to overcome Lust Greed Pride satisfaction emptiness love Grace mercy – Page 6

As in the days of Noah

“And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: “They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. “Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; “but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. “Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.” Luke 21:17-30.

Jesus is talking about the judgment that will come upon the whole earth. Biblical evangelical Christians believe that this day is very near. The signs of the time and the many prophecies that have come to pass confirm this. There are many prophecies yet to be fulfilled concerning the end of days, but every day we watch the news and see the stage set for the final act. One of the “super signs” was fulfilled when Israel became a nation in 1948. For almost 2000 years there was no nation of Israel. The Romans under Titus destroyed the temple and the city of Jerusalem in AD 70. Many Jews were brutally slaughtered and others were dispersed all over the known earth.

This was a judgment of God on the nation of Israel because they had forsaken Him. Jesus said this to His disciples when the were admiring the beauty of the temple in Jerusalem. “These things which you see, the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.” Luke 21:6.

This prophecy came true about 40 years later, when the Romans literally destroyed the temple and threw every stone of the temple mount and they are still lying there to this day. Not one stone was left upon another. They were scattered all over the earth and the nation was no more, until 1948. Many believe that this date is very significant because Jesus on the Olivet discourse said among many other prophecies concerning the end times, something about a fig tree. Please read Matthew 24, Luke 21 and Mark 13. “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: “When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. “So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near, at the doors! Mark 13:28, 29.

The fig tree as many scholars believe is a symbol for Israel. You may remember that Jesus cursed the fig tree because it bore no fruit and the next day it was withered. Jesus was showing that Israel had failed the Lord and did not bear any fruit as He had desired. Because of it God threw them out of the land. When Israel became a nation again in 1948, the fig tree back in the land, the summer is near and the return of Jesus is very near. Jesus goes on to say: “Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.” Mark 13:30.

This generation, what generation did Jesus refer to? It could not have referred to the generation of the disciples, because Jesus obviously did not return in their life time. It is also possible that the word generation can be understood as a race or people. This may be a promise that the Jewish race will not perish before history ends. Of course many people mock Christians concerning prophecies and the coming judgment of God. They are mocking and scoffing because it’s been almost 2000 years and Jesus has not returned to judge the world.

The Apostle Peter wrote: “Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder, that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 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.” 2Peter 3:1-10.

The judgment will come upon the whole earth, that’s why it should be on every Christians heart to warn the world. I’m not talking about standing on the street corners and preach fire and brimstone messages like for example the Westboro Baptist church does. That kind of approach turns people away from God, rather than drawing them near. Messages like God hates you, or you are going to Hell will accomplish just the opposite. The unbelievers will think that Christians are nuts. We are living in a world that changes by the minute. We are seeing the worldwide economy in decline, geopolitical events and problems are in the news every day and much of the focus is on the Middle East. Israel, a small country about the size of New Jersey is in the news almost every day, they are surrounded by enemies just as foretold in the Bible.

The last days or the end times revolve around Israel and her neighbors. Israel is the center of the world, Jerusalem is the center of Israel and the temple mount is the Epicenter. The Bible says that in the last days the armies of the surrounding nations will come against Israel, the economy of the world will collapse and people are struck with perplexity. We see all of these things come to pass. Iran wants to wipe Israel of the map, the EU, US , UN and Russia want to divide the land which is spoken off in Joel chapter 2. I believe sincerely that we are living in the very last minutes of the last days which began by the way at Pentecost. Now more than ever do we need to talk to our neighbors, friends and family members that do not know the Lord. I know, many will call us crazy, just as the people did when Noah build the Ark. The scoffed and mocked him, laughing while he was building the ark.

It took Noah about 120 years to finish the ark. God gave people plenty of time to repent, Noah preached about the judgment of God to come, but they would not listen and instead it was business as usual. We see the same things today, the handwriting is on the wall, but people can’t read it or understand it. With everything that is happening around them, it business as usual. Noah warned the people, God gave them time, but one day, God closed the ark. The judgment came and it was too late for those who mocked and laughed. Same thing today, we warn people, God is giving them time and they continue to laugh, reject and mock us. One day the door will close and it will be too late. It’s no longer business as usual for them.

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” 2Ti 3:1-4.

“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” Romans 1:28-32.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16.

A 2000 + year old desert religion; still relevant for us today? (media4lifeministries.com)
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The Atheist Dilemma

Atheists or Anti-theists love to make the statement, “there is no God!” I had numerous conversations with anti-theists which lead nowhere except around and around in circles. An Atheist strongly believes that there is no God, just as I strongly believe God exist. Sometimes I wonder why atheists are so outspoken against something they claim does not exist. They even have their own symbol and hold conventions, and meetings of “Free Thinkers”. Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, who recently expired, and many others have written numerous books on their belief’s.

