June 28th 2020
Jesus Is The Way The ONLY Way For Mankind To Attain Heaven!
Hebrews 10:22-25 (NIV)
Let us draw near to God----let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess----let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds----let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing----let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Many people do not understand the importance of attending a church of their choice on a regular basis. Some believe that regular church attendance is unnecessary for them to be counted as believers, and more importantly, for them to claim salvation. What do you think about regular attendance of a church? While it may be true that no church can save you, as only the sacrifice of Jesus did that, if you have been born again, why would you not want to join together with other people who Jesus died and rose to save? Fellowship with likeminded individuals is something we all seek. That is why there exists many different cliques that form in all societies. Many of these groups are not formed as a good thing and can lead a person astray. We see this in the hoods where men join a gang, which usually does not lead its members into good habits, or to do good deeds!
The selected verses display what regular attendance at a church of your choice, can lead its members toward. First it will, “Let us draw near to God.” Second it will “let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess.” Third it will “let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds.” Fourth it will, “let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing.” Fifth it will, “let us encourage one another.” After reading this does it make you reconsider your belief that regular church attendance is not necessary for all people who profess to be a Christian? Well does it? For those reading this who do attend a church on a regular basis, hopefully this will increase your joy in attending your church every Sunday. Another hint I will give you is that if you want to become more knowledgeable of your fellow worshipers, join the adult Sunday School offered at your church.
Many of the people who became great leaders of the Christian Church were not what most people would call good people. What a great example Paul is for us all. Saul tried to stop the rise of Christianity, and Paul (previously known as Saul) became one of the most instrumental people to uphold the Christian worldview! Paul is the most prolific writer of New Testament books. Paul also wrote for us sinners how to put our sinful natures behind, and to do good deeds, as though we are good people. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14). Are you forgetting your past sinful acts or omissions, “and straining towards what is ahead, I (you) press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.”
We are told we live in this cursed world, but we are to live according to the view that attainment of the things of this world may offer are important in the scheme of things. We are told we as Christians are to overcome this world. John for one wrote about how it is possible for us to be overcomers. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 5:5). As you can see it is not possible for you to overcome this world by anything you can do on your own. Only by putting Jesus Christ in the driver’s seat of your life, can you be able to be an overcomer! John wrote more about this fact that Jesus Christ is the only one who offers salvation from this mortal world. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him. (John 3:36). Jesus is the Way the ONLY Way for mankind to attain heaven!
As we can read our Bible and find many of the people who became great Biblical characters, they were not always good examples of people we would want to emulate in our lives. However, after they come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they changed because they became born again. Have you been born again? If you have then you too have become a better person. Not perfect but greatly improved! So, now are you a good person, well likely not a sinless person, but you are more open to planning to do good deeds?
In our country today we are suffering with the acknowledgement that not every person has learned to love their neighbor, as they love themselves! Many people want a quick answer to the prejudicial beliefs that are present, even in this country that tries to affirm, that all men are created equal, and that we should all have the same rights, which lead to freedom. However, many if not most of those voicing their ideas to fix these problems are not professing Christians. Without first loving Jesus Christ, we can never know the possible remedy for hate pointed toward someone who looks different than us, or for having been taught to hate anyone who disagrees with thier strongly held opinions!
We may feel that we do not have the strength of ability to help those who are spewing hate toward anyone who disagrees with them, but God has shown He does give mortal members of mankind great power. James wrote about one such individual who was blessed with power from God. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. (James 5:17-18). What power will God allot to mankind? You may have more power than you think! Can you change this environment of distrust of those in charge and believing that rioting and destruction of other people property will somehow remove prejudicial beliefs by using prejudicial actions against whoever disagrees with them?
Your power will likely best be used through the prayers you offer, asking Jesus Christ to influence the thoughts of those who are being used by Satan to inflict harm on anyone who disagrees with them. You may also be able to help someone to acknowledge their need for coming to know Jesus Christ to become their Lord and Savior. If there are peaceful protests, then some changes can be made through appealing to the ideals upon which this country was established that has led to the freest country in this world. The right to peacefully assemble is offered in this country and is not available in most other countries in this world. Paul wrote about the ability to have peace in your life even when there was little or no peace in his world at the time. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7). Let Jesus guard your heart and mind in today’s turbulent world.
