Friday, September 15, 2017

2nd entry. Noblesville IN. 9-15-17

 I plan on meeting Eric in TN. this coming Monday, September 18th. As I ponder what lies ahead for us, the Lord impressed on me how important it is for all of us to keep our focus on His will. Every believer has work to do. We must be mindful of this.
 "For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty." 2nd Peter 1:16 NKJV. Ten of the original twelve apostles were martyred. Judas committed suicide and most scholars believe John died in Ephesus. While it is true that many have died for illegitimate causes in which they believed, why would anyone, ever die, for that which they knew to be false?
  "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable." 1 Corinthians 15:19 NKJV. The gospel is very consistent throughout: We are telling you the Truth about Jesus. If we're wrong, consider us pathetic lunatics.....Believe it or dismiss it. All or nothing.
  A very famous pastor wrote a book titled, "Your Best Life Now". It fails to mention the cross even once. I think this is one aspect of what Paul is referring to when he speaks of being pitiable for placing hope in Christ for this life (or even primarily for this life) only, thereby denying the resurrection and our eternal home in heaven. It is one thing to deny Christ and besmirch Him, it is quite another to take His name and do it. Make no mistake, this is exactly what "Your best life now" does. The prosperity sunshine and lollipop spiel is not only false, it's dangerous. "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:22 NKJV.
  Now, I KNOW His way is, without question, the best (in fact the only) way. Spiritual rewards are vastly superior to earthly rewards. But here's the thing. If your focus is on this life, you can never expect to receive these Spiritual rewards. Eternity is endless. We are here but for a moment... and we can make our moment here so much better. If you focus on working for the eternal Kingdom of God, whatever time you are called to spend in this earthly realm will be much richer. But you will almost certainly be mocked. You may even be called to surrender your life. 
  "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Ephesians 6:12-13. NKJV. The world is changing. No one knows the exact hour of His coming, but we are called to recognize the times. The harvest is great and will be greater still. If you are in a lukewarm environment, try to affect change or get out. Read your Bible. Pray for guidance. We all benefit from fellowship with brothers and sisters but at the same time understand that you are primarily responsible for your relationship with Christ. The time to get serious is now!



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