GOD'S WORK IN US!

GOD IS AT WORK IN BELIEVERS!

Romans 8:28-31 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestine to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom He did predestine, those He also called:  and whom He called, those He also justified:  and whom He justified, those He also glorified.  What shall we then say to these things?  If God be for us, who can be against us?

Ephesians 2:8-10 - For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  not of works, lest any man should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.

Philippians 1:6; 2:13 - Being confident of this very thing, that He Who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ . . . . For it is God Who works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.

Hebrews 13:20-21 - Now the God of peace, Who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to Whom be glory forever and ever.  Amen.

1 John 3:2 - Beloved, now are we the sons (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.

JESUS CHRIST: CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE!

GOD CREATED THE UNIVERSE!

Genesis 1:1 - In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

John 1:1-3 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The Same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.

JESUS IS GOD, THE CREATOR!

John 1:14 - And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Colossians 1:16-17 - For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:  all things were created by Him, and for Him:  and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.

1 Timothy 3:16 - And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:  God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Hebrews 1:1-3 - God, who at sundry (various) times and in divers manners (different ways) spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, Whom He has appointed heir of all things, by Whom also He made the worlds; Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high....

Revelation 4:10-11 - The four and twenty elders fall down before Him Who sat on the throne, and worship Him that lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power:  for You have created all things, and for Your pleasure they are and were created.

Revelation 10:6-7 - And swore by Him that lives forever and ever, Who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:  but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as He has declared to His servants the prophets.

IF YOU WERE TO ASK JESUS

WHO GOD IS, HE WOULD SAY,

I AM!

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

BELIEVE!

John 1:11-14 - He (Jesus) came unto His own (people; Israel), and His own received Him not.  But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons (children) of God, even to those who believe on His name:  who were born, not of blood (but of the Spirit; born again - see Jn. 3:3-8), nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 3:15-18 - 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. He that believes in Him is not condemned:  but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the Only Begotten Son of God.

John 6:28-29 - Then said they unto Him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that you believe on Him Whom He has sent.

John 9:35-38 - Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said unto him, Do you believe in the Son of God?  He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe in Him?  And Jesus said unto him, You have both seen Him, and it is He that talks with you.  And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped Him.

John 11:25-27 - Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life:  he that believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:  and whosoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?  She said unto Him, Yes, Lord:  I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, Who should come into the world.

John 14:1-3 - Let not your heart be troubled:  you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many mansions:  if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

John 20:28-31 - And Thomas answered and said unto Him, My Lord and my God.  Jesus said unto him, Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed:  blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.  And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book:  but these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing, you might have life through His name.

ACCORDING TO EPHESIANS 2:8-9 -

SALVATION IS A FREE GIFT FROM GOD

TO BE RECEIVED BY FAITH, NOT WORKS!

EVERY MAN SHALL BE HIS OWN GOD!

2 Timothy 3:2-4 

After the Rapture, All Men Shall Be . . .

1. lovers of their own selves--selfish, self-centered, seeking to please self
    
2. covetous--lovers of money, greedy, worshiping the dollar bill
    
3. boasters--those who love to brag about themselves and about what they are going to do
    
4. proud--a person who considers himself above others and tries to lift himself above others, even if it means stepping on others
    
5. blasphemers--those who speak against God, and drag His good Name into the mud, and speak of God in an irreverent way
    
6. disobedient to parents--those who do not obey or honor their parents, those who are rebellious in the home
    
7. unthankful--ungrateful, not appreciating all the blessings received, not thankful for all of God’s goodness (Rom. 1:21)
    
8. unholy--no respect for anything that is sacred
    
9. without natural affection--without that love and affection that should be shown in the family (the love that a mother has for her child, that a father has for his son, or that a young person should have for his brother or sister or parents)
    
10. trucebreakers--those who refuse to make peace, who would rather be at war with you, who would rather be your enemy than your friend
     
11. false accusers--those who say false things about a person
     
12. incontinent--not having self control
     
13. fierce--savage, brutal, untamed like a wild animal
     
14. despisers of that which is good--no love for what is good and right
     
15. traitors--one who betrays another (like Judas), pretends to be your friend but later he lets you down and is not your friend at all
     
16. heady--those who do things in a hasty way without much thinking; they will act first and think later
     
17. high-minded--puffed up, swollen with pride, conceited
     
18. lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God--pleasure seekers rather than God-seekers

NOTE:  Revelation 3:10 reveals the Rapture of the true Church; Revelation 3:14-20 describes the church which has excluded Jesus Christ.  The description above applies to those professing believers who will be left behind.

