Love of Darkness and Love of This Present Life

John 3:19
And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

John 12:25
He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Eternal Life or Punishment

Galations 5:19-21
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Revelation 21:7,8
He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

Ephesians 5:3-7
But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.

Matthew 25:31-46
“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Proverbs 3

My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.
Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.

Honor the LORD with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.

My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor detest His correction;
For whom the LORD loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her.

The LORD by wisdom founded the earth;
By understanding He established the heavens;
By His knowledge the depths were broken up,
And clouds drop down the dew.

My son, let them not depart from your eyes—
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
So they will be life to your soul
And grace to your neck.
Then you will walk safely in your way,
And your foot will not stumble.
When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
For the LORD will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught.

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of your hand to do so.
Do not say to your neighbor,
“ Go, and come back,
And tomorrow I will give it,”
When you have it with you.

Do not devise evil against your neighbor,
For he dwells by you for safety’s sake.
Do not strive with a man without cause,
If he has done you no harm.
Do not envy the oppressor,
And choose none of his ways;
For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD,
But His secret counsel is with the upright.

The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the home of the just.
Surely He scorns the scornful,
But gives grace to the humble.
The wise shall inherit glory,
But shame shall be the legacy of fools.

Psalm 34:1-7, 15-22

I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in the LORD;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
I sought the LORD, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.
This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them.

The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their cry.
The face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
He guards all his bones;
Not one of them is broken.
Evil shall slay the wicked,
And those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.
The LORD redeems the soul of His servants,
And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.

Psalm 1

Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Your throne, O God, is forever and ever

Psalm 11:4
The LORD is in His holy temple,
The LORD's throne is in heaven;
His eyes behold,
His eyelids test the sons of men.

Psalm 45:6
Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.

Psalm 103:19-20
The LORD has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all.

Bless the LORD, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word.

Revelation 20:11-12

Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.

And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life.

And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.

Revelation 14:6-7 and 12-16

Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth - to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people - saying with a loud voice,

"Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water."

Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.'"

"Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them."

Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

James 5:7-9

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord.

See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient.

Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned.

Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!

The Words We Speak

Proverbs 15:1,2
"A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness."

Proverbs 29:11
"A fool uttereth all his mind; but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards."

Proverbs 12:22
"Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord; but they that deal truly are His delight."

Proverbs 12:18
"There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword; but the tongue of the wise is health."

Proverbs 16:13
"Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right."

Proverbs 10:11
"The mouth of a righteous man is well of life; but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked."

Proverbs 10:20
"The tongue of the just is as choice silver; the heart of the wicked is little worth."

Proverbs 15:4
"A wholesome tongue is a tree of life; but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit."

Proverbs 25:11
"A word fitly spoke is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."

Matthew 12:36
"But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment."

Matthew 12:34
"O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh."

Luke 6:45
"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."

James 1:26
"If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless."

John 17

Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

"I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.

"I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

"But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

"Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them."

Matthew 6:5-15

And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

John 14:1-3

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."

Hebrews 13:5-6 (New King James Version)

For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say:

" The LORD is my helper;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?"

A Mediator Who Sympathizes With our Weaknesses and Is Able to Help Us

1 Timothy 2:1-7 (New King James Version)
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle-I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying-a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Hebrews 2:17-18 (New King James Version)
Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

Hebrews 4:11-16 (New King James Version)
Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Isaiah 55:1-13

"Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price.
Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance.
Incline your ear, and come to Me.
Hear, and your soul shall live;
And I will make an everlasting covenant with you
The sure mercies of David.
Indeed I have given him as a witness to the people,
A leader and commander for the people.
Surely you shall call a nation you do not know,
And nations who do not know you shall run to you,
Because of the LORD your God,
And the Holy One of Israel;
For He has glorified you."
Seek the LORD while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the LORD,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways," says 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 comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
"For you shall go out with joy,
And be led out with peace;
The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you,
And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree,
And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree;
And it shall be to the LORD for a name,
For an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."

2 Timothy 1:6-14

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

Romans 8:28 - ff

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:

'For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.'

