Why do I believe what I believe?

January 20, 2010

I was asked recently to write a “short” testimony, about WHY I believe what I believe, just wanted to share it here (Mainly since I haven’t updated all year!!)

First off I should state what I believe.  I believe in the God of the Bible. The God whom ”in the beginning” created man, beasts and everything on the earth, I believe He created the earth and everything on it in 6 literal days.  I believe man is inherently sinful, that only by God’s sheer irresistible grace, and through repentance, and faith can man be restored to a right relationship with God. I believe Christ, is God in the flesh, the second person of the Trinity, He came to earth for the main purpose of redeeming mankind’s relationship to God the Father. I believe he died on the cross, was resurrected, and forever defeated death and the grave. I believe through Christ alone is salvation… 

Now WHY? 

It’s easy to say “I believe” and we can say “I believe” and truly think we believe, until a test comes, then I think we’re shown that we really didn’t believe as we though we did. 

Look around; take a glance at the world around you…. The incredible chance that would have had to take place for the only other alternative to be true (evolution) is unimaginable. Way of the master sums it up best with “if there is a design, there is a designer” illustration. But mine goes a little deeper than that… I’ve taken what I consider a relatively in-depth look at evolution, I’ve seen how they think man came from a common ancestor of the monkey, and so on.. I’ve seen their supposed “proof” and I just can’t believe that this was all an accident, that time + chance = me.  But that doesn’t answer “Why?” 

I could say I was a bad person, and now I am not… but that’s not true. I am a wretch, saved by God’s grace. I could say I was “slain in the spirit”, “spoke in tongues”, or was healed from some disease,  and thus I believe… but that’s not 100% true, and could be easily faked.  I could say during worship “I Felt God”, but feelings are hardly a reason to accept anything!! I could claim prosperity, health, miracles, and the like… but NONE of that is WHY I believe. 

I could tell you “my story” and expect you to believe, however thats not “why” I believe, I could say “God did this or that, and thus I believe” however then you see a “prosperity” message, God did this or that, and thats not the point, nor the reason I believe. We should love God no matter whether He blesses us or not, our love and adoration should not hinge on His blessings of His children. Certainly our belief shouldn’t rest on it! Job is a great example of this.

I do not believe Christianity is a religion of blind faith, the evidence is overwhelming if you open your eyes to accept it. 

Why is the “oldest” tree on earth 4,000 yrs old? Because a flood wiped out all life on the planet 4 – 6 thousand years ago. Why when men thought the earth rode on a turtles back, did the Bible say “we were hung in space on nothing”(Job 26:7). Why do ALL fossils appear at roughly the same “age” of the earth? (Cambrian explosion) Why wasn’t erosion a factor? Why are single cell organisms found in layers ABOVE multi-cell organisms? Over billions of years wouldn’t billions of animals be found in virtually every different layer of the earths crust?  (Even Darwin stated that without excessive fossil evidence his theory would crumble)

We have extra biblical writings that confirmed a man named Jesus did mighty things written by His own enemies! We have texts from across the world that can account for the darkness of the days when Christ died. Roman Emperor’s wrote of “this man called Jesus who was himself called the Christ”

Lastly, why would the apostles, who walked with Jesus, talked with Jesus every single minute of every single day for the bulk of 3 years, die for a lie? These men knew Jesus, they knew Him intimately…The records of their deaths are documented, Paul, Peter, and so on… they would have known better than anyone that He was a fake… yet they died, horrible deaths for the belief that Jesus was the Christ. 

No, there is plenty of evidence for Christ. And that being the Case, the apostles dying for Him, and his “cause”, says a lot… it says Jesus was the real deal, and Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life.. no man comes to the Father but through me… I have to believe Him. 

(Mthw 11:27)Christ chose to reveal to me, the Father, the truth of His word, and my eternal state without Him… and I saw utter hopelessness, utter destruction, utter despair.. 

