2 Peter 1:19-2, Romans 1:18-20, Isaiah 9:6-7, Revelation 19:15-16, Psalm 2:1-11, Colossians 1:16-17, John 1:1-4, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Genesis 1:26

Summary: This message is in a series on Basic Christian doctrine, being an introductory look at what real Christianity is all about, starting with the central theme and purpose for the existence of God’s Holy Word.

I am convinced that the average “follower of Jesus Christ” does not have a clue as to what he or she believes concerning the authority and inspiration of Holy Scripture; the person and nature of God; the person, work, and Lordship of Jesus Christ; the work and mission of the Holy Spirit; the holy and fallen angels; the malevolent work of Satan; authentic salvation; the Christian life; or the future according to Jesus Christ and the fact of His Second Coming. I say this after over forty years of service to the Lord Jesus Christ as a minister of the Gospel and the gradual decline in biblical and general literacy I have witnessed here in America and around the world.

People are either afraid to think for themselves, or they are content in their ignorance and have decided to stick to the status quo of a morally bankrupt and increasingly hostile mindset that is in open and rank rebellion towards the things of God. Ironically, while the world is increasing in knowledge (Daniel 12:4), we lack wisdom, common sense, and are deaf toward the call of God to reason with Him and see that our ways have led us down a dark and damning path (Isaiah 1:18, 53:6; 64:6; Romans 3:10-18, 23).

It is estimated that only 9% of American Christians even support or have a “Biblical worldview.” Over 60% of self-professed Christians deny the existence of a literal devil, and many “evangelicals” believe that there are “many ways to God,” that the Bible contains errors, that Jesus probably committed sin, that He was not virgin-born, and that the teaching of His Second Coming is nothing more than wishful thinking.

Pastors graduate from seminaries and Bible colleges as closet skeptics. Many “pastors” over the years of their “ministry” will have viewed porn on their computers, or have had affairs, or will end up walking away from the church in apostasy (Hebrews 6:4-6), having never truly believed in what they had preached and taught (1John 2:19). Churches are emptying because of bad theology, false doctrine, the allure of the world, and the failure to teach the next generation why Christianity is true and why it is important to know the standards of the faith. Too many churches have made the Bible and the story of Jesus an exercise in monotonous lecturing with all of the joy and glory of watching paint dry or grass grow.

Scripture predicted that this would be a characteristic of the last days (Matthew 24:11-14; Mark 13:12-13; Luke 21:15-19; Acts 20:26-32; 2 Timothy 3:1-8). This is not an excuse for the remnant pastors, teachers of the Word, and the true believer in Christ to simply sit back and wait for the Blessed Hope (John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 3:10) and leave the world to flounder in its quagmire of debauchery. We still need to be in the harvest field (Matthew 9:37-38, 18:11; John 4:35-36; Romans 9:3, 10:1, 11:14; 1 Corinthians 9:22).

After decades of service in the fields of pastoral ministry, education, and chaplaincy, I now find that due to continual health concerns that fluctuate and limit my mobility, I have turned to teaching and preaching the Word of God and the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ in the ripe harvest field of the internet. There are countless multitudes of hurting and anxious people online worldwide who are looking for answers to the situations in which they find themselves, along with the concern of what will happen to them once life as they know it comes to an end (Luke 12:13-21; John 5:28-29; Hebrews 9:27; James 4:13-17). There are also a lot of people who claim to be “Christian” who are looking to see if the faith in which they claim to believe is legitimate.

There is a vast opportunity to reach out to these precious souls, and time is limited (2 Corinthians 6:2).

With this in mind, I have combined several teachings with the goal of providing everyone reading these messages the basic standards of what it means to be an authentic follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, starting with the subject and purpose of the Holy Scriptures. For it is in them that we find the entire crux of God’s plans, directions, counsel, and will for us: His plan to redeem this fallen world and the provision He has made for us to be with Him in the glory of the future Kingdom He has promised, free from the pain and guilt of sin, sickness, and the total absence of evil and its bitter fruits forever.

The Bible’s subject and purpose is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. Beginning in Genesis 1:26 with the creation, we read that God said, “Let US (Elohim) make man in our own image.” This is speaking of the work of the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:13-17, 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:29-34, 14:26; 15:26; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 5:7). The New Testament affirms that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, God Incarnate, made all things as the Main Actor in the Creation process (John 1:1-4; Colossians 1:16-17).