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins

Matthew 25:1-13

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

“Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

What is the meaning of this parable? Of whom is Jesus referring? Obviously all of the ten virgins are already Christians. This is evident as they already are all called "virgins", are all carrying lamps, and are all watching for the return of the bridegroom (Jesus). Also because the five unwise virgins call unto the bridegroom saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us!".

What a terrible situation to be in. To have the bridegroom return and to not be ready and watching and waiting. To be shut out of the wedding feast. And to have the bridegroom declare unto you - 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.'

What does this mean to us as Christians? We need to be ready. We need to be watching. We need to be living 100% true, 100% committed, 100% repentant, 100% obedient lives. We need to spend regular time in prayer with God, and regular time in His word. And we need to live all the time, day and night, as if we are expecting the immenent return of our Lord. He may come today, or tomorrow. He may return in this very hour.

Will you be found watching and waiting, ready and prepared for His return?

He may not even return in your lifetime, but the hour of death might come upon you without warning, and you may find yourself with the books closed and prepared to stand in judgment. Our lives are like a vapor.

James 4:14
For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a
little time and then vanishes away.

Are you living a life of discipleship like you mean it? Are you living a life of submission and obedience to God's Word and God's Will?

Revelation 22: 10b - 17

for the time is at hand. He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.”

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

Are you Hot, Cold, or Lukewarm in Your Service to God?

“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,

‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’”

Revelation 3:14-22 (New King James Version)

Psalm 103:12

As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12 (New King James Version)

Psalm 32:1-2

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Psalm 32:1-2 (New King James Version)

Psalm 118 (v19 - ff, excerpts)

Open to me the gates of righteousness;
I will go through them,
And I will praise the LORD.
This is the gate of the LORD,
Through which the righteous shall enter.

I will praise You,
For You have answered me,
And have become my salvation.

The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.
This was the LORD's doing;
It is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

You are my God, and I will praise You;
You are my God, I will exalt You.

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.

Psalms 118 (excerpts, v19 - ff)

O God, You are my God!

O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.
Psalms 63:1 (NKJV)

Study to show THYSELF Approved!

I was reading the bible the other day and read in Second Timothy, where it says:

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
2 Timothy 2:15 (King James Version)

The New King James says to "be diligent to present yourself approved to God".

An important reminder that we all need to spend regular time in careful and diligent study of God's Word for our own edification, learning, and comparing the reality of our own selves and lives to what God's Will is as revealed in His Word.

A preacher told the story in a bible study class the other day of a new preacher who wanted to save everyone in the town in which he had begun his work as an evangelist, preacher and teacher. Eventually after long and hard labor, and some level of discouragement, he decided he needed to focus just on the souls within his local congregation, and just doing all he could to see that as many of them made it to heaven as possible. After another long period of time he gradually grew discouraged in that effort to some degree. He then decided that what he absolutely needed to do was focus on his own immediate family and ensuring that he did everything possible and worked as hard as possible to make sure that they all made it to heaven. And finally when even that proved to be discouraging, he finally decided that what he needed to do was focus on himself, and trying to make sure that in the end, that he made it to heaven.

I think that in the end if we all focus on ourselves first, get the planks out of our own eyes, repair and repent from the wrongs that we do in our lives, and make our own hearts and lives right with God, we may be properly equipped to help our families, local congregations, and those round and about us in the world.

We need to spend time in study, prayer, and worship before God. We need to examine ourselves with a high degree of careful and critical review against the commandments, judgments, precepts, and wisdom of God's perfect Word. In the end what matters is that we ourselves do not hear those words "Depart from me, I never knew you" in the day of judgment.

In James 3:1-2, it says:
"My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things..."

and in James 1:21-27 it says:
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Online??!! Christian (Huh!)

It's sad to say, but true. The "Online" Christian has been spending very little time online lately as work and family and church and sleep and life events have consumed what little time I have had. I have meant to get back to this time and again, but everytime I think I will, something else comes along and devours my time.

I am going to try to do better - but bear with me as I work to post more regularly.

- OC

"Lord, Lord..."

The posting following this one contains a selection of verses from the Book of Matthew that are interesting today.

Many folks seeking the truth use all the wrong benchmarks to find a "good church" for their family to assemble with, and to worship with. Or to find a place to learn the truth and teach their children the truth - from God's word. They sometimes seek to enter by the "wide gate", for example, when Jesus told us to enter by the narrow gate.