In light of the evidence, in light of the revelation… who could refuse the gracious, undeserved, unmerited gift? So in short, I believe because the Bible is a book of facts, the Bible is a book of an actual account, of God’s divine purpose and plan for us. The Bible is an inerrant account of God’s Love of mankind, God’s Hate towards iniquity, God’s Mercy on the undeserving, and God’s wrath against the unrepentant. In light of all the evidence the question isn’t “Why do I believe” it’s “How can I not?”

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Posted by Tom

Love ‘em to death

December 7, 2009

 

Would the police have right to punish you if you were never told or shown that murder is wrong?

There is a law against it, but no one ever told you and by horrible upbringing, you never truly knew it was wrong, so one day Sven makes you really mad and you push him off a cliff, sadly Sven passes away, and you go on about it like nothing happened. Soon police detectives link you to the murder and your hauled off to jail, it’s proven that you simply didn’t know the law, however, now you’re truly sorry for breaking the law.. are you guilty? Yes, you are.  Will you be punished? Yes! You’ve been shown to have a sound mind, that you planned the murder, and carried it out. Your parents are questioned, and to the amazement of everyone they never taught you murder was wrong, because they “loved” you so much they refused to set rules for you to live by. The remaining children your parents have are taken away, and the parents are punished to the fullest extent of the law. And as they flip the switch on the electric chair your last thought is.. “I never knew”. While you’re guilty of this crime they are guilty of a worse one. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, and hiding the law from other is as great an offense.

Recently I had a discussion with a Christian that he thought showing people the law of God, and their sins in that mirror was judgmental, and unbiblical. I think Romans 7:7 is in order “.. I had not known sin but by the law..” Paul the apostle, the Pharisee had not known sin but by the law… the light of the Law that Jesus expounded upon in the Sermon on the Mount shone on his heart and opened his eyes to the law of God, that he would be judged on every thought, word and deed.

This Christians view is that we should show the lost the love of Christ, and that will lead them to repentance and faith. However is that love? Is the above scenario of not telling your kids the rules love?? Absolutely not!!! How many lost people can name the 10 commandments? Not many I’ll bet… how many that can name them know their purpose? And how many got to heaven by trying to keep them? And how loving is it NOT to tell the lost about their sins…and the punishment awaiting them.

This post could go so many different ways, and lead into to so many different things, why is that? It’s because preaching a love only, law starved gospel is the root of 99% if not ALL the problems in the modern church. This is what happens when we don’t show people they’re guilt before a just and holy God, we have to “push for decisions” because the Holy Spirit has not been allowed to work in that persons life. They’ve only been shown the love of Christ, they make a decision because, well who doesn’t like love, and when the promised trials and tribulations come they fall away, or worse stay in church with a hard heart playing like they’re a Christian all the while believing they’re saved.

Is it love to not tell the person they’re a sinner? It is Judging? We’re not telling them anything, it’s by their own admission!! If I ask a murderer is he murdered a person, and he says “yes”.. am I judging him? It comes down to scripture twisting and not knowing the bible. No it’s not judging, Firstly the bible makes it clear “there are none good, no, not one” hence “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” is it judging to walk into a prison and say to the rapist “you’re guilty of rape”? Absolutely not! However, it is murder for the evangelist to walk up to a person, knowing the bible declares them guilty, and knowing the only payment for that guilt is death, and then ignore that death sentence completely…but telling the person how much they’re loved, and all the great things that God will do for them… but when they die, they’ve never repented of their sins… and they experience the deserved wrath of God. Oh how I feel for those people… because they were lied to. By “loving people” who do not understand the role of the law in evangelism, or the seriousness of the sins we have all committed, or the wrath of a Just and HOLY God. In short it isn’t “love” to hide this from the lost, it’s murder, it’s hatred, it’s selfish, it heartbreaking, it’s… heresy.

