When I think about the question in the title for today's devotion for myself I must answer no. Sometimes I do but not always. Look at this verse:
Colossians 3:23-25
23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.
Now if you go back and read verse 22 Paul is talking to slaves. In reality we are slaves to Christ. In today's world that word slave brings a negative vibe. But when we refer to our being slaves to the Lord it should not. God's word tells us that we were bought with a price:
1 Corinthians 6:20
For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
That price was the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who paid for YOUR sins on the cross. That means Christ owns us if we have asked Him into our lives. That is awesome news! I like being owned by God! The part of the verse in Corinthians also says "glorify God in your body and spirit" that goes right along with our verses in Colossians. Whatever we do we should give our all because we are living for the Lord not man. Hmmmm think about that now. In your job, your family, your hobbies, your Bible study, your church attendance, everything! Are you giving all you have for the glory of God. Please stop and think about this...it is not a suggestion from the Word it is a command! Now lets look at the consequences....if we obey and give our all we receive the inheritance from the Lord. We deserve nothing but God blesses obedience. BUT if we don't obey the Word says we will be repaid for what we have done and God shows no partiality! Ouch!
You see my friends God is a jealous God and He wants all of us, which requires we give 100% effort when serving our King. When you serve God you will be blessed! Some will come in this life and some will come in eternity. On the other hand if we fail to serve our King you will not lose your salvation but you will lose blessings. If you have no desire at all to serve the King then you had better be checking your heart to see if you are really a slave of Jesus!
Give God your best today! And everyday!
Tom
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
What do I know of Holy?
Check this video out:
http://youtu.be/N6J5TzSE_18
Have you ever thought about that question? What do I really know of Holy? One of the dictionary definitions is this: having a spiritually pure quality. To me when thinking about God words do not really describe the holiness of God. I think about Moses at the burning bush:
Exodus 3:1-6
Moses at the Burning Bush
Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. 3 Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.”
4 So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!”
And he said, “Here I am.”
5 Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” 6 Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.
What do we see here? First God came to Moses with a sign. The burning bush. Are we looking for the signs from God? It may not be a burning bush but if we are looking and listening God gives us signs all the time for He has a ministry for all of us...every day!
Second Moses wanted to know more. He went and looked into the situation closer. Are we looking into what God has in store for us each day closer? Or do we run away? Could be a co-worker who needs some love shown to them. Could be less work and more time with family. Or numerous other things....are you looking?
Third Moses said "here I am!" Moses was willing to serve. When God has things to be done for Him where ever it may be...at home or at church, do we have the same attitude? Here am I God? True disciples of Christ must have this mentality to serve Jesus!
Fourth Moses was standing on Holy Ground. I have thought on this quit a bit and anytime we are in God's presence we are on Holy ground. Do we take this seriously? The holiness of God and allowing us into His presence is something the church has dangerously taken for granted in recent years. This is God we are talking about! Handle with precious care and love!
Fifth, Moses recognizes who He is talking to and falls on his face before God. Do we recognize God for who He is and fall on our faces in awe and reverence? No in most case we don't and this is not good. We need and better get back to realizing who God is and He is Holy!
What do I know of Holy? Not enough!
Tom
http://youtu.be/N6J5TzSE_18
Have you ever thought about that question? What do I really know of Holy? One of the dictionary definitions is this: having a spiritually pure quality. To me when thinking about God words do not really describe the holiness of God. I think about Moses at the burning bush:
Exodus 3:1-6
Moses at the Burning Bush
Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. 3 Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.”
4 So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!”
And he said, “Here I am.”
5 Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” 6 Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.
What do we see here? First God came to Moses with a sign. The burning bush. Are we looking for the signs from God? It may not be a burning bush but if we are looking and listening God gives us signs all the time for He has a ministry for all of us...every day!
Second Moses wanted to know more. He went and looked into the situation closer. Are we looking into what God has in store for us each day closer? Or do we run away? Could be a co-worker who needs some love shown to them. Could be less work and more time with family. Or numerous other things....are you looking?
Third Moses said "here I am!" Moses was willing to serve. When God has things to be done for Him where ever it may be...at home or at church, do we have the same attitude? Here am I God? True disciples of Christ must have this mentality to serve Jesus!
Fourth Moses was standing on Holy Ground. I have thought on this quit a bit and anytime we are in God's presence we are on Holy ground. Do we take this seriously? The holiness of God and allowing us into His presence is something the church has dangerously taken for granted in recent years. This is God we are talking about! Handle with precious care and love!
Fifth, Moses recognizes who He is talking to and falls on his face before God. Do we recognize God for who He is and fall on our faces in awe and reverence? No in most case we don't and this is not good. We need and better get back to realizing who God is and He is Holy!
What do I know of Holy? Not enough!
Tom
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Governing the nation and our own personal life.
"It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible."
George Washington
I friend reminded me of this quote recently by our first President. Does this sound like a man who wanted God and His Word, the Bible, taken out of our nation? It sure doesn't to me. Matter of fact it is plainly stated that our nation can not be run correctly without God and His Word. Have you taken a look around recently? Who is our nation being governed by? It is certainly not God. Pray for our nation and our leaders that their will be a turning back to God, the future of our nation depends on it!
What about our individual lives? Are we allowing our lives to be run by God or are we in the drivers seat? What George Washington said about about nation is also true for our lives. If we are not allowing God to make our decisions and if we are not running our lives by the Bible then we are headed down hill quickly. God is clear in His Word that he desires our worship and total dedication. Not 50/50 our any other percentage...he wants all of us and every area of our life.
So ask yourself....who is in charge God or me?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Tom
George Washington
I friend reminded me of this quote recently by our first President. Does this sound like a man who wanted God and His Word, the Bible, taken out of our nation? It sure doesn't to me. Matter of fact it is plainly stated that our nation can not be run correctly without God and His Word. Have you taken a look around recently? Who is our nation being governed by? It is certainly not God. Pray for our nation and our leaders that their will be a turning back to God, the future of our nation depends on it!
What about our individual lives? Are we allowing our lives to be run by God or are we in the drivers seat? What George Washington said about about nation is also true for our lives. If we are not allowing God to make our decisions and if we are not running our lives by the Bible then we are headed down hill quickly. God is clear in His Word that he desires our worship and total dedication. Not 50/50 our any other percentage...he wants all of us and every area of our life.
