In the Beginning

"In the beginning" - these are the very first words in the first chapter of Genesis; the first book in the Holy Bible. Let's look at these words in their stark simplicity in the beginning before all things were created - before time began - before the Universe - before man.

The beginning was before time; so it was in eternity. Now let's read in Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God..." Now here is a wonderful revelation - God was in the beginning - in eternity! Let's continue in verse 1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

Now any clear thinking person can see that this Supreme Being, God actually brought into existence our Space - Matter - Time universe. Time came into existence when God created the universe.

Genesis chapter 1 details the time frame God used to create the heavens, the earth, mankind and the animal, marine and vegetable kingdoms. In six literal 24 hour days was how He chose to do it. Our puny, finite minds find it hard to grasp how an infinite, eternal God could bring the universe into existence in six days.

For those of you who think this is farfetched; I will tell you what is farfetched, that the universe began with a 'Big Bang'. Every big bang I have seen destroyed something! Where did the elements for this supposed 'Big Bang' originate?

It is mankind groping around for answers and leaving the Creator God out of their thinking. Why is this so?

Romans 8:7 in the New Testament; gives us these words, "Because the carnal [natural] mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be."  Men and women in their natural, ungodly state are hostile towards God and won't be subject to God's laws. How did this come about? As a result of a sinful nature passed on from Adam to every human being, except Jesus Christ.

Ezekiel 18:4, "Behold all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son are Mine; the soul who sins shall die." So here's the problem; every soul belongs to God but in our natural, sinful state our minds are hostile towards God.

Ezekiel 18:31, 31, "(31) Cast away from you all your transgression which you have committed and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die...? (32) For I have no pleasure in the one who dies," says the Lord God. "Therefore turn and live."

Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Acts 16:30, 31, "(30) '...what must I do to be saved?' (31) '...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved...'."

Don't be like the ostrich and bury your head in the sand hoping the problem will go away. God was there in the beginning of eternity and God will be there throughout eternity. You can choose to die in your sins and be cast into the Lake of Fire for eternity; or you can believe in Jesus Christ and spend a sinless eternity in heaven with Him.

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Words enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point. You may notice some verses are quoted with ... at the beginning, ending or elsewhere in a verse. Only the relevant part or parts of the verse, that relate directly to the current subject matter is quoted.]

[If you have any questions or comments you are invited to contact me via the comments section below.]

Swallowed Alive!

What an awful thing to reflect on! The Old Testament has two very different occasions where this happened. The one that immediately springs to mind is the incident where the prophet Jonah was swallowed by a great fish. However, the other incident is even more frightening.

In the book of Numbers the incident concerns three men. Numbers 16:1-3, "(1) Now Korah the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men; (2) and they rose up before Moses with some of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty leaders of the congregation, representatives of the congregation, men of renown. (3) They gathered together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, 'You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord'?"

This is open rebellion against God and the people God has chosen to represent Him in the nation of Israel. It is the wayward hearts of men kicking against rule and authority. We see it every day in every nation around the world.

Romans 8:7 states, "Because the carnal [natural] mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Man in his natural state and condition is hostile towards God. His mind opposes God's will for his life. "I want to do things my way!" This is what we see with Korah, Dathan and Abiram; who in their rebellion also seek to lead the children of Israel astray.

When Moses heard Korah's words he fell on his face in shock at his brazenness. Moses then picked himself up and spoke to Korah.

Numbers 16: 6,7; 16-19

"(6) Do this; Take censers, Korah and all your company;

(7) put fire in them and put incense in them before the Lord tomorrow, and it shall be that the man the Lord chooses is the holy one. You take too much upon yourselves, you sons of Levi."

"(16) And Moses said to Korah, 'Tomorrow, you and all your company be present before the Lord - you and they, as well as Aaron.

(17) Let each take his censer and put incense in it, and each of you bring his censer before the Lord, two hundred and fifty censers; both you and Aaron, each with his censer.'

(18) So every man took his censer, put fire in it, laid incense on it, and stood at the door of the tabernacle of meeting with Moses and Aaron.

(19) And Korah gathered all the congregation against them at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. Then the glory of the Lord appeared to all the congregation."

The scene is now set for a showdown. Who will the Lord vindicate? Moses was then told to separate the congregation from Korah, Dathan and Abiram.

Numbers 16:27-35

"(27) So they got away from around the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abiram; and Dathan and Abiram came out and stood at the door of their tents, with their wives, their sons, and their little children.

