"ARE YOU ON YOUR WAY TO HEAVEN? - WHAT ABOUT THE MILLENNIUM LATER?" - (Videos: (1) All About Heaven; (2) The New Heavens & New Earth; and (3) A Fantastic Millennium Discourse by Chuck Missler) - Inspirational Weekend

 [Internet Image]

The above web image may not be an accurate rendition of heaven, but it is rather beautiful and hopefully enjoyable for you, as well as to grab your interest for the following videos and other sources which contain a ton of information about heaven, the New Earth, and the Millennium Reign on earth -- most of you realize that that is also called the 1000 Reign of Christ on earth.  Will you be there?

First is a 29 minute video by Prophecy Watchers (with Gary Stearman as host) and guest Larry Ollison, and they discuss "The Road To Heaven."  Larry Ollison tells us that "Everybody wants to go to heaven, but they don't want to today!  Partly because they don't realize how wonderful heaven will be."

Pastor Charles Lawson, in the following 31 minute sermon, has an information packed and hopeful message  concerning the New Heavens and the New Earth as prophesied in the Bible.  Pastor Lawson believes that 2 Peter 3:10-13 describes a literal fire, etc.,  that will destroy the earth to make way for the New Heavens and the New Earth. Many agree with Pastor Lawson's view on that.  Others have the opinion that it will not be a total destruction, but rather a "renovation and cleansing" of the earth.  You will find Pastor Lawson's sermon powerful.

By the way, I highly recommend that you visit Pastor Lawson's website.  It has his sermons, as well as links to valuable and helpful resources.    pastorcharleslawson.org

Following is 2 Peter 3:6-14 :  "Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.   But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.  Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless."

It has been quite awhile since I have watched any of Chuck Missler's teachings (he passed away in 2018).  You may find some of his lectures, etc. on You Tube just by entering his name, as well as by going to his website:  khouse.org.  The following 76 minute video is titled :  "Revelation Session 23 - The Milllennium".  Missler adds other tidbits of interesting information besides concerning the Millennium which are fantastic "gems" to take note of as well !  For instance, he gives his opinion (which is very logical and believable) as to where he thinks "the bottomless pit" is actually located (of Revelation 9:2).  He also uses visuals  (charts, etc.)in this teaching below.

In view of the fact of the current world conditions (many of which are Bible Prophecy coming true in these last moments of the end times) -  we must remain true and faithful to the good Lord and not go against our faith for any reason or to compromise in any way.  Stay in prayer frequently - several times a day, even -  and read your Bible daily.  It will not only give you strength and peace to do that, but it will draw you even closer to the good Lord.... and He will draw close to you!  Also, as you fellowship with Him, you will develop a close, intimate, personal, loving, enduring and lasting relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ !   It doesn't get any better than that !  Except when we are actually with Him, face to face, for all eternity!  

"Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you." -   James 4:8a

"And he that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him. And hereby we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us." -    1 John 3:24

"Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit."  -    1 John 4:13

"If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be: if any man serve Me, him will My Father honour."   -  Jesus at Luke 12:26

"If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love."    John 15:10

Mentioned previously on this blog, is a wonderful Christian You Tube Channel  called "Grace For Purpose" and its "Grace For Purpose Prayers" and it is very very encouraging and their videos are chock full of Scriptures.  Following is an 11 minute sample of one of their morning prayers:

If you are not saved- have not been "born again" by believing in Jesus Christ the Son of God as the Savior and the only way to heaven, then the following Salvation Scriptures are for you!  Jesus took our place on the cross - He died for us - ransomed us, and paid our sin debt in full by His shed blood -  He was the Sacrificial Lamb that died in our place.   All we need to do is first, to repent, and pray for forgiveness, sincerely and wholly heartfelt surrender to Jesus that is by belief in Him as the Savior, the only way to heaven !

"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

"(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) -  2 Corinthians 6:2

"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

"Jesus answered and said unto him,  Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."   -  John 3:3

"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

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and life !!