EVEN GOD HAS HAD ENOUGH!

THE EXAMPLE OF NOAH'S TIME!

Genesis 6:5-7 - 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.  And it repented the LORD that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart.  And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth Me that I have made them.

Matthew 24:35-39 - Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.  But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only.  But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.  For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.

Hebrews 11:7 - By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

1 Peter 3:20 - Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

2 Peter 2:4-5, 9 - For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; and spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly . . . . The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.

A WARNING FROM THE APOSTLE PAUL!

Romans 1:18-32 - For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God has showed it unto them.  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 dishonor 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 recompense of their error which was appropriate.  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.

TIME IS RUNNING OUT:  TURN TO JESUS TODAY!

2 Peter 3:6-10 - Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:  but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

BELIEVE IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

TODAY, AND YOU SHALL BE SAVED!

THE LAST DAYS!

ARE YOU WATCHING THE NEWS?

WE ARE THERE!

2 Timothy 3:1-5 - This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of themselves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient* to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:  from such turn away.

Note:  * The Greek word here is apeithes which means "lacking respect for the wisdom of one's elders; unpersuadable; unwilling to heed instruction."  The same word appears in Luke 1:17; Acts 26:19; Romans 1:30; Titus 1:16; 3:3.

REPENT!  HE IS COMING AGAIN!  SOON!

THE BELIEVER'S FUTURE BODY!

Our Lord’s Resurrection Body!

Many deny the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, but the Bible proclaims this fact in unmistakable terms.  The Scriptures are very specific in describing our Lord’s resurrection body.  Consider the following: 

1. It was a body that was missing from the tomb (Mark 16:6; Luke 24:3, 23; John 20:2, 12). 

2. It was a body that could be seen (Matthew 28:10, 17; Mark 16:14; John 20:18, 25, 29; Acts 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:5-8).

3. It was a body that could speak (Matthew 28:9, 18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:17, 32; John 20:18). 

4. It was a body that had hands and feet (Matthew 28:9; Luke 24:39-40, 50). 

5. It was a body that could stand (Luke 24:14; John 20:19; 21:4). 

6. It was a body that could walk (Luke 24:14-15, 28). 

7. It was a body that could breathe (John 20:22).

8. It was a body that could prepare a meal (John 21:9, 12-13). 

9. It was a body that had flesh and bones (Luke 24:39). 

10. It was a body that could be touched and held onto and handled (Matthew 28:9; Luke 24:39; John 20:17). 

11. It was a body that could hold and handle bread and other foods (Luke 24:30; John 21:13). 

12. It was a body that could eat (Luke 24:30, 41-43). 

13. It was a body that still had the wounds or scars from His crucifixion on His hands and on His side (John 20:27). 

14. It was a body that could appear in another form (Mark 16:12). 

15. It was a body that could vanish out of sight (Luke 24:31). 

16. It was a body that could pass through a sealed and secured tomb and through locked doors (Matthew 27:62-66; John 20:19, 26).  Apparently His body also passed through the linen grave clothes (John 20:6-8). 

17. It was a body that could go up into heaven (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9) and that also could return to earth many centuries later (Acts 1:9-11). 

Some of these descriptions are very normal, such as speaking, eating, standing, walking, etc.  Some of these descriptions speak of activities which are abnormal and unusual:  appearing in another form, vanishing, passing through solid objects, etc.  All of this is fascinating when we remember that Philippians 3:20-21 teaches us that the believer’s resurrection body will be patterned after His glorious body.  

1 John 3:2 - Beloved, now are we the sons (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.

MISSING MY BLOG?

SORRY

BEEN OFFLINE FOR TWO DAYS

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DEAR GOD, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

THERE IS ONLY ONE HEAVENLY FATHER!

Ephesians 4:4-6 - There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

JESUS CALLED GOD HIS FATHER!

