Tag Archives: Christ

Where Will You Spend Eternity?

23 Tuesday Feb 2021

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Most humans are focused on the here and now as it concerns their day-to-day life. We each have a routine that we adhere to, and some of us do so religiously. However, in the midst of the daily grind as it has been called, there is the inevitable presence of the “afterlife.” In many different religions, the afterlife is a place or a metaphysical condition that follows life here on Earth. Concerning Christianity, the Bible makes it clear that there are two destinations when a person leaves their Earthly body. Heaven is the eternal resting place that all who have given their lives to Jesus will spend eternity in the presence of God. Hell on the other hand is the place where those who rejected Christ and a relationship with God find eternal damnation and torment.

Regardless of what different religions ascribe to as the afterlife, the Bible which is the only authoritative truth speaks clearly as to what two directions are possible concerning humanity. In the Matthew 25:46 it says,

“And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Philippians 3:20-21 says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”

Notice the two words mentioned in each of those scriptures. “Eternal life” and “Heaven” are meant to denote the reward and provision that God makes for those who choose to follow Him through Christ. Heaven is by God’s design and it is meant only for those who accept Jesus Christ. It is important to also understand that it is God’s desire that we experience a relationship with Him through Christ, and this also means that when our Earthly lives are finished, we have the opportunity to be present with the Lord.

However, Hell is also a destination only meant for those who refuse to acknowledge and accept Jesus Christ. Revelation 20:15 says “And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”

Matthew 10:28 says, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Hell which is directly mentioned in the Bible is a place of eternal torment and separation from God. It was not ever designed for God’s creation, but it is a place that many go to due to their choice of rejecting Christ. The reason that Hell was established in the first place was to be a holding place for anyone who followed Satan. According to 2 Peter 2:4, there were fallen angels (who made the decision to defect and follow after Satan during his rebellion against God) who were banished into captivity in Hell. Anyone who stands in opposition against God and dies in that condition will find their same fate in Hell.

The Bible makes it clear that there are two roads that we as humans will find our eternity in. Jesus Christ died on the Cross and rose again so that we could have eternal life with God in Heaven. It is through the bloodshed of Christ that we can have our sins forgiven. However, anyone who does not accept Christ’s sacrifice will be eternally separated from God and fiery torment will be felt. God does not wish that any man or woman perish. Rather, God desires to have a relationship with us through His son Jesus.

Do you know Jesus Christ in the pardon of your sins? If not, today is a great day to give your heart and life to the Lord. Tomorrow is not promised, which means that none of us knows when our time on Earth is finished. You can have eternal assurance in your destination and that can be known through accepting Jesus Christ and living your life in service unto the Lord. Where will you spend eternity?

The Gift for Every Day – Jesus Christ

26 Saturday Dec 2015

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December 25 is a day in which many around the world, celebrate the holiday that is known as ‘Christmas.’ On this day, millions gather to exchange gifts and to spend time with family and friends. This is a day that Christians and non-Christians have set aside time to engage in festivities that involve decorations and consuming a holiday dinner. It is a time that has been marked by togetherness and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

However, there is a much deeper meaning to this day. While the world promotes purchasing material things, the truth of the matter is that at the core of Christmas day, it is not about giving or receiving gifts. While this is a nice gesture and it is most certainly encouraged, the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christ’s birth marked the beginning of humanity’s opportunity for redemption. It is because of Jesus’ birth, that you and I can be redeemed due to His sacrifice on the cross.

While Christmas day is an important day in the history of our world and all existence, it is paramount that we who are in Christ understand that Christmas day isn’t the only day that we are to celebrate or acknowledge the birth of Christ. Every day is a day that we have the opportunity to commemorate and honor the gift of Jesus Christ.

The prophet Isaiah gives a prophecy that points to the birth of Jesus Christ that would occur many years after the prophecy was given. For example, in Isaiah chapter 7, verse 14, the following prophecy is declared:

(NKJV) “Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”

This prophecy was made between 701 and 681 BC. It was later fulfilled in 5 BC. 700 years later, the words of the prophet Isaiah came to pass. In chapter 9 of Isaiah and verse 6, another declaration is made:

(ESV) “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

It is important to note in the above verse, Isaiah was not only foretelling what would happen, but he was directing his prophecy to King Ahaz and the nation of Judah. At this time period, Judah and its people were afraid of the Northern Kingdom (Jerusalem) and Syria. They were joining together to attack Judah. However, Isaiah prophesies with hope rather than sticking to a gloom and doom perspective.

Essentially, the prophecy of Jesus Christ is one of hope, not only for the people in Isaiah’s day but for future generations. Isaiah said, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;” This meant that the prophecy transcended every generation. “To us” meant that the gift of life through Jesus Christ became available to every person regardless of the time they live in.

