Hell Is a Real Place

 The Unjust Manager and the Reality of Hell

 Book of Luke Chapter 16 Verses 19 through 31

 

 What is the truth of the Scriptures? People will spend eternity in either Heaven or Hell after our death, based on our belief about what the Word of God tells us about being saved.

 Heb 9:27  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 

 When we come into the House of God, we come in as the sons and daughters of the Almighty Living God.

 When we leave to go outside the House of God, we are to leave as stewards. We are to be stewards outside the House of God as long as we are upon this earth! 

 In the first part of Chapter 16, we have a parable that describes us as we leave the Church to go outside the Church.

 The rich man in this parable is a picture of God. We already know that we are to be the stewards.

 Not many of us can say we have been perfect stewards in our lives after our salvation.

 When we go outside the Church, we are to be the light of the earth, but to be quite honest, most of us have been kind of dull most of the time. I know I have failed the Lord many times. Far too many times.

 God has given us the Gospel through His Son, Jesus, and we are to share the Gospel with those outside the Church.

 God will call us to account one day, just as this Master called his steward.

 What will we say because it will not be time for excuses?

 This steward was removed from his position, so what did that make him?

 In this parable, it made him be at the mercy of those people around him.

 He needed some way to make them his friends.

 He made a personal contract with each of the Master's debtors, which meant robbing the Master of his just repayment.

 He reduced one debt by fifty percent.

 He gives another twenty percent discount.A certain future, 

 He does similar things to all the Master's debtors.

 He did this, looking to his future on this earth to secure shelter and food, material things of this earth.

 He did this without any knowledge of his Master.

 He was an unjust man, but he was wise, looking ahead when he had no means to care for himself.

 What the Lord Jesus is teaching the Church is that we are not that wise.

 We have a certain future written with the blood of Jesus Christ, but we live as if we have forgotten the debt we owe to the Lord.

 It is the love of money, the craving for riches, that is the root of all the evil we see in our world.

 1Ti 6:9  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 

1Ti 6:10  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 

 So, the big question for each believer is what we will give to the Lord and what we will try to keep for ourselves.

 The Lord Jesus gave His life for us, and He asks whether we are willing to do the same for Him.

 Luk_9:23  And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

 God has given us Spiritual blessings that we never have to repay, but each of us is still God's property with all that we possess.

 Our life and our property are on loan from God.

 The importance of earthly wealth is lost forever!

 It is how we deal with these things that shows our relationship with God.

 As Jesus said to His disciples, we cannot have or serve two masters!

 God knows what is in our hearts.

 The Lord moves on to the story of the rich man and Lazarus.

 We should know that when the Holy Spirit uses real names, then a story is no longer a parable, but it teaches us like a parable.

 *****Luk 16:19  There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 

Luk 16:20  And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 

Luk 16:21  And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 

 We should see this story in the Bible as the actual truth and not as a parable.

 The Lord gives the name of Lazarus, and the Lord also gives us Abraham as if he is still living, which we know to be true of all those in Heaven who have gone on before us.

 This man had everything his money could buy.

 The Lord Jesus does not recognize those whose name is not written in Heaven, so we do not have his name.

 Mat_7:23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

 All those in Heaven are more alive than they could have ever been when they were in this life.

 Luk 20:37  Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 

Luk 20:38  For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

 This rich man had done very well while he was living, and he was enjoying himself very much.

 Today, nothing this rich man did would be called a sin, but the poor beggar would be just some homeless beggar who could get no help.

 Lazarus was a poor, disabled man who had to be laid at the gate of this rich man because he could not walk by himself.

 Lazarus was covered with sores and had no way to get help.

 Lazarus lay at the gate of this rich man in the hope of just getting a few crumbs from the rich man's table.

 This rich man had everything, but God said Lazarus had nothing but God.

 When a dog licks a wound, they are able to detect any changes in the scent or taste of the wound. This can be helpful in detecting infections or other issues that may need attention. Dogs are also known to have antibacterial properties in their saliva, which can help to clean and disinfect wounds.

 Dogs may lick wounds as a form of comfort or reassurance, much like how a mother dog would groom her puppies. It is a way for them to show love and support.

 *****Luk 16:22  And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

 Life on earth can be good at times, but at some point, we die to this world.

 The one thing that happens is that there is a big difference in life with Jesus and life with the Devil.

 For Lazarus, he was no longer in misery, and angels delivered him to a wonderful place where he would never suffer again.

 Abraham's Bosom:

 We know that Abraham is the patriarch of the Hebrew children. The word "Bosom" suggests kindness, secrecy, intimacy, and security.

 Christ was in the Bosom of His Father: Joh 1:18  No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. 

 Jesus Christ our Savior carries His children in His Bosom: Isa 40:11  He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

 The theory of Abraham's Bosom was taught as a place of happiness where the souls of believers could expect to be upon their death before the time of Christ.

 They were sitting down and feasting with Abraham the Hebrew Father in Paradise until the Messiah came to live and die and rise to new life, for all God's children.

 Abraham's Bosom was a place of honor and the safekeeping of souls until the work of the Messiah.

 As for the rich man, he had an elaborate funeral, and then he was just buried, but that was not all; he woke up in Hell.

 Lazarus lived as he had never lived here on earth.

 He did not die. Oh, he might have left that old body wherever it was thrown. 

On the day of Lazarus, many of the poor were just tossed into the trash dump and not buried at all.

 Before that old cold body hit the ground, Lazarus was in the arms of God's angels getting a free ride to true Paradise.

 Heb 1:14  Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? 

 Before the Lord emptied Paradise and took them on to Heaven, all the Old Testament Saints would have been in this place called Paradise, at least this is what the Pharisees taught.

 They would have welcomed Lazarus right on in.

 It was not the same for the rich man.

 *****Luk 16:23  And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 

Luk 16:24  And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 

 It was the death angel that snatched that rich man from his comfort and pleasures from the material things of this earth.

 The English word "Hell" comes from the Greek word "Hades". The Hebrew word for Hell is Sheol, for the world of the dead.

 This is the place the rich man was sent to. He was unfit for Paradise.

 He had lived in the only paradise this world has to offer, and the world only offers this paradise to those who are rich.

 He had lived off the material world and refused to share any part of it with the poor.

 Pro 21:13  Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. 

 This rich man only got to peek at the glory that Lazarus was now enjoying.

 *****Luk 16:24  And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 

Luk 16:25  But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

 This rich man was in a place where he was alone.

 A big mistake the rich man made was praying to Abraham. Abraham had no power to help him, even if he chose to do so.

 He could see no one else in Hell, but he could see what was happening in paradise.

 This should dampen the spirits of all those who say there will be a big party in Hell when they get there.

