From 2 Timothy 4:3-4; “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions; and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” It can reasonably be said that the above time is right now. (ESV, all emphasis is mine.)

Lamentations 3:22-24; “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul; therefore, I will hope in Him.”

Titus 3:5-7; “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of, regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace, we might become heirs to the hope of eternal life.”

Proverbs 28:13; “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses them will obtain mercy.” Next, Romans 10:9, 12-13; “because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing His riches on all who call on Him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

And then 1 John 1:8-9; “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

This is a lot of information to try and absorb all at once, but the message given to us by the Father makes the pathway to eternal life very clear.

First of all, we cannot love this world and what’s in it over and above our love for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (1 John 2:15-17). Even during the first century, there were antichrists and false prophets that were here doing all they could to pull souls away from the Savior. In 1 John 2: 22-23, the disciple states, “Who is the liar, but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ [Messiah]? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.”

As long as we are in these human bodies, we will fall short and sin. This is made clear in Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23, and Romans 6:23. If we confess our sins, the Father is faithful to forgive us. Habitual and unrepentant sin is what drives a wedge between us and our eternal life with our Savior. God knows we are weak and that we will sin, but He is ready to forgive us when we truly ask Him to.

In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asked Jesus if he should forgive someone up to seven times. In those days, anything over three was considered excess. Jesus replied that not seven times, but seventy times seven. This does not mean that God keeps a scoreboard, and when we hit the magic 490, there is no more room to be forgiven.

Jesus was teaching that the Father will forgive us each time if we truly ask Him to. At the same time, this does not give us license to just keep on committing habitual sin without trying to turn away from it. Please note that right now, there is only one unforgivable sin, and that is to take your last breath here on this earth without having Jesus as your Savior.

We hear of Grace of the Savior and Mercy from the Father. Paul gives us a message in Ephesians 2:4-9 that puts this in perspective. “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved – and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the Heavenly places in Christ Jesus; so that in the coming age, He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God; not a result of works so that no one may boast.” And, Yes, God really loves us that much.

Please note, in Romans 10:9-10, Paul says to “confess with your mouth.” Our Heavenly Father is not disqualifying anyone from Salvation who is physically unable to speak. The key parts of those verses are “in your heart” and “with the heart.” God hears our thoughts as if we were speaking out loud to Him. Therefore, it would be safe to say, if a person “speaks” to the Father from the heart and with their mind, this confession would be acceptable.

The increasing evil around us, and all the worldwide events that are leading to a one-world government, are telling us the end of this age, as given in God’s word, is right here at this very time. About the only prophecy that still is to be fulfilled is the antichrist making his appearance to lead this world in the worst 7-year period of time that has ever been. However, before that can happen, Jesus will be calling all true believers to meet Him in the air to fulfill God’s promise to keep us from the coming wrath. The world believes this is foolishness, which Paul covers in 1 Corinthians 1:18.

As for the Savior’s followers, we need to be in the “Footsteps of Jesus” right now. Mary Bridge Canady Slade wrote a song about this in 1871. Consider her words.

1.) Sweetly, Lord, have we heard thee calling, “Come, Follow Me.” And we see where Thy footprints falling lead us to Thee.

Ref) Footprints of Jesus, that make the pathway glow; We will follow the steps of Jesus where’re they go.

2.) Though they lead o’er the cold, dark mountains, seeking His sheep; Or along Siloam’s fountains, helping the weak. (ref)

3.) If they lead through the temple holy, preaching the Word; Or in homes of the poor and lonely, serving the Lord. (ref)

4.) Then at last when on high He sees us, our journey done, We will rest where the steps of Jesus end at His throne.

Please understand, I know I am an imperfect human whose main desire is to leave this sin-filled world, get my forever immortal new body, and have a renewed “Christ-like” mindset that will be unable to sin. I am definitely nowhere near perfect, and I talk to the Father regularly. I ask Him to guide and lead me and to forgive my sins. One point here: this does not relieve me of any possible discipline that may come from the Father because of my actions. Just as an earthly father would discipline his children when they do wrong, our Heavenly Father sometimes disciplines us out of love to be a better servant for Him.

For anyone who has not called out to the Savior for forgiveness and to prepare a place for us in Heaven (John 14:1-30), right now would be a perfect time to do so. It is definitely not too soon. Being prepared will definitely be to your advantage because the Rapture will take place in considerably less than one second.

The Father will force no one to accept His Son but will accept all who do. John 10:16 and Romans 10:12 tell us that Jesus died for everyone, not just the Jews. All who reject the Savior, including His chosen Jewish people, will receive their eternal punishment at the Great White Throne of Revelation 20:11-15.

It is completely each and every person’s choice to make. As a member of the Precious Shepherd’s flock, I will follow the “Footsteps of Jesus” and invite you to do the same. We could be “Home” very soon.

Thank You, Jesus! Maranatha!

huebshman46@gmail.com

Romans 1:18-20, Psalm 19:1-3, Hebrews 1:1, Romans 2:14-15, Romans 1:32, Proverbs 22:19-21, Genesis 1

Summary: Creation and the Scriptures have been the primary means by which the Sovereign Lord God Almighty has revealed Himself to us. Still, humanity is willfully and deliberately blind to what is undeniably obvious due to our love of sin. Romans 1 describes this malady perfectly.

The Apostle Paul uses the first three chapters of Romans to show us that apart from the grace and mercy of Almighty God, our behaviors, thoughts, and deeds are in a descending state of depravity that will not improve. Our wickedness only draws us further into the maelstrom of deviancy and malevolence, and with it, the wrath of God and eternal punishment we so richly deserve.