Matthew 10:32-33 - Whosoever therefore shall confess (faith in) Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father Who is in heaven.  But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father Who is in heaven.

Luke 2:48-50 - And when they saw Him, they were amazed: and His mother said unto Him, Son, why have You thus dealt with us?  Behold, your father and I have sought you sorrowing.  And He said unto them, How is it that you sought me?  Wist ye not (know you not) that I must be about My Father's business?  And they understood not the saying which He spoke unto them.

John 5:18 - Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill Him, because He not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.

JESUS TOLD HIS DISCIPLES GOD IS THEIR FATHER!

Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.

Matthew 23:8-10 - But be not called Rabbi:  for One is your Master, even Christ; and all you are brethren.  And call no man your father upon the earth:  for One is your Father, Who is in heaven.  Neither be called masters:  for One is your Master, even Christ.

John 20:17 - Jesus said unto her, Touch Me not; for I am not yet ascended to My Father:  but go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God.

GOD IS MORE THAN FATHER, HE IS "ABBA!"

Mark 14:36 - And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto You; take away this cup from Me:  nevertheless not what I will, but what You will (be done).

Romans 8:15 - For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Galatians 4:6 - And because you are sons (His children), God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

NOTES:  We are children of God by faith in Jesus Christ: 

           
Romans 8:16 - The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God....

Galatians 3:26 - For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

1 John 3:2 - Beloved, now are we the sons (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.

IF GOD IS YOUR FATHER,

EVERYDAY SHOULD BE

FATHER'S DAY!

GOD'S ENEMIES ARE YOUR ENEMIES!

RECOGNIZING YOUR ENEMIES!

Matthew 7:15-20 - Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  You shall know them by their fruit.  Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  Even so, every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit.  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  Wherefore by their fruit you shall know them.

Luke 3:7-9 - Then said he (John, the baptizer) to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of (Greek axios meaning "equal in weight"; "which balances the scales"; matches) repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father:  for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.  And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees:  every tree therefore which brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Galatians 5:19-21 - Now the works of (the evidence of; the fruit of) the flesh (the carnal ones) are manifest (revealed by their fruit), which are these:  adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft (Greek pharmakeia:  drug-use), hatred, variance (arguments), emulations (debates; misguided zeal), wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like:  of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

RECOGNIZING YOUR BRETHREN!

John 13:34-35 - A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love one to another.

1 Corinthians 12:3 - Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed:  and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

Galatians 5:22-25 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law.  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

1 John 4:1-3 - Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:  because many false prophets are gone out into the world.  Hereby you know the Spirit of God:  every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:  and every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God:  and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof you have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

TO WHICH GROUP DO YOU BELONG?

TRUE BELIEVERS ARE NOT SILENT!

FOR YOUR SAKE, SPEAK UP!

Matthew 10:32-33 - Whosoever therefore shall confess (their faith in) Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father Who is in heaven.  But whosoever shall deny (their faith in) Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father Who is in heaven.

Luke 12:8-9 - Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess (their faith in) Me before men, him shall the Son of Man also confess before the angels of God:  but he that denies (having faith in) Me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

John 9:19-23 - And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, whom you say was born blind?  How then does he now see?  His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:  but by what means he now sees, we know not; or who has opened his eyes, we know not:  he is of age; ask him:  he shall speak for himself.  These words spoke his parents, because they feared the Jews:  for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess (having faith) that He was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.  Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.

John 12:42-43 - Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed in Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess (their faith in) Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:  for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Romans 10:9-11 - That if you shall confess (your faith) with your mouth (in) the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.  For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the Scripture says, Whosoever believes in Him shall not be ashamed.

Philippians 2:5-11 - Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore God also has highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:  that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

1 John 4:1-3 - Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:  because many false prophets are gone out into the world.  Hereby know you the Spirit of God:  Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:  and every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God:  and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof you have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

DO YOU BELIEVE JESUS DIED FOR YOUR SINS?

DO YOU BELIEVE HIS FATHER RAISED HIM UP?

THEN FOR GOD'S SAKE, TELL SOMEBODY!!!!!!!

TRUE BELIEVERS LOVE SHARING CHRIST!