 What Jesus is saying is that a person will be tormented in Hell, and part of that torment is an eternity in loneliness.

 Jesus said they would face an eternal burning sensation of agony. If one drop of water could provide some relief, then this man was indeed suffering.

 Lazarus had plenty of water, but it was not to share with those in Hell.

 The rich man would never find any relief in Hell.

 The Lord Jesus says nothing about Lazarus being aware of the Hell this man was suffering.

 The Lord Jesus explains just how much misery there is with eternal life in Hell.

 We already know that there must be some places in Hell with different degrees of suffering, and it seems that this man is in a place of the least amount of suffering, but it is still eternal misery.

 The rich man begged Abraham for another chance, which could not be granted.

 He then begged Abraham to make sure someone would go to his brothers to witness to them about salvation so they would not go to Hell.

 He was saying that He did not want to ever see his brothers again and prayed they would be wiser than he had been.

 Everyone in Hell today is a prayer warrior, but it is much too late for them to pray in Hell when they should have prayed while they were alive.

 No matter what any denomination says, there are no second chances in Hell once you get there.

 No one upon this earth can pray you out of Hell!

 If they cannot trust the work of the Lord Jesus Christ for their salvation while they live, there is nothing that can change their eternal destiny.

 It is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself who tells us of a great gulf that is fixed between this Paradise and Hell.

 *****Luk 16:26  And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 

 Matthew Henry writes: "In this world, blessed be God, there is no gulf between a state of nature and grace; we may pass from sin to God, but if we die in our sins, there is no coming out".

 This verse is hard to explain because if we look at the transfiguration of the Lord Jesus, then we see that Moses and Elijah were already in their glorified bodies, so we cannot say they came from a place called Paradise, but they had to come from the presence of God the Father, who spoke to the Apostles Peter, James, and John.

 This was certainly the belief of the Jews, and the Lord Jesus was teaching in front of the Pharisees.

 The theory that Hell has two compartments, one for the righteous and the other a place of torment for the wicked, may be just a theory taught by the Jews.

 It is believed that the Lord Jesus is using the beliefs of these Pharisees to prove them wrong in their interpretations of the Scriptures.

 The Lord Jesus is teaching us about the contrast of life between the wicked and the righteous.

 Then the Lord Jesus teaches us the contrast between the death of the righteous and the wicked who end up in Hell.

 The Lord Jesus tells us that He drew back the veil to give us a glimpse of our life in the true Paradise.

 Where was Lazarus actually located? Rev_22:1  And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

 It was too late for the prayers of the rich man.

 *****Luk 16:27  Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: 

Luk 16:28  For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 

 If we think about it, it is this rich man who dug this great chasm that separated him and his abundance from Lazarus. He had never thought about God being on the side of Lazarus.

 When he shut out Lazarus, he had shut out God.

 We have to be careful of these types of things as we live our lives.

 It was also too late to think about his other family members.

 Lazarus could no more bring him a drop of water than he could reappear to go warn this man's brothers.

 We can assume that this man's brothers lived by the same set of values as he had lived by.

 Abraham replied that this man’s brothers had the same Word of God that he had, the Books of Moses and of the prophets.

 The rich man said a great truth: the Books of Moses cannot save anyone. The Law can only take you so far. Only Jesus can take us to the true Paradise, Heaven.

 The truth is that people who are deaf to Moses and the Prophets would pay no attention to someone who was raised from the dead.

 *****Luk 16:30  And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 

Luk 16:31  And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. 

 They had a lot of evidence from the time of Christ, but they had ignored the evidence that they had.

 The same thing is happening today!

 We must be believers in the Word of God to accept the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 Notice that the rich man in Hell still thinks he is smarter than Abraham, who was already in Paradise.

 The message of Hell must be presented along with the Gospel, but it must be taught in love, like all the Gospel.

 The fire we know of here upon earth is material and temporary.

 Earthly fire does not last forever!

 Nothing on this earth will last forever!

 The fires of Hell are spiritual and are eternal, never-ending.

 We cannot shrink away from the truth of Hell.

 The worst part of Hell will always be eternal separation from God!

 This one thing is much worse than any physical experience that we can imagine here in this life.

 This is the most important point that the Lord Jesus is making here.

 We must do everything we can to stay out of Hell!

 2Th 1:7  And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 

2Th 1:8  In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 

2Th 1:9  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 

2Th 1:10  When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. 

 

Rev 21:7  He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 

Rev 21:8  But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. 

 

Luk 16:17  And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. 

 Amen

The Virtuous Woman

  Wisdom's Praise for the Virtuous, Wise Woman

 Book of Proverbs Chapter 31 verses 10-31

 Many things have been said throughout the Book of Proverbs about women of folly, foolish women, and wrong women, but the Holy Spirit would not finish this great book without telling us about the virtuous woman.

 No matter who we are, as men, we all have a desire for a virtuous woman.

 Virtuous means morally good, acting in conformity to moral law, practicing moral duties, and abstaining from vice.

 Conforming to Divine Law.

 How did a woman come about? Gen 2:21  And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 

Gen 2:22  And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 

Gen 2:23  And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

 Only one man can join with one woman and be One Flesh, and this by marriage.

 The Lord Jesus said: Mat 19:4  And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 

Mat 19:5  And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 

Mat 19:6  Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 

 This is the definition of marriage, as defined by Almighty God.

 These are the only two humans that God has created!

 What does the Holy Spirit say about this virtuous woman?

 *****Pro 31:10  Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 

 The most important decision we will ever make is what we will do with the Lord Jesus Christ.

 Are we going to believe Him and the Gospel, or are we going to ignore Him?

 The Bible says we are to submit to Him in complete obedience.

 We already know that submitting is far greater than just complying.

 Once we have accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the truth of God, then the Holy Spirit will come to live in our hearts, and we can know what it is to "Fear the Lord".

 For most of us, the next great decision we will make is the choice of our spouse.

 Pro 18:22  Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.  

 We can understand from this question in verse ten that it may not be easy to find a virtuous woman.

 What we see in this passage is the qualifications of an excellent wife.

 What we see in this passage is the embodiment of all the wisdom instructions contained in the previous thirty chapters.

 We have a portrait in words of an exceptionally wise woman who has the "Fear of the Lord".

 If we are a Christian male and fear the Lord, then if we are seeking a wife, we should seek a Christian female who also has the fear of the Lord.

 We must understand that because family relationships are the most important relationships in life, the character of the wife and mother is of great importance.

 Eph 5:25  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 

Eph 5:26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 

Eph 5:27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 

Eph 5:28  So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 

Eph 5:29  For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 

Eph 5:30  For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 

Eph 5:31  For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 

Eph 5:32  This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 

Eph 5:33  Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. 

