WILL PEOPLE WHO DIED BEFORE JESUS GO TO HEAVEN?

If Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and 'no man' comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6) then what happens to all those who lived and died before Jesus as well as those today who have never heard the name of Jesus?

 God presented Christ as a sacrifice or atonement, through the shedding of his blood--to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished. (Romans 3:25)  Did God really overlook sin? If so, is that fair and just? Were going to get to all this...hang in there.

Now, concerning those who have lived and died before Christ, as well as those who have never heard of Jesus...

 When those who do not have the law, do 'by nature' things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are 'written on their hearts,' their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them. This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through 'Jesus Christ', as my gospel declares. (Romans 2:14-16) 

What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (Romans 4:1-3) 

But...Scripture says in Romans 3:10 "There is no one righteous, not even one"

So here we see God's great Love, Mercy, and Patience. No one is justified by works or deeds, however, for those who lived ‘before Christ’ and those who have ‘never heard of Christ’ the Bible say's in a paraphrase "Faith in God, that produces acts of love, are credited as righteousness and will bear witness (not save) on the Day of Judgment, through Christ Jesus. 

If their good deeds done 'in faith' bears witness of God's laws having been "written on their hearts" it will be credited to them as righteousness and the blood of Jesus, not their good deeds, will atone for their sin and they will be saved.

God desires that all men come to Him but only a perfect sacrifice or atonement can justify the crime of our sin. God knew the sacrifice of His Son Jesus the Christ would be all sufficient to atone for past, present, and future sins, to those who believe. So in God's “Forbearance” or 'Divine Knowledge' for those who came before Jesus and have never heard of Jesus, those who show the laws of God are written on their hearts, by their acts of love and obedience, for those who demonstrated they had "faith in God" He deferred or post-poned their sentence until judgment day in which He will judge all men through Jesus Christ. God has proved He is both Merciful and Just and that “No man comes to the Father except through the Son.”

With knowledge comes responsibility, so to those of us who have heard the name Jesus, we can no longer live in ignorance if we want to receive eternal life. 

If I have knowledge that a certain medicine is the only thing that will make me well, and I do not take that medicine, I will remain sick. The same thing applies to a person’s spiritual life. So, if I know about God and Jesus, but refuse to confess, repent, and make Jesus Lord and Savor of my life, I will remain condemned for my sins. In fact, the Bible indicates that one who knows the truth about God, but does not act on that truth, is worse off than someone who has never understood his or her responsibility to Him. 

"For if, after they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, they have become worse than they were before receiving knowledge. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them” (2 Peter 2:20-21) 

We also start to understand when Jesus refers to people as 'being asleep' who have died before He Himself had been crucified and ascended to Heaven as the 'First Risen' No one can ascend to heaven if they have not been judged and made righteous, and judgement only happens through Christ. But what about the thief on the cross next to Jesus when Jesus told him "I tell you this day you will be in heaven with me" Jesus was speaking of the mans faith that on judgement day will be credited to him as righteousness and Jesus own blood will atone for him. Someone who purchases a home does not move in on the day the offer is accepted, the offer is accepted and the home is theirs but they cannot yet move in. One might say "Today you have acquired a new home" even though you don't move in until later. 

Conclusion: 

God is just, fair, and merciful. No one since the beginning of time gets to the Father except through the Son. All men from the beginning of time will be judged equally through Christ.

No one has ascended to heaven prior to Christ as He is the "First Risen"

Psalm 12: 8

"The wicked wander everywhere, and what is worthless is exalted by the human race."
~ (Psalm 12: 8)

"It's about time we stopped buying things we don't need with money we don't have to impress people we don't like." ~ Dr. Adrian Rogers

Beautiful!

Ecclesiastes 3:11a
"He has made everything beautiful in its time."

Are things looking rough right now?
Are you thinking about giving up?
Has the storms of life left you feeling like a mess?

"BE ENCOURAGED!"
"GOD HAS SET AN APPOINTED TIME FOR YOU TO SHINE!"
"YOU WILL GLOW SOON ENOUGH!"

But in the meantime;
"HANG ON!"
"DON'T QUIT!"
"WAIT PATIENTLY ON THE LORD & YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!"

"YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU STAYED THE COURSE!"
"IT WILL ALL BE WORTH IT!"
"ETERNITY IS YOURS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS!"

Psalm 37: 25

"I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous abandoned or his children begging for bread." 

~ (Psalm 37: 25)

Praise be to the Lord, our God. Amen.

