Our God Works Miracles: The Power In Jesus Christ

During this time of sickness and business closures due to the Coronovirus (Covid-19) I have had the opportunity to enjoy more time in prayer and Bible Study. This includes listening to sermons on both sermon audio and various preachers/messengers on youtube such as Steven Lawson, Bill Wiese, and R. C. Sproul.

Lawson's preaching and teaching is very good and Biblical generally. But I was extraordinary upset with his recent denial of miracles. So much so that it prompted this writing you now read. Many modern Christians do not believe that miracles in the present day are possible. This is disturbing, because it is unbiblical, and really a form of misunderstanding and disbelief in correct understanding of the One True God as he is Biblicaly discribed. This false belief in the limiting of God makes him something he is not in the minds of what I call "misbelievers". Misbelievers herein defined when applied to Christians are believers who profess Christianity but do not believe or understand or have knowledge of the correct and true Christian faith and its teachings as they are Biblically defined. They are mislead believers, also known as misbelievers. Not to be confused with unbelievers.

In 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 below we read of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which includes the working of miracles.

"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."

If there is a shortage of miracles today it is due to lack of Faith. (Matthew 13:58)

Jesus said in John 14:12

"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father."

In John 14:26

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

In John 7:39

(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Jesus went to the Father, after his Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension took place. 

In the book of Acts chapter 1 we read of Jesus' ascension up into heaven and the disciples who where waiting for the promised gift of the Holy Spirit that was to come after Christ's work on earth as a man was finished. In Acts chapter 2 we see when the Holy Spirit first came as promised to the disciples.

From many scriptures we read clearly that those who believe in Jesus Christ recieve the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost) and are able to do things just as great through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit as those things which he did. This is according to the very words of Christ the Son of God. It is for His glory and according to His purpose.

"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." John 16:7

"Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen." - Mark 16:14-20

The Comfortor Has Come

See also Have The Sign Gifts Ceased?

See also additional study references - Acts 1:5, Acts 11:16, Luke 24:49, John 15:26, John 16:7-15, Ephesians 1:13-14, Luke 11:13, Acts 5:32, Galatians 3:5, 1 John 4:13, Matthew 3:11, John 20:22, John 14:16-17

The Twelve Lies Of Christmas Told By The Father Of Christmas

Lie # 1 Jesus was born on Dec. 25

Jesus was not born on December 25, nearly all scholars and historians agree that it could not be possible. I hear September is more likely. So why do some "Christians" say Jesus was born on the 25th? Because the Pope of Rome long ago said he was.  (I guess the current pope has his own story).

Lie #2 Jesus is the reason for the season

Perhaps some people think he is, or like to believe he is. But the reason that the Christmas season is celebrated today is because businesses want to make money, because the pope says it should be, and because it feels good to those who have lost the love of the truth.

Lie #3 Christians celebrate Christmas

Professing Christ and following his teachings is what makes you a Christian. That being said, the question comes to how do we know Christ and his teachings? The Christian who knows Christ and learns his teachings from the Holy Scriptures rather than extra-biblical ideas knows that Christmas is foreign to Christ and his teachings. 

Lie #4 Christmas is in the Bible

No Christmas is not in the Bible. The story of the birth of Christ is in the Bible, so are many other stories. Why have some kept a rather elaborate tradition currently called Christmas? Because once upon a time it was convenient for the Roman Catholic Church.

Lie # 5 We give gifts because the wise men gave gifts to Jesus 

No we give gifts because of the anti christian consumerism driven culture, and because it is an ancient tradition.

Lie # 6 Christmas is good because it is an easier time to get unbelievers to come to church. 

I still remember the last time I went to a Christmas service at a church. It was many years ago now, since I avoid church at that time of the year having yet to find a "Christian" church that has not at least dabbled in Babylonian Pagan Idolatry. 

It was a very sad service, to me only perhaps. True it was that the church was packed with Chreasters and other backsliders. No doubt many who don't normally go to church were there because it is more culturally acceptable that time of the year, perhaps they were getting gifts or a free meal. Why was the service so saddening? Because all these unsaved were in the church and I kept waiting to hear the Gospel or at least enough of it...but nothing. It was all about the precious, helpless Jesus who came to earth and was born in a manger. Here he is...come to earth because God loves people so so much. And that's all the Pastor said...with a multitude of words. I have fear it my heart when I imagine what unrepentant pastors like this face on judgement day. I am no pastor, but this also makes me look at myself and consider; what more can and should I be doing? The service did nothing to save anyone from their sins. It did nothing to transform anyone into the likeness of Christ. But what did it do? It convinced a multitude that whatever they were doing it was alright because God loved them just how they are. It convinced a multitude that they can continue to live in sin, and be at ease and enjoy the holiday traditions. It convinced a multitude that Christ is a helpless babe and nothing but a loving friend. It convinced the multitude that Jesus Christ was not the Jesus Christ described in the Bible. It convinced a multitude that the scriptures are irrelevant to Christianity today.

Lie #7 Jesus Christ is a baby in a manger 

As already discussed Christmas gives a false impression that Jesus is still a helpless baby. Sometimes this is done to get unbelievers to accept a Christ that they feel comfortable with. This way they will join the "church" and pay the pastor, so that everyone can live both physically and psychologically comfortable until they die and are cast into Hell for the Idolatry of worshiping a false Christ.