They look for the biggest church buildings with the largest groups of people. They look for churches with varied and large social programs. They look for the church with the best social standing in the community. For the most charismatic and engaging speaker. Or for the church that is the most accepting of the most people, regardless of their situation. In fact, those entering through the "wide gate" probably is inclusive of many folks who don't go to church at all.

Some are looking for the most demonstrative examples of God's power - healings, and perhaps other miraculous things. Or for members that cry out, "Lord, Lord" in impressive speach that declares their service to and submission to God.

Jesus said that many will call to Him in the day of judgement, "Lord, Lord", and will talk about all the things they have done in His name. Jesus shows us here that it is not enough to call Him "Lord, Lord...", nor is it necessarily important that you have done wonderful miraculous works in His name.

What Jesus says next is really striking to me. He says, "I never knew you" and "depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!". So by God's word, His judgement is that calling Him Lord in name only, and practicing lawlessness at the same time is a recipe for disaster. These people indicate that they thought they knew God, practiced great works in His name, yet Jesus didn't know them and rejected them.

What actually is important is to (1) hear these sayings of His and to (2) do them. And it is important that God recognizes us and knows us.

The VERY NEXT thought presented by Jesus starts out saying "Therefore,..." or in consideration of this horrible state that some may find themselves in at the day of judgement - "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them..." will have built their house (or perhaps a metaphor for our life) on a solid rock.

In the epistle of first John, there is a similar thought...

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses 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.
1 John 1:5-10

And in 1 John 2:3-6 it says:

Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

SO, what I have learned from this is that if I want to assemble and worship with "True Christians" it is not the most important thing to find those with the most impressive church building, or those with the most striking religious speech or manner, or the most demonstrative works in the Lord's name, but to find those that are willing to hear God's word and to do it.

And so in my life (and in your life too) the most important thing if we want to live as "True Christians" is to pay attention to the things that really matter. Hearing what God's word says, and doing it.

And if I do this, I will not be likely with the crowd (entering in by the wide gate), but will probably be with the few (entering in by the narrow gate). I may or may not always be following after the religion of my father or mother, or grandparents. Or the religion of my boss, or of the folks with the highest social standing in town. Or attending necessarily the largest and fanciest church with the best features and most people.

And it is not the creeds of man, the traditions of my forefathers, or the precepts of any particular church that matter most. It is God's word that matters. Jesus outlines the two things we need to do: (1) Hear it. Sometimes we don't want to hear it. Sometimes we may think we know better. Maybe we don't even want to take the time to "listen" to God's word, in our busy schedules. (2) Do it. As it says in 1 John 2, if we say "I know Him" and do not keep His commandments, we are "a liar".

By hearing and doing God's word, and by seeking those who do the same, I will be truely taking "the road less traveled". And only in true submission of our will before Him, to hear His word and to do it, do we truely declare Him Lord of our lives. And only in obedient living do we experience true Christian living.

Enter by the Narrow Gate - Build Your House on Solid Ground

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

"Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'

"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

"But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."

And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Matthew 7:13-29

Not Willing that Any Should Perish

For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? Luke 9:25

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, 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 which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 2 Peter 3:8-10

Everything is Just About the Same, Right?

I have heard many people suggest that all faiths and beliefs are about equal and that we should hold and respect what everyone believes in equal standing. It is as if they are saying that there are many paths to find God, and none is any better than the other, or that they all work about the same.

So in essence what they are saying is that no matter what you believe, if you are Muslim, Hindu, a Buddhist, or other believing person (irregardless of the beliefs - and some would include the belief systems of an atheist or agnostic,) that all are equivalent in their beliefs, and that none is superior or inferior to the other. Others have a variation on this theme, believing that only various Christian religions or denominations are o.k., but those who believe otherwise are not o.k. Some take it so far as to say that only those of their particular denomination or faith are o.k., and all others are not o.k.

The thinking goes along the lines that God is good, and full of love, and He loves each of us, and a good God couldn't condemn those whom He loved to any type of damnation, punishment, etc.

