“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment”. 

 

 

 1 John 5:11-13    And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.  I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

 John 3:36     Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

 John 5:24    Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

 John 6:40     For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

 John 6:47    Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.

 John 8:51    Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.”

 John 11:26    and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

 Mark 16:16    Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

 1 Peter 1:21   who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

 John 10:27-30   My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.  I and the Father are one.”

 1 Thessalonians 5:9     For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

 1 John 3:14    We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.

 Ephesians 2:5     even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—

The second we were born we were given a “death sentence”. Seems harsh, doesn’t it? Some may be born and live 70 to 100 years. Others are much shorter. However, the fact remains that every last one of us will die. We will experience death. Our time on this side of eternity will stop. All of the pleasures, trials, blessings, troubles, love, anger, joy, hate, worry, fear, peace, hope, etc…… on earth will cease for us. We do not know the day or time of our death but it is as sure as the sun rising and setting.  We don’t give much thought to our death, but we sure give much thought to our living. 

We try to prolong life and delay death without giving much thought to death. It seems as though it is something that happens to others and not so much to us, when in fact, it will. We don’t know when our time will be over. And yet it will happen. 

When we don’t give thought to death and what is on the other side of it, our lives become full of only what this world has to offer us. temporal things, things that will decay, things that give us short-lived satisfaction, and they are all left behind when we die. 

There is a spiritual side to every single person born just as there is a fleshly side. We tend to the flesh but give little thought to the spiritual. Think about it, how much of your time any given day is given toward God and eternity compared to things of this world. 

Scripture tells us that though our flesh dies our spirit lives forever. It also reveals that there are two destinations to which our spirit will arrive. Eternal life in heaven with God or eternal total separation from God in hell. How important then is it to give time to thinking about the eternal over what is temporal?  How important is it to give thought to eternal life in heaven and eternal separation in hell? 

Scripture says – Death

 Romans 5:12     Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—

Hebrews 9:27.  “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment”. 

 Job 14:5    Since his days are determined, and the number of his months is with you, and you have appointed his limits that he cannot pass,

 Job 30:23     For I know that you will bring me to death and to the house appointed for all living.

 Psalms 89:48     What man can live and never see death? Who can deliver his soul from the power of Sheol?

 Ecclesiastes 3:20    All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return.

 Ecclesiastes 9:5     For the living know that they will die

 Ecclesiastes 12:7   and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

Scripture says – Judgment

 Ecclesiastes 11:9    Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.

 Ecclesiastes 12:14     For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

 Matthew 25:31-34     “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.  Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.  Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

41  “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

 2 Timothy 4:1     I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead

 Romans 2:5   But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.

 Romans 14:12   So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

 2 Corinthians 5:10    For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

 Jude 1:15    to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”

Scripture says – Life

Jhn 3:16    “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

1 Timothy 1:15-16    The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.  But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

 John 3:36    Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

 John 5:24     Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

 John 6:40     For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

 John 20:31    but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

 Romans 5:21     so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 Romans 6:23     For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 1 John 5:11-12    And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

46.d. “Wilderness” – 10.j. “Why are you cast down, O my soul”

 

Num 6:26  the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

 Psalms 42:5    Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation

 Psalms 89:15    Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O LORD, in the light of your face,

 Acts 2:28     You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

 Psalms 29:11    May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!

 Isaiah 26:3    You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

 Isaiah 26:12    O LORD, you will ordain peace for us, for you have indeed done for us all our works.

 Luke 2:14   “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

 John 14:27     Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

 Romans 15:13   May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

 Romans 15:33    May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

 Philippians 4:7     And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

And the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee,…. Show his face and favour, look cheerfully on his people, declare himself well pleased with them in Christ, and appear as smiling upon them through him, indulging them with visits of love, restoring to them the joys of his salvation, and upholding them with his free Spirit; and so causing them to walk pleasantly and comfortably in the ways of God, expecting eternal life and happiness, as God’s free gift through Christ: and give thee peace; all outward needful prosperity, internal peace of mind, through the blood and righteousness of Christ, the peacemaker, and peace giver, and eternal peace in the world to come. (Gill)

Implying more personal and individual attention from the Lord. His face shines upon all that love him, as the sun shines wherever no clouds intervene; but his face is lifted up to that soul for which he has a more special regard. To lift up the eyes or the face upon any one is to look upon that one with peculiar and tender interest. This peace, being the perfect fruit in experience of the grace which comes from God. (Unknown)

There is a lot in this world and in our lives that can and, at times, rob us of peace. News and media outlets are full of peace-zapping articles. The worse they can make it seem seems to be their purpose. I truly wonder what a person’s life would be like if they shut off their TV and no longer filled their minds with the fear, anger, lies, and half-truths being proclaimed. There is little to no benefit from watching or knowing it. You are being fed what they want you to think, feel, and blame. There is no peace in this.