THE MESSAGE THE CHURCH IS TO SHARE:

Luke 24:44-48 - And He (the recently resurrected Jesus) said unto them (the two disheartened travelers headed for Emmaus), These are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms (the writings), concerning Me.  Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day (The Gospel):  and that repentance AND remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  And you are witnesses of these things.

THE GOSPEL:

Romans 1:16 - For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ:  for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (non-Jew; Gentiles).

1 Corinthians 15:1-6 - Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also you have received, and wherein you stand; by which also you are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain (were not sincere).  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 (alive) by Peter, then by the twelve:  after that, He was seen by more than five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain (alive) unto this present (day), but some are fallen asleep (some have died).

Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  not of works, lest any man should boast.

REPENTANCE:

Defined:  The Greek word translated "repent" is metanoia (meta = change; noia = mind).  

Acts 20:20-21 - And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 7:9-10 - Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you sorrowed to repentance:  for you were made sorry after a godly manner, that you might receive damage by us in nothing.  For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation not to be repented of:  but the sorrow of the world works death.

REMISSION OF SINS:

Defined:  The Greek word translated "remission" is aphesis (to be forgiven; to be pardoned; of the legal debt owed as a result of one's sin.

Matthew 26:26-28 - And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My body.  And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink you all of it; for this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Acts 10:43 - To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins.

Hebrews 9:22 - And almost all things are by the Law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

THE BAD NEWS:

BECAUSE OF MY SIN, I AM SENTENCED TO DEATH.

THE GOOD NEWS:

JESUS LOVES ME AND HE DIED IN MY PLACE!

BY FAITH IN HIM, I HAVE GONE FROM THE GALLOWS

TO GLORY AND HAVE ETERNITY TO THANK HIM!

ALL IN CHRIST SHALL OVERCOME!

THE LORD'S PROMISES TO HIS CHURCH!

Revelation 2:1, 7 - Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things says He that holds the seven stars in His right hand, Who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks . . . . He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Revelation 2:8, 11 - And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things says the First and the Last, Who was dead, and is alive . . . . He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; He that overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death.

Revelation 2:12, 17 - And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things says He Who has the sharp sword with two edges . . . . He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows saving (except) he that receives it.

Revelation 2:18, 26-29 - And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things says the Son of God, Who has His eyes like unto a flame of fire, and His feet are like fine brass . . . . And he that overcomes, and keeps My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:  and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers:  even as I received of My Father.  And I will give him the morning star.  He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.

Revelation 3:1, 5-6 - And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things says He that has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know your works, that you have a name that you live, and are dead (spiritually) . . . . He that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.  He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.

Revelation 3:7, 12-13 - And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things says He that is holy, He that is true, He that has the key of David, He that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens . . . . Him that overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out:  and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, which is New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God:  and I will write upon him My new name.  He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.

Revelation 3:14, 20-22 - And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God . . . . Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:  if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.  To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.  He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.

HOW DOES ONE BECOME AN OVERCOMER?

1 John 5:4-5 - For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.  Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God!

Revelation 12:9-11 - And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world:  he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ:  for the accuser of our brethren (Israel) is cast down, who accused them before our God day and night.  And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony (they had come to believe in Jesus); and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Revelation 21:7 - He (whosoever it is) that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his (their) God, and he (they) shall be My son (children).

EVEN IF A BELIEVER DIES FOR HIS OR HER FAITH,

NO ONE CAN TRULY OVERCOME A CHILD OF GOD!

TWO DISTINCT PHASES OF THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

A Comparison Between the Rapture (Pre-tribulational Coming) and the Second Advent (Post-tribulational Coming)

1. TIME

1. RAPTURE--before the tribulation (Rev. 3:10). The church will be kept out of that hour or time of testing which will come upon the whole world.
2. SECOND ADVENT--after the tribulation (Mt. 24:29-30; Rev. 19:11-16).

