Special writing on Romans 8 – All of Nature Waits – November 28, 2023

I have found Romans 8 to be an interesting scripture to explore. GOD uses HIS handiwork to reveal Himself to all people, even to nature and through nature. GOD’S number one desire is for those HE made to search for HIM AND TO BUILD THE RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM THROUGH FAITH IN HIS ONE AND ONLY SON, JESUS, THE CHRIST. FAITH IN JESUS RESULTS IN A PERSON BEING BORN-AGAIN IN HIS OR HER SPIRIT. WHEN A PERSON IS BORN INTO GOD’S FAMILY, THEY ARE SPIRITUAL INFANTS AND MUST BE FED THE MILK OF GOD’S WORD FIRST. AS HE OR SHE GROWS SPIRITUALLY, THE SPIRIT BORN PERSON CAN BE FED THE MEAT OF GOD’S WORD. Pray that we can grow Spiritually to be fed the meat of GOD’S Word.

Studying the book of John is a good place to begin. 

All Spirit-born Christians are expecting the return of JESUS at any time. The signs of HIS return are ever more prominent. But keep in mind that only GOD knows the instant that HE will tell JESUS to respond. At that moment, JESUS will appear in the sky and take all Spirit-born people from earth to Heaven. Those who have not been born-again will be left behind on earth. This will be the second coming of JESUS. As we read Romans 8, we will learn that all of nature waits for its full and complete redemption – let’s explore!

Romans 8:1-39: The Life-Giving Spirit

8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, [a] 2 because the law[b] of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you[c] free from the law[d] of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do since it was weakened by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending his own Son (JESUS) in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering, [e] 4 in order that the law’s requirement would be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit. 6 Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so. 8 Those, who are in the flesh, cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him. 10 Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit[f] gives life[g] because of righteousness (Salvation is the instant a person asks JESUS to forgive him/her for his/her sins and for JESUS to come into his/her body believing that JESUS’ death paid, in full, for that person’s sins. Thus, Spiritual birth into GOD’S Family) 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through[h] his Spirit who lives in you.

The Holy Spirit’s Ministries

12 So then, brothers and sisters, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, 13 because if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons/daughters. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, [i] Father!” 16 The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, 17 and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

From Groans to Glory

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation eagerly awaits with anticipation for God’s sons/daughters to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly, but because of him who subjected it—in the hope 21 that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. 23 Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the first fruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? 25 Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.

26 In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us[j] with inexpressible groanings. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Did you know that as a Spirit-born person you are a Saint and GOD has plans to use you according to HIS will and purpose while you remain upon earth. GOD equips those HE chooses. 

The Holy Spirit, Himself, searches our hearts and KNOWS the mind of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity and lives within every Spirit-born person and communicates with GOD’S Children. Awesome – Listen carefully! Remember, the still small voice of GOD, yet so powerful. When GOD speaks, we are to listen and respond! And so does nature. In John 38:38-40, we read - “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”[b]

“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

40 “I tell you, “He (JESUS) replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” (JESUS was going into Jerusalem and would be crucified because of sin. Nature is under the authority of GOD. HE Calms the Sea --be still, wind cease, thank YOU FATHER.)

28 We know that (GOD is at work in all things to bring about good.) all things work together[k] for the good[l] of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those he foreknew he also predestined (Ephesians 1:3-6) to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified. 

When a person accepts JESUS as his/her Savior that person’s name is written in the Lambs Book of Life.

[ Ephesians 1: 3 Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him. [c] 5 He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8 that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding.[d] 9 He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ 10 as a plan for the right time[e]—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.

11 In him we have also received an inheritance, [f] because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, 12 so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.

13 In him (JESUS) you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. 14 The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.]

Nature is under the authority of GOD. In Luke 19:

The Believer’s Triumph

31 What, then, are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He did not even spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything? 33 Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies. 34 Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. 35 Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

Because of you

we are being put to death all day long.

we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered. [m]

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Read the Bible and talk to GOD, which is prayer. Let HIM know your needs and for HIM to guide you and teach you as you grow Spiritually.

Thank YOU, FATHER, for human life by YOUR choice and eternal life through my choice because of the love JESUS had for all humans. 