The Scriptures declare that Jesus Christ is the Supreme Ruler of the World, proclaimed as such by God the Father (Psalm 2:8-9). It is the purpose of the Father that everyone in creation shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and that all people, nations, powers, and beings will bow to Him as the true, righteous, and eternal King (Isaiah 45:23; Romans 14:1; Philippians 2:9-11).

The rebellion of the devil, Satan, the demons, and those who have followed him will come to an end as the full Sovereignty of Jesus Christ will come upon the world (Psalm 2:1-2; 110:1; Revelation 19:15-16).

The governments of the earth will have served their purpose as the Kingdom of Jesus Christ will stand forever (Daniel 2:44-45, 7:13-14). It is Jesus Christ who will be the Supreme and Final Judge of all humanity, the nation of Israel-His chosen people, and of the church (Isaiah 9:6-7; Psalm 72:1-2, 8, 11; John 5:27-29; Ephesians 1:22-23).

The Scriptures declare that Jesus Christ is the Incarnate Word, the physical embodiment of God, the revelation of the nature and Being of God, and in Him are all the attributes of God such as His wisdom, power, holiness, and love. He is the expression of God now and forever (John 1:1; Hebrews 1:3). Through the Lord Jesus Christ, we can know God more accurately and intimately than any other means of Divine revelation (Romans 1:18-20). The central purpose of God is that He reveals Himself to us through Jesus (John 1:18, 5:9, 10:30, 38, 14:6-11, 17:21-22; Acts 10:38; 2 Corinthians 5:19).

The prominent theme of Scripture is to show that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, starting in Genesis 3:15. In the Old Testament, He is the Servant of YHWH who would bear the sins of humanity upon Himself (Isaiah 53:4-6). He is the perfect and final sacrifice for the sins we have committed and should rightfully pay for with our own lives, yet is a debt we cannot pay in our own strength or means (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:6-11; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:15-21; Hebrews 7:25-27; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John 2:2; Revelation 1:5).

The Holy Scriptures, then, are God’s message to us, manifesting His glory in creation and salvation. All creation is made for His glory (Psalm 19:1; Colossians 1:16). The nation of Israel exists for the glory of God (Isaiah 43:7, 21, 25, 60;1, 3, 21, 62:3). All salvation is unto the glory of God (Romans 9:23) and is a holy manifestation of His grace and wisdom (Ephesians 2:7, 3:10). Our service, work, and our all should be done for the glory of God (Matthew 5:16; John 15:8; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Peter 2:12, 4:11-14).

The Scriptures are God’s instrument by which He graciously prepares the man of God to do a good work (2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16-17). Because we are His by the saving grace of Jesus Christ, we need not fear death (John 21:19; 2 Corinthians 5:6-11; Philippians 1:20-26), and at the end of time, we will share in His glory in the new heaven and the new earth (John 17:22; Colossians 3:4; Revelation 21:1-7).

What I’ve posted is a lot to take in and digest, but again it is designed to show you that we serve a great and gracious God and that He has revealed His purposes, plans, and will in His Holy Word, and this is just the start of the journey. He is so wonderful, so loving, so kind, so gracious, and is ready to welcome you with open arms into His Kingdom if you will but humble yourself, repent of your sins, and surrender your life to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Go to my website listed at the bottom of the page and watch the video, “The ABCs of Salvation.” Get your eternal destiny settled today, and keep watching for more treasures from the Word of God and the life He offers in Christ.

donaldwhitchard@gmail.com

www.realitycityreverend.com

My YouTube broadcasts titled “The Reality City Review” will be posted on Facebook, GETTR, Parler, and on my website when completed. My main area of discussion will be on the basics of the Christian faith but will also deal with prophetic issues and other topics as the Lord impresses upon me to handle.

Mark 10:13-16; “And they were bringing children to Him that He might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, He was indignant and said, ‘Let the children come to Me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the Kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’ And He took them in His arms and blessed them, laying His hands on them.” (ESV any emphasis mine)

Just recently, a song was brought to my attention that I had never heard before. I found that it is on YouTube, and after listening to it, I was blessed by it. The only synopsis I could find was that it’s from the early 1990s and is performed by “New Song.” Please consider the words:

1) Up in the hills, somewhere in Kentucky, is a little old school way back in the nothing. Where special kids, born with special needs, are sent to learn life’s ABCs. The teacher, Miss Jones, tells them all about Jesus; how in the twinkling of an eye, He’s coming back to get us. About streets of gold and pearly gates; how they want to go, they just can’t wait; and she can’t keep them in their seats. They’re all at the windows straining to see.

