FAITH NOTIONS

OUR NATION HAS BECOME ONE OF MANY CONSTITUTIONS

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Cartwright) — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 00:54:00 +0000

Why are Christians in particular and any one else who denounces same sex marriages and homosexuality accused of hate crimes whenever they speak out against it? Why do the laws apply to some but not others? Is it because it is convenient in political circles to have an issue that should be a non issue as a means to discredit opponents who are discriminatory against minorities? The total number of gays in the United States is barely over 2% of the population and yet they are like bandits holding up a nation of over 300 million people. This issue is totally out of control! Our politicians have gone berserk over the issue. Our nation has become one of many constitutions. What happened to the original one? Case in point is the following excerpt about Islamic beliefs on same sex marriage and homosexuality. There is no public outcry about their beliefs and practices. I read no comments from politicians concerning how wrong the Muslim hate crimes are. There seems to be a lot of incongruity in the thinking of the White House, Congress and the Supreme Court. If mainstream Christians made assertions as are made in the following statement they would face all kinds of hate crime accusations. Read and see for your self.

Islam Question and Answer

General Supervisor: Shaykh Muhammad Saalih al-Munajjid

Principles of Fiqh » Jurisprudence and Islamic Rulings » Punishment and Judicial Sentences » Adultery/fornication and Homosexuality.

38622: The punishment for homosexuality

[…al-Tirmidhi (1456), Abu Dawood (4462)and Ibn Maajah (2561) narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever you find doing the action of the people of Loot, execute the one who does it and the one to whom it is done.”. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi.

Ahmad (2915) narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “May Allaah curse the one who does the action of the people of Loot, may Allaah curse the one who does the action of the people of Loot,” three times. This was classed as hasan by Shu’ayb al-Arna’oot in Tahqeeq al-Musnad.

The Sahaabah were unanimously agreed on the execution of homosexuals, but they differed as to how they were to be executed. Some of them were of the view that they should be burned with fire, which was the view of ‘Ali (may Allaah be pleased with him) and also of Abu Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with him), as we shall see below. And some of them thought that they should be thrown down from a high place then have stones thrown at them. This was the view of Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him).

Some of them thought that they should be stoned to death, which was narrated from both ‘Ali and Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with them).

After the Sahaabah, the fuqaha’ differed concerning the matter. Some of them said that the homosexual should be executed no matter what his situation, whether he is married or not.

Some of them said that he should be punished in the same way as an adulterer, so he should be stoned if he is married and flogged if he is not married….]

This kind of prejudice in our country is causing fractures in our society and culture. It will cause divisions and contentions to rise as never before. Racism is a bad as it has ever been. President Jimmy Carter’s Human Rights considered by most societies to belong automatically to everyone, e.g. the rights to freedom, justice, and equality has boomeranged to taking away the rights of millions to appease a few. There is no right so great for an individual that it can deny the rights of the many. It has become a blight on our society and misaligns the rights given in our Constitution.

THE MOST FAMOUS MAN WHO EVER LIVED

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Cartwright) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:49:00 +0000

There are a whole lot of people in this world who don’t know who Jesus Christ is or anything about Him. On CNN news, concerning Easter, an article appeared that said, quote: “Jesus Christ is the most famous man who ever lived and there is little that is known about Him.” What a perfect example of people who have never taken the time to learn about the most famous person in the world.

God created the heavens and the earth. This includes the universe and the beautiful planet earth that we dwell upon. That covers a lot right there! He created the heaven in which He resides also. All this He created for one great purpose. He created it all for man.

( John 1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.)

Jesus was the Creator of all things in the beginning. He also created man in His own image. (Genesis 1:27) Man was the center piece of His creation. Man was the reason for it all. Jesus wanted man to eventually receive Him into his life and live eternally with Him in glory and Jesus will share His throne with man. (Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.)

How unselfish and great is that? Why would anyone not want that? Could it be that they just don’t know about Jesus Christ as CNN news reported. There are Christian Churches all over the world. They have services every Sunday. All people are welcome to attend at any time. You can learn all about Jesus. There is no reason not to. Be prepared to live in a world where there are no wars, crime, drug use, hunger, or diseases. There will be no limit to what you can see, smell, feel, and hear. There will be no night. There will be no need for gravity. There will only be joy, peace, and happiness.

This is a very short description of Jesus Christ. But if you really want the whole picture, find a private place and get on your knees say to Jesus, “Show me! I want to know more about the most famous man who ever lived.”

THE TEARS OF JESUS

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Cartwright) — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 05:32:00 +0000

Jesus cries over us everyday as He looks upon mankind and desires that we join with Him and not live in poverty, sickness and disease or war with one another in hatred toward their neighbors. Evil abounds in the world and love turns cold. And all this is not necessary, but mankind refuses to accept that there is a God who loves them and continue to send emissaries from nation to nation to decide what is going to happen to billions of people here on earth because they think they know what is best for them. They covet their power too much and will destroy themselves to try to keep it.
(Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!)