JESUS gave HIS perfect life to redeem all who will place their faith in HIM and HIS passion. Even though we were predestined, all must take a step of faith. Ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your life now. Ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for JESUS to come into your life and to confirm YOUR presence in your life by the witness of the Holy Spirit within you through the miracle of Spiritual birth into GOD’S eternal Family. 

JESUS loves you and gave HIS sinless life just for you!

JESUS is coming again – Be ready!

Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Thanksgiving 2023 - November 26, 2023

 

Bible Study – Thanksgiving 2023 – November 26, 2023

Happy Thanksgiving to all with blessings and prayers.

JESUS is coming again, and HIS second coming is ever closer. Are you ready? Thanksgiving is a good time to consider our relationship with JESUS. Our complete redemption through faith in JESUS is ever closer.

Our focus scripture is Psalm 65:1-13.

We have so much to be thankful for.

-         GOD made earth for humans to enjoy and to build the right relationship with HIM. GOD’S desire is for humans, male and female to marry, have a family and to worship HIM freely. HE made earth to reflect HIS handiwork and how awesome HE is. Humans live in the bodies HE created for us to enjoy earth and all that is in it. HE placed a GOD size vacuum in each person that encourages all of mankind to seek the right relationship with HIM and honor HIM freely in praise and worship. GOD did not desire to make a bunch of robots but a people with freewill to choose to be in right relationship with HIM through faith in JESUS. So, look all around. What do we see? We see GOD’S Glory and HIS Handiwork displayed for all to see. HIS handiwork speaks to all people, but some choose to ignore it. When we see GOD reflected in HIS handiwork, we rejoice and praise HIM.

Psalm 65 has three stanzas: A psalm of David.

-         David celebrated GOD

-         thanked HIM for HIS Grace.

-         God’s Care for the Earth

           Let’s read - Psalm 65:1-4:¹ Praise is rightfully yours,^[a]
God, in Zion; vows to you will be fulfilled.

In Hebrew the phrase, “Praise is rightfully yours”, means “to YOU silence is praise.” In Hebrew, the word for silence is similar to the word for “fitting and proper.” There are times when we need to not speak but just listen. Psalm 46:10

-         “Be still, and know that I am God. I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth!” (Even nature waits for its full redemption. The subject of a second writing scripture is Romans 8 an addendum.  (I plan to publish following this lesson.)
² All humanity will come to you (GOD),
the one who hears prayer.
³ Iniquities overwhelm me;
only you can atone for our rebellions.
⁴ How happy is the one you choose
and bring near to live in your courts!
We will be satisfied with the goodness of your house,
the holiness of your temple.^[b]

GOD is worthy of our praise

Psalm 65:5-8 - And for HIS Greatness. 

-         ⁵ You answer us in righteousness,
with awe-inspiring works,
God of our salvation,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the distant seas.
⁶ You establish the mountains by your power;
you are robed with strength.
⁷ You silence the roar of the seas,
the roar of their waves,
and the tumult of the nations.
⁸ Those who live far away are awed by your signs;
you make east and west shout for joy.

GOD’S handiwork speaks louder than what HE has created. The order of HIS handiwork reveals HIS power and grace. As I was seeking to know and experience GOD, the order of earth and the universe caught my attention. There had to be a Master designer, GOD. GOD preplanned all that was needed to support life upon earth. Awesome when we think about it! The majesty of GOD’S creation magnifies GOD and how awesome and loving HE is.

Psalm 65:9-13 And HIS Goodness. 

-         ⁹ You visit the earth and water it abundantly,
enriching it greatly.
God’s stream is filled with water,
for you prepare the earth in this way,
providing people with grain.
¹⁰ You soften it with showers and bless its growth,
soaking its furrows and leveling its ridges.
¹¹ You crown the year with your goodness;
your carts overflow with plenty.^[c]
12 The wilderness pastures overflow,
and the hills are robed with joy.
¹³ The pastures are clothed with flocks
and the valleys covered with grain.
They shout in triumph; indeed, they sing.

