“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:13-14 NKJV)

According to that passage above, our life is like a vapor that appears for a moment and then it fades away. You see, life goes by so quickly because we are here for such a short time. So, if this is the case, how should we be living our lives? Should we only be pleasing ourselves with no regard of our actions and the consequences that may follow? Or should we be aware that there is a God who has a standard by which we are to live by? For the bible does say: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27 KJV) So, it makes more sense to know God’s will instead of seeking our own will and ways. For the afterlife (whether it be in heaven or hell) is a lot longer than this temporal existence here on earth.

Therefore, shouldn’t we be living for today with heaven in mind? For God’s word says: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in Jehovah for ever; for in Jehovah, even Jehovah, is an everlasting rock.” (Isaiah 26:3-4 ASV)

“He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 ASV)

According to that passage above, God has made it clear on how we should be living our lives. For it’s true that our destiny is determined on how we live. However, we also read that even our best efforts will not get us right before God our Father. For: “We are all like one who is unclean, all our so-called righteous acts are like a menstrual rag in your sight. We all wither like a leaf; our sins carry us away like the wind.” (Isaiah 64:6 NET) But again we read: “Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:4 KJV)

So, if this be the case, how can anyone be saved? For no matter how determined we are to do good, we would still fall short of being right in God’s sight. And yes, for even Paul the apostle said concerning himself: “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” (Romans 7:24-25 KJV) So, there you have it. For we read that there is a way to get right before God. Therefore, I encourage you to continue reading and discover that faith in Jesus Christ is our hope to get right with God.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6 KJV)

What a bold statement Jesus is claiming in that passage above. For he is saying that there is no other way to God except through him, and him alone. In other words, Jesus is implying that all other religions and beliefs are false, and that he is the only true way to God. And to go even further with this, we read: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:16-18 KJV) So, God’s word is clearly proclaiming that it’s through Jesus Christ, and him alone that our sins are atoned.

Now, I have come to believe that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to have a true relationship with God the Father. For I myself was one of those who was running from God. I wanted to live life my way and to do the things I wanted to do. This was true even though I knew what I was doing was wrong and was affecting others in a bad way. But one day while I was wallowing in my sins and feeling so lost, Jesus made himself known to me. And even though I didn’t see him physically, I felt his presents upon me in such a real way. For I heard about Jesus Christ and even went to church when I was young. However, I never really knew who he was until that day he opened my eyes. And for the first time in my life, I understood who God was and realized that I can have a relationship with him through his Son Jesus Christ.

And what else is exciting for me is the fact that God chose me even when I wasn’t looking for him. For Jesus himself said: “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” (John 15:16 KJV) So now, I want to be is totally in love with him because he so loves me and sought me out. Therefore, I want to be always mindful of God, worshiping and praising him with my whole being. Amen.

“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:20 KJV)

Remember what was said earlier about God giving his only begotten Son. This relationship that I have with God is because Jesus died on the cross for my sins. This he did so that I can be forgiven for every one of my sins. For it’s true that he took my place by suffering for me, not only through whippings, beatings and then being nailed to the cross, but by spending three days and nights in hell as well. For Jesus said: “as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:40 ASV) And how was it for Jonah in the belly of the whale? “I called by reason of mine affliction unto Jehovah, And he answered me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.” (Jonah 2:2 ASV, KJV) Yes, Jonah was in affliction. Therefore, our Savior Jesus suffered affliction as well, taking all the sins of the world upon himself. This he did in the heart of the earth which we know is hell itself.

Therefore, none of us can earn forgiveness by doing good works. For all our works all based on our own efforts that are flawed. For God’s word says: “We are all like one who is unclean, all our so-called righteous acts are like a menstrual rag in your sight. We all wither like a leaf; our sins carry us away like the wind.” (Isaiah 64:6 NET) So, only through Jesus Christ can we be forgiven. For he is our perfect sinless sacrifice who took the penalty for ever bad thing that we ever committed.

So, all that being said, we can see that God the Father paid a high price by giving his Son to take all of our sins. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn why God would punish all who refuse to except Jesus as their Savior. “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (1 Peter 1:18-19 NIV) Yes, God desires that none should perish. Therefore: “The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some regard slowness, but is being patient toward you, because he does not wish for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 NET) This is so true. For even in the Old Testament we read: “Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11 ASV)

So, our God does not want anyone to die in their sins but to receive his Son and spend all eternity with him in paradise. So, that is why I love him with my whole heart. For God thought of me and saved me from eternal punishment. And he will do the same for you if as well. Just give yourself completely over to him.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 MKJV)

So, do you want true love, joy and peace in your life as described above? Well, it’s all yours if you repent of your sins and give your life over to God. And for the first time in your life, you will experience life in a whole new way. For it’s like being, “Born Again.” That’s because God will fill you with His Holy Spirit. And by walking after the Spirit, you can put to death that old life with all its sins and now live a life pleasing to God. (see Romans 8:13) And the neat thing is, you’ll be so excited that you would want everybody to know about this new relationship that you have with God. For the fruit of the Spirit mentioned above will flow from you and effect other people as well.