Jesus loves all people and created all things for people to enjoy. He meant for all to have all His blessings in great abundance. Jesus doesn’t want anything bad for anyone. Jesus laid it all out for all to see and decide for them selves whether to live in peace, have everything they need in abundance, have good health, be happy and literally live forever. Read what He taught and see for your selves. Jesus offers perfection, utopia, and royalty to those who will believe on Him.
(2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work) (Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.)

Jesus came to this earth and gave His life so that we could have all things that He created and prepared for us. How much greater love and concern can one have for another than to give one’s life for them so they can have blessings beyond understanding? Why would anyone think that believing in Jesus is bad for them? What fault do you find in a God who wants to give you everything?
(3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.)

Just like Jesus wept over the death of His friend Lazurus before He raised him from the dead, Jesus weeps over us today because of His great love for us and He wants to raise us up from the dead and give us eternal life with Him.

Build on the Rock

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Cartwright) — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 23:44:00 +0000

Build on the Rock

Everything that is built needs to be built on a strong foundation, even your life.

Matthew 7:24-27 "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. "But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."

1 Corinthians 10:4 … and that Rock was Christ.

John 20:31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

The Chosen Stone and His Chosen People

When Jesus chooses you and invites you into His spiritual house, you have to decide if you want the Kingdom and all it’s glory or not. It’s your choice. Jesus is willing to give you the Kingdom as a free gift and the gift is huge.

1Peter 2:4-5 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

My prayer for those who read this message is that you pray about it, count the cost, and accept what God created you for in the beginning. The fearful man who is afraid despises the Lord God and has no part with Him. (Revelations 21:7-8 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 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.) But have faith in Christ and all will be yours.

In Jesus name, amen!

Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Cartwright) — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 05:04:00 +0000

Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking

Why not ask God to bless you? It is easy. Just ask God in prayer. That is how you knock on His door.

Matthew 7:7-11 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

My prayer is that someone will understand that God doesn’t force you or demand that you do anything. But He invites you to dine with Him.

In Jesus name amen!

ENTER INTO THE JOY OF YOUR LORD

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Cartwright) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:29:00 +0000

ENTER INTO THE JOY OF YOUR LORD

There is a day coming when we shall see Jesus as He is and we will be as He is. (1 John 3:2) We will be in the Kingdom that He promised to us and He said that He was going to prepare a place for us in heaven. The joy we will have is really beyond human description because we cannot grasp the awesome difference between heaven and earth. His appearance is will be vastly changed. Giving us an idea of what is in store for us.

Ezekiel 1: 26 And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it. 27 Also from the appearance of His waist and upward I saw, as it were, the color of amber with the appearance of fire all around within it; and from the appearance of His waist and downward I saw, as it were, the appearance of fire with brightness all around. 28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.

Why do I say it is what is in store for us? Because Jesus said that He is going to share His throne with us as His Father shared His throne with Jesus. (Revelation 3:21) We have an exceedingly high calling of joy to look forward to. Jesus reveals to us His thoughts of how great a joy it is to be in heaven and set on the throne of God. He felt so strongly for it that He literally sacrificed himself for it.

Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

How much should we sacrifice? How much do we want it? Are we willing to follow Jesus example and give our life wholly to Christ? Doesn’t the scripture say we are to be “living sacrifices”?

1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?

We must pray that we will be counted worthy to escape what is about to come to this world and by enduring we will be able to stand before Jesus Christ when He comes again for redemption.

Dear Lord, I pray to You to tell You how much I really enjoy and delight in You. I long for that day when I will be filled with joy to see Your face. In Your Holy Name, Amen!

A CLOSE CALL WITH ETERNITY

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Cartwright) — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 23:41:00 +0000

Guadalupe River At Canyon Lake, TX

A Close Call With Eternity

On the last Saturday of December 2005, I took my twelve-foot v-bottom aluminum boat out on the Guadalupe River about a mile before it ran into Canyon Lake, that is located in the Texas Hill Country, in the hopes of that some white bass might be running. I had a 9.9 Mariner outboard motor that I knew was a little too powerful for such a lightweight boat. But I generally ran it about half speed when traveling to and from my favorite fishing spot. For the whites I kept my speed as slow as the boat would travel for trolling.

On this particular day, as I was heading out to my fishing hole, tragedy suddenly reared its ugly head.

There are tree trunks submerged in the river and occasionally when the river is down it is possible to hit one, as was the case this day. My boat, being a lightweight v-bottom, simply flipped over instantly and threw me out of the boat. The water was close to fifteen feet deep as I was entering a curve in the river where the water formed a deep bank. As luck would have it, the boat tuned over next to the bank that was ten or twelve feet high and straight up. There was no way to climb out on that side of the river. On the opposite side, the bank was only about a foot high. But, to get to the opposite bank meant I had to swim some twenty-five yards.