GOD cares for all of our physical needs. HE made us with the freedom to choose. HE reveals Himself through HIS handiwork and awesome power. HIS desire is for us to choose HIM. When we approach HIM, HE comes closer to us.

Scripture reveal’s GOD’S desire to reach out to all mankind and reveal Himself to all humans through HIS handiwork. Consider nature itself. Quickly, nature is not to be worshipped. Nature leads us to discover GOD WHO made nature. In turn, when we seek GOD, HIS total love for us humans are expressed in the second Adam, JESUS, the CHRIST, WHO paid, in full, the price GOD required for sin. The perfect sacrifice! GOD’S only SON, JESUS.

Have you placed your faith in JESUS and what HE did just for you? If not, why not now! Ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your life, believing that HE paid for your sins in full. That is when the Holy Spirit joins with your human spirit and the miracle of Spiritual conception takes place quicker than the twinkle of the eye and you are born-again in your spirit. You now belong to GOD and HIS eternal family, never to be unborn. GOD gives each person HIS Holy Spirit as a guarantee that you are GOD’S Son or Daughter eternally. You will dwell with GOD/JESUS and all the inhabitants of Heaven eternally. Rejoice and go tell someone what you have done. Welcome into GOD’S Family my brother or sister in JESUS!

Study the book of John to learn more.

Following this study, I will publish the brief study on Romans 8 regarding nature.

Blessings!!!

 

 

 

Confident (6) - Is Hell Real? - 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12 - November 19, 2023

 

Confident (6) – Is Hell Real? – 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12 – November 19, 2023

This is our final lesson in our series entitled “Confident in the Face of Hard Questions.”

Our focus scripture is 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12.

The Thessalonian Christians had questions concerning the second coming of JESUS. They thought it had already happened which the Apostle Paul attempted to address in 1 Thessalonians. So, Paul wrote Second Thessalonians.

Why did GOD create earth? Why did GOD create man and woman?

Our subject in this lesson is, “Is Hell Real?” The answer is “YES!” Why does Hell exist? Verse 41 tells us ----

Let’s consider Matthew 25:41: ⁴¹ “Then he (JESUS) will also say to those on the left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!

Notice for whom Hell was prepared: “the devil and his angels.”

Key points are the reference to the devil and his angels. They rebelled against GOD.

Can you imagine a place without GOD?

I can tell you, I do not want to go to Hell but I can also tell you that it was not the fear of Hell that caused me to seek GOD. It was the love of GOD and JESUS that led me to my decision to be eternally born into GOD’S eternal Family through faith in JESUS at about 9 years old.

Heaven awaits those who place their faith and trust in JESUS. When a person makes a profession of faith in JESUS, he/she receives the Holy Spirit (Divine Sperm) which instantly unites with the human spirit, the egg. A Spiritual conception takes place instantly. This spiritual conception results in that person, in the words of JESUS, being “born-again.” Spiritual birth in just that, Spiritual. Those born Spiritually, never to be unborn, from GOD’S eternal Family. Salvation is eternal but the rewards received in eternity can vary depending upon a person’s obedience to their FATHER, GOD.

GOD created the heavens and earth. HE declared it good. It would sustain human and animal life for as long as GOD needed it.

GOD’S desire was to form human life that would choose to love HIM because of WHO HE is, “I AM.”

The devil/Satan was already present in the realm but he had rebelled against GOD. GOD desired for a people that would love HIM, simply by choice, so HE formed man from the dust of the ground and HE made woman using a body part from Adam. Thus, human life began upon earth with the freedom to choose.

Satan enters the garden and GOD allows Satan to test them. They failed but GOD had a redemptive plan which was based upon choice.

We fast forward to GOD laying the foundation for HIS redemptive plan. GOD sent HIS only SON (the second Adam/JESUS) to earth to be born of a human virgin, Mary, live a sinless life, yet to be tempted in every way humans are tempted, which HE did not sin, to redeem those who will place their faith in HIM.

Fast forwarding to near the beginning of the ministry of JESUS - We read in Matthew 4:1 - 4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted (tested) by the devil.

JESUS was tempted over the span of HIS earthy life in all ways as humans are tempted, yet without sin. WOW! That’s why when HE willingly gave HIS life to pay for the penalty for sin, in full, it pleased FATHER GOD – Why did GOD create the world and form us?