Before I was a believer, I never thought of going around mocking Christians and their faith and belief’s in God. Atheists, however, go out of their way pushing their godless agenda. Atheists can get pretty upset when I call atheism a religion. Their statement of “there is no God” is an empty statement, because they cannot for a fact disprove God. Neither can I necessarily prove the existence of God. In my view an atheist has thoroughly examined all the evidence and has come to the conclusion in his or her mind that God does not exist.

Since the atheists can not disprove God for a fact, their belief that God does not exist is by faith. As a believer I know with an absolute certainty that God exist and that God is the creator of all things. I have not seen God, but I believe by faith just as the atheist believes by faith. When I say God, I mean the God of the Bible, YHWH, the only true and living God. God is only a title and there are many god’s. It can get confusing sometimes because people have made so many of their own god’s in the past and present. The Bible speaks very clearly about the natural man, which in this case, the atheist is, a natural man without any kind of true spiritual understanding. “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 2Cr 2:14.

It is a fact that unbelievers and rejecters of God have no spiritual understanding or relationship in any way to the true and living God. The dilemma for the atheists is that they can not be sure that there is no God. One thing believers and unbelievers share is that, at one point in our life, we will have to face death. One out of one dies and that is reality. The question for the atheist is, what happens at the moment of passing? Blackness, darkness, nothingness? The light switch just get’s turned off? What if you are wrong, my dear atheist? What if there is something that happens at the moment of death? The writer of Hebrews wrote this: “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment..” Heb 9:27.

What if he is right, my atheist friend? Can you stand before God on your Day of Judgment having rejected Him? The only unpardonable sin is the rejection of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I would not want to be in your shoes on that day. Are you 100% sure that God does not exist? Because if not, I would really take some time to learn about Jesus. Meet the real Jesus, not the one portrayed on the History Channel or Discovery channel. Start with the gospel of John. Jesus said, “seek and you shall find,” Matthew 7:7. I think that the atheist community is in a dilemma because, if their theory proofs to be wrong, there is much to fear: Eternal separation from God. Even the unbelievers are still getting blessed by God, which will end one day, either when they die or on Judgment Day, at the end of the age.

The Bible teaches that today is the day of salvation. Seek God before it is too late. I hope and pray that any proclaiming atheist reads this to at least investigate who Jesus is, why He came and died on the cross for the sin of the world. The glorious promise of eternal life He gave to all of those who believe in Him by faith. Jesus said, “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.” Mat 7:13, 14. Jesus does not want anyone to perish but to have everlasting life. Are you sure that when you die there is nothing? Think about it.

“The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good.” Psalm 14:1

Believers in Jesus are not any better than anybody else. We are sinners just like everybody else. We are fallen creatures that were forgiven by Jesus Christ through His sacrifice on the cross. Heaven is not full of good people, but of forgiven sinners.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

Revised by Tikvas Garden.

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Good without God? (media4lifeministries.com)
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“It is written….”

Have you ever felt like you are not worthy or deserving of God’s love? Is the enemy whispering in you ears sayings like, “look at you, you messed up again” or “for sure, God does not love you after this one.” Do you feel condemned and live a life of uncertainty? He loves me, He loves me not. He loves me, He loves me not?

That is exactly what the enemy namely Satan wants for the believers in Christ Jesus; a live of condemnation and fear. Satan is the accuser and he accuses us all day and night before the throne of God. That is what he does best. He is a liar and a murderer. Are we as finite human beings perfect? If we could be perfect on our own, Jesus died in vain. As believers we do stumble from time to time, we do things that are not pleasing to God. Does that mean that we have lost favor with God? We have three enemies, Satan, the world and the flesh. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Eph 6:12.

These three are powerful enemies. Satan tempted Jesus three times in the wilderness. Satan tempted Jesus with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life. We face those same temptations today. Things have not changed much from 2000 years ago, the enemy is still the same. His tactics and maneuvers are the same. We are in a spiritual battle, just as Jesus was. Jesus did not give in to those temptations presented by the deceiver. He answered all three temptations with, “It is written.” Jesus was quoting the scriptures from the book of Deuteronomy.

He answered with the word of God, which is sharper than a two-edged sword. The word of God is powerful and living and we as believers can overcome every temptation the enemy throws at us. We can be confident because of the word of God. Here are some scriptures that can give us the confidence and strength we need to overcome all things. “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.” Rom 8:38, 39. ” But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom 5:8.

That would be on to throw back against Satan if he makes you doubt God’s love for you. If we stumble or commit a sin ( nobody is sinless) we have this scripture to stand on: “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.” 1John 1:9, 10.

Satan was defeated at the cross, everything that he does is only because God allows it for His divine purposes. Jesus came to set us free from condemnation and to give us eternal life. Satan tries to hinder us from fully realizing this freedom. So many Christians live a life of self-condemnation and a feeling of worthlessness. They fear God because in my opinion they have never really understood the true grace of God.