So ask yourself....who is in charge God or me?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Tom
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Are you being held?
Something to think about this morning in our walk with God.
Proverbs 5:22-23
22 The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him,
and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.
23 He dies for lack of discipline,
and because of his great folly he is led astray.
I know none of like to think that sin has ensnared us but many times it has even when we are saved. Examine your life carefully and see if there is a sin that has a hold on you. Verse 22 talks about cords of sin. I get the picture of a rope that has wrapped around our leg and we can't get it off. One cord we may be able to break fairly easy but when two and three grab a hold of us then that rope is very hard to break....and sin acts in the same way. Verse 23 talks about lack of discipline. To be godly in all areas of our life we MUST have discipline. The problem in most Christians life is we may be great in some areas but we are lacking greatly in others areas. So we look at the balance of the scales and think well my good is out weighing my bad. It doesn't work that way. Any sin before God is wrong and hurts our closeness to God as he can not tolerate sin as He is Holy! We can not be full of folly as verse 23 goes onto say. Folly means foolishness or lack of understanding. So how are we lead astray? First and foremost by a lack of knowledge about our Bibles and not understanding what sin is in the first place? How can we follow God rightly when we don't even know what He says is sin and what is righteous? We can't!
So this morning are you being help captive by sin? You can be free....turn it over to Jesus and He will set you free, I guarantee it!
Tom
Proverbs 5:22-23
22 The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him,
and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.
23 He dies for lack of discipline,
and because of his great folly he is led astray.
I know none of like to think that sin has ensnared us but many times it has even when we are saved. Examine your life carefully and see if there is a sin that has a hold on you. Verse 22 talks about cords of sin. I get the picture of a rope that has wrapped around our leg and we can't get it off. One cord we may be able to break fairly easy but when two and three grab a hold of us then that rope is very hard to break....and sin acts in the same way. Verse 23 talks about lack of discipline. To be godly in all areas of our life we MUST have discipline. The problem in most Christians life is we may be great in some areas but we are lacking greatly in others areas. So we look at the balance of the scales and think well my good is out weighing my bad. It doesn't work that way. Any sin before God is wrong and hurts our closeness to God as he can not tolerate sin as He is Holy! We can not be full of folly as verse 23 goes onto say. Folly means foolishness or lack of understanding. So how are we lead astray? First and foremost by a lack of knowledge about our Bibles and not understanding what sin is in the first place? How can we follow God rightly when we don't even know what He says is sin and what is righteous? We can't!
So this morning are you being help captive by sin? You can be free....turn it over to Jesus and He will set you free, I guarantee it!
Tom
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
God is watching!
Have you ever felt like you were being watched? It is an awkward feeling isn't it. Well the truth be known you are being watched 24/7! By the heavenly Father. Check this verse out:
Proverbs 5:21
21 For a man's ways are before the eyes of the LORD,
and he ponders all his paths
I have started to read the book of Proverbs again and want to make it a habit of reading a chapter of proverbs everyday. It is so packed full of wisdom from God on how to live our lives to the fullest for Him! God makes it clear to us in this verse that our ways are before Him. We are never out of His sight! If we would remember that every second of everyday it would change the way we live. They way we talk, what we watch, how we treat others, how we work, everything would come into line with what God desires from us if we truly loved God and realized He is watching us. I want to please Him don't you?
The second thing this verse points out is God ponders (thinks about) our paths. Think about that for a moment. I believe the reason God thinks about our paths is because it shows where our hearts are. If we are taking the path of sin then we are far from Him but on the other hand if we are taking the path of truth and righteousness then we are seeking what He desires for us!
It is not really hard to figure out but it is hard to do! So this morning God is watching....what is he seeing in your heart?
Tom
Proverbs 5:21
21 For a man's ways are before the eyes of the LORD,
and he ponders all his paths
I have started to read the book of Proverbs again and want to make it a habit of reading a chapter of proverbs everyday. It is so packed full of wisdom from God on how to live our lives to the fullest for Him! God makes it clear to us in this verse that our ways are before Him. We are never out of His sight! If we would remember that every second of everyday it would change the way we live. They way we talk, what we watch, how we treat others, how we work, everything would come into line with what God desires from us if we truly loved God and realized He is watching us. I want to please Him don't you?
The second thing this verse points out is God ponders (thinks about) our paths. Think about that for a moment. I believe the reason God thinks about our paths is because it shows where our hearts are. If we are taking the path of sin then we are far from Him but on the other hand if we are taking the path of truth and righteousness then we are seeking what He desires for us!
It is not really hard to figure out but it is hard to do! So this morning God is watching....what is he seeing in your heart?
Tom
Monday, January 23, 2012
Cure for bloody hands!
Last Monday I posted a warning for the blood that we may have on our hands due to not sharing the gospel that my pastor Bro. Mark had preached on. This morning I want to share the cure for those bloody hands.
Acts 20:17-24
17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them:
“You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
A few things from the apostle Paul I want to point out on how to keep from having them bloody hands before God:
Serving the Lord....very simple but yet so hard. It is a must to keep this as a priority and share the gospel!
Do not shrink! No matter how good or how bad things are going be faithful in teaching and proclaiming everything that is profitable in the faith.
Testifying to all to repent and have faith in Jesus...we all have a story to share.
Con strained by the Spirit. If we are saved then we are filled with the Holy Spirit and must listen for His promptings to share the Lord Jesus....again no matter what. Note in the verses above that Paul knew prison and bodily harm were coming to him but He still proclaimed Jesus....I hope we will be as bold!
I do not count my life of any value! Wow this is against the grain in our self centered culture. This is the mind frame though we must have...to love others so much and care about their souls eternity that we count our lives as nothing to get the good news of Jesus to them!
I may finish my course and ministry. God has a course and ministry laid out before us all who call on Jesus as Lord. The question is are we will to follow what God has in store for us or are we more concerned about what "I" want for my life. Remember "I" is right in the middle of SIN!
My brothers and sisters...if we keep these Words from the Bible in our hearts and minds and be faithful in our ministry God has for each one of us we can keep the blood of of our hands!
