Alcohol? Godly? Christlike?

My Friends, I Thank God Always for the opportunity,to once again Place "Pen to Paper"! On a issues that faces us all today, in the Church, and outside of the Church. For this "Food For Thought" has been inspired by many thru out the world, for on my recent visit to the South African People, I had time to reflect and experience this issue first hand in so that after much prayer, I now would like to share my thoughts,with all of you, in the hope you too, may take time out to reflect and examine yourself, and your life choices, and to ask the question.

Alcohol? Godly? Christlike? And Me!

My Friends, the church is facing many challenges, both externally
and internally. One of these is the ever increasing
problem of alcohol consumption among the saints.
The influence and effectiveness of the church will be
diminished and compromised, if this situation is not
remedied. Therefore, the issues with which this "Food For Thought"
will deal is whether one is prepared not only to put his
own life at risk, but also his family’s, and whether he
is willing to compromise the influence which he exerts
on this world as a Christian. Values are caught more
often than they are taught; accordingly one should ask,
“How influential am I going to be in teaching the Gospel
to my family and others in the community and around the world? What type
of example am I setting, and what kind of legacy am I
leaving behind? Is it worthy of emulation?” Are thoughts; that one might want to be mindful of, at every moment, when the temptation arises.

My Friends,the Latin word “vinum,” from which the English
“wine” derives, was used to refer to both fermented
and non-fermented grape juice. In our older English
dictionaries, it refers to the juice of the grape whether
fermented or not. The words used for wine in the biblical
languages do not indicate whether it was fermented or
not; consequently there is the problem. There are those
who use this “apparent discrepancy” to justify their
consumption of alcohol, even though many scholars agree
that the words oinos, tirosh, and yayin are generic terms
used to describe the grape and the juice of the grape in all
its various stages.
Alcohol is created when grains, fruits, or
vegetables are fermented, a process that uses yeast or
bacteria to change the sugars in the food into alcohol.
Alcohol is absorbed into the blood stream as soon as it
is consumed. From there, it affects the central nervous
system, which controls virtually all body functions. This
then alters a person’s perceptions, emotions, movement,
vision, hearing, judgment, and reasoning.
My Friends,the abuse of alcohol contributes greatly to
the break-up of marriages and families, to emotional,
physical, and sexual abuse, and to the moral decay of
our communities. With all these potential pitfalls, is it
really worthwhile to drink and to expose our children to
its dangers? A turning point in this writer’s life occurred
when his son, while playing an innocent game with his
friends said, “Come and sit down, let me pour you a
drink.” He realized that his son (now a Christian) was not
only looking at his father’s lifestyle, but also imitating the
way he was living, talking and interacting with others.
Yet, some try and justify social drinking by saying
the Bible does not condemn it, or that they do not ever
over indulge, and that they can handle it! But I submit to
you that everyone does not react to drinking alcohol in
the same manner. If one considers that from the moment
one starts drinking wine that one puts oneself and others
in danger, is it really worth the risk? Drunkenness is a
process which starts the moment one consumes the first
drink and the body begins to be affected immediately.

My Friends, there are many Scriptures condemning the
consumption of alcohol because of its side-effects.
Here are just a few. 1. It promotes violence (Pro. 4:17).
2. It leads to poverty (Pro. 23:21). 3. It leads to lust and
perverse things, and can be addictive (Pro. 23:31-35). 4.
It can destroy the drinker (Nah. 1:10).

The condemnation due to the effects is in addition to the general prohibition against the Christian’s drinking alcohol (Eph. 5:18, Rom.
13:13, Luke 21:34; Gal. 5:21).

Some argue that when Jesus turned water into
wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-10), He endorsed
the consumption of fermented wine. The master of the
banquet made the comment that the good wine was
kept for last. Some say this was because of its high
alcohol content. However, this is not correct because in
the Roman world of the New Testament, the best wines
were those whose alcohol content had been boiled and
filtered away. The Greek verb methusko translated “well
drunk,” refers to the fact that they were drinking the juice
liberally, or freely, and not that they were intoxicated.
Therefore, it can be concluded that Jesus did not make
alcoholic wine. It begs the question: How influential
would Jesus have been, as the Savior, if He were known
not only to condone the drinking of fermented wine,
contradicting the inspired Scriptures (Hab. 2:15), but also
were known to have used His divine power to produce
fermented wine? How would this have impacted how
men viewed His deity and His mission to seek and to
save the lost (Luke 19:10)?

A Christian should exert a positive influence on
this world. To include this writer, for a Christian should be the salt and the light (Mat. 5:13-16). As the salt, one must have a purifying,
preserving, and flavoring effect. As the light, one leads
the lost through this dark world into the wonderful
light of Jesus Christ, by being visible and reflecting
the one true light; thus, glorifying God.

So my friends, a question for you to ponder: Will
consuming alcohol hinder or help one in carrying out
the Great Commission? The obvious conclusion is that
one’s influence is hindered when no visible difference
is seen in his lifestyle as compared to someone of the
world. Christians are sanctified, set apart for God’s
purpose, unto every good work (2 Tim. 2:21). Therefore
the exhortation for all Christians is: “Be ye holy; for I am
holy” (1 Pet. 1:16)

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Pro. 20:1).

My Friends, its my prayer this day for you and me, to ensure we strive daily, to be what God would have us to be! "Sober, Wise, Well Pleasing to Him, Thankful For All Things, Humble, Honest, Sincere, Loving, kind, forgiving, of one another, all the days He gives You and Me!


Question of the Day: Will You?

Children Obey Your Parents

My Friends, I once again have chosen to place "Pen To Paper" Thanking God Always for the opportunity. For recently I have had the honor of being surrounded by such gifted South African parents who have clearly demonstrated to me, and others as well, of the vital importance of there roles. For I was blessed to be apart of three generations of parents(mothers), who have inspired me, to prepare this "Food For Thought"
being mindeful of the great role they play, for there children, as well as the grandchildren.

My Friends, I'm mindful of when Paul wrote, by inspiration, to the Ephesian church instructing them in the proper relationship of children and parents (Eph. 6:1-4). Our Heavenly Father commanded, “Honour
thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be
long upon the land which the LORD thy God
giveth thee” (Exo. 20:12). My Friends, The word honor literally means to be heavy; thus, a child should give weight to his parents. To honor father and mother is the responsibility of every child, and it is “right.”
Obedience to parents involves listening
attentively to what they say and doing as they direct
(as long as their commands do not contradict
God’s). When a child respects his parents, obeying
them will not be difficult. Knowing father and
mother love him, and that their God-given roles
as parents put them in places of importance and
authority over him, the child will joyfully submit to
his parent’s instructive and corrective training.

Blessings from God follow “the first
commandment with promise.” God assured
obedient children will see good, and will live long.
Our God keeps His promises (cf. Tit. 1:2).

The first part of the promise is: “That it
may be well with thee” (cf. Deu. 5:16). God reveals,
and experience shows, that families who reject
God’s plan for the home suffer sadness, confusion,
disarray, and separation from God and good.
In homes where God reigns, there happiness,
understanding, order, and fellowship with God
bless the family. Children play an essential part
in making the home what it ought to be, and in
securing God’s blessings upon the home.

The second part of the promise is: “Thou
mayest live long on the earth” (cf. Exo. 20:12).
The obedient child’s life will be lengthened. How
can this be? In a general sense, by his obeying his
parents’ instructions to avoid the life-shortening
(and soul-robbing) bad habits and activities that
steal one’s health, and endanger his physical well
being. Also, he will not neglect the healthy, safe,
and beneficial lifestyle which his parents urge him
to follow. In another sense, such a child will benefit
from God’s blessing through His providence.

My Friends, Do we believe God? If so, we will honor
father and mother, in keeping with His will.

For Its my prayer for You this Day, That You Will!

Are You Happy?

My Friends, I want you all to know, that I Thank God Everyday for all of You!
It's been always my hope and prayer, that my "Food For Thoughts" will in some small way, be a blessing to you. And too, further develope those God given skills that you all have been blessed with by God.

So My Friends, I now would like to ask you. Are You Happy?

My friends, remember always, that "Happiness" is something we create in our mind,
It’s not something you search for and so seldom find—
My friends, It’s just waking up and beginning the day
By counting blessings and kneeling to pray—
It’s giving up thoughts that breed discontent
And accepting what comes as “Heaven Sent”—
It’s giving up wishing for things we have not
And making the best of whatever we’ve got—
It’s knowing that the future is secure for us,
And pursuing our tasks without fret or fuss—
For it’s by completing what God gives us to do
That we find contentment and happiness, too.

“I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” - Philippians 4:11

My friends, its my prayer for you this day, that you too, will choose to be content, in so whatever state you find yourself in this day.

How Do You Spell "American"?

My friends, I Thank God Always for allowing me, and all of you, with the power to choose our own thoughts.(Free Moral Agent). So in essence, are we not, What we choose to Think? For how do you, my friends, spell "American"? What are the last four letters? "I CAN"! Which is a type of "Attitude," you and I can choose to have, is it not? For whatever trials and tribulations that you are facing my friends, think, " I CAN", for then You Will!

