling (or opinion, if you prefer), like it or not it was her duty.
By the way, everyone will someday find out the Bible is true; God does NOT condone same sex marriage, and He NEVER has. But this post isn’t about marriage.
If a gay person was county clerk and a heterosexual couple applied for a license, well you know what I’m getting at.
Yes, Peter and John made their famous statement when they were standing before the religious leaders back in the day.
“But Peter and John answered them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.’” (Acts 4:19-20 ESV)
They stood their ground in spite of persecution; both verbal and physical.
But Peter and John were preaching Christ, not working in a county courthouse.
A lot of folks are weighing in on Kim Davis’ decision to not issue a marriage license to the gay “couple”. I wonder what the scripture says?
“Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to obeying the real master, Christ. Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you’re really serving God. Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are slave or free.” (Ephesians 6:5 MSG)
“Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you’re irresponsible to the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear. Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you’ll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you’re breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren’t there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That’s why you must live responsibly – not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to live.” (Romans 13:1-3 MSG)
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” (Titus 3:1-2 ESV)
“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.” (1 Peter 2:13-18 ESV)
I’m seeing a number of posts on social media regarding Kim’s decision. This one will add to the mix.
I honor her for standing by her convictions. It took a lot of moxie, if nothing else, to ignore the court order.
But now the Christian Community has unanimously voted her the poster child for civil disobedience. For a while, Phil Robertson was “our” hero. Now it’s Kim Davis.
I’m sure neither Kim nor Phil wanted that title. But, to a lot of Christians, that doesn’t seem to matter.
It’s kind of like King Saul of old. Goliath defied the God of Israel but neither Saul nor anyone else would accept Goliath’s challenge.
But when David stood up and took the giant’s head off his shoulders, wow, NOW they had a cause. Now they had a rallying point.
That was then. The Israelis looked stupid then, and, I don’t like saying it, the Christians don’t act much better.
Year after year the Christians gripe about the government, complain about society, and act all high and mighty when it comes time to vote. Many stay home because they can’t vote for a Mormon, or a rich guy, or a Catholic, or a monkey (just kidding).
So year after year nothing positive is done, while the morals of the nation sink into the toilet.
But let a county clerk mistakenly (my opinion) defy a court order…
It’s fighting time!
No, it’s not. It’s time we take up our cross and follow Jesus.
Not Kim or Phil.
The cause is Christ.
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How Do People Fall Out Of Love?
Recently my wife and I were visiting with some friends, discussing how sad it was that some of our mutual friends divorced after many years of marriage.Christian friends. Christians in pastoral ministry. Close friends. It breaks our hearts.
As we talked, their seventeen year old daughter asked us a question; a very good question.
“How do people who once loved each other just quit loving?”
She went on to say she always thought love was supposed to last forever.
Like I said, it was a very good question.
Have YOU ever had that same question?More specifically, have you ever found yourself no longer in love with the person you promised to honor and cherish forever? Have you brushed aside your marriage vows for a walk on the wild side?
Has someone caught your eye; someone other than your covenant partner?
How do people fall out of love?
Maybe it would be better to first discuss how people fall IN love.
No one actually loves another person the first time they meet. There’s no such thing as love at first sight. Sure, there’s the initial “wow, they’re good looking”, and possibly a desire to get to know the good looker better begins to form.
But love isn’t the same as infatuation. The eyes are not the seat of one’s affections. The eyes will send information to the heart and soul, but the heart must decide how it’s going to process that data.
Reinforcing the eyes’ downloads, the other senses join in. Words spoken, the way they are spoken, perfumes worn, soft touches and warm embraces all can solidify the message the heart is receiving…
“It’s true love. This person will make me happy forever.”
But it’s never a feeling. It’s a decision.
That’s a basic description of how a person falls in love. Info is gathered by the senses, filtered through the mind (soul), and judged (decided upon) by the heart.
How does a person fall OUT of love?
First, when their senses aren’t guarded – if their eyes are allowed to see things that stimulate them emotionally (or sexually), they are already running the risk of falling out of love. If someone other than my spouse stimulates me in an area reserved only for true love, I’m in danger.