I was sixty-four years old with bad arthritic knees and haven’t swum in over fifteen years? Also, this time of year the water felt like it was near freezing? Of course I was all knowing and macho about wearing a life vest. So I didn’t wear one. It is now somewhere in the Guadalupe River.

I have to say that as I was thinking about what I needed to do, I was also thinking about how much I needed God. Those thoughts were strong on my mind.

I knew I was in trouble. Getting to shore as soon as possible was all I could think about at the time. I turned around in the water and there within three feet of me was my seat flotation cushion. I gave thanks to Jesus because I knew how much I needed that cushion. Needless to say, I immediately grabbed hold and started swimming to the opposite shore, to safety. However, with the current and cold fighting against me, I only got about two thirds of the way before I completely tired out and I could feel the effects of hypothermia setting in. Suddenly, I knew that I wasn’t going to make it. My muscles were beginning to tighten up and I was afraid of cramps.

Now, some people do not believe in miracles, but I do because I believe in Jesus Christ as my saviour. Psalms 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. I cried out as loud as I could for Jesus to save me. The very next thing that I was aware of was my hand touching a big flat rock on shore. Psalms 31:2 Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock. It was the only rock on that shore. I managed pull myself out of the water and immediately thanked God for my deliverance. Psalms 105:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.

The temperature was in the high fifties at that time of year and being between holidays I saw no one else on the river besides me. About thirty minutes later, two men in a boat came down the river and were astounded when they saw my boat floating upside down. I hollered and waved my arms till they saw me. They immediately took me back to the boat dock and helped me get dry and somewhat back to normal. I think. All this seems like a dream now, but it really happened. Please, if you are a fisherman; always wear a life vest. It may be a little uncomfortable but you will be safer for it. And it wouldn’t hurt to invite Jesus to go fishing with you. After all, He is the best fisherman in the world. You never know where the next submerged tree may be.

I have gone back to that place in the river several times looking for the big flat rock that my hand found. To this day I have never found it again.

If you have not done so, ask Jesus to come into your heart now. If you do He will forever be your companion. He has made some wonderful promises. Hebrews 13:5 for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. God Bless!

ABIDING IN CHRIST

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Cartwright) — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 17:15:00 +0000

ABIDING IN CHRIST

First in a series of the teachings of Jesus

John 15:4-10

To abide in Christ Jesus we need a solid foundation in God’s word remaining in the faith and enduring all things for Christ. We must always hold onto the hope of the gospel that was shared with us when we first believed.

Jesus is the source of eternal life for all who believe. He gives us His Spirit as a payment of earnest until our redemption at His second coming. Our fruit is found in Him. Hosea 14:8, Ephesians 2: 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Jesus purchased us with His blood; He abides in us with His Holy Spirit and does good works through us. We are abiding in the body of Christ.

We are given warning that wolves in sheep’s clothing would tempt us and He said if we abide in Him we would know them by their fruits and those who bear bad fruit would be cast into the fire. Matthew 7:15, 19

By abiding in Him we are truly bearing good fruit and looking to Christ to lead us, then He makes us a promise that He will grant whatever we ask in prayer. Matthew 21:22

We show how much we love God by spreading the gospel and bringing others to salvation and every time someone is saved the angels in heaven rejoice and God is glorified by the fruit that is born in His name. Matthew 28:18

John 13: 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

God is love and we are to be like Him and have the same out going love for others that He has for us. Jesus also teaches us to love those that do not love us if we are to abide in Him and His love in us. Matthew 5:46-48

Finally to abide in His love we have to keep His spiritual commandments for the law is Spiritual. Romans 7:14 Start with the entire account of the sermon on the mount as Jesus expands the meaning of the Ten Commandments and makes it His New Covenant Spiritual Law.

We should rejoice in the knowledge that through Jesus we are saved by grace and by keeping the Spiritual laws of Christ Jesus we continue to abide in Him as our sins are already forgiven and we are freed from the death penalty. Praise and glorify God by giving thanks for the awesome love He has for us. John 3:16

A GOOD PRIZE DRAWS MORE OPPONENTS

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Cartwright) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 21:01:00 +0000

A GOOD PRIZE DRAWS MORE OPPONENTS

When you take hold of an opportunity and find yourself facing many opponents, then you most surely made the right decision.

1 Corinthians 16: 9 because a door of great opportunity stands wide open for me, but there are many opponents.

If encircled by opponents lay into them!

Philippians 1:28 and by not being intimidated in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of their destruction, but of your salvation --- a sign which is from God.

To achieve your goal you must resist with a craving to win!

1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that all the runners in a stadium compete, but only one receives the prize? So run to win.

Don’t worry and show no fear for you will be rewarded!