Tom
Acts 20:17-24
17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them:
“You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
A few things from the apostle Paul I want to point out on how to keep from having them bloody hands before God:
Serving the Lord....very simple but yet so hard. It is a must to keep this as a priority and share the gospel!
Do not shrink! No matter how good or how bad things are going be faithful in teaching and proclaiming everything that is profitable in the faith.
Testifying to all to repent and have faith in Jesus...we all have a story to share.
Con strained by the Spirit. If we are saved then we are filled with the Holy Spirit and must listen for His promptings to share the Lord Jesus....again no matter what. Note in the verses above that Paul knew prison and bodily harm were coming to him but He still proclaimed Jesus....I hope we will be as bold!
I do not count my life of any value! Wow this is against the grain in our self centered culture. This is the mind frame though we must have...to love others so much and care about their souls eternity that we count our lives as nothing to get the good news of Jesus to them!
I may finish my course and ministry. God has a course and ministry laid out before us all who call on Jesus as Lord. The question is are we will to follow what God has in store for us or are we more concerned about what "I" want for my life. Remember "I" is right in the middle of SIN!
My brothers and sisters...if we keep these Words from the Bible in our hearts and minds and be faithful in our ministry God has for each one of us we can keep the blood of of our hands!
Tom
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Complacency....does this describe you?
As I was having my quiet time yesterday the Lord laid a word on my heart that has made me do some searching in my soul. I want to think about this word called complacency this morning. First let's define it: a feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of some potential danger, defect, or the like; self-satisfaction or smug satisfaction with an existing situation, condition, etc. Hmmmmmm! As you have that thought in mind read these verses:
Proverbs 1:20-33
The Call of Wisdom
20 Wisdom calls aloud outside;
She raises her voice in the open squares.
21 She cries out in the chief concourses,
At the openings of the gates in the city
She speaks her words:
22 “ How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
For scorners delight in their scorning,
And fools hate knowledge.
23 Turn at my rebuke;
Surely I will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.
24 Because I have called and you refused,
I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded,
25 Because you disdained all my counsel,
And would have none of my rebuke,
26 I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your terror comes,
27 When your terror comes like a storm,
And your destruction comes like a whirlwind,
When distress and anguish come upon you.
28 “ Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
29 Because they hated knowledge
And did not choose the fear of the LORD,
30 They would have none of my counsel
And despised my every rebuke.
31 Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way,
And be filled to the full with their own fancies.
32 For the turning away of the simple will slay them,
And the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
And will be secure, without fear of evil.”
Now in these verse wisdom is rebuking those who refuse to find her and seek the knowledge of her in the Lord. We are told in these verses when we refuse to learn the knowledge of the Lord which involves fear, awe, study of His Word, prayer, listening for Him to speak to us, and loving others. Then we are told what will happen when we listen to self or the world...wisdom will not counsel them and they will reap what they sow! Ouch!
I want you to look at verse 32....the complacency of fools will destroy them. Then I want you to ask yourself like I have...have I become complacent in my faith? Thinking I am good where I am at in my safe comfortable place wit Jesus. I know all I need to know about God. My friends our relationship with God and is a work in progress and if we become complacent we are in danger of being this fool wisdom is talking about here.
Take time to pray about this today and let the Holy Spirit talk to you about where you in your walk with the Lord....don't be a fool!
Tom
Proverbs 1:20-33
The Call of Wisdom
20 Wisdom calls aloud outside;
She raises her voice in the open squares.
21 She cries out in the chief concourses,
At the openings of the gates in the city
She speaks her words:
22 “ How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
For scorners delight in their scorning,
And fools hate knowledge.
23 Turn at my rebuke;
Surely I will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.
24 Because I have called and you refused,
I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded,
25 Because you disdained all my counsel,
And would have none of my rebuke,
26 I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your terror comes,
27 When your terror comes like a storm,
And your destruction comes like a whirlwind,
When distress and anguish come upon you.
28 “ Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
29 Because they hated knowledge
And did not choose the fear of the LORD,
30 They would have none of my counsel
And despised my every rebuke.
31 Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way,
And be filled to the full with their own fancies.
32 For the turning away of the simple will slay them,
And the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
And will be secure, without fear of evil.”
Now in these verse wisdom is rebuking those who refuse to find her and seek the knowledge of her in the Lord. We are told in these verses when we refuse to learn the knowledge of the Lord which involves fear, awe, study of His Word, prayer, listening for Him to speak to us, and loving others. Then we are told what will happen when we listen to self or the world...wisdom will not counsel them and they will reap what they sow! Ouch!
I want you to look at verse 32....the complacency of fools will destroy them. Then I want you to ask yourself like I have...have I become complacent in my faith? Thinking I am good where I am at in my safe comfortable place wit Jesus. I know all I need to know about God. My friends our relationship with God and is a work in progress and if we become complacent we are in danger of being this fool wisdom is talking about here.
Take time to pray about this today and let the Holy Spirit talk to you about where you in your walk with the Lord....don't be a fool!
Tom
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Discipline yourself
Great words that a friend of mine posted on face book yesterday:
cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you, discipline yourselves, keep alert like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour resist him, steadfast in your faith&after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.
1 peter 5:7-10
I want us to focus on the discipline yourselves this morning as the Lord has really laid it on my heart. The word discipline means: behavior in accord with rules of conduct; behavior and order maintained by training and control.
Now with that definition in mind ask yourselves are you discipline in your faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is much more to it than belief. God desires us to seek His face and follow obediently His Word. Are you? In the verse above it is clear we MUST discipline ourselves...nobody else is going to do it for us. The verses also give us a reason for disciplining ourselves...the devil is looking for someone to devour and if we are not disciplined in our faith it very well could be us!
So what do we need to do to be disciplined? First, everyday spend quiet time with God in studying His Word and in prayer. Do you do this? If the answer is no, you need to discipline yourself to do so. Second, listen to God. Don't just pray and leave....listen for the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Third, obey. Do what God asks of you. Even if it seems impossible to you, nothing is impossible to God!
So again are you disciplined this morning? If the answer is yes...Great! If the answer is no....there is no better day to start than today. You will be surprised on what God has in store for you!
Tom
cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you, discipline yourselves, keep alert like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour resist him, steadfast in your faith&after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.
