Where Are They Now?

"Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the Spirit will return to God who 
gave it." (Ecclesiastes 12:7)

 What happens to our loved ones, when they pass away? Where are they now?

We talk about our loved ones being in heaven, and what they may be doing now. We speak to the fact, that they are having a great time, and visiting with other loved ones who have passed on as well.  According to our text, when we die, our bodies will turn back to dust again, and the spirit of every person who dies returns to God at death.

Jesus told His disciples, not to let their hearts be troubled over death, because when they die they would have an eternal home, and Jesus would receive them to Himself, that where He was, they would be also.(John 14:1-3)
Now this is a promise to Christians. Those who have received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of their lives.

If anyone dies without a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, they are separated from God for eternity. And I take it that when their spirit returns to God, it is sent to a place called "Hades" the waiting place for the dead."
(Read Luke 16:19-31 The Parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus)

This should be a constant concern for us and our loved ones. It is something that we should be encouraging our loved ones about, and all those who we have contact with. They need to realize that receiving Jesus Christ as their Savior, and establishing a relationship with Him, places them in the most secure place they can be. Heaven belongs to Jesus, So the question for us, and our loved ones is: Do we want to be with Jesus, where He is...forever? GP

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Two Step To Salvation

 

Two Step To Salvation 

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23) 

I am not a dancer, but I have heard of the "Two Step." Here is one description of the "Two Step" I read. "The two step was developed because the cowpoke got tired of dancing the one step on the right foot, and added the second step so he could change weight to the left foot as well. Then he called it the two step. Right then left." (Copied)  

I don't know if this is an accurate description, but it does lead into our post-article subject concerning "Salvation." There are two steps of gospel truth (when realized) that leads us to salvation, in our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Step One: We Have Sin...In Our Lives. 

The apostle Paul writes to the Christians at Rome, and tells them (and us) that "All have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God."(Romans 3:23) Everyone in the world, including ourselves, have at one time or another disobeyed God's Word, and His will for our lives. No one is perfect except our Lord Jesus Christ. Sin is the wedge that we have placed between God and us, in our relationship with Him. In our second Scripture verse, Paul says that "The wages of sin is death"...that is spiritual death, which means eternal separation from God. When we sin, we not only break God's law, but we break His heart. And the wages, or payment for our sinful activity is spiritual death. 

That leads us to the second step of gospel truth. 

Step Two We Have A Savior...In Our Lives. 

There is nothing we can do to save ourselves. It is only by the love of God, brought to us by His Son Jesus Christ, that brings us the hope of salvation. As the last part of our second Scripture verse says: "But the gift of God is eternal life, in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23b) 

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, gave His life on the cross at Calvary to die for our sins, and bring to us the precious gift of God, eternal life. 

These two steps of of gospel truth, (when realized) are to draw us to obtain the hope of salvation that God wants us to have today. And will also give us as Christians, a simple but essential message to present to others who are walking in their sins, and living a life without hope. 

This is not a two step dance, but it is a two step gospel truth, that will lead those who are lost in sin, to the Savior, and to eternal life. GP 

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Salvation Belongs To The Lord

"Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing is upon Your people." (Psalm 3:8)

 I am inspired by the work of God's creative hands. How magnificent is His creation. Even with the mighty hurricanes that have leashed such dynamic blows, I respect an awesome power that reflects God omnipotence.

But an even greater wonder to me, is the salvation that God brought to man-kind. God's creative hand is wonderful, but His gracious heart is even more amazing. How He could love us who stand in rebellion and disobedience to His will for our lives, is beyond comprehension.

Yes as the old hymn says: It was "Amazing Grace"" that saved a wretch like me!" As John 3:16 says: "God wants the world to be saved. So much so, that "He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish  but have everlasting life."

It is bold to say, that this is who God is. This is what He is all about.
He wants the world to be saved (that includes you and I) If you have never accepted God's gift of salvation to you, it is here, right now, to be received, and lived out to eternity.