2. QUICKNESS

1. RAPTURE--in a "moment" (Greek-"atom," a split-second, literally "uncut, indivisible," we divide and cut time into years and months and days and hours and minutes and seconds, but the smallest measure of time is an "atom" of time which we might call a split-second), in the blinking on an eye (1 Cor. 15:52). It is very sudden. It will happen before people will realize it is happening (even as it was with Enoch, see Gen. 5:24; Heb. 11:5). An example of a man being raptured away suddenly so as to be seen no more is found in Acts 8:39 (where the Greek word for rapture, harpazo, is used).
2. SECOND ADVENT--slow enough for people to realize and see what is happening (Mt. 24:27; Rev. 1:7; Ps. 2:2; Rev. 19:19). The second coming of Christ to the earth will be visible and obvious to all. No one will miss it.

3. DATE (THE DAY ON WHICH IT WILL TAKE PLACE)

1. RAPTURE--UNKNOWN DAY. The Lord Jesus will surely come for His Church (John 14:3) but we do not know when (compare 1 Jn. 2:28 and 3:2 where the subjunctive mood is used indicating that while the fact of His coming is sure, the time of His coming is unsure). The rapture is imminent which means that He may come at any time. 
2. SECOND ADVENT--KNOWN DAY. The date of the second coming can be calculated to the very day. It will occur 2520 days (7 years, or 84 months, each month made up of 30 days) from the time that Antichrist makes a treaty with Israel (Dan. 9:27) and it will occur 1260 days (3½ years) from the time of the abomination of desolation (Mt. 24:15). See Rev. 11:2,3; 12:6,14; 13:5; 2 Th. 2:8 (Antichrist destroyed at 2nd coming). Of course, this "known day" cannot be known or calculated by anyone until the treaty is signed (Dan. 9:27).

4. PRECEDING SIGNS

1. RAPTURE--NONE (Ti. 2:13; Rev. 22:20; etc.). He may come for His Church at any time and nothing needs to be fulfilled before He comes. The only thing we are waiting for is the completion of the church (Mt. 16:18; Rom. 11:25), and only God knows when this will be.
2. SECOND ADVENT--MANY (Mt. 24:3-28). There is much that must be fulfilled before Christ returns to the earth (such as all the events in Rev. 6-18).

ILLUSTRATION: The rapture can be likened to Thanksgiving (a holiday without signs) and the second advent can be likened to Christmas (which is preceded by all kinds of signs). When you see the signs of Christmas (decorations, lights, trees, etc.) then you can be sure that Thanksgiving will take place at any time. If Christmas is near then Thanksgiving must be even nearer!

5. VISIBILITY

1. RAPTURE--Christ seen only by the church (1 Th. 4:17; 1 Jn. 3:2).
2. SECOND ADVENT--Christ seen by every eye (Rev. 1:7; Mt. 24:24-27).

6. LOCATION

1. RAPTURE--in the air (1 Th. 4:17).
2. SECOND ADVENT--on the earth (Zech. 14:4; Acts 1:11).

7. ASSOCIATED JUDGEMENT

1. RAPTURE--the judgment seat of Christ (2 Tim. 4:1,8; 1 Pet. 1:7).
2. SECOND ADVENT--destruction of the wicked armies (Rev. 19:17-19) and the judgment of living nations (Mt. 25:31-46).

8. IDENTITY OF THOSE REMOVED FROM THE EARTH AND THOSE REMAINING ON THE EARTH

1. RAPTURE--Believers are removed; unbelievers remain (1 Th. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:51-53; Jn. 14:3).
2. SECOND ADVENT--Unbelievers are removed; believers remain (Mt. 24:37-41 and Lk. 17:34-37). See Mt. 24:38 where the unbelieving world in Noah's day was taken away in judgment.

9. PURPOSE OF CHRIST'S COMING

1. RAPTURE--to receive His bride (Jn. 14:3; 1 Th. 4:17).
2. SECOND ADVENT--to receive His kingdom (Lk. 19:22; Rev. chapters 19-20)

10. THE BODIES OF LIVING BELIEVERS

1. RAPTURE--church age believers are raised (those who have died) and are translated and "changed" (those who are living) with the result that they have immortal, resurrection bodies (1 Cor. 15:52-53; 1 Th. 4:17).
2. SECOND ADVENT--believers who survive the tribulation enter the kingdom in natural bodies (Mt. 25:23), and these believers will eventually bear children and re-populate the earth.

HE DIED TO PAY FOR OUR SINS; HE ROSE TO RULE AND REIGN FOREVER!