Even if there’s nothing sexual happening, an emotional bond can be built through conversation alone. “They’re so great to talk with. They understand me, and we have so much in common…”
Next, the allegiance which really belongs to the spouse begins to be shifted to the other person; the one who’s more fun, listens better, looks better, etc.
It can happen slowly, or, if there are other things happening in one’s life such as sexual addiction or troubles already in the marriage, it can happen very quickly.
Then, the mind begins to convince the heart that a change is needed. It presents all the data it’s received to the heart, and like a great used car salesman, sells the idea as a necessity.
The heart becomes deceived.
Inevitably, opportunity is just around the corner for anyone who has yielded this far.
Opportunity to become a slave to an illicit affair.
Falling out of love sounds so innocent, doesn’t it? I mean, the phrase “I just don’t love them anymore” makes it sound as though it can’t be helped.
If that’s true, then no one could ever help falling IN love. So what good would marriage vows serve?
Please examine your life. Are you enjoying the extra attention from someone other than your spouse?
You have a choice. You decide whom you’ll love.
People just don’t fall out of love.
They walk out of it.
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23 ESV)
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God Loves Rainbow Lovers
God loves rainbows and rainbow lovers.Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark; it is for every beast of the earth. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.” (Genesis 9:8-17 ESV)
God loves rainbow lovers.
Contrary to popular belief, the rainbow doesn’t belong to any one group of people.
The rainbow wasn’t invented by the religious world, or created solely for them either. It isn’t private property of the LGBT gang, or gay rights sympathizers.
God gave it to be a sign to everyone, animals included, that He is a covenant making and covenant keeping God.
(By the way, animals don’t have a problem with God. I’ve never heard a single rabbit complain about God, or a gorilla try and explain to zoo visitors that God isn’t real.)
When God sees the rainbow in the sky He remembers His promise to never again destroy the earth with water.
When He remembers His promise, He remembers why He destroyed the earth in the first place. Wickedness in and throughout the heart of man. People just like you and I. Hell bent on doing our own thing, living our own way, and totally ignoring the One Who breathed into the first man the breath of life.
He remembers His promise.
He doesn’t say He will never again destroy the earth. On the contrary, He declares it will be destroyed by a fervent heat.
Why will it need to be destroyed again? The same reason as before. Wickedness.
And yet, even at that, He remembers His promise.
You see, the promise God originally made is something to behold, and it’s the place where we can and will find safety from destruction.
The rainbow, symbol of a God given promise, is powerless when used as a logo, bumper sticker, or anything like it. It’s merely a nice array of colors; nothing more, without the God of the promise.
God loves rainbows, and He especially loves rainbow lovers. He loves those who love His promises, and take Him at His word.
In fact, people who love His promises NEVER have to be concerned about being destroyed. Because people who believe His promises find themselves changing from wickedness to righteousness. No one can consistently abide in His “Rainbow” and remain unchanged by His Presence.
There are rainbow lovers all over the world who, at one point in their life, were enemies of God. Including me. I deserved destruction, damnation, and the wrath of God.
“…and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” (1 Thessalonians 1:10 ESV)
But someone told me about His Rainbow; His Promise. I began to believe His promise, live in His promise, and allow His promise to live in me.
So now, every time God looks at His promise, He looks at me. I’m abiding in His promise; His rainbow if you will.
Abiding in the place He loves to behold.
The rainbow. What is it to you? The promise of God or something else?
Remember: God loves rainbow lovers.
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What’s Wrong With Sin?
How can anything that seems so right, be so wrong?Sin? Really?
What’s wrong with sin?
Who has the right to call something an offense against religious or moral law, or an action that is or is felt to be highly reprehensible, or an often serious shortcoming?
What’s wrong with sin?
I could say something like it’s an affront against the holiness of God, but what’s that really mean?
Does it mean God is against you and I feeling fine, having fun, and just living like there’s no tomorrow? No Day of Reckoning?
No.
So what’s wrong with sin?
Maybe God’s still mad at what Adam and Eve did those many years ago. No, for His anger and justice was satisfied through the cross of Christ.