1 peter 5:7-10
I want us to focus on the discipline yourselves this morning as the Lord has really laid it on my heart. The word discipline means: behavior in accord with rules of conduct; behavior and order maintained by training and control.
Now with that definition in mind ask yourselves are you discipline in your faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is much more to it than belief. God desires us to seek His face and follow obediently His Word. Are you? In the verse above it is clear we MUST discipline ourselves...nobody else is going to do it for us. The verses also give us a reason for disciplining ourselves...the devil is looking for someone to devour and if we are not disciplined in our faith it very well could be us!
So what do we need to do to be disciplined? First, everyday spend quiet time with God in studying His Word and in prayer. Do you do this? If the answer is no, you need to discipline yourself to do so. Second, listen to God. Don't just pray and leave....listen for the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Third, obey. Do what God asks of you. Even if it seems impossible to you, nothing is impossible to God!
So again are you disciplined this morning? If the answer is yes...Great! If the answer is no....there is no better day to start than today. You will be surprised on what God has in store for you!
Tom
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Don't bet on it!
"Modern man is betting his life that this is it, and that there is no judgement and that there is no eternity." R.C. Sproul
I wish I could say I disagree with this statement above but I agree with it 100%. Look around it isn't hard to see. What really disappoints me is that it is not just those who openly confess they are not followers of Christ, no it is also a large percentage of those who claim they are followers. Openly and everywhere folks indulge in sin and are enjoying it. Not thinking about the consequences down the road. One of the most obvious is the television shows we wait all week for! Every week they mock God and his word and folks laugh at these things and continue to watch. The Word of God has come to mean nothing to most. If the majority says it is ok then so be it says society. Oh but my friends, look the the verse below:
2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
God's word talks about judgement many, many times, look for yourself. Do you believe judgement is coming? Don't matter if you believe it or not....God said it is and that settles it. Think about when you stand before Christ in judgement...are you sins covered by His blood? Then ask yourself is my life reflecting the values the Bible teaches. If they are not then one should evaluate their life and get in line with God's Word.
Many today either choose to believe there isn't eternal life or are just not thinking about it. In our community recently there have been many deaths...some expected some not. The Bible makes it clear we are not promised to live another day. God in His Word makes it clear eternal life is coming one way or another. Look at these verses:
John 3:16
16 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.
Matthew 10:28
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Mark 9:42-44
New King James Version (NKJV)
Jesus Warns of Offenses
42 “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 44 where
‘ Their worm does not die
And the fire is not quenched.’
Can it be made any clearer? I don't think so. So my friends judgement is coming and eternity is at stake. Are you ready if your life ended today. Is your life reflecting the values of Christ everyday? The only thing in your way is you!
Tom
I wish I could say I disagree with this statement above but I agree with it 100%. Look around it isn't hard to see. What really disappoints me is that it is not just those who openly confess they are not followers of Christ, no it is also a large percentage of those who claim they are followers. Openly and everywhere folks indulge in sin and are enjoying it. Not thinking about the consequences down the road. One of the most obvious is the television shows we wait all week for! Every week they mock God and his word and folks laugh at these things and continue to watch. The Word of God has come to mean nothing to most. If the majority says it is ok then so be it says society. Oh but my friends, look the the verse below:
2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
God's word talks about judgement many, many times, look for yourself. Do you believe judgement is coming? Don't matter if you believe it or not....God said it is and that settles it. Think about when you stand before Christ in judgement...are you sins covered by His blood? Then ask yourself is my life reflecting the values the Bible teaches. If they are not then one should evaluate their life and get in line with God's Word.
Many today either choose to believe there isn't eternal life or are just not thinking about it. In our community recently there have been many deaths...some expected some not. The Bible makes it clear we are not promised to live another day. God in His Word makes it clear eternal life is coming one way or another. Look at these verses:
John 3:16
16 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.
Matthew 10:28
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Mark 9:42-44
New King James Version (NKJV)
Jesus Warns of Offenses
42 “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 44 where
‘ Their worm does not die
And the fire is not quenched.’
Can it be made any clearer? I don't think so. So my friends judgement is coming and eternity is at stake. Are you ready if your life ended today. Is your life reflecting the values of Christ everyday? The only thing in your way is you!
Tom
Monday, January 16, 2012
Are your hands bloody?
My Pastor shared a great message from God yesterday and I want to share a portion of it with you this morning. Most followers of Christ realize how important it is to share the gospel message with others. The Lord makes it clear to us that for the unbeliever they will go to hell for their lack of faith. This should be our driving force to get the good news of Jesus to all we can for the Lord desires that none should perish. But have you ever considered what not sharing our faith will cost us? Read theses verses:
Ezekiel 3:16-19
A Watchman for Israel
16 And at the end of seven days, the word of the LORD came to me: 17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. 18 If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. 19 But if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, or from his wicked way, he shall die for his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul.
WOW! Ezekiel was the watchmen and spokes person for God. We are the spokes people of Jesus Christ. God would give a Word from His mouth and Ezekiel was to proclaim it and give warning. We have the Bible we are to proclaim it and warn others about hell! God told Ezekiel if he did not warn them to try and save their life their blood will be on his hands. God expects us to warn people to give them a chance to turn from their sin, if we do not we will be accountable for their blood. If Ezekiel did what he was told then his soul was delivered! If we do what we are told blessings await us in heaven!
Let me be clear here. For the believer today, if you don't share Jesus you won't lose your soul to hell. God assures us that once you call on Jesus you are His for eternity. But His Word also makes it clear we will lose blessings when we are not obedient in sharing the gospel and loving others!
So this morning, is there any blood dripping from your hands? Souls are hanging in the balance. That should give you something to chew on today, it sure has made me do some thinking!
Tom
Ezekiel 3:16-19
A Watchman for Israel
16 And at the end of seven days, the word of the LORD came to me: 17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. 18 If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. 19 But if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, or from his wicked way, he shall die for his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul.
WOW! Ezekiel was the watchmen and spokes person for God. We are the spokes people of Jesus Christ. God would give a Word from His mouth and Ezekiel was to proclaim it and give warning. We have the Bible we are to proclaim it and warn others about hell! God told Ezekiel if he did not warn them to try and save their life their blood will be on his hands. God expects us to warn people to give them a chance to turn from their sin, if we do not we will be accountable for their blood. If Ezekiel did what he was told then his soul was delivered! If we do what we are told blessings await us in heaven!
