A Sense of Finality, or Not..?

 **New!**

"Jesus taught that there is an eternal destiny for each individual — either heaven or hell. The eternal destiny of each individual depends on a decision made in this life — to be followed by a life of obedience."  - Billy Graham

Death is not something we particularly like to discuss or ponder, but its as much a part of our lives as life itself, if not more so. In fact, Jesus spoke about it on many occasions, so you know it had to be important to him.

But, He wasn't as concerned about his own death, as he was about ours. He wanted us to know that we no longer had to live in fear of death. He had plans for us that would exceed anything we could possibly dream of (Jeremiah 29:11).

When Jesus died on the cross, then arose from the dead, He gave us a glimpse of what might be. What was once a worrisome prospect, he proved that our death here on earth was not final. Finality only applies to our physical existence.

Freed from all constraints of this temporal plane, our spiritual selves could reside (and thrive) eternally with Jesus Christ in heaven. Isn't that a beautiful thought? Yet, it is within our grasp if we desire.

"What can I do to obtain eternal life?"  When this question was posed to Jesus in Luke 10:25. His response was simple, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as you love yourself."

Understand that there will be some work on your part, but nothing that can't be handled. Considering the implications that await otherwise, the effort is minimal (Romans 6:23; John 3:36).

All who confess Christ as Lord, and believe in His resurrection will be saved. "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9-11).

If you haven't already, don't put this off another day. Understand that every one of us, who is alive today has an eventual appointment with death. The how, when, and where is unknown and out of our hands (Job 14:5).

The question I leave you with is this: "Are you prepared for that day?" Only the living have the choice to decide on what their relation is with Jesus Christ. Don't let death answer this question for you! (Ecclesiastes 9:5)

Scripture: John 3:16; John 17:3; John 5:24; 1 John 1:9; 1 John 2:25; John  4:14; 1 John 5:13

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. In Your Name. Amen.  - Billy Graham

May your hope grow in Christ,

Alana

Fundamentals with Bibi: The Gift of God - The Holy Scriptures (Part 1)

** New!**

"Search the Scriptures, the true Scriptures, the Scriptures of the Holy Ghost: ye know that there is nothing unrighteous, nothing counterfeit written in them..." - Clement of Rome

It's a good bet we've all probably received (and given) gifts at one time or another. Almost unanimously, we can agree on the feelings of happiness and joy that are generated by such warm gestures of friendship and love.

But of all the gifts that have ever been exchanged, there is but one that stands out among the rest. And that gift, which we know as the "gift of God," is the Holy Scriptures; better known to us as the Bible.

Christians regard the Bible as being written by men who were inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, with all things considered, we can say that the book is regarded as the true Word of God.

Within the Book (Bible) are sixty-six books; thirty-nine in the Old Testament and twenty-seven in the New Testament. It took about seventeen hundred years to set down, drawing on possibly forty men to complete it.

Let's pause here for a moment to see what the Bible itself has to say regarding the information given thus far. One important fact about the Bible is it always interprets itself (Matthew 28:18)!

As far as it being a "gift from God," this is verified in 2 Timothy 3:16. It is also significant to stress that these are not your typical writings. They are the inspired, inerrant, infallible, invincible words of God Himself (2 Timothy 3:16-4:4).

The Bible was a collaboration between both God and man. But, the human writers wrote down what God wanted written. Naturally. each writer had their own individual style, but God was the motivating source (1 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20–21).

In order to make our Christian walk more meaningful, it is important to understand basic points like these. We shall continue our discussion on God's Gift the next time we meet. Until then, may God richly bless you!

Scripture: Matthew 4:4; Romans 10:17; Romans 15:4; Colossians 3:16; John 17:17

Prayer: Lord, refresh my heart and soul everyday with Your Word; and may Your love always support and guide me through the peaks and valleys of life. Amen

The grace of Jesus Christ be with you,

Bibi

That I May Dwell With You...

**New!**

"You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."  - Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

Many thoughts go through our minds during our lifetimes. At one point, or another, we've all contemplated what happens to us after our passing from this life.

These thoughts may prompt hope of a future existence that lies ahead (2 Corinthians 5:1; Luke 23:43). Is this something so unreasonable to believe? Not at all, in fact it's all layed out for us in Scripture.

What was once just hinted at in the O.T., has been revealed to all by Jesus Christ's appearance here on earth (2 Timothy 1:10). Graciously, He has given us directions that lead to His Heavenly home, a "path of  life," if you will (John 14:4). 

There is nothing secretive or mystical involved here at all. Jesus doesn't play games when it comes to his relationship with us. You see, Christ knows us better than we know ourselves. After all, He created us in love (Ephesians 1:4).

 I urge you is read His Words today and may His Spirit guide you safely and affectionately to him (Amos 5:4). Jesus Christ would love nothing more than to have you join Him in Heaven someday!

