Gospel

LOVE and GIVING

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Do you know that Love and Giving go together like Love and Marriage, Horse and Carriage, Salt and Pepper, and Shoes and Socks, etc.?

Love gives according to the Bible. A familiar and popular verse is found in John 3: 16 NKJV “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” God set the example for He is love and He gives. If you say you love then you must give. According to the Bible we must be careful how we use the word love. According to the Scriptures we will be held accountable for the words we speak as found in Matthew 12:36 NKJV. 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. Some people always talk of how badly they are treated and how things always go wrong for them. Should we be surprised? After all, Jesus told us in Mark 11:23 that we would have what we say.

There are many Scripture verses that give instructions about giving. According to what God says in the New Testament about giving. It is centered around the believer’s relationship with God. Leviticus 19:18 says you are to love your neighbor as yourself.

Giving is not all about money. Believers are to be willing to offer whatever the Lord may ask. It all depends on a person’s relationship with Jesus Christ. It could be time, food, water, care, clothing, attention, or whatever circumstances may warrant. One of the most important gifts a person can give is sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Being a seed planter could lead to salvation of a lost soul.

Whatever a person gives, it must come from their heart. God honors a cheerful giver. I don’t believe God wants us to give until we become a recipient of someone’s giving. One exception would be by God’s total leadership. All our giving must be done in love and through prayer and God’s guidance. By our giving in love, the Lord brings us into maturity of faith and we grow in dependance on Him. This will help develop our knowing God’s will for our lives here on earth.

One of the most important aspects of love and giving is when we realize what Jesus Christ did for us on the Cross of Calvary. When you receive and confess Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you join God’s family and you become an heir to all that Jesus has according to Romans 8:17 NKJV. God loves and God gives. In return you love Him and you give back to Him, then read and follow His instruction Book, the Bible.

When we give to Him freely from our heart with gratitude, we will come to realize that everything we have already belongs to Him including life. We own nothing.

There are five benefits of giving; Feeling Happy, Good Health, Social Connection, Gratitude, It is Contagious.

The only proof of love is giving. Giving is the action that demonstrates love. So, the measure of your giving is the measure of your love. The more you give — of yourself, your time, your attention, your affection, your patience, your treasure — the more you love.

According to Scripture, our greatest motivation for giving ought to be our love for others. Just as Jesus Christ died for the sins of others, we ought to give of ourselves for others.

Love calls us to “pray and never give up” Luke 18:1. John writes: “This is love, not that we love God, but God loves us” 1st John 4:10.

Jesus said in John 13:34; a new commandment I give you, that you love one another: just as I have you, you also are to love one another.

Also, John said in 1 John 4:7; Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.The above verses tell us to love and give.

1 John 4:12-19 NKJV 12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us.

Now in closing, I want to leave you with a couple of scripture that are commandments for Love and Giving. They are,

Luke 6:35-36, “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

Matthew 6:14 NKJV 14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

In the Matthew verse there needs to be a willingness, in love, to step forward to the one who hurt you and give forgiveness just as God will forgive you. Is there someone in your life that you must forgive so that you may be forgiven?

In the Christian world, we can find all sorts of excuses not to obey God’s voice:  Excuse-making is self-sabotage.  2 Corinthians 5:10, For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. God does not like excuses, so do not mock Him.

God is love. His love is agape love. Agape love is a sacrificial love. God is giving. He gave His Son as a sacrifice for our sins so that those who confess Jesus as Lord and Savior will have everlasting life with Him.

God loves you and so do I. How much do you love God and what are you willing to give Him?

WHO IS JESUS CHRIST?

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WHO IS JESUS CHRIST? 

Back in December Christians celebrated the birth of Jesus. We call it Christmas.  According to most theologians Jesus was born in Bethlehem somewhere between 6-4 BC to the virgin Mary. The exact date is unknown and the Bible Gospels does not mention when He was born except that it was during the time of Herod the King.

There is truly little evidence of the childhood or early life of Jesus mentioned in the Bible. There is the story of Jesus being separated from His parents when He was about 12 years old and they found Him in the temple sitting among the teachers. As a young adult Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist and went on to become teacher, preacher, and healer. Jesus’ earthly father was a carpenter and the Bible states that Jesus also was a carpenter.

The Gospel of John supports that the ministry of Jesus was about 3 years. At the end of this time, we now come to the death of Jesus. This occurred around 30AD in Jerusalem, Israel. Christians call this time Easter.

I am telling you the truth,” replied Jesus. “No one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. A person is born physically of human parents, but is born spiritually of the Spirit. This is a fundamental theme of the Gospel. Jesus accomplished the Works of the His Father. Let us look at some facts regarding the death of Jesus.