Psalms 49:5 Why should I be afraid in times of trouble, when the sinful deeds of deceptive men threaten to overwhelm me?

16 Do not be afraid when a man becomes rich and his wealth multiplies!

Be of good courage for when you seek your goal and you find yourself surrounded by many opponents the goal is made that much more desirable.

ACTS 2:38 ...“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT BEARING THE CROSS OF JESUS MEANS?

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Cartwright) — Mon, 21 May 2012 03:00:00 +0000

Six times in the New Testament Jesus commands us to take up our cross and follow Him. This was a very important command because He also said that anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Him was not worthy of Him.

Since Jesus has yet to be crucified on the cross at this time, what cross is He talking about?

When the Romans convicted someone and sentenced them to be crucified they were made to carry their own cross to the place where it was to be erected. Usually they were guilty of something heinous to be crucified. However, Jesus was not guilty of anything and didn’t deserve to be crucified. Jesus didn’t carry His cross to Golgotha, but a man of Cyrene named Simon was compelled by the Roman soldiers to carry the cross. This is all symbolism of Jesus’ innocence. He was guilty of nothing; therefore He did not carry His cross. What about us? Are we guilty of anything? Why is Jesus telling us to carry our cross and follow Him? We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. We are commanded to deny ourselves and to follow Him. What are we to deny? It is ourselves! Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. Jesus wants us to humble ourselves. Matthew 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. Matthew 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. We should examine ourselves and ask God how we can carry our cross for Jesus Christ. You cannot carry a cross for Jesus unless you rid yourself of pride, lust and coveting. Jesus says that when we look upon a women and lust after her we have committed adultery and if we hate someone we have committed murder. Oh, there are many things to take into consideration before taking up the cross of Christ. Here is an example of a young man who was offered his cross.

Mark 10: 17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

That young man failed to do what was needed in his life to be able to carry the cross of Christ. He went away and didn’t follow Jesus any more. He may have missed out on eternal life and being a disciple of Christ. When someone is put to the test it is hard to separate oneself from the ways of this world. Jesus’ disciples asked the question, “Then who can be saved?” Mark 10: 27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

Romans 6: 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. We have to confess that we are sinners and if the wages of sin is death then we are all under the death penalty.

We have a loving God Who wants us to be with Him for all eternity. God is love and He created mankind to be in His family forever. Unfortunately there are those who do not know God and there are those who know about God and still do not want anything to do with Him. God has such a great reward waiting for us in heaven that it is amazing that there are people who don’t care. They believe that they will enjoy the fruits of the world and then it is all over. But that is not the case. Those who reject Christ will stand before Him at the Great White Throne Judgment and give an account of their sins.

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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Are you ready to believe on Him and take up your cross and follow Him? Then tell Jesus you repent of your sin and are sorry to have put Him to such shame that He had to die in your place on His cross so that you could have eternal life. Ask Jesus to forgive you, to come into you heart and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. You do this and you will have eternal life. You have taken up your cross!

Jesus receive those who receive this message sincerely in their heart.

Amen!

PRESIDENT OBAMA UNWHITTINGLY BRINGS JUDGMENT TO THIS NATION

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Cartwright) — Fri, 11 May 2012 01:10:00 +0000

President Obama is the highest ruler in America and the most powerful in the world. He is held accountable by God more than anyone else. He will be judged according his works while he is alive on the earth. He is in a grave situation! He has brought judgment to our nation by endorsing same sex marriages. For him to do this from his high position means he has snubbed his nose at God who has placed him in the position of president. That decision will be his undoing. The Bible demonstrates how God has dealt with others who made similar mistakes.

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

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

Romans 1: 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. (Punishment)

2 Peter 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;

Hebrews 10: 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

God have mercy on this nation! AMEN!

ACTS 2:38 ...“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Do you know where we are in Bible Prophesy?

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Cartwright) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 02:51:00 +0000

Isn’t it kind of interesting that what has been happening around the world is described in the Bible? Since the formation of the United States of America, there has been one military conflict after another somewhere on the planet earth. Many people at the time of the first and second world wars thought that they were the end times being brought upon the earth. They certainly were bad enough. Jesus was asked by His disciples when the end would be. In Matthew 24 he answered their question.

Matthew 24:6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

But the end has not come yet. There are many more conflicts taking place all over the earth. Every year 30 million people die of hunger, more than half of them children under five. There have been new diseases making the scene such as HIVS, and Bird Flu. The biggest earthquakes ever recorded have happened in just the last few years.

7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.

(Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.)

8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

More christians are being persecuted and murdered today than ever before in history. Over 160,000 Christians die every year, around the world, because of their faith. The media and anti-God organizations are increasingly bashing Christians in the United States.

9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake.

Many Christians hate one another because of their political differences. This ought not to be as it is contrary to Gods teaching. (1 John 2: 9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

Matthew 5: 21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment)

10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.