Billy Graham responded to this question:

God created us for one reason: to know Him and love Him and have fellowship with Him. And originally that’s what happened; Adam and Eve loved God and had unbroken fellowship with Him. They not only lived in a perfect world, but they had perfect fellowship with their Creator.

But God created them with a free will—that is, with the ability to either love Him or reject Him. Otherwise, they would have been like robots, unable to choose to love God. We may enjoy watching a robot in action—but we can’t really love it, nor can it love us. And that’s why God didn’t make us like robots. Instead, He gave our original parents the ability to love Him—or even reject Him. True love requires the ability to respond.

But you know what happened. Satan told Adam and Eve that God was deceiving them (which was a lie), and if they obeyed him instead of God, they’d become like God. Tragically, they believed his lie—and their fellowship with God was broken. You and I now share in the consequences of their sin.

But God still loves us, and He still yearns for us to know Him and love Him and have fellowship with Him. And He has made this possible by sending Jesus Christ into the world to give His life for us. Have you responded to His love by accepting Christ into your life? The Bible says, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10).

Let’s read 2 Thessalonians 1:3-7a:

³ We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters,^[a] and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. ⁴ Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.

Satan likely thought he had won when JESUS gave HIS sinless life upon the cross. JESUS allowed the Romans to crucify HIM to atone for the sins of all who will place their faith in HIM. The shed blood of JESUS upon the cross paid for the sins of mankind but each person must acknowledge that fact by accepting JESUS as his/her Savior. When a person accepts JESUS as his/her Savior the miracle of Spiritual birth takes place quicker than the twinkle of the eye and that person is Spiritually born into GOD’S Family for eternity. That person, at that instant, is given the Holy Spirit WHO guarantees that he/she has been born-again in his/her spirit.

JESUS victory over sin and death was confirmed when GOD raised JESUS from the physically dead on the third day! JESUS trusted GOD, HIS FATHER to give HIM eternal life.

⁵ All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. ⁶ God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you ⁷ and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well.

Why did GOD create earth?

GOD created the world and all that is in it for HIS own Glory and because HE desired to share HIS life with others. In Isaiah 43:6b-7:

“Bring my sons from far away,
and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
⁷ everyone who bears my name
and is created for my glory.
I have formed them; indeed, I have made them.”

Our existence was formed in the mind and heart of GOD. The scripture written by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians has always intrigued me. It is Ephesians 1:3-6.

³ Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. ⁴ For he chose us in him, “before the foundation of the world”, to be holy and blameless in love before him.^[c] 5 He predestined us to be adopted as sons/daughters through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, ⁶ to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One. (GOD chose us but the question for us is do we choose HIM. Don’t miss eternity with GOD in Heaven.)

⁷ In him (JESUS) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace ⁸ that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding.^[d] 9 He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ ¹⁰ as a plan for the right time^[e]—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.

¹¹ In him we have also received an inheritance,^[f] because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, ¹² so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.

Does this mean a person does not have a choice? Oh yes! All chosen do have a choice. Choose wisely because JESUS gave HIS sinless life just for each of you.

¹³ In him (JESUS) you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. ¹⁴ The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.

A Spirit-born person will never experience the death of his/her body. Their Spirit-born body will exit their earth suit before his/her body dies. WOW!!!

Prayer for Spiritual Insight

¹⁵ This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, ¹⁶ I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. ¹⁷ I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father,^[g] would give you the Spirit^[h] of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. ¹⁸ I pray that “the eyes of your heart” may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.

I love the statement the “eyes of your heart.” Where are “the eyes of your heart” located? To me it is the most secret part of a person’s being. We can fool some people but we know “truth” in the “eyes of our heart.” A person knows his/her relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS and the witness of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s read 2 Thessalonians 1:7b-10:

This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. ⁸ He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. ⁹ They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might ¹⁰ on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.

Eternity without GOD is Hell. Don’t be stubborn but acknowledge that you are a sinner and ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for JESUS to come into your heart and redeem you from the consequence of your sins and give you the Holy Spirit as your guarantee of eternal life.