(a)  For this purpose, Jesus came into this world (John 12:27).

(b)  His death was prophesied hundreds of years before in (Isaiah 53:3-8).

(c)  The meaning of His death was a ransom for sin (Matthew 20:28; Romans 3:24; 1 Peter 1:18).

(d)   It was a penalty for sin (Romans 3:24; 1 John 2:2; 4:10).

(e)   Man is the object of God’s wrath because of rebellion and sin, so God took the initiative in satisfying His wrath by sending His Son to Calvary.

(f)   It is a reconciliation between us and God. The enmity has ended (Romans 5:10).

(g)  We are now restored to God (2Corinthians 5:18, 19).

(h)  Jesus died in our place (1Peter 3:18).

(i)    Jesus dealt with the matter of sin completely (Hebrews 9:26; Hebrews 10:12).

(j)    Jesus died on the Cross of Calvary which is described as one of the most excruciating deaths.

After His death He came to be known as Jesus Christ. Christ was not originally a name but a title derived from the Greek word “Christos,” which is translated in Hebrew as “Messiah” meaning “anointed one.” The Bible uses “Christ both ways. The Bible speaks

of Jesus as “the Christ,” meaning “the anointed one,” (Matthew 16:16).

Jesus is regarded by most Christians as the Incarnation of God. Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. He was pre-existent with God the Father. Deity is the only explanation for all that Jesus was and all He did. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made (John 1:2,3; John 17:5; and Colossians 1:17.) Jesus is God. Jesus said in John 10:30, “I and the Father are one.” The Jews reaction to this statement caused them to try and stone Him.

Another fundamental of Christianity is the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead; (John 20:1-10; 1 Corinthians 15:4.) Let us look at some facts regarding the Resurrection.

(a)  The credibility of the Resurrection; Jesus predicted it: (Matthew 13:39-41; Luke 24:1-7.)

(b)  The tomb was empty: (John 20:11-13.)

(c)  Many witnesses saw Jesus alive: the women (Luke 23:55-56); Mary Magdalene (John 20:1, 2, 11-18; Peter and other disciples (John 20:3-9.)

(d)  Jesus is the only Savior. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given whereby we can be saved” (Acts 4:12.)

(e)  Jesus is a complete Savior. He is able to save those that come unto God by Him for He makes intersession for them (Hebrews 7:25.)

(f)   Jesus is a personal Savior. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thine heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, thou shalt be saved; (Romans 10:9-10.)

By accepting Jesus as your Savior, you can come before God and be born again. Jesus said in John 3:5-7 you should not be surprised at my saying, you must be born again. When we receive Jesus into our lives by faith, He gives us His Spirit and we are born again. Also, Jesus said in John 3:5 that flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit (Holy Spirit) gives birth to your spirit.

When Jesus returns to this earth to gather up His Bride (Born again believers) according to Acts1:11; Hebrews 10:37; John 14:3; Believers in Jesus shall be bodily resurrected to begin a new undying life (1Thessalonians 4:17-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58.)

Can you imagine, if you have received Jesus as Savior and your name is written in the Book of Life since the foundation of the world, you will spend eternity in a place there is no more sorrow, illnesses, or death and your name will never be blotted out (Revelation 3:5.)

Jesus will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords over His new creation (2 Peter 3: 10-13; Revelation 22:3-5.) where you will enjoy the love of God.

The Gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

So, I ask you, who do you say Jesus the Christ is? Do you have a personal relationship with Him or is He just another subject in life?

Happy Easter! God loves you and so do I.

CHRIST IS RISEN

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CHRIST IS RISEN

HAPPY EASTER TO EVERYONE

Gospel of John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

God loves you so much that He sacrificed His Son, Jesus Christ, on the Cross of Calvary and took our sins and nailed them to the cross. The Gospel means that Jesus was crucified and died, was buried, and rose again from the dead on the third day. He now sits at the right hand of Father awaiting to return and redeem his believers and establish His Kingdom. It is a free gift for everyone who believes in Him. Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God.

God gives us the freedom of choice between accepting His invitation of eternal life or death. Jesus said in the Gospel of John 14:6 (KJV) I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

God also gave us a book of instructions. It is called the Bible. The Bible contains thousands of promises for any aspect of your life. I pray you will accept His invitation and become part of His family

May God bless you and your loved ones. Love to all.

I can be reached at the following: deanstuyvesant@gmail.com  or at            deanstuyvesant.com

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THE ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST

Who is Jesus Christ? The name Jesus or Jesus Christ has name recognition. In the world scene many hear His name most often being used in profanity. Most of those hearing the name Jesus or Jesus Christ have no real understanding who He is. Many today will say as the religious leaders in the Old Testament said that he was a great prophet, a great teacher, or healer.

