Thanks for coming. To God be the glory. May your faith ignite to know the divine in 2009. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Sincerely, Patrick.
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If you wind up not wanting to read this, then this 1st verse might be true about you. "He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God." Jesus said that in John 8:47. The Greek word for hear also means to attend to, consider what is or has been said, to understand. So it's a good idea for you to consider and understand this.
"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13,14) ~ That means most people are not going to heaven. The Greek word for destruction also means a perishing, ruin, the destruction which consists of eternal misery in hell. The word for life also means a life real and genuine, devoted to God, that after the resurrection will have a more perfect body that will last forever.
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Hearing also means getting instructed. So getting instructed with the message about Jesus Christ will give you faith. He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one gets to the Father except through Him. (John 14:6) "Nor is there salvation (the benefits and blessings in the eternal kingdom of God) in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) Peter said this of Jesus Christ.
I will also tell you about the Holy Spirit because He is the Helper whom the Father will send, in the name of Jesus Christ, to teach you all things (John 14:26). The word Helper also means comforter, assistant, to lead us to a deeper knowledge of the gospel truth and give us divine strength needed to enable us to undergo trials and persecutions on behalf of the divine kingdom. I'm telling you the truth. Persecutions can come to you for being a Christian. But the Holy Spirit, the Helper, will give you the strength to endure, go through them.
What the bible says about sin will also be mentioned, because Jesus said, "If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin." (John 15:22) ~ Peter tells us to be as obedient children, not conforming ourselves to the former lusts, as in our ignorance (lack of knowledge, moral blindness) (1 Peter 1:14). ~ So let's not be morally blind and ignorant, but obey God.
When I heard a similar message to the one I am about to tell you, and I prayed a prayer like the one I will soon lead you in, then the Lord Jesus Christ came into my life through the Holy Spirit and He set me free from the bondage of sin.
Now I found out God sends people out to minister just like He did Paul after God converted him: "to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified (separated from profane things and dedicated to God, purified internally by renewing of the soul) by faith in Me." (Acts 26:18) ~ That's what the Lord Jesus told Paul after Jesus was already gone from the earth and alive in heaven. Jesus is alive today, and He still speaks to some people.
My friends, all of us need to be saved, because all of us have sinned (Romans 3:23). We have all sinned, and the wages of sin is death. That means we deserve to go to hell for sinning, but the gift of God is eternal life, that means going to heaven, through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). The Greek word for death also means with the implied idea of future misery in hell, the misery of the soul arising from sin which begins on earth but lasts and increases after the death of the body in hell, the miserable state of the wicked dead in hell. So get the gift of eternal life instead.
God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). The word demonstrates also means to set one with another by way of presenting or introducing him, to show, prove, establish, exhibit. So this is God presenting Himself to us through Christ's death. But don't receive the grace of God in vain (2 Corinthians 6:1). The Greek word for vain also means empty, devoid of truth, destitute of spiritual wealth, of one who boasts of his faith as a transcendent possession yet is without the fruits of faith, fruitless, without effect. That's what so-called believers are when they don't have a changed life.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2 Cor. 5:17). The phrase passed away also means of persons moving forward in regards from their old life or condition. Have become also means to come into existence. That means you are new from your old life. It's a continuing state of being, so you keep on being new. So if you are with Christ, you have moved forward to a new life.
Jesus said, "unless one is born (of God making men his sons through faith in Christ's work) again (from above, from a higher place, of things which come from heaven or God), he cannot see (know, perceive, discover, to ascertain what must be done about it, to experience any state or condition) the kingdom (of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah's kingdom) of God." (John 3:3) Basically, being born again means you have a new kind of life, born from above, by the Holy Spirit. Praise the Lord, born again Christians will see God's kingdom.