There is a very good book written by Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa entitled “Why Grace changes everything.” He once lived as many of us a life of condemnation and had a legalistic relationship with God. This book and the understanding of the true Grace of God can change a person’s relationship with the Lord. A life of love, forgiveness and freedom that can only be found in Christ. He came to set us free, not back into bondage. “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10.

Who is the thief? It is Satan, the world and the flesh. Satan condemns, the legalistic people put you under bondage and the flesh wants to bring you back to Egypt. We as Christians can all enjoy a live of freedom through the power of the Holy Spirit, if we just step out of His way and let Him do His work. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27. We can relax in Christ, He is the author and finisher of our faith. God wants us all to walk in victory over Satan our accuser.

One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 118. Victory without fear, trusting in the Lord and Him alone. “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.” John 14:1-3.

The Lord promised us to come back and that we will spend eternity with Him. That is a comforting thought and our hope, to be with the Lord forever. In the meantime we need to stay strong and run the race to finish it. Satan may throw some stumbling blocks our way, but we will overcome, we are free. If Satan ever whispers in your ears, “God does not love you”, tell him, “It is written” and point him to the cross: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

We are the once that will spend eternity with Him because He loves us. Satan’s fate doesn’t look all that great to me. “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Revelation 20:10.

A 2000 + year old desert religion; still relevant for us today? (media4lifeministries.com)
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Peace in the Middle East?

Why is it so difficult to archive peace in the Middle-East? Is it because of people like Ahmadinejad, the Muslim brotherhood and other radical groups? They all have one thing in common, they hate Israel. They would like nothing more than to see Israel wiped off the map. Israel is a constant target and is surrounded by enemies that think just like Ahmadinejad. They have another thing in common, they opposition to recognize Israel as a sovereign State. So much for a peaceful Islamic religion. There is nothing peaceful about Islam, especially the radical side of Islam. The Koran is not a book of peace as many claim.

I heard someone say on a news show once: ” if a Muslim studies the Qur’an, and it’s teachings, they will end up being radicals. Muhammad was a wild man, conquering by killing with the sword. Many people look at the world today from a human perspective or the human level. There is also a divine perspective i.e. a divine level. Most of society thinks that all these conditions in the Middle East are man-made and resolvable with negotiations. These so-called negotiations have been going on as long as I can remember.

Israel has made many concessions over the years and in return saw more violence. Society thinks that one day we can have worldwide peace. We just need to make some changes, co-exist and have more tolerance. Unfortunately, the people who want more tolerance are the most intolerant people. What the fail to see is that there are spiritual battles raging all around us, unseen with human natural eyes. There are Satanic forces that control certain areas in the world. Iran, formerly Persia is one of them. In the book of Daniel, God gives us some indication’s that there are in deed spiritual battles between the angels of heaven and the fallen demonic angels that once rebelled against God. Daniel prayed for help and guidance to understand the 70 weeks in the book of Jeremiah. He prayed for 3 weeks until Gabriel one of the Archangels finally came to him. Gabriel told Daniel that he was held up because of the prince of Persia, who opposed him. The prince of Persia was not the physical human prince that was ruling Persia at that time. The prince of Persia was a demonic force over Persia. Gabriel went on to say that he had to go because the prince of Greece was coming. There is battle going on unseen to with the naked eye. A battle of good versus evil. Does evil exist? I think we all know that there are evil people in the world. Ahmadinejad and Assad among them. They are controlled by Satan and his demonic army.

Israel is the center of the world, Jerusalem is the center of Israel and the Temple mount is the epicenter. Satan is doing his best to cause conflict after conflict trying to destroy the Jewish people. The temple mount is the most holiest place on earth, the mount is also known as Mount Moriah. The temple was build by King Solomon after God told King David that he could not built the house of the Lord because he had blood on his hands. This is the same mount where Jesus was crucified. It was the very same spot where God had asked Abraham to offer up Issac. Jesus sacrificed His life for us on that mount. He was the acceptable offering, the unblemished lamb of God. It came to pass just as God told Abraham, “I will provide a sacrifice.”

Israel is about the size of New Jersey, but it is in the news just about every day. What is it about this small country that is so much in the news? There is much more to it than people not getting along. This is nothing more than a spiritual battle. Satan knows his time is running out. His time is short. He has tried throughout history to destroy the Jewish people. Haman, Herod, and many others including Hitler, were controlled by Satan and his forces. Just as he tried a to wipe out the Jews many times in the past, so is he coming after the church, the bride of Christ. He wants nothing more than for us the believers to fail. He has tried to wipe out the church right from the beginning. The early church went through heavy persecutions under Nero. Instead off wiping out the church, it grew in numbers. Satan failed in his attempts to wipe out the church. Then he penetrated the church, infiltrating it from the inside.