 We may read these words as describing a perfect wife and a perfect marriage, and we know that none of us is perfect, so for the husband to find such a godly wife, then that husband must be a God-fearing man living as close as he can to the Word of God.

 A virtuous woman is a woman who is noticed by many of God's people because she has an excellent character, no matter where she is or what she is doing.

 Rth 3:11  And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. 

 A virtuous woman is a rare and precious treasure!

 We may think that such a woman does not exist, but she does.

 It is a fact that there may not be many of them.

 Women would say the same thing about us men.

 One thing is true to that man who has found a virtuous woman is richer than any king.

 This woman of wisdom is certainly a gift from the Lord.

 Pro 19:14  House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.

 *****Pro 31:11  The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

Pro 31:12  She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 

 One of the greatest qualities of this godly wife is the fact that her husband can trust her.

 He knows that this woman is devoted first to the Lord, next to him, and then to the family.

 He will not question her motives, and he will not question her words.

 He understands that such a woman will draw the attention of other men, but he knows she will never betray him.

 His heart is secure in her faithfulness!

 She has enriched his life and meets his needs, and he has hers.

 The one thing the Old Testament is good at is showing us examples.

 It spends a lot of time on godly men and things that God will punish us for.

 This passage is an example for godly women.

 Here we see faithfulness and purity, and these are things God expects from all His children.

 A good wife will commit that she will never act in a way that could cause her to lose the trust of her husband, and the husband must make this same commitment to the Lord.

 The world we live in today is so full of immorality that any signal from a woman or a man can be seen as saying they are available.

 The commandments of God do not even exist in modern society.

 Wedding vows are not sacred.

 Adultery is glorified and seen as normal behavior.

 God's Word is still the truth: 1Jn_2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

 Our commitments to our spouses must be important, and they must be real!

 In marriage, both spouses must be attentive to each other's needs.

 The primary need of women is still love and affection!

 The primary need of the husband is reverence and respect.

 We are to put the needs of our spouses before our own needs.

 The husband-and-wife relationship must be a picture of our relationship with Jesus Christ!

 Rev 19:7  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 

Rev 19:8  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 

 To gain His bride, the Lord Jesus gave up everything to become a man, so that he could give His life to purchase His bride.

 We have no greater example of this for our own marriages!

 He gave Himself for us!

 Friendship with the world is committing Spiritual adultery.

 We are completely secure in the love of our Savior!

 Joh 10:28  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 

Joh 10:29  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 

Joh 10:30  I and my Father are one.

 Rom 8:38  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 

Rom 8:39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

 *****Pro 31:13  She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 

Pro 31:14  She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 

Pro 31:15  She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 

Pro 31:16  She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 

 This is a woman of good works: 1Ti 2:10  But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 

 This home is founded on the commitment of a husband and wife and the love they share with their children.

 Her first concern is for her family to be well-clothed.

 She does not buy the clothes, nor does she buy the fabrics to make those clothes.

 She gets the raw materials, wool and flax to make the fabrics herself, and takes the time to get the best materials she can find.

 She works with her own hands.

 Wool comes from sheep and keeps the body warm when it's cold.

 Flax comes from the land and is used to make linen, which is for warmer days.

 In typology, the wool would indicate that the Church is to be a place of warm, loving interest in each member.

 Linen would represent righteous deeds of the members: Rev 19:8  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 

 She also provides food for her family, and she seeks out the best foods for them; she even brings it from afar.

 She is compared to ships and not a single ship.

 She eats the same food she prepares for all who live in her house.

 In typology, this is Spiritual food, and it comes from afar because it comes from Heaven, where our Lord Jesus Christ is today.

 It is the Lord Jesus who provides for the Church: Eph 5:29  For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 

Eph 5:30  For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 

 This is the food she prepares and puts upon the table.

 For breakfast, she gets up before all others so the food will be ready when they awaken.

 She does not call upon her maidens; she does these things herself.

 She makes sure all those in her home start the day with a good breakfast.

 She then plans the day's work for her maidens.

 In typology, the Church is to be full of believers who serve each other the food of the Word of God.

 Each member has a purpose, and they are to do that task as well as they are able, but they need the nourishment of God's Word, that Heavenly Manna from on high.

 Each member receives their portion that is needed to perform the service God has given him or her.

 After taking care of the needs of her family, she is free to do things that will increase the family budget.

 She is also a good businesswoman who invests wisely.

 She buys the things she needs without going into debt.

 After she buys this field, she immediately plants a vineyard.

 In typology, that field is an area outside the Church where we can do the work of God.

 A vineyard speaks of joy in that work.

 That field can represent the family of God because the Church is to be made up of families.

 Every family in the Church that lives for God is a great joy to our Heavenly Father.

 A strong Church is a blessing in the place where it is located.

 *****Pro 31:17  She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 

Pro 31:18  She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 

Pro 31:19  She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

 Laziness is one of those things that God hates, but the virtuous woman is never lazy.

 We see her work begins before daylight and continues after all others are in bed.

 She is a symbol of strength, and in typology, she represents the Church, which is also to be a symbol of strength.

 Most of the churches in America are failing in this issue today, and attacks against the Church have increased because the Church appears to be so weak, and it is a shame.

 The Word of God is being twisted and turned till the truth has been removed, and this is another reason God will first judge the Church, and He will accept no excuses!

 The strength of the Church is in the Lord Jesus Christ, and He is no longer relevant in much of the Church of today.

 Eph 6:10  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

 The Lord Jesus says: Rev_3:20  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

 We see this wise woman is always evaluating the work she has done, and it must be the same for the Church.

 There is only one way that will work for the Church!

 Jer_6:16  Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

 Much of the Church will no longer walk in the ways that work and have teamed up with the world in ways that are destroying much of the Church.

 We see the candle of this wise woman does not go out at night, and her house is spared from the disasters of the wicked.

 The Church must always be alert to the wickedness of the world and the wiles of the Devil.

 This wise woman sees that her clothes are in demand from others, and she sells some of them along with her produce that she grows.

 It is the same for the Church; the Gospel message is still in high demand from those who have never heard it, and the same Gospel that worked in the days of the Apostles will still work today.

 1Co 15:57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

1Co 15:58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

 Just as this wise woman will be blessed the Bride of Christ will be blessed if it remains diligent in the work the Lord has given us to do.

 The Lord Jesus promises a reward for our labors!

 We will all stand before the Lord and give an account for what we have done, good or bad.

 1Co 3:8  Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

 *****Pro 31:20  She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 

 We have seen that this wise woman cares much for her family, but she does not forget those who are poor and needy.

 She is compassionate and caring.

 We must understand that the Church must never be seen as standoffish and must share with the less fortunate.

 There are far too many people in our area who are spiritually poor and needy.

 The Church should extend its hand and help with spiritual blessings.