Lie # 8 The wise men visited baby Jesus about the night he was born

Actually Jesus was a young child by the time the wise men got to see him (Matthew 2:6-12). 

Lie #9 Christmas honors Christ 

Christmas is an Abomination in the sight of God. It disobeys his word in multiple ways. The mixing of Pagan traditions into God's commands is forbidden by God as every Bible believer and reader knows. Often the Israelites were punished for this very thing. "Learn not the way of the heathen" says God.

Lie #10 Christmas trees 

See Jeremiah 10:1-4

Lie #11 Santa clause mythology is a nice little children's story

After deceiving children into believing that Santa is real is it any wonder that they think Jesus is a myth also? What can we say of a people who lie to their children?

Lie # 12 Christmas is too important and too widespread to end.

By exposing the truth of a matter progress against it can move forward. However as the antichrist(s) continue to grow and multiply many will become and remain deceived. But by spreading the truth those who love it will learn and accept it as they seek the will of the Lord. Resistance is not futile. The Christian battle is fought for a cause most glorious.

Can something based on Lies be of God? If you even have to think about that question it shows you are deceived.

We can see that Lies are of the devil. The Father of Christmas is none other than the Devil himself.

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. - John 8:44

The above "12 lies of Christmas" is not a comprehensive list.

The Sins Of Job: Revealed By Elihu

Most of us are familiar with the story of Job and how God allowed Satan to test Job by taking away all that he had; his family and possessions, and lastly his good health. For the Lord said unto Satan, "Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life." (Job 2:6)

After Job lost all of his possessions how did he respond? He responded in word and by his actions, what was it that he did and said? We can see in Job 1:20-22. "Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly."

After Job was afflicted of Satan and suffered sores and pain how did he respond? Initially he did not sin, but as time passed Job did sin, and soon we shall look at what the sin of Job was.

Many assume or mistakenly believe that Job did not sin. It is apparent that they did not read very far into the book of Job. Perhaps they thought that the foolish responses from Job's three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar made Job look more righteous than they. Perhaps the foolish response of Job's wife made Job appear more righteous than he really was. (Job 2:9) Is it to be assumed that Job was without sin merely because he was less foolish; and merely because he spoke words of faith? (Job 13:15) Do we think we are righteous in our own right merely because we have not entirely gone astray, merely because we do not live in sin as the world does? Woe to him who thinks he has no need of repentance, for the slightest error is still sin and any sin howsoever small or seemingly insignificant places us in the path which leads to gnashing teeth and flames of the very fires of Hell.

The only righteous man in scripture who did not sin was our Lord Jesus Christ, and this is no surprise for he was God dwelling in a body of flesh upon the earth to fulfill the plan of God. He alone was worthy to be slain for the sins of the world, for he alone was without sin. (1 Peter 2:22, 1 John 3:5)

So what was the sin of Job and how do we know without a doubt that he did indeed sin? Our first clear indication is at the beginning of Elihu's speech. Elihu was the only person in the book of Job to speak any length of words and be entirely without condemnation in the eyes of God, insofar as the book of Job has told us. It is Elihu and the prophets Isaiah and Malachi who tell us the sins of Job. We also know without a doubt by what is said in the last chapter of the book of Job.

The First Sin Of Job: He Justifies Himself Rather Than God

We read in Job 32:1-2 "So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God." This is also similar to what God questioned Job about in Job 40:1-8 "Moreover the Lord answered Job, and said, Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? He that reproveth God, let him answer it…Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? Wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?" So this is a sin of Job, that he justified himself rather than God. Let us hear what the prophet Isaiah hath said "Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!" – Isaiah 5:21 (also see Proverbs 3:7, 12:15, 16:2, 21:2, 30:12)

The Second Sin Of Job: He Calls Delighting In God Unprofitable

We read in Elihu's speech in Job 34:7-9 "What man is like Job … For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God." Let us hear what the prophet Malachi hath said "Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?" Let us also hear what is written in Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

These words of Isaiah and Malachi were obviously not originally directed at Job. Nevertheless their words apply to any who sin in the same manner, including Job and every man before and until this very day. Many say that Job's sin was saying that he had no sin. This is true, Job did also sin by claiming to be sinless. (Job 33:9, 9:21) (1 John 1:8, 1 Kings 8:46a, Ecclesiastes 7:20) But if we can say he sinned by claiming to be sinless, we can also say he justified himself by admitting his sin. (Job 7:21, 13:23, 14:17, 15:14) Or we could argue that he knew he had sin, but his claim to be sinless was merely a figure of speech or a reference to how God had covered or forgiven his sins. Therefore it is much more profitable and wise to pinpoint specifically what the actual sins of Job were. Consider the pharisees who accused our Lord Jesus Christ of sin falsely. Had they actually judged Christ honestly looking for a sin he had committed, they would have found no sin and had perhaps believed him.  

Proof That Job Sinned: He Had Need Of Repentance

In Job 42:1-6 Job confesses his sin and repents. (Job 42:6) This is how we know without a doubt that Job sinned, because he who sins not has no need of repentance, but Job had need as do we all. (1 John 1:8) Job is forgiven by God and called a servant of God because he did that which was right in that he repented and in that he prayed for his friends as the Lord commanded. (Job 42:8,9,10) What became of Job? In the end of his life he was more blessed than he was before. (Job 42:10-17) 

We all can be called "servants of God" if we too, like Job, repent and do that which is right, coming to God in Faith believing that he indeed is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him, for this is what he is, and what he does, for he has promised, and his word is faithful and true. (John 12:26)



"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" – Psalm 27:1

Good News Poems

New post today at http://goodnewspoems.blogspot.com/

I moved all my poetry to this blog.

