“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8: 6).

There is a burgeoning crowd that has little idea about the seriousness of the above-mentioned piece of Scripture; this includes a sizeable number of practicing Christians. In this age of materialism where over-inflated focus on self takes precedence over all things, the relationship between God and man has as good as disappeared into oblivion. There is regard for self-empowerment versus the empowerment that comes from the Holy Spirit. Individuals are judged by earthly criteria in the manner of key performance indicators. Either a cut is made or not. If one scores big time, there is cause for celebration. If the contrary was the case, then a situation of being down in the dumps!

The most unfortunate aspect of the above said approach to living is the deletion of compassion. In the event somebody falls hard, there is no room for comfort. This translates into a lack of peace. The ensuing pandemic has brought to the surface this predicament. Multitudes across the globe have come crashing down. When there is nothing by earthly reference points to work with, deep despair amidst desperation sets in. Years of employment experience plus Ivy League papers do not stir waves. There would be a probable stack of resumes that could be left to collect dust! If there were any solutions that stem from the Fallen Nature, it could be instant death if not a pathetic chain of events which ultimately results in a fatality!

What about great names that appear to have got it made who simply ended their lives by their own hands. Think about a celebrity chef and a few names in the entertainment world that have left a black mark to be remembered by many. Then there are those that are troubled when they exit the world, despite their advanced age and wealth.

When someone thinks that there is life filled with bliss without God, it is a sad misnomer. Whatever peace plus joy is artificial and fleeting. Simply because that kind of pseudo peace does not surpass any human understanding. What kind of a life is that?

When one is endowed with the genuine and priceless peace that is showered by the Spirit of God, whatever trials plus testings will seem more like mow hills versus mountains. This peace comes as a result of not just trusting God but letting Him be the center stage of our lives. No matter what kind of situation we are thrust into, we can savor this peace through our communion with the Comforter of our souls. The world could terrify and torment us with rumblings that suggest the unthinkable, but the still though small voice of our Counsellor brushes all these aside. Nothing is impossible for our mighty Father in heaven.

“And my God will supply every need of ours according to his riches and glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

On that note, there is indeed more than life when there is that peace which surpasses all human understanding. Such is the pathway that leads to eternal life. For this to be the case, there is need for the Holy Spirit to be an active participant in every aspect of our lives. Yes! An open book minus those closeted corners.

Yours in Christ

Edwin

Contactable at edwinuk13@gmail.com

When we take a serious look at how we are living, it’s obvious that Psalm 14:2-3, Isaiah 53:6, Romans 3:9-12, and Romans 13:23 are in effect today. (all emphasis mine)

Psalm 14:2-3; “The Lord looks down from Heaven on the children of man, to see if there is any who understand; who seek after God. They all have turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good – not even one.”

Isaiah 53:6; “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, everyone, to his/her own way; and the Lord has laid on Him [Jesus] the iniquity of all.”

Romans 3:9-12; “What then? Are we Jews any better off? For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin; as it is written; none is righteous; no not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”

Romans 3:23; “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

If we would be left to our own merits, no one could meet the perfect sinless standard that Our Heavenly Father requires. When someone says, “I’ve been good, and because of that, I have a home in Heaven,” it is obvious they don’t understand what God requires. They don’t realize that no one on this whole earth will get to heaven because of our his/her actions.

Every human since Calvary has had to receive and accept the “gift” that our Savior paid in full for us. Jesus was the only fully human (although also fully God) that lived a sin-free life on earth. Had He slipped even once, His sacrifice would not have been acceptable to the Father.

God’s standard for our Salvation is very clear, and He gave it to us in plain, easy to understand wording. John 14:6; “Jesus said to him [Philip], I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” For those who say they aren’t sinners, please reread Romans 3:23. Then go to 1 John 1:8 to complete the point given. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” Again, very clear, plain and concise.

The remedy, after we have received Jesus as our Lord and Savior, is given in 1 John 1:9; “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This is not because of anything we did or can do, but for what Jesus did at Calvary for us – for Me! Anyone who believes they can buy or earn their Salvation, or believes there are “many ways” to Heaven without Jesus, has just insulted the Lord God Jehovah, creator of the heavens and the earth, and everything in them. They will get a chance to appear before Him at the Great White Throne of Revelation 20:11-15, if they don’t repent before taking their last breath here.

Our God is all about righteousness and holiness. From creation to Calvary, He expected all humans to follow His will, or be prepared to end up in the Lake of Fire with Satan and all his followers. His will was that everyone worship Him, and not any other man-made god. Even those that He chose to work through were far from perfect, but overall, they still honored God. They all had sin of one nature or another, but almost all called out for forgiveness.

Moses was the author of the first 5 books of the Bible, and was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He was a murderer. He killed an Egyptian that was abusing an Israelite.

David was known as a “man after God’s own heart” in 1 Samuel 13:14, yet he also committed murder of the husband of Bathsheba, with whom he committed adultery. David confessed, and God kept His covenant that through him would come the Messiah (2 Samuel 7:16-19). He still had to bear the consequences of his actions, but God still loved him.

David’s son, Solomon, was allowed to build the first temple in 1 Kings 7; and in 1 Kings 8 he had the ark of the covenant put into the inner sanctuary known as the Most Holy Place. However, in his latter years, he allowed himself to be led away from God and to worship other gods because of the 1,000 women in his life. Only God knows if he repented before he died.

In the New Testament, Paul was responsible for the deaths of many people of “the Way,” also known as Christians; James was the half-brother of Jesus, yet didn’t believe Him to be the Messiah until after the resurrection; Peter denied Jesus three times at his trial but later became a major leader of the early church. All were forgiven, and all served the Lord right up to their deaths on this earth.

Proverbs 3:5-7; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.”

What we were given was the pure Grace of our Lord and Savior that we definitely do not deserve. Likewise, we have received Mercy from the Father to keep us from punishment that we do deserve. Make no mistake; when we sin, we are still subject to being disciplined. However, as Christians – true believers – we will be forgiven. Just imagine how wonderful it will be when we have our new bodies, living with Jesus, and unable to fall into temptation ever again!

That day is very near, and could be at any moment now. The signs we were given that precede the arrival of Jesus to call us up to meet Him in the air are all present today as never before. Just look at the happenings around the world to see this is true.

Romans 10:9-13 tells us to confess that we believe Jesus is our Savior and that He died and was raised to conquer sin and death for us. If we call out to Him, confess we’re sinners in need of Him to save and forgive us, we will be saved. This is a firm promise from the Father.

If we wait too long, the Rapture will take place, and all who have not called out will be here for a very miserable wrath/tribulation period. It will last 7 years, but the death rate will be 2/3 of the total world population.

Today would not be too early to receive and accept Jesus as your Savior and Redeemer. You will never have a friend so true and one that loves you as much as our Jesus does. All who truly call on Him will not be turned away, no matter what you have done up to then. Unforgiveness will be for those who take their last breath here without Him.

Why wait? It’s God’s promise to all of us who really don’t deserve the Mercy He offers. No one will ever love you more than He does.

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

huebshman46@gmail.com