Your brother in life through Adam, your brother in eternity through Jesus,
Bob Moak
Hebrews 10:22-25 (NIV)
Let us draw near to God----let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess----let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds----let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing----let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Many people do not understand the importance of attending a church of their choice on a regular basis. Some believe that regular church attendance is unnecessary for them to be counted as believers, and more importantly, for them to claim salvation. What do you think about regular attendance of a church? While it may be true that no church can save you, as only the sacrifice of Jesus did that, if you have been born again, why would you not want to join together with other people who Jesus died and rose to save? Fellowship with likeminded individuals is something we all seek. That is why there exists many different cliques that form in all societies. Many of these groups are not formed as a good thing and can lead a person astray. We see this in the hoods where men join a gang, which usually does not lead its members into good habits, or to do good deeds!
The selected verses display what regular attendance at a church of your choice, can lead its members toward. First it will, “Let us draw near to God.” Second it will “let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess.” Third it will “let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds.” Fourth it will, “let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing.” Fifth it will, “let us encourage one another.” After reading this does it make you reconsider your belief that regular church attendance is not necessary for all people who profess to be a Christian? Well does it? For those reading this who do attend a church on a regular basis, hopefully this will increase your joy in attending your church every Sunday. Another hint I will give you is that if you want to become more knowledgeable of your fellow worshipers, join the adult Sunday School offered at your church.
Many of the people who became great leaders of the Christian Church were not what most people would call good people. What a great example Paul is for us all. Saul tried to stop the rise of Christianity, and Paul (previously known as Saul) became one of the most instrumental people to uphold the Christian worldview! Paul is the most prolific writer of New Testament books. Paul also wrote for us sinners how to put our sinful natures behind, and to do good deeds, as though we are good people. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14). Are you forgetting your past sinful acts or omissions, “and straining towards what is ahead, I (you) press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.”
We are told we live in this cursed world, but we are to live according to the view that attainment of the things of this world may offer are important in the scheme of things. We are told we as Christians are to overcome this world. John for one wrote about how it is possible for us to be overcomers. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 5:5). As you can see it is not possible for you to overcome this world by anything you can do on your own. Only by putting Jesus Christ in the driver’s seat of your life, can you be able to be an overcomer! John wrote more about this fact that Jesus Christ is the only one who offers salvation from this mortal world. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him. (John 3:36). Jesus is the Way the ONLY Way for mankind to attain heaven!
As we can read our Bible and find many of the people who became great Biblical characters, they were not always good examples of people we would want to emulate in our lives. However, after they come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they changed because they became born again. Have you been born again? If you have then you too have become a better person. Not perfect but greatly improved! So, now are you a good person, well likely not a sinless person, but you are more open to planning to do good deeds?
In our country today we are suffering with the acknowledgement that not every person has learned to love their neighbor, as they love themselves! Many people want a quick answer to the prejudicial beliefs that are present, even in this country that tries to affirm, that all men are created equal, and that we should all have the same rights, which lead to freedom. However, many if not most of those voicing their ideas to fix these problems are not professing Christians. Without first loving Jesus Christ, we can never know the possible remedy for hate pointed toward someone who looks different than us, or for having been taught to hate anyone who disagrees with thier strongly held opinions!
We may feel that we do not have the strength of ability to help those who are spewing hate toward anyone who disagrees with them, but God has shown He does give mortal members of mankind great power. James wrote about one such individual who was blessed with power from God. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. (James 5:17-18). What power will God allot to mankind? You may have more power than you think! Can you change this environment of distrust of those in charge and believing that rioting and destruction of other people property will somehow remove prejudicial beliefs by using prejudicial actions against whoever disagrees with them?
Your power will likely best be used through the prayers you offer, asking Jesus Christ to influence the thoughts of those who are being used by Satan to inflict harm on anyone who disagrees with them. You may also be able to help someone to acknowledge their need for coming to know Jesus Christ to become their Lord and Savior. If there are peaceful protests, then some changes can be made through appealing to the ideals upon which this country was established that has led to the freest country in this world. The right to peacefully assemble is offered in this country and is not available in most other countries in this world. Paul wrote about the ability to have peace in your life even when there was little or no peace in his world at the time. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7). Let Jesus guard your heart and mind in today’s turbulent world.
Your brother in life through Adam, your brother in eternity through Jesus,
Bob Moak