Let me be clear here. For the believer today, if you don't share Jesus you won't lose your soul to hell. God assures us that once you call on Jesus you are His for eternity. But His Word also makes it clear we will lose blessings when we are not obedient in sharing the gospel and loving others!
So this morning, is there any blood dripping from your hands? Souls are hanging in the balance. That should give you something to chew on today, it sure has made me do some thinking!
Tom
Friday, January 13, 2012
Revelation #75
Finally we have come to the end of our study of Revelations. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have. I didn't anticipate it lasting this long but to try to get the main points across it was necessary. May God receive all the glory!
Revelation 22:17-21
17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.
In verse 17 we see the Holy Spirit and the church(bride) say "come". We know it is the desire of the Holy Spirit to draw man to Christ and it should be the desire of the church also. Then the verse says "let the one who hears say, "come". Oh brothers and sister we must be in prayer for those who have not accepted Christ to have the desire to ask HIM to come into their lives! Then we are reminded in this verse that Jesus is the living water and it is free to anyone who asks...praise the Lord!
In verse 18 we see a important warning...we are told not to add to these prophecy of this book or the one who does will receive the plagues described in this book! Then in verse 19 we are told if anyone takes away from this book God will take away that ones share of heaven! Wow....a stern warning!
Then in verse 20 we are told Jesus who testifies to the Words of this book says...."Surely I am coming soon." Amen and praise the Lord!!!!!!!! And verse 21 says the grace of the Lord is with all.
Wow what a book and what promises are held in it. Thank God today for sending His Son to die for you and for me so that we may live eternally in heaven if we accept that free gift.....Jesus!
Tom
Revelation 22:17-21
17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.
In verse 17 we see the Holy Spirit and the church(bride) say "come". We know it is the desire of the Holy Spirit to draw man to Christ and it should be the desire of the church also. Then the verse says "let the one who hears say, "come". Oh brothers and sister we must be in prayer for those who have not accepted Christ to have the desire to ask HIM to come into their lives! Then we are reminded in this verse that Jesus is the living water and it is free to anyone who asks...praise the Lord!
In verse 18 we see a important warning...we are told not to add to these prophecy of this book or the one who does will receive the plagues described in this book! Then in verse 19 we are told if anyone takes away from this book God will take away that ones share of heaven! Wow....a stern warning!
Then in verse 20 we are told Jesus who testifies to the Words of this book says...."Surely I am coming soon." Amen and praise the Lord!!!!!!!! And verse 21 says the grace of the Lord is with all.
Wow what a book and what promises are held in it. Thank God today for sending His Son to die for you and for me so that we may live eternally in heaven if we accept that free gift.....Jesus!
Tom
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Revelation #74
Great Words for the redeemed this morning!
Revelation 22:13-16
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
In verse 13 Jesus reminds us who He is and what those words mean is He always has been and always will be! Amen! In verse 14 we are told once again what it takes to have the right to the tree of life and enter the city gates...washed our robes in the blood of the Lamb. Only by being covers by the shed blood of Jesus Christ may one partake of the fruit and the blessed life of the heavenly city! So my friends have accepted what Christ done for you on the cross? It is the only way to heaven. In verse 15 God describes us! Yes that is right" us" before we accepted Christ. Those who do not accept Christ are still in their sins and will remain outside the gates of heaven and will go to hell not fun to say but a fact.
Then in verse 16 Jesus reminds us who is telling these things, the angel He has sent on His behalf to tell the church! Then Jesus once again reminds us He is before all "the root". Look at these verses:
John 1:1-3
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
He also gives us His genealogy line, "a descendant of David". Also He is the "bright morning star" who Balaam foresaw arising from Israel conquering the nations:
Numbers 24:17
17 I see him, but not now;
I behold him, but not near:
a star shall come out of Jacob,
and a scepter shall rise out of Israel;
it shall crush the forehead[a] of Moab
and break down all the sons of Sheth.
Oh what a might Lord we serve and one day soon He will rule all...are you ready???? I am!
Tom
Revelation 22:13-16
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
In verse 13 Jesus reminds us who He is and what those words mean is He always has been and always will be! Amen! In verse 14 we are told once again what it takes to have the right to the tree of life and enter the city gates...washed our robes in the blood of the Lamb. Only by being covers by the shed blood of Jesus Christ may one partake of the fruit and the blessed life of the heavenly city! So my friends have accepted what Christ done for you on the cross? It is the only way to heaven. In verse 15 God describes us! Yes that is right" us" before we accepted Christ. Those who do not accept Christ are still in their sins and will remain outside the gates of heaven and will go to hell not fun to say but a fact.
Then in verse 16 Jesus reminds us who is telling these things, the angel He has sent on His behalf to tell the church! Then Jesus once again reminds us He is before all "the root". Look at these verses:
John 1:1-3
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
He also gives us His genealogy line, "a descendant of David". Also He is the "bright morning star" who Balaam foresaw arising from Israel conquering the nations:
Numbers 24:17
17 I see him, but not now;
I behold him, but not near:
a star shall come out of Jacob,
and a scepter shall rise out of Israel;
it shall crush the forehead[a] of Moab
and break down all the sons of Sheth.
Oh what a might Lord we serve and one day soon He will rule all...are you ready???? I am!
Tom
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Revelation #73
Continuing on in the last chapter of Revelation this morning!
Revelation 22:6-12
Jesus Is Coming
6 And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”
7 “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, 9 but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”
10 And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”
12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.
In verse 6 the angel tells John that ALL the words spoken in the book of Revelation are trustworthy and true. The angel also tells John that God has sent the Holy Spirit and the angels to show us who have called upon Jesus (servants) what will soon take place. Some may say well these events haven't taken place so soon was wrong. Ahh but my friend our timing and God's timing are two different things. We should be greatful that God is waiting so more will come to trust Jesus before it is too late! In verse 7 We have the words of Jesus reminding us He is coming soon and it is to our advantage to keep the words of this book for we will be blessed if we do. In verse 8 John reminds us that he is the one who the angel and Jesus told these things too and when he heard them he fell at the feet of the angel who showed him these things. In verse 9 we are told the angel rebuked him and told John that don't do that as he is just a servant like John and the prophets, and those who keep the words of Revelation....so worship God ONLY!