Some people like to water-down the gospel, by using this next verse by itself, without fully understanding what it really means. = But as many as have received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. (John 1:12) ~ This does not say that if you receive Him you are a child of God. It says you have the right to become a child of God. You are not one yet. The very next verse, which is the conclusion of this verse, says you have to be born of God. To have received Him means to associate with Him as His companion or attendant, to give Him access to yourself, to regard His power, not to refuse or reject Him, to choose Him. The word right in the NKJV I use, is power in the KJV. It also means power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases, permission. That's our free will given to us by God to make the right choice of becoming a born again Christian.
who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:13) ~ God makes you into His familty, born again by the Holy Spirit, through your faith in Christ's work. ~ But some people have a misunderstanding faith. I did before. Faith is not the license to sin. So receiving Jesus Christ into your life is not good enough, you must let Him make you born again by the Holy Spirit to be a child of God. Someone born again is set free from the bondage of sin.
In John 3:16, Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." You can think you believe in Jesus Christ, and even call Him Lord, but still not go to heaven. Some people act like they don't know what believe means. Pisteuo means believe but it also means be committed unto. Therefore, this believing in Jesus Christ is not a one-time deal and it's all over with. You must be committed unto Him or else you are no longer a believer. Pisteuo also means the conviction and trust to which a man is impelled by a certain inner and higher prerogative and law of soul. That means when we believe in Jesus Christ, His power within us drives us to have a distinctively superior advantage of having our souls obey His moral law.
It's the same word for believe in Ephesians 1:19, where like above it is also in the present tense. God's great power of our final redemption will not work in those who once upon a time believed in Jesus Christ, but in those who continue to believe in Him. The words not believe in John 3:36 and Romans 15:31 come from the Greek word apeitheo. It actually means be disobedient or not to comply with. So a true believer is one who keeps obeying Christ with a faithful, continuous action. ~ He who believes in the Son has everlasting life. (John 3:36) But one who does not keep obeying His word and living a godly life, by no longer being committed to Him, is not a true believer. ~ He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9).
In fact, half of us so-called believers who think we're going to be with Christ, will still not get there. That's from The Parable of The Wise and Foolish Virgins waiting for the bridegroom in Matthew 25:1-12. 5 virgins were wise and 5 were foolish. You see as a believer in Jesus Christ, you are His bride. Yeah, that's kind of hard to say when you are a guy, but it's a spiritual sense of togetherness. The marriage hasn't happened yet, so spiritually we are considered virgins. When we all get to be with our Lord, there's a big marriage feast. But half of us so-called believers won't be ready and prepared to meet Christ at the last day, when He comes to take us to the wedding. That's because half of us so-called believers don't have the Holy Spirit (the Helper) inside our spirit.
See then that you walk circumspectly (be careful in the way that you live), not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is (have the knowledge of those things which pertain to salvation). And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation (excess, prodigality i.e. the Prodigal Son); but be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:15-18).
The foolish half extinguish, quench, or suppress the Holy Spirit of His divine influence (lamps are going out) (Matthew 25:8). As born again Christians, we don't have the license to sin. They have a misunderstanding belief in Jesus Christ. The truth is that He is our Master (Luke 8:24, 17:13, & 2 Tim. 2:21) which means we are His slaves doing what He says (Romans 6:16-22). Even demons believe that there is one God (James 2:19), so just believing that God exists doesn't cut it. Even demons say Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Luke 4:41 & 8:28), so saying that doesn't cut it either.
Jesus Christ says to so-called believers, "I know your works (well, He doesn't know them personally with a real relationship though, He just knows about their doings), that you are neither cold nor hot... So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:15,16) ~ And after God shuts the door to eternal life, the foolish ones without the Holy Spirit, who won't be ready, will say, "Lord, Lord, open to us." But He's going to answer and say, "Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you." (Matt. 25:11,12)
You see, my friends, we need a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in order to go to heaven. That's by receiving His Spirit into our lives which makes us born again and set free from the bondage of sin. ~ Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." (Matt. 7:21) ~ Doing the will of the Father is living a holy, godly life by obeying Him.
Jesus said, "For many are called, but few are chosen." (Matt. 22:14) ~ He's talking about the ones who will actually be in the wedding. The word called also means invited by God in the proclamation of the Gospel to obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom through Christ. So you are called by God because you are seeing this proclamation of the Gospel. But are you chosen? And even if you are chosen or elect (it's the same Greek word), you can still be deceived (Matthew 24:24). The word deceive also means to cause to stray, lead aside from the right way, to sever or fall away from the truth, to be led away into error and sin. This is more proof that a real Christian can lose their salvation and wind up in hell. Have you seen my "Once Saved, Always Saved" IS WRONG pages? I put this on this page because so many people have a misunderstanding belief of election and predestination, and salvation is on the line. Again, we have no license to sin.