•Like Paul,"I CAN" forget those things which are behind, and press onward (Philippians 3:13).
•Like David, " I CAN" lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence comes my help (Psalm 121:1).
•Like Abraham,"I CAN" trust implicitly in my God (James 2:23).
•Like Enoch,"I CAN" walk daily in fellowship with my heavenly Father (Genesis 5:22).
•Like Jehoshaphat,"I CAN" prepare my heart to seek God (2 Chronicles 19:2–3).
•Like Moses,"I CAN" choose rather to suffer, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (Hebrews 11:24–25).
•Like Daniel,"I CAN" commune with God at all times (Daniel 6:10).
•Like Job,"I CAN" be patient under all circumstances (Job 13:15–16; James 5:11).
•Like Caleb and Joshua,"I CAN" refuse to be discouraged because of superior numbers (Numbers 13:30; 14:6–9).
•Like Gideon,"I CAN" advance even though my friends be few (Judges 7:7).
•Like Aaron and Hur, "I CAN" uphold the hands of the leaders of the church with prayer and support (Exodus 17:12).
•Like Andrew,"I CAN" strive to lead my brother to Christ (John 1:40–42).
•Like Stephen,"I CAN" manifest a forgiving spirit toward all who seek my hurt (Acts 7:60).

My Friends, We Are, What We Think! And You have been blessed by God, with the Power to choose your own thoughts. Its my prayer for you, this day, that you will be mindeful of these things, and events, and thoughts, and never Forget Phil: 4:13! Then guess what my friends? "YOU WILL"!

Your Future, Are You Sure?

“For ye have not passed this way heretofore” (Josh. 3:4).

My Friends, back of the Israelites was the desert with its hunger and thirst,its restlessness and danger. In front of them was Canaan,
unknown and feared. The journey through the desert had been a
long, costly, and weary test, but this crossing into the promised
Land would be a more severe test. They were now going from
the known to the unknown, from forty years of simple life to the
complexities of strange cities and fierce and wicked foreign
peoples. Thus, Joshua said, “For ye have not passed this way
heretofore” (Josh. 3:4).

My Friends, As it was true of the Israelites, so it is true of mankind.We
“have not passed this way heretofore.” The most incredible
situations often confront us. This is the common experience of
every life. The unknown plays upon our destiny. Amid a changing
world, man is the greatest migrant. Peter wrote, “Dearly beloved,
I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly
lusts, which war against the soul” (1 Pet. 2:11).

My Friends, I now will pose some questions, for you to ponder, if I may?
What are some of the things we must, with God’s help, face and master?

1. We must master “self.” Socrates said, “Man, know
thyself,” but the process of self-knowledge is exceedingly
difficult. The Bible teaches us to examine ourselves. “Examine
yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.
Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you,
except ye be reprobates?” (2 Cor. 13:5).

My friends, Morally and Spiritually,how unwilling are many of us to know ourselves! We see defects in ourselves which we hope have not been seen by others; we see defects in others they have not seen in themselves. The realstudy of man is not the house he lives in, but man himself.

Between the cradle and the grave, there is enacted a mighty
drama by every living soul. We have never passed this way
before, and we shall never pass this way again. It is fair and
logical to ask not merely why we are called upon to make this
journey, but how can we make it with honor to ourselves and
God?

After we, through a study of the Bible, learn our purpose for being
here, we see we are to be “the salt of the earth” (Mat. 5:14), and the “light of the world” (v. 6). As the Lord knew and always kept in mind His mission to save the lost (Mat. 1:21; Luke 19:10), we should be able with Him to say of our work and lives for Him, “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world” (John 18:37).

2. My friends, I'm sure you will agree, that the world is an unknown factor outside of self. How difficult to master it! The world is an arena where every man plays his little part. The world is composed of strange and mocking contrasts. It is very cruel to some,
offering them a stone instead of bread. To others, it is strewn with roses
which are often more dangerous than stones.

My friends, We are instructed to: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any
man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And
the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the
will of God abideth for ever (1 John 2:15-17).

Thanks be unto God, we can overcome the world: “And this is the victory
that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).

3. My friends, as we all know,death is another unknown factor with which we are faced daily (Heb. 9:27). This path we must, but have not yet, trodden. We often think of death in an abstract and impersonal way as if it were something others might well meet while we ourselves are immune. Yet, the strongest are smitten daily, and death’s shadow falls upon all alike.

4. The future is unknown, and yet its grip is upon us all. The past is
behind us, and we read its records; the present is with us, and we are shapingits history, but the future is a riddle that no man can solve. Therefore, how grateful we should be that “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deut. 33:27).

God’s Word—Sufficient Light To Guide Us Home
Since we enter a new year, we need to seek the continued guidance of
our heavenly Father. We must ever keep in mind the great statement of
Jeremiah: “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). We must heed the advice of the inspired James: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him”
(Jas. 1:5).

My friends, as we contemplate the brevity of life and the significance of life’s opportunities, we pray, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Ps. 90:12).

With calm minds, courageous hearts, and contented spirits, let us go
forward my friends, to face the unknown experiences of life fully aware that we do not know the future, but we do know Him who holds the future! We need to have in our lives a great renewal, so that old duties may become fresh, and old affections ardent, and our good old aspirations filled with strength.

My friends, we need to grow in faith and love even this year to the end that at the conclusion of the year it can be said of us, as Paul beautifully complimented the Thessalonians, “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every
one of you all toward each other aboundeth” (2 Thess. 1:3).

A marvelous scriptural motto for us is: “Trust in the LORD with all
thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Prov. 3:5). In order to accomplish all of the above, we, as children of God, must come before our Father, bowed down with our unworthiness and an awareness of our sins.

Then, we need to comply with the Lord’s conditions of pardon for His children that we may be in a right relationship with Him. Precious to God’s faithful children are the great truths set out in these words,
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship
one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth
us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and
just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness (1 John 1:7-9).

My friends, remember always we can change directions, correct tendencies, obtain pardon from sins, but we can never retrace the steps already taken. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance that we add the Christian graces (2 Pet.1: 5-7).

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (2 Pet. 1:10).

For my friends, its been written, that "A Wise Man, will Increase in Learning and Knowledge, and its the Fool, who despises Knowledge and Wisdom"

Are You certain my friends, of your future?

Is Sin For Real ?

Food For Thought
My Friends, Sin Is Real!

For Wicked men, who desire to continue in sin, yet affirm it is just a figment of man’s

imagination. Sin’s existence is not the result of inherited depravity,

genetic deformity, or environmental deficiency (Eze. 18:20).

Yet, sin exists. “Sin is a fact of experience,

of observation, and of revelation”.

What is sin? Sin means to miss the mark (John 1:29), to

violate one’s conscience (whether properly trained, or not

[Rom. 14:23]), to fail to do the good one should (Jam. 4:17),

to transgress the law (1 John 3:4), and to do unrighteousness

(1 John 5:17).

Here my Friends, is a list of eight basic

words in the Hebrew (Old Testament) which describe sin.

bad (Gen. 38:7), wickedness (Exo. 2:13), guilt

(Hos. 4:15), sin (Exo. 20:20), iniquity (1 Sam. 3:13), err (Isa.

28:7), wander away (Eze. 48:11), or rebel (1 Kings 8:50).

Additionally, my friends, view my lists of twelve basic words in the Greek (New

Testament). They are: bad (Rom. 13:3), evil (Mat. 5:45), godless

(Rom. 1:18), guilt (Mat. 5:21), sin (1 Cor. 6:18), unrighteousness

(1 Cor. 6:9), lawlessness (1 Tim. 2:9), transgression (Rom. 5:14),

to be ignorant (Rom. 1:13), to go astray (1 Cor. 6:9), to fall

away (Gal. 6:1), and hypocrite (1 Tim. 4:2).

The first time the word sin appears in our English Bibles

(King James Version), of the hundreds of times it does occur,

is in Genesis 4:7. The original word (in Genesis 4:7) can mean

an offense, or the offering for the offense. In this passage, it

indicates an offering which must be made because of sin; that

is, the commission of sin necessitated an offering made to

God in order for the sinner to obtain forgiveness. This is an

important Bible principle (cf. Lev. 17:11).

Sin entered the world when Adam and Eve transgressed

the plainly given command of God (Gen. 2:16-17), a command

which they both understood (Gen. 3:2-3), but which they

both disobeyed (1 Tim. 2:13-14; 2 Cor. 11:3). By Adam, sin,

and its tragic results, “entered into the world.”

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world,

and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men,

for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in

the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no

law…) (Rom. 5:12-13; cf 1 Cor. 15:21-22, 45).

Sin had existed outside the world before the fall of

Adam and Eve, for Satan had sinned “from the beginning”:

“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth

from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was

manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” (1

John 3:8; cf. John 8:44). Apparently, Satan was one of the angels

of Heaven, but sinned [perhaps, because of pride] (Jude 6; 2

Pet. 2:4; 1 Tim. 3:6; Luke 10:18).

His temptation of Adam and Eve, through the three

avenues of “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and

the pride of life” (Gen. 3:6; cf. 1 John 2:15-17), and their

succumbing to temptation (Jam. 1:13-16; 1 Cor. 10:13; Luke

11:14), was by their hearing, believing, and obeying a lie (Gen.

3:4)—and, resulted in their being cursed and cast forth from

the Paradise of Eden (Gen. 3:16-19, 23-24). The sad account

of the fall of Adam and Eve forcefully and vividly demonstrates

the reality of sin.

THE REACTION TO SIN

My Friends, God’s reaction to the sin of the first pair, Adam and Eve,

shows just how serious our Heavenly Father considers the

problem of sin to be. Another example of God’s reaction to sin

is in the divinely given record of events prior to the worldwide

flood in Noah’s day.

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in

the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his

heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD

that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at

his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom

I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and

beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for

it repenteth me that I have made them (Gen. 6:5-7).

God’s destruction of the world by the flood, because

of man’s sin (2 Pet. 3:5), exhibits how God hates sin--it is an

abomination to Him (Pro. 6:16-18). Therefore, God has warned

man of a prepared place of perpetual punishment and pain for

the wicked (Mat. 25:41), for sin cannot abide in the presence

of God (v. 46).