WHO IS THE JESUS OF THE BIBLE?  HE IS:

John 1:1, 14 - Jesus is God!

Colossians 1:15 - Jesus is the image of the invisible God! 

Hebrews 1:3 - Jesus is the brightness of God's glory, and the express image of His person!

John 3:18 - Jesus is the Only Begotten Son of God!

John 13:13 - Jesus is Master and Lord!

1 Timothy 3:15 - Jesus is King of kings!

Revelation 19:16 - Jesus is Lord of lords!

Revelation 13:8 - Jesus was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world!

AND YET,

John 1:3, 10; Colossians 1:16-17; and Hebrews 1:2

all tell us that Jesus created the very world for which He would suffer and die!

I BELIEVE JESUS IS ALSO THE GREAT I AM!

Exodus 3:13-14 - And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers has sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is His name?  What shall I say unto them?  And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM (I AM the eternally existing God):  and He said, Thus shall you say unto the children of Israel, I AM has sent me unto you.

Mark 14:61-62 - Again the high priest asked Him, and said unto Him, Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?  And Jesus said, I AM:  and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

John 8:24, 28, 58 - I said therefore unto you, that you shall die in your sins:  for if you believe not that I AM, he* you shall die in your sins. . . . Then said Jesus unto them, When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then shall you know that I AM, he* and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father has taught Me, I speak these things. . . . Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM.

Note:  he* - The Greek text does not have the pronoun "he" where indicated.  By adding it, the translators negated the importance of Christ's statement;  He is the "I AM" of Scripture.

John 13:13, 18-19 - You call Me Master and Lord:  and you say well; for so I AM. . . . I speak not of you all:  I know whom I have chosen:  but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, He that eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.  Now I tell you before it comes, that, when it is come to pass, you may believe that I AM he.*

John 18:3-8 - Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons.  Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon Him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom do you seek?  They answered Him, Jesus of Nazareth.  Jesus said unto them, I AM. he* And Judas also, which betrayed Him, stood with them.  As soon then as He had said unto them, I AM, he* they went backward, and fell to the ground.  Then asked He them again, Whom do you seek?  And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.  Jesus answered, I have told you that I AM:  he* if therefore you seek Me, let these go their way....

AS THE "I AM" OF SCRIPTURE,

JESUS IS THE CREATOR GOD!

IF YOU BELIEVE IN HIM,

WORSHIP AND SERVE HIM TODAY!

HAVE NO FELLOWSHIP WITH THE WORKERS OF INIQUITY!

LOVE YOUR ENEMY, BUT DO NOT

FORGET HE IS YOUR ENEMY!

Romans 16:17 - Now I beseech you, brethren, mark those who cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 - Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:  for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness?  And what communion has light with darkness?  And what concord has Christ with Belial (Satan)?  Or what part has he that believes with an infidel (an unbeliever)?  And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?  For you are the temple of the living God; as God has said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.  Wherefore come out from among them, and be separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.

Ephesians 5:1-11 - Be therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.  But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as is becoming of saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient (not consistent with your claim to be a believer):  but rather giving of thanks.  For this you know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  Let no man deceive you with vain words:  for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.  Therefore, be not partakers (associated) with them.  For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the Lord:  walk as children of light:  for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 - This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent (lacking self-control), fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:  from such turn away.

DO NOT EXPECT AN UNBELIEVER

TO LIVE A GOOD CHRISTIAN LIFE;

BUT DO NOT ASSOCIATE WITH A 

PROFESSED BELIEVER WHOSE LIFE

IS IN HARMONY WITH THIS WORLD!

LOOK AROUND YOU; BIBLE PROPHECY IS UNFOLDING BEFORE YOUR EYES!

THE BIBLICAL EXPLANATION FOR WHY

THE WORLD IS FILLED WITH REBELLION!

Romans 1:18-32 King James Version

[18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;[19] Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
[20] 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:
[21] 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.
[22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
[23] And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.
[24] Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
[25] Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
[26] 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:
[27] 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.
[28] 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;
[29] Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
[30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
[31] Without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
[32] 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.

AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH

AND LOT, GOD HAS HAD ENOUGH!

Luke 17:26-29 King James Version

[26] And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.
[27] They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.
[28] Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;
[29] But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.