Unfortunately, I have heard in the news recently, well known evangelists condemning other well known preachers because they say they are teaching false doctrines. There is much deception going on because there are wide ranges of doctrinal differences among the major denominations in the United States and abroad concerning homosexuals as ministers and same sex marriages. These are major, but there are others as well such as forms of baptizing, laying on of hands, healing, hell, heaven, etc.

11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.

Since the present administration has been in power, there have been more constitutional laws broken than ever in our nations history. This nation is being divided to the point it soon will fall. There is abject hatred between the political parties and nothing is being done for the good of the country. God tells us that we need to be unified! (Psalms 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!)

12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

We should be doing everything we can to get ourselves right with God because who knows just how short the time is till His return?

(Revelation 3: 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.)

13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Now we get to the part where we discover where we are in prophesy. The end hasn’t come yet and the Gospel hasn’t been preached in all the world according to the scripture. This is the business we should be most concerned with at this time.( Matthew 28: 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.)

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

My prayer!

Lord Jesus please help those who need to change their lives and I pray that this message will help anyone who wants the Grace that only Jesus can give them that they may escape the coming tribulation and enter into eternal life. Jesus said that it will be so bad that no flesh would be saved alive if He didn’t intervene. I pray that the Father calls many through this message.

In Jesus name, amen!

ACTS 2:38 ...“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

THE GOSPEL MESSAGE OF THE CROSS

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Cartwright) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 23:43:00 +0000

WHEN GOD THE FATHER DRAWS US TO JESUS CHRIST IT IS DECISION TIME!

If we don’t surrender our lives to Jesus, then:

1. We are judged at the great white throne judgment!

(Revelation 20: 11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.

13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.

14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.)

OR

When we do surrender our lives to Jesus, then:

1. Jesus administers GRACE to us!

(1 Corinthians 1:4 I thank my God always concerning you for the GRACE of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus.)

2. By His broken body and stripes we are healed.

(1 Peter 2:24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body, on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness --- by whose stripes you are healed.)

3. Jesus shed His blood on the CROSS for the remission of our sins.

(Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.)

4. Jesus died on the CROSS in our place for we were under the death penalty.

(Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus sin spread to all men, because all sinned …

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.)

5. Jesus was buried for three days and nights, then He ascended to the throne of God the Father to share the Father’s throne. We, also, will be resurrected from the grave to eternal life and ascend to the throne of Jesus Christ to share His throne in heaven.

(Revelation 3:21 To him who overcomes I will grant to set with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and set down with My Father on His throne

ACTS 2:38 ...“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

ASIA BIBI: BLESSINGS IN PRISON ON DEATH ROW

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Cartwright) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:17:00 +0000

The VOICE

of the MARTYRS

Asia Bibi:
Blessings in prison

"The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening ..." (1 Kings 17:6a).
Dear Friend, Do you remember the story of Elijah being fed by the ravens? Asia Bibi, a Christian wife and mother imprisoned in Pakistan, has received hope and encouragement in a similar way. Asia has remained in jail since her arrest on blasphemy charges in June 2009. A Pakistani court found her guilty of blasphemy in June 2010 and sentenced her to death. But God has not forgotten her! Asia shared this story with a VOM contact who recently visited her in prison:
There is a beautiful thing that happens every day in my cell. Two days after they announced my death penalty, I was brought into [death row]. Every morning around 3:30 or 4, a brown bird with a long beak appears and sits on the boundary wall. This bird also comes every evening around 5. He sits there for 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening. Later on he became my friend. I talk to him and he also talks to me.
As I watched this bird every day, I tried to understand the meaning of him coming day after day. I think this is a messenger from God giving me His message. When the bird comes, I feel encouraged and peaceful. I feel comforted after his visit. I think this is a very significant sign from God.
Asia also reported that she spends much of her time in prayer, including prayer for those around the world who pray for her and speak out on her behalf.
The Voice of the Martyrs provides financial assistance to Asia's family through our Families of Prisoners fund. We invite you to make a special contribution to this fund, which enables VOM to help the families of imprisoned Christians, families like Asia Bibi's.
Please CLICK HERE to support the families of Christians imprisoned for their faith around the world, and please continue to pray for Asia Bibi as well as her husband, Ashiq, and daughters. And if you have not signed the online petition asking for Asia's release, please sign now at www.CallForMercy.com.
For those in bonds,
Tom White Executive Director

If you would like to view a list of resources on the persecuted church and online specials from VOM, please visit www.VOMBooks.com.