(28) And Moses said: 'By this you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these works, for I have not done them of my own will.

(29) If these men die naturally like all men, or if they are visited by the common fate of all men, then the Lord did not send me.

(30) but if the Lord creates a new thing, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the pit [Hell], then you will understand that these men have rejected the Lord.

(31) Now it came to pass, as he finished speaking all these words, that the ground split apart under them,

(32) and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the men with Korah, with all their goods.

(33) So they and all those with them went down alive into the pit; the earth closed over them, and they perished from among the assembly.

(34) Then all Israel who were around them fled at their cry, for they said, 'Lest the earth swallow us up also!'

(35) And a fire came out from the Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering incense."

What a terrible death! Rebellion against the true and living God has consequences!

Hebrews 10:30, 31 states, "(30) For we know Him who said, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay', says the Lord. And again, 'The Lord will judge His people.' (31) It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

Matthew 10:28 states, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

A godless life, lived for self and pleasure, will result in a godless eternity in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

Where do you stand in relation to your eternal destination? Is it hell or heaven?

Romans 10:9, 10 tells us, "(9) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (10) For with the heart one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Words enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point. You may notice some verses are quoted with ... at the beginning, ending or elsewhere in a verse. Only the relevant part or parts of the verse, that relate directly to the current subject matter is quoted.]

[If you have any questions or comments you are invited to contact me via the comments section below.]

The Talking Donkey

Are you serious? Donkeys don't talk! Things impossible with man, are however possible with God. Let's look at a true incident in the Old Testament.

Numbers chapter 22 gives us the account of Balak the son of Zippor, the king of the Moabites, endeavouring to hire Balaam the son of Beor to curse the children of Israel. The reason being, the Moabites were terrified of the Israelites. Balak sent the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian to Balaam.

Numbers 22:8-13

"(8) And he [Balaam] said to them, 'Lodge here tonight, and I will bring back word to you, as the Lord speaks to me.' so the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam.

(9) Then God said to Balaam, 'Who are these men with you?'

(10) So Balaam said to God, 'Balak the son of Zippor, the king of Moab, has sent to me, saying,

(11) 'Look a people has come out of Egypt, and they cover the face of the earth. Come now and curse them and drive them out.'

(12) And God said to Balaam, 'You shall not go with them, you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.'

(13) So Balaam rose in the morning and said to the princes of Balak, 'Go back to your land, for the Lord has refused to give me permission to go with you,"

The princes of Moab returned to Balak and told him that Balaam refused to come with them. Balak sent even more high ranking princes to Balaam with the promise that Balak would greatly honour Balaam if he would curse the children of Israel. Balaam again asked them to stay overnight.

Numbers 22:20, 21, "(20) And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, 'If the men come to you, rise and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you - that you shall do.' (21) So Balaam rose in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab."

What is going on here? God had told Balaam that he was not to curse the children of Israel. Why is God now saying to Balaam to go with the princes of Moab? The answer is obvious, God was testing Balaam. Maybe Balaam was thinking about the great honour Balak would bestow upon him. Whatever it was he was not thinking clearly.

Numbers 22:22, "Then God's anger was aroused because he went, and the Angel of the Lord took His stand in the way as an adversary against him. And he was riding his donkey and his two servants were with him." The verses that follow tell us that the Angel of the Lord barred the way with His drawn sword in His hand. The donkey saw the Angel of the Lord and turned aside into a field. Balaam forced the donkey back. Then the Angel of the Lord two more times stood in the way. The donkey the third time had nowhere to go and simply laid down with Balaam on her back.

Numbers 22:27-33

"(27) And when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam's anger was aroused, and he struck the donkey with his staff.

(28) Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, 'What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?'

(29) And Balaam said to the donkey, 'Because you have abused me. I wish there was a sword in my hand, for now I would kill you!'

(30) So the donkey said to Balaam, 'Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden, ever since I became yours, to this day? Was I ever disposed to do this to you?' And he said, 'No.'

(31) Then the Lord opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His sword drawn in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face.

(32) And the Angel of the Lord said to him, 'Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to stand against you, because your way is perverse before Me.

(33) The donkey saw Me and turned aside from Me these three times. If she had not turned aside from Me, surely I would also have killed you by now, and let her live'."

What a predicament! God had to cause a donkey to speak in a human voice to make Balaam understand how close to dying he was!