 

"THE VERY BEST DWELLING-PLACE ! - EVERLASTING ARMS !" (Videos - One A Sermon by Pastor Chuck Smith) - INSPIRATIONAL WEEKEND

[Scenic Overlook, Taro Fields, (near) Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii]

As stated previously on this blog, to live in Hawaii has been said to be like living in Paradise!  But we all know where the very best dwelling-place is!   HEAVEN!  And, later, during the 1000 year reign of Christ, we will enjoy life again on this earth.  More about the millennial reign on another post here in the future, perhaps.

We believers can enjoy a sense of dwelling with the good Lord right now.  The following verse at Deuteronomy 33:27 gives an explanation of what is meant:

"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: "  -  Deut. 33:27 a 

One commentator has given a wonderful explanation on the above Scripture:   "God is the refuge or dwelling-place of His people, their protection amid the storms of life, and the unfailing source of comfort and blessing to them in their pilgrimage state.  Over them is His sheltering protection, and underneath them the support of His everlasting arms."

On the subject of God's everlasting arms and the Eternal God, here follows an excellent 37 minute sermon by Pastor Chuck Smith (now deceased) who was the founder of the Calvary Chapel Churches.

Pastor Smith tells us that God's everlasting arms are to "hold us up, and to take care of us", and "When you hit bottom... great! Because underneath you are the everlasting arms." Also, Pastor Chuck reminds us "Don't fight tomorrow's battles with today's strength."  

J.R. Miller wrote a fantastic and empowering article on the subject of "The Everlasting Arms."  Here is a link to it:  https://img.sermonindex.net/modules/articles/article_pdf.php?aid=32442

Miller was a 19th Century (1840-1912) American author and Pastor.  You may check the Internet for more information about him.

Please read all of this article above if you possibly can.  It is very encouraging, and a very tender and loving message.  Following are portions of Miller's article:

"We are not fighting our own battles unaided.  We are not alone, unsheltered, unprotected, in this great world of danger.  We are kept by the power of God.  God's omnipotence encircles us and enfolds us.  The things that are too strong for us we need not fear - for Almighty Arms are encircling us.  .... Our part, then, is simple TRUST ! ......  This picture of God embracing His children with His arm, tells of His love for them.  It tells also of intimacy, closeness of relation.   .... God draws us nearest when we are in trouble or we are in pain!  The "arm" is also the symbol of strength.  A mother's arm may be physically frail - but love makes it strong.  The arm of God is strong. It is omnipotent.  It supports the worlds! When that Divine arm encircles one of His feeble children - all the power of the universe cannot tear it away!  ....  Then, when death comes, and every earthly thing is gone from beneath us, and every hand unclasps from ours, and every face of love fades from our eyes, and we sink away into what seems darkness and the shadow of death,   it will be only into the Everlasting Arms....."   (end of quote.)

You will enjoy the following hymn "Leaning on the everlasting arms". 

Jeremiah 32:27 :"Behold, I Am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for Me?" 

Jeremiah 17:7 : "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is."

Isaiah 26:3,4:  "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.  Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength."

 Hebrews 10:37: "For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry."

    As I uploaded my photograph of the butterfly,  I thought "metamorphosis" in my mind immediately.  We all know that particularly applies to insects such as a butterfly.  It was first a worm - a caterpillar- when it was in the chrysalis state, before it changed and developed into a beautiful creature as above. So the word metamorphosis means any change of form or shape;  a transformation.  Not only where insects are concerned: it can mean ANY change of form or shape!  (So explains Webster's 1828 dictionary.)

That is true of a sinner when he sincerely repents and turns in faith and belief in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  

Did you realize that the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, refers to man as a "worm"?  Check out Job 25:6, Psalm 22:6, and Micah 7:17.  And God Himself refers to Israel (Jacob) also as a worm in Isaiah 41:14 which follows:

"Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel;  I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel."

The point is, the same can be said today of when a sinner, a "worm" in a sense (who is not a Christian) is transformed into a new creature when he becomes a true believer in Jesus Christ as the Savior.  If he is truly saved and born again, he will change and become more Christlike and he will learn to rid his life of anything that hinders his walk with the Lord.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." -    2 Corinthians 5:17

If Jesus were to return today or next week, or in the following months (no one knows the day or the hour, the Bible tells us) -  if the Savior would return soon for His true believers, would you be raptured to heaven to be with Him?  