Do you know that many “Christians” do not know or believe that Jesus Christ is God? All you have to do is ask: do you believe Jesus is God? Many people believe in God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Correctly speaking they should be addressed as: God the Father, Jesus is God the Son, and Holy Spirit is God the Spirit. They are the three in one. Jesus is God the Son.

I realize that the mystery of the triune of God is difficult to understand yet it is one of the doctrines revealed in Scripture. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Genesis 1:1 says that “God created the heavens and the earth.” Then, Colossians 1:16 gives the added detail that God created “all things” through Jesus Christ. The plain teaching of Scripture, therefore, is that Jesus is the Creator of the universe. Continue on by reading John 1:1 in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Word when capitalized refers to Jesus. There are three important things in this passage about Jesus and the Father: 1) Jesus was “in the beginning”—He was present at creation. Jesus had existed eternally with God. 2) Jesus is distinct from the Father—He was “with” God. 3) Jesus is the same as God in nature—He “was God.” One additional point is that the Holy Spirit was present at the creation.

My second question is: what is the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Many have heard that “Christ died for their sins” but they have no idea what it really means. The Apostle Paul writes in: 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4 (KJV)  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. This is the basic of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul also wrote in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

It is important to know that it is through the Gospel that God works to take people from death to life. A person who does not believe he is a sinner will see no need for a Savior. Romans 3:23 says that there is none righteous, no not one. Romans 3:23 says we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. Everyone has transgressed the laws of God in thought, words, and deeds more times than you can ever imagine. Where most people fall short is when they put other gods before God as stated in the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3. This can include family, job, possessions, fun, and the list goes on. The Gospel is the truth that we are all sinners before God and under the sentence of eternal death or separation from God and all the good things He offers.

Another part of the Gospel is God’s love. Again, most people cannot comprehend God’s love for us. One reason is they don’t understand that there are four types of love found in the Bible; Eros, Storge, Philia, and Agape. The one attached to God is Agape love. Agape love is a sacrificial love. Most of us live with the other three because it is difficult for us to be sacrificial. It goes against our selfish nature.

My third question is: what is the Atonement of Jesus Christ? The Atonement is the heart of the Gospel. This is where you can see and understand the great love that God has for us. God the Son became a man, lived a perfect life, allowed himself to be arrested, tried, convicted, and crucified. Crucifixion was one of the cruelest form of punishment ever performed on a person. I would recommend that everyone read how much suffering takes place when a person is crucified. Maybe, just maybe it might tell you how much God loves you. Before Jesus was placed on the cross he was beaten beyond words and recognition.

The love of God continues as Jesus is hung on the cross. God the Father takes all the sins we have committed and will commit and put them on Jesus, Jesus became our substitute for our sins. Jesus bore the wrath of God for the sins we commit. Jesus suffered the punishment and death we deserve. On top of all this, God turns His back on Jesus as Jesus cried out: “My God, My God why has thou forsaken me” as seen in Matthew 17:46. Why? Because Jesus took our sins upon Him. God hates sin.

After hours of suffering, Jesus finally said “it is finished” and died on the cross. He died bearing our sins. He overcame the enemies of sin and death. Jesus was buried and on third day He came back from the dead, never to die again. Again, God shows us how much He loves us by giving us eternal life after our physical death.

Atonement refers to the forgiving or pardoning of sin in general and original sin in particular through the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus, enabling the reconciliation between God and his creation.

Finally I ask, is the blood shed by Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary important in the atonement? After God delivered Israel out of Egypt the whole sacrificial ceremony was established by God. According to Leviticus 17:11 God says of the blood: ‘For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement.’ Let’s look at additional Scripture.

Matthew 26:28 (KJV) for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Hebrews 9:12 (KJV) Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Hebrews 9:22 (KJV) and almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without the shedding of blood is no remission.

2 Corinthians 5:15 (KJV and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

When was the last time you heard a sermon on the blood, the atonement or the gospel. The whole idea of the blood sacrifice of Jesus, His atonement, and the Gospel has been disappearing in last couple of generations among the Christian churches. About the only time you hear of the blood is when we partake of communion. It appears that the modern church attempts to deal with the guilt of sin through counseling or some other type of program. For the most part if we are honest, the sting of sin remains in our conscience. The Bible still makes it clear that only blood can take away the guilt of sin.

That old hymn of Robert Lowry sums it up so well: What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

The sacrifice Jesus Christ made in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the Cross of Calvary to help us overcome sin and death is the Atonement. He paid the price for our sins. This is the most important event in the history of mankind.