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (John 8:12) That means Jesus is the One who shows us how to live in this world. The light exposes sin. If we truly follow Him, we will have been literally set free from the bondage of sin. Hallelujah! The word walk also means to live, to regulate one's life, to conduct one's self. The word darkness is also used of ignorance of divine things and its associated wickedness and the resultant misery in hell. The word light also means of truth and its knowledge together with the spiritual purity associated with it, the power of understanding especially moral and spiritual truth.
Jesus said, "Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." (John 8:36) The way Christ makes us free, the 1st time the word is used, also means set at liberty from the dominion of sin. The 2nd time the word free is used, it also means of one who ceases to be a slave. Hallelujah! Jesus Christ is the Son of God. If we truly follow Him, we will no longer be dominated by nor slaves of sin.
Now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. (Romans 6:22) ~ That means you do not have everlasting life at the end until you are set free from sin now, while living a holy life.
God, who "will render to each one according to his deeds", eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness -- indignation and wrath, tribulation (affliction, trouble) and anguish (distress, extreme affliction), on every soul of man who does evil,.. but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good... For there is no partiality (no respect of persons = it doesn't matter who you are) with God. For as many as have sinned without law (people today who miss or wander from the path of uprightness and honor) will also perish without law. (Romans 2:6-12)
Do you not know that the unrighteous (that's sinful people) will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators (people who indulge in unlawful sexual intercourse outside of marriage), nor idolaters (that's much more than people who worship a false god, because a person can make an idol out of anything or anyone, and not even know it. Colossians 3:5 even says that covetousness is idolatry because that's worshipping riches), nor adulterers (a person who is unfaithful to their marriage partner), nor homosexuals, nor sodomites (that's another name for homosexuals, an abuser of one's self with mankind, one who lies with a male as with a female), nor thieves (that's not only people who steal things, but the name is also transferred to false teachers, who do not care to instruct people, but abuse their confidence for their own gain), nor covetous (people eager to have more especially what belongs to others, greedy of gain), nor drunkards, nor revilers (people who use abusive language in speaking to or about others), nor extortioners (that's like swindlers, cheaters) will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Cor. 6:9,10) ~ That is, of course, unless they repent, like I did.
In the book of Revelation, God says, "He who overcomes (that's of Christians who hold fast their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and temptations and persecutions) shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly (that's timid or fearful people, and you can't be a coward if you're going to truly follow the Lord Jesus Christ because most people are not going to like you for doing it. That's because most people are not going to heaven, explained by Jesus in Matthew 7:13,14. Jesus also pointed out that some people have the devil as their father and they act like him. He was a murderer from the beginning, found in John 8:44. But you shouldn't be a coward in regards to what other people might want to do to you. So be strong in the faith.) Again, the cowardly, unbelieving (that's faithless or unfaithful people), abominable (that's people full of hate), murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers (people who prepare or use magical remedies), idolaters, and all liars (or deceitful people) shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone." (Rev. 21:7,8) ~ So if you are bound up with being a liar or sexually immoral, then you will be right there with the murderers who will burn in the lake of fire, unless you repent.
Jesus said, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders (The Greek word also means "slaughter" and that is the killing of people in large numbers, as in battle), adulteries, fornications (The Greek word is porneia and it means illicit sexual intercourse, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animals, intercourse with close relatives), thefts, false witness, blasphemies (slander, speech injurious to another's good name). These are the things which defile a man." (Matthew 15:19,20)
Now for a bigger list of sins that will make you die spiritually, then take a look at Romans 1:29-32 and Galatians 5:19-21 and make sure that you are not bound up with nor practice any of them.
And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh (destroyed its power utterly) with its passions (affections) and desires (lusts, cravings, longings, desires for what is forbidden) (Galatians 5:24). ~ That means we are not to even desire to sin.