Notice the background at "Good News Poems" The background shows red wine and unleavened bread which represent the blood and body of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. And that is the Good News! That Christ's death on the cross was the final and complete sacrifice for our sins, that we may be forgiven as we believe on Him and thereby enter into a right relationship with God.

"And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body." - 1 Corinthians 11:24-29

Live His Teaching Lost Souls Reaching

This Post moved to http://goodnewspoems.blogspot.com/2011/07/live-his-teaching-lost-souls-reaching.html

A Time Despised: Rejecting The Saviour's Cries

This post has been moved to http://goodnewspoems.blogspot.com/2011/07/time-despised-rejecting-saviours-cries.html

Tough Love: Reproving Family And Friends Of Sin

By the Grace bestowed by God the Father upon us and all who believe in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we are not, as disciples of Christ, any longer in a place to take vengeance (Romans 12:19, Matthew 5:39, James 5:6). We are now under a better covenant (Hebrews 7 and 8, especially Hebrews 8:6).

However, from the Holy Scriptures we still learn the proper attitude to possess toward sin and sinners. Therefore, we are to be sure to reprove our family members and friends* of their sins, in the same Christian manner taught by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 3:15, bearing in mind James 5:20.

“If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you.” - Deuteronomy 13:6-11

Let us not be enticed by any to serve that crafty serpent. Let us call the serpent out and crush him!

"And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." - Romans 16:20 (Also see Psalm 37:6-10)

We must address the sin by name and expose it for what it actually is. We must bring it into the light. Bringing it into the light is reproving it. As it is brought into the light it is reproved, and by being reproved it is brought into the light. By being brought into the light, what it is is made manifest, it is made clear and evident. (See John 3:19-21)

Here is a thought.

Speaking the Truth of Christ is shining the light of Christ. Let us shine.

Living in the Truth of Christ is being the light of Christ. Let us be.

"He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness. He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man, To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living." - Job 33:26-30

*Family and friends are often the hardest to accuse of wrongdoing (and we must do so in the right manner), but if we love God more than we love them (Luke 14:26-33), and if we love them wisely (care for there spiritual benefit), we will obey the LORD’s teachings regarding this matter.

Christ In Hell Three Days?

Here we consider the idea and doctrine of Christ’s descent into Hell for those three days, while his body was in the tomb between his crucifixion and resurrection. This is an historical Christian teaching, noted by the Apostles Creed and taught by many other creeds and individuals. Is it Biblical and if so, what does it mean? The scriptures will tell us what we need to know.

First we look at the scriptures below. These are the scriptures many use to make or break this historical teaching. Some of these verses may have nothing to do with it whatsoever, I only include them so they are here to be considered weather they support, refute or have nothing to do with the subject at hand.

“Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” - Acts 2:23-39 (also see Psalm 16:10)

“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 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. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:” - Peter 3:18-21 (Also 1 Peter 4:5-6, and Ephesians 4:8-10.)

“For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” - Hebrews 9:26-27

These portions of scripture have been interpreted so many different ways. I am not going to even mention most of them. Some have said that Christ preached the gospel to those in Hell. They say he gave them another chance to repent. This is a dangerous unscriptural Lie. We know this is false for two reasons. First, we know from Hebrews 9:27 above (and from many other scriptures) that judgment comes after our time in this life in the flesh. When we die the time is past for repentance and accepting Jesus Christ. This “second chance” teaching is akin to the false teaching of Universalism (that all men will eventually be saved), which undermines the entire Gospel message and denies scripture.

Now here someone might argue “but those who lived and died before Christ never knew the Gospel, so they could not be saved until Christ preached it to them.”

The argument in the Paragraph above is not true for many reasons. Christ is the author of Salvation (Hebrews 5:9, 12:2). Christ was from the beginning (John 1:1-14, Hebrews 1:1-3, Genesis 1:26) Jesus said in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Jesus Christ did not “become” the way, the truth, and the life, he Always Was, Is, and Forever Will Be the way, the truth, and the life. Notice Romans 3:21-31 especially verse 25. The prophets knew long before Christ’s Death and Resurrection that they would come to pass, and that through Christ our Saviour Salvation would be manifested. They looked forward by faith to the future coming of the messiah and trusted him to be their Saviour. See Acts 3:18-24, Deuteronomy 18:15-19, John 1:45, Genesis 49:10. Notice in Revelation 13:8 that “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” It was in the plan of God from the very beginning that Christ was to die for the elects sake; that through Christ’s death the wrath of God upon all men who accept Christ as Lord and Saviour might be assuaged. Seeing that all men have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, John 3:18, Ephesians 1:4, 1 Peter 1:18-20, also see Luke 24:25-27). Also see these related posts Gospel, Repentance, They Should Have Known and Works? Faith? Repentance? Old testament Salvation?

Based on the verses in Acts 2:21-31, I believe it is clear that Christ did go to Hell before he was resurrected. Perhaps he went there to better taste death for us (Hebrews 2:9), and as part of the requirement of appeasing God’s wrath, that we may be forgiven. Perhaps Christ had to experience the Hell that was for us to fully take the punishment that would have been for us, in order that we may be free from it as we place our faith in him. More specifically, as Christ became sin for us on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 John 2:2) he was forsaken by God (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34, Psalm 22:1), since God is too holy to look upon such great sin (Habakkuk 1:13). So then the reason for his going to Hell was the result of being momentarily forsaken of God (Isaiah 53:10). But one thing is clear, the shedding of his blood is what has made the remission of our sins possible (Matthew 26:28, Hebrews 9:22-28).