Are you Rapture Ready?  

If you are not saved by faith and belief that Jesus' shed blood at the cross can save you - by wiping the slate clean, so to speak-  because He died in our place - He ransomed us - He paid our sin debt for us, in full !   Just believe in Him and in His resurrection; repent and pray for forgiveness -  in all sincerity and with all of your very being and soul !

Following are Salvation Scriptures :

"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

"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

"Jesus saith unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.  Believest thou this?"  -    John 11:25-26

"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

The above will occur stronger over time after you have been saved;  you may not understand much about reformation and restitution and sanctification when you are first born again.  After all, you are a "babe in Christ" at first; but saved indeed (!!) if you have a faith and belief in Jesus as the Savior -  a true repentance and salvation.  Other things (such as restitution and giving up certain habits and the like) will take time to realize and also to learn to know what it is to follow in Christ's footsteps.  What saves you is NOT WORKS but Faith!  However, if you are "born again", works will naturally follow. 

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."  -  Ephesians 2: 8-10

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and life!  

IMPORTANT! MUST WATCH VIDEOS ON THE SOON RAPTURE, AMERICA'S LAST DAYS, AND THE A.I. INVASION (NOW AND DURING THE 7 YEAR TRIBULATION

 

All of the following information will affect everyone on planet earth !  And soon!  Actually, the entire world is already being affected right now in some manner by what the title of this article informs us:  The Rapture to heaven of true believers will occur soon, America's future outlook as discussed below, and a video on how artificial intelligence is used today and will be used more so during the 7 year Tribulation period.   

First, an excellent sermon by Pastor Jack Hibbs on the imminent return of Jesus at the Rapture in the following recent video which is titled: "He's Coming For You".  A must watch!  

Pastor Hibbs, in the above sermon, stresses  how we all need to be on the "right path", a path acceptable to God, in order to enter Heaven.  Make sure God and Jesus know you !

The next recent video features Jeff Kinley, a pastor and  author who also speaks at various Christian prophecy conferences and the like.  His concern in the following must view video is the decline of America !  America is not mentioned in the Bible where the end times are concerned. There is much valuable insight here on what occurs during the tribulation period. It is interesting that he tells us that during the 7 year Tribulation there will be NO  atheists.  Yet, still, the majority of mankind at that time will not repent. Since a major religious revival in America is not likely right now,  according to Kinley, he suggests that local community churches endeavor to have revivals in their areas. 

Pastor Billy Crone, in the following video, gives interesting (and sometimes frightening!) information on the subject of Artificial Intelligence- how it is being used now and then also in the future reign of the antichrist.  Of note, he tells us that we don't need humans to fight wars anymore!  A. I. will fight instead! Concerning "Skynet" right now, Pastor Crone says to find out what that is all about at the present and will be in the future tribulation period, go watch old "Terminator" movies !

https://prophecywatchers.com/videos/billy-crone-the-a-i-invasion/

Being up to date on current prophetic events today is important!  It alerts one to the urgency of the times and informs us that we are, indeed, living in the last moments of the end times as prophesied in the Bible!  If you are a true believer in Jesus Christ as the Savior, you're good to go!  You have a wonderful hope to see you through these turbulent and chaotic last days!  The hope found at Titus 2:13, 14, which follows:

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

 It would benefit all Christians to do research concerning the end times!   The most beneficial thing we all can do, however, is to have a close, personal, intimate, loving, sustaining relationship with God through His Son Christ Jesus!  We do that by much prayer and much Bible reading and Bible study.. and by more prayer and even more prayer!  That is the only way to truly and wholeheartedly come to actually know God.  Among your friends, if you never communicate with them, both you and them drift away from each other and have less and less in common.  If you never communicate with the good Lord, you will never get to know Him and His attributes and characteristics and His love for you -  you cannot truly know a Person unless you are in frequent contact and fellowship with Him !  The Heavenly Father and Jesus want and desire to fellowship with you!   You do not want to live your life and then at the end when you die and are judged have Jesus say "I never knew you!"   (Matthew 7:23).  

