NCarolinian

The thing is I do not want anybody  to be ignorant about those who fall asleep (die), or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. (1 Thessalonias 4:13) Many people are living as if there is no Heaven or Hell.  People are living like there is no eternity with God or an eternity without God.  A lie has been believed here - hook-line-and-sinker .  Some people are living like they know Heaven and Hell exists, but choose the torture of eternal solitude in Hell (a very big place with a very broad road to it), over eternity with their Creator.  The heart has been calloused by people, environment, and the enemy of our soul here. In both cases there is no hope.  Without hope for an eternity WITH God, there is only this earthly life - the here and now.  So, many are living "Good lives" with no hope of eternity with God.  That does not get you anywhere either. With life being but a vapor compared to eternity, it is who you know, love and serve, ...

It is interesting what we humans get attached too. When I share the Good News with the simply seeking or the spiritually desperate, I want them not to believe in me, but in my God who gives us every good and perfect gift ( James 1:17 ).  I want them to attach to the God of the message as well as the Good News itself. I desire those I'm speaking with to understand the reason for the hope that I have. Doing this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against my good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. ( 1 Peter 3:15 ) You can believe in me for my expertise at something. For example, you can believe I can come through for you on the job. You can believe in me for my talent at something. For example, you can believe I can really communicate a feeling in song or score in a sport. However, as I share the Gospel, I don't want anyone to believe in me or attach to me to the point of distraction from God's message ...

"You are right in saying I am a king . In fact, for this reason I was born , and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." - John 18:37 For to this end Christ died and lived [again], that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. - Romans 14:9 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. - Hebrews 2:17 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance--now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. - Hebrews 9:15 The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. - 1 John 3:8 For What Earthly Reason Dottie Rambo. New Kingdom Music/ASCAP Vs 1 For what earthly reason wou...

My Worship Pastor observed recently,  "The  doors to eternity  are constantly in motion, we just need to understand and be prepared for what is through those  doors  (in light of reaching out to others for Christ)."  ( Paraphrase of Kerry Crespo ) Immediately I imagined a pair of needless Western Saloon style doors swinging furiously as hundreds of thousands of people that have died every minute from a variety of things pass through those doors to their eternal home. It makes me wonder what they were wearing as they crossed over through those doors to eternity. I do not speak of their physical apparel as they were possibly presented before family and friends in a casket. What I am referring to is the Heavenly dress, vestment, garb, or clothes that must be worn to enter into Heaven and the immediate presence of God. Good News! Because Salvation through Christ, Jesus has made my spiritual attire righteous or in right standing with Him ( 2 Corinthians 5:...

There was a group of people called the Arameans who made war with Israel back in the day of Elisha.  The prophet Elisha was getting downloads from God as to the troop movements of the Aramean army against Israel.  Therefore the nation Israel was prepared at every advance of the enemy.  This perplexed, enraged, and frustrated the king of Aram so much that he thought he had a traitor within his own court that was telling the war secrets to Israel.  But one of King Aram's officers knew the truth - Elisha was in town and with him - God. By the order of King Aram the target quickly changed from Israel to Elisha, known to be staying in a city surrounded by hills called Dothan.  By night, the Armanean army moved in and surround the city.  When Elisha's servant got up the next morning to take in the day, there was the army ready to greet Elisha and the city with death.   "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked. "Don't be afraid," the prophet answ...

Dallas Berry recently said something that got me thinking (Dallas, if I miss quoted you hollar at me!).  He said, "Christian heritage will not get you into heaven.  Your parents name will not save you.  It is up to the individual's response to Christ whether or not that person spends eternity in Heaven with The Lord." I agree with your statement.  However, I would like to add-on to it. Dallas, your statement led me to a time of gratitude before God.  It is true, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)  However, my Christian Heritage cultivated me to the point of making that life decision.  Not to say that God does not work in non-Christian homes to draw individuals into His Kingdom.  No.  That has been done many times over, including our own head pastor.  But the Christian Heritage is an environment that I grew-up in and have come to be thankful...