Whether or not Christ preached the Gospel there is another question. If he did it was not done in any sense which would allow those dead to be converted. Rather it was done (as a testimony against them) in the sense of Christ merely allowing them to be witnesses of the salvation available through him, which they no longer had any hope of receiving because of their past rejection of God and righteousness.

Now there is someone who may point out Luke 23:43 and claim that Christ could not have gone to Hell because he said to that one malefactor “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” This is really no problem at all seeing that Christ is God and capable of being in more than one place at one time. Also, time itself is not really a factor. Time in the sight of God is much different than the way we view time (Psalm 90:4, 2 Peter 3:8). We cannot really understand this or many other things, but there are things we are not to know and this should not trouble us. For we walk by faith not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

So, yes Christ did descend to Hell, what exactly this means, and what exactly he did there is (in my mind) not possible to fully understand. But we are ensured of many things, three of which are mentioned below.

1. After we die it is too late to repent and accept Christ.

2. If we are saved and endure to the finish we can be sure that we shall immediately be present with the Lord upon the death of our earthly body.

3. The shedding of the blood of Christ is what has made the remission of our sins possible.

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? - 2 Corinthians 13:5

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. - 1 Timothy 4:16

Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. - 2 Corinthians 5:6-10

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. - 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:1-2


For more information on Christ’s descent into Hell I would refer the reader to Calvin’s Institutes Book 2 chapter 16, sections 8-12, and also to Matthew Poole’s Commentary.

Perhaps the video below explains this well, it also relates to
1 Corinthians 5:7

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzzq4WXTLRU

He That Overcometh: He In Whom The Word Of God Abideth

Overcoming? These days many “Christians” do not want to think about overcoming Sin, Satan and the World. Many even point to John 16:33 and claim that Jesus overcame the world for us. True it is that Jesus overcame the world, but to claim that we do not also need to overcome it is to deny scripture. To claim that men need not overcome is to deny belief and faith, it is to deny being born again, it is to deny regeneration. We can see that we, apart from God in us, cannot overcome anything. But “whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world.” (1 John 5:4) The victory that overcometh the world is our Faith. “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:5)

Because of God in us we overcome the spirits of antichrist which are in the world. God is greater than those antichrists for “greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (See 1 John 4:3-4)

The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 12:21 “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” In Revelation 12:9-11 “…they overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb…and they loved not their lives unto death.”

We are to be willing and even to expect to suffer for Christ, to bear our cross, not to live for self, but to consider ourselves dead. We are to deny ourselves, to reckon ourselves, (our old man of flesh) to be dead with Christ that we may live with Christ. (Luke 9:23, Colossians 3:3, Mark 8:34, Matthew 16:24, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 2:24, 2 Timothy 2:11)

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:3-11

In 2 Peter 2:19-20 we read of those who are overcome, because they have been entangled and are in bondage to the pollutions of the world. When we overcome through the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ then we escape corruption and are not overcome by the world.

In 1 John 2:13-14 John, when writing to the young men says that they have overcome the wicked one. How did they overcome the wicked one according to John? They overcame because the word of God abideth in them!

Does evil ever overcome good? The two witnesses of Revelation chapter 11 are overcome and killed by the beast, but only after they had finished giving their testimony before the world. (Those two witnesses prophesied a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. They had power over heaven that it rained not, they had power to breath fire out upon their enemies, and they had power to smite the earth with all plagues whenever they wanted to.) After they were killed they which dwelt on the earth made merry and rejoiced. But Look! After three and a half days “the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.” (See Revelation 11:11-12)

Evil may for a time appear to overcome good, but it Never will. Satan and his demons, those fallen angles, and those men who do not come to love and believe that Christ Jesus is who he says he is have much to Fear.

What is the reward for overcoming?

Jesus said “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” (Rev. 2:7)

Jesus said “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” (Rev. 2:11)

Jesus said “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” (Rev. 2:17)

Jesus said “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” (Rev. 2:26, also see 2 Timothy 2:12, Rev. 20:6)

Jesus said “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” (Rev. 3:5, also see Rev. 4:4, Matthew 17:2, Matthew 28:3, Luke 9:29, Daniel 7:9, John 20:12, Acts 1:9-10, Isaiah 1:18, Matthew 10:32-33, Luke 12:8-9)

Jesus said “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” (Rev. 3:12)

Jesus said “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” (Rev. 3:21)

Jesus said “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Rev. 21:7)

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.” - 2 Timothy 2:3-14

The ten kingdoms of the beast shall “make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” (See Revelation 17:10-14)

See the Hymn "IS YOUR ALL ON THE ALTAR?"

The Righteous Witness Lifted Up

“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” - John 18:37

“A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.” - Proverbs 14:25

Christ is a true witness because he delivereth souls.

“An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.” - Proverbs 19:28

Christ is a godly witness because he warns of judgment.

