But As For You

Genesis 50:16-21  And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying,  (17)  So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.  (18)  And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.  (19)  And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?  (20)  But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.  (21)  Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

          The preface to this story is that Joseph had many years earlier prophesied what would happen and it infuriated his brothers, consequently selling him as a slave.  Now, their Father Jacob (Israel) was dead, and Joseph was mighty in power.  “What was he going to do to them?”

          Joseph understood his position before God.  He understood God’s Will in his life.  He told them that with his power, in association with the Pharaoh, he would nourish and protect them.  Verse 20 begins with “But as for you,” Joseph told them he knew their hearts.

          We can see in Joseph a Type of Christ.  Joseph was not without sin nor did he die for his brethren.  However, Joseph suffered, was humiliated, and followed the path Jesus would later lay down for us to follow.    

          Jesus our God and our Saviour knows our very hearts and knows how we believe.   

John 10:30  I and my Father are one.

          Jesus as God knows through the Holy Ghost when our hearts consider evil.  He knows when we walk down that path of sin, when we are involved, or are just considering stepping over the sin line.                      

          It always comes to, “But as for you” because we as Christians are the problem.  If it wasn’t for Me, Myself, and I, I wouldn’t have any problems.  I am the one who reaches out to the temptations of sin placed before me.  It is my task to refuse, “But as for you” my brethren, (Myself and I) keep me in constant turmoil seemingly always trying to involve me in sin.

          We as Sons of God must react to sin as did Joseph, and say “NO.”  Then again, “But as for you?”

Bro John R. E Chastain

Retired Pastor

Wylie, Texas

fundamentalthoughts-preacher.blogspot.com  Fundamental Thoughts

fundamentalthoughts-sermons.blogspot.com   Fundamental Thoughts-Sermons

The Swiftness of Our Day

Job 7:6  My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.

          As I read The Book of Job, this verse kinda poked me in the eye.  As a senior citizen, I have found that the older I get the days seem to be “rocketing by faster.”  It seems to me that the “days are using” newer and faster rockets. 

          As a youth, I never thought that High School would ever end.  Now I wonder about my life’s end.  (I have gotten past my mortality, and I know there is a day that God will call me home.  That appointed day we each look toward, possibly with trepidation.  We may look forward with fear of the experience “of stepping into a new life.”)  When we experienced the Salvation God gave us through His Son, we by accepting Jesus “stepped into a new life.”  Consequently, we as Christians should look with “a knowing” that God will receive us, and that He will be with us as we walk through that “spiritual wall.”

Job 7:1  Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling?

          Go back to our verse, “My days…and are spent without hope.”  As Christians, our “days” should be, “What A Day That Will Be.” 

          Our faith is the “Hope” of God, and Our “Hope” is not a “Hope” that it might happen.  It is the “Hope” of knowing we are going to Heaven to be with our Lord and Saviour.

               

2 Corinthians 5:8  We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

          My “Hope” is I know that to be absent from my body is to be in the presence of Jesus my Saviour and His Father my God.  Is your “Hope” the grave, or is your “Hope” God will overlook your sins and let you in anyway?

Bro John R. E Chastain

Retired Pastor

Wylie, Texas

<fundamentalthoughts-preacher.blogspot.com>Fundamental Thoughts

<fundamentalthoughts-sermons.blogspot.com> Fundamental Thoughts-Sermons

Changes Again

               Sharil and I have had many emotional “ups and downs” during the last few months.  We knew the day of our departure was, if not at hand, coming soon.  We both have spent much time in prayer, seeking an answer from God.  God finally gave us the “peace” of knowing we were retiring, and eventually we had a date.  (I am not sure God chose the actual date, as it is our Fifth Anniversary here at Fundamental Baptist Church.)

               The time has come for our reflection over accomplishments and disappointments.  In my heart, the accomplishments are many and the disappointments are few.  God has allowed our building’s exterior to be completed.  In my Introduction Article five years ago, I stated I wanted to follow the direction Bro Tom Lewis had set before me.  I am not certain that he would have agreed on the metal siding; however, it certainly beautifies the building, and our surrounding community.

               I also want to thank you, The Community of Wellington, who convicted by God, helped us physically and financially.  Without you, we could not have completed our Building.

               Through prayer, The New Testament Church Planters contacted us to help.  The added support of Central Baptist Church in Amarillo, (Pastor Gerrald Chadwick and 16 of his Churchmen) came on our first Work Saturday and gave us a huge start on the building.

               I also want to thank the “Wellington Leader” for accepting “Fundamental Thoughts” as a regular feature.

