August 11th 2019
God Is Not Calling The Equipped, He Is Equipping The Called!
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV)
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Someone has said, “The best things in life are free!” However, the truth is that “The best things in life are not things at all!” This terminology for things is about the stuff you can see and touch, which are worldly possessions, and you cannot take this stuff with you when you pass from this mortal life into immortality for eternity. If you are an atheist then there is no eternity, as this worldly existence is all there is, there is nothing to look forward to after death! As Paul wrote in the selected verses, “For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” We all wonder about the unseen places and when and how did they come into existence! We must believe this by faith built upon the Biblical accounts related to eternity. Such places existed before the creation of the worldly stuff and will never cease to exist. In the selected verses, Paul writes about our mortal life and then about the good news of the life to come, when he wrote, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” So, the toils and heartaches are worth it, because of our promise of an eternal home!
Now the rest of the story, so to speak. To the church in Colosse Paul wrote first about Jesus being the Savor of the world. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. (Colossians 1:13-15). Paul also wrote about Jesus being the creator and sustainer of all “things.” For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:16-17). Take note here that Paul tells us that Jesus also created both the visible and invisible things related to this universe. As Paul tells us that Jesus created all things, “all things were created by him and for him.” Note too that all things created were created, “for him.” This entire creation was created to bring glory to God the Father through Jesus. Mankind reaps the benefits, but we do not own this universe it was made for us to reside in not to own!
John writes for us what Jesus said about this world, which is being held hostage by Satan, because of that original sin that brought in a curse of death and suffering into it. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." (John 16:33, NLT). If life seems somewhat unfair at times, because of this curse, keep thinking about Jesus and what He did for all those who accept His plan of salvation. Your immortal soul will live on after it experiences the mortal death brought on by this curse. People who are worldly will never experience the peace promised only to the followers of Jesus Christ! Paul writes about this possible peace available to all the members of the body of Christ. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15). Remember, to thank Jesus every day for this peace which passes all understanding!
We live in this cursed world and we must be wise to avoid the worldly teaching, which is being circulated by those members of mankind that do not accept this wonderful story of Jesus the Christ. Paul warns to be vigilant about teaching’s that try to convince us that there are no supernatural powers that are in control of this universe. God’s children are being steered toward a belief that there is no God/Jesus that is in control of this universe! If it truly came about by random chance evolutionary processes, then there could be no orderly processes that would allow mathematics to use in space flight to knowable locations in this universe. Paul warns us about this type of teaching. See to it that no-one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (Colossians 2:8). Secular teachers do not believe in the God of the Bible, as described, starting in the book of Genesis, and carried through the entire Bible.
Please believe that a place we call heaven already existed before God/Jesus started creating this universe, starting with creation of this world, as the place where mankind would be born! I believe that Moses wrote what God told him to write about this creation process. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light "day", and the darkness he called "night". And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. (Genesis 1:1-5). This is the start of recorded history, as there was no need for time before this world was created, as the heavenly creatures were all immortal. Although, Adam and Eve were also created as immortal beings, there was a need for recoding time in this new world, as there will be on the new earth which will be created later to replace this original world! Mankind has a need for timekeeping to remember past events and to anticipate the future. And to sing songs to the Lord God for all the blessing He has bestowed on us!
The closest way to go somewhere is plot the straightest way there and follow that path. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6). Jesus told His disciples to find that narrow path and then stay on it, as it will lead us to Him! Note the warning here to “lean not on your own understanding.” Our understanding is always limited and can lead us astray. Paul is trying to help us deal with the problems and disappointments we may experience in this life. By giving us the rest of the story related to eternity and the happiness we can expect when we are united with Jesus. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:17-18). It is true we have inherited heaven because of what Jesus did for us!
Don’t worry be happy now with the life we are dealt, as much as possible! Jesus has paved the narrow path with His sufferings, so that we can feel assured of the eternity to be with Jesus, when our time comes to leave this lifetime! You have been called to serve the Lord! Give Him the glory for the things He has done!