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RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST NOT ETERNAL PUNISHMENT!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Cartwright) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:46:00 +0000

THOSE WHO REJECT CHRIST CONCIOUSLY SUFFER IN HELL FOR ETERNETY

There are those who believe that those who do not receive Jesus Christ as their Savior will suffer conscious torment for eternity. I personally cannot prove by the scriptures if that is literally true. I have been given the passages in Revelations that appears below to prove that statement, but, nowhere does it make that statement. It talks about those who have the mark of the beast and no one else .It says they will be tormented in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. Does this mean they watch this for eternity? I don’t think so! Where does the smoke come from in verse 11? I think that it is highly significant that the term “lake of fire” is not used here as it is in chapters 20 and 21. This opens all kinds of doors for speculation as this subject truly is speculative. First of all, the mistake is often made that God can’t do something. If He chooses to do things several different ways so what? That is His privilege and power. Why do men always tend to think that when God does something it is always etched in stone? I propose that there may be several answers to this question. I do not think for a minute that I have all the answers. We are commanded to study to show ourselves approved. 2 Timothy 2, 1Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good, Acts 17:11 …they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. These are what we are supposed to do not take any man’s word for it. Don’t become a ‘stick in the mud’. 2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. Are you growing? Or do you believe that man already has all the understanding about God’s Word that he needs?

Revelation 14:9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand,

10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.

11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."

Here in Revelations 16 is a full account of what happens to those who have the mark of the beast. I could just as well say: Here is what really happens! The problem is there are many different examples of what happens mentioned in Revelations.

Revelation 16: 1-21

First Bowl: Loathsome Sores

Second Bowl: The Sea Turns to Blood

Third Bowl: The Waters Turn to Blood

Fourth Bowl: Men Are Scorched

Fifth Bowl: Darkness and Pain

Sixth Bowl: Euphrates Dried Up

Seventh Bowl: The Earth Utterly Shaken

Revelation 19: 20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.

21 And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.

Revelation 20: 10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the’ lake of fire’.

Revelation 21: 8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the ‘lake which burns with fire and brimstone’, which is the second death."

COMPANION ARTICLE:

HEAVEN AND HELL OR LIFE AND DEATH, WHICH?

This is always an interesting subject and the intention here is to get the reader to read the scriptures with an open mind and let God’s Spirit do the teaching.

I had an interesting conversation about heaven and hell with a church pastor a while back and brought up the subject of life and death as mentioned in the scriptures. He was so engrossed with the teachings he had received at seminary that he finally admitted he just didn’t get this thing about life and death. Apparently they don’t even bring this subject up at least where he went to school, yet the Bible is filled with scriptures from Genesis to Revelations about life and death but comparatively very little about Heaven and hell.

It seems that the subject of going to heaven or hell is talked about more than any other subject with the intent being when a believer dies they go straight to heaven or hell and that no one dies as they have eternal life in heaven or in hell. I believe that the only way to eternal life is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. I don’t believe you get eternal life through any other source to live in hell for eternity. You sure don’t get it from Jesus.

The Bible doesn’t literally state that someone goes directly to heaven or to hell when they die. So much is taken for granted by tradition, but we are commanded to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The scripture most used to prove one goes to hell and suffers for eternity is Rev.14, but as always the Bible explains itself, as in this case in Rev.16.

Perishing, being destroyed, vanishing, or dying are brought out in the following scriptures. It is quite eye opening.

The Gospel is veiled only to those who are perishing.

Our body is constantly perishing as it has a short life span.

2 Corinthians 3:6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 4:1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.

2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,

4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake.

6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

Our bodies are what?

The Bible is distinct about our flesh and blood bodies being only temporary.

2 Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed (Our physical bodies), we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven,( Our glorified body)

3 if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked.

4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life.

5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

2 Corinthians 2:15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?

This is foolishness to who?

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Psalms 51:9 Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering.

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart --- These, O God, You will not despise.

6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.

The Lord gives us His Spirit and when we die He takes it back.

Psalms 37:20 But the wicked shall perish; and the enemies of the LORD, like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish. Into smoke they shall vanish away.

Isaiah 26:14 They are dead, they will not live; they are deceased, they will not rise. Therefore You have punished and destroyed them, And made all their memory to perish.

5 For man goes to his eternal home, And the mourners go about the streets.

7 Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.

Job 34: 14 If He should set His heart on it, If He should gather to Himself His Spirit and His breath,

Ecclesiastes 3: 20 All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust.

Zechariah 12:1 Thus says the LORD, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him:

The Lord said from the very beginning that if man disobeyed him he would die and God was referring to death in contrast to eternal life if they took of the tree of life.

Genesis 2: 7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

9 And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat;

17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."

Genesis 3: 19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return."

Ecclesiastes 3: 20 All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust.

Job 14:12 So man lies down and does not rise. Till the heavens are no more, they will not awake nor be roused from their sleep.

Who has ascended into heaven?

Proverbs 30:4 Who has ascended into heaven, or descended?

John 3:13 No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.

Hopefully those who read this will do a much more in depth study of the subject.

ACTS 2:38 ...“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT ANCIENT AND MODERN EDUCATION?