Ref) And their fingertips and noses pressed to the window panes. Longing eyes; expectant hearts for Him to come again. All they know is that they love Him so, and if He said He’d come, He’s coming. And they can’t keep their windows clean, for fingertips and noses.

2) Well, she tried to explain to the kids about His coming; she tried to calm them down, but they just wouldn’t listen. They just giggled, and they clapped their hands; they’re so excited that He’s coming for them; and the first thing you know, they’re out of their seats, back at the windows, straining to see.

Ref) And it’s fingertips and noses, pressed to the window panes; longing eyes; expectant hearts, for Him to come again. All they know is that they love Him so, and if He said He’d come, He’s coming! They can’t keep their windows clean; fingertips and noses.

3) Where will Jesus find us when He comes again? Will we be like the little children, waiting just for Him with our fingertips and noses pressed to the window panes; longing eyes; expectant hearts, for Him to come again. All we know is that we love Him so, and if He said He’d come, He’s coming! And they can’t keep our windows clean, for fingertips and noses.

End) Fingertips and noses; She tried to explain to the kids about His coming – Fingertips and Noses!

There has always been a special place in my heart for “special needs” children. This world can be tough enough on “normal” kids, but the special ones seem to have an extra row to hoe – to use a phrase I learned long ago. Many people are visibly uncomfortable when precious special ones are around. Sometimes, just a kind word or two would bring brightness to the children’s minds and make their day so much better.

The song talks about a special relationship the kids develop just hearing the story of Jesus. They take it very personally that He loves them, and they can hardly wait to be with Him. They know that their precious hearts long to be with Him because they know He has a special love just for them.

The children of the song have no problem with the concept that the Savior will come back at any time, and He will take them Home with Him to live in the beautiful place described by their teacher. They press against the classroom windows, hoping He’s coming right that very moment.

The third verse asks a very important question, and I believe the answer is found in the opening text. First, are we truly looking for the call from our Lord and Savior? Have the things of this world turned our hearts away from Him? If He were to call His flock Home right now, would you be among those being raptured?

The Father did not make it difficult for anyone to receive and accept His Son and to have an eternal home in Heaven. Romans 10:9-13 are the simple steps to Salvation, and it’s plain; there are no formal ceremonies to attend or special offerings to make. Just Admit, Believe and Call. Humans have the tendency to want to add more, and that’s why the Savior had so many issues with the religious leaders of His day.

Jesus told His disciples that they must receive and accept the Kingdom of God like a child. The children loved and accepted Jesus without all the pomp and circumstance that some organized religions require.

When someone develops a personal relationship with Jesus, we also develop a longing to be with Him. God loves us all, and those who do receive and accept Jesus will have eternal life. Those who do not will eventually be separated from Him forever.

To be clear, John 14:6 and Acts 4:12 specifically tell us that Jesus is the only way to the Father. Also, John 3:18 and 1 John 5:12 say that anyone who has the Son also has the Father. Those who do not have Jesus do not have the Father.

Satan is very active today, and his followers are trying to pull as many souls away from Jesus as possible. False Prophets today are in a number of evangelical pulpits proclaiming there are many other ways to Heaven without Jesus, and the abominations God told us about no longer apply. Sadly, there are numerous folks who want to believe these lies and are choosing eternity away from the Lord in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:11-15).

For anyone who may not have read God’s word before, I would suggest reading the Book of John first, followed by Romans. Also, ask the Father to open your heart and mind for understanding as to what His message means for you. Soon, the Holy Spirit will lead you in your studies, and you will find out that we have a loving Creator that wants no one to fail (2 Peter 3:9).

All who truly call out to Jesus to be their Savior will be saved. That’s in Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:13. You may think you’ve done things that would disqualify you from receiving forgiveness from the Father, but the only unforgivable sin is to take your last breath on this earth without Jesus in your heart.

That’s not only unforgivable but very sad also. God does not make promises He won’t keep (Titus 1:2). Jesus came to this earth as a human; He lived a sinless life while here; He provided the only pure, sinless blood sacrifice that the Father could accept; and He knows that even after we call on our Savior to rescue us, we will still sin until we are off this evil planet. He provides us a pathway to forgiveness in 1 John 1:8-10.

The time is getting shorter before the Savior takes us Home to avoid the Wrath. Just know, “He said He’d come, and He’s coming.” Call today; He is ready to add you to His precious flock, and at that instant, your eternity will be absolutely wonderful.

Hope to see you when we’re called up to meet our Savior in the air.

Maranatha!

huebshman46@gmail.com