If you would like to draw closer to God, you must deny self-according to Jesus in Matthew 16:24 (KJV) then said Jesus unto his disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

I believe that this can be accomplished by following Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Here are some suggestions that may help:

To renew your mind you need to ask God for help as this is a gift that He gives to those that ask.

Ask God for forgiveness of your sins and then forgive yourself.

You need to realize that there is no limit to forgiveness.

Change your lifestyle and the environment you live in.

Understand what Jesus did for you because of the sins you did and do.

Realize that you are the only one that can change yourself by putting on the armor of God as found in Ephesians 6:10-18

Have faith and believe that God loves you and he will help you. This can be a test as the devil will try to hinder you. Stay strong in Jesus.

What does Jesus Christ, the Gospel, and the Atonement mean to you? Can you understand how much God loves you and so do I?

Commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

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COMMEMORATING THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST.

A week ago we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. What took place after His resurrection? The Scriptures says that He remained on earth for 40 days instead of ascending immediately into heaven.

Prior to His arrest, trial, and execution, Jesus spent three and one-half years teaching and preaching God’s message. After His resurrection, He stayed on earth 40days to show His followers that He was alive. The people knew that the Romans had put Jesus on the cross and He died, was buried with guards.

God resurrected Jesus from the tomb after three days. He became a sinless sacrifice so that man could be reconciled to God was complete. Before His final departure, Jesus needed to accomplish a few things with His disciples. According to the Bible, Jesus appeared to several people eight times in human form. This was prior to the birth of the New Testament church that occurred on Pentecost. Jesus’ appearances can be seen in both Roman and Hebrew calendar formats.

There are six meanings related to the risen life that are provided for the people that turn their lives over to Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9 (NKJV) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. You cannot keep it secret. John 3:3 (NKJV) Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” This is the new birth. These are just two of the many references to a new (spiritual) birth.

Here are the six meanings of a risen life:

Romans 8:11 (NKJV)  But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

2 Corinthians 4:10 (NKJV) always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

2 Corinthians 5:15 (NKJV) and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Colossians 3:1 (NKJV) If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

Colossians 3:2-3 (NKJV)  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Ephesians 2:5-6 (NKJV) even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

These are free gifts that God gives us because He loves us. If people would read the Bible, there are so many promises of God that we cannot absorb or understand how much He does love us. God put people here on earth with a free will hoping that they see the blessing He offers, not only now but for eternity. God wants everyone to become a member of His family here on earth and in His Kingdom to come for ever.

Yes, there is a condition that we receive Jesus as our Savior. This is a free gift. You don’t have to earn it, just turn your life over to Jesus. That is why Jesus came down to earth, suffered, died, buried, and rose from the dead. When you hear the word “Gospel,” that is what it refers to.

So many people pass from this life to the next without meeting God’s only condition. I hope and pray that those reading this have made the decision to join Jesus in His kingdom to come where He will be the King. Heaven will a place of love (agape) like you have never known. Many are led to believe that you have to earn your salvation, not so. You are saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible says that everyone is appointed to die the physical life and then comes the judgment. Don’t delay because no one is promised tomorrow.

Love to all.

THE RESURRECTION

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THE RESSURRECTION

As we approach this Easter season of 2018, we look upon the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. THIS IS THE GOSPEL! I don’t believe that anyone can relate to the pain and suffering Jesus went through for everyone past, present, and future. Some say that you could not recognize Jesus after the beatings he endured prior to going to the cross.

Scourging, called verberatio by the Romans was the worst kind of flogging administered by ancient courts. A person could have been beaten to death by the scourge if it was desired.

The weight of the cross is not mentioned in the Bible. Some estimate that it weighted over 200 – 300 lbs. After the punishment Jesus suffered prior, He could not carry the cross. That is why someone else was appointed to carry the cross.

The hanging on the cross was brutal suffering to say the least. There were several methods used. If you want to know more, I suggest that you read articles concerning crucifixion on the cross. We know that Jesus suffered for our sins. I am not sure some realize what He endured for our sake.

After Jesus was pronounced dead, He was buried in a tomb. Because some thought that someone would steal His body, Roman guards were placed at the tomb. Now on the third day, we find that the tomb was empty.

What does the Resurrection mean to you? I know that each person will have their own definition and what it means to them.

I have to say that in order to understand the true meaning, there has to be a changed life according to the Bible. Jesus is pretty clear when He says that a person must be born again according to John 3:3 (NKJV), Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

We need to understand that He is not referring to being born again physically. He is talking about a spiritual transformation. This can happen at any time according to the individual and according to God’s time frame. God is constantly working in your life until you come to a place in your life that you surrender yourself to Him.