How about you? Does God have to do something drastic in your life to make you realise your need of salvation? None of us is given any guarantee how long we will live on this earth.

Don't be like the rich man in  Luke 12:19, 20, "(19) And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink and be merry.' (20) But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided'?"

John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Jesus Christ, the Son of God is the Saviour!

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Words enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point. You may notice some verses are quoted with ... at the beginning, ending or elsewhere in a verse. Only the relevant part or parts of the verse, that relate directly to the current subject matter is quoted.]

[If you have any questions or comments you are invited to contact me via the comments section below.]

The Path to Life

Collins Concise Dictionary defines the word path as:

1. A road or way, esp. a narrow trodden track.

2. A surfaced walk, as through a garden.

3. The course or direction in which something moves: the path of a whirlwind.

4. A course of conduct: the path of virtue.

When we think of a path we assume that it leads to a destination. Every path has a beginning and an ending. There are of course millions of paths in this world of ours. However, there is only one path to eternal life.

Matthew 7:13, 14, "(13) Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. (14) Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life [eternal], and there are few who find it."

The scenario that the Lord Jesus Christ is unfolding is that the way to eternal life is contrary to the way that leads to destruction.

In 2011 in a previous blog post titled 'Broad is the way that leads to destruction' I penned these words. "The way to destruction is broad and spacious, lots of room for lots of people. All these are heading along life’s journey; some are happy, some sad, some careless, some fearful, some high-minded, some low-minded, some rich and many poor.

Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

People of every nation are caught in the throngs heading to destruction. It is a one way street! They entered in through the wide gate. The way ahead looked good and there was plenty of room. If so many people are doing it; surely it must be OK? There are plenty of friends and relatives to keep you company along the way.

The narrow gate on the other hand is hard to find. The way to [eternal] life is difficult. Satan does not want you on this pathway, your unsaved friends and relatives don’t want you on this pathway. Obstacles will be put in your way. But, it is your choice and your decision to choose either life or death. God wants you to enter into life [eternal] via the narrow gate."

Perhaps an incident from my own life will help at this juncture. When I was a younger man I worked in the Central Business District (CBD) in Sydney, Australia.  People walking along the footpaths always seemed to be in a hurry, especially at lunch time. This particular day seemed busier than most. I needed to go into a particular department store which meant crossing the stream of people coming towards me.

Sounds easy! It wasn't! The people behind me were in such a hurry they were tending to push me past the entrance to the department store. I managed to stop; then I had to cut across all the people heading in the opposite direction who did not want to give way to this person blocking their progress. It required dedication and persistence to get to the entrance of the department store.

The entrance to the department store was narrow and the way to it was difficult and so also is the path to eternal life. The people who hindered me getting into the department store would not have spared me a thought except for the obvious; I was an obstacle in their way that needed to be gotten rid of!

John 14:6, "Jesus said to him [Thomas], 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me'."

John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Let me repeat the words I quoted above. "Satan does not want you on this pathway, your unsaved friends and relatives don’t want you on this pathway. Obstacles will be put in your way. But, it is your choice and your decision to choose either life or death. God wants you to enter into life [eternal] via the narrow gate."

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Words enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point. You may notice some verses are quoted with ... at the beginning, ending or elsewhere in a verse. Only the relevant part or parts of the verse, that relate directly to the current subject matter is quoted.]

[If you have any questions or comments you are invited to contact me via the comments section below.]

This same Jesus

This phrase by itself leaves us wondering what the subject will be concerned with. Yet it also implies that this 'Jesus' is the same as a 'Jesus' who is already known.

Let's look at the verse in the Scriptures where this phrase is found. Acts 1:11 states, "...Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."

This verse immediately points us to the ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ into heaven.

Indeed if we look at the preceding verses we find that:

(a) Jesus was with His disciples for 40 days after He rose from among the dead.

(b) Now He is ready to ascend into heaven.

(c) While His disciples watch He is taken up from them and a cloud receives Him out of their sight.

Then two men in white apparel inform the disciples that this very same Jesus will come again the same way as He went up to heaven,

This same Jesus is the very person who carried out a myriad of miracles for people and then willingly went to the cross at Calvary to lay down His life in payment of their sins.

This same Jesus rose up from among the dead after three days and then was seen by many disciples for the next 40 days. On the fortieth day He ascended to God the Father. This ascension was only witnessed by Jesus' disciples. It was hidden to the world at large.