For many centuries people were in the dark, kept from reading the word of God. This changed at the time of the reformation. Brave people like John Wycliffe, Tyndale, Luther and many others brought the Bible back into the people’s hand. Finally they could read and study the Bible in their own language. The word of God is powerful and Satan has tried for a long time to keep people from reading it. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Rom 10:17.

If he can keep people from reading and studying the word of God, he would be victorious. He already succeeded removing the Bible from schools and government and from many people’s homes. His tactics are always the same, lying and deceiving. It worked in the past and it works today. He hates the word of God, why? “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.” Heb 4:12.

If you read the newspapers watch the news and see all the stuff that is going on around the world today, Egypt, Syria and many other places around the world, think off it as a spiritual battle. We are right in the midst of the battle. Let us as believers not look at the world with human natural eyes but with spiritual once. The world is spiritually blind and cannot see. “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 2Cr 2:14.

God has given us His Spirit of wisdom. We can see and understand things for what they really are: a battle of biblical and heavenly proportions. In these last days, we need to be ready and put on the whole armor of God. Satan and his minions are working around the clock.

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:11-13

The Lord Jesus Christ; God, Creator and Savior

This is a video I made some time ago. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God….

You reap what you sow…

Just as any good parent, our Father in Heaven has given His children guidelines which to live by. Are these rules there to exercise power and control over His children, or are they there to prevent pain and hurt that can last a lifetime? God gave only one commandment to Adam and Eve in the garden. They were not to eat of that one tree that was in the midst of the garden. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

As responsible parents we teach our children not to cross the roadway because they could be hit by a car. We set rules, don’t touch, don’t eat that, don’t talk or go with strangers etc. The child may not fully understand why parents make those rules. The parents know from their own experiences that one can get hurt doing certain things. Although these rules of the parents are established, kids will break them. Adam and Eve did the same in the garden. They knew not to eat the fruit of that one tree, but were deceived and tricked through the lie of the Serpent/Satan.

God told Adam that the day they would eat of that fruit, they would surely die. Satan challenged the word of God and deceived Eve with a lie, “has God really said?” He went continued by saying to her, “you surely will not die”.

Eve believed the lie Satan told her and did what God had forbidden them to do, she ate of the tree. Adam also ate of that forbidden fruit. Did Adam and Eve die the moment they ate it? No. Was Satan telling them the truth? No. When God said that they would die, He meant spiritual death. Because of their disobedience and not listening to God, they reaped the consequences of their disobedience i.e. spiritual death and eternal separation from God. Just as any good parent would punish and discipline their child when they break the rules, God had to punish Adam and Eve for their disobedience.

God knew the consequences to come if they would eat of the fruit and as a loving Father He warned them. Through this one-act, sin entered the world. The result, Adam and Eve being were cast out of the garden. The consequence of this one-act of disobedience, caused a spiritual separation from God, Who once walked with Adam in the garden. Things only got worse from their. The first recorded murder, as Cain killed his brother Abel. Can you imagine how Adam and Eve must have felt when they realized the consequences their disobedience? Seeing the blood of Abel shed by his brother? Adam and Eve reaped what they sowed.

Parents have their best interest for the children. They know that when their children disobey and break the rules, that certain consequences will follow. Ever action has a reaction. We reap what we sow. Parents should teach children not to experiment with drugs and alcohol and everything else society i.e the world offers them. Today’s the world is driven by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life. Many have fallen into that trap and have bought into the lie. I’m sure that many of us who read this know that to be true. Early in my life I drank alcohol, smoked cigarettes, did drugs, had sexual relations before marriage etc. We are taught by society that it is all in good fun, seeking pleasure and self – fulfillment.

Looking back at my life today, I have to admit that some of the things were pleasurable, but with these pleasures also came consequences later on in my life, I was addicted to alcohol and drugs and because of sexual behaviors outside of marriage went from one relationship to another. Nothing ever really satisfied. There were always the next days, hangovers, another break up you name it. None of these pleasures that the world has to offer ever satisfy. People are searching for the next best high, but will never really find it. God our heavenly Father knows the consequences sin can bring into our lives and warned us just as He warned Adam and Eve.

But many do not listen, ignoring God, even denying God. They have gone the way of Cain, seeking what the world has to offer. The world follows the deceiver and his lies. Today we see the devastation from disobedience in our society and many other places around the world. I think Paul puts it best when he wrote in Romans: “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Romans 1:28-32

That sounds just like today’s society. This is the direct result of not heeding God’s word and trying to remove God and His wisdom from everyday life. We see the consequences thereof, “You reap what you sow.”
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” Galatians 6:7, 8

God has given all of us a free will to choose, but certain choices that one makes in life will bring also consequences that may last a lifetime. It is never to late to turn from a life of the flesh and turn to God our heavenly Father. You may say, I am too far gone and God is so far from me. How far is God the Father from you? All it takes is to turn around and He is right there, with open arms and willing to forgive and love you. How can you know that God loves you? Just look at the cross and see how great God’s love is, He gave His only Son, that through Him all of us may have forgiveness and eternal life. All it takes is to believe by faith in Jesus and His perfect sacrifice on the cross. He died and He rose for us, defeating Satan and his lies. Those who believe are forgiven of their sins, past present and future.