Let’s read 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12:

¹¹ With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. ¹² We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.^[b]

CHRIST in you is the hope of Glory and the delight of GOD.

JESUS is coming again to claim all who are Spirit-born and physically alive upon earth. In the twinkle of the eye all who are Spirit-born will be transported into Heaven with JESUS. Spirit-born people will disappear.

Are you ready for the second coming of JESUS? Are you ready to meet JESUS when you die? If not ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and ask JESUS to come into your heart. When you do, thank JESUS for saving you and for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, WHO assures that you are GOD’S Son or Daughter. Then, if you are not already in a Spirit-led church, Bible study, ask JESUS to lead you to the place where you can be Spiritually fed and grow Spiritually.

Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Confidence (5) - Matthew 7:13-23 - November 12, 2023

 

Bible Study – Confidence (5) – November 12. 2023 - Won’t All People Ultimately Go to Heaven?

GOD’S kingdom is reserved for those who obediently follow HIM.

Our focus scripture is Matthew 7:13-23.

JESUS was teaching that the way to everlasting life is narrow. HE tells us about two gates – one gate is narrow and reveals to us that the narrow gate is the gate all people and especially HIS followers should choose. The other gate is wide and enticing but it leads to destruction.

Entering the Kingdom

¹³ “Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. ¹⁴ How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.

Life offers two (2) gates for a person to enter. The narrow gate, JESUS Himself offers for those who want to be born-again/Spirit-born through faith in JESUS. JESUS being the sinless person, HE was qualified to give HIS life to atone for all sin. This is because HE willingly shed HIS sinless blood and was and is the perfect acceptable sacrifice to GOD. Faith in JESUS opens the way to GOD by removing the sin barrier. When a person accepts JESUS as his/her Savior, his/her sins are forgiven and the person immediately becomes GOD’S eternal Son or Daughter.

Question – Is this something only GOD can do? YES! For every person to become a member of GOD’S Family, all it takes is asking JESUS to forgive him/her for his/her sins and for JESUS to come into his/her heart believing that JESUS is the true Messiah.

Therefore, is there any other way for a person to get to Heaven? NO!!!

A person cannot work hard enough, long enough or give enough of his/her wealth to earn his/her way to Heaven. Why should any person even try because JESUS has already redeemed all who place their faith in HIM from spending eternity in Hell.

Satan will do all he can to prevent a person from going through the narrow gate, therefore he makes the broad passage that leads to destruction look very attractive. Do not fall for Satan’s lures and lies.

I urge you to choose GOD’S path, the narrow way, through faith in JESUS. JESUS paid for all sin, in full, but a person must accept HIS atonement for sin that JESUS has already given by asking HIM into his/her life. Once you are Spiritually born into GOD’S Family it is for eternity.

But how does a person know that they are GOD’S Son or Daughter?

When someone accepts JESUS as his/her Savior, GOD gives him/her an inner witness, the indwelling Holy Spirit as a security deposit.  

In 2 Corinthians 1:22 - ²² set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

The Holy Spirit is our guarantee and assurance that those who place their faith in JESUS belong eternally to GOD.

Is there any other way for a person to be Spirit born, other than through JESUS? NO!!! Do you recall what JESUS told Nicodemus in John 3? A person must be born-again. A person’s first birth is human and their second birth is Spiritual through faith in JESUS. Faith in what JESUS did to pay for the penalty for sin, in full, for all who place their faith in JESUS to be Spiritually born into GOD’S Family.

Let’s read Matthew 7:13-14:

Entering the Kingdom

¹³ “Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. ¹⁴ How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.

JESUS taught those following HIM to choose the “narrow gate.” HE points the way but leaves it up to the person to choose.

Since, the passion of JESUS, the Holy Spirit also urges a person to choose the narrow way by accepting JESUS as his/her Savior. Salvation is through faith in JESUS, since HIS death, burial, resurrection, ascension, has the wooing of the Holy Spirit to help a person choose the narrow gate through faith in JESUS to being born-again.

Let’s read Matthew 7:15-20:

¹⁵ “Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. ¹⁶ You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ So you’ll recognize them by their fruit.