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Cartwright) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:29:00 +0000

WAS THERE A HIGH LEVEL OF EDUCATION FOR THE AVERAGE MAN IN ANCIENT TIMES OR DID IT ONLY EVOLVE DURING THE 19TH AND 20TH CENTURIES?

Some people say: “Until the twentieth century, universal literacy existed nowhere on earth.” But they fail to recognize the Jews who were highly educated as a race. The following excerpt explains much about Jews and education as well as secular education of other nations.

Jewish History

The tradition of Jewish education goes back to biblical times. One of the basic duties of Jewish parents is to provide for the instruction of their children. The obligation to teach one's children is set forth in the first paragraph of the Shema Yisrael prayer: “Take to heart these instructions with which I charge you this day. Impress them upon your children. Recite them when you stay at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as sign on your hand and let them serve as a symbol on your forehead; inscribe them on the doorposts of your house and your gates.” (Deut 6:6-9).

Elementary school learning was regarded as compulsory by Simeon ben Shetah as early as 75 BCE and Joshua ben Gamla in 64 CE. The education of older boys and men in a beit midrash goes back to the Second Temple period. The importance of education is stressed in the Talmud, which states that children should begin school at six. According to Judah ben Tema, “At five years the age is reached for studying the Bible, at ten for studying the Mishnah, at thirteen for fulfilling the mitzvoth, at fifteen for studying the Talmud.” (Avot 5:21). In keeping with this tradition, Jews established their own schools or hired private tutors for their children until the end of the 18th century. Schools were housed in annexes or separate buildings close to the synagogue.

Ancient Greece

In Athens the ideal citizen was a person educated in the arts of both peace and war, and this made both schools and exercise fields necessary. Other than requiring two years of military training that began at age 18, the state left parents to educate their sons as they saw fit. The schools were private, but the tuition was low enough so that even the poorest citizens could afford to send their children for at least a few years. Boys attended elementary school from the time they were about age 6 or 7 until they were 13 or 14. The boys also learned to play the lyre and sing, to count, and to read and write. But it was literature that was at the heart of their schooling. The national epic poems of the Greeks--Homer's 'Odyssey' and 'Iliad'--were a vital part of the life of the Athenian people. As soon as their pupils could write, the teachers dictated passages from Homer for them to take down, memorize, and later act out. Teachers and pupils also discussed the feats of the Greek heroes described by Homer. At 13 or 14, the formal education of the poorer boys probably ended and was followed by apprenticeship at a trade. The wealthier boys continued their education under the tutelage of philosopher-teachers. Plato, Isocrates, and Aristotle taught in schools and the boys who attended these schools fell into more or less two groups. Those who wanted learning for its own sake studied with philosophers like Plato who taught such subjects as geometry, astronomy, harmonics (the mathematical theory of music), and arithmetic.

This is just a little of what education was really like as any historian can learn in short time these days. I find it hard to believe that one would think mankind was totally ignorant and unable to invent, design, and build the world to what it is today. It took educated people to do that and still does.

From Wikipedia

This is only a couple of examples from a long list of evidence about many ancient nations supported by historical proof.

The King James Bible also proves that people were able to study the written word in the days of the Apostles.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

They had the Old Testament during the days of the Apostles and they would not have given such admonition if the people couldn't read.

1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business

Acts 17: 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Why was this recorded if they couldn't read?

Romans 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.

1 Thessalonians 5: 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Peace to all men and may you understand what was written.

ACTS 2:38 ...“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

AREN’T YOU CURIOUS WHAT HEAVEN LOOKS LIKE?

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Cartwright) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 04:41:00 +0000

AREN’T YOU CURIOUS WHAT HEAVEN LOOKS LIKE?

The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 9:5 that the dead know nothing and they have no more reward. What does this mean to you? Simply stated, while you are alive, you have opportunity to store up rewards to your account in heaven by your good works. But once you die, you no longer are able to do good works as is mentioned in Matthew 10:42 And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward."

By accepting Jesus as Savior, you receive a different kind of reward and that is “eternal life”. The Bible says in Hebrews 9:15 that those who are called may receive “the promise of the eternal inheritance”. But what is this inheritance and how is it described in the Bible? Does the Bible give us a view of what it is like in the heavenly places? After all, it says in 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: " Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." Man cannot describe it because man has never seen it. But God lives there and He does give us hints of what it is like. God gives us some tidbits in the scriptures as to what it is like in Heaven. He wets our appetite so that we will want to know more. It is exciting to get know what glory is like if you are destined to spend eternity sharing the throne of Jesus Christ. Revelation 3:21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

Ezekiel's Vision of God

Ezekiel 1:1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the River Chebar, that the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.

2 On the fifth day of the month, which was in the fifth year of King Jehoiachin's captivity,

3 the word of the LORD came expressly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the River Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was upon him there.