Now even though Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins by His death on the cross, we are not to continue to willfully sin. ~ For if we sin willfully (as opposed to sins committed inconsiderately, or from ignorance, or from weakness) after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 10:26). ~ So be strong, brothers and sisters, because with you seeing this preaching web site lets you know what's right or wrong. So smile, because God is going to help you if you sincerely turn to Him.
He who sins is of the devil. (1 John 3:8) ~ That is talking about habitually sinful conduct, because that chapter is talking about what one practices. If you slip up and stumble, He will forgive you if you confess to Him and ask for forgiveness, because He is faithful and just to forgive you (1 John 1:9). But in order to rightfully claim 1 John 1:9, you must be doing the conditions found in 1:6,7. You must not be walking in darkness (practicing sin). You must be walking in the light. You can't be bound up in sin, and then just confess those sins you are a slave to, and get forgiveness. It does not work that way.
Jesus said, "unless you repent you will all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3) ~ These words are so important that they are the same exact words repeated just 2 verses later in 13:5. To repent means to change one's mind for better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sins. That's a strong dislike or hatred of your past sins. It's much more than just feeling sorry for your sins. It also involves what you think about sin and what you intend to do about it. You must change.
Telling people to repent is the 1st thing Jesus said in His ministry. He said, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matt. 4:17) ~ In the gospel according to Mark, Jesus said, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:15)
Telling people to repent is also the very 1st thing Jesus' disciples told to other people. So they went out and preached that people should repent - Mark 6:12. ~ That's what we should say if we want to talk about how to get to heaven. ~ At the beginning of Paul's ministry, He told people that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. (Acts 26:20) The word works here also means an act, deed, thing done. It is not about works of the OT law. It's about what you do with your life. The word befitting also means meet, worthy, corresponding to a thing. So to do works befitting repentance means genuine repentance is shown by a changed behavior.
Jesus said, "go and preach the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:60) Jesus said, "He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and He who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me." (Luke 10:16) ~ I hope you don't reject the words that I've typed here, because that was Jesus saying you would really be rejecting Him. ~ Jesus said, "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him - the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day." (John 12:48)
One of the last things Jesus said while He was on earth was, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15) ~ In Matthew's gospel, we see He said, "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matt. 28:20) ~ So that gives me the command and the right today to have written these things to you, because the end of the age has not come yet. ~ In Luke's gospel, He said, "repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations." (Luke 24:47) ~ That means He doesn't forgive you of your sins unless you repent from them. They both go together, but repentance is 1st. ~ Peter said, "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out." (Acts 3:19) ~ Again, repentance is 1st. ~ Or do you despise the riches of His goodness... not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? (Romans 2:4)
Peter and John said, "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:20) ~ My friends, I can say that too. I know these Scriptures are true because I have seen that when I repented, God changed me. This is not coming from someone who grew up in church. I use to be a big sinner until the Lord Jesus Christ came into my life, through the Holy Spirit, and He set me free from the bondage of sin.
I did not fear God until I heard His word, and then I repented from sin because I did not want to go to hell. You may not be as bad as I was, but it doesn't matter. ~ Jesus said, "unless you repent you will all likewise perish." (Luke 13:5) ~ Even a person bound up in just being a liar shall have their part in the lake of fire. (Rev. 21:8) ~ Or if you are really bound up, being deep in some heavy sin, I know God can still change you. I've even seen and known a warlock and a witch get set free from sin. God can change anybody if they surrender to Him. ~ Paul said, "...God ...now commands all men everywhere to repent, because he has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead." (Acts 17:30,31) ~ Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:15) ~ Jesus said, "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you." (John 15:14) ~ So we better obey Him and repent from sin.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. (Romans 1:18) ~ You see, God's true love can never condone or overlook sin. Ungodly people will get His wrath. The word wrath also means vengeance, anger exhibited in punishment. People suppress the truth about God when they are unrighteous. Tragically, some so-called believers deceive themselves into thinking that God does not require them to live righteously. They might turn out to be spiritually dead wrong.