If you are not already a true believer in Jesus, and do not know that  His shed blood at the Cross can cleanse you of your sins by His redemptive work ,  - that He paid your sin debt in full by dying in your place - then now is the time (before it is too late) to repent of your sins, to pray for forgiveness, and to live a life of total surrender to the Lord's will !   It is not a mere intellectual knowledge of Him and His sacrificial death as the Lamb of God that saves you.  It is a total and all encompassing knowledge with your entire being - your spiritual being and heart ; and not just your "heart" only but from the depths of your very soul to believe that Jesus is the Savior and the only way to heaven!

"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

Following is an 8 minute video on the way to salvation by Dr. Charles Stanley.  Please watch!  But remember that just repeating a sample prayer (as given in the following video) does NOT save you.  You have to believe the prayer with all of your very being, or it is best to say a prayer of your very own in all sincerity asking for forgiveness and for Jesus to be with you from now on!

If you are already saved, or even if you are an unbeliever, you cannot deny the fact that we live in extremely troublesome times!  You might find the following Christian video comforting, no matter what your circumstances are and what trial you might be facing personally right now!  I highly recommend this Christian You Tube channel to you!  (Grace For Purpose). It has many sample prayers which will enrich you spiritually and which will give you comfort within your soul.   Of course, only the Bible - God's Holy Word - can truly help do that best of all -  Read your Bible daily!  Pray without ceasing !

NOT A SUGGESTION, BUT A COMMAND: " ON LOVING GOD AND NEIGHBOR" - (With Two Videos by Charles Spurgeon) - Inspirational Weekend

The red rose especially is symbolic of love -  a gift to give to your sweetheart or wife.  At least that is very true in America.  This article will concern itself with the subject of  LOVE -  specifically love for God and neighbor.

"And Jesus answered him: The first of all the commandments is, Hear O Israel, the LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.  And the second is like, love thy neighbor as thyself.  There is none other commandment greater than these."       -      Mark 12:29-31

The first thought that popped into my mind as I typed the above words of Jesus was :  There is so little love in the world today!   I remember when I was young and as an adult, how people were more loving and friendly.  Driving down country roads, perfect strangers would wave at you in your car from their car as you drove past them, and people on their front porches - again, perfect strangers - would wave at you as well as you drove past their house !   This was in the deep south, true, and Southerners tend to be friendlier than other parts of the U.S.A. -  not always, but as a rule.  

Today, well, what can I say.   We now have "social distancing" and people are on edge with all the drastic changes of late -  such as lockdowns, etc.  But let's not linger on all of this, except first to share another scripture which is found at 2 Timothy 3:1-5 :

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good.  Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

Wow!  That certainly describes things and people in these last moments of the end times which we are now experiencing !   Even Christians are affected in that they are more cautious and less trusting of others like they once were.  Those verses above at 2 Timothy 3:1-5 are not alone in predicting the end times' signs, etc.  By the way, please read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 for more end times signs.

More information will follow here on the two commandments - to love God and neighbor -  but first follows two wonderful sermons on that subject by Charles Spurgeon.  Briefly, Charles Spurgeon was a famous and much loved Baptist minister in England who lived from 1834 to 1892.  You may find out more about him from searching the Internet.  

The first sermon titled "The Secret of Loving God", which is 44 minutes long, follows:

In the above audio video, Spurgeon tells us that our love for Christ is based on a great mystery!  Love in itself is hard to explain as it is.  True love of God/Jesus, explains Spurgeon, over powers us, and is not because of effort or out of duty; we simply love God as God, by knowledge and faith. One thing Spurgeon brings out, which I have found to be true in my own walk with the Lord, is that if you just meditate and think with love and gratitude on all that God has done for you and how He has shown His love for you in so many ways, then your love for Him will grow and grow the more you dwell on His love and grace and tender mercies towards you!

The following 51 minute audio sermon by Charles Spurgeon is about loving your neighbor.  He brings out that we should treat everyone well.  Just an interesting note:  The sermon here on loving God received over 400,000 more views than the sermon here on loving your neighbor!  and they were published in the same year within a month of each other on You Tube !

