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What is your first emotional reaction when you hear or read, or even see the word "judgment"? Perhaps the range of feelings would be as varied as there are humans to react. There could be flashbacks to childhood when we were called before a parent to account for something we had done. Maybe in school, we were called to the front of the class to be critiqued concerning the pros and cons of our performance on an assignment or test score. For those of us who were once part of military service, there were times when an "in your face" drill sergeant dressed us down…  ( Click for more )

Is every question concerning salvation answered in the Bible? There are things which are certainThere are things which seem to be uncertain - at least for now. Things certain and some things, maybe. Many are in the now of our understanding, some are entirely for later - some for last. So it is concerning our understanding.

Discerning the differences are critical - for faith, patience, endurance and for receiving and enjoying the peace which Jesus left for us (John 14:27). For instance, the final disposition of all of humanity, that is, those who have never heard the…  ( Click for more )

God has appointed for every person on earth to experience a “near death experience”. Not actual death (that also, eventually) but a near death experience. Most are familiar with the term in relation to medical settings in which someone claims to have died, saw certain things or sensations, etc. There is a kind of near death situation when someone is in a coma resulting from accident or illness. These are relatively rare, regardless of the circumstances or beliefs surrounding them. Every day of our lives, we experience a near death experience, or at least most do every…  ( Click for more )

In a recent article in this column, the frightful consequences of being exposed at the judgment as not being known by Jesus was discussed in the context of relationship. This writer can conceive of nothing more frightening or dreadful to contemplate than this. If this is so of anyone, it is also so that that one does not himself know Jesus, regardless of any other factors in his or her life. Not being known by Jesus will result in separation from His presence, because they are accounted as workers of lawlessness. But what about anyone who claims to know Jesus, and does not believe…  ( Click for more )

Sometimes we hear the expression, “well, no one is perfect!”. Especially if that one wants off the proverbial hook. This is so convenient. And natural, according to the nature of the fall. What can one say to this? It is difficult to not agree, albeit reluctantly perhaps. It diminishes our hoped-for case. Another translation of the statement could be “well, I’m no worse than you!” Remember Catch 22...? Aside from the mental gymnastics and one-up-man-ship, we really do need to know - is no one perfect? Has anyone ever been perfect - other than God…  ( Click for more )

Why are Christians allowed to injure and hurt each other?",,,we always hurt the ones we love" it has been said. At times it seems so. If so, why is it so often in the church of Jesus Christ? How can these things be...thing that "ought not to be so"...? (1 Timothy 5:13).

God allows us to injure each other - it is obvious. We should not, but in His wisdom, if we allow the Holy Spirit to do His work, it s alot like pain in the physical body which has been put there to tell us that something isn't working the way God intended. Relationship…  ( Click for more )

Perilous Times Our world seems to be living in very perilous times. With each passing day, there seems to be one disaster after another, and at an increasing rate. It is time for all to understand the “signs of our times”. We do not need to speculate the “when” and “where, and “who” - unless we refuse to believe in the words of your Savior and mine: “So when you see the [b]abomination of desolation [the appalling sacrilege that astonishes and makes desolate], spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the Holy Place (let…  ( Click for more )

Consequences Most of humanity lives in kind of dream world of self seeking the “the good life”. This is to be expected since they have been born into a world of self seeking. As a saying goes, its just “what we do…”. Its natural. It has been so since the fall of Adam and Eve. The world has not yet realized that all things, all acts, all lives that been lived down through the eons of history have consequences, regardless of who they are and where they are. Job understood this truth, as he struggled with the meaning of his affliction when…  ( Click for more )

Most of humanity lives in kind of dream world of self seeking the “the good life”. This is to be expected since they have been born into a world of self seeking. As a saying goes, its just “what we do…”. Its natural. It has been so since the fall of Adam and Eve. The world has not yet realized that all things, all acts, all lives that been lived down through the eons of history have consequences, regardless of who they are and where they are. Job understood this truth, as he struggled with the meaning of his affliction when he said: ““Yet…  ( Click for more )

Most of humanity lives in kind of dream world of self seeking the “the good life”. This is to be expected since they have been born into a world of self seeking. As a saying goes, its just “what we do…”. Its natural. It has been so since the fall of Adam and Eve. The world has not yet realized that all things, all acts, all lives that been lived down through the eons of history have consequences, regardless of who they are and where they are. Job understood this truth, as he struggled with the meaning of his affliction when he said: ““Yet…  ( Click for more )

If you are a Christian, is there a way of life by which you may be assured that you will inheret eternal life? If there a pattern of living a spiritual life by which we can live our lives and know we are saved?

Consider the live of the Apostle Paul:

"Finally my fellow believers, continue to rejoice and delight in the Lord! To write the same things are no trouble for me, and it is a safeguard for you.

But whatever former things were gain to me, these things I have to come to consider as loss for the sake of Christ.

But more than that, I count everything as loss…  ( Click for more )

It has been declared by some that as long as one confesses that he or she does not believe in God or Jesus Christ, that person has no obligation to believe.

However, God the Father and Jesus do not see it that way.