 There all always people who are in need, and there may be some inside the Church that we just have not noticed, but we should.

 It is not just the poor but also those members who have become too old to get out and those who, through sickness, can no longer get out.

 If we truly love the Lord, we will be compassionate and help others when we are able, and this includes the Church.

 In fact, this should be a ministry of the Church.

 Rom 12:13  Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 

 *****Pro 31:21  She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 

 She does not just think of today, but she prepares for the future.

 This cold, dead world does not bother her because she shows the warmth of love in her home.

 No matter what is going on outside, she has prepared her family for it.

 That word scarlet describes the quality of the things this wise woman has prepared for those times of uncertainty.

 The Church, full of love and warmth, will attract those who are seeking a place of rest.

 The Church must be prepared to face this cold and worsening world.

 The Bible tells us that this world will never improve, but there will always be souls that need saving.

 Life is far shorter than we realize, and we cannot predict the future except for those who love the Lord Jesus Christ.

 In Psalms 22, which refers to the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus, He says: Psa 22:6  But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. 

 That worm refers to a crimson worm that had to die to produce a dye used for the color scarlet.

 *****Pro 31:22  She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

 This noble wife takes great pride in her appearance and in being attractive and appealing to her husband.

 She could buy anything she needed, but she prefers to make them herself.

 She uses the skills God has given to her, and she lives according to the Word of God.

 The Lord Jesus clothes His bride in the very best: Eph 5:25  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 

Eph 5:26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 

Eph 5:27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

 The Bride of Christ is clothed in fine linen: Rev 19:8  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 

Rev 19:14  And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 

 As husbands, we should provide nice things for our wives if we are to be like Jesus Christ.

 *****Pro 31:23  Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 

 This husband was known in the community, and part of the reason was that his wife was so diligent and supportive of Him.

 A noble wife will help her husband, and many wives contribute to their husbands’ success.

 It is the same for the Bride of Christ.

 A diligent, hardworking Church will brag on the Lord Jesus.

 Eph 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 

Eph 1:4  According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 

Eph 1:5  Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 

Eph 1:6  To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 

 The Church has a high calling: Eph 4:1  I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 

Eph 4:2  With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 

Eph 4:3  Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

 He sits among the elders: Rev 5:5  And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. 

 *****Pro 31:24  She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 

 This wise woman provides for her family.

She cares for the poor.

She encourages her husband and his position as head of the family.

 Now we see she wants to serve her family with her abilities but charges a price for her services.

 What she delivers is quality!

 We see there is nothing in Scripture that says a woman cannot work to help provide for her family.

 We know that her priority is for her family, and everything else is secondary to this first thing.

 1Ti 5:8  But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 

 Tit 2:4  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 

Tit 2:5  To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 

 We know that there is a price to be paid to be a Christian.

 We are to be Born Again into a godly life as much like Jesus Christ as we are able.

 The truth must be bought: Pro 23:23  Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

 Truth is not some doctrine, but it consists of wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

 These things are more valuable in life than any material riches and are necessary to make life on earth have any value.

 This value is eternal and is connected to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

 The purchase price is the time we invest in the Word of God.

 Learning the truth of God takes time and effort, and the Holy Spirit.

 Rev 3:18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 

 We know that a sinner cannot pay anything to be saved.

 We can be saved only by grace: Eph 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 

Eph 2:9  Not of works, lest any man should boast. 

 *****Pro 31:25  Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 

Pro 31:26  She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 

Pro 31:27  She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 

Pro 31:28  Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 

Pro 31:29  Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 

We have already seen where this wise woman is adorned in elegance and modesty, but her true beauty is inside her.

1Ti 2:9  In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 

1Ti 2:10  But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 

She possesses strength, honor, and dignity.

She is esteemed and honored by others as a woman with a strong character.

This is a product of the wisdom of God, our Heavenly Father.

She is ready for her future and does not fear the unexpected.

She stands upon a firm foundation.

She has sown righteousness in her life and in her family, and God promises she will reap the same.

Gal 6:8  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 

Living in the fear of the Lord brings great benefits.

Psa_103:2  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

The Church owes all strength and dignity to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Strength and dignity are the attributes of our Heavenly Father, and the Church should exhibit them.

The Church must always be the Lamb's wife who has made herself ready, dressed in fine linen for the Bridegroom.

Rev 19:7  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 

Rev 19:8  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

She offers helpful and reliable counsel.

When she opens her mouth, only wisdom comes from it.

Col 4:6  Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. 

She is always watchful for anything or anyone who would harm her family and never passive in this area.

Nothing escapes her attention!

Her children want the world to know how precious their mother is to them.

Today, not many children honor their parents, but they should know that there is nothing more precious than loving parents.

Her husband praises her and expresses great appreciation for the support she has always given him.

Her husband knows he could not have chosen a better spouse for himself and his family.

Her driving force has always been the "fear of the Lord".

Pro 1:7  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. 

It is no different for the Church!

Only through the reverence of our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ is it able to express itself in a way that will reap the praise of God.

Heb 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Joh 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

Joh 14:7  If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 

*****Pro 31:30  Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. 

Pro 31:31  Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. 

This last passage should strike a note with us because the Lord Jesus said deceit is the main ingredient in these last days.

Mat 24:3  And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 

Mat 24:4  And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 

This wise woman does not focus on deception.

She knows that personality and popularity do not always reveal a person's true character.

People are not always genuine.

Many people today are masters at deceit, trying to get what they want from others, and the world is full of them at this time.

She can stand her ground because of her relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is our fear of the Lord who will lead us in the right direction.

She has given her life to raising her family and being a good wife to her husband.

No reward in this world can be given for the work she has done, for there is no work more important than the work she has done every day.

It is the same for the Church that remains the Bride of Christ.

There is no more important work than that of the Church that remains with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Heb 12:28  Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 

Heb 12:29  For our God is a consuming fire. 

It is the "fear of the Lord" that is the secret to a successful, satisfying, and blessed life here and then the great rewards of our Heavenly Home.

The Church has one job, and it is to remain close to Jesus Christ and do the work He has given us to do.

There is no greater work than this!

Amen

How to Obtain and Keep a God Name

 Wisdom's Instructions to Obtain and Keep a Good Name

 Book of Proverbs Chapter 22

 

 We should ask ourselves, how will people perceive us, or how will they remember us after we're gone?

 Do we have a "good name", a good reputation, a good testimony?

 Are we a person of integrity?

 Are we friends to the world, or is our name written down in the Lamb’s Book of Life?

 If people see us a friend to the world, then we are God's enemy!

 Jas 4:4  Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. 

 Do we compromise on the Word of God just to remain friends with the world?

 Luk 6:26  Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. 

 Are we seen as a child of God?

 2Co 8:18  And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; 

 Act 10:22  And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. 