               Last, but not least, I want to thank the members of Fundamental Baptist Church for responding to God, and calling me to this Church.  (I know my tenure isn’t as long as some, however, much longer than many.)  As Pastor, I have grown to love this Church (you the people.)  Sharil and I will miss the fellowship, the dinners on the ground, and the camaraderie of “Our Church Family.”

Bro John R. E Chastain

Retiring Pastor

Fundamental Baptist Church

Wellington, Texas

Peace In The Valley

               While reading Micah 4:3-5 quoted below, we must take note that Micah is prophesying about a yet unfulfilled future time.  It is the time when Jesus the Christ will once again walk this earth.  So, our selected verses are speaking of The Millennial Reign of Jesus.

               With this context, the song, “Peace In The Valley” is brought to my mind.  It describes the peace and the tranquility of a time in which we all yearn.  (Peace In The Valley was probably the first song, [religious song] I remember.  It was sung at my Father’s Funeral, along with “It Is No Secret.”  Today, these songs are only remembered as “popular” songs, songs we heard on “The Hit Parade.”)  One speaks of God’s Power, the other speaks of His Peace.  (As far as I am concerned they are good songs.  I was told once when I requested, “It Is No Secret” to be sung at my Mother’s Funeral, only the Tammy Wynette’s of the world sing that song.)   

Our scriptures also speak of God’s Power and His Peace.  Only through His Power to save can we ever expect to have the Peace He gives through His Son Jesus the Christ.

Romans 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Without our belief, where are we going?  God tells us in these verses that IF we will believe He [God] has raised His Son Jesus from the grave, and confess to others that we believe that God did Raise Jesus, God will save us eternally. With the eternity of Christ Jesus, His Peace is given.  It is given eternally.

John 17:1-2  These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:  (2)  As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, with conviction, and a sincere heart, eternal Salvation has been given.  It is never because you worked to earn your eternity with Jesus.  He gave it because of your belief.

Ephesians 2:8-9  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.

You and I received the same “deal” with no strings attached.  It happened through your faith, your knowledge of Jesus, and your belief in Him.      

               “Reader, do you believe?   Do you have the Peace In The Valley?”                                

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Micah 4:3-5  And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 4  But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it. 5  For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever. 

Our Strength

               While reading Psalm 28:6-9 quoted below, and the coming Tenth Anniversary of our 9/11 Tragedy, I pondered that portion quoted below that states, “The LORD is my strength and my shield.”   I remember a few days after the tragedy, our Congress convened on their steps and sang, “God Bless America.”  It was such a thrill to actually hear them sing to God, in light of what had just happened.

               “Our Strength” in God was displayed before the world that day.  Yet, where have we gone since?  It seems each ensuing week more of God’s strength is removed and assumed by our government, or one of its agencies.

               It all started when we allowed a court to put the Ten Commandments in a locked janitor’s closet in Georgia.  Since then TSA (Transportation Security Administration), FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), EPA (Environmental Protection Agency,) and our President, (along with Congress and the Supreme Court,) and others have assumed God’s Strength.  I have no idea what our National leaders will do on this anniversary date, but in my mind, if they decide to sing “God Bless America” again, it will be a blasphemy to God, (them singing to a power they no longer consider.)

               Our Government, in the name of “security” has usurped many of our individual freedoms “to protect us.”   Our politicians that “We” have elected have turned on us, and in so doing are creating a vast social government that no longer resembles the Republic that God gave us.

Hosea 7:13  Woe unto them! for they have fled from me: destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me: though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me.

               I know that Hosea (speaking for God) was condemning the Northern Tribes that had separated themselves from Judah and Benjamin.  Yet, knowing history repeats itself, all we must do is read our history books and apply what we see in “our day” to realize we are becoming that Israel of old who fashioned idols, accepted gods of other nations, and accepted the morality of the heathens.

               We no longer consider it a shame to have a child out of wedlock.  It is no longer a problem for a young girl to “know” many men, (even women).  We have allowed our daughters to become whores, and our young men to become whore mongers, and we allow it with delight and our approval.  We as a God fearing people (Christians), must stop this rampant usurping of God’s strength.

2 Chronicles 7:14  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

               “When was the last time our President, our Congress, and our Judicial System actually (not singing on the steps) humbled themselves to honestly pray, to seek God’s Wisdom, and to turn from their (apparent) atheistic ways?”

               Now Christian, I ask you the same question, “When?”   We wonder how it all came apart.  It started back in the early 1900’s, however, it has escalated tremendously since we rejected God and locked His Ten Commandments in that closet in Georgia.