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,” - Revelation 1:5

Jesus Christ is a godly witness, a true witness, and a faithful witness. But he is not only godly, he is God. He is not only true, he is the Truth. He is not only faithful, he is the one we have Faith in. (John 14:6, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 3:26, Ephesians 3:17, Philippians 3:9, Colossians 2:5, 2 Timothy 3:15, John 5:31-40, John 8:18, John 10:25, John 15:26-27)

What was Christ a witness for? What did he bear witness of?

He bore witness of the truth. As Pilate said in John 18:38 “What is truth?

Truth could be defined in many ways, but truth is what Christ taught. If we continue in His word, that is, in his teachings, we will be his disciples, knowing the truth and being made free.

“Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” - John 8:28-32

Jesus said unto Nicodemus “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

“Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” - John 3:4-7

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? - John 3:11-12

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 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. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” - John 3:14-21

“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.” - John 3:36

What does it mean that the Son of man must be lifted up as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness? Moses lifted up the serpent of brass and all who looked on it were saved from death, the death that was to come upon them because of their sin in speaking against God and his servant Moses. (Exodus 14:31, Joshua 11:15)

“And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.” -Numbers 21:5-9

Just as the rebellious Israelites repented and looked to the brass serpent for life, so all men today repent and look to Jesus Christ for life. But many do not turn from their rebellion to look for life, but remain in condemnation by loving sin and darkness. And those who do not turn from wickedness to seek Christ? Look! They are tormented by that fiery serpent Satan!

See how the Israelites repented? They said to Moses “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us.” And Moses prayed for the people.

See how men today repent? They pray unto God “We are lost, for we believed not on your Son Jesus Christ, whom you sent to justify us by his death on the cross, when he took the punishment for our sins.” And Christ interceded for the repentant sinner. (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25-27, Isaiah 53:12)

But the men repenting today do not end their prayers there. They continue to pray telling God that they believe, taking hold on the promises in his word. They look to Christ Jesus and his teachings; they look to follow him with all that they are.

The Son of Man, Jesus Christ was lifted up in many ways. Primarily he was lifted up on the Cross when he died for us that we might have life, and have life abundantly. (John 10:10, John 8:28)

Even today the Cross is often regarded as a symbol of salvation; much like the serpent of brass was regarded as a symbol of salvation. The difference being that the serpent was looked to for salvation of the flesh, whereas the cross is looked to as a symbol of eternal salvation.

Now later the Israelites made an idol out of the brass serpent as we see in 2 Kings 18:4. When Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign he destroyed the brass serpent because it had become an idol unto the Israelites (2 Kings 18:1-7). Why did Hezekiah destroy that idol of brass? Because “He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses.” - 2 Kings 18:5-6

“He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan. (2 Kings 18:4)

Also today many make an idol out of the cross, displaying it predominately, and worshipping it rather than God and the salvation it represents. You know this is true because of the ungodly who wear it on a chain about their neck. There really can be no Christian symbol, only to some it may seem that way.

How else was Christ lifted up?

He was raised from the dead. Our faith is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:17). Christ spoke the truth when he said he would rise again (Luke 18:33. Mark 10:34, Acts 2:32), when he said he lays down his life that he may take it up again (John 10:17).

He was also lifted up as he ascended into heaven (Acts 1:2-11).

“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” - Acts 1:9-11

Christ the righteous witness and true, was lifted up that we may look to him for life, for life everlasting.



“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” - Psalm 119:160

“I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.” - Psalm 119:162

See the Hymn "How Great Thou Art"

We Know the Commands: The Witness Against Us

Moses received from God all of the law and the commandments and Moses made it all known to the Israelites. Now the commands were written down, in books, and in stone, and spoken unto the Israelites on many occasions. (see Deuteronomy 27:8, Deuteronomy 31:9-13, Deuteronomy 31:24-26, Exodus 24:7).

“For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.” - Deuteronomy 30:11-14

We cannot say “I did not know.” We cannot pretend to seek what God wants from us as if we do not know.

The scriptures are plain and clear. We have Bibles to read and yet we don’t know what God has commanded because we do not read our Bibles.

Christ has taught us. The Apostles have taught us. Their words are written for us to read, for us to believe, for us to obey.

As the Law of Moses was written as a witness against the Israelites, so are the words of Christ and the Apostles and the Prophets written as a witness against us (Deuteronomy 31:24-30, John 1:7-23, John 3:11, John 15:27, John 18:37, Acts 1:20-26, Acts 4:33, Acts 23:11, Revelation 20:4).

It is as if the words of Christ and the apostles are crying out to us. "You profess to be a Christian? THEN KNOW MY WORDS!" But Christ and the Apostles are not only a witness against those who profess to know him. They are also a witness against all men. For "he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (see John 3:18)

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” - Romans 1:18-22

“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.” - Psalm 89:7

“Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand. Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.” - Psalm 89:13-16

“For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.” - Psalm 89:18

King Of Bashan and King Of Heshbon: The Destruction That Awaits The Wicked

What do Og the King of Bashan and Sihon King of the Amorites (a.k.a. Sihon King of Heshbon) have in common?

They were both destroyed by the Israelites. We can read part of the account below.

“Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. And the LORD said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon. So the LORD our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining. And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan. All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many. And we utterly destroyed them, as we did unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children, of every city.” - Deuteronomy 3:1-6 (also see Deuteronomy 29:7-8, Deuteronomy 31:4, and Joshua 2:10)

This is the destruction which comes upon the wicked. Except this is only the story we see.

The coming judgment of God is much worse than death by the sword, for the wicked who should fear that day.