Obviously, if your neighbor does you harm in any way and proves to be your enemy, sometimes it is best to avoid all contact with them or as much as possible.  However, Jesus tells us that we should still love our enemies and we are to pray for them!

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. "     -   Matthew 5:41-45

Following is a commentary by G. Petter on "The Properties of Love":

"Because many deceive themselves in thinking that they love God, when they do not, it is needful to set down the marks of the true love of God, by which we may ascertain whether it be in us or not.  The principal are these:  

1.  A deliberate preferring and esteeming of God above all things in the world, though never so excellent or dear to us.

2.  A desire to be united and joined to God in most near communion with Him, both in this life and the next.

3.  A high estimation of the special tokens and pledges of God's love to us:  the Bible, sacraments, etc.

4.  A conscientious care to obey God's will, and to serve and humor Him in our calling.  

5.  Joy and delight in the duties of God's service and worship.

6.  Zeal for God's glory, causing in us a holy grief and indignation when we see or hear that God is dishonored by sin.

7.  Love is bountiful, making us willing and ready to give and bestow much upon the person we love.

8.  True love to the saints and children of God. "

On "The Nature of our love to Christ", Charles Spurgeon comments:  

1.   It must be sincere, with all the heart.

2.   Intelligent, with all the mind.

3.  Emotional, with all the soul.

4.  Intense and energetic, with all the strength."

"Dear God, please make my days useful, my nights restful, my home peaceful, and my efforts fruitful."   - comment on You Tube

"The more sorrowful you are to God, the more He will use you."  -  Pastor Jack Hibbs

"No matter your circumstances, if you are in the will of God, God is  responsible for getting you through it."  -   Dr. Charles Stanley

"Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the ONE Who is leading."    -   Oswald Chambers 

"In every trouble, we should first seek to realize God's presence with us.  Only :  let us enjoy His smile, and we can bear our daily cross with a willing heart for His dear sake."  -   Charles Spurgeon 

Here is a lovely hymn by Maranatha Music titled "I Love You Lord" :

Much has been written on this blog about how we are now living in the last moments of the end times, as prophesied in the Bible.  Many theologians and Bible Scholars are convinced that this is so.  If you go to the "Search Box" in the upper right hand side of this page and enter such topics as " end times, Rapture, signs of last days, Bible prophecy fulfilled, convergence of end time signs, 7 year Tribulation, " etc.  you will find much information on these subjects, some articles with videos.  

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn."   -   Proverbs 29:2

If Jesus were to return tonight or tomorrow or soon thereafter,  would you be Rapture ready?  Only those who are true believers in Jesus as the Savior will be taken to heaven to be with the Lord.   That means that you have put your faith in Jesus as the promised Savior:   He is the only way to heaven!  He paid our sin debt in full at the Cross; He took our place and died for us; His shed blood, as the Sacrificial Lamb of God, washes our sins away (wipes the slate clean)  when we surrender in complete faith and belief in Him as the Savior.  We must sincerely and totally repent of our sins, pray for forgiveness, and totally commit ourselves to Jesus as His servants.  Mean it with all of our very being!   Not a mere head knowledge only, but bursting within ourselves and overflowing in faith and gratitude to the Savior of our souls!

Jesus loves you!

He is waiting to hear from you!

He will welcome you into His loving arms in a secure embrace of love and forgiveness !

Following are Salvation Scriptures for you:

"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

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."  -    John 3:3

"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 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

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and life !

"THE IMPORTANCE OF TRUE REPENTANCE - YOUR ETERNITY DEPENDS UPON IT! ( With Videos - One a sermon by George Whitefield)" - Inspirational Weekend

 

For some reason, the blood red color of the above bromeliad reminded me of the fact of Jesus' shed blood at the Cross -  His precious blood which alone can wash away our sins and make us a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17).  God made Jesus to be sin for us!

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 explains:  "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, Who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.  For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him."

   The verses above would make the subject of another complete article on this blog, and perhaps that will be done in the future.  The point now concerns the fact that once a person is truly saved and born again (a spiritual rebirth)  he is considered to be a "new creature" because the heavenly Father sees that person as clean, by the blood of Jesus, and sees that person as righteous by Jesus' redemptive act at Calvary -  sees the saved one "through" Jesus, so to speak.  