 3Jn 1:12  Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true. 

 We need to understand that a good name, a good reputation, is not the same as being popular.

 We can be popular without being a child of God, but with what sort of people!

 These are people who are concerned for their own honor and not the honor of God.

 This is a people pleaser, and we have far too many of those behind many pulpits today.

 One of the first things we need to have a good reputation is the fact that people recognize us as Christians, being like Jesus Christ, and not a hypocrite.

 *****Pro 22:1  A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. 

Pro 22:2  The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

 God will never show partiality to His children!

 The Lord Jesus died upon that cross for every single living person from the time of Adam till the end of time.

 We may put a high value on earthly things that have no value in Heaven, but to our Heavenly Father, our soul is the most valuable part of being a human.

 We should ask ourselves, would we sell our good name for a million dollars?

 Would we compromise our character for a million dollars?

 We cannot put a price on honor, integrity, and righteousness!

 Ecc 7:1  A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth. 

 Why is our death more important than our birth?

 We are born into a life that will not be very lengthy.

 At our death, we will have eternal life, either in the torments of Hell or in the glory of Heaven.

 We must make this choice while we are alive!

 We must understand that we are one of God's creations and love Him as our Creator, our Maker.

 God is unmoved by the possessions we gain while we are living, but He offers the glories and the wealth of Heaven if we turn to Him for our salvation.

 God will never discriminate among people because of their wealth, success, gender, race, or social status!

 Gal 3:28  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 

Gal 3:29  And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. 

 Why are there so many suicides in America? They are plagued with low self-esteem and see no future for themselves.

 They use the wrong things to judge themselves!

They focus on appearance, abilities, or position.

They focus on popularity, wealth, or success.

 These things have nothing to do with our real value if we look through the eyes of God.

 God cares for us so much that He keeps up with every detail of our lives.

God loves us so much that He will go with us everywhere we go, in good times and bad times.

God has a wonderful plan and purpose for our lives.

God is always thinking about us.

God loves us enough that He sacrificed His Son for us despite our sins and our rebellious nature.

 Rom 5:6  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 

Rom 5:7  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 

Rom 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 

 Almost every religion in the world is looking for some messiah, but my Messiah came and died for me, and He will return to take me home.

 We will never be able to fulfill the purpose God has for us if we do not have a good name after our salvation.

 We were all dirty, rotten sinners before our salvation.

 Act 6:3  Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 

 *****Pro 22:3  A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. 

Pro 22:4  By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. 

Pro 22:5  Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them. 

Pro 22:6  Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. 

Pro 22:7  The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. 

Pro 22:8  He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. 

Pro 22:9  He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. 

Pro 22:10  Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease. 

Pro 22:11  He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend. 

 As Christians under the leadership of our faith, we understand that there will be a day of wrath from the Almighty Living God, and there is only one way to avoid it.

 We know to look to Jesus Christ and hide ourselves in His loving arms.

 Jas 2:5  Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 

 Eph 1:18  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 

Eph 1:19  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 

 Isa_25:4  For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.

 As Christians, we are paying attention to what is going on in this world, and we know the results at the end of the Church Age and the seven years of tribulation.

 Mat 24:21  For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 

Mat 24:22  And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. 

 Mat 24:29  Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 

Mat 24:30  And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 

 Only the Church will be saved from this day of wrath!

 Those whom God says are simple-minded reject the truth of God, and they will be punished for it; most of them, if not all, will spend eternity in Hell.

 They refuse to recognize the dangers of a sinful lifestyle!

 Pro 27:12  A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. 

 They refuse to recognize the truth of a Righteous God!

 We already know the foundation of wisdom is the "Fear of the Lord".

 This fear is not only a reverent fear of the Lord but also includes an actual fear of a God who would rather not show His wrath.

 Isa 28:22  Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth. 

Isa 28:23  Give ye ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech.

 Only those who have submitted to God before they come to their own death will miss out on this consumption upon the whole earth.

 This consumption is the disease of sin that God will eradicate.

 We know there are painful hazards as we travel life's journeys.

 That journey is far worse for those who reject the Word of God.

 They cannot know the comfort of knowing we do not have to go through these pains alone.

 Pro 15:19  The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.

 Those who have received the pleasures of this world become slaves to those things, and God's people know there is no real pleasure in anything this world has to offer.

 We who travelled that sinful life for far too long and have turned to Jesus Christ know that we are to train our children while they are children, so they can avoid most of life's pitfalls.

 The children God has given to us are our responsibility and not the governments to raise and teach.

 If there is one thing we have realized in the last several years is that our government has steered our children down the path to the destruction of our entire nation and the way of freedom.

 As parents and grandparents, and great-grandparents, we only get the opportunity to guide our children in the right direction.

 They will choose a path for themselves sooner than we realize.

 We hope that as they get older, they will remember those things in their heart and their minds.

 Eph 6:4  And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 

 Eph 6:3  That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

 We must understand that there are consequences to borrowing money, and credit cards have destroyed many families.

 There is nothing disgraceful about being poor!

 The rich have far too much power in dictating the lifestyle of the poor, and certain politicians want to keep the poor from gaining in life by giving incentives to them incentives not to work. All for their vote to keep them poor.

 It is ridiculous that people have fallen into this trap and want to remain there.

 Those who have caused this problem and keep doing these things will reap what they sow.

 God is sending His warnings to these lenders from the Holy Spirit.

 As Christians, we are taught to share.

 The Holy Spirit says to those who share, they will also reap what they sow.

 Pro 19:17  He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

 The Church has become stagnant because the Church has allowed the world into the Church.

 God has one answer if you want to stop the arguments: throw out those who reject the Word of God or those who try to compromise the Word of God with the world's ways.

 Pro 21:24  Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

 These are the ones causing the contention and strife in the Church, and it can be settled by simply forcing them to leave unless they repent.

 Ask them how they get saved to hear their answer.

 Rom 16:17  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 

Rom 16:18  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 

 If we can speak to others with the same grace that our Heavenly Father has shown to us, we will get along, and we cannot move to the left or to the right from the truth of God.

 A troublemaker does not have a pure heart; they are troublemakers. This is what they live for.

 *****Pro 22:12  The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor. 

Pro 22:13  The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets. 

Pro 22:14  The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein. 

Pro 22:15  Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. 

Pro 22:16  He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want. 

 God is so moving and loving for us that he sent His only Son to die in our place just so we could live with Him forever.

 God is also holy and righteous and will not put up with foolishness and unrighteousness.

 We should ask ourselves, "What is the providence of God"?

 The providence of God is the fact that it is God's wisdom and God's power that preserves and governs this world for the ends which He purposes to accomplish.

 Since God created everything, it should be reasonable to infer that He upholds and governs all things!