Slow Down!

Ecclesiastes 3:1
"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens..."

"SLOW DOWN!"
"PACE YOURSELF!"

"LEARN TO WALK IN STEP WITH THE LORD!"
"NOT AHEAD OF HIM!"

I know many times, we would like things to take place in our timing.
But God knows best & I suggest we allow Him to lead the way.

So once again, I want to encourage you, in case you flew past the first statement:
"SLOW DOWN!"
"PACE YOURSELF!"

"LEARN TO WALK IN STEP WITH THE LORD!"
"NOT AHEAD OF HIM!"

Philippians 4: 19

"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus." ~ (Philippians 4: 19)

NEED - 1. a requirement. 2. a necessity or obligation resulting from some situation. 3. something deemed necessary.

WHAT ABOUT MY RIGHTS?

A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT IN TROUBLING TIMES:

Do not worry when your 'rights' are violated. There is coming a time when every slandered believer will be justified, and every faithful servant approved and rewarded. Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 4 states "when persecuted we endure, when cursed we bless, when slandered we speak kindly" Vengeance is the Lords, not ours. 1 Peter chapter 2 tells us "When Christ was slandered and insulted he did not retaliate, when he suffered he made no threats, (he didn't take people to court) instead he entrusted God who judges justly" If we are to share in the resurrection we must also share in the suffering, consider it joy as it is confirmation you belong to God when you suffer for righteousness sake.

Living for Jesus!

Luke 22:42b
"Yet not my will, but Yours be done."

"JESUS, YOU CHANGED MY LIFE!"
"NOW, I SERVE YOU!"
"NOT BECAUSE I HAVE TO!"
"BUT BECAUSE I WANT TO!"

"JESUS, I LOVE YOU!"
"YOU SAVED ME!"

"MAY I ALWAYS LIVE A LIFE THAT FULLY REFLECTS MY GRATITUDE!"
"MAY ETERNITY ALWAYS BE SET BEFORE MY EYES!"

"MAY THE LOST BE THE DESIRE OF MY HEART!"
"MAY I CONTINUE TO BE USED BY YOU!"
"HOWEVER THAT MAY LOOK!"
"WHATEVER IT MAY TAKE!"

"MY LIFE IS YOURS!"
"DO WITH IT AS YOU WILL!"

Exodus 16: 12

"I have heard the complaints of the Israelites. Tell them: At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will eat bread until you are full. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God." ~ (Exodus 16: 12)

Thank You for being a God that always meets the needs of Your people. Please forgive us for the times we get frustrated or grow impatient when we don't always get what we want. Amen.

Lift Him Up!

John 3:14-16
"Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him."
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

"STAY THE COURSE!"
"GOD HAS CALLED YOU TO SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS!"

"THEREFORE, LIFT JESUS UP WHEREVER YOU ARE!"
"SALVATION IS A GIFT FOR ALL THAT WISH TO ACCEPT IT!"

Ephesians 5: 3

"Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper among saints." ~ (Ephesians 5: 3)

 

Whatever among us that we might be holding onto that is an affront to You Father, be it a magazine subscription, a dvd in our collection, music that offends You, an extra large bank account, a relationship, etc.... Break its hold on us, so that we can toss that sinful junk out, in King Jesus' Name. Amen!

Colossians 3: 5

"Put to death what belongs to your worldly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry." ~ (Colossians 3: 5)

May the awesome power of God empower you today to overcome. Amen.

Thank You Jesus!

Proverbs 14:12
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."

"WE MUST NEVER REGARD OURSELVES AS SOURCES OF POWER!"
"BUT AS CHANNELS THROUGH WHICH GOD DISTRIBUTES HIS GRACE!"

"PRIDE WILL HAVE YOU BELIEVE THAT GOD OWES YOU SOMETHING!"
"BUT THE TRUTH IS THAT OUR INDEBTEDNESS IS TO HIM!"
"NOT VICE-VERSA!"

"HE GIVES US THE POWER TO ACHIEVE!"
"HE GIVES US THE COURAGE TO FIGHT!"
"HE GIVES US THE WILL TO SURVIVE!"

"OUR EVERY BREATHE IS GIVEN BY HIM!"
"OUR EVERY TEAR IS WIPED AWAY BY HIM!"
"OUR EVERY LONGING IS SATISFIED IN HIM!"

"WE BELONG TO HIM!"

"THEREFORE, LET US DO HIM PROUD BY LIVING A LIFE OF SUBMISSION & GRATITUDE!"