Other times there is life itself that has a way of creeping in and zapping our faith. Accidents, finances, physical health, relationships, marriage, and even past memories all can find roots to establish a means of robbing us of peace. No one is immune to it, it comes to all of us at various times throughout our lives. Some of these are attacks by Satan but certainly more of them happen in life because of sin in the world. However, we are not of this world. This is not our home. Our home is in heaven with our heavenly father where there will be no more sickness, death, pain, or suffering. 

What is a person to do when they find peace is absent? I find no other cure than to dig into God’s promises. 

“I am with you”

“I will never leave you”

“I am your refuge”

“I am your strength”

“I will guide you”

“My peace I give to you”

“I will send a Helper (the Holy Spirit)”

“I can do more than you as or can imagine”

“I will give you peace that passes all understanding”

“I know your coming and going”

“I have plans for you”

“Believe and trust in Me”

When you find yourself in a mental state where peace is nowhere to be found, go to a quiet place and focus your mind on Jesus Christ and His promises. He will fill your heart and mind with peace and give you rest.

39.j. “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

 

 

Romans 15:13   Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 Isaiah 55:12   “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace;

 John 14:1   “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

 John 14:27     Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

 Romans 5:5   and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

 Joel 3:16    The LORD roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the LORD is a refuge to his people

Thanks to technology, we see the joy and celebrations of life that occur all over the world, but we also see the heartbreak and despair.  It is easy to be discouraged and disheartened by what we hear and see and experience. Wars, weather-related disasters, drought, famine, earthquakes, and not to mention cultural and societal moral decline. Abortion is defined as reproductive rights. Homosexuality and transgenderism is honored, celebrated, and promoted as an alternative lifestyle. Attempts to ban Christianity from schools and government are common.  Open hatred for God and things of God are common. How is a person to make sense of what is going on? Where is a person to find HOPE?  

We have an anchor and it doesn’t matter how hard the storms or currents rage. God is all-powerful and all-knowing and ever-present.  As disheartening and troublesome as life can be at times, HOPE in God never disappoints. Though our journey through trials may seem long and unbearable, hope in God gives us a peace that passes all understanding. 

Do not despair, worry, or fear what is going on in the world but rather keep your eyes focused on Jesus Christ and the word of God. There is nothing in this world that can remove the joy from a heart and mind that is fixed on Jesus Christ.

21.l. “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

 

Romans 15:13   May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17  Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace,  comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

 John 14:27   Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

 Isaiah 55:12   “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace

 Galatians 5:22    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Where has peace and joy gone?  Have they been taken away? Where does a person find peace and joy?  If you are hoping to find a measure of peace by staying tuned into the latest news outlets, I am afraid it will not be found.  What will be found is story after story of accidents, wars, hatred, or fear.  If you are hoping to find peace by staying tuned into the latest Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram posts, once again, I doubt you will find it.  You may find some semblance of peace in the lives of those who post how wonderful their life is.  Many times you will find those who bash this and that and drive division and confusion which leads to no peace or joy. Do you ever wonder why we spend so much time on things that will not bring peace or joy but certainly do bring the opposite? Chasing after peace and joy in what the world offers will leave you empty and wanting.

Paul tells us that peace and joy come through the grace of God by believing in Jesus Christ and it is in this hope we find true peace and joy.  It does not mean that we are going to go through this life without trials and troubles but rather, when we do we have hope in the God of all creation, all-powerful, all-knowing, and always present with us, we will find peace and joy that satisfies our souls and is able to make us rejoice and stand firm knowing He is in control.  It is when we take our eyes off of Him and place them on things of this world that peace and joy a far from us.

17.p. “Give more than all the others combined”

John 12:7  “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.

 Matthew 26:10    But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me.

Deuteronomy 15:11  For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.

Mark 14:7   For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me.

Mark 12:41  As Jesus was sitting opposite the treasury, He watched the crowd putting money into it. And many rich people put in large amounts. Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amounted to a small fraction of a denarius. Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more than all the others into the treasury

If we are extreme in our love for Jesus, He will not criticize us; like what Judas did. It is much better to be like Mary (extreme in our love for Jesus) than to be like Judas (criticizing others who show such great love for Jesus).

If we are generous in our giving, with an extreme love for Jesus, our giving is non in vain.  What Jesus approves and whatever honors and glorifies Him will never be in vain or worthless.  

We are bombarded with endless enticements to satisfy ourselves. We are told lies, deep within our hearts, that we will be happier.  The truth is that we will never find the satisfaction and happiness our soul seeks when we seek only that which satisfies our fleshly desires.  Satan offers us this lie tied up in a neat bow.  He even makes it seem right. 