Ignorance, and “love” will condemn entire generations to the lake of fire. I can not help but think it’s fear of confrontation, perhaps conviction of something we have in ourselves that we wont let go of. In any case Ezekiel 3 says the following… if we do not warn the dying man, or speak out to dissuade him he will die in his sin… “You will surely die” is the word of the Lord.. NOT “Jesus loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life” – Seriously, how I weep for those misled by the love only heresy. (Yes, Heresy)…

16 At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me: 17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 18 When I say to a wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for [a] his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 19 But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his evil ways, he will die for his sin; but you will have saved yourself.
20 “Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. Since you did not warn him, he will die for his sin. The righteous things he did will not be remembered and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 21 But if you do warn the righteous man not to sin and he does not sin, he will surely live because he took warning, and you will have saved yourself.”

In short, Presenting Law then Grace is the only way to evangelize biblically. everyting else is a man made attempt to fulfill the great commission, and please man at the same time. Kids don’t like spankings, and the truth hurts.. it hurt me when I found out I was a murderer, a liar, and a theif. But it also drove me to Christ….

Tell them the truth IN LOVE and show the “Love of Christ” by being honest, and 100% truthful with them..Don’t leave out the “bad” because you’re uncomfortable with it. Love them enough to tell them.

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Posted by Tom

How much of “the world” should we use in evangelism?

December 3, 2009

 

I’ve been struggling with this since my previous “Santa” post. I was told the “Christian” bookstore was using  jolly old St. Nick as a tool to draw people in hopes of sharing the Christmas story, and that the folks may pick up (buy?) some literature. I can see the point, but also stand behind my previous post that Santa is a pagan symbol, that attempts to blot out Christ from Christmas. 

If we’re using Santa as a tool, what to stop us from hiring bikini models or hard body beach guys to preach in the open air, and witness on summer days?  Perhaps because the models would cause lust?  just as Santa’s presence is promoting a lie, and a false god.  The bible tells us to be in the world, NOT OF the world. Why not use the characters from Twilight to spread the good news?

 In all honesty why not have the manger scene, and have the shepherd boy share the story of Christmas, and then the gospel of Christ. Why bring in the world at all? If we held a music concert for outreach, would we let Black Sabbath play? I certainly hope not! 

Thoughts? please??

Here’s my thoughts:

 open your doors to the public, offer some (Free) refreshments, and give away a book on the gospel of Christ.. FREE! Perhaps a FREE Bible.. and have people there to answer questions, and share the LAW & Grace!!   THEN throw out your Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen, the shack, and emergent church lies, and promote the truth.

 

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Posted by Tom

Cross Walk

November 20, 2009

 Tomorrow for the first time in a while I’ll be taking my cross out to Kimmswick “holiday” Parade. I am looking forward to conversations, and sharing the gospel with people. I do however ask for your prayers. I want to take the cross to places where it will start conversations,  however as most of you know who carry a cross, it’s “offensive” to many people – especially with words “Are you ready?” on it. It brings to mind their own mortality, and makes them realize they’re probably not. Needless to say I am a tad “nervous” 

Kimmswick is a VERY small town who’s only money comes from tourism, profiting from the history of the town Kimmswick’s streets are lined with small shops perfect for a Sunday getaway. Oddly the town has the appeal to draw more than 150,000 people every spring and fall during their annual festivals. We had participated in the fall festival this year, and while the first day was amazing, the second day they shut the preaching of the word down, and told us we were breaking the rules if we left our 10×10 space. With only a few hours left we stayed until the rain started, and headed home. That weekend we passed out literally thousands of tracts, and had hundreds of conversations. One of the chief complaints the city hall had when we spoke to them was the crosses. One man carried his around town, and I held mine near a busy street, they weren’t happy. 

 Tomorrow I am going to take it and stand along the parade route, in hopes of starting conversations about Christ. I am nervous, and a little hesitant. But it must be done. Lately I’ve been really convicted about all the pictures people take, and posting them, it could easily be seen as pride… a “look what I did” type thing. So if we take any pics, I’ll post them, but don’t expect a lot. I would actually like to get pics of my wife evangelizing, she is more than happy to take pics of me, but no one can ever return the favor. She does more than I do typically, especially in planning, photos, the “behind the scenes” stuff. She’s a blessing. 

old and new cross.