I have heard of some people who detest what God did in the Old Testament. These must be the same people that scoff at a literal Hell. People who feel this way do not hate sin, they do not detest wickedness. Neither do they understand God, nor even the gospel.

Why did God will this? Because the wickedness of these people was great, “but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee” (See Deuteronomy 9:5). God is a Holy God who detests wickedness.

“God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.” - Psalm 7:11

“Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.” - Nahum 1:6

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.” - Isaiah 59:2-4

“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.” - Deuteronomy 32:4

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” - Romans 11:33

“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” - Isaiah 55:7-11

I thank our Lord Jesus Christ “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:” - Galatians 1:4

Our Lord Jesus Christ by whose death we are justified, so that our iniquities no longer separate us from God (see Isaiah 53:11).


“The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” - Nahum 1:7

Take Time to be Holy: Hunger and Thirst Before the Door is Closed

Take time to be Holy?

That is a tough charge in the society in which we live. We are constantly driven to do this and that. Productivity is good but for what end (Ecclesiastes 2:4-11)? But our very being we are to offer as a sacrifice to the Living God (Romans 12:1-2). For we are even a Holy Priesthood, chosen by God to offer up spiritual sacrifices, which are acceptable to God by Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:4-5).

We are taught to take time to be Holy. God says “Be ye Holy, for I am Holy” (Leviticus 20:7, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Leviticus 11:44-45). If commanded by God, this cannot be an impossible feat. For man himself it is certainly and most indubitably impossible. But with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26, Mark 9:23).

Certainly, we cannot expect to be Holy without allotting time for it. Every pursuit requires effort, yielding to God is our task, which we, by the prompting and continued influence of the Holy Spirit are lead to do.

For man does not only live by food, but he lives by the very word that precedes from the mouth of the LORD (see Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4, Luke 4:4).

That is why we may Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness, and we Shall Be Filled (Matthew 5:6)!

If we hunger and thirst, we shall seek and find (Proverbs 8:17, Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 7:7, Luke 11:9), then we shall be filled. When we are filled with righteousness are we not Holy?

In Psalm 1:1-6 we see that “the righteous” has “his delight in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”

When we are able we should “seek the Lord while he may be found“, and “call upon him while he is near” (see Isaiah 55:6-7). We do not know when our opportunity to call upon the Lord may be taken from us, if we wait it may be too late. For we know not when our time on earth will end, and we must seek the Lord while we are able lest our heart be hardened. Lest we are hardened by pride, such as happened to king Nebuchadnezzar, until he learned the lesson that “the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will” (Daniel 5:18-22).

In Proverbs 1:24-31 we see the reward (not a reward for good) of those who hate knowledge and did not fear the Lord. They did not listen to reproof, but despised it, they refused to listen and had no regard. When calamity and fear comes upon them they will “eat the fruit of their own way.” It will be too late to repent. “Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me.”

In Matthew 25:1-13 we see how the five wise virgins were prepared and the five foolish virgins were unprepared. And for the foolish it was too late. For the door was shut and the foolish virgins said “Lord, Lord, open to us.” “But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.” So we must always be ready for we know not when Christ shall come again. If we wait until he comes to prepare, it will be too late.



“Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.” - Proverbs 28:14

See the Hymn "Take time To Be Holy"

Gospel, Repentance, They Should Have Known

The following is written in a effort to make known some lies/misunderstandings taught by certain dispensationalists, and to make the truth plain by bringing the scriptures into our knowledge.

It has been claimed that “God does not today preach repentance as part of the gospel as he did to Israel, today repentance is not part of the Gospel of Grace.”

In Acts 17:18-30 Paul is preaching to the philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks. He is not preaching to the Jews, but he says to these philosophers in verse 17:30 …“But now God commands everyone, everywhere to Repent.” How can you say repentance is not taught today? Clearly it is, there are also many more examples, if you would read your Bible.

In Acts 17:1-17 Paul preached to the Jews. “Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.: (verse 17:3) Paul reasoned with them out of the scriptures and, “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” - Acts 17:11

What scriptures was it that they searched to see if Paul was telling them the truth? Not the New Testament scriptures.

In Acts 8:30-35 the Ethiopian eunuch did not know the gospel until Philip explained it to him. And notice the scripture which Phillip explained - Isaiah 53:7-8.

It has been claimed that “repentance is not taught today because the flesh cannot please God, so we have to become a Christian and be converted, Before we can repent. All we need to do is believe”

The flesh has never pleased God. If we understand what Christ did we cannot do anything but repent of our sins. How can we believe if we do not understand what we believe?

What is it that you think Christ has done for us? He has bore our iniquities. God bruised Christ and accepted him as a offering for our sin. We are justified before God by Christ because He bore our iniquities (Also see 2 Corinthians 5:18-24). How could one accept this and not repent? They cannot. Somebody had to pay for our sins with their life! Only Christ, the very Son of God was pure enough to be an offering. Only through His shed Blood could our sins be forgiven, because He who was without sin bore our sins.

With the old testament the Jews should have understood this. The fact that they crucified Christ was a testimony that they did not know their own scripture (As said Jesus in John 5:46). Because if they had know it they would have recognized Christ, they would have known that the blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sin. They would have know that God would be sending a messiah to take away the sins of His people. How would they have known? Because the Prophets and the other old testament scriptures declared it!