JESUS quickly cautioned HIS audience to be on their guard because Satan will do all he can to prevent a person from being born-again in his/her spirit.

Satan loves to give a person a false sense of security. So, how does a person know that he/she is truly GOD’S Son or Daughter through the miracle of Spiritual birth?

Are we led by the Holy Spirit or self?

The spirit of the world is that all will people will go to Heaven? That is Satan’s lie. Many who follow other religions will tell you that they picture a mountain with GOD at the top of the mountain. There are many ways to climb to the top but all will arrive at its top where GOD resides. That is a lie. Do you want the truth? First, do you believe JESUS is GOD’S only SON? Did JESUS death on the cross pay in full the penalty for my sins, your sins and the sins of all who come to HIM and seek forgiveness for their sins? A person must know the truth!

What does JESUS teach?

Let’s read Matthew 7: 21-23:

²¹ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. ²² On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?’ ²³ Then I (JESUS) will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!’^[b][c]

JESUS knows that Satan has imposters who are in the world and will do the work of Satan. That is why all Christians must know the truth by studying and applying what they read in GOD’S Word, The Holy Bible.

In John 14:6, -Jesus told Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Please do not give up on GOD because GOD has not given up on you.

Finish the race you have started.  

Will all people go to Heaven? According to GOD’S Word, only those who have been born-again through faith in JESUS.

Please do not give up on GOD - ask because GOD has not given up on you.

Finish the race you have started. Know the truth in GOD’S Word because as we get closer to the return of JESUS, there will be those who will distort GOD’S truth’s

Will all people go to Heaven? According to GOD’S Word, only those who have been born-again through faith in JESUS.

Have you asked JESUS to forgive you for your sins? If so, your destination is Heaven.

Blessings!!!

Confidence (4) - November 5, 2023 - Is JESUS the Only Way to GOD? 1 John 5:1-13 -

 Confidence (4) – November 5, 2023 – Is JESUS The Only Way to GOD?

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “Confidence in the Face of Hard Questions.”

Our focus scripture is 1 John 5:1-13.

Because JESUS is the Son of GOD, HE is the only ONE Who can bring us to GOD. Why? Because JESUS is the only acceptable sinless sacrifice that GOD accepts to pay, in full, the penalty for sin.

The key is that the GOD of our Bible, Old and New Testament, is the same GOD, WHO introduced Himself to Moses in Exodus 3:14:

And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

 I AM was later written as YAWEH or Adonai. Yet, the same GOD, New and Old Testament.

In Revelation 22:13” I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

YAHEW or I AM sent HIS only SON to earth to be born of a virgin, Mary.

What did JESUS tell HIS disciples in John 14:1-11:

The Way to the Father

14:1: “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe^[a] in God; believe also in me (JESUS). ² In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? ³ If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also. ⁴ You know the way to where I am going.”^[b]

Trust is a key factor. Trust equals faith. Is there enough evidence to confirm JESUS as the promised Messiah? There are historical facts but the greatest of all is the indwelling Holy Spirit, WHO confirms and is a Spirit-born believers Guarantee. Do you have this witness and guarantee within? If not confess it to JESUS and ask HIM why you do not have the witness of the Holy Spirit.

The groom prepares the place where HE and the bride (the church made up of both Spirit-born men and women) will live eternally. JESUS is excited that one day the church, those born-again/Spirit-born will become, in essence, HIS bride. It is very hard for us men to think about being a bride but it is the greatest honor GOD will bestow upon all Spirit-born people. JESUS takes the church out of earth and GOD, JESUS and all Spirit-born will be in a banquet while chaos is taking place upon earth. Listen for the midnight cry, “The Bride Groom is coming.”

⁵ “Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where you’re going. How can we know the way?” (Honest statement and that is what GOD/JESUS desires from each of us.)

⁶ Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you know me, you will also know^[c] my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

JESUS is GOD’S only redemptive plan, from before the foundation of the earth. JESUS is GOD’S only begotten SON. JESUS willingly came to earth to be born a human; live as a human, subject to sin, subject to death, give HIS sinless life to pay, in full, for the sins of mankind, including the original sin of Adam and Eve. All who place their faith in JESUS, will be Spiritually born into GOD’S eternal family, never to be unborn. Once a person is Spirit born, he/she is never unborn but the person can lose their Heavenly rewards.

