Greetings to all who visit The Library. As you explore our web-site you will see alot of Bible verses. I use Bible verses to show how interesting the Bible can be. We want to get the Word of God out to the world in the hope that many would start to read the Bible and turn to salvation. And if you already have salvation, you will have a richer and fuller spiritual life. There is so much information in it and all of it can be applied to every day living. I know I have only been reading and doing studies in the Bible for a few years, but the more I read and the more I study the more I know I have only scratched the surface of it. In The Library you will find a few subjects of interest that are in the Bible.
Rapture
He is God
Who is This
Love
Marriage
Prayer
Missions
Salvation
Words of Wisdom
What is the Rapture
The term or the idea (Rapture) is everywhere today. Newspaper, Magazines, Radio and Television programs are all talking about the
Rapture. But What is the Rapture?
The Dictionary defines the word (Rapture) as "spiritual or emotional ecstasy" The Dictionary defines the word (ecstasy) as "extreme emotional excitement" Looking at these two definitions we can agree, that when the Church "The Body Of Christ" is together with Our Lord. There will be some shouting going on! So in this way, the word Rapture is correct. However, when we look at the means or the method by which the Church "The Body Of Christ" will be ushered into this time of jubilation the term Rapture does not seem to be appropriate.
The word (Rapture) will not be found in the Bible. No where in the original text of the "Old Testament" Hebrew, or the original text of the "New Testament" Greek. However, There is a Greek word, ( harpazo , pronounced, har-pad'-zo; ) which means " catch away up, pluck, shall be seized" This word is found in the New testament, First Thessalonians 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.) This is the basis for the term "Rapture" that is used so frequently today.
There is no small controversy today among ( Theologians ) about when this catching away or Rapture is going to take place.The only concerns we should have is, YES, there is going to be a catching away of the Church, WHEN? Soon
Let us look at some of the scriptures for more information on this time called the Rapture
1 Corinthians 15; 51-54
Behold I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 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. For this corruptible must put on incorruptible, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall 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.
1 Thessalonians 4:14-18
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 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. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangle and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
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He is God
He is the First and Last,
The Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be ...
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!
He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, and The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him, The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him,
and The people couldn't hold Him!
The New Age can't replace Him.
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, Mighty, Powerful, and Pure.
His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and He rules my life!
I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
the power of the powerful,
the ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders,
the overseer of the overcomers, and is to come.
And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.
His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
never forsake me,
never mislead me,
never forget me,
never overlook me and
never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!
He is everything for everybody everywhere, every time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful. I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this.
He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side,
and that means all is well with my soul.
Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!
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Who is This
Verses are taken from K.J.V. Job 38
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. (verse 4)
Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? (verse 5)
Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof? (verse 6)
Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? (verse 8)
When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, (verse 9)
And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed? (verse 11)
Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place? (verse 12)
Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth? (verse 16)
Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death? (verse 17)
Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all. (verse 18)
Where is the way where the light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof? (verse 19)
Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail? (verse 22)
Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war? (verse 23)
By what way is the light parted, which scattereth the east wind upon the earth? (verse 24)
Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder? (verse 25)
To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man? (verse 26)
To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth? (verse 27)
Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew? (verse 28)
Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it? (verse 29)
Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? (verse 31)
Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons? (verse 32)
Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth? (verse 33)
Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee? (verse 34)
Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are? (verse 35)
Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart? (verse 36)
Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heavern? (verse37)
Who is this? This is my one and only true living God. The God that I love and trust.
Is He your God? If not, He should be.
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Love
Love is the highest esteem that God has for his children; and his children should have for him and other people. In John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Also, 1John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Such love surpasses our power of understanding. God's intelligence is so far superior than ours that we cannot comprehend it. It is a ever lasting love that will go on for all eternity. Do we have this kind of love for each other? If not we should have. It is as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge: and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. Love is a very important emotion for us human beings and more important between God and us; love is not only one of God's attributes; it is also an essential part of his nature. A christian's love should extend beyond Christians; but to all people. Mattew 5:46-48, 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Let us now take a look at the definitions of love.