THANK YOU JESUS!

Love like Jesus!

1 Peter 4:8
"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."

Today, I challenge you to:
"DO WHAT YOU WERE CREATED TO DO!"
"LOVE BEYOND A PERSON'S FAULTS!"
"LOVE BEYOND A PERSON'S WRONGS!"
"LOVE LIKE JESUS DID!"

"ANYTHING LESS IS NOT WORTH THE CROSS OF CHRIST!"
"ANYTHING LESS DOES NOT REPRESENT JESUS CORRECTLY!"
"ANYTHING LESS FALLS SHORT OF GRACE'S DEMONSTRATION!"

"THEREFORE, GO OUT TODAY & ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO USE YOU LIKE NEVER BEFORE!"
"ALLOW GOD TO USE YOU THE WAY HE INTENDED WHEN HE FIRST CONCEIVED YOU!"

May God richly bless your day!

Matthew 18: 9

"And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It's better to enter eternal life with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell." 

~ (Matthew 18: 9)

"When the saint ceases to seek after holiness, purity, righteousness, truth; when he ceases to pray, stops reading the Word and gives way to carnal appetites, then it is that Satan comes." 

~ Smith Wigglesworth

You are a Victor through Christ!

1 Corinthians 10:13
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

"GOD IS NEVER ANY FURTHER THAN A PRAYER AWAY!"

I just sense that someone needed to hear this today.
If this is you, then just call on Jesus & receive your breakthrough!

"THE ENEMY ALWAYS WANTS YOU TO BELIEVE THAT HE IS THE VICTOR!"
"BUT THE TRUTH IS THAT GOD HAS ALREADY GIVEN YOU THE VICTORY THROUGH CHRIST JESUS!"
"THEREFORE, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD & SHINE FOR THE LORD!"

Job 31: 1-3

"I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman. For what portion would I have from God above, or what inheritance from the Almighty on high? Is it not calamity to the unjust and disaster to those who do wrong?" ~ (Job 31: 1-3)

Amen.

Remaining Grateful!

Acts 2:24
"But God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him."

Question of the Day:
Why was it impossible for death to keep its hold on Jesus?

Answer:
"The wages of sin if death..."
"Death could not hold Jesus because He had no sin of His own for death to claim."
"Therefore, God was able to resurrect His Anointed One, Our Messiah due to His sinless life!"

"THE ONLY SIN JESUS BORE ON THE CROSS WAS YOURS & MINE!"
"HE DID IT ALL OUT OF LOVE!"

"HE KNEW THE PUNISHMENT THAT WOULD COME UPON HIM!"
"BUT HE CHOSE TO LOVE US MORE THAN THE SUFFERING!"

Today, we have an opportunity;
"WE CAN EMBRACE THE GIFT OF SALVATION FREELY!"
"IT DOESN'T COST US ANYTHING COMPARED TO WHAT IS COST OUR SAVIOR!"

"THEREFORE, NEVER TAKE FOR GRANTED YOUR SALVATION!"
"BECAUSE JESUS POURED OUT EVERY DROP OF HIS BLOOD IN ORDER TO MAKE IT AVAILABLE TO YOU & ME!"

2 Timothy 2: 22 PURE

"Flee from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." ~ (2 Timothy 2: 22)

PURE - free from what violates, weakens, or pollutes; containing nothing that does not properly belong.

Grace!

Ephesians 1:6
"For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles— if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the Gospel.."

Dispensation:
A distinctive arrangement or period in history that forms the framework through which God relates to mankind."

"THANK GOD FOR HIS DISPENSATION OF GRACE!"

This is the period in time when God is extending His grace to all humanity!
What we do with "His Grace" is our "Choice!"

I pray that All will come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ!
I pray that All will truly understand God's Grace!"
I pray that All will embrace the message of Grace & Go Out  & Share it with others until there is no one left to share it with!
Then, I pray that Everyone will come together & worship God for His Awesome Grace!

"PRAISE THE LORD!"

Psalm 101: 3

"I will not set anything worthless before my eyes. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it." ~ (Psalm 101: 3)

Give us oh Lord, hearts and eyes to see our Hollywood culture for what it really is - a path to hell for those who buy into it. Amen.

The Veil is Gone!

Matthew 27:50-52
"And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised…"

"THE VEIL WAS TORN IN TWO!"

GOD, I THANK YOU FOR THE FOR THE CROSS!

FATHER, I THANK YOU FOR JESUS!