We are all sinners, but by the grace of God and His free gift we can all be forgiven no matter how great the sin. We all have missed the mark and come short of the Glory of God. Faith in Jesus reconciles the believers with God. It is the righteousness of Jesus that is imputed onto those who believe. Thank you Lord Jesus for loving us enough. Thank you for humbling Yourself to become one of us. Thank you for willingly giving your life for us so that we may live with You for eternity.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

The Empty Tomb.

Pontius Pilate seemed baffled as Joseph of Arimathea came to him and ask to take away the crucified body of Christ. “What do you want with his dead body?” Pilate ask. “I want to lay the body of Jesus into my own newly carved out tomb” Joseph replied. “But why”? “You are a very old man, and it takes years to carve out another tomb. You may not have enough years left and you are willing to give up your tomb?” “Don’t worry Joseph of Arimathea replied, He only needs it for the weekend”.

Probably not the way the conversation went down on that day of the crucifixion. I believe that Joseph of Arimathea knew in his heart that Christ would rise on the third day as prophesied by Jesus to His disciples. Even if he did not fully comprehend the things that had happened, the ministry and the first coming of Christ and His brutal death on the cross. Something changed him. Joseph had become a believer. Just as Nicodemus who came to Jesus by night, became a follower of Christ, so also Joseph of Arimathea became convinced that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Both Nicodemus and Arimathea who were well-respected Pharisees became born again. The impact of Jesus on their lives transformed these two men. They would never be the same.

Many people had a life changing transformation by meeting Jesus in the past and today. He truly came to save the lost. The apostle Paul is another good example of a radical life transformation. Paul was a former persecutor and hater of the believers and followers of Jesus known as “The Way.” Saul/Paul was a zealous Jew who hated the Christians with a passion, persecuted them to the fullest and arrested many of the early followers of Jesus. He was directly involved with the stoning of Stephen. On the road to Damascus seeking to arrest Christians in that city, he met the risen Christ on the road. This encounter changed him forever. He became a believer and one of the greatest missionary to the gentile world. Paul of course knew about the crucifixion and the death and burial of Christ. He knew about the story that was told about the empty tomb and that Christ had risen. Paul was a changed man and he preached Christ crucified and resurrected. “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” 1Cr 2:2

Jesus died for the sin of the world, He rose and defeated death to give those who believe in Him forgiveness and eternal life. The Christian faith hinges on the resurrection of Jesus, if the resurrection did not occur, the Christian faith is empty. Paul addresses the death and the resurrection of Christ in 1 Corinthians 15.

“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas (Peter), then by the twelve. 1Cr 15:3-5

There were those who denied the resurrection and Paul writes about the importance of the resurrection and what it means to the Christian faith.

“Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” 1Cr 15:12-17

Christianity without the resurrection is dead. Paul said if Christ was not who He said He is, than we are still in our sins and the most pitiable people. Many unbelievers have tried to disprove the resurrection and failed miserably. They became believers in Christ. Do you believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins? Do you believe that He rose and defeated death to give eternal life to those who believe? Have you ask Him for forgiveness and received Him in your heart?

Jesus is the only way to the Father. He came to die for mankind to reconcile all of those who would believe to give them peace and eternal life. If you have not received Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, may I encourage you to look t least into the claims and promises of Jesus made? Don’t just listen to the media or the intellectuals, who think that they have all the answers. Seek Him for yourself. Seek and you will find.
“In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2Cr 6:2
God does not want anybody to perish. How can you know that God loves you? Just look at the cross and you will know how much God loves you. He loves you so much that He gave His only begotten Son for you.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Jesus transformed the lives of Nicodemus, Joseph, Paul and many others throughout the centuries. He wants to do the same for you. Open your heart and ask Him for forgiveness and receive Jesus by faith. He is the only One that can truly transform a person. Not just for a little while but for eternity. He is the way, the truth and the life.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Mat 11: 28-30

Eternal Life

Some days I find myself contemplating about life, death and eternity. What is life and what is the purpose of our being here for an appointed time and then we die? Last year my good friend Don passed away and went to be with the Lord. It came suddenly and unexpected and no one was really prepared for it. I just had lunch with him not too long before and we had a great time conversing about many things. He was a good man, a very gentle soul. He always had a smile and a kind words of encouragement to anyone he would meet.

I guess you could say we were the odd couple, he was about 25 years older than me and sometimes people would ask me, is that your Dad? We had an instant bond from the day we met about 6 years ago and our friendship grew stronger year after year. I will miss him a lot and I will always keep him in my heart until I will see him again in heaven.