(In the Bible love and charity means the same thing
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not;
charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own,
is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things,
endureth all things; charity never faileth:
Charity never faileth: but where there be prophecies, they shall fail; they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three;
but the greatest of these is charity.
Verses are from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8,13
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Marriage
What is a marriage? --- Marriage is a union between one man and one woman who becomes a man and a wife within God's will; which becomes a foundation for a home and children. Marriage was instituted by God when He said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him" (Genesesis 2:18) "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; And the rib, which God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man." (Genesis 2:21,22) Also, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh" (Gensesis 2:24) "Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together let not man put asunder" (Matthew 19:6)
Let's look at what we have here so far; marriage is between one man, one woman, and GOD! God took one rib from Adam to make a woman, not two or three ribs to make more than one woman; but one! This means once a man and a woman get united into a marriage that it is for their lifetime. The word cleaves means to bond together so that they become one flesh; in God's sight this is spiritual unity into one person; to become permanently bonded together for life. Just as in Christ as the bridegroom and the church as the bride. This is one of the reasons why a man and a woman should both be believers.
In the old days people could not marry whom they wanted to; their marriage was planned wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 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. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no m by their parents; sometimes the parents consulted with their children to see if they approved of their choice for their mate. The children didn't have too much to say about the matter. Since the newly weds would most likely live with the grooms family, they would try to pick a mate that they thought would get along the best with their family and work very well within the new family. Today we do this a little different; we pick whom we want to marry; the parents may or may not agree with this. However, as we know it is best if every one concerned is in agreement with each other.
The roll of the husband and the wife is found in (Ephesians 5:21-33) "21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of thean ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 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. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 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."
What does the Bible say about a husband which is a believer and his wife is not a believer? This answer we can find in (1 Corinthians 7:8-16) "8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide as I. 9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. 10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: 11 But if she depart, ler her remain unmarried, or be reconcilled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. 12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. 13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. 15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. 16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?"
What did Jesus say about divorce? This answer we can find in (Matthew 19:3-9) "3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? 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, 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? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? 8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery." So therefore there should be no divorce except for fornication. Divorce is an attempt to separate what God has put together; God is very clear on where He stands on divorce.
Whenever man takes upon himself to do something on his own; man usually messes things up big time. Under the Mosaic Law divorce was permitted. Divorce was simply permitted and regulated by God because of the hardness of peoples hearts Matthew 19:8, 9. "He said unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, commitheth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery." They were going to do it anyway. There are many other things that were permitted (not sanctioned) by God and regulated in this fallen world of sin.
Here are a few verses that if taken into consideration that should help you: (1Peter 3:1-9) "1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. 7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. 8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing." Here are a few more from the (Book of Colossians 3:18-21,) 18" Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged."
Let's sum this up right here; according to scripture, marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman
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Prayer
Prayer is something all of us should be doing on a daily bases. Prayer is an honorable, pure, personal and virtuous form of communication with God. Because God is a personal God, all people can offer prayers to God; however sinners that do not trust Him or believe in Him; God hears you but will not acknowledge it. Unbelievers do not meet the conditions of the Bible for effectiveness for prayer. You have to become a believer first; then He will acknowledge you and talk to you. We believers depend upon God for all of our blessings, guidance and many other things. You can say everything that we have came from Him. Believers respond to God because of our love, trust and faith in Him; and His love for us. His love is revealed through the life of Jesus Christ (His Son), His death, His resurrection and atonement at the cross, He took away all of our sins; He paid our penalty that we could not pay ourselves with His life, His resurrection and His continuing presence through the Holy Spirit that indwells us.