They learned from the Prophets (or should have learned) that God desires obedience rather than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22) and desires mercy rather than sacrifice (Hosea 6:6). They should have known about Christ’s coming and that he would save the people from their sins, by bearing their iniquities. (Isaiah 53, Isaiah 9:6–7, Zechariah 9:9, Micah 5:2, Isaiah 7:14)

“For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” - Psalm 51:16-17

“To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” - Isaiah 1:11-17

Also see Amos 5:12-24, Isaiah 66:3, and Jeremiah chapter 7.

See a related Post "Works? Faith? Repentance? Old Testament Salvation?"

See a related post "The Prophecy of the Crucifixion of Christ"

http://www.chick.com/information/general/repentance.asp

click here to see some thoughts of Desiderius Erasmus related to this subject, especially see page 80 (Note: since this post was originally posted page 80 has become unavailable, as of 4/14/2011)

Review of "Have a little Faith" by Mitch Albom

I have not seen a warning anywhere about this book, so I wrote one.

Have you heard of the book “Have a little Faith” by Mitch Albom? Well it had debuted at #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list for the week ending 10/3/2009 (2). It was also chosen by Oprah.com as the best Nonfiction Book of 2009 (3).

This book is about having faith. Many Christians have embraced this book, and failed to realize that it teaches the doctrine of devils. Think that’s a bold statement? Consider what Mitch Albom says in the quotes below taken from his video at http://mitchalbom.com/node/5515 on 12/21/2010.

“his last request to me was that I help send him off to heaven with a few chosen words” (0:36-0:41)…

“But it got me thinking about faith, in my line of work (Jewish symbol shown of video screen 0:49) as an author and journalist (Christian symbol shown on video screen 0:51) you hear a lot about faith (Islamic symbol shown on screen 0:52) readers from around the world write “God Bless You” but different one’s refer to different gods (0:57) our country is fighting two wars that are essentially rooted in faith, wherever you look in this world you find devote people but sometimes the thing they are most devote about is that they’re right and your wrong (1:09) The eulogy request made me examine all that” (1:12)…

“The more I recognized that faith comes in many sizes, shapes and hearts” (1:48-1:53)…

“And that eulogy request became a journey to find a great belief that’s actually the same in everyone of us, that journey is summed up in the title of this book “Have a little faith.” (1:54-2:05)

“Picture the most pious man you know; your priest, your pastor, your rabbi, your Imam (2:40-2:47)…Picture the man who sends people off to heaven, asking you for his send off to heaven” (2:56-3:00)

In (3:09-3:58) he compares the salvation through Jesus Christ to the Salvation of “your priest, your pastor, your rabbi, your Imam” (3:37-3:41) He clearly implies that Jews and Muslims will be spared from Hell even if they do not accept Jesus Christ.

“This is a story about believing in something” (4:04-4:06)

That is what this book is about, believing in something, whatever it may be and the comfort it brings.

Is that message compatible with Christianity? Obviously Not! False comfort is deceptive!
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” - John 14:6

“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 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.” - John 3:17-18

Main source (1) http://mitchalbom.com/node/5515

Other sources

(2)http://mitchalbom.com/node/5823/Have_a_Little_Faith_Debuts_at__1_on_the_New_York_Times_Bestseller_List

(3) http://www.oprah.com/entertainment/Best-of-2009_1/7

Christmas Compared to the Birth of Christ

This is written in an effort to differentiate the biblical account of the birth of Christ from the tradition commonly know as Christmas. When we know the Biblical account, then we can clearly see that anything else is not Biblical.

We can read the biblical account below;

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” - Luke 2:1-20 (also see Matthew 1:17-25, and Matthew 2:1-23)

The first coming of Christ to the earth fulfilled many prophesies.

Matthew 1:23 is the fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14

Matthew 2:5-6 is the fulfillment of Micah 5:2

Matthew 2:15 is the fulfillment of Hosea 11:1

Matthew 2:17-18 is the fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:15

In Mark we do not read an account of Christ‘s birth and in John we read the following:

“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 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: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” - John 1:9-18

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” - Isaiah 9:6-7

Jesus Christ has been the King since he was born (Matthew 2:2). “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 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: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” - John 1:11-13

The Holy Bible does not tell us to celebrate the birth of Christ. Christ has only instructed us to remember his death (1 Corinthians 11:23-29, Luke 22:17-20).

In the Holy Bible the day of one’s death is considered better than the day of one’s birth (Ecclesiastes 7:1). In the scripture birthdays are only mentioned as a celebration of pagans (Genesis 40:20, Matthew 14:6, Mark 6:21).

It is a fact that the “Christian” holiday know as Christmas is filled with beliefs and practices from paganism, and aspects of Babylonian religion. These adopting of pagan beliefs and practices is forbidden by God. In fact if you take away all aspects of “Christmas” which are not taught in the Bible then there is nothing left to this holiday, but the scripture alone. We must desire to do what God wants, not what we want.

Christmas dishonors Christ.

Do you want to do what God wants?

Are you too prideful to admit you could be wrong?

If you do not love the truth and desire to know it, the scripture says you will be damned (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).

See "What Does the Scripture Say?"

See "Is Christmas in the Bible?"

See The True Origin of CHRISTMAS

See XMAS, the diabolical paradox

See The Origin Of Christmas

See "A Christmas Conversation"

See Is Christmas Idolatry?

The Prophecy of the Crucifixion of Christ

Isaiah 53 - The Prophecy of the Crucifixion of Christ

1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Also

I think this is something many need to hear.