In Jesus we walk in newness of life, and and we walk in joy, peace, and hope. I wonder, do you have these things today? Are you walking in a dark uncertainty? Are you walking in sorrow and despair?

It is true that we don't know about tomorrow. But Jesus does.
Wouldn't it be better to have Him leading the way, than for us to be our own blind guides?

Salvation belongs to the Lord, and it is for us! Not just for now, but forever! Why not receive it today! GP

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How Salvation Works?

 

Here is a sermon outline by Alan Carr of a message entitled "How Salvation Works" Of all the questions ever asked, this one is the most important: "What must I do to be saved?" 

The Jerusalem crowd after hearing Peter's dynamic sermon on Jesus Christ asked this question (Acts 2:37c) And the Philippian jailer also asked this question (Acts 16:30) If you ask this question today, these are the answers concerning how salvation works. 

The First Step Is Conviction (Acts 2:37) 

After they heard what Peter said about Jesus Christ, it says that they were "pricked in their heart" They came to realize who Jesus was, and what they had done in putting Him on the corss. Realizing that He had come, as God planned, to be the Savior of the world. I hope that you will realize (if you haven't) that you need a Savior as well. 

The Second Step Is Conversion (Acts 2:37b-41a) 

Peter tells the crowd what they must do to be saved: Two things are involved here: Repent or feel sorry for your sins, and the life you have lived apart from God, and then be baptized for the cleansing of sin, and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

The Third Step Is Continuation (Acts 2:41b-42) 

It says that the early Christians (following their conversion) devoted themselves steadfastly to these things: The Apostles Doctrine (Bible Study) Fellowship (Being a strong support group) The breaking of bread (cf. Communion and partaking of the Lord's Supper) and Prayer (Communicating with God) 

The process of being saved is not an easy process, because it involves, personal surrender, and personal faith. Have you allowed Jesus to save you today? It may be hard, but it is the most important decision you will ever make in your life. This decision involves your eternal security. Please don't wait to do it, and let it be to late! GP 

Outline By Alan Carr  www.sermonnotebook.org

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TCJ E-Zine Transcript Link

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Being Saved From Ourselves

"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. (Ephesians 2:8-9) 

In an elementary school classroom, the teacher asked the question: "What shape is the world, round, or flat?" Johnny raised his hand and said, "It isn't round!" The teacher asked him, "Is it flat then?" "No, it isn't flat either." The teacher responded, "It it's not round, and it's not flat, what shape is it?" Johnny smiled and said, "My father says, "It's crooked!" 

 I could be very critical of the world, and agree with that statement. But when I look myself, I am flawed, and have a lot of problems that need to be corrected. In Romans 7, the apostle Paul speaks of an inner battle that rages within our hearts. "For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice." (Romans 7:19). 

It seems that this battle is so constant, and the discipline is so weak, one wonders if there would ever be victory over it? Out text tells us, that it is only in standing in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, putting our full faith in Him to save us, that will bring the victory we need. 

The stronger our relationship is with Jesus, the more strength we will gain to save us from ourselves. The more we strive to be like Jesus, the more we will shake the attitudes and actions of this world. It will not be something that will happen overnight. It will be in the process of time, that we crucify ourselves, and place our lives in the lordship of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 2:20) 

What we cannot do, Jesus can!GP Photo: geralt/23405 images/Pixabay License/Free for commercial use/No attribution required/www.pixabay.com

Rescue Me

["And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21] ["Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12] 

There are many who will ask: "Why do I need to be rescued?" "Rescued from what?" "I'm a good person, who is just as good as the next person." "I take personal responsibility for myself." "Why do I need a Savior?"
First of all, We need to be saved from our sins, and sinful nature. 
The Apostle Paul writes ["for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,..."Romans 3:23] In Jesus Christ we have a cleansing of our sins, and sinful nature. ["But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."]

