THERE IS ONLY ONE SIN THAT WILL SEND YOU TO HELL!

THE FINAL JUDGMENT OF MANKIND!

THESE VERSES ARE WRITTEN AS I UNDERSTAND THE SCRIPTURE.

Revelation 20:11-15 - And I saw a great white throne, and Him Who sat on it, from Whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened:  and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life:  and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them:  and they were judged every man according to his works.  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.  This is the second death.  And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

[Note:  I believe "the books" contain a record of every sin ever committed by mankind.  And, according to "the books," every soul, being a sinner, deserves to die for their sin  (see Rom. 6:23).  However, notice it is not what is written in "the books" that sentences a person to the Lake of Fire, but it is the fact that his or her name is missing from the Book of Life.  It is my view that the Book of Life lists all those who accepted Christ's substitutionary sacrifice on the cross for him or her.  Those who rejected Christ's "payment-in-full" for their sin, will spend eternity apart from the God Who loved them enough to die for them!]  

JESUS DIED FOR ALL BUT ONE SIN:

THE REJECTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT'S WITNESS 

AS TO THE HIS IDENTITY!

Matthew 12:28-32 - Jesus said . . . if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.  Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? a And then he will spoil his house.  He that is not with Me is against Me; and he that gathers not with Me scatters abroad.  Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men:  but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.  And whosoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaks against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

JESUS PAID FOR EVERY OTHER SIN MANKIND EVER COMMITTED!

John 1:29 - The next day John saw Jesus coming unto him, and he said to those who had come to him to be baptized, Behold the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world.

John 3:16-17 - For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 - For the love of Christ constrains us; because we understand that if One died for all, then were all dead:  and that He died for all, that those who live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto Him Who died for them, and rose again.

1 Timothy 2:3-6 - For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; Who desires all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;  Who gave Himself as a ransom for all, to be revealed in due time.

Hebrews 10:8-10 - Above when He said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin You did not want, neither did You have pleasure in them; which are offered by the Law; Then He said, Lo, I come to do Your will, O God.  He took away the first, that He might establish the second.  By Whose will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

1 John 2:1-2 - My little children, these things write I unto you, do that you will no longer sin.  And if any of you sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:  and He is the Propitiation (by His death, He paid-in-full the debt we owed for our sin; the payment or "wages" due as a result of sin is death - Rom. 6:23) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

THE SPIRIT OF GOD SHINES HIS LIGHT ON JESUS:  

HIS DEATH FOR SINS, HIS BURIAL, AND 

HIS RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD!  

BY HIS TESTIMONY, WE RECEIVE THE GOSPEL, 

WHICH HAS THE POWER TO SAVE US ALL!

DO YOU BELIEVE JESUS PAID FOR YOUR SINS?

IF SO, HE DESERVES TO BE LORD OF YOUR LIFE!

THE CHRISTIAN: CALLED TO SERVANTHOOD!

THE BARCROFT BIBLE CHURCH HELPS MINISTRY;

AN EXAMPLE OF LIVING THE FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN LIFE!

In the Summer of 1970, while stationed with Blue Angels in Pensacola, Florida, I was confronted by a Chief Petty Officer name Hal Judd.  He had heard that I was not only an atheist, but a mocker of all who professed faith in a god, any god!  After several minutes of effort on his part to convince me of the reality of a deity, he finally gave up, and I laughed at my easy "victory!"

About five or so months passed, I received a letter from a former neighbor of ours when we lived in San Diego; I was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Jason, AR-8.  He had been a rock musician and like most rock musicians in the 1960's, was fond of "pharmaceutical relaxation."  Apparently, shortly after I was transferred to Pensacola, he had "found religion."  His letter was filled with evangelical "garbage," and I wrote him telling him my opinion.  The next letter I received from him was more of the same, only this time, he included a nice leather-bound pocket New Testament.  I remember throwing it across the room, and I did not see it again for a few weeks.  To make a loooong story short, someone put that "little book of myths" in my briefcase, and, out of pure boredom and a desire for a few laughs, I read one chapter of it.  God soon had a Bible-hungry babe in Christ!

Following my tour of duty in Pensacola, I was assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon, where I finished the last five plus years of my career.  It was during that time that my wife and I attended a wonderful fellowship in Arlington, Virginia, named Barcroft Bible Church.  While on a weekend retreat, myself and two other guys were moved to start the Barcroft Helps Ministry.  It involved a twenty-four hour "hot-line" for emergencies, and over 100 volunteers who signed up to be servants to those needing our help.  We had electricians, plumbers, auto mechanics, etc. who were willing to meet whatever need they could.  Someone donated a two and a half ton stake truck and we helped people move nearly every Saturday of the year.  Twice a year, in the Spring and the Fall, several auto mechanics made themselves available to help service people's cars in the church parking lot.  (None of us ever accepted a dime for our service, and the only expense our callers had was the cost of replacement; water heaters, furnaces, car parts, etc.)!

Sadly, my wife and I have never found a church with the same commitment to meeting the needs of its members in such an organized way.  We have been members of Charlestown Independent Church in Southern Indiana for over twenty-five years, but the leadership has been focused upon the spiritual needs of members and their families, which of course, is where the greatest need lies.  We do have a Deacon Board that recognizes their role as servants, and we have yet to mention a need without one or more coming to our "rescue."  In fact, this very day, two deacons, Mike Coolige and John Lee came to measure a bed frame, go to Home Depot and get the necessary wood (cut to size), and replace my wife's box springs with a platform so that she, with a broken pelvis and severe back and leg pain, can get in and out of bed more easily.  Our church is so blessed to have such men serve the people, especially us "old folks."