My Friends, Why should not God so react? Sin destroyed the purity of

His creation, put man at enmity with Him, brought forth upon

mankind pain, sorrow, suffering, separation, and death, and finally

demanded the death of God’s Son on the cruel cross of Calvary

(Isa. 53). Yes, God hates sin, and rightfully so! While God hates

sin, He mercifully proved His great love for all men, by giving

His Son to die for sinners (1 John 2:2; John 1:29; 1 Tim. 2:4).

The “Golden Text Of The Bible” affirms the great love of

God, even for sinful man: “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” (John 3:16). Likewise,

Paul assured the Romans (and all of us):

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while

we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then,

being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from

wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we

were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much

more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And

not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus

Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement

(Rom. 5:8-11).

My Friends, We have noted, from the Scriptures, God’s reaction to sin. What is man’s reaction? Man’s reaction may be varied. See if You May know anyone like this my friends? Some (most), deny responsibility and seek to blame someone else for

their sins (Gen. 3:12-13; Exo. 32:22-24; 1 Sam. 15:15, 21). How

many lost men have you met who would truthfully admit they

were in sin? Some enjoy sin (Exo. 32:6), and revel in its pleasures

and excesses. Some are proud of sin, and even boast of their sins

to others. Some envy sinners (Pro. 23:17). While they will not

do what others do, they really WISH they could! Some tarry in

sin, “intending” some time, some how, some way, some day to

put sin behind them, and get ready for eternity, but most never

follow through on their “good intentions” (Acts 24:25).

Yes, most deny they have sinned (1 John 1:10), but notice

the good example for all given by the “prodigal” when he “came

to himself.”

And when he came to himself, he said, How many

hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and

to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to

my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned

against heaven, and before thee, And am no more

worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy

hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father.

But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him,

and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and

kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have

sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more

worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his

servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him;

and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And

bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and

be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again;

he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry

(Luke 15:17-24).

Instead of repenting of their transgressions and honestly

confessing, “I have sinned,” you may hear from them my friends, “ Well I would

repent, but: (1) He (one who wronged them) will not repent, (2) I would

be embarrassed, (3) It was just a little sin, (4) I enjoy it and want

to continue in it, (5) I am too proud to say I did wrong, (6) I do

a lot of good things, (7) Nobody saw me do it [God did], or (8) I

did not do any worse than (someone else) did!” How sad! My friends, do you Know anyone like this?

My Friends Man's reaction should be one of sorrow, shame, regret, abhorrence of

the sin committed, repentance, confession, and after seeking forgiveness,

determination to do differently, to do and be better, and to live a

holy, pure, righteous life pleasing to God—because of love for God

(1 John 5:3), and gratitude for His great grace matchless mercy and full forgiveness.

My Friends I now ask you, Is Sin For Real To You?

Does God Approve of Homosexuality?

Food For Thought
For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due (Romans 1:26-27).

My friends, against the backdrop of a thoroughly pagan Roman society, Paul presented one of the most outstanding summations ever written of God’s plan for the salvation of man—the epistle to the Romans. In order to set the stage for the Gospel (Romans 1:16-17), Paul used the major portion of the first three chapters to convince his readers that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). As evidence of the ubiquitous nature of sin, Paul listed specific sins of the pagan Gentile world (Romans 1:18-32), and of the hypocritical Jewish world (Romans 2:1-29).

My friends, one of the specific sins of the Gentile world listed by Paul was the abandonment of proper sexual relationships between men and women. The women began to lust for other women, and the men “burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful” (Romans 1:27). The contrast in verse 26 is between the “natural” and the “unnatural.” These heathens “left aside and thus discarded” the natural form of intercourse between a man and his wife. The fact that this exchange involved sexual intercourse is well established.

Does Paul’s reference to homosexuality in this chapter serve as a condemnation of the practice in general, or is Paul discussing a practice that was confined to the culture of the first century and that cannot be cited to condemn the type of so-called “loving homosexual relationships” that exist today? Many have chosen to relegate Paul’s condemnation to cultural status, and argue that it does not condemn all homosexual behavior. For its be said by some

The homosexual practices cited in Romans 1:24-27 were believed to result from idolatry and are associated with some very serious offenses as noted in Romans 1. Taken in this larger context, it should be obvious that such acts are significantly different from loving, responsible lesbian and gay relationships seen today.

The argument set forth basically hinges on the phrase “against nature.” What does the Bible mean when it says that the practices of this pagan society were “against nature?” And, is everything that is done “against nature” sinful? Does the Bible condemn all activities that “go against nature”? First Corinthians 12:9-10,29-30 describes miracles that go against nature. Also, Paul described God as acting contrary to nature by grafting the wild olive branch (Gentiles) into the good olive tree . Obviously, the Bible declares some things to be good, even though they go against nature.

What type of “nature” is being discussed? Is Paul discussing the Gentiles’ nature, the nature of humanity in general, the natural order of things, God’s nature, or some other nature? Come claims that Paul’s idea of nature entails solely cultural situations. Some claims that nature always involves possession which means if a thing is against someone’s nature, it is a thing he or she would not normally do. Thus, the Jews should not act against their nature, the Gentiles should not act against their nature, and God will not act against His nature—all three natures being different. For some definitely confine the condemnation of verses 26 and 27 to first-century culture.

My Friends, homosexual practices go against the natural pattern set by God when He created Man and woman. For remember God created Adam and Eve my friends, NOT Adam and Steve!

Is Romans 1:26-27 a cultural or a universal condemnation? One should consider the fact that Romans 1:18-3:20 pronounces all humans in every culture, race, and organization under sin. No person will be justified by the law (3:20). No person will receive forgiveness if he does not obey God from the heart (2:29). No person will attain salvation if he despises the riches of God’s goodness (2:4). No person will see the kingdom of God if he is a murderer (2:29). Neither will a person inherit salvation if he or she practices homosexuality, whether he or she is a Gentile in Rome or a banker in New York City (1:26-27).

My friends, if you will; verses 29-32 of Romans chapter one are simply a continuation of the sin list introduced in verse 24. No scholar would remotely contend that “unloving,” “unforgiving,” and “unmerciful” were cultural traits that do not transcend the passage of earthly time and culture. Yet some would try to separate homosexuality from this list, thus separating it from Paul’s list of timeless truths; transforming it into a culturally bad habit. Such does violence to the text of Romans.

My Friends, yet another device used by pro-homosexual scholars to defend their position is a plea of ignorance. They do not submit a plea of their own ignorance, of course, but a plea of Paul’s ignorance. It is affirmed that Paul was not aware of the true love that can exist between homosexual couples. They say Paul did not deal with gay people; rather, he dealt with homosexual acts . Therefore, the type of homosexual “love” that exists today is supposedly much higher and nobler than anything Paul had seen among the Romans and Greeks during his lifetime.

Some will even strongly opposes the above claim. They may have argued that Paul was one of the most educated men of his day. He was raised in Tarsus, the third most intellectual city in the world, ranking only behind Athens and Alexandria. In Athens they spent their time in nothing else but to tell or hear some new thing. Tarsus was much the same. Paul knew the Stoic poets, and he studied Greek literature and culture. One would be naïve to think that Paul was not cognizant of the fact that certain Greeks regarded homosexuality as the highest form of love.

My friends, every past, present, or future society wants to think that it has arrived at the pinnacle of some new form of thought or practice. Societies want to claim inventive prerogative in industry, civility, scholarship, and even sexuality. Arrogance is epitomized in the idea that Paul and his contemporaries knew nothing of the “exalted homosexual love” of the present day. Let wisdom’s voice be heard ringing loudly throughout the halls of time: “That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). The twenty-first century may well be the most inventive, “progressive” time period the world has ever seen, but it must be understood that this generation did not invent a form of exalted homosexual love that is pure and right in the sight of God.

Another argument draws itself into battle array against the idea that Romans 1:26-27 describes all homosexual behavior. This argument, commonly known as the “abuse argument,” states that God does not condemn all homosexual activity, only the abuse of such activity. The “supporting evidence” is this: God never condemns eating, but he does condemn gluttony, which is the abuse of eating. Further, God never condemns heterosexual intercourse, but he does declare that the abuse of such intercourse in the form of fornication and adultery is sinful. Therefore, some have concluded that Paul did not condemn all homosexual activity in Romans 1, but only inappropriate, abusive homosexual activity.

My friends, this argument is very tenuous indeed. If fornication and adultery are abuses of the sexual relationship, in what way do they abuse it? They are abuses to the marriage relationship that was established with the first man and the first woman. Genesis 2:24 records: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” God—in all of Holy Writ—never declared that the act of sex outside of His marriage parameters is acceptable. Sex is permitted only within holy matrimony. The only type of holy matrimony instituted by God is between a man and a woman. This is confirmed by every biblical text that deals specifically with the subject. For example, 1 Corinthians 7:2 states: “Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband” (emp. added). Even Jesus, in Matthew 5:32 and 19:1-9, identified marriage between a male and a female as the only place in which sexual intercourse is sanctioned. If one must plead that the homosexual activity described in Romans is an abuse of something, let him plead that it is the heinous abuse of the God-instituted marriage relationship.

My Friends, Homosexuality has been against the will of God since the beginning of Creation when He made humans male and female. Romans 1:26-27 deals specifically with homosexuality, and condemns it as a practice that is wrong in every culture, during every time period. There never will be a day when the text of Romans 1:26-27 can accurately be twisted to permit any type of same-sex intercourse. Nor will there be a day when a practicing homosexual who refuses to repent will be saved from his or her sins. God wants all men and women everywhere to be saved (2 Peter 3:9), but He demands that they repent of and turn away from their sins, “because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:30-31).