Our purpose this side of eternity is to live to honor and glorify the Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Jesus Christ.  When our love for Him is great than self and what this world has to offer we will do and say things that others find foolish, lacking, and worthless. We will act out of our devotion and love for Jesus Christ.

d.e. ” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace”

1Corinthians 15:19  If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

Hebrews 11:1  “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction evidence of things not seen.”

Romans 15:13  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

This was recently posted in Compelling Truth and very worthy of sharing with you.

We often talk about hope in a type of wishful sense: “I hope you have a nice day.” “Hope you have a relaxing vacation.” “I hope I get the job.” “I hope she says yes.” “I hope I get the promotion.” “I hope I don’t get sick.” There are many things we hope for in this life, some more probable to happen than others. However, the biblical concept of hope goes far beyond these earthly hopes. It is not mere wishful thinking, but something we have confidence will happen.

The Christian’s hope is grounded in the belief that there is more to life than what we can wish for in this world. The Christian hope is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and in God’s promise to resurrect all who believe in Jesus. It is the hope of forgiveness of sins. It is the hope of a heavenly home. It is the hope of a glorified body in which to live and the hope of a new earth on which to live. Most importantly, it is the hope to live in these new glorified bodies on a new earth in the very presence of God Himself for all eternity—eternal life and joy in the presence of God. This is the hope of all true believers.  This Christian hope is not wishful thinking. We have been given promises by God Himself that Jesus Christ, whom He raised from the dead, will return again. We have been promised by God Himself that when Jesus returns, we who believe will be transformed into the perfect image and likeness of His Son.  We have been promised that we who believe will be forgiven our sins because of the death of Christ and will inherit eternal life because of the righteousness and resurrection of Christ.  The resurrection is no myth. It was a historical event witnessed by hundreds of people. Jesus Christ rose from the dead and appeared to His disciples and at least 500 other people.  After forty days, Jesus ascended to heaven where He reigns at God’s right hand. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. In this we hope, and we have good reason to hope, for God has said it will be and God accomplishes everything He says. He has done so throughout history and will continue to do so in the future.

As further assurance, God has given His Holy Spirit to believers in Christ. The Holy Spirit testifies to our hearts, minds, and spirits that the promises of God are true. The Holy Spirit confirms the truth of God’s promises to us and assures us by His very presence in us that we belong to Christ. The Spirit confirms our adoption into God’s family and therefore assures us that our hoped-for inheritance is certain. In fact, the Holy Spirit is God’s pledge to us.

The Bible has much to say about hope, but this is what it says about our greatest hope. The ultimate Christian hope is that one day Christ will return and we who are looking forward to that return will go to be with Him forever. Because of Christ, we will triumph over sin, guilt, death, and hell itself. We will inherit eternal life to be enjoyed in the presence of our most loving and gracious God. We will even receive rewards for what we have done for Christ and we will reign with Him in a new world—a perfect world of love and righteousness. In this we hope and because God has promised it we know it will certainly happen. All God’s promises find their fulfillment in Christ, our Lord and Savior. He is our hope!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in.

Obedience to the Truth

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness”

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

John 15:11  These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.  “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

Isaiah 53:11     Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.

Jeremiah 33:9    And this city shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before all the nations of the earth who shall hear of all the good that I do for them. They shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide for it.

1 John 1:4     And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

1 Peter 1:8     Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,

Romans 12:10     Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Ephesians 5:2    And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

1 Peter 1:22     Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,

1 Peter 3:8     Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?  Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”

Obedience to the truth is fundamental for us to continue on a path that honors God.  Where do we find truth and once you find it what good is it?  Jesus Christ is truth – I am the way, the truth, and the life”. “No one comes to the Father except through me.” Through Christ we are saved and not of our own works  but by His grace, mercy and love.  When this truth is believed redemption, salvation and new life are born.  – you are a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.  All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself ” – “He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age.” – “he will guide them to springs of living water and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” – “my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation” – “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. You are my shelter and my shield” – “I will be glad in the Lord, my joy will be in the God of my salvation” – “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”  spend time in His word and learn of His love, purpose and plan for your life.  Humbly serve, honor, glorify, rely on, cling to, trust in, follow and obey. 

 

 

Strong in the Lord

“Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.”

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Psalms 31:24  Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!

Psalms 27:14   Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

Isaiah 35:3-4  Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.  Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”

Hebrews 12:12-13   Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,  and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.

James 5:10-11  As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.  Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

Psalms 138:3   On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.

Psalms 146:5  Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,

James 5:7-9   Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.  You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.  Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.

Isaiah 41:10  fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:13 For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

On this side of eternity we seem to face times of uncertainty, confusion, anxiousness, worry, and fear.  This seems to be the way life is but, God continually reminds us to fear not for He is the one who will strengthen, help, hold us up, lift us up, and save us.  It is in Him we face these times.  It is in Him alone we patiently wait with hope and confidence.  We do not need to face these in our own power and strength.  Call on Him and wait for His steadfast love, mercy, and grace revealed in and through you.