Where did He ascend from? Acts 1:12 informs us that His disciples returned from "...the mount called Olivet..." which is very close to Jerusalem. The Mount of Olives is where Jesus ascended from.

Luke 24:50, 51 informs us, "(50) And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. (51) Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven." Bethany is located on the eastern slopes of the Mount of Olives.

Can we assume that the Mount of Olives is where He will return to? Do the Scriptures give us any indication that this is the place of His return?

The Old Testament prophet Zechariah gives us a very clear indication of where the Lord Jesus Christ will return to. When He returns in great power and glory it is a time of judgement on the nations!

Let’s go to Zechariah for his prophecy about this time in Israel. Zechariah 14:1, 2 tell us, “(1) Behold, the day of the Lord is coming, and your spoil shall be divided in your midst. (2) For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; the city shall be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, but the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city.”  This is Armageddon!

Israel is in extreme peril! There is no possible way any human intervention can save the nation! Only God can save them out of this terrible situation. Zechariah 14:3 states, “Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle.”  Matthew24:27 tells us, “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the Son of Man be.”

The Lord Jesus Christ will suddenly appear as quickly as a flash of lightning. Let’s read on in Matthew 24:29, 30, “(29) Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. (30) Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

Let’s pick up the time sequence from Zechariah 14:4, 5, “(4) And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two, from east to west, making a very large valley; half of the mountain shall move toward the north and half of it toward the south. (5) Then you shall flee through My mountain valley, for the mountain valley shall reach to Azal. Yes, you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Thus the Lord my God will come, and all the saints with You.”

Jerusalem will be saved by a great miracle; a huge earthquake will occur when the Lord Jesus Christ stands on the Mount of Olives. A huge valley will be formed for the inhabitants of Jerusalem and Judea to flee to safety.

Zechariah 14:12, 13 give us the judgement on the invading nations. “(12)...Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet, their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets, and their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths. (13) It shall come to pass in that day that a great panic from the Lord will be among them. Everyone will seize the hand of his neighbour, and raise his hand against his neighbour’s hand.”

This is the same Jesus whom the disciples saw ascending to heaven! It is not now the man who was crucified on a cross. This is the resurrected man who comes to rule the nations in righteousness! This is Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of Man, the Son of God, the King of the Jews, King of kings and Lord of lords - God the Son!

Is He your Lord and Saviour?

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Words enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point. You may notice some verses are quoted with ... at the beginning, ending or elsewhere in a verse. Only the relevant part or parts of the verse, that relate directly to the current subject matter is quoted.]

[If you have any questions or comments you are invited to contact me via the comments section below.]

The Power of Resurrection

What is your understanding of the act of resurrection? Most people, I am sure, would agree it is the act of bringing back to life someone or something that was dead. So the verb 'resurrect' conveys the thought of bringing back to life, or raising from the dead. The noun 'resurrection' conveys a finished act.

What then is the power of resurrection? Surely it is something completely outside the scope of a dead person! A dead body conveys a stark reality; the complete absence of life! A dead person is utterly unable to resurrect himself. So this leads us to the question; why do we die? Why must we die? Death is universal; why is this so?

The answer is in the Holy Scriptures. Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death..."

If we work diligently for an employer or a boss we expect a just and equitable reward for the work we have done. This principle carries over to our personal standing before God. Ezekiel 18:4 tells us, "Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine; the soul who sins shall die," So death is the just reward for sinning!

Let's now look at the full verse in Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." So we all deserve death for sinning! But God in His grace and mercy offers us the gift of eternal life! If someone gives you a gift all you have to do is receive it. You can't pay for it, or work for it. You haven't earned it. If the gift was consequent on you doing any of those things then it is no longer a gift but a reward.

To receive God's gift of eternal life it can only be received from one person - Jesus Christ our Lord.

OK what if we reach out and receive the gift of eternal life and God gives it to us. How come I die and they bury my body? Surely eternal life means that I will live forever in eternity? The answer is Yes, Yes, Yes - I will live forever in eternity; but not in this body I am presently in, which is made for me to inhabit the earth.

That is God's power of resurrection, when He resurrects my earthly body He will give me a new spiritual body fit for heaven and eternity with Him.

Let's look at 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17:

"(14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep [have died] in Jesus.

(15) For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.

(16) For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

(17) Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord."