Even today, the gift of Jesus Christ being born is a gift that is available to you and I. Since the prophecy is toward humanity as a whole, then it includes even those who choose to reject Christ. The fact is that you and I have been given an extraordinary opportunity to be redeemed through the bloodshed of Jesus Christ. While Christmas is a day that many celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, it is not to be relegated to one day.

Every day should be a day to recognize the birth of Jesus Christ, His death on the cross, and His resurrection. The key is understanding that Christ being born to die has eternal relevance, especially for those who make the choice to accept this gift of life. Unfortunately, satan has used many distractions through the media to divert the focus of both the believer and non-believer in the attempt to remove the emphasis on Jesus Christ.

If you have seen any advertisements both before, during, and even after Christmas then you may have seen the concerted focus on materialism. We live in a society that does not push the essence of Jesus Christ’s birth, but rather the focus is on what one must have or purchase. However, the key is not the gifts we buy or get for ourselves.

Isaiah makes it clear when he says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;” This suggests that it was God’s plan that Jesus be given for us in order to break the power of sin over humanity. Christmas shouldn’t be solely about the gifts, friends, family, and great food. While these things have their place and are to be cherished, the overwhelming reason for today and every day’s commemoration is to reflect upon the gift that God gave to us through Jesus Christ.

Even to those who adamantly deny God’s existence, or those who choose to live in their sin, Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection is the gift that is available every single day. His sacrifice on the cross is what closes the chasm between our lives in sin and having a relationship with God. Every Christmas is indeed another reminder that we should be thankful for what we have, but the overarching theme is Jesus Christ.

The world will not elevate the name of Jesus because those who live independently of God are not open to the things of the Holy Spirit. However, when you receive Christ as your Lord & Savior, Christmas and every day begins to take on a new meaning. Christ died for the sinner and the saint. He died for you regardless of what your past or present circumstance is.

However, while the death of Jesus Christ gives us the opportunity to be free from our sin, it is the individual choice we must make to be redeemed. Those who choose to remain in darkness are operating out of condemnation, however, redemption is reserved for those who desire to be made whole and set free.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? Perhaps you celebrated Christmas with friends, family, and you exchanged gifts – and yet your life was and is missing the most important part and that is Christ. It isn’t too late to receive Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior. Many celebrate Christmas with religiosity and tradition, and yet their lives are devoid of the one who can truly give them life and meaning.

Jesus wants to give you life through His sacrifice, but it is up to you. The world continues to prompt us to focus on materialism and aspects of life that are temporal. However, eternal life through Christ is what will last. Choose life today by choosing Jesus. His gift of life is available not just on Christmas day, but every day. God’s gift is available to you if you are willing to accept it.

Tools to Equip Every Believer

11 Friday Sep 2015

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Spiritual

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ID-100169199A toolbox is a container that houses various assortments of instruments used to repair broken items. Each tool is designed to address a specific need with the intent to incorporate a solution to a problem. For example, a hammer is used to drive nails into a particular surface. If you need to tighten a loose nut or bolt, then a wrench would be useful. Or you may need to turn or even remove a screw which would mean using a screwdriver. Every tool that is available provides efficiency for the task at hand. Without the appropriate tool, then the issue that you may be facing will be unresolved until there is an intervention.

In the life of every believer, there are various tools that God has given to you and I as we journey through this life. The world continues to show us just how sin and a lack of morality have become the culture that many have embraced. If you turn on your television or even if you visit a website dedicated to the latest news you will see just how wicked and perverse our world has become. The fact is, the times that we are living in require a keen focus into who God is and what He desires for our lives. It also means that there must be the utilization of the spiritual tools that God has made available to every believer. This is so that we can be equipped to battle against satan as he continues to attack God’s people every day.

In scripture, there are various verses that we can examine to show us what tools we have available and also how such tools can be used so that we will be armed against the enemy’s schemes. The following are at least five tools that we who are in Christ have at our disposal. These tools are also taken from key verses of scripture to show you that God’s Word gives us all of the answers that we seek regarding life and how to live.

1. The Holy Spirit – The role of the Holy Spirit is to be our comforter and our helper. John chapter 14 and verse 26 says:

(NLV) “The Helper is the Holy Spirit. The Father will send Him in My place. He will teach you everything and help you remember everything I have told you.”

In this scripture, Jesus is talking to His Disciples, and He gives them the promise that the Holy Spirit will be sent to comfort them after His death on the cross. Basically, Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will be available once Christ leaves the Earth. Notice the key words in this scripture which are ‘teach’ and ‘helper.’ The Holy Spirit is available to every believer which gives you and I the ability to live triumphantly. The Holy Spirit which is one of the 3 in the Trinity (God, Jesus, Holy Spirit) is here to teach us. With the increasing level of deception in our world, we need the Holy Spirit more than ever.