4 Then I looked, and behold, a whirlwind was coming out of the north, a great cloud with raging fire engulfing itself; and brightness was all around it and radiating out of its midst like the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire.

5 Also from within it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man.

6 Each one had four faces, and each one had four wings.

7 Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the soles of calves' feet. They sparkled like the color of burnished bronze.

8 The hands of a man were under their wings on their four sides; and each of the four had faces and wings.

9 Their wings touched one another. The creatures did not turn when they went, but each one went straight forward.

10 As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man; each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and each of the four had the face of an eagle.

11Thus were their faces. Their wings stretched upward; two wings of each one touched one another, and two covered their bodies.

12 And each one went straight forward; they went wherever the spirit wanted to go, and they did not turn when they went.

13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches going back and forth among the living creatures. The fire was bright, and out of the fire went lightning.

14 And the living creatures ran back and forth, in appearance like a flash of lightning.

15 Now as I looked at the living creatures, behold, a wheel was on the earth beside each living creature with its four faces.

16 The appearance of the wheels and their workings was like the color of beryl, and all four had the same likeness. The appearance of their workings was, as it were, a wheel in the middle of a wheel.

17 When they moved, they went toward any one of four directions; they did not turn aside when they went.

18 As for their rims, they were so high they were awesome; and their rims were full of eyes, all around the four of them.

19 When the living creatures went, the wheels went beside them; and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up.

20 Wherever the spirit wanted to go, they went, because there the spirit went; and the wheels were lifted together with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

21 When those went, these went; when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up together with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

22 The likeness of the firmament above the heads of the living creatures was like the color of an awesome crystal, stretched out over their heads.

23 And under the firmament their wings spread out straight, one toward another. Each one had two which covered one side, and each one had two which covered the other side of the body.

24 When they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a tumult like the noise of an army; and when they stood still, they let down their wings.

25 A voice came from above the firmament that was over their heads; whenever they stood, they let down their wings.

26 And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it.

27 Also from the appearance of His waist and upward I saw, as it were, the color of amber with the appearance of fire all around within it; and from the appearance of His waist and downward I saw, as it were, the appearance of fire with brightness all around.

28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.

Revelations also gives us a description of Jesus Christ as He appears in His glory. This is how He looks as He sets on his throne. We will share his throne and we will be like Him.

Revelation 1: 13 One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.

14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire;

15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters;

16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.

The Bible also says we will be like Jesus. 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

When Jesus ascended to His throne after His resurrection He also prepared a place for us for when we are resurrected. John 14:2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

At that time we will see God setting on His throne in all His glory. It will be such an awesome sight. There will be no limit to the number of dimensions, or color spectrums, sound, or how many senses we will have. Our feelings, emotions, sight, and smell will be beyond anything we can imagine. You will be astonished at the size of things. The universe is to God like a world globe would be to us setting in our living room. Psalms 8:1 O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens! There will be no night there, no darkness of any kind. Our countenance will be as the sun. Matthew 28:3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. Revelation 1:16 and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.

It is impossible for man to give much of a description of the Kingdom of God. As you can see information is limited. But be assured that God has something so magnificent planned for us that it is worth it. Matthew 13:44 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls,

46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Those who have faith that God has a reward of great price waiting for them will receive it. There are some people who want the kingdom so bad that they give their whole lives to the service of God, totally dedicating everything they do to God and give God praise and worship all the day long because they are completely convinced that the reward is worth it. Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

Unfortunately the words “violence” and “violent” are a poor choice but it emphasizes the effort some expend to attain the Kingdom.

Mark 4:11 And He said to them, "To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables,

If you feel that you understand what I have writing about, then God may be calling you to His kingdom. If you have never asked Jesus to enter into your life and you are willing and desire to receive the great reward He has for you, then ask Him in prayer to come into your life right now. Tell Him that you know you are a sinner and ask Him to forgive your sins and He will. Do this now! Your life will change for eternity and He will prepare a place for you.

Romans 5: 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Jesus paid the ultimate price so we might receive the ultimate reward. Praise the Lord!

My Prayer:

Lord, I pray that you might use this letter to reach someone’s heart who is hurting inside and really needs You to give them peace and salvation. Amen!

HEAVEN AND HELL OR LIFE AND DEATH, WHICH?

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Cartwright) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 01:11:00 +0000

This is always an interesting subject and the intention here is to get the reader to read the scriptures with an open mind and let God’s Spirit do the teaching.

The scripture most used to prove one goes to hell and suffers for eternity is Rev.14, but as always the Bible explains itself, as in this case in Rev.16.

Perishing, being destroyed, vanishing, or dying are brought out in the following scriptures. It is quite eye opening.

The Gospel is veiled only to those who are perishing.

Our body is constantly perishing as it has a short life span.

2 Corinthians 3:6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 4:1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.

3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,

4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake.

6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.