It does NOT mean that we are perfect, of course, and that we will never sin again.  Due to the fallen flesh inherited from Adam's fall, we will make mistakes and sin occasionally.  However, unlike the world of unsaved lost souls, we will not deliberately and willfully sin.   We will not go against God's will defiantly and assert our own set of "rules" independently of Him.  Sin will not be our predominant nature.  

This leads to the main subject of this post:  Faith and Repentance.  Charles Spurgeon has said that faith and repentance are inseparable.  Check out You Tube for an audio sermon of his on that subject.

Sometimes this blog neglects to always mention repentance when salvation and salvation verses are shared here.  Repentance is a necessary requirement of salvation; and yet, at the same time, repentance is one continuing act.

" I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."     -  Jesus at Luke 13:3

Following is a 55 minute audio sermon by George Whitefield on the subject:  "A Repentant Heart", based in part on Luke 13:3.  Whitefield was a Methodist evangelist who was born in Gloucester, England, and lived from 1714 to 1770.  When he was very young, he met John and Charles Wesley. Whitefield's sermon below is excellent !  Please watch !  You will be glad you did.

In the above sermon, George Whitefield tells us to not say we do not have the power to change, for Christ will give us the power and strength to do so!  

Here is a link to a wonderful article on repentance at https://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?s=Bibles&q=repentance

The article tells us that confession belongs to repentance and is needed for Divine forgiveness.  Repentance means to turn away from evil, and to turn to good.  One important comment in the above article is , "Repentance is only a condition of salvation and not its meritorious ground," and "repentance requires true brokenness and with a commitment to change."

"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."  -     Matthew 4:17

Luke 24:46-48 tells us: "And said unto them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in HIs name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  And ye are witnesses of these things."  

"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of:  but the sorrow of the world worketh death.  For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yeah, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge!  In all things, ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter."  -   Apostle Paul at 2 Corinthians 7:10-11

"And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.  I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."    -  Luke 5:31-32

"Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."   -  Jesus at John 3:7

On the above verse, Charles Spurgeon has written beautifully in his devotion which follows:

"Regeneration is a subject which lies at the very basis of salvation, and we should be very diligent to take heed that we really are "born again", for there are many who fancy they are, who are not.  Be assured that the name of a  Christian is not the nature of a Christian; and that being born in a Christian land, and being recognized as professing the Christian religion is of no avail whatever, unless there be something more added to it -  the being "born again", is a matter so mysterious , that human words cannot describe it.  "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth.  So is every one that is born of the Spirit."  Nevertheless, it is a change which is known and felt; known by works of holiness, and felt by a gracious experience.  This great work is supernatural.  It is not an operation which a man performs for himself:  a new principle is infused, which works in the heart, renews the soul, and affects the entire man.  It is not a change of my name, but a renewal of my nature, so that I am not the man I used to be, but a new man in Christ Jesus.  To wash and dress a corpse is a far different thing from making it alive:  man can do the one, God alone can do the other.  If you have then, been "born again", your acknowledgment will be :  "O LORD Jesus, the everlasting Father, thou art my spiritual Parent; unless Thy Spirit had breathed into me the breath of a new, holy, and spiritual life, I had been to this day "dead in trespasses and sins."  ... "My heavenly life is wholly derived from Thee -  to Thee I ascribe it."    ,,,  "It is no longer I who live, but Christ Who liveth in me."  -   May the LORD enable us to be well assured on this vital point, for to be unregenerate is to be unsaved, unpardoned, without God, and without hope."  (end of quote).

Following is a beautiful hymn used on this blog previously which is about confession of sin and a contrite heart and God's grace --  and more !

Here once again is Dr. Charles Stanley's short 8 minute video on the way of salvation:

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and life !