Secondly, we need to be saved from ourselves. Paul also writes:
["For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me." Romans 7:19-20] There is an inner battle that goes on in all of us, to which we can not win ourselves.
["O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!"Romans 7:24-25]

We as Christians should be very grateful that we have salvation through Jesus Christ. He set us free the day we submitted to Him totally.
And He saves us from ourselves, every single moment we submit to Him, and allow Him to work in our hearts, and lives.

 The world needs a Savior, and that is why Jesus came to this world.
It is urgent that we share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We will not make it out of this world without Him. And people need to realize this, before it is too late! GP

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The Word Of Reconciliation

"...and has committed to us the word of reconciliation,...(2 Corinthians 5:19c)

As pastors, teachers, and all those in spiritual leadership, we have been given the "word of reconciliation.

The Gospel message is what the Apostle Paul is talking about here. A message of how people can come to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.

It is the "good news" of how Jesus our Savior came to earth to give His life, so we could have life abundantly and eternally. It is a message of how our lives can be restored after the devastation left by sin.

The question is: Are we sharing this message, beginning with the little children to the adults? Are we taking advantage of this opportunity, in our Sunday morning Bible school times, our worship times, and in our mid-week Bible studies.

Is the message being communicated, as the Apostle Paul shared from Isaiah 49:8 "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." (2 Corinthians 6:1-2)

There are many topics we can focus on, but there is none more important, than this one. Communicating the message of salvation, defines us as the church of Jesus Christ.

In this we find our purpose, and in this we find our fulfillment.    
The world needs it so much! We need to provide what the world needs, in and through Jesus Christ. GP

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A Message We Need To Hear!

"So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation." (Hebrews 9:28) 

*"The blood that purchased your eternal redemption came not from unwilling animals, but from the Son of God who willingly laid down His life for you. (John 10:14-18) The spotless lamb of God had to die only once; the sacrifice need not be repeated. Have you trusted that blood to save you?"

That is a good question. What is your response to it? "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!" You don't hear this preached from a lot of pulpits anymore.

*"We are living in a day when the message of the church is changing. Churches, and even whole denominations, are moving away from the old message of salvation through the blood of Jesus, and are moving toward a message of salvation through social activism and good works. The old bloody message of the cross is quickly being replaced by a bloodless message that lacks power and that lacks hope. Instead of hearing the devastating, but life changing news that men are sinners, people hear a message that tells them, "I'm OK and you're OK!"

According to the Bible, apart from the saving provision and power of the blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross for us, we are far from being OK! Apart from the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, we are in the serious position of paying for our sins, and being placed in the fires of hell forever. Jesus is our sacrifice, given to us by a loving God, who by no means wants us to perish.

So again the question is asked: Have you trusted the blood of Jesus to save you? If you haven't, you need to place yourself under it today. (Acts 2:38) GP

* Warren Wiersbe
* Alan Carr

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Your Savior

"But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; 
I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place." (Isaiah 43:1-3) 

As we approach the day of our Christian celebration: Celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ; it is good for us to take a look back, and reflect on the events that brought our Lord Jesus Christ to this day of celebration. How far back we choose to go is up to us.

The Gospels proclaim concerning a journey of passion, suffering, death, and now celebration. One thing is clear, as the prophet Isaiah brings out in our text; what he says concerning the nation of Israel, can be said about us today. And what he prophesies concerning our Lord Jesus Christ, is for us today.

Like Israel, we do not need to fear, for the Lord has redeemed us.
He came to save the world from sin and death; and He has indeed did that for us. You can put your name there in claiming Jesus as your Savior.
My question is: Have you done that?

All that the Prophet said about Jesus to Israel, Is He that for you as well? If not, it's not too late. Have Jesus be your Savior today! GP

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The Place Called Calvary

"And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals. one on the right hand and the other on the left." (Luke 23:33)

 I remember as a young boy, seeing for the first time, a picture (actually a painting) of the crucifixion. All that the painter conveyed in that horrible scene, really tore at my heart.