My friends, Homosexuality is Sin! And God Hates Sin! And Sin separates Man from God here, and thru eternity. Its my hope and prayer that those, who choose to commit such sin, will "Wake Up" and Repent! Before its everlastingly to late.

Pray For them my friends.

Can Your Soul Be Forfeited Forever? (Conclusion)

WARNINGS AGAINST FALLING:

My Friends, to the church at Corinth Paul warned these brethren against falling when he gave the Israelites in the wilderness as an example (1 Cor.10:1-12). The Israelites had passed through the sea, they had been delivered from bondage, a type of our bondage from sin. They fell ! "Howbeit with most of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness" (vs.5).

My Friends, Why did they fall? Why are somes falling today? Why were they Overthrown? First, they, and yes too, my friends some today choose to lust after evil things.(v6) (2) They were and yes too, my friends some today choose to have know problems with Idolatry.(v7)(ex. Placing Money/Material Things First, even before God or in place of Him & His Ways) (3) They, like some today choose to think and believe, and act on Fornication. My friends, do you know anyone like this? I mean, perhaps one that has chosen to live in this sin? (Living with another(opposite sex) out side of marriage, or even perhaps choosing to have a sexual relations outside of marriage. Perhaps my friends, you may even know of one, who has chosen to support such behavior, and even has chosen to be so arrogant, or perhaps foolish enough to encourage it, even with their own loved ones, or even perhaps there own family members all the time turning there back on God Himself! Sad. Pray For them, that they might see the error of their Ways. (4) They made trial of the Lord (v.9) (5) They murmured (v10). Some of those Israelites lost their reward. Paul states that "these things happened unto them by way of example; and they were written for our admonition" (v.11)

What is the admonition, my friends? That we do not fall! For remember my friends back then they lost their inheritance and we can lose ours! For God has not changed His Mind, my friends, and we ought not attempt to think He has! Nor would it be wise, to think and act, and support such un-godly choices, in the hopes, our Lord will just "Wink" at it, and turn His head.
For its written "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor.l 10-12).

The Book of Hebrews was written for the purpose of preventing "Apostasy". As there was a danger that those Christians to whom the letter was addressed might return to their condition before their conversion, for warning after warning is given. "Take Heed Brethren, lest haply there shall be found in any one of you an evil heart or unbelief, in falling away from the living God" (Hebrews 3:12)(Heb. 4:1; 6:4-6).

My friends, the language cannot be plainer that a child of God can lose his reward. For Many today have chosen not to believe or obey those things, that are clearly taught in His Word! The major portion of the New Testament is written to Christians, teaching them how to live. For If a child of God cannot be lost, why all of this teaching? Why the many admonitions and warnings against falling?

EXAMPLES OF FALLING:

My Friends, as we have learned, the first man, Adam, who was made in God's likeness (Gen.1:26) sinned, and as a result he was separated from God, dead spiritaully (Romans 5:12). The Israelites sinned and perished in the wilderness; they lost their reward (1 Cor. 10:1-12).

Saul, the first king of Israel was God's anointed (1 Sam.10:1). He had God's spirit in him (v.10) and he was God's chosen (v.24). It cannot be said, therefore, that Saul was not a child of God. In 1 Samuel 15 we are told of Saul's disobedience. As a result he was rejected (1 Sam. 15:23). God's spirit departed Saul(1 Sam. 16:14) and Jehovah became Saul's enemy and departed from him(1 Sam. 28:15,16). Saul fell from "Grace" my friends!

My friends, you recall Judas Iscariot was a disciple of Christ (Matt: 10-1); he was an apostle (Matt: 10:2); and he was given to Christ (John 17:12). For Luke tells us in Acts 1:25 that he "Fell Away". The scriptures do not teach that Judas was "a devil from the beginning." The devil is not a disciple of Christ, but Judas was! From what did Judas fall? He fell from his apostleship.(Acts 1:25). As a result he went to his own place. That place could only be perdition because Jesus said in John 17:12 that none of his apostles had perished except "the son of perdition" and that was Judas, my friends. Judas, a child of God, fell away and was lost.

Ananias and Sapphira were members of the church at Jerusalem. They lied to the Holy Spirit and they died (Acts 5). My friends we can read in Rev. 21:, "But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolators and all liars, for their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire, and brimstone; which is the second death." My friends, are you listening, here it states "All Liars" will be punished in the lake of fire! My friends, do you know of any one, perhaps even on this site, that has chosen to lie, or be deceiving, or vulgar, first to themself, and then to others, while interacting on this new media age, called thee "Internet?" Have you encouraged them, that they ought not? Have you shared with them, what the Consequences will be for them, if they foolishly choose to continue down that broad path? Have you encouraged them to choose to be Godly and Christ-Like in so that they may not have to endure the consequences of such foolish choices?

For I recall sharing with you my friends, what my Big Sister (Rory) years ago, once taught me, for she said to me "Jim, Learn to be Wise, for your choices have consequences, Think before you act." Just Love her to death my friends! Do You have someone like this, you can share this wisdom with my friends? Have you? Will You? Can You? Well, if you Love Them enough, I pray that you will!

So my friends, as it is written "All Liars" will be punished in the lake of fire. Are we to suppose that the lying child of God is exempt? Ananias and Sapphira lied and "All" liars will be punished.

In Acts Chapter 8, we have the record of Simon the Sorcerer. Simon heard Phillip preach Christ and he believed and obeyed and was baptized (Acts 8:13). It cannot be argued that Simon was never saved because Jesus said in Mark 16:16, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." We read in Acts 8:13, "And Simon also himself believed; and being baptized, he continued with Phillip."

Simon sinned and he was told by Peter to repent and pray (Acts 8:22). This is the law of pardon for an "Erring" child of God, one that has wisely chosen to Obey the Gospel of Christ and become a New Testament Christian.

For they Obeyed, they Heard the Word of God, they Believed, they Confessed, they repented, and were then baptized for the remission of sins. Thus Now Saved! So my friends, I pray You too, will choose to do this as well!

My friends, not only are children of God warned against falling but God has given the terms of pardon if they do fall. They are to repent and pray. The case of Simon is a plain example of apostasy, a child of God who fell. When Simon attempted to buy the gift of God with money Peter told him, "Thy silver perish with thee" (Acts 8:20). Pardon or forgiveness could only be obtained by complying with the conditions that God set forth, "Repentance and Prayer".

HOW TO KEEP FROM FALLING:

The apostle Peter addressing Christians, wrote in 2 Peter 1:4-11, "whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust. Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence in your faith supply virtue; and in your virtue knowledge; and in your knowledge self-control; and in your self-control patience; and in your patience godliness; and in your godliness brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours, and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful unto the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he that lacketh these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins. Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things ye shall never stumble: for thus shall be richly supplied unto you the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

My friends, these brethren had "escaped from the corruption that is in the world"(v4) and they had been cleansed from their old sins(v.9). By the very fact that Peter admonished his brethren to make their "calling and election sure" it is clear that there was a possibility that they could fail to enter the eternal kingdom. They were urged to add those things mentioned in verses 5 & 6 and if they failed to do so they are described as "blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing of his old sins."

Peter also wrote in 1 Peter 5:8, "Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." If there is no possibility of a child of God being lost, why this admonition?

That children of God may avoid falling, James wrote in James 5:12, "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by the heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath: but let your yea be yea, and your nay,nay; that ye fall not under judgement." "That ye fall not under judgement."

And finally my friends, to prevent falling, Peter admonished, "Ye therefore beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware lest, being carried away with the error of the wicked, and foolish, ye fall from your own stedfastness" (2 Peter 3:17). What would be necessary to make language any plainer that a child of God could lose his reward and be loss forever in hell? "Beware lest.. ye fall from your own stedfastness."

My friends, from all the above considerations, I've atempted to share with you that it is possible for a child of God to sin, that he will be lost in sin if he does not repent: therefore, it is possible for a child of God to so sin as to finally be lost. Eternal Life can be Forfeited!


******PERSONAL NOTE*************
I have Received Numerous Request
On The Topic of "Loneliness"!
I Will Be Preparing a "Food For Thought"
On Loneliness For Your Next Vist!

Stay Tuned My Friends:


Jim

Can Your Soul Be Forfeited Forever? (Part II)

It Is Not Impossible For A Child of God to Sin.

My Friends, if it is impossible for a child of God to sin, why did Paul command the brethren at Colossae "lie not one to another; seeing that ye have put off the old man with his doings" (Col. 3:9)?

My Friends, they were children of God, they had put off the old man, and they were told not to lie. If it is possible for a child of God to lie, it is possible for him to sin. For Paul wrote to his brethren at Rome, "thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, doest thou commit adultery? (Rom: 2:21,22).

My friends, it is possible for a child of God to steal and commit adultery. It is possible for a child of God to become drunk. Paul wrote to his brethren at Ephesus, "And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit" (Eph. 5:18). It is possible for a child of God to lust. Peter wrote to his brethren, "Beloved, I beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lust, which war against the soul" ( 1 Peter 2:11). The scriptures my friends, affirm that it is possible for a child of God to lie, steal, get drunk, and lust.

It is contended by those who subscribe to the false doctrine of the "Impossibility of Apostasy" on the part of the child of God that when he sins it is only his body that sins; he sins outwardly but not inwardly. Jesus said, however, in Mark 7:21-23, "For from within, out of the heart of men, evil thoughts proceed, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, covetings, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, pride, foolishness: all these evil things proceed from within, and defile the man."