Your brother in life through Adam, your brother in eternity through Jesus,
Bob Moak
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV)
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Someone has said, “The best things in life are free!” However, the truth is that “The best things in life are not things at all!” This terminology for things is about the stuff you can see and touch, which are worldly possessions, and you cannot take this stuff with you when you pass from this mortal life into immortality for eternity. If you are an atheist then there is no eternity, as this worldly existence is all there is, there is nothing to look forward to after death! As Paul wrote in the selected verses, “For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” We all wonder about the unseen places and when and how did they come into existence! We must believe this by faith built upon the Biblical accounts related to eternity. Such places existed before the creation of the worldly stuff and will never cease to exist. In the selected verses, Paul writes about our mortal life and then about the good news of the life to come, when he wrote, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” So, the toils and heartaches are worth it, because of our promise of an eternal home!
Now the rest of the story, so to speak. To the church in Colosse Paul wrote first about Jesus being the Savor of the world. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. (Colossians 1:13-15). Paul also wrote about Jesus being the creator and sustainer of all “things.” For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:16-17). Take note here that Paul tells us that Jesus also created both the visible and invisible things related to this universe. As Paul tells us that Jesus created all things, “all things were created by him and for him.” Note too that all things created were created, “for him.” This entire creation was created to bring glory to God the Father through Jesus. Mankind reaps the benefits, but we do not own this universe it was made for us to reside in not to own!
John writes for us what Jesus said about this world, which is being held hostage by Satan, because of that original sin that brought in a curse of death and suffering into it. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." (John 16:33, NLT). If life seems somewhat unfair at times, because of this curse, keep thinking about Jesus and what He did for all those who accept His plan of salvation. Your immortal soul will live on after it experiences the mortal death brought on by this curse. People who are worldly will never experience the peace promised only to the followers of Jesus Christ! Paul writes about this possible peace available to all the members of the body of Christ. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15). Remember, to thank Jesus every day for this peace which passes all understanding!
We live in this cursed world and we must be wise to avoid the worldly teaching, which is being circulated by those members of mankind that do not accept this wonderful story of Jesus the Christ. Paul warns to be vigilant about teaching’s that try to convince us that there are no supernatural powers that are in control of this universe. God’s children are being steered toward a belief that there is no God/Jesus that is in control of this universe! If it truly came about by random chance evolutionary processes, then there could be no orderly processes that would allow mathematics to use in space flight to knowable locations in this universe. Paul warns us about this type of teaching. See to it that no-one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (Colossians 2:8). Secular teachers do not believe in the God of the Bible, as described, starting in the book of Genesis, and carried through the entire Bible.
Please believe that a place we call heaven already existed before God/Jesus started creating this universe, starting with creation of this world, as the place where mankind would be born! I believe that Moses wrote what God told him to write about this creation process. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light "day", and the darkness he called "night". And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. (Genesis 1:1-5). This is the start of recorded history, as there was no need for time before this world was created, as the heavenly creatures were all immortal. Although, Adam and Eve were also created as immortal beings, there was a need for recoding time in this new world, as there will be on the new earth which will be created later to replace this original world! Mankind has a need for timekeeping to remember past events and to anticipate the future. And to sing songs to the Lord God for all the blessing He has bestowed on us!
The closest way to go somewhere is plot the straightest way there and follow that path. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6). Jesus told His disciples to find that narrow path and then stay on it, as it will lead us to Him! Note the warning here to “lean not on your own understanding.” Our understanding is always limited and can lead us astray. Paul is trying to help us deal with the problems and disappointments we may experience in this life. By giving us the rest of the story related to eternity and the happiness we can expect when we are united with Jesus. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:17-18). It is true we have inherited heaven because of what Jesus did for us!
Don’t worry be happy now with the life we are dealt, as much as possible! Jesus has paved the narrow path with His sufferings, so that we can feel assured of the eternity to be with Jesus, when our time comes to leave this lifetime! You have been called to serve the Lord! Give Him the glory for the things He has done!
Your brother in life through Adam, your brother in eternity through Jesus,
Bob Moak
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