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Psalm 28:6-9  Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. 7  The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.  8  The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed. 9  Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.

Our Detestable Things

                 While reading Ezekiel 37:21b-23 quoted below, the phrase “nor with their detestable things” caught my eye.  My thoughts dwelled on “my former life” and how I as a sinner lived with those detestable things.  (My thoughts, lusts, and covetousness was a major part of my life.)  It could be said, I wallowed within those “detestable things.” 

               When I finally accepted Jesus (at age 51) most of those “detestable things” went away.  I purposed in my heart to be in Church under the Word of God, (being in Church at the appointed time) to learn about my new path in life, a path of righteousness.

Hebrews 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: …

               This phrase also makes me consider my current walk.  “Am I still lugging around “detestable things” that would dishonour God?   Is it something that will keep me from Glorifying God?  I can only resolve these answers in prayer, however, I can say I am not enveloped in an abiding sin.  Yet, what is keeping me from drawing nearer to God and His Son Jesus?” 

Hebrews 10:22  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

               In order for us to have “full assurance of faith” we must have a “true heart” (a sincere heart.) 

               You are the only one who knows the condition of your heart.  To ready your heart you must remove the evil thoughts in which your mind is laden.  You need to be reading God’s Word (KJB) and spending more time in prayer.  As you read and as you pray, you will find that repentance (changing your ways) will become easier.  You will eventually know you are cleansed and your Faith has grown more true and sincere.

               “So join with me and consider what your “detestable things” are, (what they might be.)  If you do what is necessary, you will make the transition from “the old life to the new life.”

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Ezekiel 37:21-23  And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land: 22  And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all: 23  Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God. 

Heaven and Earth

               While reading Isaiah 66:1-2 quoted below, the words “Heaven [and] earth” seem to stand out to me.  In my thoughts concerning “Heaven,” I know that Heaven is my home, and one day my traveling will cease, as God will call me Home. (Then I will be with God and His Son Jesus.)  My traveling days will be over.  “What a Day That Will Be When My Jesus I Shall See.”   I will no longer roam this earth being tempted by all kinds of evil.  I will never hear another person curse my Jesus, nor hear a cross word.  (It will be a home of splendor, and a home of tranquility.)  I will never hear anyone exclaim, “I’m bored.”  I will never know anymore hate, war, drugs, or evil of any kind. 

The Earth is now our temporary home, and it is under the rule of Satan himself.  (Until I subjected myself to God by accepting Jesus as my personal Saviour, my father was the devil.)

John 8:44  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

               One wonderful day I realized I needed more out of life than what I was getting.  I really wasn’t aware that I had been living in sin, “nor did I know I was a son of the devil.”  Even after I accepted Jesus and became a Christian, I was not completely aware of the change that had been made.  I had become a new creature, adopted by God the Father in Heaven.  I was no longer a son of Satan.  I had a new Father, a Holy Father, whose Son died for my sins, and through His blood I was made whole.  I had sought a new way, a new life.

Romans 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

                             

               God tells us, through Paul, that if we will believe that God has raised His Son (Jesus) from the grave, and are willing to confess that Belief to others, He will save us eternally.

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.

               “I sought Him, and I accepted Him with a profound Belief.  In that belief was faith, and in that faith I found an everlasting eternity. Reader what have you confessed?  Are you a believer?  Is Jesus your everlasting, eternal Saviour?” 

               If not, do it now.

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Isaiah 66:1-2  Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?   2  For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. 

The Root Of All Evil

         Reading 1 Timothy 6:6-10 quoted below, the phrase in (v 10 ) “For the love of money is the root of all evil” is what came to my mind. This phrase states the definition of covetousness. In my mind, covetousness is our number one sin. It is the sin which leads to theft of others' property, others' wives (or husbands.) It leads to drunkenness, drug addiction, and pornography. This list could go on and on, and if we can define a sin not mentioned, it likely began by someone coveting something.

         We must know when God looks at sin, He does not categorize it, and vary the penalties. To Him, all sin is abhorrent sin.

          Today we no longer use the old words, (the words that define sin,) like whore, whore-monger, drunkard, and sodomite (just to name a few). We have given them new names. Our daughters and friends who find themselves allowing their bodies to be used by a variety of (whore-mongers) men are no longer whores. It has become a normal thing for them to get together and “try each other out.”

         We no longer call a drunk what he is. He is now “an alcoholic” and now it is “a disease.” (It isn’t sin, and they can not help themselves.)

       And, now we are teaching and accepting that sodomy is a “normal” occurrence. We no longer call them sodomites, as that would imply God hates them. Instead they are “gay,” a normal, whimsical part of our society.