The body is the instrument of sin and the outward acts of the body are within. Paul wrote to the brethren at Rome, "neither present your members unto sin, as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves unto God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God" (Romans. 6:13). That it is possible for the spirit of the child of God to sin is seen in this verse: "Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilements of flesh and spirit" (1 Cor. 7:1). Paul was adressing his brethren at Corinth. If their spirits could not be defiled, why were they urged to cleanse themselves of all defilements of flesh and spirit? Why not the flesh only if it was impossible for them to sin inwardly? Were they commanded to cleanse themselves of that which was impossible to defiled?

The Child of God Can Be Lost:

Jesus told his disciples to "rejoice because, your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20). He wrote the Philippians that their names were "in the book of life" (Phil.4:3), and the inspired writer referred to the church in Heb.12:23, as "the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven." To the angel of the church at Sardis in Rev. 3:5, the Lord wrote; "He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments, and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life." It is possible my friends, for a child of God to have his name blotted out of the book of life. Those whose names remain are those who overcome. Salvation my friends is in fact "Conditional."

It is possible for a child of God to sin; it is possible for him to lie, steal, cheat, get drunk, and lust, live with a man, and sleep with a man, outside of marriage. Now the question I pose for you my friend to consider is: If a child of God should die while guilty of these sins or any other sin, will he go to heaven or will he be lost?

Paul says in Romans 8:13, "For if ye live after the flesh, he shall die." These readers are addressed as "brethren" in the preceding verse. The epistle was written to "saints" (Rom. 1:7), members of the Lord's Church. Spiritual death is meant here because men die physically regardless of how they live. It is possible for a child of God to die in his sins, die spiritually.

Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 6:9-10, "Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kindgom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkdards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kindgom of God." Fornication was a sin that was committed by a member of the church at Corinth (1 Cor. 5:1). Paul wrote the following to his church in his second epistle: "lest again when I come my God should humble me before you, and I should morun for many of them that have sinned heretofore, and repented not of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they committed" (2 Cor. 12:21). Paul stated in 1 Cor. 6:9-10 that those who were guilty of those sins would not inherit the kingdom of God. There were some of those sins prevalent in the church at Corinth. Paul feared that he would come to Corinth again and that some had not repented of those sins. If they did not repent they would not inherit the kingdom of God. They would be lost, and language could not be made any plainer. Who were they? They were sanctified people (1Cor 1:2), children of God.

Paul feared that he, a child of God might lose his "Reward". He wrote in 1 Cor. 9:27, "but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others. I myself should be rejected." Paul recognized that his body could become the instrument of sin; therefore he said, "I buffet my body." Paul realized that he might be rejected, and that he might lose his reward.

James refers to the erring brother in James 5:19-20 where he write: "My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a sould from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins." The book of James, my friends, was addressed to Christians. In this passage being considered he has in mind those who were in sin because of past action. The child of God who errs from the truth is a backslider and he is in a serious condition. James says that if an erring brother is converted, that is, turned back to the truth, a soul is saved from death. (Eternal Punishment).

This can only mean eternal death because repentance will not save a person from physical death. It is plain that the erring brother who does not repent, turn back, is lost forever thru eternity.


My Friends, a child of God who sins will be lost is evident from 1 Peter 2:20-22. Here we read, "For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the last state is become worse with them than the first. For it were better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered unto them. It has happend unto them according to the true proverb, the dog turning to his own vomit again, and the sow that had washed to wallowing in the mire." Peter draws an ugly picture of "Apostates", does he not, my Friends?

Here were those who had once "Obeyed" the gospel, they had "escaped the defilements of the world," but they were overcome. My friends, it cannot be argued that these people never were saved because we are told that they had escaped the "defilements of the world." They had lapsed into their former manner of living and their last state had become worse with them than the first. The dog and sow illustration is given and the point of the proverb is not that the dog remained a dog, and the sow remained a sow, but that each returned to its former state of defilement.

Remember always my friends, a Man was a man before he became a Christian and he is still a man, but he is a washed man (1 Cor. 6:11; Heb. 10:22). A washed sow can return to her wallowing and a washed man can return to his former life. The child of God is one washed by the blood of Christ but if he returns to his former condition he will be lost for eternity, unless he repents.

In The Conclusion Of This "Food For Thought"
I'll Be Discussing:

Warnings Against Falling
Examples of Falling
How to Keep From Falling
My Closing Remarks.

So Stay Tuned My Friends.


Jim

Can Your Soul Be Forfeited Forever?

My Friends, I Thank God Always, for the opportunity to share His Words and His ways to all of mankind. And too, I thanked him this day, for All of You!
For I was blessed today, by a special friend,(Teresa) who took the time to visit us here, and was kind enough to make a comment. In her comment, she had mentioned how these "Food For Thoughts" helped her, as well as others search there souls. Hence Thee inspiration I needed, to once again place My "Pen to Paper" for this "Food For Thought" being mindful of my friends remarks. One's Soul!

Can Eternal Life be Forfeited?

My friends, there is a doctrine in the world today that is known as the "Doctrine of the Impossibility of Apostasy," or the "Unconditional Security of the Believer." It means that a child of God, one whose sins have been washed away by the blood of Christ, cannot so sin as to finally be lost. Simply stated, it is the doctrine "Once saved always saved", or "Once in grace always in grace." Have you ever heard of those my friends?

These False doctrines, made up, by foolish man goes back to the old doctrine of predestination and foreordination, the theory that God decreed before the world began that a certain elect number should be saved and a certain fixed number could not be saved. It is the idea that the child of God can never so sin so as to finally be lost. This false teaching has been expressed this way: "If you seek it you can't find it; if you find it you cant get it, if you get it you cant lose it, and if you lose it you never had it."

Well my friends, this "Food For Thought" has to do with the child of God. For I am not discussing God, but the child of God. Can a child of God so sin as to finally be lost? Can the child of God forfeit his eternal life? Can He Loose His Soul? My friends, I'm certain we all can agree that God can do all things. For we dare not ever question His power, His will, His mercy, His love, His goodness, His wrath, or His faithfulness. God has the power to keep one saved, but does he exercise that power? Is man not a Free Moral Agent? Or perhaps is a mere object in God's hand only to be moved by God's impluse? Is salvation conditional or unconditional? Is there anything that man himself can do so as to be lost? These my friends, are the questions that challenge our thinking at this time. Are They Not?

The Origin of "Unconditional Security"

My friends, the doctrine of "once saved always saved" is not new. It originated in the garden of Eden when the serpent came to Eve and said, "Ye shall not surely die" (Gen:3:4). God had already pronounced that the curse of death would be upon Adam the day that he would eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Gen.2:16-17). Adam did not die physically on the day that he ate of the tree because as we all know, he lived several hundred years after that, but he died spiritually. My friends, the word "death" that is translated from the Greek word "Thanatos" is the separation of the soul from the body, but it is also used in the scriptures as "the separation of man from God"

My friends, before people are converted to Christ they are said to be "dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph.2:1,2); that is, they are separated from God, they are lost. Spiritual Life is union with God; Spiritual death is separation from God. For the account in Gen: 2 we can see that when Adam and Eve sinned they separated themselves from God. They were not born sinners, as some foolish man still proclaim today, for we too, like Adam and Eve are not born sinners. Sin is the transgression of the law (1Jno 3:4). Adam and Eve became sinners when they sinned and that is how we become sinners. It was man who separated himself from God. God had the power to prohibit man from sinning but the fact is, God did not exercise that power because man was created as a "Free Moral Agent". "The soul that sinneth, it shall die" (Ezek. 18:20).

Can A Believer Cease To Believe?

My friends, most will agree that salvation is dependent upon faith and obedience to God/Christ and there Word. But is it possible for a child of God to depart from the faith? Is it possible for him to cease to be a believer and obedient, and thereby forfeit his eternal life? For the child of God is one who is in covenant relationship with God by obedience of the gospel(His Word). He is a new creature (2 Cor.5:17) and made such because he was baptized into Christ(Gal 3:27). He is saved believer, but what may happen to his faith? His faith may fail. Jesus said to Peter in Luke 22:32, "but I made supplication for thee, that thy faith fail not." The child of God may depart from the faith (1 Tim. 4:1). Here the Holy Spirit through Paul predicted that men would apostatize from the truth. The child of God may throw away his faith and his good conscience and make shipwreck of the faith (1 Tim. 1:18).

My friends, here, Faith and a good conscience were once possessed but they were thrust away and shipwreck was made concerning the faith. The child of God may deny the faith (1 Tim. 5:8). He may cast off the faith (1 Tim. 5:12). He may even turn after Satan (1 Tim. 5:15). He may err concerning the faith (1 Tim. 6:20,21). His faith may be overthrown (1 Tim. 2:16-18). The word "Faith" in these scriptures my friends, is the word "pistis" in the Greek, the same word that is used in Romans 5:1, where Paul writes that we are "justified by faith." The faith that saves, then can be denied, overthrown, shipwrecked, and cast off. As a result one is turned over to Satan, condemned.

So my friends, I ask, once again, Can a child of God become an "UnBeliever"? And choose to become "Disobedient"? The writer of Hebrews Chap 10:32-39, describes a certain class as those who had been enlightened, endured, and had a better possession. They were exhorted to remain faithful; however, there were some that "shrink back unto perdition." Yes, my friends it is possible that a child of God can go back into perdition and thereby become an unbeliever.