A lot of times this occurs when a person hits rock bottom in marriage, finances, employment, etc. A person comes to realize that what they have done and where they are headed is a disaster. Since God gave each of us a free will to live our lives as we choose we pay the price for our mistakes.

Are you sick and tired of trying and failing at living life your own way? Are you longing for peace and happiness in your life? God offers this and much more for your life here and for eternity. It is usually human stubbornness, pride, belief in self and your own ability that keeps you from having a relationship with God. You fear giving up control and trusting God. The devil has us defeated by making us believe that God is some type of tyrant. I can tell you from my own experience that God loves you so much that He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for you. Easter is God’s way of saying I love you so much I give my Son as a sacrifice for you.

It is a free gift to those who will surrender themselves to Jesus. Ask forgiveness of your sins, confess Jesus as your Savior and Lord and repent (turn away from sins). God will take over and give you all the promises (over 4000) that are written in the Bible. God will give you a new desire with the help of the Holy Spirit who will guide and direct you in all that you do. With the power of the Holy Spirit everything is possible even things you thought were impossible Jesus is waiting with open arms to receive you into His Kingdom. You can do it.

After you become one of God’s children and we look at the Good News of Easter. It is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Jesus conquered death. He is risen. As a born again believer we can look at the future with hope and know that the sting of death cannot touch us. We will spend eternity with Jesus forever and forever.

The Resurrection of Jesus gives us 7 promises. They are as follows:

Psalm 49:15 (NKJV) 15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me. Selah

John 5:25 (NKJV)  Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live.

John 6:40 (NKJV)  And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

John 11:25 (NKJV) Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

Acts 24:15 (NKJV) I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead,[a] both of the just and the unjust.

2 Corinthians 4:14 (NKJV) knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 New King James Version (NKJV) For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

Praise and thank you Father for your love. Praise and thank you Jesus for your gift of eternal life. God loves you and so do I. Happy Easter to all.

For additional reading, 1 Corinthians 15 is considered the Resurrection chapter.

WHAT IS THE GOOD NEWS?

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WHAT IS THE GOOD NEWS?

In our world today, I’m sure most people are looking for some form of good news. Most of the news on the media, for the most part, is bad news. Even in our personal lives most of us are searching for some good news. It appears that we are all suffering from some sort of trial(s) in our life. Trials appear in all aspect of our lives: marriage, family, financial, jobs, friendship, health, and the list goes on. It seems that on rare occasions, we have a brief encounter with some good news. No one has a perfect life although some appear too.

So what is the answer? In order to understand why we have all this bad news, we have to understand what caused the problem. It all started back with a couple called Adam and Eve. They were disobedient in regards to God’s commands. This was a sin against God and His instructions. God hates sin because He is a Holy God. Everyone needs to understand this. When you come to understand what your Creator expects from you, then your life will be transformed into His love and peace and understanding. That is why He provided you with a Book of Instructions called the Bible. This is where you will find the truth for your life.

The translation of “Good News” comes from “What is the Gospel?” The problem is no one deserves to go to heaven. Christians, Muslims, Jews, Agnostics, and Atheists are not worthy to go to heaven. Worthy means to be deserving. Do you think you deserve to go to heaven when you die? Do you deserve an eternity of peace and good in return for the life you’ve lived? Everyone was born into a world of sin. That makes everyone a sinner and according to God, we all sin. God’s Word tells us if we break one of God’s commandments, we break them all. Look at what 1 John 1: 8 (NIV) says: If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

In Romans 3:23 (NIV) it states: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

God is “holy, holy, holy”. He is set apart from all that we know. What we do know is that He is revealed in the Bible as just and very loving. He created each one of us in order to love us and for us to love Him. He wants everyone to enjoy His presence for eternity. That is why He provided a salvation solution through His son, Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ is the core of the Gospel or the Good News. This provision is by the grace and mercy of God Almighty.

God provided a sacrificial Lamb for our sins. His name is above all names. It is Jesus Christ. Jesus took everyone’s sins upon Him when He was crucified on the Cross of Calvary. This gift of salvation is a free gift. According to the Bible, we must receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. According to John 3:3 (NIV): Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, unless a man is born again,” he cannot see the kingdom of God.” This birth is a spiritual rebirth where the Holy Spirit joins together with your spirit and guides you into the truth. You repent (turn away) of your sinful life and join Jesus as a new person fully cleansed of your sins by the blood of Jesus Christ and now have your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life where you will spend eternity (forever) with a Heavenly Father who loves you very much. This is the Good News. No more bad news forever (eternity). Love to all.