BECAUSE OF YOU, JESUS, I AM FREE!

"THERE IS POWER AT THE CROSS!"

"THERE IS FORGIVENESS AT THE CROSS!"

"THERE IS HEALING AT THE CROSS!"

"EVERY CURSE IS BROKEN!"

"EVERY PRISONER SET FREE!"

"COME!"

"COME!"

"COME TO THE CROSS!"

"ALL ARE WELCOME!!!"

Fathers, do not embitter your children...

Fathers, do not embitter your children or they will become discouraged. ~ Colossians 3:21 ~ I used to be so guilty of this. My desperate desire for godly children often left them feeling discouraged as they felt they could not achieve my expectations. God opened my eyes. Yes, we should train our children in the ways that they should go, and yes, we should model Christian behavior, but we must also love them by spending time with them. Just being with them, not caring what the world around us thinks, and not preaching, but just being. This is why I posted this picture, had a day with one of my girls, she had us wear mustaches for the entire day! We had Peanut Butter Bacon Burgers at AJ Bombers, walked around downtown, went to the movies, we talked about the Word, we prayed together, but mostly just hung out. Got a lot of comments about our mustaches and we laughed...a lot. I must admit...We had a super fun crazy day! But most of all, the smile on her face, and the gratitude in her heart from doing what 'she wanted' and just hanging out, spoke more to her than all my preaching ever could.

Eternity!

2 Timothy 1:6
"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you..."

Fad:
"Any form of behavior that develops among a large population and is collectively followed enthusiastically for a period of time..."

"JESUS IS NOT A FAD FROM THE PAST, BUT A GLIMPSE INTO ETERNITY!"

We should not serve Jesus because everyone else is doing it!
Nor should we sing praises to Him to resemble the person next to us!
Our reasons for reading scripture should not be to let others hear us recite them!

"WE SHOULD SERVE HIM BECAUSE HE REDEEMED US PERSONALLY!"
"WE SHOULD SING AS OUR HEARTS MAKE MELODY OF SALVATION!"
"WE SHOULD STUDY SCRIPTURE TO OBEY IT & USE IT AS A DEFENSE AGAINST THE ENEMY!"

"WE ARE FREE FOR ETERNITY BECAUSE OF WHAT JESUS DID!"

"NEVER LET YOUR FIRE BURN OUT!"
"BECAUSE FADS WILL FADE, BUT SALVATION IS MEANT FOR ETERNITY!"
"JESUS IS MEANT TO BE PRAISED FOREVER!"

Zechariah 10: 1

"Ask the Lord for rain in the spring; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain; to everyone vegetation in the field." ~ (Zechariah 10: 1)

Father, we recognize that You don't send us through storms to beat us up, but to prosper and train us. Thank You for caring. Amen

Genesis 7: 12 & Genesis 8: 3

"And rain fell on the earth 40 days and 40 nights." 

~ (Genesis 7: 12)

.......

"The water steadily receded from the earth, and by the end of 150 days the waters had decreased significantly." ~ (Genesis 8: 3)

Some storms are short and some are long, but none of them last forever. Amen.

The Joy's of Helping Others!

Proverbs 16:3
"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and He will establish your plans."

Today, I challenge you to:
"MAKE THIS A SELF-LESS DAY!"

"DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN TO MAKE THIS DAY ABOUT SOMEONE ELSE!"
"ENCOURAGE SOMEONE!"
"EMBRACE SOMEONE!"
"ACKNOWLEDGE SOMEONE!"
"TAKE CARE OF SOMEONE ELSE'S NEEDS!"

"DO IT FROM YOUR HEART!"
"DO IT CHEERFULLY!"
"DO IT ALL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS!"

"THEN, AFTER ALL IS SAID & DONE!"
"GET SOME REST & START OVER TOMORROW!"

"MAY GOD BLESS YOUR STEPS BEYOND YOUR THINKING!"

By the way, while you are doing all of this,
I want to remind you that:
"GOD WILL BE TAKING CARE OF THE DETAILS IN YOUR LIFE FOR YOU!"

Mark 4: 41

"And they were terrified and asked one another, 'Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!" ~ (Mark 4: 41)

"The wise man in the storm prays God,

not for safety from danger,

but for deliverance from fear.

It is the storm within which endangers him,

not the storm without."

Ralph Waldo Emerson  

Gratitude!

Proverbs 16:2
"All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD."

"GRATITUDE IS EXPRESSED THROUGH ACTIONS, NOT VOCABULARY!"