As believers in Jesus Christ we have the blessed hope of eternal life. We don’t have to fear death. Jesus said: “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” John 11:25. Jesus is the life and all those who believe in him have the promise of eternal life. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

That is what sets Christianity apart from all other man made religions, the promise of eternal life through the the Savior Christ Jesus. Jesus died on the cross and He rose on the third day, defeating death. That is the blessed hope Peter spoke off: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5.

This is the blessed hope that the Christian enjoys. Of course we mourn the loss of a loved one. We miss that person, the husband, the wife, the brother the sister or friend. But we as believers don’t have to be sorrowful as those who do not believe and have no hope because of their unbelief.

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep (died), 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.” 1Th 4:13, 14.

Unfortunately many will reject this truth and call it nonsense. They mock the Christians and call us names. Jesus gave us the reason why so many will not believe and will perish. These are the following verses of John 3:16, which many people leave out:

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. “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. “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” John 3:17-20.

Jesus makes it very clear why so many will reject the truth and the free offer of salvation by faith in Him and that they are already condemned because of it. Many people want to live their lives as they please and they do not want to be accountable to anyone. That is their choice and free will which by the way is given by God. One thing is for sure, there is one thing the believer and unbelievers have in common, all of us have to face death at one point. The statistics are not good, one out of one dies. There is not one that has lived forever, no matter how rich or famous that person may be, death has no partiality.

It’s always easy for an Atheist to say, there is no God and that Christians are delusional and worship the flying spaghetti monster. That’s easy to say when someone is still somewhat young and healthy, who writes books, makes it on the media circles and earns a pretty good penny by denying the existence of God. Life takes funny turns and I would like to see that person one day lying on their death-bed facing death. I assure you that they are in fear of death. They may deny it now, but one day every knee shall bow and confess Jesus is Lord. No one will escape death. And those who do not believe, can they say for sure that there is nothing after death? I don’t think so. Can I prove that there is life after death? No, but I do believe God and He cannot lie. I know in my heart that the believers will be with God for eternity, just as my friend Don is now.

That’s why I believe the words of Jesus, that those who believe in Him have eternal life. I will miss Don and his friendship, his wife Beverly will miss him as well as his children, but we all know and are comforted that Don is in a much better place now and one day whenever the Lord decides, we will see him again, that smile and his humor. Thank you Don for your friendship, you have touched many people and I know that you do not want me to be depressed and sad, but to press on and run the race until the Lord calls me home. Farewell my friend.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Mat 11:28-30

Choose Jesus today before it is too late because death can come so suddenly. If your are not sure what happens after death, maybe you should consider the words of Jesus. Receive Him now, because you will meet Him one day no matter what. I encourage you to at least learn about Jesus. Pick up the Bible and start with reading the Gospel of John. Seek Him and you shall find Him.

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Rom 10:17.

My Personal Testimony And How Jesus Transformed My Life.

It was May 14th 2006, a Sunday morning that began like many other mornings. I felt hung over and lousy after a week of drinking. This wasn’t the first time for me. I had plenty of those lousy days. Alcohol Had become a big problem in my life, in fact, a huge problem. Growing up Germany, alcohol was a part of my lifestyle and the culture. Many of my friends that I hung out with started drinking from an early age. Meeting friends, hang out in the Gasthaus/Pub and drink beers, was a daily routine. Getting up for work and meeting my friends afterwards for some beers in the Pub.

I moved from Germany to San Diego, California at the age of 22. I was pretty tired of Germany, mainly because of the weather. It rained a lot and I loved the sunshine. I had visited California a few times in the late 70’s and thought, “that’s the place where I want to be”. I liked the sun, the beaches, the palm trees and the relaxed lifestyle that so many enjoy here in Southern California. I had good times after I moved to the USA. I had my own Piano business, played in a Reggae band and just enjoyed the relaxed lifestyle.

Later I worked for Taylor Guitars and after that, landed a great job with a major furniture manufacturer. Things were going pretty well for me. I got married in 1995 to my wife and we lived in a nice place near the beach. Alcohol has always been part of my life. Drinking some beers after work was the norm. That was my life, meeting my drinking buddies and playing darts or whatever else came about. Once the alcohol took over, the judgment went out the window. I came home very late some days or not at all. I wasn’t thinking about my wife, my work. It was all about me. Seeking my own pleasures was way more important than my marriage and the responsibilities that came with it. In 2003 things got worse. My drinking increased quite a bit. I moved out of the house and found my own place. I thought of it as my own little paradise, my sanctuary. But things only got worse from there.

