Author: Jim

Good News

JUST WHAT IS GOOD NEWS????
“Boy, have I got good news for you”.
That means many things to many people, depending on where they are and what’s happening!
To the person waiting in a travel terminal for an overdue arrival.
To the person in the waiting room in a hospital.
To the student waiting for results of an exam.
There’s a Bible Translation called “The GOOD NEWS” for Modern Man.
Search the Scripture for GOOD NEWS. It is only found once:
Proverbs 25:25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
We have been told GOSPEL means GOOD NEWS.
.. Dictionary defines Good News as:
Teaching of Jesus and His Apostles
Anything earnestly believed
Absolute Truth
Books of the New Testament
In the Greek:
Euggelion- a good message (news)
Euggelizo- to announce a good news message
So, GOSPEL IS GOOD NEWS … But just what is Good News, and how good is this Good News?
Is it a Religious myth?
Is it a Philosophical Opinion?
Is it a Mystical meditation?
Religious myths (Roman/Greek Gods) are debunked by Science.
Philosophical Opinions are replaced by other Philosophical Opinions
Mystical meditations are shown to be folly in light of reality
No, these are not the GOOD NEWS. … Just what is the Good News? …
1 Corinthians 15:1-8 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

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Death, Burial, Resurrection

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles explains THE GOSPEL and the way of Salvation:

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
He was the Apostle to the gentiles:
Romans 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles,
When we believe the Gospel and follow Romans 10:9-13 we experience SALVATION.
But James, Peter, John and Jude writing to Jewish believers hardly mention these subjects, let alone put them together:
DEATH:
James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
James 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth indeath.
1 John 5:16-17 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
BURIAL: Never Mentioned
RESURRECTION:
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
And what about the Cross?
The Apostle Paul also has much to say about the cross:
1 Corinthians 1:17-18 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Galatians 5:11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
Galatians 6:12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Ephesians 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross , having slain the enmity thereby:
Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross .
Philippians 3:18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross , by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross ;
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross , despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
But James, Peter, John and Jude writing to Jewish believers
never mention the Cross.

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Beware

The Scripture gives many warnings about false teachers,
Here are only 4 references:
The apostle Paul warns the Galatians:
Galatians 5:7-12 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
Then near the end of his life, Pau warns Timothy:
2 Timothy 3:1-10 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their’s also was. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
The apostle Peter warns believing Jews:
2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
Jude also warns believing Jews of false teachers:
Jude 3-4 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
How can we identify false teachers?
2 TIMOTHY 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Compare Scripture with Scripture.
Who said (wrote) it and to whom was it spoken (written) to?
How does it apply (to me) today?

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Why Communion

Why take Communion? What does it mean?
Is it a sacrifice to God?
Is it a way of cleansing one from sin?
Is it a way to be closer to God?
Communion, a few facts:
Only mentioned 4 times in Scripture:
1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
Greek word – Koinonia means partnership, participation
Communion is not a name, but an act, a celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
The Lord’s Supper – a sacrament of the church. A reminder of His death.
The Apostle Paul writes:
1 Corinthians 11:23-29 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

A reminder of His death, burial and resurrection.

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God is the Answer

Read Psalm 42-43

In the text the Psalmist gives solutions to our complex problems which include:
Inter …. Problems within
Outer … Problems caused by others
Outer Circumstances … things that happen beyond our control
The text begins by telling us to seek after God. To clarify:
Psalm 10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.
Psalm 14:1-3 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Psalm 36:1 The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.
Psalm 53:1-3 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
The Apostle Paul writes of this:
Romans 3:10-18 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.

All the above STATE that no man seeks after GOD!
HE SEEKS US … through HIS Word.

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In Love

1 Kings 11:2 Of the nations [concerning] which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: [for] surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these IN LOVE.
Isaiah 38:17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast IN LOVE to my soul [delivered it] from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.
1 Corinthians 4:21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or IN LOVE, and [in] the spirit of meekness?

Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him IN LOVE:
Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded IN LOVE,
Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another IN LOVE;
Ephesians 4:15-16 But speaking the truth IN LOVE, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself IN LOVE.
Ephesians 5:2 And walk IN LOVE, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together IN LOVE, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

1 Thessalonians 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound IN LOVE one toward another, and toward all [men], even as we [do] toward you:
1 Thessalonians 5:13 And to esteem them very highly IN LOVE for their work’s sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves.

1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth IN LOVE dwelleth in God, and God in him.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear IN LOVE; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect IN LOVE.

AND GOD’s LOVE IS ETERNAL

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Forgive

God told Israel:
Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
Hebrews 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Because Christ went to the Cross, suffered and died, Believers have forgiveness, and once saved (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 10:9-13) ever have to ask forgiveness for sin again.
Read what the apostle writes:
Romans 4:7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Since believers are forgive, we should have forgiveness in our hearts:
2 Corinthians 2:7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
2 Corinthians 2:10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
2 Corinthians 12:13 For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
As a Believer YOU have been forgiven of ALL your sins.

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I Hope So…

Many times, when I ask someone “Are you going to Heaven when you die?” The answer is “I HOPE SO”.
Well, let’s see what the Bible says:
First you must admit you are lost. The Lord Jesus said “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. “ Matthew 18:11
Second Realize you need to be saved. You can’t earn your way to Heaven.
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Third Understand that God has provided the way. The Lord Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
You need to understand the true gospel.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
When you believe HE Died, was buried, and rose again, ascending bodily into Heaven you must act upon it. The way is explained in Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Confess your sin? No! Confess that the Lord Jesus was/is God.
Then you will be “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”. Titus 2:13

Now the question “ARE YOU GOING TO HEAVEN WHEN YOU DIE?”
The answer “YES”. Know you will be there.

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God’s Word is…

Jeremiah 20:9 Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Jeremiah 23:29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

The apostle Paul reminds believers that the word of God is MILK for the new believer and MEAT for the more mature. It will feed both.
1 Corinthians 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

God’s Word is our Hope, our Promise, our Future.

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Where are the Dead?

The Question:
Job 14:10 But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?
Man’s Answer:
Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
But what about the Souls? The answer to this question differs because of:
Attitudes, Nationalities, Race, Religion etc …
The apostle Paul writes:
1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
All mankind start out the same way … without Christ, separated from God.
Ephesians 2:11-12 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Along life’s road everyone comes into contact with the living God.
Romans 1:17-19 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The message of Salvation:
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scripture, And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Those who respond enter a new classification:
IN CHRIST – A NEW CREATURE – AN AMBASSADOR
Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Until the Rapture … ALL MUST DIE.
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Philippians 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
That’s the promise to all who are saved! What about the others (the lost)?
Revelation 20:11-15 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

THE DEAD — HEAVEN (Paradise)
or HELL (Hades), then THE LAKE OF FIRE!

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