 All things are known to Him!

All things are possible for Him!

 It is our Heavenly Father's plan for us, and nothing in this world can change God's plan for us!

 As our Creator, He is self-existent, and it is His Will, so all His creations depend on Him!

 He only deserves our worship!

 He is the great guardian of the truth of this world we live in!

 It is a fact that lazy people will come up with all sorts of excuses not to work.

 Some things they come up with are laughable.

 It is highly unlikely that any Jew was mauled by a lion because they were not found in towns or cities.

 It is in our best interest as Christians to be the best workers on the job site.

 This is diligent.

 It is true to say that those who can work but refuse to do so should not eat.

 When they are hungry enough, they will find some work to do to provide that meal.

 We have to wonder if Solomon wrote this proverb early in life or later in life because he admits that the seductive words of harlots and adulteresses will entice a man to his own destruction of his body and his soul.

 Solomon also wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes, and we can see more profound words by the Holy Spirit.

 Ecc 7:26  And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her. 

 Foolishness is actually self-will.

 Children must be rescued from this and it can be accomplished through discipline.

 Foolishness is not a learned behavior it is in that child from birth.

 It can be removed while they are still young to keep them from harming themselves or others.

 Parents who love their children will correct them!

 Pro 29:15  The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. 

 God says we will reap what we sow.

 So those who oppress the poor will themselves suffer similarly by giving their riches to someone who is already rich and does not need it.

 Mat 18:24  And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 

Mat 18:25  But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 

Mat 18:26  The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 

Mat 18:27  Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 

Mat 18:28  But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 

Mat 18:29  And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 

Mat 18:30  And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 

Mat 18:31  So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 

Mat 18:32  Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 

Mat 18:33  Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 

Mat 18:34  And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

 We can see where we fail in this life if we reject the wisdom of God.

 When we reject the Word of God, we live in open opposition to Him.

 True success in life comes through trusting and fearing the Lord.

 Who are the foolish, all those who do not want the Lord to be on their side!

 The Bible did not come to us by accident!

 It is a Holy God who has preserved His Word for us to know and respect.

 *****Pro 22:17  Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. 

Pro 22:18  For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. 

Pro 22:19  That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. 

Pro 22:20  Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 

Pro 22:21  That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? 

 Wisdom does not just come upon us. We must ask for wisdom and then study what other wise men have said.

 If we understand that the Holy Spirit has directed the thoughts of God to men to write down so they can be understood.

 The Word of God is useless if it remains in the Book. These wise words must be read and studied and brought into our hearts and our consciences.

 That word hear is the Hebrew word "shama," which means to hear intelligently and to heed and obey.

 We must keep this wisdom in our hearts.

 Rom_6:17  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

 God wants His word to be active in our lives.

 The Bible is the most powerful Book that has ever existed!

 It is nourishment for the soul!

 It is the seed that brings forth much fruit.

 It is the truth that applies to this life we live now.

 It is the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, that teaches us to trust Jehovah, Yahweh, Elohim, the Almighty God.

 It is our Heavenly Father who is the source of all wisdom, no matter whose lips it comes from.

 God wants us to know the truth of this world.

 God expects us to know the truth of this world.

 God wants us to have confidence in His Word of Truth!

 Jehovah can be trusted, the Lord Jesus Christ can be trusted, and the Holy Spirit can be trusted because the Bible is designed and written by the Holy Trinity, so we can know the truth.

 God gives us His truth so we can live more successful and meaningful lives.

 It is the Word of God that gives us this powerful message we can share with those who do not know Him.

 God did not have to tell us anything, and we would have gone through life confused, but He would have still held us accountable for our sin.

 Rom_1:20  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

 God gave us His Word so that we can have hope that this life we live now is not just meaningless, and there is a better life ahead. That hope is in our Savior, God Himself!

 Rom 15:4  For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 

Rom 15:5  Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 

Rom 15:6  That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

 *****Pro 22:22  Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: 

Pro 22:23  For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

 There are many poor people in this world, many of them have happy lives and know that riches cannot make them happier than they already are.

 Some are poor, and they do not like to be reminded of that fact, and we should help them if we are able.

 We must understand that God is always on the side of the poor!

 The instruction "not to rob the poor" does not speak of robbery because they have nothing worth stealing.

 We are not to rob the poor of their dignity.

 Many of the poor are taken advantage of because they cannot hire a lawyer.

 God is reminding us that He will defend them in the end.

 To understand what the Holy Spirit is talking about here, let's look at the Apostle Paul.

 2Co 6:4  But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 

2Co 6:5  In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

 There are probably far more Christian Saints who were poor until they met the Lord Jesus than rich.

 Just as it is today, many of the poor are wrongly afflicted by unjust judges and society.

 Cruel and greedy people choose the poor as their targets because they are unable to defend themselves.

 Praise the Lord, we have an advocate in Heaven.

 1Jn 2:1  My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 

 Psa 35:10  All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?

 When the Lord says He will spoil the souls of those who oppress the poor, He is saying He will take away their lives.

 *****Pro 22:24  Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: 

Pro 22:25  Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. 

 There are a lot of bad examples in our world, and we must not spend time around them.

 Yes, we are to witness if we get the opportunity and flee as soon as we can.

 Those who are short-tempered can influence us in a bad way.

 All of us are prone to losing our temper from time to time, but this angry man from the Scripture is full of anger at all times, and the wise do not need to be around them.

 Wise people understand the power of influence and avoid such people.

 Bad behavior can rub off on people and infect others.

 Uncontrolled anger is a trap that is easy to get caught in and hard to escape.

 Scripture never tells us to associate with the ungodly for the purpose of trying to change their behavior.

 In fact, Scripture tells us to be an example to them of the wisdom to avoid anger as best we can.

 1Co 15:33  Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

 *****Pro 22:26  Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. 

Pro 22:27  If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee? 

 In the old days, all it took was a handshake to seal a deal.

 We all want to help our children and maybe close friends, but God says do not secure debts for them.

 I do not know how many of us have been burned by our own children, but it happens.

 If that debtor is not creditworthy, then why should we be taken advantage of?

 We end up taking up a debt that we are not prepared for, and we could lose our own possessions and our own creditworthiness be ruined.

 Our testimony can also be affected if we are known to be someone who does not pay our debts.

 We must not make foolish deals. Nothing is untouchable if you put yourself up for someone else's debts.

 *****Pro 22:28  Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. 

 The ownership of property is important in today's world, but it was extremely important in ancient Israel.

 Most land is worth far more than its monetary value.

 It was Jehovah who gave Abraham and the descendants of Sarah the land that belonged to Israel.

 Deu 19:14  Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it. 

 Gen_17:21  But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

 Heb 11:9  By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 

God had forbidden the children of Israel to sell their land He had given to them.