The Lord does not hear a sinner's prayer as it states in John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. If this is true the Lord would not hear any of our prayers because we are all sinners. The Lord will not hear the prayers of a person who loves his sin and is unwilling to give them up and keeps on living in a sinful way as it states in Psalm 66:18 If I reguard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. Now let's take a person who fears, loves and adores the Lord; does his will and obeys his commandments: when this person prays; God will hear this person. Does this person sin? Yes, he does, but he sins through ignorance, weakness, and human infirmity. He does not do it on a big scale as a big time sinner does; the Lord will hear him; the Scriptures are full with promises that tell us that he will hear us. Proverbs 15:29 The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayers of the righteous.
However prayer involves a few things. First one is Faith: What is faith? This we can find in Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. As it states in Hebrews 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 diligenty seek him. The best prayer comes from a heart that loves and trusts in God, God talks to us mainly through the Bible, dreams, visions, and other people, there are many ways the Lord talks to us. I know I pray to him daily and just talk to him whenever I feel the need to; wherever I am and whatever it may be about or to tell him what a nice day it is. (For more infomation on faith, go to the F. A. Q. page.)
Another item here is Worship: We recognize that one of the highest esteems that we can have is to worship him; we worship God because he is the only one worth it; we learn from scripture to set our values high in accordance with God's perfect will; so why wouldn't we worship him in the reverent devotion that he deserves: worship is characterized by joy and thanksgiving because God's redemption in Christ; true worship occurred in the inspiration of God's Spirit. As it states in John 4:23, 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Also in Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
Another item here is Praise: this is an act of acknowledgment by which the deed of another person are recognized and are exalted; the praise of one human being to another can often be beneficial; sometimes it can be a thorn in the side for someone. As we are told in Matthew 6:1-4 Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine arms, do not sound a trumpt before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right doeth. That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. Our praise to God is showing our joy and our thanks to God for all the things he has done for us; Praising God may be in different ways; song, prayer, individually, corporate prayer and they must come from your heart. It is as David said in Psalm 71:14 But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
Another item here is confession: A confession of sin to God is a very important part of our faith and prayer; we are aware of God's holiness in which we do not have; as scripture tells us in Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness’s are like filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. By doing sin we not only hurt ourselves and those closest to us; but worst of all, we sin and go against God's will! We sin against our Heavenly Father. We don't have to confess our sins to one another, but directly to God; who promises to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Scripture tells us in 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Another item here is being thankful. Are we really thankful to God for all of our blessings? I think most of us are because we realize that every thing we have came from Him. God is the creator of all things; we have to thank Him for all of these things.
We as sinners are not people of the Lord; we have no claim to His mercy and grace that He gives to us so freely until we come to terms with Him; we have to hand over our lives to Him and let Him control it for us; after all, He forgave us for our sins through Jesus Christ and for this alone we should be thankful to Him; not to mention all the other blessings He bestows upon us. As in Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. And in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. God has been at work in our lives in countless ways; so in everything we do give thanks.
Another item here is request. Part of our prayers will be for requests for things of our needs and for the needs of others. In prayer the things that we request is just that! A request, it is not a demand. Just because we request something doesn't mean that God will give it to us; for good reason God doesn't grant every request we ask for; several reasons are iniquity of the heart, don't believe in God's law, an estranged heart, sinful separation from God, praying to God as the Pharisees did, pride lack of faith, nonforgiving, and etc. How we lead our lives has allot to do with how God responds to our prayers. Some prayers He will answer right away, some in time to come, and other He doesn't answer at all. We as human beings do not understand how God's mind works; it is so far above ours that we cannot comprehend it; it is out of our ability to understand it. In His wisdom, God hears and answers in the way that He sees are best for us, even if we disagree with it.
Another item here is humility. Humility is to be lowly and to know that it is a proper attitude of man toward God. It is a grateful and awareness that life is a gift from God and that we acknowledge our dependence upon Him. In the Old Testament the humble became a symbol of the righteousness along with justice and mercy: humility is a character trait rather than material poverty.