 I really would appreciate your prayers; Lord willing we should be heading out around 9:00 or 9:30 am. If anyone is in the St. Louis area and would like to join me please let me know. I honestly don’t expect a big crowd, but… ya never know.  :)

*and sorry if I stole the name of this article from someone… it is familiar, but seemed to fit.

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Posted by Tom

Are YOU a “good person”?

October 4, 2009

Are you a good person? Please watch this video..

more about "Are YOU a “good person”? ", posted with vodpod

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Posted by Tom

What are you waiting for?

May 9, 2009

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Posted by Michele

The Coming Judgement

April 20, 2009

Revelation 20 12 – 15

12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.

13The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done.

14Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.

15If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Who can escape this coming Judgment??

  • “I saw the dead great and small… standing before the throne” – great and small… kings and peasants, rich and poor, good and bad… ALL WILL STAND BEFORE THAT THRONE
  • “And books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life, the dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books” Jesus sees you, everyone moment, he is watching you and I right now. He saw what you did last night… alone or with people Jesus sees your every action, hears your every though… everything thought and action is written down, and when the time comes you’ll be asked “Why?” why did you drink all night that night? Didn’t you hear me calling you? Or better yet, why did you just go through life, I called out to you so many times, I had such great plans for your life, if only you would have listened!? It breaks my heart that some of you hearing this, or reading this, will not accept the truth.
  • Hebrews 9:27 states and as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment – it’s appointed, some one once said there are two facts in life… death and taxes… I am not to sure about taxes, but everyone will die in this physical frail body. After that what can you do? It’s like doing a crime, or helping someone out, once it’s done you can not take it back… what will your record in the books say about you?
  • “the sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and hades gave up the dead that were in them. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” – How do you “get away” from the judgment? How do you hide your thoughts, actions, and works from a God that knows and sees all? An eternal God. Everlasting ever loving, ever trying to get His message to us. I asked someone once if you died tonight where would you go? They said “Heaven” I said why do you say that? “Because I am a good person” they replied. I am telling you, a lot of good people will not make the cut. Jesus says in John 3:3 “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” – but what does “born again” mean??? Nicodemus took it literal and stated “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!” – another translation, would be “born from above” Born again in the spirit. Not a physical re-birth, but a spiritual rebirth, washed in the blood of Jesus. Giving your life completely up to Jesus, and living for Him.

“OH NOT ME!!” you don’t know what I have done, I have broken every commandment – I have murdered, committed adultery.. etc.. everyone has, don’t ever think you’re alone in this world. Romans 3:23 says ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death…but Hebrews 7:25 – “ he is ABLE to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him; since he is always alive to make intercession for them” – I love this verse – it says Jesus is able to save. ABLE to save to the uttermost, completely, perfectly finally forever and for all eternity…. Since he is ALWAYS alive to make intercession for us, Jesus is there praying for us, eternally.. Jesus loves you so much he goes before the holy throne of GOD to say “Father, Joe needs help, strength, encouragement” to present our needs, no matter how trivial, Jesus is amazing! Because he is so involved in our lives, so in love with us, his creation he sees our needs, and takes them to God almighty before we even ask!

Jesus loves us, why else would he have given himself as a human sacrifice for us? Now it’s easy to look at if it’s a mass… “Bob jumped on a grenade to save 50 people in a bunker in WWII” thus Jesus died to save millions… No – Jesus died to save thousands, nope.. Hundreds? No, tens? NO! you… if it was a mass thing, then why would Jesus be present in a personal way? In a personal life? Jesus prays for each of us.. Stating our needs, our case to God almighty. Individually. He doesn’t stand before God almighty and simply say “Humanity needs you Father” he says “Tom needs you, Michele needs you, Jeff, Donna, Charles, Rene, and Ramona NEED YOU!!!!!” lets think about it…