The role of the Holy Spirit is to guide us into all truth so that we would not be deceived and destroyed. Secondly, the Holy Spirit is here to help us. He helps us to avoid the snares of the enemy in addition to giving us the supernatural power to do battle against our enemy. We obtain the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit through seeking God’s presence in prayer and in worship.

2. Pastoral Leadership – Unfortunately, there are some who are in Christ who choose not to find themselves in corporate worship or under the leadership of any Pastor. We are living in a time in which church attendance has dropped precipitously which aligns with the ‘Great Falling Away’ that the Apostle Paul talks about in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. However, God has designed Pastoral care and leadership for the well-being of believers who are not called to serve in that capacity. Every Christian who can should find a Pastor who speaks God’s truth and can teach them the principles of God’s Word.

Titus chapter 1 verses 5-9 mention the characteristics that a Pastor should exhibit. The Apostle Paul encouraged the institution of Elders (which is also aligned with what Pastors are meant to do which is to oversee believers in Christ) within churches. Verse 9 of this chapter says:

(ESV) “He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”

The role of a Pastor is to give instruction to believers. Someone who is in Christ who does not have a Pastor to teach them in the ways of the Lord is someone who is without protection. The role of the Pastor which is also mentioned in Ephesians 4 verse 11 is one that God put into place for the purpose of leading believers and furthering the discipleship process. It is the role of a Pastor that buffers the enemy so that one’s soul is not left unattended and without sound instruction.

3. God’s Word – We are living in a time in which deception is increasing every single day. While it is important that we who are in Christ have the Holy Spirit, we also need to know God’s Word. It is knowing His Word and taking it as absolute truth that will spare us from being caught in the web of lies that satan puts forth. So many are now accepting what satan has given as truth instead of seeing God’s Word as the truth that is infallible and immutable.

Hebrews chapter 4 verse 12 says,

(NLV) “God’s Word is living and powerful. It is sharper than a sword that cuts both ways. It cuts straight into where the soul and spirit meet and it divides them. It cuts into the joints and bones. It tells what the heart is thinking about and what it wants to do.”

This scripture clearly states that God’s Word is ‘living and powerful.’ It is so powerful that the writer says that it is sharper than a sword that cuts both ways. Basically, it is God’s Word that convicts and brings the truth of God to our mind and our heart. It is the truth of God that cannot be changed despite how much the world around us changes. Using God’s Word as a filter allows you and I to avoid the lies that the world promotes to us daily. Knowing God’s Word and having it in your heart is what will give you knowledge and a baseline for conviction.

4. Prayer – Prayer is one of the most important weapons that we can use against the enemy. When we pray, we are establishing an open line of communication unto God which creates a relationship. Not only are we talking to God, but in prayer God talks back to us. It is like having a relationship with a person which is to say that constant communication builds the relationship. Through prayer, we have safety in addition to receiving the blessings that God desires for us.

Philippians 4:6 says,

(ESV) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

God wants to know what is on your heart and He wants us to trust Him to the point that we rely on Him through prayer. Some may contend that if God already knows what we need or desire that there isn’t a reason to pray. However, when we pray it is the dialogue that we have with God that creates a closer relationship. Having daily times of prayer institutes a greater sense of who God is what He is able to do.

5. Fellowship with other believers – Knowing others who are also in Christ and having relationships with them establishes a mode of strength and accountability. In this individualistic society, it becomes so easy for us to be self-absorbed into our own thoughts and lifestyles. However, God created us to be relational which means to have relationships with others.

Hebrews 10:25 says,

(KJV) “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

The writer of this scripture wants us to understand that we must not take for granted that we can and should come together in the faith. Exhortation which also means to build each other up is an important part of the process. Weekly interaction with fellow believers gives you a sense of hope and also a sense of connection. This is also why it is important to be connected to a body of believers through regular church attendance.

The overall message is that we must be equipped through Jesus Christ. All of these tools are available to those of us who are in Christ, but to those who are not in Christ these tools cannot be manifested appropriately. If you don’t know Jesus, today is a great day to accept Him as your Lord and Savior. He wants to be your King and He desires that you have access to the tools listed above. In doing so, your life will be enriched and you will have the necessary means to address all of life’s circumstances. This is God’s promise to the believer and those who wish to know Him through Christ.

Your Debt Was Paid on Credit Through Jesus Christ

28 Thursday May 2015

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The credit card has become a common means to purchase goods.  In America and even around the world, the credit card is a useful tool to not only pay in expediency but to also purchase and pay later. It was designed so that the consumer could purchase an item while simultaneously allowing the debt that they owe to be paid for by the institution that they are borrowing from.  However, there is a catch as it relates to credit card usage.