"For (God does not overlook sin and) the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against ll ungodiness and unrigheousness of men who in their wickedness suppress and stifle the truth, because that which is known about God is evident within them (in their inner consciiousness), for God made it evident so them. For ever since the creation of the world His invisible…  ( Click for more )

The story of Job in the Bible is a true story that has probable been at least heard of by almost everyone. Much has been written about and speculated about this book down through the ages since the event occurred. Many ideas, opinions, and speculations have come forth as to why…why Job? Was he not a righteous man. His righteousness is even allotted to by God Himself. Then why? Why the terrible suffering, and why was it recorded so that we could read the torrid details? There are many lessons to be observed and learned from reading the book of Job. However,…  ( Click for more )

Our lives are made up of many things - uncertainties, fears, guilt, worry, insecurity. The list may go on. Life is made of small things generally. The only seem large when they are pressed too close together. But above all these things, you have been sealed forever from the time you first really believed in Jesus from your heart. The summation of your life has been settled the day you believed in Him and asked Him to guide your life. Love - His love with yours - it is the sum of all things, the summation of all. If you love Jesus Christ, and are unconditionally devoted to Him,…  ( Click for more )

Are you growing as a Christian? We all should be living in the soil of the grace of God in order to mature as grown-up children of God. We grow downward and then upward. The spiritual life of all of us is similar as an analogy. Grace allows growth, humility enables grace. When a plant is introduced into the soil in which it must grow, it grows in two directions. It begins by growing downward then upward. That which was originally planted, slowly begins to die as it grows upward. The original seed dies as it becomes new as it moves upward, and finally returns to the soil downward.…  ( Click for more )

We have all probably heard the expression that there are always consequences. In every act, every plan or lack of plan - even with our thoughts, since thoughts often lead to actions. And so it is. The Bible illustrates throughout the Old Testament, an overarching meaning in almost every book penned by the prophets. God proves there are consequences for not acknowledging and obeying God. He sets the boundaries of right wrong, truth and untruth. This begins in the Old Testament, especially the prophetic books, and continues to be shown until the book of Revelation. In short, He (God)…  ( Click for more )

It seems so easy - and natural - sometimes, to carry attitudes and opinions about others. Usually it isn't calculated or planned... it's just the natural fallen-nature kind of thing to do - it just is... We, as Christians, are tempted constantly to make summary judgements about others. Believers and unbelievers. How and why does this occur. Of course, we can say, correctly, that it is caused by our fallen nature that still influences our feelings and attitudes. Realization and observation are not the same as condemnation. The former is knowledge; the latter is judgment, based…  ( Click for more )

Repentance

(NOTE: This article was written several years ago, and is reprinted asof this date - May 26,2016. As of this date, many calls have gone out asking for prayers that America will restored to its former character and greatness. This writer feels very deeply that something is missing in these pleas. NO ONE has yet even mentioned the word REPENTANCE. If Ameica is to be saved and restored to it former greatness, it must first repent, and seek forgiveness of its sins. The sins are great, and almost all encompassing. God will hear, then forgive, and then restore only if there…  ( Click for more )

The love of money...not money per se, but the LOVE of money, and what it can do. The love of money, and the possession of it, leads to power - power over others, and power over nations and peoples. If there is enough money involved, the power will follow eventually. Power over individuals, businesses, and nations. Every level of every human existence is pervaded by money and/or the desire for it. If there is an avenue by which enough money can be obtained without threat of being discovered if it is illegal, the necessary effort will be made to obtained it by someone. "But…  ( Click for more )

A comedy TV show from the past sang a closing refrain entitled "thanks for the memory...". We, as Christians, should have many thanks to God for our memories. Yes, many times we recall events, words, circumstances that now seem almost unbearable to recall for anything but a passing thought. When dwelt upon in the wrong way, or at the wrong time, we run from them. I know of a Christian married couple who, late in their lives, confessed with each other that they could not recall a single good memory of any kind in their long married relationship. Blinded by hardships and…  ( Click for more )

Bad Things - Good People

We all have wondered from time to time, why so many bad things seem to happen to good people.

But there is a reason. Perhaps first we should define what the word “bad” is understood to mean - what it means to whom, and how do “people” perceive it as they do. The meaning of the word has about as many definitions and applications as there are people to define it. God plainly affirms that there are many afflictions experienced by “the righteous”, as well as to the unrighteous, but God delivers the righteous…  ( Click for more )

You and I were created and born to worship. Even if we are presently unaware of it. Even if it exists only in our minds - something or someone outside of that which we call the “self“. Indeed we, as human beings, are put together spiritually and even mentally and physically, to worship something or someone, who is outside of the “self” entity. One simple definition of “Worship” could be described as whatever a person puts first in life. God gives you and me the freedom to choose the what or the who. Along with this freedom, God commands…  ( Click for more )

Since the time that Satan was cast out of heaven, he has been orchestrating and manipulating the world....unseen and silent - except for what can be seen as the results of his activity. However, the world in the main does not make the connection. It sees only the results. This has always been true. In all world affairs, in the lives of all peoples, Satan and his minions have influenced and controlled this world. But as a paradox, he really is not in control. He can only do that which God via the Holy Spirit allows. In past ages prior to the first coming of Jesus Christ, angelic…  ( Click for more )

Has the earth reached a breaking point? Has God allowed a way to get mankind’s attention that cannot be ignored any longer? Has the world reached a kind of “breaking point? A "point of no return"? It is amazing that there is very little desire to look beyond the carnage and ask “who” and “why” Of course we hear much human logic about the physical causes of what was and is occurring, but very little concerning what is occurring above the fires, The One who controls all things in heaven - and earth. There is much comment by…  ( Click for more )