My Wife wrote a compelling blog called “that is love” in it she quotes Isaiah 52 13- 14 Just as there were many who were appalled at him, his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man….and his form marred beyond human likeness .. disfigured beyond that of any man, and his form marred beyond human likeness.. the passion showed pools of blood, sliced skin, brutality, and the critics claimed to violent – and Man…, it was more intense then that,… blood boiling over in peoples veins, wanting him dead. – punch him, beat him, hurt him more… How dare He rebuke the pharisees, how dare he claim to be the SON of God… and the ones beating him, as the whip cut through the air, whistling and stinging, as it stopped with a slap against his skin, tearing out chunks of flesh… to quote carman, he no doubt looked at those beating him, and said “This bloods for you” – as they forced him to carry his cross, and the wood dug into his back, as he fell and blood spattered – he no doubt thought, God forgive them… as they nailed him to the cross, as pain racked his human body, as the cross tore into his already split and bleeding skin, as he felt the pain of the spikes in his hands, and feet. He no doubt thought, “this is all for you” lifted up on that cross, bleeding, suffocating, dying… his last breaths and thoughts we of the love of you and I.

Tonight as I write this, I weep, because of what the Lord has done for all of us, and some are not hearing me… please if you’re hearing this, and you feel you need NEED Jesus is your life, I want to pray with you.. if this is on my website then please repeat this prayer with all your heart and soul and mean it, and please e-mail me so I can lift you in prayer… I want you to then find a good church, and become a member.

 

Dear Father,
I believe that Jesus Christ is Your only begotten Son, that He came to our earth in the flesh and died on the cross to take away all of my sins and the sins of this world. I believe that Jesus rose from the dead to give all of us eternal life.
Lord Jesus,
I confess to You all of the wrong and sinful things that I have ever done in my life. I ask that You please forgive me and wash away all of my sins by the blood that You have personally shed for me on the cross. I accept You as my personal Lord and Savior. I ask that You come into my life.

Thank You Lord!

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Posted by Tom

A Christian Creed

April 9, 2009

Now I am not one for creeds normally, but having just begun working for the US Army, seeing the dedication, loyalty, etc they have.. it’s astounding, they know they are an elite group. Yes, it’s almost common to find someone who at one time was in the Armed forces, however – They respect officers, and rank, they are honest, truthful, and do what they say they will do… and I started thinking, how many in Church, how many “Christians” can say they have any of these qualities, a few can, but with supposedly something like 80% calling themselves “Christian” and we can’t even stop abortion. That’s sad, it means that somewhere along the lines there’s a WHOLE LOT OF PEOPLE that don’t have what it takes to be in God’s Army. is it you?

Loyalty - Bear true faith and allegiance to God, the Holy Bible, the church, and fellow Christians (This isn’t a game were playing, you every minute is on trial, how dare you destroy a testimony of God because of a crude joke, or foul language- we’re all guilty of a slip or two, but do you stand out or blend in? if you don’t stand out there’s a problem, you can wear all the “Jesus Rocks” t-shirts you want, it wont matter if you’re blending in!!! Jewelry, T-hirts, Bracelets, etc do NOT make you a Christian)

Duty - fulfill your obligations (if you say you’re going to do it, THEN DO IT!!!)

Respect - Treat people as you would be treated (again, how many testimonies are obliterated by poor treatment, manners, or just plain rude people where is the love of Christ when you’re screaming “You’ll burn in hell for that!!!!” (yes we need to teach the law, and eternal punishment, but we don’t need to cast anyone there before God Himself judges)

Selfless Service - Philippians 2: 3 – 8 “

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!”

Honor - wow, Live up to biblical values as best you can, not because you have to to “get in to heaven” but because you’re a living testimony of Christ.. how are you portraying Him?

Integrity - Do what is right, it’s that simple…sadly enough this is where Christians fail the most I fear.

Personal Courage - in being a child of God you’ll face fear, danger, and adversity both physical, and mental…how do you respond? Do you remember that “Greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world” or do you cower behind weak excuses, and fained ignorance?