In Romans 1:18, Paul addresses the issue of God’s wrath as part of His Holy nature. He does not tolerate sin and will not allow it to go on. His wrath is being stored for the Great Day of Judgment upon the earth, as depicted in the book of Revelation. It will spare no one who has taken up a life of rebellion and hatred towards Him. The sinner must be held accountable and give an answer for his choices and life overall, and no one will be overlooked. The Day of God’s Wrath and Judgment on wicked humanity is certain and unavoidable. Scripture describes not only this promised event but the authentic nature of who we are apart from His saving grace He freely provides but few take.

Nobody can say to God, “Well, I didn’t know You were there. I didn’t see any proof that You existed.” Certainly, no smug atheist will stand before His Holy Presence and arrogantly ask which of the “gods” He claims to be as if Almighty God will bow to the yapping heathen’s defiant whims. Sinful humanity’s desire to overlook the obvious is a pathetic method of trying to deny the existence of the Sovereign LORD of All.

Let us look at what Paul has to say about this situation:

“For the WRATH of God is revealed from heaven against ALL ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, WHO SUPPRESS the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for GOD HAS SHOWN IT TO THEM. For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes are CLEARLY SEEN, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are WITHOUT EXCUSE.” (Romans 1:18-20, NKJV).

Now, what part of these last two words does the world not understand? That’s just it – they DO understand and inwardly know that there is a God but don’t want to admit it or deal with it, as if this futile thought will somehow make Him go away.

King David wrote of the undeniable presence and power of God as follows:

“OH, LORD, you have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up. You understand my thoughts from afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word upon my tongue but LORD, you know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me. It is high, I cannot attain it. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in hell, behold, you are there…

“…For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in all Your book they were all written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them” (Psalm 139:1-8, 13-16, NKJV).

The Scriptures abound with these facts, yet unregenerate humanity continues to revile, ignore, denounce, and has over the centuries attempted to extinguish them from history. Yet, the Holy Word of God has stood tall and withstood all the venom which has been thrown at it. The Scriptures are their own best defense of God’s role as Creator and Redeemer (Genesis 1:1, 26, 2:3; Exodus 20:11; Nehemiah 9:6; Job 12:9, 26:7, 13, 33:4,40:15; Psalm 33:6, 95:5, 102:25, 104:5, 30; Isaiah 40:12, 28, 45:12, 48:13; John 1:3; Acts 4:24, 7:50, 14:15, 17:24; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:1,2,10, 11:3).

No writer of Scripture ever once contradicted, challenged, updated, removed, or dismissed the teachings that Almighty God brought all things into being and with a purpose, fully functioning, with accuracy, and nothing going to waste or irrelevance as part of His Holy will and plan. Yet, with all of this placed before us by a loving God who wishes to have a relationship with us, humanity offers foolish and nonsensical excuses for their behavior and would rather try to put a diaper on a crocodile than bow before Him and surrender their lives to Him.

That’s just the plain truth, and I will not back off from what Scripture teaches in order to make people feel better about where they either stand or don’t stand before God. Paul presents his case in the same manner. He is unapologetic and blunt as he presents the step-by-step effects of sin on humanity and will not allow anyone to claim any exceptions.

I pray that these words have caused you to stop and think about where you stand before a Holy God whom you WILL see one day, like it or not, believe it or not (John 5:28, 29; Hebrews 9:27). God has offered the ONLY way by which you can have an authentic relationship with Him and be freed from the curse of sin, death, hell, and the coming wrath that God will bring to this wicked world. That ONE WAY is by His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who took your sins and the wrath you and I deserve upon Himself on the cross as the perfect and final sacrifice for us (Isaiah 53:1-12; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9-10; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 1:6-10, 2:1-2).

You do not have to face what is fixing to hit this world. Jesus Christ offers you eternal life, forgiveness, peace, salvation, mercy, grace, and rest for your soul (Matthew 11:28-30). Now, you can choose right now to walk away and mock what has been presented here, but ask yourself as you do – what does this world have to offer that, in the end, will pass away?

donaldwhitchard@gmail.com

www.realitycityreverend.com

My book The Scope of Biblical Prophecy is now available at www.parsonsporch.com. It is a general survey of the role and purpose of Bible prophecy, viewpoints of the end times, the importance of accurate interpretation of the Scriptures, and how in the end, Jesus wins.

——–

Donald was born and reared in the authentic “Cajun Country” of southern Louisiana. He is a graduate of Louisiana College (B.A. in History Education/ Biblical Studies, 1984), New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div. In Christian Education, 1994), and Andersonville Baptist Seminary (Doctor of Ministry, Biblical Exposition, 2000). He has been in the Gospel ministry since 1986, serving as an evangelist, interim and supply pastor, hospital and rescue mission chaplain, high school and college teacher, and pastor in churches in Louisiana and Oklahoma.

In 2018, he began to devote his time to the rich field of internet and social media evangelism and outreach. In 2021 he became a member of the Oklahoma Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists, using his skills as a writer to contribute articles and sermons to websites such as Rapture Ready, Sermon Central, and Inspirational Christian Blogs. He also writes Bible studies and curricula for churches in southeast and central Asia and Africa, the locations of which are anonymous. He can be contacted at: donaldwhitchard@gmail.com for inquiries, information, and speaking/preaching engagements. A copy of his resume is also available upon request.