IT IS THE BELIEVER'S RESPONSIBILITY

TO SHARE THIS AND WARN OTHERS!

O

MY THOUGHTS ON THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS!

JESUS, AS THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD,

DIED FOR THE SINS OF THE WORLD!

John 1:29 - The next day John saw Jesus coming unto him, and said, Behold the Lamb of God, Who takes away THE SIN OF THE WORLD. 

John 4:39-42 - And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him for the saying of the woman, who testified, He told me all that ever I did.  So when the Samaritans were come unto Him, they besought Him that He would tarry with them:  and He abode there two days.  And many more believed because of His own word; and said unto the woman, Now we believe, not (just) because of your saying:  for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD. 

1 John 2:1-2 - My little children, these things write I unto you, that you sin not.  And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:  and He is the propitiation (total satisfaction; the payment in full of our debt) for our sins:  and not for ours only, but also for THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD.

1 John 4:10-14 - Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation (total satisfaction; the payment in full of our debt) for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.  No man has seen God at any time.  If we love one another, God dwells in us, and His love is perfected in us.  Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.  And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD.  

WHO IS THIS JESUS OF THE BIBLE?

John 1:1, 14 - Jesus is God!

Colossians 1:15 - Jesus is the image of the invisible God! 

Hebrews 1:3 - Jesus is the brightness of God's glory, and the express image of His person!

John 3:18 - Jesus is the Only Begotten Son of God!

John 13:13 - Jesus is Master and Lord!

1 Timothy 3:15 - Jesus is King of kings!

Revelation 19:16 - Jesus is Lord of lords!

John 8:58 - Jesus was the I AM before Abraham existed!

Revelation 13:8 - Jesus was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world!

AND YET,

John 1:3, 10; Colossians 1:16-17; and Hebrews 1:2 all tell us that Jesus created the very world for which He would suffer and die!

JESUS IS TO BE RECOGNIZED AS LORD BY

THOSE WHO TRUST HIM TO BE THEIR SAVIOR!

ALL LIVES MATTER!

JESUS DIED FOR THE SIN

OF THE WHOLE WORLD!

John 1:29 - The next day John saw Jesus coming unto him, and said, Behold the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the (whole) world.

John 3:16-17 - For God so loved the (whole) 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 (whole) world through (faith in) Him might be saved.

1 John 2:2 - And He is the propitiation (satisfaction; the full payment due) for our sins:  and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

THE ONLY UNFORGIVABLE SIN IS

THE REJECTION OF THE SPIRIT'S

CONVICTION THAT JESUS IS LORD!

Matthew 12:28, 31-32 - If I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. . . . 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.

John 16:7-13 - Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away:  for if I go not away, the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.  And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:  of sin, because they believe not in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.  I have yet many things to say unto you, but you cannot bear them now.  Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth:  for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak:  and He will show you things to come.

Note:  When a person is convicted by the Spirit that Jesus is the Son of God, and that person rejects the truth, essentially calling the Spirit a liar, he or she blasphemes the Spirit.  Because one is only saved from sin by faith in Christ's death, His burial, and His resurrection, to reject that truth is blasphemy of Christ's Witness, the Holy Spirit.  

RECOGNIZING TRUE CHRISTIANS!

THE LOGICAL RESPONSE TO THE TRUE JESUS!

Matthew 2:1-2, 11 - Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews?  For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him. . . . And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him:  and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 8:1-3 - When He was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him.  And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, if You will it, You can make me clean.  And Jesus put forth His hand, and touched him, saying, I will it; be clean.  And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Matthew 14:22, 32-33 - And straightway Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a ship, and to go before Him unto the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. . . . And when they (Jesus and Peter) were come into the ship, the wind ceased.  Then they that were in the ship, came and worshipped Him, saying, Of a truth You are the Son of God.

Luke 24:51-53 - And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.  And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:  and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.  Amen.

THE RESPONSE OF THOSE WHO REJECT HIM!

Romans 1:22-25 - 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 dishonor 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.

* Note:  Jesus is the Creator; see John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:1-2!

1 Timothy 4:1-2 - Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron (no longer have a working conscience).

2 Timothy 3:1-5 - This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent (lacking self-control), fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:  from such turn away.