Jesus Reveals the Father

⁸ “Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.”

Isn’t this a question all humans desire to be answered? All a person has to do is to look around and he/she can see GOD’S handiwork. Yes, Satan is working to get people to focus on the bad things going on upon earth. As Spirit-born people, we must keep our focus upon GOD/JESUS.

⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time and you do not know me, Philip? The one who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ¹⁰ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who lives in me does his works. ¹¹ Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Otherwise, believe^[d] because of the works themselves.

JESUS told HIS disciples to look at what I am doing – healing the blind, the lame, raising up the dead, curing the sick and lame, walking upon water, feeding 5,000 with little food with baskets left over, casting out demons just to name a few things to consider.

Dr. Henry Blackaby in his study on “Experiencing GOD,” challenges those having the desire to experience GOD, to look around to see where GOD is working and then join HIM in that work. When we see and experience the work of GOD, GOD becomes more real to those who have been born-again in their spirit.

JESUS’ disciples were face to face with JESUS. GOD was manifested in and through JESUS. Yet, they were still searching for their version of the promised Messiah.

Often, our preconceived notions prevent us from seeing and embracing GOD/JESUS. If this is your situation, reveal it to JESUS and ask HIM to help your unbelief.

As Spirit-born people, we can approach GOD through our faith in JESUS 24/7 and call HIM, FATHER/DADDY. WOW! What a heritage that GOD has given to us. Do you believe it?

Residing within each and every Spirit-born person is GOD, our FATHER, GOD, The SON and GOD, The Holy Spirit. Let’s read what JESUS told Nicodemus, a leader and member of the Jewish Sanhedrin in John 3:1-3:

3 There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. ² This man came to him at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could perform these signs you do unless God were with him.”

³ Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again,^[a] he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

A person must be born-again before he/she can begin to see or experience the Kingdom of GOD. Like a new born, we must be fed the milk of GOD’S Word and as we grow Spiritually, we can be fed the meat of GOD’S Word. What is your diet – milk or meat? If you get meat too soon, you may get choked. Desire to move up to the meat of GOD’S Word.

Was Nicodemus a brief follower or a faithful follower? What do we read about Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea Jewish leader after the death of JESUS? Let’s consider John 19:38-42:

³⁸ After this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus—but secretly because of his fear of the Jews—asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus’s body. Pilate gave him permission; so, he came and took his body away. ³⁹ Nicodemus (who had previously come to him at night) also came, bringing a mixture of about seventy-five pounds^[j] of myrrh and aloes. ⁴⁰ They took Jesus’s body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the fragrant spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews. ⁴¹ There was a garden in the place where he was crucified. A new tomb was in the garden; no one had yet been placed in it. ⁴² They placed Jesus there because of the Jewish day of preparation and since the tomb was nearby.

Who was Joseph of Arimathea? Let’s read Matthew 27:57: When it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph came, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus.

In Mark 15:43:
Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, came and boldly went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’s body.

So, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took the dead body of JESUS and buried HIM. Some Bible scholars speculate that since Joseph of Arimathea was a rich man, the tomb in the Garden belonged to him.

What we just read was important to me when I was searching for truth but likely it was what the natural born brothers of JESUS did before and after the resurrection of JESUS that helped me to see truth.

In John 7:1-9, we read:

After this, Jesus traveled in Galilee, since he did not want to travel in Judea because the Jews were trying to kill him. ² The Jewish Festival of Shelters^[a] was near. ³ So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea so that your disciples can see your works that you are doing. ⁴ For no one does anything in secret while he’s seeking public recognition. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” ⁵ (For not even his brothers believed in him.)

⁶ Jesus told them, “My time has not yet arrived, but your time is always at hand. ⁷ The world cannot hate you, but it does hate me because I testify about it—that its works are evil. ⁸ Go up to the festival yourselves. I’m not going up to this festival,^[b] because my time has not yet fully come.” ⁹ After he had said these things, he stayed in Galilee.