"OUR LIFE MUST REFLECT WHAT WE CLAIM OR WE ARE MERELY FOOLING OURSELVES!"

"GOD KNOWS OUR HEART!"
"HE UNDERSTANDS OUR MOTIVES!"

Most of all:
"HE CAN TRANSLATE OUR GRATITUDE!"
"HE CAN READ IN BETWEEN THE LINES!"

"THEREFORE, WE DON'T NEED TO PULL OUT A DICTIONARY TO LEARN NEW WORDS TO EXPRESS OURSELVES!"
"WE CAN JUST PUT ON OUR SANDALS!"
"THEN GO & SHARE WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR US OUT OF A GRATEFUL HEART!"

Psalm 107: 28-29

"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed." ~ (Psalm 107: 28-29)

Praise be to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Share Your Faith!

1 Timothy 1:15-17
"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen."

"SHARING YOUR FAITH WITH OTHERS SAYS MORE ABOUT YOUR GRATITUDE TOWARD GOD THAN YOUR WORDS EVER WILL!"

While it is good to confirm with believers that God is Good!
It is even better to bring that life-changing knowledge to a lost soul!

Are you at work today?
Share it with your co-worker!
Are you at the store?
Tell the person in front of you at the register!
Has someone asked you for help?
"HELP THEM & THEN WHEN THEIR EARS ARE OPEN, SHARE YOUR FAITH!!!"

Acts 27: 20 STORM

"For many days neither sun nor stars appeared, and the severe storm kept raging. Finally all hope that we would be saved was disappearing." ~ (Acts 27: 20)

STORM - 1. a disturbance of the atmosphere marked by wind and usually rain, snow, hail, sleet, or thunder, and lightning. 2. a sudden occurrence of any element of nature.

Sharing God's Love!

Romans 10:9-10
"If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."

"SALVATION IS SIMPLE!"
"THEREFORE, LET US KEEP IT SIMPLE!"

"GOD EXPECTS US TO SHARE THE GOSPEL!"
"LET US DO JUST THAT!"

"I HAVE LEARNED THAT PEOPLE ARE MORE RECEPTIVE TO THE MESSAGE OF GOD'S LOVE RATHER THAN ANY OUR PERSONAL OPNION'S OR POLITICAL STAND-POINTS!"

"THESE THINGS WILL JUST LEAD TO DEBATE, CONFUSION, SEPARATION & DISCORD!"

"THEREFORE, ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO FLOW THROUGH YOU & YOU WILL ONLY SPEAK THE WORDS OF JESUS TO THAT LOST & HURTING SOUL!"

"THE WORDS OF JESUS BRING LIFE, HEALING & DIRECTION!"

"OURS, NOT SO MUCH!"

Matthew 8: 24

"Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping." ~ (Matthew 8: 24)

Lord, sometimes we wonder where You are when we're going through the storm, but we trust in You to get us through and strengthen us in the process. Amen.

Salvation is meant to be Shared!

2 Kings 2:8-9a
"The men who had leprosy reached the edge of the camp, entered one of the tents and ate and drank. Then they took silver, gold and clothes, and went off and hid them. They returned and entered another tent and took some things from it and hid them also.
Then they said to each other, "What we're doing is not right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves."

"SHARE YOUR FAITH!"

It Is Finished!

John 19:28-30
"Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When He had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit."

"IT IS FINISHED!"

For us Christians, this should take on a whole new meaning when we truly experience His presence!

When we are in the midst of afflictions, "IT IS FINISHED!"
When we are in the midst of trials, "IT IS FINISHED!"
When we are in a tough situation, "IT IS FINISHED!"
When our relationships are not going well, "IT IS FINISHED!"
When we don't have any income, "IT IS FINISHED!"
When we are betrayed, "IT IS FINISHED!"
When we fall short, "IT IS FINISHED!"
When we are hated, when we are misused,  "IT IS FINISHED!"
When we can't seem to see the end at hand, "IT IS FINISHED!"

"IT IS FINISHED!"

When Jesus made this statement:
"HE CLAIMED ALL OF OUR INFIRMITIES!"
"ALL OF OUR SICKNESSES!"
"ALL OF OUR ISSUES!"

Above all:
"ALL OF OUR SINS!"

"GOD IS WITH US IN ALL OF OUR CIRCUMSTANCES!"
"TO SEE US THROUGH THEM ALL!"
"BECAUSE JESUS IS ALREADY WAITING ON THE OTHER SIDE!"

