You have a choice, in which of these do you see yourself living? This one?
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, 4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” [Rev 21:3-4]
Or this one?
“But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” [Rev 21:8]
Our calling as Christians includes the privilege to participate in the biggest life saving project spanning 2ooo years so far, with only GOD knows how many people and under all circumstances you may imagine optimum and horrific. It is this: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [Matt 28:19]
The project was, is and continues to be sharing the gospel. The Apostle Paul was inspired by GOD to pen this: “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” [1Cor 9:14] One way we preach the gospel is to share our own experience both vocally and by example.
“But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.” [Gal 1:11-12] And so the same gospel is what we live and share.
This is a testimony of the effects of the gospel on those that hear it and respond: “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” [Rom 10:15]
This was written thousands of years ago yet the principle remains as true today as it did then. We should not neglect our privilege to share the gospel. “‘But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand.' [Eze 33:6]
It even applies within the Church. “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. [Matt 18:15]
It is a tough world for most people now and not surprising as today’s headlines were already written down back in about 64 AD believe it or not. Here is what was written.
“But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, 3 having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, 4 betrayers, headstrong, puffed up [with pride], lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power; and from these turn away.” [2 Tim 3:1-5]
Also consider this opening to the Revelation of things to come that many should bear in mind. “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. [Rev 1:7] Let this not be you.
Yet, the gospel has a focusing peace, joy and love that is not tainted by the world we live in. Words of ‘truth’ that is immutable. It brings life to everyone who accepts it. We were all on the path of destruction. It is simple, direct, yet intense and one never tires of the deep dive that only the Holy Bible provides.
Not lastly but certainly worth reading is this strong statement. Let your imagination entertain you as you begin to see some of the many benefits of the Gospel of Jesus. If you can, read all of Chapter eleven in Isaiah.
“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,
The leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
The calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
And a little child shall lead them.” [Isa 11:6]
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.” – Acts 3:19-20
“Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born [a]again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” – John 3:3-8
If you need help, please feel free to leave a comment and I will respond. †
DISCLAIMER: The thoughts published on this blog, in total, are the opinions, thoughts and considerations of the writer/author of every post published. It is assumed that research by the reader will lead the reader to their own conclusions. It is not the writer’s intent to make a judgment of anyone but to allow GOD’s Word to do what it does. “For the word of GOD is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from GOD’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” – Hebrews 4:12 [NIV]
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