It is Possible For A Child of God to Sin

That it is possible for a child of God to sin is very evident from the scriptures. It is argued, however by foolish man, that it is impossible for a child of God to sin and (1 John 3:9) is often times referred to in an effort to prove there foolish contention. Yet another example of foolish man, to "Add to & Take Away" From the Word of God! Pray for them! For in the first chapter of (1 Jno v.8-9), we find "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all sin." In view of the fact that John tells his readers that if they say that they have no sin they deceive themselves, and because he tells them that if they will confess their sins God will forgive them of their sins, he could not be teaching that it is "Impossible" to sin as in (1 Jno.3:9). So then John wrote in (1 John 2:1), "And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." If it is impossible for a child of God to sin, why this assurance? How could John be saying that it is impossible to sin when he had already told his readers that if they would confess their sins God would forgive them and that if they sin they have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ?

My friends, I recall sharing with you, the thought, that "Words" do matter! In a previous writing. For here, the word "cannot" does not always mean "impossible" as is seen in the following instances. Judah said of Benjamin, "The lad cannot leave his father" (Gen. 44:22). Was it impossible for Benjamin to go down to Egypt? No, because later he did go down to Egypt. Jesus said that the sons of the bride-chamber cannot fast as long as they have the bridegroom with them (Mark 2:19). Was it impossible for them to fast in the presence of the bridegroom? When certain ones were invited to a great feast, they made excuses and one said, "I have married a wife, therefore I cannot come" (Luke. 14:20). Was it impossible for him to attend the supper?

My friends, a child of God cannot make a practice of sin, and continue to be like Christ. He is to exhibit the life of Christ but the practice of sin will prohibit him from doing it. For a gospel preacher one said, "No one who is born of God makes a practice of sinning", referring of course to (1 Jno 3:9).

In Part II of this "Food For Thought"
I'll Be Discussing:

It Is Not Impossible For A Child of God to Sin
The Child of God Can Be Lost
Warnings Against Falling
Examples of Falling

In The Conclusion of This "Food For Thought"
I'll Be Discussing:

How To Keep From Falling
Closing Remarks

Stay Tuned My Friends!

Jim

Curiosity May Have Killed The Cat (Conclusion)

"Food For Thought"

Curiosity Leads to Investigation: For the Truth is Never hurt by Investigation.

My Friends, the Psalmist invites: "O taste and see that the LORD is good.." (34:8). Jesus did not criticize Thomas for saying, "Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will Not Believe" (John 20:25). At their next meeting, Jesus invited Thomas to ".. reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side. "(20:27). He does not want any of us "faithless, but believing" (20:27)

The Ethiopian was curious enough to investigate Isaiah 53, and even invited a stranger to explain its meaning to him. He left the encounter rejoicing (Acts 8:32-40). God counted the Thessalonian Gentile "noble" for their investigation of Paul's sermons (Acts 17:11).

My Friends, as previously stated, I Thanked God, for our little "Mikee D"

For It is good for young people and too, young Christians to ask "Why"?(Thanks Mike)!

For I just love it, my friends, when I hear a young Christian ask "Why" do we take the Lord's Supper every Sunday? Then of course even some New Christians ask "Why" teach baptism for the remission of sins? or "Why" place so much emphasis on missions, and personal work? "Why" not have pianos or organs in our Worship service? "Why" have elders instead of a pastor? "Why" the emphasis on love and marriage? "Why" do women not lead prayers in worship service? "Why" do Christians talk so much about heaven? "Why" does the preacher preach on hell? "Why" not jazz up our services with a choir, or with handclapping, humming, strobe lights, and drama? "Why" withdraw fellowship from a "Wayward" brother/sister? "Why" so much talk of God's grace, mercy, and love? Is there only one church God approves? "Why" have Gospel Meeting and Bible classes? "Why" not baptize babies? "Why" emphasize prayer and providence? It is wrong to dance, pet, dress in brief attire, and drink socially? "Why" is "Church" the center of our lives? "Why" do Christians love each other so much and seem so happy when they are together?

Well my friends, when we become curious enough, we will ask a parent, spouse, teacher, preacher, or elder for some answers (cf. Matt: 17:10; Acts 8:31; 1 Corinthians 14:35). For the Wise will even take out their Bibles and look up the answers so that they can know for sure (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:3; John 6:69).

My friends, we all need to have our own faith, not just a "This is what my parents always said" or "Well its our Family Tradition" or "Well, this is what I was taught, so it must be right" or "The Pope, and the priest, and the nuns always said". But then when asked, "What" does God say in His written Word to You/Man"? "Oh, well we dont really do that, but sometimes we do, hmmm not really sure!"

Do You know anyone like that my friends? All Christians need to be able to say, "I Believe this because God said it, in His written Word, to Us"! "And to ignore it, or foolishly attempt to "Add to/Take Away" or just do some of what He says,(Pick&Choose) or even not Believe Him at all, is sin, and sin is what separates us from Him, now and thru eternity". "No Thank You"!

(Romans 10:17)

Investigation Leads to Knowledge which Leads to Faith: (Thanks Ror) "Learn To Be Wise, Is My Suggestion"

My friends, if we give Jesus claims a closer look, we never come away disappointed. He's not less than we've heard, He's more, much more! He astonishes people. People who actually saw Him ".. were beyong measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well..." (Mark 7:37). He is the "Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending" (Revelation 1:8).

My friends, as we look into that "Light that Shineth in a dark place," the day of Faith will dawn, and the "Day star will arise in our hearts" (2 Peter 1:19). His claims are not empty; He is the "Fullness of God" (Colossians 1:19). He is limitless in the extent of His Power and Wisdom, and in the sweep of His duration. He is without Beginning of years or End of days. He is Infinite, Eternal, and Unchangeable in all the Divine attributes. Impressed My Friends? Who Wouldnt Be?

Faith Leads to Obedience Which Leads to Salvation:

Faith led Zacchaeus to "Obey" Jesus (Jesus gave him two commands-make haste, come down-and he readily did both), and Jesus told him, "Salvation is come to thy house" (Luke 19:9). Zacchaeus gives the impression that "Whatever" Jesus asked him to do, he would do.

My Friends, Jesus asks us to, "Hear" Him,(Romans 10:17), "Believe" in Him (John 3:16);8:24; to "Repent"(Turn Away)from " of our sins (Luke 13:3); to "Confess" our faith in Him to others (Matthew 10:32;33); and to be immersed(baptized) in water to have sins forgiven (Mark 16:16). He asks us to "deny ungodliness, and worldly lusts" and live "soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world" (Titus 2:14). For then He will "Add" you, to "His" Church(Acts 2:37)(Romans 16:16) Thus a New Testament Christian thus then Saved!

Faith "Obeys". Note my friends, the progression again: Curiosity leads to Investigation, which leads to Knowledge, which leads to Faith(Rom:10-17), which leads to Obedience (Romans 16:26) which leads to Salvation(Hebrews 5:8,9). As a sinner first coming to Jesus, my Faith (John 3:16), must lead me to Repent(Turn Away) of sins (Luke 13:3), Confess Faith in Christ's deity (Matthew 10:32,33), and be Baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). Then my Faith must lead me to continue to walk with Jesus for the rest of my life (Revelation 2:19; John 14:15; 15:14).

My Friends, its my Prayer this day for You, that you'll choose to keep feeding your Spiritual Curiosity. You might find something better than "Nine Lives."

Curiosity May Have Killed the Cat

But my Friends, it Saved Zacchaeus:

Zacchaeus may have been a wee little man, but dont sell him short. He is more than a minor New Testament character (Luke 10:1-10). One characteristic that cause him to stand above the crowd is his curiosity. It was no passsing interest that caused the little man who collected big taxes to run ahead of the multitude and call attention to his short stature by climbing a tree. This curiosity brought "salvation to his house" (19:9).

My friends, I recently had the privilige of reading a "Food For Thought" that was written by a member of my family, who I've always considered "One of a Kind" and has always been very dear to my heart. And who has always brought me pleasure thru her obivious God given talents/skills, mind, as well as her other such fine personal attributes that she clearly possess. For in her writing, she reminded me of how some in this life, choose to be cynical, and too, how others may choose to always ask the question Why?

Well my friends, What about you? Are you like her? Do you have an active mind? Do you find yourself asking, "Why"? more often than most? Does your curiosity spill over into the religious realm? Have you read much of the Bible?(God's Word) to Man! Have you wondered about its claims to be inspired of God, its story of creation, its record of miracles, its discussion of Jesus virgin birth and bodily resurrection, its claims about heaven and hell? If so my friends, I would like to encourage you to keep reading! For I've chosen to prepare this "Food For Thought" with her in mind, and too, Just for YOU my Friends!

Evidently Zacchaeus had heard some pretty amazing things about Jesus: Somebody came through Jericho a while back who said He fed five thousand people up by Lake Galilee.. for another reported seeing Him cast out devils and heal lepers.. rumor was He raised a dead man up on the mountain.. walked on the Sea of Galilee, too, some say.. Just today they said He had healed two blind men, on the other side of town.

And then there were the other things: Jesus didnt tow the party line with those hateful scribes and Pharisees.. He associated with publicans, ate with publicans, made a publican the hero of one of His sermons, selected a publican as of of His apostles, was even known as the "friend of publicans and sinners". He preached about doing away with the tradition of the elders and urged people to follow only the will of God. Well my friends, this was enough to make a man just a little curious. Just like that "One of a Kind" in my family.

Jesus was used to being the object of curiosity. As an infant, He aroused the curiosity of the "Magi" (Matt:2:2); angels peered from heavenly windows to see their Master's new form (Luke 2:15; 1 Peter 1:12); and Simeon couldn't wait to hold Him(Luke 2:28).