*The name "Calvary" occurs only once in our text (Luke 23:33) It comes from the Vulgate, where the Latin "calvaria" translates the Greek "kranion": Both words translate Aramaic "gulgota", the "Golgotha" of Matthew 27:33 meaning "skull" Three reasons for such a name: First, because skulls were found there. Second, because it was a place of execution. And third, because the site, looked like a skull. The place of Calvary was outside of Jerusalem, probably not far from the city gate.
As people came in, they could see the executions that took place.

But the most significant thing about Calvary, is that it was there, that Jesus died to pay for the sins of the world (including my sins, and your sins) It was there that He made the ultimate sacrifice to win the battle over sin, and eternal death. To be spiritually restored, and have the eternal blessings God has in store for us, we must come to Calvary,
and lay everything at the foot of the cross.

To say goodbye to the world, and yes to God, and His grace, through Jesus, His Son.

"At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away. It was there by faith I received my site, and now I am happy all the day." (Isaac Watts, Ralph E Hudson)  

*Contributions from Eerdmans - New Bible Dictionary.

Photo: Dr. Arshad Febray

Our Spring Rain

"Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.”
(Hosea 6:3) 

I heard someone say that there is fifty days until Spring. This year (2016-17) has not been a severe winter, but we all look forward to Spring coming, when we can enjoy a time of refreshment and renewal.

When will the times of refreshing, and renewal come to the nation of Israel? They had been like an unfaithful wife, that was likened to Hosea's wife.* He married a woman who bore him three children and then deserted him, and became a prostitute. He finally had to buy her back out of the slave market (3:1-2)" 

Israel had committed spiritual adultery, because they had turned to idols instead of staying true to God. The nation of Israel was taken into captivity by Assyria in 722 B.C. The Lord had to punish Israel, but He also promised that He would restore her.

The plea of the prophet Hosea is that the people strive, to get back to having a relationship with the Lord. In reaching out to Him, He would come to them as the Spring rains come to us, after a severe winter.

When we come to Jesus Christ we leave behind the winter of sin's enslavement. We leave behind the sorrow, fear, and guilt of sin. In our life [in Christ] we find much refreshment and renewal,
This new life we walk in, is nothing like the life we lived before.
We rejoice in this life of fellowship with our Savior and Shepherd Jesus Christ.

To those who don't know Him as such. Your Spring rain can be in the next decision you make.
Will you make Jesus Christ your Savior And Shepherd today? GP

 *Warren Wiersbe - With The Word - A Devotional Commentary - p. 571

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The Upward Call Of God

 "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14) 

I was disappointed when the Pro football team ( I have followed since I was a young boy) did not make it to the Super-bowl. They struggled all through the year, but managed to get to that one game, that would open the door for them to play, and possibly win the Super-bowl prize. But they didn't win the championship, and lost the opportunity.

I am so glad that it isn't like that in our journey to heaven.
In our text the Apostle Paul shares concerning the call on His life, to press towards the goal, that is a sure win. The prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, is a call to receive all that God has to offer us.
And the key to winning this prize, is for everyone (who hears the call of the Gospel) to accept Jesus Christ as Savior, and Lord of their lives, and head towards heaven.

 When Jesus gave His life to die to pay our sin debt, He gave us a free ticket to head towards heaven. I remember the advertisements that Disneyland had on TV. They would ask a player of the team that won the World's Series, or the Super-Bowl: "Now that's you've won, what are you going to do?" They would respond: "I'm going to Disneyland!" 

Well now that we have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, and Lord of our lives, what are we going to do? Our answer:"We're going to heaven, and we're going to take as many as we can with us, as we go!" 

