Thursday, October 29, 2020

The Tale of Two Worlds

     The struggle is real. Two opposing forces are battling for the hearts and minds of America. Who will lead the nation as the most powerful person, not just in this country, but in the world? Who would sit among the nine justices as either interpreters of the constitution or as litigators according to whatever standards serves the purposes of their political persuasion? That choice was recently decided through another embattled process that ended in a narrow majority vote.

In the end, both sides win. But one, only for a season.

There are a growing number of Americans who seek to govern according to the standards that can look like a free-for-all of personal ideals. No rules for marriage or childbirth; no financial responsibility because everything will be “free”: Education, health care, housing. A society of live-and-let-live that certainly sounds like a utopian existence.

In this world, there will be no borders because America should have a heart and soul for anyone wishing asylum for every manner of lawlessness alongside those who genuinely seek a better life for their families and themselves. A world where only the strong survive.

In this world, no thought toward a certain field of education that will lead to a desired career is needed. The government would be more than happy to make that decision for everyone, along with the number of hours that will be worked and the amount of “wages” to be paid. “Don’t worry. Be happy. We’ve got this,” says the big brother with the long arm. And the control. Of everything.

In this world, your excessive tax dollars will not be wasted on the elderly, the infirm, those with birth defects, or even the unborn child, i.e. another mouth to be fed by the government because the parents won’t be able to feed him. Those tax dollars will be enjoyed by the powerful forces who are so much better at making decisions for the less intelligent, less motivated tax payers who will soon become even less motivated day by day. Then they will also become more dependent on the government whose laws are meant for everyone except themselves. Those same government leaders will also be the ones enjoying the fruits of each American’s labor much more than the crumbs the laborers will get to enjoy. And if you want something that someone else has worked for, just follow the government’s example and take it. Because it’s the land of “only the strong survive”.

There will be no religious guidelines to clutter the minds of the individuals. Because the general belief is everyone can be his/her own god. All-knowing and wise in their own eyes. And the law allows for the punishment of anyone who chooses to believe in a one true God. Close those pesky churches, take away their rights to a parking lot, a bakery, a beauty salon, or a gym. Starve them out. That will teach them.

For those who are becoming increasingly impatient, just hang on because your earthly Utopia is coming. And it’s coming soon. In the blink of an eye, you’ll notice that a vast number of people have vanished. Some who are mid-way through surgery, be it a heart bypass or a root canal, will be left wondering where the surgeon has disappeared to and why is no one monitoring the machines and oxygen levels. There will be a skeleton crew in these vital positions wondering the same thing. Where did the pilot of the 757 go? It’s an odd time for a coffee break that seems to never end. Isn’t it about time to land this thing?

Not to fear because a leader of all worldly leaders has been in place for such a time as this. He will have all the answers to your questions. He will provide every need. His voice will be the one in the midst of the chaos calming the world through a technology that will undoubtedly reach each and every terror-stricken heart. God calls him “the anti-christ”. For these three-and-a-half years it will be a time of unity and peace. This may be the world you presently think you want. No more churches or people trying to drag you there. No more hypocrites saying one thing and doing another. No one trying to encourage you with Bible verses and prayers spoken in your behalf. No one meddling in your personal life. But it’s probably a world you will not want to be in when it becomes a place where the Holy Spirit no longer dwells.

Then reality will set in. Once this smiling and reassuring “person” allows his true heart to shine, the terror will erase every comforted thought he personally delivered that short three-and-a-half years prior in the wake of the mass disappearance of unnumbered family and friends. “It was just the aliens, you know. Everything will be fine. Just follow my lead. I’ll take care of you. You can trust me.” The same lips that uttered that nonsense are now snarling to the point of dripping venom as his predestined reign of terror begins. It will also last three-and-a-half years.

Need food? Just take this little mark. No need to worry about losing it. It’s permanent. It’s your ticket to food, medicine, fuel. All of those things without which no one can survive. What? You mean you realized those Bible thumpers were right after all? It wasn’t the aliens, but the Savior of the world who fulfilled his promise of coming for His bride, the Christians, at a time only His Father God knew. “’No mark for you,’ you say? “No problem. We’ll just take your head.” Because, you see, this will be the price of refusing the mark of the beast the Bible warned about. To refuse the mark of the beast is to choose Heaven, but it will mean sudden death by decapitation. For those who do take this mark, they are also signing onto an eternity in a place where the fire never goes out and the worm never dies. It’s called Hell. It’s real, and it’s forever.