I ask you again, what’s wrong with sin?
Maybe I should ask it several other ways.
What’s wrong with putting water in your car’s gas tank?
What’s wrong with eating rat poison?
What’s wrong with sleeping on a railroad track when it’s time for the next train?
What’s wrong with jumping off the top of the largest building in town, completely ignoring the law of gravity?
What’s wrong with sin?
What’s wrong? We weren’t created for it. It goes against our original nature, and creates disharmony between the Creator and His creation.
We were created for harmony with God, with others, and with all God calls holy and just.
So, what’s wrong with sin? Everything.
Who says? The Designer/Creator/Giver of Life.
That’s Who.
Just like the car manufacturer who has the audacity to say which kind of fuel we should use… and we pay attention…
… Like the maker of rat poison using fear tactics to keep us from enjoy a new and exciting experience. They actually have printed on the package “Poison”, “Keep out of the reach of children”, along with a picture of a skull and crossbones… and we put the stuff in a place not so readily available to our kids.
So maybe we should listen to the One Who made us?
The One Who loves us and gave His life a ransom for ours.
“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT) -
Safe Christianity
Believe it or not, I really do enjoy messing with people and their religious minds. Not because I want people to hate me, or call me a jerk or an idiot.
Nor is it because I feel I have all of the answers to the Church’s problems.
One of my favorite verses explains why I write the way I do:
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works…” (Hebrews 10:24 ESV)
Stir up one another to love and good works… Yep, that’s what I’m trying to do.
Okay. With that out of the way, I’ll move on to today’s topic.
In my opinion, the number one problem in this nation’s Christian population is something I call “Safe Christianity”.
What do I mean?
Safe Christianity is a form of political correctness, only from the church’s vantage point.
A few examples:
1. Because people aren’t comfortable addressing such topics as pornography and other sexual sins, it’s a huge problem in the church.
Paul and other New Testament writers talked about it. We should as well.
2. Because many have bought into satan’s lie regarding money, wealth and possessions, some ministers are afraid to say much about money for fear they’ll be labeled as either one of those money grabbing “prosperity preachers”, or they’ll offend the flock and lose some donations.
Again, Jesus, Peter, and Paul all discussed money and giving.
Safe Christianity robs not only the church, but also those the church has been commissioned to reach.
3. Because we have defined “let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40) to mean “that which we can understand, control, tolerate, be comfortable with, and doesn’t make us look foolish”, we have lost the “suddenly” of God; the spontaneity of true spirit led worship.
Many have come to participate in Christian Thinking, rather than living a life of God pleasing faith. They can recite the creeds, the doctrines, and have all the correct answers to questions no one is asking.
Safe Christianity never needs to be concerned with wild fire.
4. Because church leaders have been so concerned about keeping their non-profit status, they are afraid to declare the word of the Lord.
Safe Christianity doesn’t agree with John the Baptist’s style of ministry. In fact, Safe Christianity doesn’t see eye to eye with any of the New Testament writers.
Safe Christianity is an enemy to New Testament Christianity. Safe Christianity will never win the world, or even a portion of it, to Jesus.
Oh sure, Safe Christianity will feed the poor and the homeless, build hospitals in third world countries, and embrace diversity with many hugs and kisses.
Which is all fine and dandy.
But if the Church, the one and only Body of Christ, is going to truly fulfill its mission of going and making disciples of Jesus, we’re going to need the real deal.
Not Safe Christianity.
Real Christianity is not safe!
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” (2 Timothy 3:12 ESV)
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You WILL Believe
So you’re pretty sure you don’t believe in God, eh? Does it make you feel better about yourself knowing there are others like you?
I’d like you to know one thing.
You will believe. So will those who believe as you.
And it may happen sooner than you think.
Regardless of the reasons you can think of to NOT believe, I’ve got three reasons why you WILL believe.
1. You were created to believe in God.
Everyone, and I mean everyone on planet earth, was created by God. Your spirit knows from whence it came. Your mind may have overruled your heart, and because you can’t figure out the Eternal One, you conclude He must not be.