"WHY?"
"BECAUSE, IT IS FINISHED!"
"TAKE HIM AT HIS WORD!"

Revelation 4: 11

"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and exist." ~ (Revelation 4: 11)

                            

Father, let our knowledge not increase to the point we become puffed up and forget that You are the Creator of all. Amen.

Job 26: 7 & Isaiah 40: 22

"He stretches the northern skies over empty space; He hangs the earth on nothing." 

~ (Job 26: 7)

..............

"He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers." 

~ (Isaiah 40: 22)

- And yet people still believe faith and science can't coexist. - 

           *Note* Isaiah and Job were both estimated to be written about 700 b.c. and 500 b.c. respectively.

PRAISE BE TO GOD! Amen.

Tonight!!!

Hi everyone!

 

We are having a Full Gospel Meeting tonight at the Genesis at 6:30PM.

Our speaker will be Pastor Keyshore Daroga. Come hear an update on his ministry in India and how Christians numbers are growing there.

 

The Waukesha County Fair will be held next week from July 16-20. Please let me know at the meeting tonight if you would like to work the Godmobile.

If you cant make the meeting tonight please call Steve Dave or Brian to reserve your date and time to volunteer. We will have parking and tickets for those workers who need them. Steve's Bible study group will help work Thursday night.

 

How is everyone doing with sharing the Gospel. This is peak time for us to get out and enjoy the weather and witness with people and hand out tracts. If you need tracts or want tips on how to distribute them and what to say, please call Brian.

 

Thank you all who have given financially to this ministry. These resources go 100% into ministry and we are, God willing, about to reap a harvest. Remember our good will offering at our meetings is voluntary. Dont feel that you have to contribute to attend a meeting. Let the Lord guide your heart in that area.

 

We hope you all can make it tonight. If someone you know needs prayer or healing please bring them to the meeting. Please bring any Christian books you are no longer using for our book table. 

 

Please let me know if there are ever any problems with service or the food at the Genesis so I can give the manager feedback. If you are on a budget, you may eat before you come or i would suggest getting the salad bar which is very good and reasonable.

 

We pray for Gods blessings for our meeting tonight and our big week at the Waukesha County Fair.

 

God bless you and your families,

 

Brian Abild

414-852-1126

Tomorrow Belongs to Jesus!

Matthew 6:34
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

"GREAT IS YOUR MERCY TOWARDS ME!"
"YOUR LOVING KINDNESS TOWARDS ME!"
"FOREVER FAITHFUL TOWARDS ME!"
"YOUR ALWAYS PROVIDING FOR ME!"

"WHAT A KING WE HAVE IN JESUS!"

Many years ago, I struggled in life with the bondage of sin.
My life was leading toward "HELL."
My days were filled only with despair.
Prison seemed to be the only place I could call "HOME."
"BUT ONE DAY!"
"JESUS GOT A HOLD OF MY HEART & I LET HIM IN!"

I remember paroling out to a shelter because I had burned every bridge.
No one wanted me.
No one wanted to help me.
My family thought I was dead. (Which in a sense, I was.)

I remember every night having to rush & grab a mattress, then bolt onto a church gymnasium floor to find a place to rest my weary head amongst 300 men.
I remember hearing this song; "GREAT IS YOUR MERCY TOWARDS ME!"
I remember everyone around me arguing & complaining about their situation.
I remember trying to fade out all the background & sing this song with gratitude!
"I KNEW GOD HAD A PLAN!"

Today;
"I AM HAPPILY MARRIED!"
"I HAVE GREAT CHILDREN!"
"MY FAMILY HAS BEEN RESTORED!"
"I HAVE THE BEST FRIENDS IN THE WORLD!"
"GOD IS USING ME TO REACH PEOPLE IN WAYS I COULD NEVER IMAGINE!"
"I HAVE MY OWN BUSINESS!"
"I'M IN THE PROCESS OF BUYING A HOUSE!"

I could keep on going, but I want to make one thing clear;
"I AM NOT BOASTING ABOUT ME, BUT ABOUT MY KING JESUS!"
"WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR ME, HE CAN DO FOR YOU!"
"WOULD YOU LET HIM INTO YOUR HEART TODAY?"

Reverence!

Hebrews 12:22-29
"But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire."

"TRUE REVERENCE DEMANDS INTEGRITY OF HEART!"

Job 40: 15

"Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox." ~ (Job 40: 15)

"Evolutionary Darwinists need to understand we are taking the dinosaurs back. This is a battle cry to recognize the science in the revealed truth of God." ~ Ken Ham

Your Day is Coming!