Moving a boundary stone was an act of theft and a violation of the eighth commandment.

Deu 19:14  Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it. 

Deu 27:17  Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen.

*****Pro 22:29  Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. 

It is a rare occasion for a diligent worker to be fired, even in today's world.

To have a good work ethic is to be obedient to our Heavenly Father.

Christians should be the best workers on any job site.

As believers, we are called to set the example of being diligent workers.

We are never to be seen as being lazy.

We do not labor only for our employers; we labor also for our Lord!

Ecc 9:10  Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. 

And the words that every Saint of God hopes to receive.

Mat 25:23  His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 

Amen

The Resurrection of the Church

 The Gospel and the Resurrection

Book of 1 Corinthians Chapter 15

 The word "Gospel" means "Good News". There is only one Gospel!

 The Gospel is described in many ways:

 Mar 1:14  Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 

Mar 1:15  And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 

 The Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

 Act 20:24  But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 

 The Gospel of the Grace of God.

 Mar 1:1  The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 

 Rom 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 

 The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 2Co 4:4  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, "lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them". 

 The glorious Gospel.

 Rev 14:6  And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 

 The Everlasting Gospel.

 This church at Corinth, like many churches today, is confused about the resurrection of believers.

 This resurrection concerns our bodies, no matter if they are in the grave, have been burnt to ashes, thrown into the ocean, or eaten by some wild animal.

 Some were denying the resurrection of the body.

Some were following false teaching, claiming that it occurred at the time of our death.

Some just said God couldn't resurrect our old bodies when God made us from the dust of the ground to begin with.

 There is nothing too hard for God!

 Paul said this was a simple thing for God when He showed the power of resurrection by raising His own Son from the dead.

 We do not need any other proof!

 *****1Co 15:1  Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 

1Co 15:2  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

 No matter where the Apostle Paul preached, he included the resurrection as part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 We cannot take our stand on the Gospel of Jesus Christ without standing on the fact of His resurrection and our resurrection.

 Heb 10:23  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 

 Paul had said earlier that he was not able to preach the meat of the Gospel to these Corinthians, but he did preach the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is a major doctrine and principle of our salvation and our resurrection.

 We, as the Church, need to pay particular attention to this chapter.

 Eph 1:17  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 

Eph 1:18  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 

Eph 1:19  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 

Eph 1:20  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 

Eph 1:21  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 

 We should understand that we will see our Heavenly Father face-to-face, and we will be in a glorified body, and that body will be a version of the body we had when we were upon this earth.

 1Th 4:16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 

1Th 4:17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 

1Th 4:18  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

 Paul is declaring these things again to these Corinthians as if they had never heard them because they had not remained with them.

 We must live by faith in the Word of God.

 We already know that without faith, we cannot even please God.

 Heb 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 

 We are being saved by the same Gospel that was presented to these Corinthians!

 We must hold fast to the Gospel.

 When we take a stand as a Christian, we are standing upon the truth of the Gospel!

 Jas 1:21  Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 

 *****1Co 15:3  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 

 The first act of the Gospel was that Jesus Christ died for our sins, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament.

 Isa 53:5-8, Daniel 9:26, Psalms 22, Zec 12:10, Gen 22.

 All these Scriptures teach us the death and resurrection of our Savior, God's Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ. 

 The death of the Lord Jesus Christ is the first thing that should be preached because with His death, He paid for our sins.

 Paul is saying that these are the first words that he received from the Lord Jesus Christ.

 1Co 11:23  For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 

 Gal 1:11  But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 

Gal 1:12  For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

 The death of Jesus Christ was the substitute that Our Heavenly Father allowed for payment of our sins.

 Jesus died as our sacrifice.

Jesus died as our ransom.

Jesus died as our propitiation.

Jesus died according to the Scriptures.

 Luk 24:25  Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 

Luk 24:26  Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 

 Joh 1:45  Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 

 He was wounded for our transgressions.

He was despised and rejected by men.

 *****1Co 15:4  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 

 The second fact of the Gospel is that the Lord Jesus died and was buried, and He rose again on the third day, just as the Old Testament had testified.

 We should understand that there were many witnesses to these events; they were not done in the dark or hidden from sight.

 There are still those today who say there was no resurrection because there was no actual death.

 We need to just pay attention to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the truth, and it is our faith that saves us and our faith that pleases our Heavenly Father.

 Jesus Christ did die a human death. No one buries a man who is alive except a murderer.

 If Jesus had not been buried, then there could be no resurrection.

 The empty tomb is still evidence that the Lord Jesus arose from the dead!

 It is the resurrection of Christ Jesus that proves that our bodies will also one day rise from the grave, and our tombs will be empty no matter how our bodies were buried, scattered, or remain in some urn, or thrown in the ocean.

 The resurrection proves that the Lord Jesus Christ is exactly who He says He is, the Living God!

 There is no other power anywhere upon this earth that can raise people from their death!

 Rom 1:4  And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 

 The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves that He is our Savior.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves that He is the Spirit of Life.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves that He is no liar.

 Mat 12:40  For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 

 Psa 16:10  For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 

 The resurrection proves that Christianity is real!

The resurrection proves that our Heavenly Father accepted the work that His Son Jesus did for our reconciliation, our salvation.

 When the Lord Jesus prayed at Gethsemane, it was a prayer that His death would bring life through His resurrection.

 His Heavenly Father heard His prayer!

 Heb 5:7  Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 

Heb 5:8  Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 

Heb 5:9  And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 

 His resurrection was essential in the plan of God for us to receive the Holy Spirit.

 Joh 16:7  Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 

Joh 16:8  And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 

Joh 16:9  Of sin, because they believe not on me; 

 There was an empty tomb.

There was the shape of the linen wrappings. Those wrappings still retained the shape of the body. The Lord Jesus had passed right through those wrappings.

 Remember Lazarus: Joh 11:44  And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

 The graveclothes of Jesus had remained in that empty tomb with the napkin folded and laid aside, which meant He would return.

 Then some witnessed seeing Him after He arose.

 *****1Co 15:5  And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 

1Co 15:6  After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 

1Co 15:7  After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 

 Peter, who had denied the Lord, now became one of the greatest witnesses for the Lord.

 The Lord appeared to the remaining Apostles. Judas at that time was already dead having committed suicide. There were twelve Apostles after his death.

 Then there were five hundred witnesses at one time who could testify to seeing the resurrected Christ.

 Then the Lord appeared to James, His stepbrother, who would be the Pastor of the Church at Jerusalem.

 It is then that the family of the Lord Jesus Christ found out that their stepbrother was telling the truth all along.

 He later met Paul on the Damascus Road. Paul became the twelfth apostle hand-chosen by the Lord Jesus Christ.

