Something to Think About

Romans 5:17-19  - (...For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

This “one man’s” offense was the act of disobedience displayed in the garden of Eden. True, Eve was the initial perpetrator, but Adam followed her lead for some reason. He knew the rules. He walked with God and had daily communication with Him. God gave Adam the command and Adam passed the information down to Eve. It’s only speculation at this point but perhaps Eve misunderstood. But the fact that Adam didn’t stop her puts him in the position of blame.

So we live in a sin-sick world today because of these actions of disobedience. They chose to disobey, as do many today. Are any of us perfect? No. Even if we have called on the name of the Lord to be saved, we fail daily. We continue in our sins...yet we are also being perfected. That will continue till we die or the Lord returns.

Sin entered the world, and along with it all the illnesses, diseases, anger, hatred, disputes, through one man. Only one Man can change that. It’s why it is important we know this Man, Jesus. It’s why we must call on the name of the Lord to be saved. It’s why He has told us:

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 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 3:3,7,16)

Jesus’ free gift of grace is offered to all. It produces righteousness, not deserved by any, but offered. It is a gift! It must be received. It is not just a given that because we call ourselves Christians (because we are not Jewish or Muslim or Buddhist) one is saved. It is not determined by one’s denomination or how long we have attended church. Jesus was not about a denomination. This salvation is for anyone when one confesses that Jesus is Lord. Then comes the act of baptism, to show that one means business!

We’re talking about life here, eternal life in heaven or hell. The soul lives on after death in one place or the other. It will either be glorious or pure agony...eternally. Life does not just end when death comes. The soul lives on. 

We are living in trying times. While the events of today may pass, they may appear again. Many believe, as do I, that we live in the last days. I heard a message (many actually) which stated these days are like birth pains. They start out small and increase in intensity, like when child is born. There are always reprieves. But after a reprieve the next pain becomes more intense. While we might see a reprieve in this Covid19 crisis, more things may occur and intensify. What if...this does happen? We might get upset with government, even see conspiracy theories, but the main thing is to see how this all fits into God's eternal plan and what His Word tells us these days will be like. I'm seeing things I never thought I'd see. I can be anxious for a moment, but ultimately the peace of God comes again and I thank Him that I see what His Word has told us these days would be like. 

This is the time to seek God for His protection. It’s time to be serious about Him. It’s time to understand what His Word says about these days we live in and recognize the prophetic words spoken thousands of years ago of Jesus’ birth, His death, His resurrection, His ability to save spiritual lives, that death is not a thing to fear, unless one is without Christ.

The things of this world truly have no importance: only one thing is important...a life in Christ. Food, alcohol, entertainment, parties, sports or drugs are all distractions to keep us from focusing on God. It’s only a matter of (short) time before Jesus will put an end to all the nonsense. Those whose focus is not on earthly things but have kept their eyes on Him will reap the benefits. Not so much for others. We all have to make the decision or choice for Christ.....

Maybe I seem like a fanatic or am considered to not know anything about anything, but what if I’m right? Why would God have written such an amazing Book? Why has it not been done away with and not been destroyed? Why does God’s Word continue if it is all a lie? His Word, He says, will not return to Him void but will accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which He sent it. That's about truth, sin, salvation...and end of time. Something to think about. 

Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9  - But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)... For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.