Why Jesus
It's been on my heart and therefore in prayer about sharing the good news that Jesus saves. And as I prayed and meditated on the subject: it became apparent that just possibly, people don't understand the need to be saved. And therefore, haven't visualized what it is they're being saved from ... since a loving God would automatically transport good people into heaven.
It also occurred to me that just maybe, people haven't seen the beauty of the heavenly calling beyond the movie image of people sitting effortlessly on a cloud in white clothing. The author Randy Alcorn writes: "Satan need not convince us that Heaven doesn't exist. He need only convince us that Heaven is a place of boring, unearthly existence. If we believe that lie, we'll be robbed of our joy and anticipation, we'll set our minds on this life and not the next, and we won't be motivated to share our faith. Why should we share the 'good news' that people can spend eternity in a boring, ghostly place that we're not going to look forward to?"
The purpose of providing this blog was to share upbeat news while watching the sad state of affairs in our communities. As Elisha the prophet said: "Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?" And yet today, there is hardly any evidence of a victorious church and fewer prayer meetings with people weeping for lost souls. Our modern society has rejected the gospel as a nice story that our grandparents once shared and replaced it with the school of modern thought. So once again, where today is the compassion for lost souls ... on the Hell bound train that parties into the night.
That's right, everyone is guilty (sin) in the sight of God and therefore, Jesus came to pay the ultimate price for our salvation. The only exception from this penalty of sin is by becoming one with Jesus (born-again) in God's family through our confession and walk of faith. This is an active relationship and not as some would pretend, a simple gesture or half-hearted pleasantry to appease ourselves by good deeds; while the other foot enjoys the lifestyle of this world.
Yes, it's time to "stand up" in what the Bible calls "last days." A great push is mounting to form a secular philosophy and nurture public opinion; whereby a new order is deemed necessary for survival. It started out as subtle suggestions and cultural undertones that has begun a new campaign and media blitz. Surely, we've all seen the (dark) suggestions through political positioning, impious entertainment and attitude shaping in television commercials. The scenario is ready for a political leader/hero to dispel the unruly element as a crime fighter, solve the greenhouse effect for the environment and stabilize the economy through a peaceful government. It's like a sickness is spreading throughout the lands which is caused by the same evil forces that are scheming ... to setup the false redeemer known as the antichrist. These demons will have to behave themselves once the new dictator is inagurated into office - giving the people ample reason to believe and worship their superhero through the ministry of the false prophet.
I could continue this subject and be a harbinger like the news media that reports everything without regard for moral responsibility. So once again, it's time to "stand up" with a testimony of faith and not count on a new world order with your pension plans or retirement savings beyond a basic universal system. But getting back to my opening thoughts, the real subject of this blog is the beauty and fantastic opportunities that are soon to be realized in the by and bye. Are you ready to imagine the heavenly welcome mat waiting for each and everyone by accepting the testimony (gift) of God's salvation and thereby, explore eternity on the bright side.
by Glenn Morrison (09)
courtesy of faithtemple (.ca)