Hebrews 12:1-2
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

"LAY IT ALL ASIDE!"

"COME TO HIS FEET!"

"RUN THIS RACE LIKE A CHAMPION!"

"YOU WERE BORN FOR THIS!"

Isaiah 45: 18

"For this is what the Lord says - He who created the heavens, He is God; He who fashioned and made the earth, He founded it; He did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited. He says: I am the LORD, and there is no other." ~ (Isaiah 45: 18)

Amen.

Totally Devoted!

Matthew 6:9-10
"This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

"LET HEAVEN COME!"
"LET US SET OUR EYES ON JESUS!"

If you have failed to focus on what truly matters,
"TURN!"

Don't let the cares of this world blind you or distract you!
"CAST THOSE THOUGHTS DOWN!"
"BRING THEM UNDER SUBMISSION TO CHRIST!"

"GOD IS DOES NOT JUST CONCERN HIMSELF WITH THE MAJOR DETAILS OF YOUR LIFE!"
"HE CARES DEEPLY FOR THE SMALLEST DETAIL & HE WILL MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE PROVIDED FOR IN EVERY WAY!"

Therefore, set your focus on what truly matters:
"BEING RECEPTIVE TO WHAT GOD HAS TO SAY TO YOU TODAY!"

"LET HEAVEN COME!"
"LET US SET OUR EYES ON JESUS!"

Ephesians 2: 10 CREATE

"For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them." ~ (Ephesians 2: 10)

CREATE - to cause to exist; bring into being, as something unique that would not naturally evolve or that is not made by ordinary processes.

LET US GO!

Mark 16:15-18
"He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

"LET US GO!"

Lord, forgive us in our weakness & strengthen us to "GO!"
"YOUR KINGDOM COME!"
"YOUR WILL BE DONE!"
"HERE ON EARTH THROUGH US!"
"MAY WE NEVER HOLD ONTO THE THINGS THAT ARE MEANT TO BE SHARED!"

"LORD, LET US GO TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH FOR YOUR GLORY!"

Genesis 1: 1

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." ~ (Genesis 1: 1)

Many so-called intellectuals mock and even laugh at the first sentence of Your Holy Word. But we, Your people, take great comfort in knowing that by Your word everyone and everything that has ever existed, exists, and will ever exist is created and were it not Your will, it wouldn't exist. Amen.

Alive in Me!

2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

"THANK GOD FOR THE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE!"

"THE HEART OF AN ETERNALLY GRATEFUL PERSON IS CONSTANTLY SEEKING WAYS TO GLORIFY GOD!"

"WHEN YOU HAVE ETERNITY SET BEFORE YOU, IT BECOMES VERY HARD TO LOOK BACK WITH DOUBTS & REGRETS!"

"THE LORD'S CONCERNS BECOME YOUR OWN!"
"HIS MOTIVES BECOME EVIDENT TO THE LOST THROUGH YOUR ACTIONS!"

Most of all:
"YOUR LIFE BECOMES A REFLECTION OF HIS LOVE FOR MANKIND!"

Therefore;
"SET ETERNITY BEFORE YOU & MAKE IT YOUR MISSION TO NEVER LOOK BACK!"

"THE CROSS BEFORE YOU!"
"THE WORLD BEHIND YOU!"

Glory to Him who is Worthy!

1 Corinthians 1:26-31
"For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”

"HE DID IT ALL!"
"THERE IS NOTHING THAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED FOR HIS KINGDOM THAT HE DID NOT EMPOWER US FOR!"

Therefore, if you have been trying to perform ministry lately in & of yourself;
"STOP!"
"IT WILL AVAIL TO NOTHING!"
"YOUR STRENGTH WILL FAIL YOU!"
"YOUR WISDOM WILL FAIL YOU!"
"YOUR TRAINING WILL FAIL YOU!"

"GOD HAS ABSOLUTE CONTROL!"
"GOD IS THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN ENHANCE THE GIFTS YOU ALREADY HAVE!"
"GOD IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN EMPOWER YOUR LIFE FOR MINISTRY!"

"THEREFORE, DO NOT LET YOUR SKILLS DECEIVE YOU!"
"DO NOT LET YOUR PAST ACHIEVEMENTS BLIND YOU!"