Here is the awesome power of resurrection on display! This is the resurrection of life spoken of by the Lord Jesus in John 5:28, 29, "(28) Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice (29) and come forth - those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation."  Two resurrections - the resurrection of life and the resurrection of condemnation!

Don't be like the Jews that Jesus spoke to in John 5: 40, "But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life [eternal]." They will be in the resurrection of condemnation [judgement].

There is new life in Christ and it is abundant and it is free - it is the gift of God!

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Words enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point.  You may notice some verses are quoted with ... at the beginning, ending or elsewhere in a verse. Only the relevant part or parts of the verse that relate directly to the current subject matter is quoted.]

[If you have any questions or comments you are invited to contact me via the comments section below.]

The Ultimate Mercy

What is mercy? Collins Concise Dictionary defines mercy as:

1. Compassionate treatment of or attitude towards an offender, adversary, etc., who is in one's power or care; clemency or pity.

2. The power to show mercy.

3. A relieving or welcome occurrence or state of affairs.

4. At the mercy of, in the power of.

Crudens Complete Concordance to the Old and New Testament defines mercy as (Compassion; pity for the undeserving and the guilty. Used of both God and man. The word is frequently changed in the Revisions to loving kindness.)

When God shows mercy it is towards the guilty and undeserving. Let's look at Numbers 14:18, "The Lord is longsuffering and abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He by no means clears the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations."

We learn that (a) the Lord is longsuffering, (b) abundant in mercy, (c) forgives iniquity and transgressions, (d) does not clear the guilty, and (e) passes on the iniquity of the fathers to their children.

So how do we reconcile (a), (b) and (c) with (d) and (e)? How does a longsuffering, merciful God deal with sinful mankind? All sin is against God! Romans 3:23 tells us that, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 6:23 tells us that, "...the wages of sin is death..."

Every sinner deserves death! However, Ezekiel 33:11 reveals this, "Say to them; 'As I live,' says the Lord God, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die...?' "

Now let's look at the rest of Romans 6:23, "...but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Here is the great contrast; death in your sins or eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The wages of sin is death! This has never been revoked! How then do I make the transition from death to eternal life? What we clearly need to understand is that Jesus Christ, the Son of God died on a Roman cross at Calvary to pay the penalty for your sins and mine.

Christ died that we might have eternal life with Him in heaven. The wages of your sins is death!  Christ died to pay the debt owing to God for your sins. If you receive Christ as your Saviour and Lord your debt of sins is cleared by His death on your behalf. You will receive the gift of eternal life.

God is abundant in mercy! He has provided His Son to pay the full penalty for your sins. In the Book of Revelation in the New Testament in Chapter 20 we find a great white throne set up for God to judge all the wicked dead; those who have died unrepentant in their sins. Books are opened and everyone is judged according to all their wicked deeds.

Then a final check is made!

Is their name written in the Book of Life? If it is not in the Book of Life that person is cast into the Lake of Fire, which is the second, eternal, death!

So here is God's ultimate mercy! If your name is recorded in His Book of Life you will spend eternity with Him!

Ephesians 2:4-7, "(4) But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, (5) even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together  with Christ (by grace you have been saved), (6) and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, (7) that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Words enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point

You may notice some verses are quoted with ... at the beginning, ending or elsewhere in a verse. Only the relevant part or parts of the verse that relate directly to the current subject matter is quoted.]

[Do you have any questions or comments? You are invited to contact me by clicking on the comments section below]

Weighed in the Balances

What are the balances? The balances are a set of weighing scales; which usually consist of a horizontal beam pivoted at the centre of the beam. Two pans are suspended from the ends of the beam. The item to be weighed is placed in one pan and weights are placed in the other pan until the beam returns to the horizontal position. Whatever weight is needed to balance the beam is the correct weight for the item.

Let's look at an incident in Daniel chapter 5 relating to the Chaldean king Belshazzar.

Daniel 5:22-30,

"(22) 'But you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this,

(23) and you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hands and owns all your ways, you have not glorified.'

(24) Then the fingers of the [man's] hand were sent from Him, and this writing was written.

(25) And this is the inscription that was written: 'MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.'

(26) This is the interpretation of each word, MENE: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it;

(27) TEKEL: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting;

(28) PERES: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.'

(29) Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel with purple and put a chain of gold around his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.

(30) That very night Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans, was slain.

(31) And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old."

God had judged Belshazzar, weighed his life in the balances and Belshazzar was found wanting. In other words he did not meet God's holy standards. It was a very dramatic way to find out the true worth of his life before the true and living God.