Jesus took no thought of himself but lived a life of obedience and trust in God; Jesus show no pride and arrogance in himself; He warned his followers against pride and told them that the poor and oppressed would be first in his kingdom. Jesus took the role of a servant by washing the disciple’s feet to show humility even if he is God. Even the disciples gave up on status in the public eye, security of a job, or some successful business. It states in Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.
Another item here is honesty. It is always better to be honest than dishonest; honest dealings will reveal your good character, gets you a good upright standing anywhere anytime; honesty is necessary in order to inherit God's goodness. Honesty is truthful, right, fair, honorable, free from deception, and marked by integrity. God commands us to conduct our daily lives with complete honesty. As the scriptures tells us in 1 Timothy 2:2 For kings and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quite and peaceable life in all goodness and honesty.
One more thing comes into play here is whenever we are praying, always close the prayer in Jesus's name. Jesus is our mediator between God the Father and us. We, ourselves, can't go directly to the Father; we need a mediator to do this for us. Scripture tells us in John 16:26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you. Also in Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he liveth to make intercession for them.
There are allot of Bible verses on prayer; here are just a few of them.
Psalm 29:13 If I reguard inquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.
Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law. even his prayer shall be abomination.
Isaiah 29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their hearts far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.
Mark 11:25,26 And when ye stand praying, forgive, If ye have ought against any, that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Remember these things when you pray.
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What is Our Mission in this Life?
What exactly is our mission in this life? Is it too have and to lead a good life, get married, have a family, raise children, have a good job, go to church, get rich, do a little better than our parents did. I believe all of these things we can do without too much trouble. But these are not a mission. These are dreams and desires that everyone has. It is part of our nature to want these things. But what is our mission that we are commanded to do from God? What did the great King Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 12:13 "Let us hear the whole conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."
The word gospel is mention almost 100 times in the New Testament; there are many verses to confirm this; it tells us to preach the gospel to everyone and every nation in this world so that every person will hear it. Are we doing this? NO, I dont believe we are; too many people are afraid to talk about their religion or have anything to do with God; they believe that it is a personal thing between God and them; friends, they are very wrong; according to scripture we are suppose to spread the good news of the gospel to everyone. We are commanded to spread the Word of Jesus Christ to the whole world. Yes God could do this himself with no problem, but He wants us to do it for him. While our mission is sharing Christ, the power and results come from the Lord. He gives us the wisdom, strength, and desire to witness! Through our witness, He works repentance and faith in the unbelievers heart.
Here are just a few Bible verses that tell us what we must do.
Acts 1:8 8" But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Matthew 28:19, 20 19 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
Mark 16:15 15 "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
Luke 24:47 47 "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."
Lets' say you went to church on Sunday and heard a very good sermon about spreading the word of God. I mean that hearing this really turned you on! What did you do about it? Did you tell your neighbor about it, your relatives, what about your buddy at work? Or the people across the street from you, or across town, in the next town from you? Do not keep this a secret to yourself. It is much too important to keep to yourself; as you can see in the above verses, the Lord is commanding all his children to spread the word, not keeping it to ourselves. Some people tell me that their religon is personal and it is between them and God. Well, this is the way they look at it and they are wrong about it. All of God's children should be a witness for the unsaved.
If you would say anything to someone, what would you say? What would you tell them? Would you tell them to read the Bible, tell them how Jesus suffered for all of us; how he died for us on the cross; why he took upon himself all of our past, present, and future sins? Christian missions, is not limited to other countries; while believers should faithfully support those who go to the unreached, all Christians have this mission to share Christ on the home field with family, friends, coworkers, and the community.
The problem is not that people are going to hell. The problem is people are living in rebellion to God and going to hell as a consequence to that sin. Can we help them? Yes, we can; how? By telling them about what the Bible tells us; by spreading the good news of the scriptures, how God doesn't want any man to fail to get to heaven; we are his children and he only wants the very best for us; just like we only want the very best for our children; but most of us are a stiffed neck and rebellious people; we don't like anyone telling us what to do, not even God; even if he knows what is best for us.