But when things in life become bad enough, when the world as you know it falls apart, you will believe in God.
The scriptures declare it. You will believe.
“Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?’” (Revelation 6:15-17 ESV)
Everyone… will declare they know Who is punishing them for their unrighteous ways and, more importantly, their unbelief.
2. Even the demons believe in God.
“You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.” (James 2:19 NLT)
The very demons who try and convince you there’s no God, know the score. They work overtime to try and keep you confused, busy, selfish, or whatever else they can think of so you won’t come to find out what they know to be true.
If you were to find out God really is, you’d not be far away from experiencing His Presence, forgiveness, new birth, Holy Spirit, and everything else which pertains to life and godliness.
And that’s unthinkable to a lying devil.
After all, misery loves company.
3. Everyone will believe in God.
“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11 ESV)
Every knee and every tongue. Mine, yours, every knee and every tongue.
Some because they want to, others because they are forced to.
Everyone will believe.
Which brings me to the point of this post.
On behalf of my Savior and Lord, I want you to believe BEFORE you have no other choice.
As Jesus said, “Repent and believe the gospel.”
Not everyone will, but YOU can.
Your heart is begging you to know your Creator; to have an amazing, intimate relationship with the Living God.
It begins with an act of your will; a decision to believe. Faith is a choice.
And so is not believing. Unbelief is a choice.
Please, don’t be like those Jesus told John about in Revelation.
“The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.” (Revelation 9:20-21 ESV)
Like everyone who’s ever lived, you will believe.
Please, choose to believe.
Today.
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No Longer A Christian Nation
I’d like to go on record as saying there’s at least one thing President Obama and I agree on.We are no longer a Christian Nation.
Actually, he said, “We are no longer a Christian Nation; at least, not just…”
Here’s more to his June 28, 2006 quote:
“Given the increasing diversity of America’s population, the dangers of sectarianism have never been greater. Whatever we once were, we are no longer a Christian nation; at least, not just. We are also a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation, a Buddhist nation, a Hindu nation, and a nation of nonbelievers.”
Gasp!
He said that? What an evil man! How DARE he say that! Why, he’s attempting to pull us away from our Judeo-Christian heritage! Who does he think he is?!
On and on whiners whine, complainers complain, ad nauseam…
Did you ever stop to ask yourself whose idea it was for this nation to be a Christian Nation anyway?
May I remind you that it wasn’t God’s idea?
Oh, sure. There are godly principles we all should live by, and His word is a great template to use in forming a new government. For in the bible are instructions on how to live as a society, and within a society.
However, it’s an error to believe God intended for the U.S., or ANY nation, to be a Christian Nation.
It just isn’t so.
If it was, wouldn’t you think He would have intimated it somewhere in His book?
Instead, we find things such as:
Strangers and Pilgrims –
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (Hebrews 11:13 NKJV)
“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;” (1 Peter 2:11 KJV)
Citizens with the Saints –
“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners (to God) but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19 NKJV)
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20 NKJV)
Now I’m just about as patriotic as the next guy. I spent four years in the U.S. Army, and am proud to have done it.
There’s no other nation on earth where I’d rather live.
And while I would just as soon see the former morals be upheld by our society, I’m not going to be surprised when they don’t.
Why?
Because I’m only passing through.
I’ve chosen to live for Jesus, and He’s promised that where He is, that’s where I’ll be.
Jesus isn’t an American citizen.
This earth is only temporal. My body is merely temporary housing.
No, this isn’t a Christian Nation. Yes, there were many God fearing men who helped establish the laws used to govern this great land.
Yes, as a follower of Jesus Christ I’m supposed to share my faith and His gospel, and make disciples everywhere I go. But, no, I’m not going to try and make this a Christian Nation.
Whether you’re a fan of Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, Ben Carson, or any else who’s an “authority” on every single subject; don’t get so upset when they say things that are not in line with God’s word.
Don’t get all bent out of shape when a politician says something, or a gun toting, flag waving, Glenn Beck wannabe touts their opinion.
You see, there’s a higher, more permanent calling on which to focus.