I do not want to give the impression that Barcroft and C.I.C. are served by men only; the Help's Ministry actually had as many women volunteers as men!  We even had several teens as well!  At C.I.C. the ladies are quick to provide meals to those recuperating from physical problems, meals following funerals, and calls and cards to those who are having a rough time.  Our pastors never miss a hospital visit for those having surgery, and those in adult care facilities.  Rarely have they been unable to be an encouragement such instances.  I am so grateful that Jesus Christ set the example of One Who met (and still meets) needs!  A good way to recognize faithful churches is primarily through their adherence to Bible doctrine, but a close second, is how its members serve one another!

IN THIS WORLD, THINGS ARE IN A STATE OF DECAY.

THINGS BREAK.  GOVERNMENTS BECOME CORRUPT.

FRIENDS BETRAY AND FAMILIES HAVE THEIR "PROJECTS."

THE ONE POSITIVE ASPECT OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE:  JESUS CHRIST, 

HE IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER!  

HE CAN BE RELIED UPON!

WICKEDNESS RESULTS FROM YIELDING TO THE WICKED ONE!

WICKEDNESS:

WICKEDNESS IS THE OPPOSITE OF GODLINESS!

Genesis 6:5 - And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Genesis 13:13 - But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.

Romans 1:20-32 - For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:  because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things.  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:  who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.  For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections:  for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:  and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:  who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

THE WICKEDNESS OF MAN IS ROOTED IN SATAN!

CHRISTIANS CANNOT DEFEAT SATAN, 

BUT WE CAN RESIST YIELDING TO HIM!

Ephesians 6:10-16 - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

TWO THINGS ARE CERTAIN:

BELIEVERS ARE SOON TO BE RESCUED BY CHRIST,

AND SATAN'S DAYS ARE DEFINITELY NUMBERED!

IS GOD A GOD OF LOVE OR A GOD OF WRATH? YES!

GOD LOVES YOU AND ME!

John 3:14-17 - And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man (Jesus' name identifying Himself with humanity - See Phil. 2:5-8) be lifted up:  that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.  For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved (Rescued from the wrath of God due us because we are all sinners - See Rom. 3:23; 6:23; 1 Th. 1:10).

Romans 5:1-11 - Therefore being justified (Greek:  dikaioo - to be declared righteous by God) by faith (See Rom. 1:17; 3:22), we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  by Whom also we have access by faith (See Eph. 2:8-9) into this grace wherein we stand (See 1 Cor. 15:1-4), and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also:  knowing that tribulation works patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope:  and hope does not make us  ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit) Who is given unto us (See Acts 2:38; 10:45).  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly - - - God commended (demonstrated)His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Much more then, being now justified (See Rom. 3:24-26) by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled (Greek:  katallage - to be returned to fellowship with God), we shall be saved by His life (See Mt. 28:5-7 - He is risen!).  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom we have now received the atonement (Greek:  katallage - the action of Christ - dying for us - on man's behalf; it is by faith in His action that restores us to God's favor).

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD'S LOVE!

1 John 4:19 - We love Him, because He first loved us.

THE AMAZING PATIENCE OF ALMIGHTY GOD!

ADAM AND EVE WERE ORIGINALLY CREATED IN THE LIKENESS OF GOD!

Genesis 1:26-27 - And God said, Let Us make man (mankind) in Our image, after Our likeness:  and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.  So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.

Genesis 5:1-2 - This is the book of the generations of Adam.  In the day that God created man (mankind), in the likeness of God made He him; male and female created He them; and blessed them.... 

BUT SOMETHING HAPPENED AND MAN CEASED TO BE LIKE GOD!

Genesis 3:1-8 - Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, has God said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?  And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:  but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.  And the serpent said unto the woman, You shall not surely die:  for God knows that in the day you eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.  And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.  And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.  And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day:  and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

[Notes:  First of all, Eve adds to God's Word by stating she would die if she touched the fruit.  Once she touched it and did not die, she ceased to believe God.  Doubting the LORD's Word, she no longer feared His warning, and she ate.  And Eve, like most sinners, desired to entice Adam to join her in her rebellion (compare Rom. 1:32).
              Second, for those who like to point out that Adam and Eve did not die that very day, I have two things you should consider:  one, they did die spiritually the instant they rebelled; and two, although Adam lived to be 930 years old (Gen. 5:5), he did not live to be a thousand!  The Word says that to God, a day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as a day (2 Pet. 3:8)!]  

GOD IS PERFECT, RIGHTEOUS, AND HOLY!

Psalm 71:19 -  Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, Who has done great things:  O God, who is like unto Thee!

Psalm 113:5 - Who is like unto the LORD our God, Who dwells on high?

Psalm 18:30 - God is perfect!

Matthew 5:48 - Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

MAN IS NOT PERFECT, RIGHTEOUS, OR HOLY!

Genesis 5:3 - And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth.

Romans 3:10 - As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one!

Romans 3:23 - All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God!

GOD KNEW BEFORE CREATION THAT MAN WOULD REBEL,

AND HE PROVIDED A WAY FOR US TO BE LIKE HIM!

John 3:14-17 - And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:  that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.  For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.

1 Corinthians 15:1-6 - Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel (the Good News) . . . by which also you are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain.  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:  and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve:  after that, He was seen by more than five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep (have died).

2 Corinthians 5:20-21 - Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ's stead, be reconciled to God.  For He has made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

1 John 3:1-2 - Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God:  therefore the world knows us not, because it knew Him not.  Beloved, now are we the children of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be:  but we know that, when He shall appear, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM; for we shall see Him as He is.

TRUST IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND 

YOU WILL ONE DAY BE LIKE HIM!