 And Paul preached:

 *****1Co 15:12  Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 

 Still today, some unbelievers deny the resurrection of the human body of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 We know that the Lord was one hundred percent God, but He was also one hundred percent human. That human body did die, but God cannot die. He has always existed!

 Psa 90:2  Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. 

 Isa 44:6  Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. 

 There may be many things I do not understand and cannot explain, but the resurrection of my Savior has enough witnesses to make me a believer, and I have enough faith to accept all the Word of God as the truth.

 BUT:

 *****1Co 15:13  But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 

1Co 15:14  And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 

1Co 15:15  Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 

 If Jesus Christ did not rise from the dead, then there is nothing to Christianity.

 Most of this world believes in some supernatural being, and that being would not be much if it could not bring a human body back to life.

 The message of the Gospel is the "good news" of our resurrected Savior, who is the God of the Bible and the God of all truth.

 Since the God of the Bible raised the Lord Jesus Christ back to life, He will have no problem raising all the bodies in the future that He wants to raise.

 Jesus said to his disciples after He had risen Luk 24:38  And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 

Luk 24:39  Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. 

Luk 24:40  And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. 

 I will live forever in the presence of the Lord!

I will have a personal face-to-face relationship with the Lord!

I will be made perfect and serve the Lord face-to-face in a New Heaven and a New Earth!

I do know that I know all these things are true!

 The Lord Jesus died to free me from death and all other believers, and His Father raised Him, so He will raise all those who have been freed from death!

 1Pe 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 

1Pe 1:4  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 

1Pe 1:5  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

 *****1Co 15:16  For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 

1Co 15:17  And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 

1Co 15:18  Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 

1Co 15:19  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 

1Co 15:20  But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 

 Christians whose bodies are in the sleep of death is a principle that we must reject as impossible!

 The goodness, the faith, the love, the tenderness of that Saint of God cannot be dissolved into nothing.

 God simply will not allow it!

 Since Jesus Christ rose from His death, then that old body of that saint of God that is asleep in Jesus will also rise from that grave!

 That old body will not only rise from the dead, but it will be glorified just as the body of Christ is glorified.

 The Lord Jesus did not have to take His earthly body back to Heaven with Him, but He did.

 He could just as easily have gone back in His Spirit, but He chose to take that earthly body with Him.

 If the Lord Jesus Christ did not arise from that grave, then neither will we. It is just that simple.

 Why do we question God so much when He expects us to have faith?

 The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ goes hand in hand with our own resurrection!

 If all we have is hope in this life, then certainly we will be miserable as we grow older in years.

 If we have served the Lord as He commanded and suffered for it, then we have endured something false.

 But now Jesus Christ is risen!

 1Co 2:12  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 

1Co 2:13  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 

1Co 2:14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 

 The fact is, we will live in the New Heaven with our Redeemer in our glorified bodies throughout eternity.

 Since we are in our old body that is now glorified, we will be known by sight, just as we will recognize those who have gone before us by sight.

 Where is our faith? 

 We should be very clear if it is possible to live in the presence of God, and it is, then the human body must first undergo a radical change. Th

 1Pe 5:10  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 

1Pe 5:11  To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 

 *****1Co 15:49  And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 

1Co 15:50  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 

1Co 15:51  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 

1Co 15:52  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

 If we are not settled on this issue of our bodies, then listen as Paul tells us how these things will take place.

 The human body is flesh and blood. It is a physical body and not a spiritual body that will be needed in the New Heaven.

 This body is made of earthly materials and substances, not spiritual materials and substances.

 This body must be completely remade!

 The bodies we have today are made to live in this physical world and dimension.

 This physical body is made for the kingdoms of this world and not to inherit the Kingdom of God.

 We cannot inherit eternity as we are; a change is necessary!

This means those who have gone on to meet the Lord and their old flesh was left behind and, includes any who are alive when the Trumpet sounds, and we will all meet the Lord Jesus Christ in the clouds.

1Th 4:13  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 

1Th 4:14  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 

1Th 4:15  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 

1Th 4:16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 

1Th 4:17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 

1Th 4:18  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

When we meet the Lord Jesus in the clouds, it will not be for salvation, but the Lord will take this time to issue rewards for the work that was done on earth.

1Co 3:14  If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 

1Co 3:15  If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 

 The workman is saved the work itself is burned with fire.

Both the living and the dead will receive newly created bodies.

These things will happen quicker than can be seen clearly and will be invisible to those who will remain on earth during the tribulation period.

We should not worry, as the Lord Jesus said, the Lord's children will hear that trumpet!

These things are absolutely certain!

The trumpet will sound.

The Lord's saints will hear it.

The dead shall be raised incorruptible.

We shall be changed.

These things will take place in the twinkling of an eye.

Joh 5:25  Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. 

Joh 5:28  Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 

Joh 5:29  And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. 

The resurrection of the damned will take place over a thousand years later than the Rapture of the Church.

*****1Co 15:53  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 

The nature of our old bodies is corruptible, but the nature of our new bodies will be uncorruptible!

You do not have to tell a senior citizen about how his body is deteriorating, and his days are getting shorter, and a day of death awaits us all unless the Lord Jesus returns soon.

We are all waiting for our heavenly body that will live throughout eternity.

We know that if we are going to live with God, then these old bodies must change!

*****1Co 15:54  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 

1Co 15:55  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 

1Co 15:56  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 

This change of our bodies will swallow up death, as it will not exist in our new bodies.

The grave will no longer be in our future.

This is the victory that was promised by Jehovah long ago.

Isa 25:8  He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it. 

It is sin that gave death its power, and the New Heaven is a place where there is no sin and there will never be any sin.

Rom 5:12  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 

Sin will now be erased from the picture.

It is laws and standards that show us our shortcomings.

Joh 11:25  Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 

Joh 11:26  And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 

Yes, Lord, I believe you.

When we have been perfected by the Holy Spirit and the Lord Jesus Christ, there will be no law hanging over our heads.

With no law, there will be no condemnation!

Rev 21:4  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

*****1Co 15:57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

1Co 15:58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 

It was the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ that proved He had the power over death.

It is through Him and Him alone that we can be resurrected from our death!

His perfect righteousness overcomes sin and sin's penalty; it condemns sin!

Rom 8:3  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 

Rom 8:4  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 

Those who are afraid of the Holy Ghost will find that He is our greatest gift after salvation.

Heb 2:14  Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 

Heb 2:15  And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 

These things should encourage us all as we live for Jesus Christ.

These promises are to all those who believe the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ! These are promises!

We must stand on the truth of our Lord, unmovable!

Unyielding.

Unshaken.

Undisturbed by what goes on in this world around us.

We must work harder for those we love and those we meet.

Our labor will not be in vain!

1Pe 1:13  Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 

1Pe 1:16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 

Amen