Eternity is a Long Time

The Bible says in Romans 10:9 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. What about those people who lived before the crucifixion or lived in places where they never heard of Jesus, are they all condemned? I do not think so. Romans 6:10 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God.  And  Hebrews 7:27 27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.  “Once for all” is a pretty definitive phrase said in both these passages. But if these other people never heard about Jesus, how can they believe like it says in John 3:16? Paul answers this in  Romans 1:19-20 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his ete...

  “A Charlie Brown Christmas” was first shown in 1965. The most remembered part of the 25 minute cartoon is the speech by Linus, the resident philosopher of the Peanuts. Interestingly, it almost did not get into the final cut as the networks were very concerned that the public would not be comfortable with the Bible being quoted – especially by a cartoon character. However, Charles Schultz, the creator of Peanuts, insisted on keeping the Bible verses saying, “If we don’t, who will?” Here's the clip. Here are the verses Linus quotes: Luke 2:8-14 8  Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  9  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  10  Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  11  For the...

  As the old song goes: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” and it is. There is really no other season that means so much to so many people. Even those who are unfamiliar with Christmas season quickly get caught up in the spirit of the season when exposed to it – and I am not talking about the presents. Even those who are not “religious” or even nominally Christian enjoy this time of year     There is a special feeling of families gathering, enjoying each other and giving gifts. Thanksgiving is very special and very important, but it lacks the act of giving which Christmas brings. However, the two together work beautifully as it is so important to give thanks for what we have and then share that with others.   But what is it that makes the season so special that for a month out of the year, so many in the world have a slightly different outlook than usual? Why do so many people understand what is meant by the “Christmas spirit” we see depicted in feel-good Chr...

When God comes through for you the sense of gratitude you feel – or should feel – is immense. Arguably the sense of gratitude should start at the moment of salvation. When you have been saved from the condemnation of this world through faith in Jesus, your thankfulness should be out of this world. If you truly understand what you have been saved from, then nothing else can come close. Sometimes we only look for the big, audacious miracles or instances in our lives where we can point to and say to others, “Look at what God does”. However, by being a little more soft-hearted and open, you will see beautiful “smaller” miracles, joy, gifts, doors that were opened or shut that are all the work of God. This is why it is so important to keep a soft heart so we can recognize the many movements of God in our lives. But we are soldiers of the God of Creation who loves us more than we do ourselves. Like any loving father would do more for his children other than providing half the necessary...

    How many times have you said something and then immediately wanted to take back what you said? Unfortunately, there is no delete key for spoken words. Often, it happens in moments of passion and emotion where we let our words get ahead of our brain and we wish we could be anywhere else in the world.   Our tongues can be so useful and helpful. We can educate, instruct, entertain, uplift, encourage and help people with our words.   We can also insult, condemn, put down, hurt, lie, discourage and injure people with our words which come out of the same mouth as the good words.   The tongue can be a mighty weapon which can be used for good or bad and the consequences, both good and bad, sometimes far exceed the initial intent of the words.     Two other points need to be made before we go into the Bible verses. First, there are times when words need to be used as a weapon. Secondly, the hearer of the words has a responsibility to have grace and understa...

  In a November 6 post on X , Candace Owens stated: The doctors who are performing these irreversible surgeries and prescribing these puberty blockers to children are going to burn in hell for an eternity. As will every person who has been complicit in or directly benefited from these satanic practices. No, Candace, these horrible doctors will NOT burn in hell because of prescribing puberty blockers and the rest. The only way you burn in hell is if you are not born again of the spirit ( John 3:5-8 ) and refuse to believe in Jesus as your savior ( John 3:16 ). THE. ONLY. WAY. That means if a doctor who has mutilated children, given them puberty blockers and done other horrible things repents, humbles himself to God and believes in Jesus then that doctor WILL BE in heaven. Jesus died once for all including those who do vicious, terrible things. Anything we do can be covered by His blood as long as we repent. I know that's hard for some people to deal with - but it is the truth. It is...

[ This is a devotional/study I put together for my department at work (Christian organization) ] Jesus talks about the sign of Jonah and the Queen of the South together in both Matthew and Luke’s gospel. He makes His point speaking to Pharisees and Scribes as well as to other people.  Can’t you hear some people saying: “Oh no, not Pharisees again. We do not have any Pharisees anymore and Scribes went out with the printing press. This is another example of how the Bible is not relevant these days.”  This is where we need to understand the principle Jesus is getting at and not get caught up with the particulars of the story. Too many people do not want the Bible to be relevant so it gives them the opportunity to do what they want with no consequences. As we go forward, consider that you may be the Pharisees or scribes in these verses.  Let’s first look at how Matthew relates the story.  Matthew 12:38-42 (ESV) 38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, say...