Jesus said, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." (John 14:23) ~ So if you want God's love and Him with you, then you better keep Christ's word, because according to Psalm 5:5, God hates all workers of iniquity. Yes, I'm getting deep into the truth now. God does not love everybody in their sinning state of being. True, God loves you so much that Christ died for your sins, but you have to respond correctly for you to receive God's love. When you sincerely turn to the Lord Jesus Christ He will set you free from the bondage to sin. Then God will love you in your correct state of being.
Why do you think Jesus had to die? You probably think, because "For God so loved the world..." True, but this word world is of believers only, just like it is in John 1:29 ; 6:33 ; and 2 Cor. 5:19. According to John 14:23, God loves us when we keep Christ's word. Jesus Christ died to pay the price for sin and to set us free from sin when we crucify sin. ~ knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. (Romans 6:6) ~ The Lord tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. (Psalm 11:5) For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright. (Psalm 11:7) ~ For God is with the generation of the righteous. (Psalm 14:5) ~ So we better live right, which is according to God's word, if we want God's love and Him to be with us and actually in us. Yes, God will be in you through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said that the Holy Spirit is our Helper, and that He would convict the world of sin. (John 16:7,8) ~ Now if He has you feeling convicted and sorry for the way that you have been living, then that is good. Hopefully you will sincerely say the prayer in a little while. You will ask for the Holy Spirit to come into your life. ~ Jesus said, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:13)
God will give you the Holy Spirit, who is the Helper (John 14:15-18), if you love Christ and keep His commandments. ~ God will come to you, if you keep His word. (John 14:23) ~ But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you (Romans 8:11).
Therefore... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). That sounds scary, but you are not on your own. The very next verse is - for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure (2:13). That means God is the One who works in us so that we do His will and please Him. We just need to surrender to God and let Him be our Master. The verb for work out also means to perform, accomplish, achieve, to fashion i.e. render one fit for a thing. Either way you look at it, this is something that we are told to do with God's help.
Paul stated for us to be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18) ~ This is an ongoing be filled. The tense of the Greek word translated filled means that this filling is a moment-by-moment, repeatable action; which means be continually filled with the Spirit. We must always have Him (that's the Holy Spirit) abiding in us. This is not a one-time deal and it's all over with.
Do not quench the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:19) ~ Basically that means do not resist His influence in your life. That's a fundamental rule of walking with God. The word quench also means to extinguish, to go out, to suppress of divine influence.
Jesus said, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I have said to you." (John 14:26) ~ Thanks to God that He choose us for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and our belief in the truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:13)
Now you know, my friends, if you are saved or not because of 1 John 4:13 - By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. ~ And you know if you are born again by the Holy Spirit or not. ~ But you are not in the flesh (the earthly nature of man apart from divine influence and therefore prone to sin and opposed to God) but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. (Romans 8:9) That's plain and simple. You need to have Christ's Spirit in your life to be saved. ~ So then those who are in the flesh (prone to sin) cannot please God. (Romans 8:8)
For if you live according to the flesh you will die (to be subject to eternal misery in hell); but if by the Spirit you put to death (to be liberated from the bond of anything) the deeds (wicked doings, practices) of the body, you will live (be blessed, endless in the kingdom of God). (Romans 8:13)
But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. (Romans 6:17) ~ If you obey sound doctrine, you won't be a slave to sin anymore.
In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. (1 John 3:10) We must love each other. That's why I care enough to have this site tell you the truth of God's word. Real Christians (children of God) manifest their nature by practicing righteousness. Children of the devil (which one is if they're not a real Christian) display their basic nature by sinning. He who sins is of the devil - 1 John 3:8. Again, that is about practicing sin.
My friends, if you have not been born again by the Holy Spirit, or you are now living a life practicing sin instead of practicing righteousness, then you need to repent and be converted to get saved, or else you will burn in the lake of fire. I don't want that for you, that's why I've told you God's word, so you can hear the truth and get saved from going to hell. In 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9, Paul states - since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, but in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive... according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men - 2 Cor. 5:10,11. We will be in front of Christ and He will judge everything we have done in our lives. I hope you don't have a bad nature. You ought to be doing good. Come on, people; hell is real. The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God - Psalm 9:17. Her house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death - Proverbs 7:27. That's about a seducing, immoral woman (v.5). The Hebrew word for hell means the OT designation for the abode of the dead, wicked sent there for punishment, righteous not abandoned to it. Jesus said, "Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?" - Matthew 23:33. The Greek word for hell means the place of the future punishment called Gehenna or Gehenna of fire. This was originally the valley of Hinnom, south of Jerusalem, where the filth and the dead animals of the city were cast out and burned; a fit symbol of the wicked and their future destruction.