Most of all:
"DO NOT FORGET THE ONE WHO CALLED YOU!"
"HE IS WORTHY OF THE GLORY!"
"HE IS WORTHY OF ALL PRAISE!"
"HE DESERVES ALL THE HONOR!"

"OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN SENT HIS SON, JESUS, TO SAVE US!"
"HE ALSO SENT THE HOLY SPRIT TO EMPOWER US!"
"IT IS HE WHO EQUIPS US & HE TO WHOM ALL GLORY IS DUE!"

"PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!"

Revelation 19: 16

"And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." ~ (Revelation 19: 16)

While You sought no honor or glory in Your time on earth, it is our duty to give You every last ounce of it now. For You are beyond what the word 'worthy' entails. Amen.

John 8: 58

"Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say unto you, before Abraham was, I Am." ~ (John 8: 58)

A blessed, safe, and happy 4th of July to you all. Amen.

Titus 2: 13

"We wait for this blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." ~ (Titus 2: 13)

"The divinity of Jesus is not a dispensable extra that has no significance for our salvation. On the contrary, our salvation depends on it. We can be saved only by God Himself." ~ K. Runia

The Price Was Paid!

John 1:14

"The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

Today, as we enjoy & celebrate Independence Day,

I am ever reminded that:

"TO KNOW JESUS IS TRUE FREEDOM!"

"KNOWING TRUTH SETS US FREE ONLY IF WE ADHERE TO IT!"

"TRUE FREEDOM HAS A PRICE THAT MANY ARE NOT WILLING TO PAY!"

"BUT TODAY, WE HONOR THOSE WHO WERE WILLING TO SACRIFICE!"

"TODAY, WE HONOR THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO LAY DOWN THEIR LIFE!"

Most of all:

"WE HONOR JESUS, WHO PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE FOR OUR FREEDOM FROM SIN & DEATH!"

"HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY EVERYONE!"

AMEN!

Proverbs 2:1-8
"My son, if you accept My words and store up My commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—
indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He holds success in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones."

"GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!!!!"
"HE DOES MORE FOR US THAN WE WILL EVER KNOW!"

"JESUS IS ON HIS WAY!"

Question is:
"ARE WE READY?"

Pay Forward!

Hebrews 13:3
"Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."

"KEEP THEM IN PRAYER!"

"THE ONLY PRAYERS THAT PENETRATE GOD'S HEART ARE HEART-FELT PRAYERS!"

"THEREFORE, PRAY AS THOUGH YOU WERE THE ONE BEHIND THOSE BARS!"
"PRAY AS THOUGH YOU WERE THE ONE BEING MISTREATED!"
"PRAY AS THOUGH IT WERE YOU!"
"THEN, WATCH & SEE GOD'S HAND AT WORK!"

I am the product of PRAYER!
I was once a prisoner!
But today, because of Prayer, I now enjoy the greatest freedoms of life!

"THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR THOSE WHO PRAYED FOR ME!"
"MAY I CONTINUALLY RETURN THE FAVOR TO THOSE WHO OTHERS MAY CONSIDER UNDESERVING!"
"MAY I SO FREELY GIVE WHAT WAS FREELY GIVEN TO ME!"

"THANK YOU FOR YOUR SALVATION!"

Isaiah 9: 6

"For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." ~ (Isaiah 9: 6)

Praise be to King Jesus! Amen.

Jesus!

Revelation 22:1-5
"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. AND THE LEAVES OF THE TREE ARE FOR THE HEALING OF THE NATIONS. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and His servants will serve Him. They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever."

"ALL OF THE GLORY!"
"THERE IS ONLY ONE DESERVING!"
"THERE IS NO OTHER NAME!"
"THE NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES!"
"HIS NAME IS JESUS!"
"THE LAMB OF GOD!"

"HE OPENED THE GATES OF HEAVEN!"
"HE SHUT THE DOOR TO HELL FOR THOSE WHO WILL FOLLOW HIM!"

"LORD, OPEN UP THE DOOR & WE WILL ENTER IN!"
"WE WILL FOREVER SERVE YOU!"
"WE WILL FOREVER BOW BEFORE YOU!"

Lord, I pray a special blessing & covering over my friends that are struggling at this very moment!
May they sense Your Presence in a special way today!
May they know that you are with them!
May they come to know the extent of Your Love for them!

"NOBODY CAN LOVE YOU LIKE JESUS CAN!"

Colossians 2: 9 DIVINE

"For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form." ~ (Colossians 2: 9)


DIVINE - 1. relating to or proceeding directly from God. 2. supremely good.