As a boy, doctors in the temple found Him very interesting(Luke 2:47). As a man, two of John's disciples were inquisitive about where He lived and were invited to "come and see" (John 1:38,39). A ruler of the Jews named Nicodemus was curious enough to pay Him an "after hours" visit(John 3:2). Simon the Pharisee was curious about "whether he were a prophet or not" and invited Him to a banquet(Luke 7:36). Certain Greeks who came to a feast Jesus also attended asked Philip to arrange for them to meet Jesus. (Their request is ours, too: "Sir, we would see Jesus, (John 12:20,21; cf. 1 John 3:1-3). Interest never waned, my friends, to include with my family member, which I call "Our One of a Kind". And even Herod wanted to see Him because He had heard such marvelous things about Him (Luke 23:8).

My friends, I've found that Most of us first come to Jesus on this level. Even after two thousand years. He is still the most talked about, most controversial, human ever to reside on the Planet. Sure we heard some things, not sure if we believe them yet, but we are curious, are we not? Things like "born of a virgin." Are you for real? (Yes.) "Put His hands on sick people and they got better." Yea right! (Exactly Right.) Walked on the water? C'mon. (The only thing that got wet was the bottom of his feet.) Called His friend and Lazarus come out to see Him from the grave? Sounds like a Halloween story Jim.. (No story. Lazarus is one man who died twice). Murdered by His enemies on Friday, but got the last laugh on Sunday morning. Pretty unbelievable huh my friends? (Thats what makes it a miracle.)

And then, like all of you, that choose to be cynical, and yes, like Zacchaeus, there are the other things for you, and us. For my friends Jesus forgave people of "Anything", once they repented (Turned Away), like a single women living and sleeping with a man, outside of marriage, and having sexual relations with him, and like the woman caught in adultery and that murderer Saul of Tarsus. He even prayed for His executioners! He catered to common folks and tapped ordinary people to be His most relied upon lieutenants. He made it sound like anybody could please Him if they wanted to enough, and everybody could make it to heaven. It's still enough to make a person inquisitive even still today, and perhaps even You, My Friend!

My Friends, it is good for us to be curious about spiritual things, is it not? We were born questioners. For I recall years ago, when I had the privilige and honor to babysit our family's first born boy, who I will call Mikee "D". For I was blessed to see the wonderment in his eyes as we interacted together, just him and me all alone. For I recall his favorite "Word" to me, even til this day, and always just loved it, when He said, "Uncle Jim, Why?" For "Why" was his favorite word. And thus he taught me to use that word, when I was blessed to have children of my own, a few years later, thus encouraging them as well to use it, at every opportunity.
So even today adults should not give up that word too easily. Einstein said, "The important thing is not to stop questioning." Charles P. Steinmetz said, "No man really becomes a fool until he stops asking questions." Samuel Johnson said, "Curiosity is one of the permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect." James Thurber said, "It is better to ask some of the questions than to know all the answers."

Paul taught, "Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21; cf. Romans 12:2; Ephesians 5:10; Philippians 1:10). Jesus told the Jews; "Search the scriptures" (John 5:39), and urged His followers to be "fruit inspectors" (Matt:7:15-20). He insisted that God gave us eyes, ears, and brains for a reason ("Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?" (Mark 7:16; cf. Matt:13-16, Luke 8:18).

For Remember always my friends Curiosity is not a thing to be crushed. Nor Doubt is the prelude of knowledge in this writers subjective view.


In My Conclusion of This "Food For Thought"

Curiosity Will Lead You to
Investigate.

Remembering "Mikee D's" Question
"Why"

Investigation leads to Knowledge
Which Leads to Faith.

Faith Leads to Obedience Which
Leads to Salvation.

Stay Tuned My Friends!

Jim

The Older Women A Lingering Fragrance

My Friends, as I "Penn" This Food For Thought, I'm reminded by all those God Fearing Beauitful Women, who have truly been blessed to possess such fine personal attributes, and have chosen to live there lives in a faithful manner, always encouraging and leading others to Christ and His Ways. For This "Food For Thought" was written, with all of them in mind, and is dedicated to and for my real Help-meet(skye2dy), who has been such a great role model, for all women through out the world today!


A Lingering Fragrance
The life of an older godly
woman is compared to
a beautiful rose.

The mature Christian
woman’s roots are strong and
firm because she is grounded
in God’s Word.

The long graceful
stem, with its many thorns,
represents her life with many
trials and tribulations.

A fragile rosebud is pretty, but not until the petal
begins to unfold do we see the full beauty of the rose.
Likewise, the years unfold showing the true beauty of the
dedicated life of the Christian woman. All her love and
kindness is as the softness of each velvety white petal.

To the heart of the rose comes the bee to gather
nectar for its honey, the sweetest food known to man! From
the loving heart of the older Christian woman comes the
spiritual bread as she teaches and influences the younger
woman in all the ways God has commanded.

Only when the rose bloom reaches maturity do we
catch the full sweetness of the aroma as it emits from the
very heart of the flower. So in maturity, a Christian woman
keeps Christ in her heart and truly loves as Christ loved.

Deep in the heart of the rose is hidden the seed of
life itself. In the pure heart of the Christian woman we find
knowledge and wisdom of how to live the abundant life. She
is not afraid of loneliness, because she knows she is not alone
when God is her constant companion. God’s ever presence
gives her courage.

When the dew of the evening falls on the full blown
rose, it has reached the height of its beauty. The Christian
woman can so live her life that when she reaches the twilight
years she will find them to be the best and most beautiful.

She does not fear death, for she has faith that God will keep
His promise. She finds peace and comfort in the Scriptures,
“And lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world”
(Mat. 28:20).

What Happens To Me, When I Die?

Food For Thought:

My Friends, Remember always, that each one of us, has been created with a soul/spirit within; and that Soul /Spirit Will End up Somewhere, when we die, either in Heaven, or in Hell!

James wrote: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith

without works is dead also” (Jam. 2:26). Man’s spirit inhabits and

motivates the body. Therefore, the body with the spirit is alive, but

the body without the spirit is dead. Whenever we stand before

an open coffin, we are reminded of this inescapable truth.

The Bible plainly, explicitly, and repeatedly sets forth the

fact of man’s having a spirit within his body. For example:

The burden of the word of the Lord for Israel, saith the

Lord, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the

foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man

within him (Zec. 12:1).

Daniel declared, “I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the

midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me” (Dan.

7:15). Paul wrote about the spirit of the Christian, as the “inward

man,” “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward

man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Cor.

4:16). While the physical body dies and returns to the dust, the

spirit lives on: “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was:

and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it” (Ecc. 12:7; cf.

1 Cor. 15:50-58; 2 Cor. 4:16-5:10; 1 The. 4:13-18). Jesus warned,

“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill

the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul

and body in hell” (Mat. 10:28).

Concerning the continuing existence of man’s spirit, Jesus

spoke of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as yet living, although, centuries

earlier, they had passed from physical life on the earth:

But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not

read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I

am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the

God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of

the living (Mat. 22:31-32).

After death, man’s spirit continues to live in the

hadean (unseen) world. The departed spirit of man maintains

consciousness, identity, and memory in the temporary state of

either rest or torment (Luke 16:19-31). In the hadean abode,

departed spirits await the final judgment to be pronounced

according to the deeds of life (Acts 17:30-31; 2 Cor. 5:10).

Again, our Lord spoke of the eternal nature of man’s

spirit when He pictured this judgment scene (Mat. 25:31-46),

pronouncing the everlasting condemnation of the wicked and

the eternal reward of the righteous. He said, “And these shall

go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life

eternal” (Mat. 25:46).

Therefore, there can be no doubt that man, while he lives

on this earth, has, within his body, a spirit which shall live beyond

the death of the earthly tabernacle in which it temporarily resides.

This spirit, which is of greater worth than the world and all the

things within it (Mat. 16:26), must be born anew (John 3:3-5),

and then continue to grow in order to render faithful service

here and to be readied for entrance into the heavenly home

prepared for the redeemed (John 14:1-4).

In view of this marvelous truth, that man has a spirit within

him that shall live eternally, let us commit ourselves, each day

of our lives, to follow the way that leads to eternal life. As Paul

wrote:

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue

in them: for in doing this thou shalt both

save thyself,

and them that hear thee. (1 Tim. 4:16).

And Finally My Friends, Remember always that its the Wise Man, that will Increase In Learning and Knowledge, and Its the Fool who despises Knowledge and Wisdom!

For Our Lord Jesus Will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who have chosen Not to Obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. For these will be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, forever!(2 Thess 6-9)

My Friends, Its my prayer for you this day, that you do not allow this to happen to you!

For Remember My Friends, Always, Trust & Obey, for there is know other way, but to just Trust & Obey!

For Remember Always my friends, that you do have a soul/spirit, and it will end up somewhere!

Are You Really Ready?

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead (Acts 17:30-31).

My Friends, there will be a day in which all men will be judged. There is no question that there will be such a day, nor is there any doubt that we all will be there, but, the question is, “Are we ready for the judgment day?”

Life is short, my friends, and death is coming (Jam. 4:14). As surely as we have an appointment with death, we have an appointment with judgment (Heb. 9:27). Let us seek to understand the need for readiness for that great judgment day, to the intent that better understanding will spur us on to being ever watchful.

Jesus promised He will come back (John 14:1-4), but we do not know when (Mat. 24:36). He will return, in His second coming (Heb. 9:28), as the apostles saw Him ascend (Acts 1:11). When Christ comes, He will not set foot on earth, but all (both good and bad) in the graves will be resurrected (John 5:28-29; 1 Cor. 15:50-58), and the saved will “meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 The. 4:17).

On that day, “the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up” (2 Pet. 3:9), so there will be no earth upon which man could continue to live, nor on which Christ could reign (as premillennialists falsely assert; cf. Dan. 7:13-14; Zec. 6:13; Heb. 8:1-4; 1 Cor. 15:23-24). That day will be the last day, and eternity will begin (John 12:48).

My friends, All nations will be present on that great day (Mat. 25:32). We ALL will be there. “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” (2 Cor. 5:10). Christ will judge the whole world on that day (Acts 17:31), and all those who are ready will be there (Rev. 2:10), but all those who are not ready will also be present, and will be judged (2 The. 1:7-9).

Jesus Christ the Lord will judge (Acts 17:31; John 5:22; 2 Tim. 4:1, 8), and He will separate the good from the wicked (Mat. 25:32). The righteous will be told, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Mat. 25:34), but the wicked will hear: “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Mat. 25:41).

My friends, Jesus said, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Mat. 25:46).

My friends, are you listening? There will be no “Second Chance” on (or after) the day of judgment. Christ is not coming back to preach the Gospel, for He has already done that (Mark 1:14-15). He is not coming back to invite men to come to Him (Mat. 11:28-30), for He has already done that. All men will settle up with God on that day, the last day (John 12:48), and there will be no more opportunity to hear the Gospel (Rom. 10:17), to believe in Christ (John 8:24), to repent of sins (Acts 2:38), to confess faith in Him (Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:9-10), to be baptized into Christ for the remission of sins (Gal. 3:26-27; Acts 2:38), nor to live faithfully as a child of God (1 John 1:7-10; 1 Cor. 15:58).

If one never found a convenient season before, it will be too late then (Acts 24:25). If one were almost, but not altogether, persuaded, it will be too late on that day (Acts 26:28).

If one knew better, but did not do better, it will be too late. If one had “good intentions” of obeying God, but never did, it will be too late. For church members who warmed a pew, were lukewarm, apathetic, and indifferent, it will be too late. Those who failed to watch and obey will wish forever that they had (Mark 13:34ff).

On that last day, my friends, the standard of judgment Will Not be any of the following: man’s opinions, ideas, wishful thinking, or the doctrines of men (Mat. 15:9). Likewise, these will not be taken into account: what the majority believes, likes, or wants; what loved ones believed or practiced; what the world approved; what appealed to the worldly, ungodly, carnal, or hypocritical; what synods, conventions, and forums of men decided; or what felt good, seemed right, or promoted union (not real unity).

It will not be a day of escape by placing blame on others, and there will be no appeal. The judgment will be righteous (Acts 17:31), based on each man’s deeds (2 Cor. 5:10), as compared with the books (Old and New Testaments), and the Book of Life (Rev. 20:12-15).

Jesus said: “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).

For all living in the Christian age, the basis of judgment will be the Word of Christ. Teachings of Islam, Confucius, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc., will not be the basis of judgment.

Friends, God means what He says, and He will have the last word. There will be a day when Christ will judge the world (Jude 14-15). None will avoid this day when the Lord will decree eternal destinies for all. For the righteous, and those that wisely obey, there will be great reward, but for the foolish who have chosen to either "Add To,or Take Away" From His Word, and follow the foolish ways of Man and there traditions and doctrines over God's and Christ, ... the wicked, there will be eternal punishment. Certainly, it behooves us to be ready.

My Friends, I pray this day, that you will choose to Be Ready!

Our Most Precious Gift (Our Children) Conclusion

Food For Thought:

My friends, as thee lemented late , Mother would say, "Now Jim, I mean it, you have to make a "List"! So my Friends, I Find myself once again Honoring my Mother, and yes too, "Obeying" Her! Thus, I now present you with "The List"!

So my friends, this list, is not exhaustive. For I'm certain you too, can easily add to it. However some of the major messages with which our children are bombarded with on any given day by the forces of what God hath referred to as "Evil." It is also worth noting that these message that they will be receiving are typically presented in a very, very subtle, attractive, and entertaining ways. And I would like to encourage you, while viewing the following, to examine yourself, and your lives, and your environment, then as my Mother would say "Make Your List"!

: Organic evolution is proven fact, and any reasonable, well educated, intelligent person knows it!

: The earth is billions of years old, and dinosaurs existed millions of years before humans appeared.

: The earth is our "mother," and the other creatures in habiting it are our "relatives."

: Human beings are the worst enemies this earth has, and we must be extremely careful to avoid destroying "her."

: Animals and plants (Yea, the whole of the environment) are to be accorded the same status and protection as are human beings.

: Unborn human beings, however, are not really human beings, and deserve no protection at all.

: Human beings, via science alone, can solve any problem and create a "Perfect" world.

: Nothing is intrinsically good or bad, right or wrong. These matters are determinded by individuals, on the basis of "Situational Ethics" or even "Pragmatism". (Catholics) and others..

: Human beings who possess certain desirable traits (ie.. physical beauty or athletic or intellectual prowess) are more valuable than are those who do not!

: All viewpoints (ie.. concerning God, religion, or our purpose for living) are equally true and valid (unless of course they are dictated by strick faith in the teachings of the Bible).

: Everyone cheats, everyone lies, everyone steals, everyone uses profanity (including euphemisms), everyone dresses immodestly, everyone drinks, ad infinitum.

: If your current marriage partner is not makeing you happy, (No Problem); you can always get a divorce and find another.

: Homosexuality, Cross-dressers, Trans-genders, Transvestites, is moral and normal, and a healthy "Lifestyle," which characterizes a large percentage of our population (most of whom are our "model citizens")

: Homosexuality (much like alcoholism) is genetically pre-determined. Its practitioners have no choice about "the way they are".

: Adolescents "Will" have sex. They cannot help it, and it is foolish to try to stop them. Therefore, it is imperative that we teach them how to "protect" themselves, just give them a condom, and then let them go and have a ball!

: You have to "experience things for yourself (ie. sex alcohol, drugs and, and and) to know if they are really bad.

: The public school system is far better qualified to provide sex education than are parents.

: Any reference to God in the public life of this nation is a violation of its constitution.

: It is improper (at best) to criticize, label or make judgements about anyone or anything. Unless of course you are a lawyer, politican, or thee newly created/developed "State Run Media".that now exists in the United States. "A First in there Nations History"!

: Strict faith and obedience to God, and His Word is a mark of ignorance, superstition, and or insecurity.

: Whatever suffering you may be experiencing is the fault of someone else, and can probably be remedied with a good lawyer and a lawsuit.

: God's pattern for the home (including a submissive role for the wife) constitues an abuse of the rights of women and is tantamount to slavery.

: Spanking is, without exception, a form of child abuse.

: Conservative viewpoints (whether religious or political) are obviously founded upon hard-headedness, narrow-mindedness, cold-heartedness, bigotry, radical xenophobia, and so-forth.

My Friends, our children are not only exposed to these ideas-and others like them-on a daily basis, but in many cases(because of the insidious and subtle nature of the presentation, and mode of communication), they are not even conscious of what they are seeing and hearing.

Many parents may do a poor job of combating these messages simply because they do not realize just how powerful the voices of the world have become. Twenty or even Thirty years ago (when many of the parents of today were growing up) such assults were far less common and far easier to recognize. Times have definitely changed, my friends. However to be honest with all of you, I do Thank God Always, for "Spell Check"!

My friends, one of the most significant factors behind these changes has been the consistent promotion of the "theory of evolution" and the newly debunked "Global Warming" Farce, at all levels within our educational system. These falsehoods, and those philosophy, because it has been accepted as fact, has given rise to a number of other secular ideas. Humanism, moral relativism (particularly with regard to sexuality), materialism, socialism, pluralism, pantheism, and "new age" thinking appear to dominate our world views today. They certainly dominate the message it preaches.

My friends, It's now my prayer for all of you, As I "Pen" this "Food For Thought"; that you will Always Remember!

Times change, season change, styles change, people change, relationships change, thoughts change, attitudes change, fashions changed , hair styles change, shoes change. But God's Word and His Ways for Man, ( Just One of His Many Creations.) "Never Change"!

Yes my friends, our work is definitely cut out for us, requiring nothing less than constant vigilance and a strong, consistent, counter-active influence. Our children need to be taught, from a very early age, as I'm sure you will agree, to recognize the messages of the world and to evaluate them critically in light of God's perfect revealed Will. (His Word)!

My friends, I would like to close out this "Food For Thought" with some "Food For Thought" type of questions for you to ponder.

Do our children know where we stand on these matters and Why? Do we talk (with our children) about them, or do we find ourselves "Talking At" them? Are we finding ourselves discussing these issues with them when we sit in our houses, when we walk by the way, when we lie down, and when we rise up? Do we write them upon the posts of our houses, and on our gates?

So my Friends, perhaps a prerequisite to these questions should be: "Do we know where "We" stand on these vital matters and Why? Have we given them the level of care, thought, and study that they clearly deserve? Are we ready always to give an answer to every man (or child) who asks us a reason for our hope (1 Peter 3:15)? Does our hope and faith and thoughts and actions truly rest on the promises of God, and His Word, and His Ways for Us, rather than on the promises of the world, and those men, in it?

In closing this "Food For Thought" my friends, I would like to share something personal with you, for its a question I was taught years ago during my training years by a wise faithful gospel preacher the lemented John Brewer, who once said to me. "Jim, if ever in doubt about anything or something in life, you may want to remember this question" "Is it From God, or Is It From Man?"