The gospel is not all lovey dovey like many people think. Jesus did some heavy rebuking. I urge you to get right with God. Jesus explained that most people are not going to heaven (Matt. 7:13,14), but I want you to know the Lord Jesus Christ who will set you free from sin. (John 8:36, Romans 6:22) I'm asking you to sincerely say this prayer, and really mean it, and then you will be on your way to heaven. It is not the exact words that are so important. It is the attitude of your heart in wanting to change, that is important.
Say this: "Heavenly Father, I believe that Your Son, Jesus Christ, died for my sins and He arose from the dead. I ask You to forgive me of my sins, as I forgive those who sin against me. I will now and always confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is my Lord. I ask You to have mercy on me and send me the Holy Spirit to teach me Your ways. Father God, change me so that I will not go to hell. O God, dwell within me through the Holy Spirit so that I have the strength to overcome the wicked one; and help me to please You by obeying Your word. Thank You, Father God, for Your help to give me eternal life in heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen."
Hallelujah! If you really mean it, God will come to you and change you. ~ Thanks to the Father, because you are qualified to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints. He has delivered you from the power of darkness (that means He delivered you from being ignorant of respecting divine things and human duties, which accompanies ungodliness and immorality, together with their consequent misery in hell = He delivered you from the power that makes you a slave of sin) and conveyed you into the kingdom of His Son. (Colossians 1:12,13) ~ Yeah, in Christ's kingdom, you are now set free from the bondage of sin! That is, of course, if you are sincere and do really turn to God.
Now it helps to read the New Testament, because Jesus said, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31,32) The word abide also means continue, remain, endure, not to depart. So stay in (by, with) the word, because then you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. Free also means set at liberty: from the dominion of sin. Hallelujah!
For the word of God is living (quick) and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, ... and is a discerner (fit for judging) of the thoughts and intents of the heart (the soul or mind). (Hebrews 4:12) ~ That means even what we think, or just intend to do, is judged by and should line up with God's word. ~ And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked (exposed) and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account (answer or explanation in reference to judgment). (Hebrews 4:13)
Some day, my friends, we will all have to explain everything we do, say, or even just have thought or intended to do, but there's going to be no excuse for sin according to John 15:22. That is, of course, unless you repent and ask for forgiveness. ~ It's also good for you to study Psalms and Proverbs. They will give you lots of wisdom. I have links that I created, linked below, where I have my favorite verses in Psalms, Proverbs, Romans, and also the Gospels. They are full of more life-changing Scripture.
You may think, Oh, but the bible was written by men, but - all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16) ~ So live right, which is according to God's word.
The truth is in Jesus: That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind (that means change your thinking), and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)
I beseech (to encourage, to instruct) you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present (show, prove) your bodies a living sacrifice, holy (be a saint), acceptable to God, which is your reasonable (logical) service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed (changed) by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1,2) ~ So be holy by learning what the word of God says.