In a short summery; Christian missions is obeying Christ, sharing Christ with others, and relying on Christ. Specifically, God sends missionaries through the support of the church to the unreached. All believers, however, have the mission of witness to do. The Lord works through them to rescue the unbelivers. Let us get busy and do the Lords work.
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Salvation
Salvation is by grace through faith plus nothing else; and it is only available through Jesus Christ; it is an underserved gift of Jesus Christ. It is a very different thing from religion. A man may have much religion without being saved. Salvation is a gift from the Lord. (Romans 6:23) "For the wage of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." It does not come through getting religion, or by being baptized, or by being confirmed, or by joining a church, or by doing good works. Many who have done all these things are still lost. Salvation is eternal life, and the only way to get it is to be born again. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John, 3:3.
Good works can never save the sinner, for the unbelieving man can do nothing to please God. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:8 But good works should always be the result of salvation. Ephesians 2:8-10 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. See also Romans 4:16 Therefore it is by faith, that it might be by grace. And again, Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then it is no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
We should look at the difference between salvation and rewards. God offers salvation to the lost, and rewards to the believer. Salvation is always a gift, but rewards are always earned by works. Salvation is the believer's present possession, while rewards are a future possession.
All this is clearly said in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
11. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12. Now if any man build upon this foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13. Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire.
At this judgment seat of Christ only the saved will appear; no one else will be there. Here is where our work will be judged; all of our works will be judged by fire, the bad will be burned and the good will remain, and this is where our rewards come from. Now we see that the saved man, the born-again man, can never be lost; He will lose rewards but he is eternally secure.
David, Solomon, Moses, Samson, Abraham, Joshua, and many others was guilty of terrible sins after they was saved, but they were forgiven and restored to God's fellowship because they was God's children just as we are. They suffered greatly for their sins and every child of God will surely suffer for every sins he commits. When we do commit sin and we will; the thing to do is to never forget to pray and ask for forgiveness from our Lord and Saviour Jesus. Our loving God will always forgive us.
If your life seems empty and you can not find something to fulfill that empty void. Turn your life over to Jesus and ask Him to come into it and fulfill it. He is calling you to himself. What do you have to lose, NOTHING; but have everything to gain from it?
You don't have to say a prayer to God, but, you have to believe that you are a sinner and you are seeking forgiveness, that He died on the cross to take away all of your past, present, and future sins; rose the third day and ascended to heaven the third day to the right hand of God. Don't be afraid to make a commitment. Just believe along these lines of what you have just read. A prayer itself will not give you salvation; that is only a request to the Lord. But believing it with your heart, soul, and mind will! God will take you no matter what bad things you have done, no matter where you are, God will take you just the way you are, God refuses NO ONE! There is nowhere you can go to find God, you will find him everywhere as He is omnipresence; this means he everywhere at all times. all you have to do is believe in Jesus right where you are.
All right; you just asked the Lord to come into your life. Very good; this is the best thing you ever did for yourself. It is a good beginning; but don't stop here; read your Bible starting with the book of John in the New Testament; read it two times, then start in the beginning of the New Testament with Matthew through Revelations. Read it the second time; then start in the Old Testament with Genesis to Revelations. Find a Bible Believing, Bible Teaching church and attend it. Not only church but also Sunday school and Bible study. Now you are on your way to a fuller and richer life that you never knew existed! The Lord has a plan for you; aren't you excited to find out what it is. The Lord knows what is better for you than you do.
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Words of Wisdom
Blessed are those who Trust in the Lord;
Peace I leave with you;
All shall see the Salvation of God;
Be at Peace with one another;
God is Faithful;
I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life;
By his wounds you have been healed;
The Lord is my Light and my Salvation;
The Lord is my Strength;
God is our Refuge and Strength;
The Heavens declare the Glory of God;
Give Thanks unto the Lord;
I Wait for the Lord;
Praise The Lord;
Sing unto the Lord;
Have mercy upon me;
Glorify thy name for evermore;
Bow down thine ear,O Lord, hear me.
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