In verse 10 John is told not to seal up the words of the book of revelation because the time is near for everything to be revealed. The angel tells John that life will continue as it is...evil happening and righteousness happening. Then Jesus speaks in verse 12 reminding us once again he is coming soon but this time He adds he will becoming to judge and give to each for what they have done!
My friend we all have done evil in the sight of God but Jesus shed His blood to cover that evil, the only way to escape the depths of hell is by accepting Christ as Savior....have you done that? Do it quickly for He will be coming soon!
Tom
Revelation 22:6-12
Jesus Is Coming
6 And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”
7 “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, 9 but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”
10 And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”
12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.
In verse 6 the angel tells John that ALL the words spoken in the book of Revelation are trustworthy and true. The angel also tells John that God has sent the Holy Spirit and the angels to show us who have called upon Jesus (servants) what will soon take place. Some may say well these events haven't taken place so soon was wrong. Ahh but my friend our timing and God's timing are two different things. We should be greatful that God is waiting so more will come to trust Jesus before it is too late! In verse 7 We have the words of Jesus reminding us He is coming soon and it is to our advantage to keep the words of this book for we will be blessed if we do. In verse 8 John reminds us that he is the one who the angel and Jesus told these things too and when he heard them he fell at the feet of the angel who showed him these things. In verse 9 we are told the angel rebuked him and told John that don't do that as he is just a servant like John and the prophets, and those who keep the words of Revelation....so worship God ONLY!
In verse 10 John is told not to seal up the words of the book of revelation because the time is near for everything to be revealed. The angel tells John that life will continue as it is...evil happening and righteousness happening. Then Jesus speaks in verse 12 reminding us once again he is coming soon but this time He adds he will becoming to judge and give to each for what they have done!
My friend we all have done evil in the sight of God but Jesus shed His blood to cover that evil, the only way to escape the depths of hell is by accepting Christ as Savior....have you done that? Do it quickly for He will be coming soon!
Tom
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Revelation #72
Well we finally made it to the last chapter....what a blessing it is to study this book and know for the believer how it all turns out! In this last chapter I just want you to sit back and take it all in. For the saved it is Awesome! Just let your imagination run wild of what it will be like to be with Jesus forever!
Revelation 22:1-5
The River of Life
1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
This chapter pics up with continuing on in the looking at the New Jerusalem. The angel in verse 1 shows John the river of the water of life. He also tells us how clear it is like crystal! Then where it comes from....the throne of God and Jesus! True , pure life only comes from Jesus! Look at these verses:
John 4:10
10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”
John 4:13-14
13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Ahhhh just like good cold water....how refreshing these verses are! Verse 2 says this river flows through the middle of street of the city...always a reminder to us! The tree of life with twelve kinds of fruits, yielding each month and the scripture says it is on either side of the river....on big tree! We have never seen a tree like this! It once was off limits but now it will satisfy the citizens of heaven year round! Why? Because we have been healed from the sin curse! Look at this verse:
Ezekiel 47:12
12 And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”
This healing will be complete as you see it says the leaves "were" for the in Rev. 22:2. Verse 3 goes on to tell us nothing will be accursed as all will have been cleansed by the blood and the throne of God and Jesus will be in this city! Then we are told his servants will worship Him! May be a problem for those who don't serve Him now! The entire city will be the temple!
Verse for just makes me tingle when I think about it...we will see His face....everyday! Wow..that will be so awesome! We will have His name on our foreheads...sounds strange now but it will be a symbol of intimacy with Him. We are His property and protected by God Himself! In verse 5 we are reminded we will need no lamp for light, or the sun, because God's glory will be our light, and we will reign with Him for ever and ever and ever!
Men have wrote all kinds of books with happy endings but NONE compare with what God has in store for His children!!!
Praise King Jesus!
Tom
Revelation 22:1-5
The River of Life
1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
This chapter pics up with continuing on in the looking at the New Jerusalem. The angel in verse 1 shows John the river of the water of life. He also tells us how clear it is like crystal! Then where it comes from....the throne of God and Jesus! True , pure life only comes from Jesus! Look at these verses:
John 4:10
10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”
John 4:13-14
13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Ahhhh just like good cold water....how refreshing these verses are! Verse 2 says this river flows through the middle of street of the city...always a reminder to us! The tree of life with twelve kinds of fruits, yielding each month and the scripture says it is on either side of the river....on big tree! We have never seen a tree like this! It once was off limits but now it will satisfy the citizens of heaven year round! Why? Because we have been healed from the sin curse! Look at this verse:
Ezekiel 47:12
12 And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”
This healing will be complete as you see it says the leaves "were" for the in Rev. 22:2. Verse 3 goes on to tell us nothing will be accursed as all will have been cleansed by the blood and the throne of God and Jesus will be in this city! Then we are told his servants will worship Him! May be a problem for those who don't serve Him now! The entire city will be the temple!
Verse for just makes me tingle when I think about it...we will see His face....everyday! Wow..that will be so awesome! We will have His name on our foreheads...sounds strange now but it will be a symbol of intimacy with Him. We are His property and protected by God Himself! In verse 5 we are reminded we will need no lamp for light, or the sun, because God's glory will be our light, and we will reign with Him for ever and ever and ever!
Men have wrote all kinds of books with happy endings but NONE compare with what God has in store for His children!!!
Praise King Jesus!
Tom
Monday, January 9, 2012
Revelation #71
This morning we will finish out chapter 22. What a great way to end this chapter as we continue talking about the New Jerusalem which also is a picture of the church in heaven.
Revelation 21:22-27
22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, 25 and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. 26 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.