LDRSHIP (Leader ship) every Christian should be one – if you’re not in some way, then you’re not doing it right. It’s not about being a “Billy Graham” or “Charles Spurgeon” but being a leader in your home, in your life, in your circle of influence… is that you?

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Posted by Tom

Are you Ready??

April 1, 2009

Are you ready?

Imagine you’re sitting at home, eating dinner. Now you’ve had a headache all day, but it didn’t really concern you. Without warning a vessel breaks in your brain causing a massive stroke.. You’re unable to communicate and wouldn’t know what to say if you could. As life goes on around you your family notices something is wrong and takes action. In your mind your screaming out how much you care because you know you’re dying, as all goes black, you see your spouse embrace you, look into your eyes, and whisper “I love you”

without hesitation, nor a moment passing in time your suddenly in front of God Almighty, tears flood from your eyes as you realize you’ll never see your family again… though you can’t help but think that crazy Christian at the mall was right, there is a God. A great booming voice greets you by name.. but your awestruck, you see angels singing to Him, worshiping to Him, in unapproachable light…around you is a room, seemingly walled by clouds leaving a fuzzy visibility into the adjoining rooms, occasionally a form appears, followed by a tremendous light… occasionally the forms slip into blackness. It’s then that you realize they’re all having the same conversation.. again God the Father booms “HELLO” directly to you, greeting you personally by name. Then a faint whisper says “Let it begin” suddenly a mighty book is opened and God searches intently for your name… a thick deep sadness fills the room, so as to cause you to weep uncontrollably then out of no where a question explodes from God “WHY!?” you’re shocked, stunned you dont answer, you’ve no clue what to say or how to answer and again the voice thunders “WHY SHOULD I LET YOU INTO MY REST!!!???” you hear the same voice in the other room, ask the same question, and the Light appears, and you hear rejoicing… but no light comes to you. 10,000 questions fill your head and God knows and hears everyone… “where am I?” you scream in your mind “THE JUDGEMENT SEAT OF GOD” He replies sternly. Another question forms instantly “why am I here?” “BECAUSE YOU DIED, MY APOSTLE TOLD YOU IT IS APPOINTED UNTO MAN ONCE TO DIE, AND THEN THE JUDGEMENT” thoughts of your family and friends tear through your mind, you’re filled with fear, worry, and wonder. A bright light appears in the room next to yours, then rejoicing is heard. Your thoughts betray you “what is that?!” God answers “NOT WHAT, BUT WHO.. THAT IS MY SON, THE DEFENDER OF THOSE HE KNOWS, HE TOLD YOU THAT HE DID NOT COME TO JUDGE THE WORLD BUT SAVE IT” “who is your son?” your think… silence.. in all around not a sound is made… you feel as if all eyes are on you, the only sound is a sobbing, a sorrow fills the air greater than before… and then “I TOLD YOU ABOUT HIM ON JUNE 1ST 1972, ON APRIL 30TH 1973, ON …..” As God names dates images flash across the walls in your room of people telling you about Christ, you remember each event, and how you felt.. how you hated to hear it. Excuses flood your mind…”there was no proof of you” your thoughts rebut God’s anger flares “PROOF!!!???? ” “WHAT PROOF DO YOU NEED? THAT YOU WERE ALIVE? DID YOU SEE THE SUNSET, THE MOON AND STARS THE SUN?! DID YOU SEE THEM WITH THE EYES I MADE FOR YOU? DID YOU BREATHE WITH THE LUNGS I FORMED FOR YOU?!” you speak your first audible words…”b..bu…but evolution…” and before you can finish a sickening, wheezing, laugh permeates the room a putrid whisper fills your ear.. “another one” You see a sickly shadow, always just out of the light as if hidden by a great cloud.. always nearing the light, but never entering it. The sickly form slinks towards you.. vomiting your offenses to the Lord… “He’s a liar Lord, look at his life” the spectre hisses.. as he speaks images again fill the walls of every time you’ve lied… from leaving work without permission, to flattery, to a lie for personal gain… the monsters evil laugh rings loud as you bark out excuses for each situation…