"One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple." - Psalm 27:4

Scripture: Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 11:16; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Psalm 73:25; Deuteronomy 4:39

Prayer: Dear LORD, I pray that one glorious day I will be able to spend eternal life with You, in my true home, that You have waiting for me. Amen

Grace and peace to you,

Theresa

If You Look, You will find Him

 ** New! **

"You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."  -Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

We think of many things during the course of any given day. Even while we are inactive our minds are constantly processing. At some point we have most likely contemplated what happens to us after our demise in this life.

These thoughts may prompt hope of a future existence that lies ahead (2 Corinthians 5:1; Luke 23:43). Is this something unreasonable to believe? Not at all, it is all layed out for us in Scripture. 

In other words, He has given us directions that lead to His Heavenly home. A "path of life," if you will. What was once only vaguely hinted at in the O.T., has now been revealed to all by Jesus Christ's appearance here on earth (2 Timothy 1:10).

To some this may sound intimidating and far-fetched, but it isn't. You see, Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves. After all, He created us in love and wants only the best for you and I (Romans 5:8).

In His own words, Jesus left us directions how to find him. There is nothing secretive or mystical involved at all. Jesus doesn't play games when it comes to his relationship with us. If we don't find Him, it's because we aren't looking (Jeremiah 29:13).

It's not necessary for me to go into detail here about the "hows" and "whys" of forming a connection with Christ. He has already said it better than I ever could. What I can suggest, however, is to read His Words and let His Spirit safely and lovingly guide you to Him (Psalm 5:8).

Scripture: Hebrews 11:16; 2 Peter 3:13; Acts 4:12; Jeremiah 32:17; Psalm 124:8 

Prayer: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Peace and joy,

Shannon

God's Timeless Love

** New! **

“Nothing binds me to my Lord like a strong belief in His changeless love.”  - Charles H. Spurgeon

Love never dies. Nor does its memory ever fade into oblivion. The things you do in the name of Christ and to give comfort, happiness, and assistance to others will never disappear. Their account is written in everlasting passages in the book of God, and also in the lives of those in which the acts were produced. 

Many who quietly live in this world, and die, never thinking that they'll be remembered, will be astounded in the next world to see the record of every beautiful thing they have done, every gentle word they have spoken, and every compassionate touch they have placed upon a human soul.

When God sent His Son down to earth, he did it out of his love for us (John 3:16). His words are the revelation of His nature, and the basis of our love to God and man. Pure and simple. Meanwhile, in our world, the word love can be tossed around freely with no real emotion behind it.

Not so with God. When he He uses the word love, he means it. After all, He is the originator of love (1 John 4:19). The beautiful quality about God's love is that it applies to "everyone," not just an individual or select few, without exception. That's something that isn't possible for you and I to even grasp (1 John 4:19).

Therefore, when God sent us His Son, Jesus Christ, he did it because He loved "the world." And all he asked in return is that we love and believe in Him (1 John 4:7-8 ). In return, an offer of eternal life and a place with Him in heaven awaits any and all who do (John 14:1-4).

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:13; Romans 5:8;  Romans 13:8; Galatians 2:20;  John 15:12 

Prayer:  "But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!"  - Psalm 103:17-18 (NLT)

Cheerfully in Christ,

Amanda

A Promise from God

** New! **

"God never made a promise that was too good to be true."             

- Dwight L. Moody

The online KJV Dictionary says, "In Scripture, the promise of God is the declaration or assurance which God has given in his word of bestowing blessings on his people. Such assurance resting on the perfect justice, power, benevolence and immutable veracity of God, cannot fail of performance."

It's pretty obvious that any promise from God should not be taken lightly. We see early on in the Bible how far reaching they can be. As an example, take a look at God's promises to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3.

The word "promise" is not hard to find in the Bible. Many have even attempted to count how often it occurs, leaving us with numbers ranging from about 100 to as many as 30,000 times!

Everett R. Storms, a Canadian school teacher, calculated a little shy of 9,000 promises given in the Bible, with about 7,500 being made from God to us. Something mentioned that many times is certainly worth knowing about! 

In the Old Testament there isn't a matching Hebrew word for "promise." There, we see words such as say, speak, and word being used instead. Strictly speaking, the very word of God itself is equivalent to a promise.

Alternatively, in the the New Testament, we find "promise" (epaggelia) being used in a different manner. Here, it is applied to indicate God's redemptive plan of visiting his people in the temporal form of Jesus Christ, his Son.

Thus, we come to realize His promises are, both, steadfast and eternal (Joshua 23:14; 1 Kings 8:56). Even Joshua and Solomon would agree without exception that not one of God's promises ever failed to come to pass. 

Naturally, there's so much more regarding God's promises than we could intelligently discuss at this time. Still, it is my fond hope you can see the power contained in them. Yes, they are "...exceedingly great and precious" (2 Peter 1:4).

Scripture: Malachi 3:6; John 3:34; Psalm 33:11; Galatians 3:29; 2 Corinthians 12:9

Prayer: Dear Lord, your promises to us are unchanging and assured. And all that is needed to reap all their wonderful blessings is our faith in You. Amen

Thanking God for you, 

Leigh