Well, we can't all be right? Can we? For if we all are correct, in believing different things including things that are in opposition to one another, then there is no such thing as a right path or a wrong path or a right belief or wrong belief, or right articles of faith or wrong articles of faith.

How do we learn then what the truth is? I suggest that we look at the scriptures and see what God has to say about this.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

So from this we learn that we HAVE to have faith in order to please Him (God). And that if we who want to come to God MUST believe that He Is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. God is not going to leave you hanging, desperately seeking the answers but unable to find them! But you cannot come to God nor please Him without faith, without believing that He is, and that He will reward you if you seek after Him.

What else does the Bible say about this? Can we all be right? Are there many ways or paths to God?

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6

So in this verse Jesus himself claimed that He was the way and the truth and the life. You cannot come to the Father except through Him. There are no other paths. Period. There are no other methods that will work, no solutions outside of Jesus. If you simply believe that Jesus was a prophet, you must consider these words. If you believe that the scriptures are God's inspired word you must also consider these words.

That kind-of limits things a bit, doesn't it? O.k., so now we must therefore consider that if Jesus spoke the truth, and if the scriptures are true, than this is true. That all other paths that are outside of Jesus are not effective, practical, or true.

So, is it possible to have a Loving, Kind, and Good God, that would limit or put prerequisites on the paths and ways in which one can come to God? Evidently it is.

What else does the scriptures have to say? How do we know if we are approved of God?

For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
2 Corinthians 10:12,18

Here we learn that we are not to compare ourselves or measure ourselves amongst ourselves, or against those who commend themselves and think that they are in good shape. We learn that the one who commends himself is Not approved, but only those whom the Lord commends.

So we cannot look at one another and measure ourselves that way. We cannot say to ourselves "I'm alright," either, and commend ourselves, because it is not our commendation that matters, only the commendation and approval of God. No one else is going to approve you or commend you either. If you do it - if you commend yourself or seek the approval of others - you are not in line with how God says things are, and you are "not wise" (that's God's judgement, and what He calls it).

So to wrap up, we need to believe that He (God) is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (diligence mentioned here in this context implies that God does not expect some lackadaisical, half-hearted effort). We have also learned that there is only one way to the Father - through Jesus. We also learned that we cannot approve of ourselves, compare ourselves to others, or seek the approval of others as if that is what matters, for these do not. Only God's approval matters.

Psalm 73:22-28 (NKJV)

I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.

Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, That I may declare all Your works.

A Christian Online

I am a Christian.

Main Entry: 1Chris·tian
Pronunciation: 'kris-ch&n, 'krish-
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin christianus, adjective & n., from Greek christianos, from Christos
1 a : one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ b (1) : DISCIPLE 2 (2) : a member of one of the Churches of Christ separating from the Disciples of Christ in 1906 (3) : a member of the Christian denomination having part in the union of the United Church of Christ concluded in 19612 : the hero in Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress

What does that mean? The Merriam Websters dictionary definition above lists a some of the definintions of the word. In its most common use, it generally means that a Christian is someone who attends a "Christian" church, perhaps as opposed to a place where Muslims, Buddists, Hindus, or others of other religions worship God, or as opposed to perhaps athiests or agnostics who don't believe in God at all (or just aren't sure) about that.

This weblog is my opportunity to discuss what it means to be a Christian. I hope to post frequently in the future on this and related topics, and on my attempts to live a Christian life in general, thoughts about doctrine, tenants of my belief, and what I have learned from Gods word.

I hope to share about my life, musings, thoughts - rambling or well defined. I hope to find others who are like minded online to discuss and share ideas. I would like to debate my beliefs with others, even and especially if we disagree. If only for the purpose of being sure what I believe, and knowing with confidence why I believe what I believe, and exploring that with others. Something that makes the difference between having faith and blind faith. I would hope to learn to rightly divide the word of truth, and to bear God's word more effectively now and in the future.

I would hope to develop some online resources that can help other Christians in understanding the bible, learning and applying God's word to our lives in real and practical ways, etc. Maybe some online bible studies, resources for teachers of bible classes and preachers and teachers of God's word.

So, hopefully if you are reading this... you might come along on this journey with me, share some with me and others, explore God's word together with me, and find some encouragement together, some amusement, and some fellowship with a like minded believer.