I got involved with people who were heavy drinkers and we hung out in various bars around town. Alcohol influences people and brings out the worse in them. I was never a violent person when drinking, I was just drinking to have a good time. Many people believe that drinking is relaxing and brings about a better attitude. I used to think the same way. Somehow I thought after the 2nd or 3rd pint things looked much better and oh, how much fun I had. I used to call it an attitude adjustment. Have you ever hung around people who had a bit too much to drink and they thought they were cool and funny? They are really not that funny, when you are sober. Life becomes very miserable when alcohol takes over your life and controls you. Everything starts to revolve around drinking and nothing else matters. It becomes a snare that entangles people. I always denied having an alcohol problem. Even when people pointed it out to me. I was just in denial as many others, that drink or do drugs. Alcohol and drugs are deceivers. They give pleasure for a short time but then they sting like a viper and take control over peoples lives .

It was in early 2005 that I received the news that my father had died in Germany. I attended the funeral with my mom and some of my relatives. Hearing the news was terrible. It really hit me hard while I was sitting in the small chapel facing my dad’s coffin. I loved my dad, he was a good man. I always had a good relationship with him. My mom of course was devastated and I stayed for 3 month with her in Germany. I started going out and drinking in the local pubs. I think I was just tuning out not wanting to deal with the reality that my dad had passed away. I was drowning my sorrows with alcohol. That was my way of suppressing things.

Coming back to the States, I continued that trend. Drinking before work, during work and of course after work. The drinking started to take over my life. It affected my work and one day I just walked off the job. I began to drink around the clock, going on binges that would last for at least a week. After those binges I got really sick for a few days, promising myself never to drink again. That promise would maybe last for a week or two and I was right back doing the same thing. A terrible cycle with the same results, feeling sick.

I remember the morning of May 14th very well. I sat on my patio chair feeling extremely sick from a week of heavy drinking. As I was sitting there all by myself as I began to cry out: “God, please help me. I don’t want to be like this anymore. This is not me. Please if You are there, help me.”

From that moment on, my life changed. I was still feeling sick, but something happened to me. Something wonderful. I had totally lost the desire of drinking and I started to seek God. I bought a Bible and read for hours and hours, taking in every word. Looking at my first Bible that I bought and seeing all the notes I scribbled and the many verses that I underlined, I find myself wondering, when did I do all that?

To be honest, I didn’t know much about God before and what the Bible revealed about Him. I didn’t know anything about repentance, forgiveness, justification and sanctification. I heard about God and of course I heard about Jesus and that He died on the cross, but that’s about it. I never really understood what it really meant, God giving His only begotten Son for me and my sins. I never knew how wonderful God’s Grace is.

Reading God’s word opened my eyes to a whole new perspective on life and I believed. The word of God is so wonderful and healing and it is the absolute truth. Jesus is the Savior of the world and He became my personal Lord and Savior that day.

Today, I am so grateful to God. He continues to change my life day by day. I have become a new creation, old things have passed away. I have since reconciled with my wife, left the old things behind and I never looked back. Satan may accuse me everyday before God, calling me unworthy and a failure. He is right, I am. But I also know this, I am what I am, but I am not what I used to be.

It is not my righteousness that God looks at, it is the imputed righteousness of Jesus that the Father looks upon. I don’t have any righteousness on my own. I can never please God on my own. The gospel i.e. the good news is that God did for me what I could not do for myself. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

For me, it is all about Jesus and what He accomplished on the cross. The word that became flesh and dwelled among us. Who is this Jesus that transformed my life? He is God the Son Who became one of us. He came as the suffering servant to shed His blood on the cross for the sin of the world. Jesus was beaten to a bloody pulp beyond recognition. The Roman soldiers plucked His beard out, beating Him repeatedly. He endured the cross, the shame and the mocking of His own countrymen and the Romans because He loved us. Jesus came for that very purpose, to die on the cross at the appointed time for sinners like me.

From the beginning of His ministry to the arrival to Jerusalem on a donkey to the death on the cross, was not only prophesied. Jesus was on a divine timeline determined by the Father long before the foundation of the world. The death of Christ was no accident or just another criminal dying at the hands of the Roman government. Jesus committed no crime, yet He was condemned to death. Jesus despite the shame, willingly laid down His life for you and me. He gave His life to give eternal life to those who would believe in Him. All you need to do is to ask God for forgiveness and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. There is no sin that you or anyone else has committed that God will and cannot not forgive, no matter what a person may have done. God loves mankind. All He wants is for us to return to Him and He will heal us and cleanse us from all sin. Jesus has transformed my life and He is continuing to transform my life. He will do the same for you. All you need to do is ask Him to come into your life.
God is not distant at all. Stop whatever you are doing, turn around and He is right there with arms wide open.

“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.” Isaiah 55:6, 7

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Mat 7:7, 8

Jesus is Lord, yet He declares His Lordship through the power of humility and grace…

“Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty and then for three years was an itinerant preacher. He never owned a home. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put his foot inside a big city. He never traveled more than two hundred miles from the place where He was born. He never did one of those things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but himself….