Belshazzar knew about the true and living God, but preferred to ignore Him and worshipped idols instead. God however had not ignored Belshazzar! When Belshazzar and his lords used the holy vessels consecrated to the true and living God to praise "...the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone..." judgement was pronounced upon him. He died that very night, unrepentant and still in his sins.

What about you? If you were weighed in the balances today would the weight of your sins find you wanting? Don't want to think about it? Don't be a Belshazzar and die unrepentant, still in your sins.

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

Don't be like Belshazzar, let's read about his destiny.

Revelation 20:11-15,

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

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

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

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

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

Everything we do is recorded in heaven! Every sin is recorded in our own book; "...and books were opened..." Your life is an open book to God!

Ezekiel 18:23, "Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?" says the Lord God, "and not that he should turn from his ways and live?"

That is what the Lord God wants for you - to turn from your wicked ways and live!

John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Words enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point

You may notice some verses are quoted with ... at the beginning, ending or elsewhere in a verse. Only the relevant part or parts of the verse, that relate directly to the current subject matter is quoted.]

[Any comments or questions? You are invited to contact me by clicking on the comments section below.]

The Power of Redemption

The Oxford Dictionary of English, on my EBook reader, defines redemption as:

1. The action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil: God's plan for the redemption of His world.

A thing that saves someone from error or evil.

2. The action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt.

Now that we have a basic understanding of the word redemption; how does it affect me? In point 1 above it speaks of being saved from sin, error, or evil. The Holy Scriptures in Romans 3:23 states "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Every person, whether they are a king on a throne, a drunk in the gutter, or anywhere in between - has sinned! We have, each one, fallen short of God's holy standards and His glory.

Now there are consequences for this state of affairs. Galatians 6:7, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death..."

Is this the end of the matter? Of course not! What would be the use of writing this blog post unless there is a solution?

It is an interesting fact that the next verse after Romans 3:23 talks about redemption. Romans 3:24 tells us, "Being justified freely by His [God's] grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Let's look at 1 Timothy 2:5, 6, "(5) For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, (6) who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."

We needed someone who could act on our behalf before God - a mediator. How fitting that our Mediator also paid the price [ransom] for our souls. In point 2 of our definition of redemption we read, "The action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt."

The apostle Peter in 1 Peter 1:18, 19 reveals this, "(18) Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold... (19) but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish or spot." The redemption price has already been paid by our Redeemer, the Man, Christ Jesus.

Now this is all well and good; however redemption is only available to those who ask for it! It is not automatically conferred on everybody! In the lovely story of Boaz and Ruth, in the Old Testament book of Ruth, we find a lovely example of this.

Ruth the Moabitess, a penniless widow arrives in Bethlehem with her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi. Naomi has forfeited her lands and possessions during her ten years' residency in Moab. Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz during the barley and wheat harvests. Boaz is a close relative of Naomi's dead husband, Elimelech who died in Moab.

Naomi advises Ruth that she has the right to claim redemption from Boaz because he is a near kinsman. Two things are necessary for this act of redemption: (a) Ruth has to make a personal claim on Boaz (b) Boaz has to be willing to redeem Ruth and also buy back the land and possessions of Elimilech's. Ruth makes her claim and Boaz agrees to redeem her, make her his wife and pay whatever price is required for the redemption.

Psalms 49:7, 8, "None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him. For the redemption of their souls is costly..." None of us can redeem anyone from our sins because we are sinners and utterly bankrupt before God. However, any sinner, through faith, has the right to claim redemption from the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Lord Jesus went to the cross of Calvary to pay the price of our redemption. He perfectly fulfilled the requirements of the Law. He laid down His life; and He shed his blood (God’s requirement for our redemption). The Lord Jesus tasted death for every man, woman and child. He was buried and rose again from the dead three days later. Forty days after rising from the dead He ascended into Heaven.

The redemption price has been paid for all sinners who make a claim on Him.

Redemption is by blood (shed at the Cross) and by power (He rose from the dead).

The Lord Jesus Christ, as our Kinsman Redeemer, shows us a God who loved His creation mankind so much that He sent His Son into this world as our Kinsman Redeemer.  When we are saved we are also redeemed - bought by God at the cost of the sacrificial death of Christ! No one else could pay this price demanded by God.