The eternal kingdom of Heaven.
And that’s where our allegiance really should stand, if we claim to be a Christian.
So don’t be misled; we are no longer a Christian Nation.
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TSA Security Officers and Preachers
Just recently I noticed a similarity between TSA security officers and preachers.
Maybe more than one. Yeah, more than one.
Besides the fact that both have a job to do, there’s something about TSA men and women that makes me think of preachers.
TSA folks are, at times, in your face. Why? Because they don’t like you, why else?
TSA security officers don’t have anything better to do than think of ways to make your traveling experience as bad as possible.
Yep, just like preachers.
TSA personnel are only concerned about receiving a paycheck, nothing more, nothing less.
TSA men and women stand around all day just looking to get into someone’s suitcase. Yeah, they get a real charge out of riffling through a person’s unmentionables.
And we all know how preachers can be. Preaching? It should be called meddling instead.
Yep, TSA security officers and preachers are quite a bit alike.
But maybe, you know just maybe, they’re neither one quite so awful.
Maybe they’re really just concerned.
Maybe they want you and yours to arrive at your destination in one piece.
Maybe that’s why they seem to be nitpicking when they inform you that you’re in violation of some regulation.
Maybe it’s a regulation for a reason.
I know, I’ve had those same ugly thoughts about TSA folk. Do you recognize any of these?
“Who does this guy think he is?”
“He must not know how important I am.”
“Who gave him the right to judge how I’m traveling?”
“Get out of my face, preacher; er, I mean, security officer.”
Think about it the next time you go through the security checkpoint at the airport. Maybe look at the agent in a different light.
While you’re at it, why not do the same with the preacher?
Because maybe, just maybe, they’re not trying to make you late, or uncomfortable, or prove what a worthless jerk you are.
Maybe they only want to see you arrive at the right place on time, and in one piece.
I know this preacher does.
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Damned Prisoners
Have you ever been inside a maximum security prison? I have.Years ago I visited a young man from our home town. After driving about three hours to his place of incarceration, I was able to spend about 45 minutes with him.
At least he was able to have visitors.
Just being inside those cold, stone walls and hearing the iron bars slam shut was enough to convince me that crime doesn’t pay.
Don’t misunderstand me. I’ve had my turn at living as though rules didn’t matter; “to Hell with the consequences”, I was going to do what I wanted.
And I spent time in the juvenile court system to prove it.
Jails and prisons. Places to house those who need rehabilitation. Or, sadly, for the ones who are beyond help.
Either way, lawless people shouldn’t be allowed to have the freedom to terrorize those living within the law.
Jails and prisons are, in a way, quite similar to a place called Hell. The primary difference being that Hell is NOT a place where any rehab takes place.
Hell is for damned prisoners.
It’s a place where people go who have refused to live within the universally righteous laws of Almighty God.
It was never intended for mankind.
But ever since Adam and Eve regrettably turned aside from God’s commands, rebellion and lawlessness have been in the heart of every single person.
And, because life is eternal, meaning man’s spirit lives on after his earth suit has been buried six feet under, the rebellious and lawless must not be allowed to terrorize or defile Heaven’s eternal citizens.
Where eternity’s damned prisoners, those who’ve refused rehabilitation, refused to live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, must forever remain.
Without visitors.
There is some good news in all of this. Since Hell wasn’t created for you and I, we don’t have to go there.
We can be rehabilitated without going to jail. We can change our eternal destination by receiving, by faith, the work Jesus did for us through His death, burial, and resurrection. And as a result, receive a brand new nature.
He went to Hell for us. For our rebellion; our lawlessness.
“…but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 ESV)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (John 3:16-18 ESV)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-21 ESV)
Jesus gave His life for people like us; you and I, damned prisoners.
But thanks be to God, he whom the Son sets free is free indeed.
Damned no more. Prisoners to rebellion and lawlessness no longer.
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…” (John 1:12 ESV)
“…because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” (Romans 10:9-10 ESV)
Isn’t it nice to know you have a choice?
Hey, who in their right mind would want to be a damned prisoner anyway?
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
Jan Grace 