Be humble too, because: "God resists (opposes) the proud (one who shows one's self above others, despising others, haughty), but gives grace (favour, good will, merciful kindness that turns people to Christ and strengthens and increases their faith) to the humble (one who is lowly in spirit, brought low with grief, depressed)." (James 4:6) ~ Jesus said, "For whoever exalts (to lift up on high, to raise to the very summit of opulence = very wealthy or rich, luxuriant - and prosperity, to raise to dignity and honour and happiness) himself will be humbled (to bring down one's pride, to have a modest opinion of one's self, devoid of all haughtiness), and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 14:11) ~ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5) ~ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)
If you have received some knowledge of the kingdom of heaven, then keep reading more of God's word and God will give you more knowledge, because Jesus said, "For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him." (Matt. 13:12) ~ He's talking about knowing the mysteries (a hidden or secret thing, not obvious to the understanding, the secret counsels which govern God in dealing with the righteous - which are hidden from ungodly and wicked men but plain to the godly) of the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 13:11)
Now if you have any friends who are bad sinners that don't want to repent and turn to God, and because friends can keep you from living right, then stop hanging around them. ~ Do not be deceived (do not be led away from the truth). Evil company (communicating with people of a bad nature) corrupts (destroys) good habits (manners). Awake (return to soberness of mind) to righteousness (be proper, as is right), and do not sin (do not do or go wrong). (1 Cor. 15:33,34)
"Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch (have no fellowship with) what is unclean (in a moral sense: unclean in thought and life), and I will receive you (to receive kindly, to treat with favour). I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." (2 Cor. 6:17) ~ In the next verse, Paul states: Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves (to free from defilement of sin and from faults) from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness (moral purity) in the fear of God. (2 Cor. 7:1)
There it is, my friends, we should act holy, humble, and with the fear of God. Without fearing God, we will do whatever our carnal mind pleases, and that can lead to spiritual death. ~ Jesus said, "And do no fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matt. 10:28) ~ Mary prophesied, while pregnant with Jesus, "And His mercy is on those who fear Him." (Luke 1:50) The word fear does mean fear. It also means to treat with deference or reverential obedience. So if you have that fear of the Lord's opinion and judgment that makes you obey Him, then you will get His mercy. Mercy also means the mercy of Christ, whereby at His return to judgment He will bless true Christians with eternal life.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7). For to be carnally (the earthly nature of man apart from divine influence and therefore prone to sin and opposed to God) minded (thoughts and purposes) is death (the miserable state of the wicked dead in hell), but to be spiritually (the influence which fills and governs the soul) minded is life (blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accesions - among them a more perfect body - and to last forever) and peace (the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ and content with its earthly lot of whatsoever sort that is). (Romans 8:6)
Now I also suggest that you go out and tell people: "Jesus Christ is Lord, and I am a born again Christian." It will help you with your new life. Jesus said, "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven." (Matt. 10:32,33)
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in (with, among) Christ Jesus, who do not walk (to live, to conduct one's self) according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1) The Greek word for flesh is the same one for carnally found above in Romans 8:6. So people in Christ have divine influence and are not prone to sin. Do you see the condition for this no condemnation? Are you a real Christian with divine influence and not prone to sin? If so, then you have no condemnation from God's word. Hallelujah!
Jesus said, "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:17) "but he who does not believe is condemned already." (John 3:18) ~ Please become a true believer now. I don't want you to be condemned to hell. If you reject Christ and do not receive His words, then when you meet Christ His word will judge you and you will know that you should have not rejected Him. (John 12:48) ~ Repent from sin and get born again now, while you have the chance. We don't know what tomorrow will bring.
I don't water-down the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ because I'm not here to please you. I'm here to please God. I've made this site because I love you and I hope you get to heaven. ~ Let love be without hypocrisy (let your love be genuine, sincere). Abhor (to dislike, have a horror of) what is evil (annoyances, perils, of a time full of peril to Christian faith and steadfastness, causing pain and trouble, of a bad nature). Cling (keep company) to what is good (upright, honorable). (Romans 12:9) ~ Be sure to do this. Then you can escape the temptations that cause many to fall.
... you are saved, if you hold fast (keep firm possession of) that word which I preached to you - unless you believed in vain (inconsiderably, without purpose, without success or effort). (1 Cor. 15:2) So if you have the success of being set free from the bondage of sin, with true faith in Christ, then you are saved. If not, then you need to put more effort into your believing.
"The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart (to keep one's self from) from iniquity (a deed violating law and justice, act of unrighteousness)." (2 Timothy 2:19)
Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hear (to find out, learn, to understand) the word of God and keep (take care not to violate) it." (Luke 11:28) So if you have found out and understood the word of God and you take care not to violate it, then you are blessed. Praise the Lord!
Thanks for coming. To God be the glory. May your faith ignite to know the divine in 2009. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Sincerely, Patrick.
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