JESUS was crucified, died, buried and resurrected from the physically dead, according to GOD’S plan and schedule, to fulfil and complete all that had been prophesied in the Bible about HIM. What impact did this have on JESUS’ brothers?

Let’s read Acts 1:1-14:

Prologue

1 I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach ² until the day he was taken up, after he had given instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. ³ After he had suffered, he also presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

The Holy Spirit Promised

⁴ While he was^[a] with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; ⁵ for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”

⁶ So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”

⁷ He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The Ascension

⁹ After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. ¹⁰ While he was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. ¹¹ They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.”

United in Prayer

¹² Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. ¹³ When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. ¹⁴ They all were continually united in prayer,^[b] along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

WOW!!! The burial and resurrection made a vast impact on the natural brothers of JESUS. James the brother of JESUS became the head of the Christian church in Jerusalem.

Have you placed your faith in JESUS by asking HIM to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your life? If not, why not now and become a born-again/Spirit-born believer in JESUS and receive eternal life!

This is the most important decision you will ever make. It is eternal. If you have asked JESUS to forgive you and come into your heart years ago but have not been living for HIM, confess your sins and ask JESUS to give you a restart on living the Christian life.

Do you recall the parable of the Prodigal son. Our Heavenly Father’s arms are always open to receive all who decide to return back home.

What does a Spirit-born person know?

Second Corinthians 5:1-10: For we know that if the earthly tent (human body or earth suit) we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. ² Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, ³ because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. ⁴ For while we are in this tent (human body), we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life (eternal life). ⁵ Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

⁶ Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. ⁷ For we live by faith, not by sight. ⁸ We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. ⁹ So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

1 John 5:1-13:

5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father^[a] also loves the one born of him (JESUS). ² This is how we know that we love God’s children: when we love God and obey^[b] his commands. ³ For this is what love for God is: to keep his commands. And his commands are not a burden, ⁴ because everyone who has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith.

The Certainty of God’s Testimony

⁵ Who is the one who conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 

What does the world offer humans? Death and Hell! What does GOD offer to those in the world – salvation through faith in JESUS, through the forgiveness of sin and being given the Holy Spirit to those born-again as their guarantee of eternal life.

Is JESUS the only way to GOD and eternal life in Heaven?

Let’s read 1 John 5:6-10:

⁶ Jesus Christ—he is the one who came by water and blood, not by water only, but by water and by blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. ⁷ For there are three that testify:^[c] 8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement. ⁹ If we accept human testimony, God’s testimony is greater, because it is God’s testimony that he has given about his Son. ¹⁰ The one who believes in the Son of God has this testimony within himself. The one who does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony God has given about his Son. 

JESUS was 100% human, yet GOD. JESUS was born by natural birth as all humans. Blood flowed through HIS veins. HE was subject to death. If HE pricked HIS finger, HE bled. HE lived a sinless life so that HE would be the perfect acceptable sacrifice for all sin.

The three witnesses for JESUS being GOD’S Only SON is the Spirit, the water and the blood.

When JESUS began HIS earthly ministry, HIS cousin, John the Baptist was preaching in the wilderness as recorded in Matthew 3:13-16:

¹³ Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. ¹⁴ And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” John the Baptist knew exactly who JESUS was. (Besides being JESUS’ cousin, HE was the promised Messiah,)

¹⁵ But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.

The witness of the Spirit of GOD - the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement. 

¹⁶ When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and ^[b]He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. ¹⁷ And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

This scripture refers to the Spirit and the water. The blood of JESUS is recorded in 1 John 5:6 - The Certainty of God’s Witness:

This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth.

Further witness of the blood is recorded in John 19: ³² So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other one who had been crucified with him. ³³ When they came to Jesus, they did not break his legs since they saw that he was already dead. ³⁴ But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. ³⁵ He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows he is telling the truth. ³⁶ For these things happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled: Not one of his bones will be broken.^[h] 37 Also, another Scripture says: They will look at the one they pierced.^[i]

GOD said of JESUS in 1 John 5:11-13:

¹¹ And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. ¹² The one who has the Son has life. The one who does not have the Son of God does not have life. ¹³ I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

Blessings!!!