| Things To Remember Only Volunteers Go To Heaven |
| I have been a fan of University of Tennessee sports for as long as I can remember. Being a true Tennessee Volunteer, I consider myself a Big Orange man. A few years ago, I placed on our church marquee: ONLY VOLUNTEERS GO TO HEAVEN Opinions were expressed concerning my statement by more than a few people. Most folks thought I was just joking since they knew of my Big Orange passion. One person, in particular, thought I was being a bit sacrilegious but he was, no doubt, a Florida Gator fan! Well, I assure you, I was not joking and I certainly was not being sacrilegious. I was serious then and I am serious now that Only Volunteers Go To Heaven. The Word of God tells us: "Your people shall be volunteers." (Psalms 110:3 NKJV) "Free will offering" is the literal rendering of the Hebrew translation of the word volunteer. God's people are to be free will offerings (Volunteers). We read in the Bible about various kinds of offerings or sacrifices the people were to offer God. The free will offering was a spontaneous act of generosity by the worshippers, prompted by God's goodness. For example, Moses and the Israelite nation, while wandering about in the wilderness, were told by the Lord to build a Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was to be a portable place to worship. Of course, objects such as gold, silver, and other materials would be needed for the construction of the Tabernacle. Skilled workers and common laborers would also be needed to construct what would later be called a "tent of meeting." Moses spoke to Israel and revealed what was needed. The Scripture tells us: "Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel departed from Moses' presence. And everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the Lord's contribution for the tent of meeting and for all its service and for the holy garment." (Exodus 35:20 - 21) The Israelites were not forced to do anything they did. However, there were more than enough materials collected and plenty workers available to get the job done. Why? The heart's of the people were stirred and their spirits moved them into action. Notice: "The Israelites, all the men and women, whose heart moved them to bring material for all the work, which the Lord had commanded through Moses to be done, brought a freewill offering to the Lord." (Exodus 35:29) Gods' people have always been volunteers. They have always been free will offerings. The Lord Jesus, Himself, does not force anyone to follow Him. Jesus said, "If anyone wishes to come after Me." (Mark 8:34) No "arm twisting" from the Master as it is strictly an all volunteer army. I heard a fellow say, "I was baptized just to get my wife off my back." Excuse me! Sir, I have not read in the Bible that one is to be baptized to "get your wife off your back" and I do not think of that as a Scriptural reason for baptism. Instead, I read about a man who said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" (Acts 8:36) Church members have asked, "Do you really have to attend church services? Look! Read my lips, No! It is a volunteer thing. "Do you really have to give your money?" Man, were you in the slow learners class? You do not have to give one red cent. I read in Scripture about a group of people that attended church services and gave their money because they wanted to attend church and give their money. Friend, the Lord knows that people cannot be forced to change their behavior. He made us free moral agents and gave us the ability to choose for ourselves what we do in life. Right or wrong, He gives us that option. The Lord has a wonderful life ahead of those who voluntarily give up their own will to do His will. He also has a wonderful place prepared for those who voluntarily follow Him. Remember, only volunteers go to Heaven. |
| "Your people shall be volunteers" Psalms 110:3 |
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| Member of Wildwood Valley church of Christ |
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