All sins are a blasphemy to the Face of Almighty God. I have only mentioned a few. (Do understand that to God all sin is equal in its blasphemy. All sin is sin against God.) To actually live in sin and openly defy our Creator is to bring the wrath of God onto that person.

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

          If we are stumbling with sin and have called on Jesus’ name, we have “erred from the faith,” and consequently have “pierced [ourselves] themselves through with many sorrows.”  Erring from the “faith” isn’t a situation whereby we are going to hell. It is a time of reward loss. Those who have accepted Jesus will stand before Him and be judged.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

         Those who have not accepted Jesus the Christ as their Saviour will die in their sin, and consequently live eternally with the “wrath of God” on them.

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

           So, “reader where is your “love?” Is it with God and His Son Jesus, or are you still a son of the devil rooted in sin?”

Bro. John R. E Chastain

1Timothy 6:6-10 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 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. 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.

Today’s Prophets

               Reading Jeremiah 14:13-15 quoted below, and looking at the context, we see the “Lord God” telling Jeremiah that the false prophets said, “I will give you assured peace in this place.” 

               When we listen to the news and the weather, we hear multiple prognostications [A foreknowing or foretelling of a future event by present signs.] on the condition of the state of our Nation.  All are based on one or more happenings.  These prognosticators call themselves “reporters of the news.”  However, for the most part, they never tell us what has happened without foretelling what [in their opinion] is going to happen tomorrow.

               We also have an over abundance of “religious” prognosticators foretelling the date of the rapture, claiming healing, and all sorts of other claims.  Our “Lord God” tells us they “prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not,” and He continues to say that He “neither spake unto them.”

               In our day and time, we find much falsehood sprinkled with the truth.  In our Churches today many claim God’s Truth, The King James Bible, yet they take phrases out of context and misuse them for their personal benefit and gain.  I find on the cover of our Sunday Church Bulletin the quote, “I will give you assured peace in this place.”  It is a good phrase, however, it was what the false prophets were stating, and God disavows what was said by them.

               “So where do we all stand on God’s Word?  Do we correctly read our Bible within the context (subject being discussed) or just read a verse here and there and make application anyway we want?”

               I expect the people in our congregation to read along with me, and to check me to make sure I am preaching within the context (subject of the text.)  If not, I have been allowed to twist the subject anyway I want.  Then I have become a false prophet (a preacher reading and preaching the prophecy from the Bible) who chooses the direction of the Gospel.  I would not then be led by The Holy Spirit, but by a heart that has no knowledge of Jesus, His Blood, nor The Holy Spirit.  This would be claiming God with no foundation, (just some unknown language,) a language of Baal worshippers, nothing more.  Without the knowledge of God, they preach their “personal prophecy.”

               So reader, “where do you stand within God’s Word?  Is The Bible something you rely on, or just a book written by men?”  We are taught within the Bible (each and every word) is God’s voice.  We are to read His Word, and hear what God has to say to us.  Romans 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

               If you are hearing God’s Word, both by physical hearing and heart hearing (reading privately) then you will learn the context and will know when a charlatan (prognosticator) attempts to lead you astray.                                           

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Jeremiah 14:13-15  Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.   14  Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. 15  Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed. 

Put On The Lord

Reading Romans 13:14 quoted below, my thoughts centered on that portion which states: “…put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ,..” and the remainder tells us to quell the lusts of the flesh.

When we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, it was a personal event. It wasn’t something that happened to everyone at that same moment. (It was a time for “change.”)

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

This “change” happened within our body. We became a new creature, and we must now look to a new life, a life where we put away the “old things” and look to “all things are become new.”

The “old things” were the sins in our lives. I can hear some saying, “Hey, I live a good life and I am not a sinner.” Our Bible teaches us that statement is a lie, consequently sin.

Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

We will never be perfect in this life. That is why Jesus died on the Cross and shed His blood for our sins. His atonement was for all, not just a few. None of us, regardless of our station in life will ever be physically righteous. By accepting Jesus as our eternal Saviour, His atoning blood on our soul shows God we have accepted His Son. Therefore we have become “unblameable and unreproveable” in His sight.

Colossians 1:20-22 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (21) And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (22) In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

“Reader, if you have accepted Jesus as your “personal Saviour,” do you have a “walk and a talk” that reflects that “unblameable and unreproveable” new creature? If you cannot say Yes, then isn’t it time you did something about it? Do know, that regardless as you work to improve your “walk and talk,” you will fall short. This isn’t to say you should not try. Just don’t use this as an excuse for not trying.”