"Ten Indictments Against The Modern Church" by Paul Washer

http://media.sermonindex.net/18/SID18002.mp3

or

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj3aQu-uyuw

For the transcript click here "Ten Indictments Against The Modern Church" by Paul Washer

The Promises of God

Throughout the Holy Bible there are many promises made to believers and some to unbelievers. Here are 16 of them.

1.“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” - Genesis 8:22

2.“For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.” - Mat 26:11 (Mark 14:7, John 12:8)

“And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3.Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4.Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5.Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6.Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7.Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8.Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9.Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10.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. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” - Matthew 5:1-12

12. In Psalm 34:18, 51:17 and Isaiah 57:15 we see that the Lord will not despise those who come to him with a contrite heart.

Meaning that God will not despise those who are genuinely repentant.

13. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. - Proverbs 28:13

This also is a great promise. If we confess our sins to God he will forgive us and cleanse us from unrighteousness. He will free us from the bondage of sin. (John 8:31-35) But what if we do not confess our sins? Can we even know all our sins if we do not earnestly seek the scripture and pray God to reveal to us our faults that we may confess them and be cleansed?

14. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” - 2Ti 3:12

Now this is a promise oft neglected, but this should not be so. Along with the many verses in 1 John, we also can know that if we are a true Christian we will suffer persecution. This is not just a verse for Christians in China or certain Arab nations, this is a promise for all.

So if you face no persecution do you just not realize it?

Are you living “godly in Christ Jesus?”

Need you examine your life and live more fully devoted to the God of the Holy Bible?

If you claim to be a Christian and yet suffer no persecution for Christ, have you been deceived by Satan and mixed the love of the world in with your “Christian” faith?

I thank God for the promises he has given to us, and for his faithfulness, for he changes not and he cannot lie. (1Thessalonians 5:24, James 1:17, Titus 1:2)

Lastly, we must not forget the two greatest promises of all!

15. This great promise is mentioned in Acts 7:5, Romans 4:16-22, and especially understood by Genesis 22:17-18, and Galatians 3:14-19.

It is the promise God made to Abraham of the coming of Christ, (the seed), that “the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” (Galatians 3:14).

And through this promise we find faith in Jesus Christ, which leads us to the next, final, and ultimate promise.

16. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” - James 1:12

“Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?” - James 2:5

“And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. - 1 John 2:25

“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.” - John 3:16

So we know that if we have faith and believe on Jesus Christ and if we love him we shall receive the crown of life, being heirs of the Kingdom and partakers of eternal life!

Also See The Forgotten Commandment? Seek The Lord


Concupivi salutare tuum Domine et lex tua meditatio mea
-Psalms 119:174

What is Sin ?

What is Sin?

There are a few different definitions of sin given in the Holy scriptures.

In 1 John 5:17 we read that “All unrighteousness is sin.”

In 1 John 3:4 we read that "sin is the transgression of the law."

In Romans 14:23 we read that “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”

In James 4:17 we read that whosoever does not do the good he knows he should do sins.

In 1 John 1:7 -10 we read;

“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. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

In Proverbs 24:9 we read that “the thought of foolishness is sin”

By these scriptures we can see that the Blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from sin and that he is faithful to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, if we confess our sins. We also see that we can sin either by doing something or by not doing what we should.

“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” - Romans 8:6

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 6:23

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: - 1 John 2:1

Other Recommended verses that might be good to read with this are John 8:34, John 16:7-13, 1 John 2:1-2, Romans 6:2-23, Romans 8:1-17.

The Wrath of God and the Song of Moses and of Christ

In Revelation 14:9-10, and 13 we see that the wrath of God is for those who “worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand.” We also see that these shall “be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angles, and in the presence of the Lamb.” Then we hear a voice from Heaven saying “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth…that they may rest from their labours and there works do follow them.”

It should be said that the Lord does not delight in the death of the wicked, but the Lord God is Righteous and Holy and must therefore be Just and Judge Righteously. Think of all the prophets he has sent to warn the inhabitants of the earth and all that he has made possible for us in the death of his only Begotten Son Jesus Christ. These things show God‘s great Love and is a witness to the fact that he desires us rather to repent and believe than to face judgment and damnation. (See Ezekiel 18:30-32, 33:10-13, Deuteronomy 30:19, and John 3:16-21)

In Revelation 15: 1-3 we read that seven angels have the seven last plagues which are the wrath of God. We also see that the victorious saints are on a sea of glass and fire singing the song of Moses and of Christ saying;

“Great and Marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints, who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only are holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.”

In Revelation 16:1-2 and 6 we see that the wrath of God is poured out on the earth, but that it is only for those who worshipped the beast and received his mark. Also that his wrath is for judgment on those who have shed the blood of the saints and the prophets.

It can be clearly seen that the wrath of God is not for the saints and prophets, but for the deceived, for those children of disobedience. For we are saved from the wrath of God by Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. But those who do not love the truth and take pleasure in unrighteousness shall be deceived and shall worship the beast and be damned to suffer the wrath of God. (See 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 5:9, Colossians 3:6, Ephesians 5:6, Romans 5:9, 2 Thessalonians 2, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12).

Let us be worthy, washed by the blood of the Lamb that we may sing the song of Moses and of Christ. Amen. (Romans 5:9, Ephesians 2:13, Colossians 1:20, Hebrews 9:12, 10:19, Matthew 10:37-38, Luke 3:8, 21:36, Colossians 1:10, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 2:12).