The use of any credit card will involve the following stipulations:

1. Every lending institution offers an interest rate –  This means that upon purchase, the lender applies interest which is based on the fact that the borrower is using their service. You can think of interest as a surcharge that is instituted throughout each month of the billing cycle. An interest rate gives the lender a percentage of money in return.  If a person’s creditworthiness is exceptional then they will benefit from a lower interest rate which means the lender yields less of a return.  However a higher interest rate is based on a person’s lack of creditworthiness, meaning that the lender will earn more in interest.

2. The consumer must pay the lender back for the debt owed – Upon every purchase, the institution expects that the borrower pay them back in full for the service rendered.

While a credit card may be a useful tool in a moment of emergency or even convenience, it can be dangerous to ones financial health depending on how it is used. If you look at the credit card in its essence, it is nothing more than an opportunity for lenders to take advantage.  While you pay and owe a debt, they incur revenue from the interest rate and your debt that is paid.  However, there is one such individual who does not operate as a common lender does, and that is Jesus Christ.

In 2 Corinthians 5:21, the Apostle Paul states the following about Jesus Christ:

(NIV)“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 

Jesus Christ was not only given as a sacrifice in the place of you and I, but He essentially became the sin that emanates from our very existence.  All of us were born into sin because of the disobedience of Adam & Eve.  As a result, we carry the same lineage that was passed down through their actions.  The bad news is that because of our lineage, we have become products of Adam & Eve which also means that we inherit the consequences because of our sinful nature.  The consequences are that of a life that is destined for destruction because of our sinful state.  However, there is great news for you and the rest of humanity.

There is a term which is called “The 2nd Adam.” As the Bible records, Adam did not follow God’s original order which was not to eat from the tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil.  However, because Eve ate from the tree and Adam followed her, sin entered into the world through Adam & Eve but primarily because of Adam’s disobedience.  So, as a result, sin became a by-product of Adam’s actions which set in motion the consequences of sin.  The term, “The 2nd Adam” comes into play when Jesus Christ is introduced as the savior of the world’s sin.

Essentially, Jesus is called the 2nd Adam because He is the alternative to the 1st Adam. To get a better picture, the Apostle Paul explains the difference between the first human which was Adam and Jesus Christ.  In Romans 5: 12-17 Paul says the following:

(NIV) “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned — To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come. But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!”

What Paul is saying in the above scripture is that death and condemnation are the result of the 1st Adam or the original human who sinned.  It is because of Adam’s disobedience that we are all born into sin.  This means, our destiny before Jesus Christ was to accept eternal damnation because of our sinful state.  However, once Jesus Christ came and was sacrificed on the cross for our sin, it was His death and resurrection that turned the tide of the original condemnation.  In the above scripture, it is apparent that Jesus is the one who gives life rather than death.

So, the principle of “The 2nd Adam” is that Jesus Christ broke the chain of sin and condemnation when He died on the cross.  It was because He became sin for us and he took my debt and yours, we no longer have to live in condemnation nor are we doomed to destruction.  Just as the lending institution takes the payment of what we wish to purchase, Jesus Christ has done the same thing.  The difference however between lending institutions and Jesus Christ is that we are not obligated to pay back the debt.

Creditors have the position of receiving your pay once the billing cycle begins so they can be paid back (with interest) in return for their services.  However, the great thing about Jesus is that He paid a debt that you and I owe.  Since we were all born into sin, the original judgment was and is that we would be condemned.  However, the alternative is that Jesus Christ became the substitute for the debt that we owe.  The Bible says in Romans 3:22 that through faith in Jesus Christ we are made righteous.

You have an opportunity to be made righteous because of Christ.  We are not saved by works or trying to be a “good person”.  We are saved by grace and every human has an opportunity to be saved.  As long as humanity remains in its sinful nature and disobedience, then of course we shall not experience an escape from destruction.  While Christ’s sacrifice took the debt that you and I owe, it is still up to us to make a decision to repent.  By repenting of our sin and turning away from it, then the power of sin is no longer effective in our lives.

If you haven’t accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, take the time to accept this gift of life.  It doesn’t cost you anything to accept this gift.  The only thing you must do is ask for forgiveness, turn from your sin and live a life that is pleasing to God.  The gift of life has already been paid for on credit through Christ.  In return, you will have a life that is full of abundance and eternal security.  Choose life by accepting this precious gift. For those of us who have already accepted it, we are the beneficiaries of this gift of life. It is open to all who will receive.  Choose Jesus Christ and find out what this gift of life can afford to you if you are willing to accept it.