Choosing this world is very simple. You simply do nothing.

It takes complete faith and a repentant heart to surrender your all to the Jesus who is just who God says He is. God’s Son. One hundred percent God, one hundred percent man. His death on the cross paid for the sins of the world. A one-time event to cover every sin in every heart. He loves you that much! The amazing thing is that it’s a free gift to anyone who will call upon the name of the Lord to be saved:

 

“for if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.”  For these is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call upon Him; forWhoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”  Romans 10:9-13

 

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believed in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”  John 3:16 KJV

 

Speaking of the world already chosen by generations through that child-like faith, it begins the moment “Jesus steps up on a cloud to call His children” which is also the beginning of the first three-and-a-half-year period mentioned above. The dead in Christ will rise first to meet Him in the air. Living, born-again Christians will follow immediately behind them to a place of eternal peace and joy. (I Thessalonians 4:16) Our heavenly home prepared by Jesus Christ Himself. In His own words, He said:

 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many dwelling places: if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3 NASB

This “place”, this other world, is a place with no sickness, no death, no murderers or thieves. A world where believers will be reunited with other loved ones who did choose to believe and to receive God’s gift of eternal life. A world that needs no sun to light the day or moon to light the night, because God’s glory is the eternal flame. A land of milk and honey, of streets paved with gold so pure that it will be translucent in appearance. The Garden of Eden God created, but this one will last for eternity. No sin will ever pollute this world.

A place with no tears:

 “And He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying or pain: the first things have passed away.” And He who sits on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write: for these words are faithful and true.” And He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of water of life without cost. He who overcomes shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he will be My son.” Revelation 21:4-7 KJV

There are some who will not be in this world:

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21:9 KJV

What is your heart’s true cry? A world of temporal freedom that will lead to eternal imprisonment in a place where no one even has a name. One pastor refers to it a “wasteland of humanity”. And don’t forget about the eternal fire.

Or would you prefer to live in perfect peace and walk among giants of faith spoken of in Hebrews and loved ones who likely were praying for you with their last breath? With Jesus Himself. I can only imagine. A place where we will, indeed, have jobs and responsibilities. One of Satan’s biggest lies is that heaven is a boring place where its residents just float around on clouds eternally.

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” II Peter 3:9-10.

This could be your moment. Your invitation to accept God’s free gift of eternal life in Heaven with Him. You can do this right now, right where you are. The following is from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: 

RT YOUR NEW LIFE WITH CHRIST

You can have real, lasting peace today through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Start your four-step journey now!

Step 1 – God loves you and has a plan for you!

The Bible says, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, [Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly”—a complete life full of purpose (John 10:10).

But here’s the problem:

Step 2 – Man is sinful and separated from God.

We have all done, thought or said bad things, which the Bible calls “sin.” The Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

The result of sin is death, spiritual separation from God (Romans 6:23).

The good news?

Step 3 – God sent His Son to die for your sins!

Jesus died in our place so we could have a relationship with God and be with Him forever.

“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

But it didn’t end with His death on the cross. He rose again and still lives!

“Christ died for our sins. … He was buried. … He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Jesus is the only way to God. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6).

Step 4 – Would you like to receive God’s forgiveness?

We can’t earn salvation; we are saved by God’s grace when we have faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. All you have to do is believe you are a sinner, that Christ died for your sins, and ask His forgiveness. Then turn from your sins—that’s called repentance. Jesus Christ knows you and loves you. What matters to Him is the attitude of your heart, your honesty. We suggest praying the following prayer to accept Christ as your Savior:

 

“Dear God,

I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness.
I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died
for my sin and that you raised Him to life.
I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord,
from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will.

I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.”

https://lp.billygraham.org/find-peace-with-god/

 

Time is running out for those who need to decide. Jesus could come for His children today. Which world will you choose?

© Nancy K. Sullivan

     October 29, 2020

 

 

 

 


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