2 Peter 3:3-4 - Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming?  For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

THE TEST OF A TRUE BELIEVER!

Matthew 7:20-23 - Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them.  Not every one that says unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of My Father Who is in heaven.*  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name?  And in Your name have cast out devils?  And in Your name done many wonderful works?**  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you:  depart from Me, you that work iniquity.

* Note:  "The will of My Father" is found in John 6:28-29:  "Then said they unto Him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that you believe on Him Whom He has sent."

**Note:  "Works" result in wages owed; salvation is a gift (a grace gift which cannot be earned) as found in Ephesians 2:8-9:  "For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  not of works, lest any man should boast."
             

GALATIANS 3:24-25 - THE LAW AS OUR SCHOOL MASTER!

ACCORDING TO THE LAW OF MOSES,

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

Matthew 19:16, 21 - And, behold, one came and said unto Him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life . . . . Jesus said unto him, If you want to be perfect, go and sell that you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven:  and come and follow Me.

Mark 10:17, 21 - And when He was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to Him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life . . . . Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing you lack:  go your way, sell whatsoever you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven:  and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.

Luke 10:25, 36-37 - And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life . . . . Which now of these three, do you think, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?  And he said, He that showed mercy on him.  Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do likewise.

Luke 18:18, 22 - And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life . . . . Now when Jesus heard these things, He said unto him, Yet you lack one thing:  sell all that you have, and distribute unto the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven:  and come, follow Me.

ACCORDING TO THE GRACE OF GOD,

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

Acts 16:29-31 - Then he (the warden) called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?  And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved....

Romans 10:8-13 - But what does it say?  The Word is near you, even in your mouth, and in your heart:  that is, the Word of Faith, which we preach; that if you shall confess with your mouth (your belief in) the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.  For with the heart a man believes unto righteousness (and is declared to be righteous by God - see 2 Cor. 5:21); and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the Scripture says, Whosoever believes in Him shall not be ashamed.  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek (non-Jew; Gentile):  for the same Lord over all is rich unto all who call upon Him.  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 - Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also you have received, and wherein you stand; by which also you are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain (unless you just pretended to believe).  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....

Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  not of works, lest any man should boast.

THE LAW IS OUR SCHOOL MASTER:

NO ONE CAN ALWAYS OBEY THE LAW,

SO WE ALL NEED A SAVIOR!

GOD OFFERS US SALVATION AS A GIFT;

WE MUST SIMPLY TRUST HIM!

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING SURPRISES GOD!

IT IS ALL GOING TO PLAN:

TRUST GOD - HE'S GOT THIS!

Matthew 13:34-35 - All these things spoke Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spoke He not unto them:  that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Matthew 25:31-34 - When the Son of Man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory:  and before Him shall be gathered all nations:  and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats:  and He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.  Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world....

Luke 11:47-50 - Woe unto you!  For you build the sepulchers of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.  Truly you bear witness that you allow the deeds of your fathers:  for they indeed killed them, and you build their sepulchers.  Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:  that the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation....

John 17:24 - Father, I will that they also, whom You have given to Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which You have given me:  for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

Ephesians 1:3-6 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:  according as He has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love:  having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He has made us accepted in the Beloved.

Hebrews 4:1-3 - Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.  For unto us was the Gospel preached, as well as unto them:  but the Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.  For we who have believed do enter into rest, as He said, As I have sworn in My wrath, if they shall enter into My rest:  although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

Hebrews 9:24-26 - For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:  nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest entered into the holy place every year with blood of others; for then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world:  but now once in the end of the world has He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

1 Peter 1:18-21 - Forasmuch as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation (way of life) received by (their religious) tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by Him do believe in God, Who raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Revelation 13:5-8 - And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.  And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.  And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them:  and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.  And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Revelation 17:8 - The beast that you saw was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition:  and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

ALL THAT HAS HAPPENED;

ALL THAT IS YET TO HAPPEN;

IS KNOWN AND ORCHESTRATED

BY ALMIGHTY GOD, HIMSELF!

OUR NEED IS THE FAITH TO SEE

THE "BIG PICTURE" AND TRUST HIM!