without hesitation the beast continues “Your Son stated that whoever lusts has committed adultery in his heart, look at this ones past” again images flash across the room’s walls, private scenes of glances, lust, pornography are displayed for everyone to see.. Your excuses are deafening!! without second thought the devil hurls offenses against God and backs them up with scenes from your life. “He’s a murderer Lord!!” the king of demons wheezes… “you’re wrong you stated boldly and defiantly” his glare puts you in your place.. then scenes of times when you hated fill the room.. and the creature whispers…”Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.”

You say “how could I have known through all the religions what was right?” the devil wheezes laughter and hell shouts victory “another one!!” he belches in delight, you stare at him bewildered, he states “My apostles are at work day and night, Throwing confusion in with the truth, Joseph Smith, Mary Baker Eddy, Charles Taze Russell, Brigham Young, L.Ron Hubbard, and Charles Darwin!! Masters of my twisted truth – With new apostles on the rise soon Christianity will be outlawed by my apostles, just like prayer was taken out of schools.. and the gates of hell will flood because of my disciples of death ” the cackling is deafening…

Tears fall from your eyes as you realize you’ve lost the case… with great heaving sobs… you cry out “BUT LORD!!! HAVE MERCY, LOOK AT THE TIMES I HAVE DONE GOOD!!!” the devil whispers, almost giggling.. “no one is good, no not one – you’ve sinned against the Lord, His word shows your condemnation “..The wages of sin is death” there is no escape for you” ………..Then you remember, it all comes back like a flood… “JESUS!!! I NEED YOU JESUS!!!” the creature hurls backward as light illuminates the room, you squint your eyes to see the form of a man, the creature is in the corner cowering in fear, hissing like a caged beast at the Son of God! “Yes, you called on me?” you beg “Jesus, sweet savior, I am wrongly accused here, the devil has brought accusations against me, and I need you” and Jesus looks at you, with more love and compassion then ever and says “I tried to call you.. I had such plans for you, I watched you from afar, loved you from afar, I ensured you had the best job, friends and family, I showered you with the gift of life, and blessed you with times of happiness, and caused you to grow through times of pain, and turmoil, I have watched you grow into a strong man” then the Lord’s eye change, his temperament changes, and the beast is back at your side, his cold dead hands firmly around your arm… as he drags you away to eternal suffering you hear Jesus say “You denied me on earth, you believed I never existed though all the proof was there it wasn’t what you wanted, you wanted more, you wanted proof.. I tried to give you that proof with a personal relationship with me, I sent my servants to you several times, to beg you to come to know me… I smiled when I created you, I cried when you cried, I laughed when you laughed, but, in all that you used my name in vain, and I never hated you, you cursed me when things went wrong, and I never hated you, you through your actions drove the nails through my hands and heart hundreds of times, and I never hated you, as much as I love you….. I never knew you”

You see tears fall from His eyes as you sink into inky blackness.. just before your skin erupts into flames.. you realize that this morning was like any other day….. and now your spouse is a widow (or widower), your kids are without one parent, you’ve left problems behind on earth, you’re eternally in hell… and worse of all.. you’ve taught your kids and wife that there is no God.. You cry out knowing that they could follow you into hell..

Are you ready to die? Jesus is the only way to eternal life.. this story can be replayed hundreds of times with Buddha as the religion, Christian Science, or Mormonism as the religion.. but only the Jesus of the Bible can save you… It’s more than saying a prayer, it’s calling on His name, it’s building a relationship with Him, and learning His word.. Loving Him, giving it to Him, realizing that He alone can save you. Repent of your sins, confess them to God, and ask Jesus to forgive you, read the Bible, find a GOOD Bible believing church.. and have the Pastor pray with you, and for you..

Please please please don’t let this be you, Jesus isn’t a crutch, it takes more strength to stand for Jesus these days than it does to deny him…

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Posted by Tom