For: “It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing; That’s how it is with God’s Love, once you’ve experienced it, your spread the love to everyone, you want to pass it on. What a wondrous time is spring, when all the tress are budding, the birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming; That’s how it is with God's love, once you’ve experienced it. You want to sing, it’s fresh like spring, you want to pass it on. I wish for you my friend, this happiness that I’ve found; You can depend on God, it matters not where you’re bound, I’ll shout it from the mountain top - PRAISE GOD! I want the world to know, The Lord of love has come to me, I want to pass it on.” (Song penned by composer and pianist, Kurt Kaiser, 1969)

• Jesus answered him, “‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again’.” (John 3:3-7 ESV)

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16 KJV)

Now, by walking after God’s Holy Spirit, we can be aware of his presence in everything we think, say, and do. Therefore, we can now put away all the sins that we had done in the past. These sins are called the “works of the flesh.” For we read: “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21 NKJV)

So then, as “born again” Christians, we need to put these works of the flesh far from us. For being saved is not a license to continue in our sins. For we also read: “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 ESV)

Below are a few scriptures showing that we through the Holy Spirit are to put away our sins from us:

• What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? (Romans 6:1-2 ESV)
• Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; indeed, sin is lawlessness. And you know that Jesus was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. Everyone who resides in him does not sin; everyone who sins has neither seen him nor known him. Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Jesus is righteous. The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was revealed: to destroy the works of the devil. Everyone who has been fathered by God does not practice sin, because God’s seed resides in him, and thus he is not able to sin, because he has been fathered by God. (1 John 3:4-9 NET)

“My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ the righteous one. He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2 CSB)

Now, if we do happen to fall into sin, we are to repent before God according to that passage above. For John again said: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 KJV) However, we are not to make light of sin by thinking that God understands our situation and thus allows it. For his word does says: “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:20) Therefore, we must hate sin just as God does and thus do our best to live a sin free life.

So again, let’s be diligent to walk after God’s Holy Spirit and put away sin from our lives. For the sins of the flesh are not only displeasing to God, but can make our lives miserable as well. However, we who are “born again” have Christ living in us, and therefore we can put off the sins of the flesh just as he did. For: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 KJV) Yes, this is true. For: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV) Amen.

• So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:16-21 NIV)
• But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

There is a God who is real and loves you so much. He will bring true meaning and purpose to your life. All you need to do is give yourself completely over to him. Any other way would be empty, meaningless, and eventually could led you to eternal damnation. So, repent before God and turn your life over to Jesus Christ our Savior. Let him be Lord of your life by receive him in your heart today. You will not regret it, believe me. Now, all glory to God our Father through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, by the power of his Holy Spirit within us. Amen

Note: All the version used in this article are listed below. These are included to assist you in your study of God’s word:

• KJV = The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769. Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown.
• NKJV = New King James Version, © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
• ASV = New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved.
• ESV = The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Books and Bibles, a Publishing Ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
• NET = The NET Bible®, New English Translation Copyright © 1996 By Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. NET Bible® is a registered trademark The NET Bible® Logo, Service Mark Copyright © 1997 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
• NIV = THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.
• MKJV = Copyright © 1962-1998 by Jay P. Green Sr. All rights reserved

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"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:34-36 NIV)

Yes, brothers and sisters in Christ, we are living in the last days. Therefore, we can see things starting to happen everywhere that should wake not only us up, but those of this world as well. For we see divisions taking place and people losing all sense of reality. Also, there are false teachers and those who are claiming to be Jesus Christ. And not only that: “And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.” (Luke 21:11 NKJV) This is so true. Look at the volcanic eruptions that are taking place the massive floods that are occurring. And let’s not forget about the rise in crimes and the gross sins being committed by the LGBTQ community.

However, for us who are in Christ, we should already know this. For God’s word clearly says that these things will come to pass before our Savior’s return.

• “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
• And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25 NKJV)
• But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. (2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV
• And the people were scorched with fierce heat; and they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory. (Revelation 16:9 NASB20)

But that all being said, what are we Christians really doing about this? I ask this because there are so many who profess Christ as their Savior and yet are so caught up in this world’s nonsense. For there are sports events to attend, unbiblical movies to watch, Godless video games to play and the list goes on and on. My brothers and sisters in Christ, what are we doing? Shouldn’t we be more concerned with those lost souls who don’t know Christ? For it’s our job to share the love of Jesus with those of this world. For the first word’s that came out of our Savior’s mouth after being baptized and tested was: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17)

Now, let’s take heed to what Jesus said to us Christians. First, we must beware: "See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains." (Matthew 24:4-8 ESV)

Next, what's going to happen us believers: "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:4-14 ESV)

Wow, we read that we Chistian's will be hated and even be put to death. However, we must first proclaim the gospel throughout the whole world as well. And: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:13-15) So, just as God our Father sent his Son Jesus Christ to proclaim the gospel to us, we Christians are to do the same as well. Amen.

• “And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.” (Luke 21:7-9 ESV)
• “Then he said to them, "Nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and famines and plagues in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven. But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you, handing you over to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will be a time for you to serve as witnesses. Therefore be resolved not to rehearse ahead of time how to make your defense. For I will give you the words along with the wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.” (Luke 21:10-15 NET)
• “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:25-28 NIV)
• “And he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees; as soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away till all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Luke 21:29-33 RSV)
   

So, my fellow Christians, let’s take note to the warning that Jesus gave, for he said: “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:34-36 NIV) Yes, let’s always be watchful and ready for our Lord’s return so that we can be counted worthy to enter into his Kingdom. Amen.

• "Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 CSB)

God bless you as you seek to do his will. Amen.

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