In verse 22 John tells us that there is no temple in the city, because the temple is God and Jesus. Can I get an amen here??? We will be with them forever in worship. In verse 23 we are told this city has no sun or moon to shine on it because God's glory is it's light! Wow...hard for me to even imagine this! Jesus is the lamp what a beautiful picture this is. Remember how many times you have heard that Jesus is the light of the world...this proves it! In verse 24 tells us that by this light nations walk and kings bring glory into it....all will be bringing glory and honor to the light source. Oh my does verse 25 bring a smile to my face....the gates will never be shut!!! We will be free to come and go in and out of the heavenly city and God will never shut us out!!!! Praise Jesus! We are also told there will be no night there! Hmmmm very interesting. Verse 26 says what I said a little earlier glory and honor will be brought into the city by the nations! In verse 27 it is made clear to us that nothing unclean will enter this city, it must be washed by the blood of the lamb! Only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life. So this leads us to the question this morning....are you in the Lamb's book of life? Only one way to be there, to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior! Don't wait my friend....tomorrow is not promised!
Tom
Revelation 21:22-27
22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, 25 and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. 26 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.
In verse 22 John tells us that there is no temple in the city, because the temple is God and Jesus. Can I get an amen here??? We will be with them forever in worship. In verse 23 we are told this city has no sun or moon to shine on it because God's glory is it's light! Wow...hard for me to even imagine this! Jesus is the lamp what a beautiful picture this is. Remember how many times you have heard that Jesus is the light of the world...this proves it! In verse 24 tells us that by this light nations walk and kings bring glory into it....all will be bringing glory and honor to the light source. Oh my does verse 25 bring a smile to my face....the gates will never be shut!!! We will be free to come and go in and out of the heavenly city and God will never shut us out!!!! Praise Jesus! We are also told there will be no night there! Hmmmm very interesting. Verse 26 says what I said a little earlier glory and honor will be brought into the city by the nations! In verse 27 it is made clear to us that nothing unclean will enter this city, it must be washed by the blood of the lamb! Only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life. So this leads us to the question this morning....are you in the Lamb's book of life? Only one way to be there, to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior! Don't wait my friend....tomorrow is not promised!
Tom
Friday, January 6, 2012
Revelation #70
Continuing to look the new Jerusalem which also represents the church this morning:
Revelation 21:15-21
15 And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. 16 The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal. 17 He also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel's measurement. 18 The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
In verse 15 John tells us the angel was carrying a measuring rod of gold and he was going to use it to measure the city, the gates and the walls. Take special note of the size of this city! We are told in verse 16 this city cubic shaped and is 12,00 stadia which is 1,380 miles!!! That means it is 1,380 miles long by 1,380 miles wide and 1,380 miles high!!!! Wow what a city! In verse 17 he tells us the walls are 144 cubits which is if my calculations are right over 2000 ft tall! In verse 18 we are told what jewels used to build portions of the city. The wall was built of jasper, the city was made of pure gold which was clear as glass! Verse 19 says the foundations of the wall were adorned with every kind of jewel...jasper, sapphire, agate, emerald, onyx, carnelian, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth, amethyst. Interestingly the jewels are the same ones used with the names of Israelite tribes on the high priests breastplates.
Exodus 28:17-20
17 You shall set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle shall be the first row; 18 and the second row an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond; 19 and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 20 and the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be set in gold filigree.
In verse 21 we are told the gates are made of pearl and each gate is made of a single pearl!!! Wow what a pearl! We are also told the street will be made of transparent gold. What men fought over in this life we walk on in the next!
What a picture of heaven! Remember this just the holy city in heaven there is much more outside the gates!
See you on Monday!
Tom
Revelation 21:15-21
15 And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. 16 The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal. 17 He also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel's measurement. 18 The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
In verse 15 John tells us the angel was carrying a measuring rod of gold and he was going to use it to measure the city, the gates and the walls. Take special note of the size of this city! We are told in verse 16 this city cubic shaped and is 12,00 stadia which is 1,380 miles!!! That means it is 1,380 miles long by 1,380 miles wide and 1,380 miles high!!!! Wow what a city! In verse 17 he tells us the walls are 144 cubits which is if my calculations are right over 2000 ft tall! In verse 18 we are told what jewels used to build portions of the city. The wall was built of jasper, the city was made of pure gold which was clear as glass! Verse 19 says the foundations of the wall were adorned with every kind of jewel...jasper, sapphire, agate, emerald, onyx, carnelian, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth, amethyst. Interestingly the jewels are the same ones used with the names of Israelite tribes on the high priests breastplates.
Exodus 28:17-20
17 You shall set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle shall be the first row; 18 and the second row an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond; 19 and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 20 and the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be set in gold filigree.
In verse 21 we are told the gates are made of pearl and each gate is made of a single pearl!!! Wow what a pearl! We are also told the street will be made of transparent gold. What men fought over in this life we walk on in the next!
What a picture of heaven! Remember this just the holy city in heaven there is much more outside the gates!
See you on Monday!
Tom
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Revelation #69
Revelation 21:9-14
The New Jerusalem
9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed— 13 on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
In verse 9 we are told by John that one of the angels who carried one of the seven bowls of plagues spoke to him saying that he was going to show John "the Bride, the wife of the Lamb". This so so awesome for us believers. The Bride and wife is us! The church. The Lamb is Jesus. The angel we are told in verse 10 then carries John away in the spirit to a high mountain and shows John the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven! What an awesome sight this must have been and will be! In verse 11 we are told what this city which is representative of the church looks like...has the glory of God as we are his sons and daughters. We are told the city has radiance like a rare jewel..as nothing compares to God's radiance. Verse 12 tells us this city has a high wall with twelve gates and twelve angels. The angels are the guards. The gates have the twelve tribes of Israel names inscribed on them. This shows us the unity of the old testament and the new testament. Verse 13 tells us the gates locations. Verse 14 tells us the walls of this city has twelve foundations and on them are the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb! Again another sign of unity of the old and new testaments.
What a beautiful picture so far of the church...the bride of Christ. Tomorrow we will continue to look at this picture of the church being represented by the new city Jerusalem!