“While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed on a cross between two thieves. While he was dying his executors gambled for the only piece of property he had on earth – His coat. When he was dead, He was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

“Nineteen long centuries have come and gone and today He is the centerpiece of the human race and the leader of the column of progress. I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever were built, all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has that one solitary life.” Jesus is Lord – Excerpts from “One Solitary Life” (author unknown)

Jesus is the only true and living God. I am thankful that He has saved me. He is the only One that can transform a person’s life. Religions can not transform a person. Certain philosophies cannot transform a person. All religions and philosophies are man centered and futile. Man cannot save himself by empty and vain attempts, trying to reach God on their own merit. God reached down to mankind through His Son Jesus Christ, Who is mighty to save. Only He can change the heart and only He can transform a person’s life. Thank you Jesus for the truth and Your love that You have shown to me. May others that are currently in a similar situation as I was, seek You and find You. Maranatha Lord Jesus.

“You Must Be Born Again” (media4lifeministries.com)
Faith a gift from God (media4lifeministries.wordpress.com)
Come as you are (media4lifeministries.wordpress.com)
Memories of a brother lost to alcohol (greystew.wordpress.com)

The world hates you…

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. “If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” John 15:18, 19

As Christians i.e. followers and disciples of Jesus we are to be separated from the things of the world. We are in this world but not of this world. If we are genuine believers we should separate ourselves from many things that this world has to offer, we are not to participate in the things that the world seeks after. Jesus said: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Mat 6:33.

The apostle John in his second letter warned the Churches of the danger to compromise with the world: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” 2John 2:15, 16.

It was pride that caused Lucifer to fall from heaven, (Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14). When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he used those three to tempt Jesus to compromise and to worship him. Jesus did not give into those temptations. Jesus answered all three temptations with scripture, “It is written”. Satan is the ruler of this world and Jesus did not deny that, but He did not sub-come the schemes of the devil. Just as he tempted Jesus, so is he tempting people all over the world today. Satan really has no reasons to change his tactics, he knows mankind too well and knows how to keep the world in his grip. If it is not broken, why fix it? As Christians we have to be very careful not to buy into the deceptiveness of the world.

We need to discern the times and stand up against the wiles of the wicked one. We need to put on the whole armor of protection. (Eph 6). Everyday we are getting bombarded with all kinds of temptations, just turn on your TV. Everyday we have to decide, do I wanna serve God or do I want to serve the world? The problem is that the closer we want to be with God, the more Satan attempts to make us fall. Genuine believers have a bulls-eye painted on their chest. Satan could care less about the backsliders or lukewarm Christians, they have already compromised with the world sitting on the fence, one foot in the world and one foot in the kingdom.

I am not writing this to criticize others, I am including myself in this and I once walked in the things of the world just as most of you have. When I surrendered my life to Jesus, and ask for His forgiveness, my mind was changed, I looked at things differently. I repented, which means a “change of mind”. Things that I used to do, just like everybody else, not even thinking that it is wrong in the eyes of God. Looking back now, most of the stuff I did was unfruitful, unimportant and a waste of time. Seeking after the things of the world never satisfied and I was striving after the wind as the wise King Solomon said. Sin may satisfy for a while and there certain pleasure in it, the Bible does not deny that, but in the end it stings. Living after the world is traveling on the broad road that leads to destruction, as Jesus said, “many will enter into it”. Traveling down the road of destruction has caused people all kinds of pain, just look at the world, it is so broken and lost, there seems to be no way out. Society is on a moral decline and is sinking deeper and deeper into it.

Paul wrote this: “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” Rom 1:28-32.

Sounds just like the world today, doesn’t it? This last part of the verse, “that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” Do we as believers approve of these things, or have we become silent, not speaking out against these things? There are many that have the attitude of “live and let live” like it’s ok, let’s just not ruffle any feathers. I assure you if we as Christians stand up for the truth and the things of God not giving in to the world standards and it’s beliefs, we as people and children of God will suffer persecution, ridicule, mocking and genuine hatred. Just as Jesus said, the world loves its own, but they will hate us if we stand up and speak up.

As disciple of Christ we have to choose, either the narrow gate or the broad road that leads to destruction. Compromising and giving into the world is dangerous and can lead to a broken fellowship with God. Jesus had John write seven letters to the churches, Jesus rebuked all of them to a degree, except the church of Philadelphia. These seven churches were actual churches in then Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) but they were also representative of the churches throughout the church age. I also believe that these seven churches represent different believers, some have compromised, some have mingled with the world and some have become lukewarm. I think that Jesus had a purpose for the letters for us today, we need to examine ourselves if we are truly in the faith and are indeed seeking after the kingdom and not the world.

“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.” 2Cr 13:5

“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.” Mat 7:13, 14

If the world calls us narrow-minded, good, it is better to be narrow-minded in the things of God, rather than being on the broad and dark road that will lead to certain destruction in a person’s life.