WILL IT BE : JOY IN THE MORNING or I'LL CRY TOMORROW? (Videos)

 

[Yellow Protea]

The yellow flowers in my photograph above rather remind one of "sunshine", or at least are a joyful expression of beauty from God.  Actually, all of creation is a testimony to God's love and His majesty and His love for humankind.  Yet, sometimes we humans suffer much adversity, some of our own making, and some from people, and - yes - some adversity from the heavenly Father Himself.  This post will dwell mostly on the good aspects of the "Why" we sometimes suffer trials and the like.

Remember - some of you older folks - that movie made in 1955 starring Susan Hayward titled: "I'll Cry Tomorrow?"  The movie was about the life of a popular Broadway star and singer named Lillian Roth, who later fell on hard times.   You can look more info up about her and the movie on the Web. Even years later, I found myself thinking about that saying "I'll Cry Tomorrow" when I had trouble or hardship. My point, however, is to here stress the attitudes we have -  the choice to either be sorrowful or to be happy.  And, more importantly, God's purpose behind any suffering we might experience.

Now sometimes we just cannot avoid being sorrowful!  Such times as the death of a loved one, or the betrayal of a friend, or extreme physical pain or some type of illness; and just plain being heartbroken!   We all recognize that to be a fact.  

The good Lord knew we would have troubles in this evil world, and told us:

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me."   -   John 14:1

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you:  not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."   -       John 14:27

The apostle Peter tells us at 1 Peter 5:7,  "Casting all your care upon HIM, for He careth for you."

"For HIS anger endureth but a moment; in His favour is life:  weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."  -   Psalm 30:5

One commentator on the above verse has said : "The return of God's favor to an afflicted soul is like life from the dead -  nothing so reviving. All our bliss is bound up in God's favor; and if we have that, we have an infinite treasure, whatever else we may want."

The above quote is especially true when we have sinned and/or have a tender conscience.  And maybe one has "backslidden", or for some other reason feels as if God has withdrawn His presence from him.   Another commentator has observed that, when God seems distant, "this loneliness of soul, this desolation of spirit, shall be removed, and the light shall again shine." [then joy in the morning will return].

Remember that God is love.  1 John 4:7, 8 makes that clear in these verses shown below:

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

Psalm 30:5 above tells us that God's anger endureth for a moment.  One commentator says that not only is God's divine anger consistent with His divine love, but that anger is absolutely essential to righteous love.  "Because God is righteous, He is also angry with the wicked, with corruption... falsehood, envy, hatred, strife..."  and God will punish accordingly as a parent does his rebellious child.

A commentator at the "Biblical Illustrator"  explains..." I do not say weeping is the messenger of God's anger, and that joy, on the other hand, is the messenger of His love.  They are both messengers of His will; they both subserve His redemptive purposes; both of them alike may be messengers of His anger, as both of them alike may be messengers of His love.  .....   when the house is hushed and low with grief, when the heart is low, followed - as blessed be God! -they are followed - by days of gladness, by giving "the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness" ....... Through weeping and through joy, through this strangely mingled experience of human life, God is slowly working out that great purpose and toward that great end, the eternal good of all His creatures."

What a wonderful and beautiful explanation above of why we sometimes (or often) suffer!  Many who are Christians already know much about this fact, but some may be reading who are not believers who would benefit from the above comments.

Considering the fact that we are living in the last moments of the end times as prophesied by the Bible, here is a wake up sermon by Pastor Charles Lawson.  Not about prophecy itself, but about the certainty of death and the choice people must make! 

Following is a hymn that has been posted here previously, but here it is once more: 

As brought out in Pastor Lawson's sermon above and many times on this blog, in order to have eternal life, we need to put our faith and belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior, and the only way to find true happiness and eternal life!   Following are some Scriptures for those of you who are not saved and have not believed in the shed blood of Jesus at the Cross to save you --  He paid your sin debt in full by dying in your place at Calvary --  He was the sacrificial Lamb who redeemed you, if you but put your faith in Him.   It is not a head knowledge, not intellectual knowledge.   You will know with all of your being that He is the only way, the truth, and the life!  (John 14:6) --  if you are truly born again ( a spiritual birth from above.)

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

Jesus said unto her,  I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me,  though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me, shall never die.  Believest thou this?"    -  John 11:25,26

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