Tom
The New Jerusalem
9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed— 13 on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
In verse 9 we are told by John that one of the angels who carried one of the seven bowls of plagues spoke to him saying that he was going to show John "the Bride, the wife of the Lamb". This so so awesome for us believers. The Bride and wife is us! The church. The Lamb is Jesus. The angel we are told in verse 10 then carries John away in the spirit to a high mountain and shows John the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven! What an awesome sight this must have been and will be! In verse 11 we are told what this city which is representative of the church looks like...has the glory of God as we are his sons and daughters. We are told the city has radiance like a rare jewel..as nothing compares to God's radiance. Verse 12 tells us this city has a high wall with twelve gates and twelve angels. The angels are the guards. The gates have the twelve tribes of Israel names inscribed on them. This shows us the unity of the old testament and the new testament. Verse 13 tells us the gates locations. Verse 14 tells us the walls of this city has twelve foundations and on them are the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb! Again another sign of unity of the old and new testaments.
What a beautiful picture so far of the church...the bride of Christ. Tomorrow we will continue to look at this picture of the church being represented by the new city Jerusalem!
Tom
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Revelation #68
Moving on in Revelation 21 this morning:
Revelation 21:5-8
5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
John tells us in verse 5 that Jesus who is sitting on the throne says take notice I am making all things new! Sin has been destroyed and Jesus is making everything pure again including heaven and earth! Jesus also tells John to write it down for what Jesus says is trustworthy and true! I can't wait for the day when all things are new including the saved! Then Jesus says to John "It is done!" Very similar to what Jesus said on the cross "It is finished!" When Jesus says it is done you can count on it....the destruction of his enemies and the salvation of the saints is complete. Jesus then reminds us in verse 6 who he is....the first and the last and the beginning and the end! He always has been and always will be! Jesus also reminds us He will provide for the spiritual thirsty without change...all we have to do is ask! Thank you Jesus! In verse 7 Jesus tells us if we over come by His shed blood we have the promise of being a son with God being our Father....it don't get any better than that my friends!
In verse 8 Jesus reminds us of the other side....rejecting Him. He lists those who fall in this category...cowardly-reject Christ for others, faithless-no belief, detestable-vile people, murderers, sexually immoral-outside God's standards, sorcerers-drug users and star worshipers, idolaters-idol worshipers, liars. Those who practice these things and do not receive Christ and turn from their sin will receive their portion in hell....which is the second death-seperation from God for eternity!
We have great news for the believer this morning and terrible news for the unbeliever. Let us make sure we are spreading the good news of Jesus for God does not want any to perish!
Tom
Revelation 21:5-8
5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
John tells us in verse 5 that Jesus who is sitting on the throne says take notice I am making all things new! Sin has been destroyed and Jesus is making everything pure again including heaven and earth! Jesus also tells John to write it down for what Jesus says is trustworthy and true! I can't wait for the day when all things are new including the saved! Then Jesus says to John "It is done!" Very similar to what Jesus said on the cross "It is finished!" When Jesus says it is done you can count on it....the destruction of his enemies and the salvation of the saints is complete. Jesus then reminds us in verse 6 who he is....the first and the last and the beginning and the end! He always has been and always will be! Jesus also reminds us He will provide for the spiritual thirsty without change...all we have to do is ask! Thank you Jesus! In verse 7 Jesus tells us if we over come by His shed blood we have the promise of being a son with God being our Father....it don't get any better than that my friends!
In verse 8 Jesus reminds us of the other side....rejecting Him. He lists those who fall in this category...cowardly-reject Christ for others, faithless-no belief, detestable-vile people, murderers, sexually immoral-outside God's standards, sorcerers-drug users and star worshipers, idolaters-idol worshipers, liars. Those who practice these things and do not receive Christ and turn from their sin will receive their portion in hell....which is the second death-seperation from God for eternity!
We have great news for the believer this morning and terrible news for the unbeliever. Let us make sure we are spreading the good news of Jesus for God does not want any to perish!
Tom
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Revelation #67
Happy New Year everyone! Today we will pick up where we left off as we get close to the end of Revelation.
Revelation 21:1-4
The New Heaven and the New Earth
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
In verse 1 we see that John sees a new heaven and a new earth as the originals have passed away. God is going to renovate the earth and the heavens. Sin has scarred God's creation and God will make them like new. Look at these verses:
2 Peter 3:7-12
7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
Pretty wild huh? John also tells us there will be no more sea. Not sure why but I do know why John recorded this...he was isolated on an island, Patmos, this would be great news to him! In verse 2 John tells us that the holy city, new Jerusalem, he seen coming down out of heaven dressed for her husband. This Jerusalem is the church no longer to be trampled by man! Look at this verse:
Hebrews 11:10
10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.
In verse 3 John hears a loud voice from heaven and it says "the dwelling place of God is with man." Wow that is the greatest news we can hear! The voice goes onto say God will dwell with man, and the redeemed will be His people and God himself will be their God! What a way to start off the new year to be reminded of that promise! Verse 4 continues on with the good news....God will wipe a way our tears....shows His love for us. Death will be no more....eternal life is ours! There will be no more mourning....sorrow is gone! No crying....just celebrating with our Savior! No more pain...won't that be awesome! As you get older you realize more and more how great this promise is! For all former things have passed away....everything is new in Christ!
Oh what a day that will be my friends.....what a day that will be!
Tom
Revelation 21:1-4
The New Heaven and the New Earth
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
In verse 1 we see that John sees a new heaven and a new earth as the originals have passed away. God is going to renovate the earth and the heavens. Sin has scarred God's creation and God will make them like new. Look at these verses:
2 Peter 3:7-12
7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
Pretty wild huh? John also tells us there will be no more sea. Not sure why but I do know why John recorded this...he was isolated on an island, Patmos, this would be great news to him! In verse 2 John tells us that the holy city, new Jerusalem, he seen coming down out of heaven dressed for her husband. This Jerusalem is the church no longer to be trampled by man! Look at this verse:
Hebrews 11:10
10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.
In verse 3 John hears a loud voice from heaven and it says "the dwelling place of God is with man." Wow that is the greatest news we can hear! The voice goes onto say God will dwell with man, and the redeemed will be His people and God himself will be their God! What a way to start off the new year to be reminded of that promise! Verse 4 continues on with the good news....God will wipe a way our tears....shows His love for us. Death will be no more....eternal life is ours! There will be no more mourning....sorrow is gone! No crying....just celebrating with our Savior! No more pain...won't that be awesome! As you get older you realize more and more how great this promise is! For all former things have passed away....everything is new in Christ!
Oh what a day that will be my friends.....what a day that will be!
Tom
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