 It don't get no better than that! GP

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Power In The Blood

"Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God." (Romans 5:9) 

"What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow. 
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus." (Author-Robert Lowry) 

Why is the blood of Jesus so important? I hope you will take time to look up these Scriptures, to see what the blood of Jesus accomplishes:
*"Provides Forgiveness of our sins: (Hebrews 9:22)
Gives you life: (John 6:53)
Brings you close to God: (Ephesians 2:15)
Cleanses your conscience: (Hebrews 9:14)
Gives you boldness to approach God: (Hebrews 10:19)/
Sanctifies you: (Hebrews 13:12)
Cleanses you: (1 John 1:7)
Heals you: (1 Peter 2:24)
Enables you to overcome the devil and his works: (Revelation 12:11)
(*walkingbyfaith.tv/journal/single-article/81)

"Your natural blood supplies life-giving oxygen and nutrients to every cell in your body. If the flow of blood were to get cut off from an area of your body, that part would begin to die. Spiritually speaking, any part of your life that is cut off from the blood of Jesus is dead or dying." (*walkingbyfaith.tv/journal/single-article/81)

Have you been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb? You can do it today, and receive the new life, that the Savior wants so much, for you to have! GP

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Do You Know Jesus?

"He found first his own brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah (which translated means Christ) (John 1:41) 

It is a hard thing to bring people to Christ?

I believe that when we look at how Andrew brought Jesus to his brother Peter, it's not as hard as we think. When we think of who Jesus is, and what He can do for the people we know, who are walking without hope in their lives, it should motivate us to ask the question: "Do you know Jesus Christ?"" Would you like to have a personal relationship with Him?" And then try to answer the questions that will follow, about why they should surrender their lives to Him.

We don't have to have all the answers, but one answer we should always have. We surrender our lives to Jesus Christ, because "...there is salvation in no one else (*but Jesus Christ) for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) 

We must be saved from our sin, from ourselves, from our guilt, and from our fear. And a life surrendered, and grounded in Jesus Christ, will do just that.

 As the song says well: "People Need the Lord" And we need to bring to those we know (who are walking without the Lord) an invitation to get to know Him, and receive Him as Savior and Lord of their lives. We need to do it as soon as we can, before time runs out, and it's too late! GP

* Added by Gary Patterson
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What Will Matter The Most

I used a sermon illustration that really puts things into perspective concerning our salvation.

Joe Stowell writes: "Several years ago a friend of mine visited an exhibit of relics from the infamous Titanic voyage. Exhibit visitors were given a replica ticket with the name of an actual passenger or crew member who, decades earlier, had embarked on the trip of a lifetime. After the tour group walked through the exhibit viewing pieces of silver dinnerware and other artifacts, the tour ended with an unforgettable twist. A large board listed the names of all the passengers, including their status—first class, second class, crew. As my friend looked for the name of the person whose ticket he was holding, he noticed a line across the board dividing the names. Above the line were the names of those who were “saved” and below the line all those who were “lost.” (Our Daily Bread 2/24/2011) 

In the end, it will not matter what our status is. But what will matter is if we will be "lost", or "found." I pray that we will have established, a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, and be on the "found" list, safely home with Him forever. GP

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The Greatest Blessing

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23) 

We are encouraged by the song "Count Your Many Blessings" to be mindful of all the good things God has provided for us in our lives. When we start doing that, we find that the list is long.

But there is one blessing that out shines them all, and is named in our text. That is "eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Instead of receiving the wages for our sinful activity, we are receiving this wonderful gift, of eternal life.

This is not a work that we do, but it is a step that we take. A step of faith. As the gift is extended, through our faith, our heart, and our our life receives it. We turn away from our selfish worldly sinful life, and embrace a new life in Jesus Christ, which is abundant and eternal.

We can name a lot of blessings that have to do with our well-being here on planet earth. But this gift, this blessing, is regarding our future. Apart from God, we have no future, although there are a lot of people who are not even considering this fact.

Sin leads to death. An eternal separation from God, who holds all that is good, instead of evil, in His hands. Do we want to eternally be in this kind of a state?

This gift is available to all who will call on the Lord for it. Receive it today, and embrace the most wonderful blessing of all! GP

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