Are you redeemed? Do you know the power of redemption in your life? Have you made your claim on Christ? Hebrews 9:12 informs us that, "...He obtained eternal redemption." for the likes of you and me!

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Words enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point

You may notice some verses are quoted with ... at the beginning, ending or elsewhere in a verse. Only the relevant part or parts of the verse, that relate directly to the current subject matter is quoted.]

[You are invited to comment on this post, by clicking on the comments section below]

Why me?

This is a question people often ask themselves when a crisis, or series of crises comes into their lives. Why me? Why is this happening to me? What did I do to deserve this?

We have all been there. We have all asked this question. Sometimes the situation we are in is the product of our own doings. Sometimes the situation we are in is the result of a natural disaster, or from circumstances beyond our control. Sometimes it is the result of wrong choices on our part.

For instance, why must I die? It happens to everyone. Physical death is inevitable! I have to bow to the inevitable. I will die! Nothing I can humanly do can prevent it.

Can I alter the outcome resulting from my death? Yes, I can! The Holy Bible shows us there is Heaven and there is Hell. When I die the destination for my soul and spirit is either heaven or hell.

If I go to heaven I will be in the presence of God. Psalm 16:11, "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

If I go to hell I will be in the place reserved for the devil and his evil angels. Let's look at an incident recorded in Luke 16:22-26:

 "(22) So it was the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.

(23) And being in torment in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus [the beggar] in his bosom.

(24) Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' (25) But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.

(26) And besides all this, between us and you is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us'."

Hell is a place of torment - there is no pleasure in hell! Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

We all must die as the result of our sin. Please don't be foolish and say you have never sinned. Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

You could say to me, "I don't believe there is a God, or heaven, or hell, or a devil." Well I say to you, "The moment you die, you will believe!" It will be too late; you have already sealed your eternal destiny! If you find yourself in hell it is because you have chosen to go there.

God has provided salvation for you if you believe that His Son, Jesus Christ died on a Roman cross at Calvary; to pay the penalty for your sins and give you the gift of eternal life. Receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour means that when you physically die your soul and spirit will go to heaven to be with Him forever!

Why me? We will all die physically, but we can choose here and now where our eternal destiny will be. Will it be heaven or hell?

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Word enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point]

[You are invited to comment on this post, by clicking on the comments section below]

The Times of the Gentiles

This phrase is found in Luke 21:24. Who are the Gentiles? The Holy Scriptures reveal that the Gentiles are people and nations who are non-Jewish. [By implication they are usually pagan, heathen nations.]

Does this mean that if I have been brought up in a Christian country, that I am a Gentile? Yes - that is exactly what it means! If I am non-Jewish I am a Gentile.

So far we have learned that anyone who is not a Jew is automatically classified as a Gentile. Therefore, any nation other than Israel is a Gentile nation; regardless of skin colour, religion or culture.

Luke 21:24, "And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." These words were spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ.

History has proved the truth of this. The Jews were dispersed among the nations for many centuries. Jerusalem was trodden under foot by the Romans, then the Saracens and finally by the Turks; until Israel was allowed to be a nation again in 1948.

Although modern Israel is a sovereign State it is much smaller in size than ancient Israel. Continuing conflicts with its neighbouring countries are ongoing. On the site of its ancient Temple in Jerusalem sits a Muslim mosque. The Jews have no Temple to offer sacrifices to God, no ruling King and no effective priesthood. So in a practical sense even today the ancient city of Jerusalem is heavily influenced by the Gentiles.

The time is coming however when "the times of the Gentiles" will be fulfilled. Gentile dominance will cease! Israel will become the dominant nation in the world.

Deuteronomy 28:12,13, "(12) The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. (13) And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, you shall be above only, and not be underneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I [Moses] command you today, and are careful to observe them."

Israel as a nation were disobedient and rebellious to the Lord their God. Most of the Old Testament is taken up with their waywardness and consequent punishments. They will however become "the head and not the tail" because God has decreed it! When will this take place?  After Armageddon when Christ comes back to save Israel and set up His millennial kingdom on earth. Gentile dominance will be finished!

For a fuller explanation I refer you to my 2011 blog posts:

Armageddon - Could it impact on you? [August]

Israel - The Time of Jacob's Trouble [September]

Israel - Salvation from the Great tribulation [September]

The times of the Gentiles will be fulfilled, and finished, and no man or nation will be able to stop it!

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Word enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point]

[You are invited to comment on this post, by clicking on the comments section below]