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

In our walk, we should Glorify God in all we do. When we find we have failed, we must go to God in prayer, and in that prayer, repent of that failure, and ask for forgiveness. Reader, what are you going to do?”

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Romans 13:14 “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”

Seek Ye The LORD

               Reading Amos 5:4 - 6 quoted below, my thoughts focused on the first part of (v 6).  In light of the tragedy in Norway this week and the subsequent tragedies here in the United States, I consider the question concerning all the victims. “Were they saved.  Did they know the Lord Jesus?”  Yet after reading the verses and then reading Chapter 5 in its entirety, the phrase “Seek the LORD, and ye shall live…” took on a new meaning for me.  The final thought came to my mind that God (through Amos) wasn’t talking about individuals.  He was talking to the Northern Tribes, (Israel, those ten tribes.)

               When we consider the horror of the Norway tragedies, it is unimaginable how that something like this could happen.  (I read one place that the man, (if found guilty) could get the maximum sentence of twenty-one years in prison.)

               Therefore, my ponderings stretch a bit farther and I ask, “Is God now talking to one nation or is He talking to the world, all nations?”  I would suppose the answer is “all nations.”  (Our world is in an upheaval and there is no realistic solution in sight.        The one exception is that we as individuals (and as nations) need to “Seek the LORD, and ye shall live.”)

               Most free nations have written laws to allow for more and more freedom, outlawing laws that keep the world somewhat at peace.  (We are in a situation where what men can conceive in their minds, they are allowed to do, with only minor punishment for stepping over the line.)

               There is greater punishment for harming a domestic animal than for harming a human.  (Our news media tells us how individuals get away with murder.  More and more people are dying because of the laxness of our laws.)

               In many places, Jesus’ name in prayer is forbidden, yet in those same venues any other god can be mentioned, just not the Christian God, Jesus the Christ.  We wonder, “How can this happen?” 

In order to live spiritually, Jesus the Christ is the answer.  This does not mean we will NOT have tribulations, but if a mad man attacks and kills us, we will have a home in Heaven, which is eternal.  So, my last question is, “If you died today, would Heaven be your home?”  If you cannot answer that question without an affirmative “Yes,” you must “Seek the LORD” and you can know you have life eternal.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Believe that God has raised Jesus from the grave, and confess to others (including yourself,) and God the Father will save you from your sins and from a fiery eternal Hell.  Call on His name today.                                

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Amos 5:4-6  For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live: 5  But seek not Bethel, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beersheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nought. 6  Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel. 

The Hope Of Glory

 

               Reading Colossians 1:24-27 quoted below: I ponder (v 27) (that portion which states; “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”)  I think of the multitudes that have accepted Jesus the Christ and gained the “hope of glory,”  those who now know that Jesus the Christ is their “hope of glory.”  They have the peace and comfort of knowing that when they are called into eternity, Heaven will be their eternal resting place.  They know that the grave isn’t the end, nor will they see Hell.  They know their body will descend into that grave, but they will already be in Heaven, communing with God.

               (Then the other side of the coin shows itself.)  Those are the people who have NOT accepted Jesus and do not know the “hope of glory.”  The hard part is so many don’t care.  (Their “hope” is in a worldly system, one that only loves them as long as they are obedient to the world.)  They will find their final resting place within the confines of God’s wrath in an eternal, everlasting, tormenting Hell.  They will wish that the silence and solitude of the grave was Hell. 

John 3:36  He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

               I am certain some who are reading this are asking the question, “What is this hope of glory?”  The “hope” is the knowledge of knowing with certainty that your soul will reside in peace with God and His Son Jesus eternally.  The “glory” is that final revelation of the manifested [made visible] Heaven, a final place of residence.  So our “hope of glory” is an eternal life with Jesus and our Father in Heaven.  It will be a place of rejoicing, a place of peace, a place of no more partings, and no more tears.  “What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see.” 

               So reader, my question to you is: “Where do you stand?  Is it Heaven, the “hope of glory,” or is it God’s wrath in a fiery Hell with weeping and gnashing of teeth?  It will be a time that you will not only beg for water, but for just a moment of silence.”

                Reader, God loves you. He does not want you to go to Hell.  His desire is that all of us will join Him and His Son Jesus in Heaven.  All he asks is that we believe, and in that belief we will tell others.  If we do believe with a sincere, (true) heart, God will save us into His “hope of glory.”

Romans 10:9-10  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  10  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

               Accept Jesus today.  Believe God has raised Him from the grave, and you will know His “hope of glory.”                                       

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Colossians 1:24-27  Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: 25  Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26  Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: