His final destination depends on what he does with Jesus. There are two final destinations. One prepared for God’s elect and the other, which was prepared for the devil and his angels. You will end up spending eternity in one of these two places.

 “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34 KJV)

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41 KJV)

“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” (Matthew 25:46 KJV)

Man’s final destination is eternal. God created mankind for eternity and there are now two final destinations. One is hell and the other is heaven. Hell is translated from three Greek words: hades, gehenna and tartaroo. Hades is the temporary abode of those who did not believe in God, Luke 16:23. Gehenna is the second death in the Lake of fire, Revelations 20:13, 14. Tartaroo is the abyss where the angels went who sinned and are waiting for their judgement.

Hades is the first destination for unbelievers. Hades is a real place. Jesus tells us about a rich man and a beggar who died. The beggar died and was carried away by angels unto Abraham’s bosom, (paradise, at this time paradise was part of Hades and was separated by a gulf which could not be crossed.) When the rich man died he was carried away to the other side of the gulf in Hades, the place of torment. In Hades, the rich man could identify Abraham and Lazarus. He could recognize body parts for he asked Abraham to send Lazarus to place a drop of water on his tongue with his finger. (Luke 16:19-31). After Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, it is believed that Christ took captivity captive, those in paradise (Ephesians 4:8), to be with Him; and when He did so, Hades expended into one place of torment now reserved for the unbelievers. They will be in a place of torment until the Great White Throne where death and Hades will be cast into the eternal lake of fire. The second death of eternal separation from God and torment, Revelations 20:13-15. The final destination for the unbeliever is a tragedy beyond our imagination.

A picture of Gehenna was the comparison of the refuse dump in the valley of Hinnom. The Jews would throw all their garbage there to be burned. The picture is this, the trash at the bottom would burn and would never go out as more trash was always being thrown on top of it. The trash heap was so huge that the top part of the trash would begin to rot and the worms would eat their way down into the trash heap. This is surely a place of torment as the trash is being eaten by worms that never die, (Mark 9:44) before finally being burned for eternity.

Eternity is the Greek word aionios, which is the same word in John 3:16 saying to those who believe on Jesus shall have everlasting life. It also expresses the eternity of God, (Romans 16:26).

On the other hand, those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour shall have eternal (aionios) life. When believers now physically die they only put off this physical tabernacle (their bodies) and pass form death unto life, (John 5:24). Another way to say it is to pass from life to eternal life. “We are confident, I say, and willing, rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV). The final destination of the believer is to be in God’s presence and then the New Jerusalem, heaven (Revelations 21-22). Jesus has prepared a dwelling place for those who believe, (John 14:1-4). Won’t you accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour today.

 

In Christ,

Greg

The Fallen Nature of Mankind.

In the beginning, the nature of mankind was that of the image and likeness of God, (Genesis 1:26). He was created to have fellowship with God and commune with Him for eternity. Man had communicable attributes which reflected God’s e.g. love, goodness, and truth. God’s word says that after creating mankind, He saw everything that He had made and it was very good (Genesis 1:31). Man was therefore in a good natural state of being in the sight of God. God then put man on a type of probation. He gave them one commandment.

And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV)

When Adam and Eve ate of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil they missed the mark or sinned. Their transgression received the penalty of sin “you shall surely die”. Without the choice to choose between good and evil mankind would be a robot and that is not what love is. God gave man a choice and free will so love could be expressed without a hitch. When man fell in the Garden of Eden, man’s nature became sinful and was from that point on under the dominion of Satan. He became a servant to sin.

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 KJV). “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:” (Romans 5:12 KJV)

Mankind’s nature is now sinful. The sin nature was passed down by Adam’s seed to each of his off spring and every male after him passes down the sin nature through their seed. We can see the state of mankind’s sinful nature as he expresses his subjective nature objectively. Matthew 12:35 says, “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.” There is good and evil expressed from the heart of mankind but God’s word also says that the heart is deceitful above all things and is desperately wicked and that all our righteousness is as filthy rags, (Jerimiah 17:9; Isaiah 64:6). How then can good things come from the heart of man? They cannot in his fallen nature. Although his deeds may appear to be good they are self-centered and therefore selfish, tainting any good thing you might think man is capable of.

It is bad enough that mankind’s objective acts of righteousness fall short, but he falls short with the omission of doing what is right in God’s Sight too. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17 KJV). He is also guilty of sins of ignorance, “And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering. And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him” (Numbers 15:27-28 KJV). It only takes one sin to be guilty of them all, (James 2:10). Finally, if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us, (1 John 1:8). We would then be a liar and lying is a sin. In Romans 1:20 -32 Paul lists mankind’s fallen state. There are over thirty different immoral attributes here which could fill a book. There is no way around it, mankind’s fallen nature is sinful and we all need a Saviour.

Today even man’s conscience is out to lunch. They say bad is good and sick is also really good. The Bible refers to the different states of the conscience e.g. there is a weak conscience, (1 Corinthians 8:7), a defiled conscience, (Titus 1:15), an evil conscience, (Hebrews 10:22), a seared Conscience, (1 Timothy 4:2) each one in a worse state than the first. On the other hand, there is a good and pure conscience, (Acts 23:1; Hebrews 13:18; 1 Timothy 1:19). The Conscience is the faculty that is supposed to determine the difference between good and bad and choose the former and avoid the latter. In today’s society where good is bad how can man determine the difference. Man’s fallen nature has fallen another step down and many walk about with their conscience seared. They are walking about guided by their feelings, without even trying to distinguish between what is right and what is wrong. Their plumb line starts at their feet and goes in any direction they chose. “What is truth?” rings out from the pages of the Bible and Pontus Pilate. Mankind’s sinful nature has become increasingly sinful to the point of Sodom and Gomorrah or the times before Noah’s flood when there were less than 10 righteous souls alive. Depravity, is the condition of mankind’s soul.

Today the soul would be considered to have a disease because it’s not in its properly functioning condition. It has been altered by sin and missing the spirit. Man tries everything to fill the void of their missing spirit. They try wine, women (or men), and song; they try work, cars houses and family, all to no avail. The final outcome is, “I can’t get no satisfaction!” (Rolling Stones song). Only when we receive Christ our Saviour is the void filled. The void was a God shaped hole to begin with, it was the void of mankind’s missing spirit since the fall of man back in Genesis. Only when man receives Christ is the spirit regenerated and fused back to the soul is he made whole. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,” Here God’s word says there is a soul and spirit that can be divided and I believe was divided when Adam fell. Now we need a Saviour to restore our soul’s diseased condition so we can start to walk on the strait and narrow path to recovery and the men and women He created us to be back in Genesis 1:26. The alternative is the road to destruction and eternal separation from God.

 

In Christ,

Greg

Pithy and Profound Giving thanks

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV)

Christians are to rejoice evermore. Jesus is our example and He rejoiced even in the cross. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2 KJV). Jesus “for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross”. Can you see the joy that was set down before Jesus? I think of the ultimate plan of redemption. God reconciling the world to Himself had a plan for salvation that could bring peace to all mankind. Jesus knew that the cross was the only way to save mankind from the wages of sin and death. Jesus looked beyond the cross to the inheritance that would be received by all who believe in God and accept His sacrifice for them. He was looking at giving believers eternal life with God. The eternal purpose was greater than the momentary suffering here on earth. The joy of the cross is the defeat of Satan, death and sin; and the victory of God, life and righteousness. Let us pray therefore for reconciliation of all mankind in which Christ died for and give thanks for the cross and Jesus Who gave Himself for us that we may dwell in peace with God, in heaven for eternity. O, rejoice evermore! Pray without ceasing and give thanks for this is the will of God.

Happy Thanksgiving, May God Bless you and all you know and love.

In Christ,

Greg

Trust and Obey

Abraham Trusted and obeyed God. In Genesis chapter 22 we read “And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.” (Genesis 22:1-2 KJV)

Can you imagine hearing take your only son and offer him for a burnt sacrifice? Maybe you might have thought, “Is this of God?” But Abraham knew the voice of God after all God had told him he would have a son born of Sarah and he did. Trust had been founded after many years. So Abraham did not hesitate when God spoke. We see how Abraham reacted in the following verses, “And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him. Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.” (Genesis 22:3-5 KJV)

Abraham went and when he arrived he told the others, “Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.” That is faith. God told him to offer up his son as a burnt sacrifice. I don’t know about you but burnt is no longer living to me. Why did he have so much faith that he and the lad would go and worship and return?

Hebrews chapter 11 tells us of the great faith in God’s believers. Here is recorded the answer of Abraham’s faith, “Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.” (Hebrews 11:18-19 KJV) Abraham believed God. He believed His promises and that out of Isaac many generations would come forth and therefore if he offered Isaac up as a burnt sacrifice He would have to bring him back to life to fulfil His promise. That’s trusting and obeying God. (Also see Hebrews 11:8-19; Romans 4:17, 19, 21; and Genesis 21:12, 15 and 17).

Has God spoken to you through prayer, Bible reading, another Christian or circumstances? Sometimes God has to get your attention in order to active your faith and then you will have to make a decision should I say, be, go or do what God is telling? After you have obeyed God and see the outcome you will trust Him because He is your loving Father and love works no ill. Look at what Job said, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:” (Job 13:15 KJV) Job went through something well a whole lot more then something. He lost everything he had but God restored it twofold to him.

Jesus said “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15) We find love in trusting and obeying God. We also find hope and our faith is strengthened. Is this why Faith, hope and love abide in us? (1 Corinthians 13:13).It takes a small step of faith to begin to trust and obey but it can grow into a lifestyle in which we will find true joy. Follow these scriptures.

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (John 14:23 KJV)

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (John 14:21 KJV)

By whom [Jesus] also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:2-5 KJV)

When we trust and obey God it will produce hope and the Holy Spirit will shed God’s love aboard through us and in the end we will hear, our Lord say to us “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matthew 25:21 KJV)

Enter into the Joy of the Lord. We can walk in it today and in the world to come. Trust and obey.

In Christ,

Greg

1      Providence

Providence: the protective care of God or of nature as a spiritual power.

“They found their trust in divine providence to be a source of comfort”

synonyms:

fate, destiny, nemesis, kismet, God’s will, divine intervention, predestination, predetermination, the stars; More one’s lot (in life); archaicone’s portion “a life mapped out by providence”

God or nature as providing protective or spiritual care.

Noun: Providence

“I live out my life as Providence decrees”

Timely preparation for future eventualities.

“It was considered a duty to encourage providence”

A Sermon

(No. 187)

Delivered on Sabbath Morning, April 11, 1858, by the

REV. C.H. SPURGEON

At the Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens.

“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”–Mt 10:30

DURING THIS WEEK my mind has been much directed to the subject of Providence, and you will not wonder when I relate a portion of one day’s story. I was engaged to preach last Wednesday at Halifax, where there was a heavy snow storm. Preparations had been made for a congregation of 8000 persons, and a huge wooden structure had been erected. I considered that owing to the severe weather, few persons could possibly assemble, and I looked forward to the dreary task of addressing an insignificant handful of people in a vast place. However, when I arrived, I found from 5000 to 6000 people gathered together to hear the Word; and a more substantial looking place it has not been my lot to see. It certainly was a huge uncomely building, but, nevertheless, it seemed well adapted to answer the purpose. We met together in the afternoon and worshipped God, and again in the evening, and we separated to our homes, or rather, we were about to separate, and all this while the kind providence of God was watching over us. Immediately in front of me there was a huge gallery, which looked an exceedingly massive structure, capable of holding 2000 persons. This, in the afternoon, was crowded, and it seemed to stand as firm as a rock. Again in the evening there it stood, and neither moved nor shook. But mark the provident hand of God: in the evening, when the people were about to retire, and when there was scarcely more than a hundred persons there, a huge beam gave way, and down came a portion of the flooring of the gallery with a fearful crash. Several persons were precipitated with the planks, but still the good hand of God watched over us, and only two persons were severely injured with broken legs, which it is trusted will be re-set without the necessity of amputation. Now, had this happened any earlier, not only must many more have been injured, but there are a thousand chances to one, as we say, that a panic must necessarily have ensued similar to that which we still remember, and deplore as having occurred in this place. Had such a thing occurred, and had I been the unhappy preacher on the occasion, I feel certain that I should never have been able to occupy the pulpit again. Such was the effect of the first calamity, that I marvel that I ever survived. No human tongue can possibly tell what I experienced. The Lord, however, graciously preserved us; the fewness of the people in the gallery prevented any such catastrophe, and thus a most fearful accident was averted. But we have a more marvellous providence still to record. Overloaded by the immense weight of snow which fell upon it, and beaten by a heavy wind, the entire building fell with an enormous crash three hours after we had left it, splitting the huge timbers into shivers, and rendering very much of the material utterly useless for any future building. Now mark this–had the snow begun three hours earlier, the building must have fallen upon us, and how few of us would have escaped we cannot guess. But mark another thing. All day long it thawed so fast, that the snow as it fell seemed to leave a mass, not of white snow, but of snow and water together. This ran through the roof upon us, to our considerable annoyance, and I was almost ready to complain that we had hard dealing from God’s providence. But if it had been a frost instead of a thaw, you can easily perceive that the place must have fallen several hours beforehand, and then your minister, and the greater part of his congregation, would probably have been in the other world. Some there may be who deny providence altogether. I cannot conceive that there were any partakers of the scene who could have done so. This I know, if I had been an unbeliever to this day in the doctrine of the supervision and wise care of God, I must have been a believer in it at this hour. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together; he hath been very gracious unto us, and remembered us for good.

Can you think of an example where God has placed you and has either been in the situation and circumstances or has placed you to be the witness to plant a seed, water a seed or even lead someone to Christ? Would you say this is God’s Providence? I know I am not in control.

Here is a story from a friend of mine. He was driving to work and got a flat tire. He was angry and started to ask God, “Why”. But he remember what Henry Blackaby was teaching in the Experience God study we were in, God is at work. God speaks to us. There is a crisis of belief and we must adjust to it to see God work. So he thought God what am I supposed to do. Before long a man stopped and gave him a left to the store so he could get what he needed to fix his flat tire. At the store he was able to witness to another man because he was now calm and he did not understand why he was not furious. He begin to see that the flat tire was to get him to the store to witness to someone who was seeking God and he was the closes vessel that He could get for the job.

What if you looked at things from this point of view? He is a Biblical example Joseph. Do you think Joseph wanted to become a slave then a prisoner for 13 years? Do you think his goal was to be second in command of Egypt? God was with Him through it all and blessed whatever he was involved in.

Now if you look at providence. You can stir up many questions. Why did Jacob send Joseph to his brothers? His brothers were supposed to be in Shechem but they went to Dothan. Why did they go to Dothan? His brothers ended up throwing him into a pit which was close enough to a highway. Why did the Ishmaelites come by before Joseph’s older brother Ruben could come back and set him free? Why were the Ishmaelites and the Midianites going to Egypt south instead of going north to purchase their merchandise? We can go on with such questions but why? It is God’s Providence after all. What if my friend had decided not to take the Experiencing God class with us? What if he left his house at a different time? Or the man who gave him a ride to the store took a different route? Or the man he ended up witnessing to did not stop at that store?

God’s Providence is always on time and every cog is turning in a way that God will can be done.

Do you want to see God work around you and see the wonders of His Providence? If you said yes, than you need to look at each moment is a spiritual realm and stay connected to God.

Follow this diagram for help.

In Christ,

Greg