Danger of persistently refusing God's offer of salvation (Hebrews 2:1-4)

 A friend pointed out to me the truths from Hebrews 2:1-4 that was in the new believers bible.

Summary: The danger is not merely committing isolated sins but persistently refusing God's offer of salvation.

The Big Idea

Hebrews 2:1-4 calls every reader to a decisive response:

• Listen carefully to God's Word.
• Do not drift into spiritual neglect.
• Receive the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
• Trust the gospel God confirmed through Christ, the apostles, miracles, and the Holy Spirit.
• Persevere in faith rather than ignoring God's gracious invitation.

The passage presents both God's grace and human responsibility. God has spoken through His Son, provided complete salvation through the cross, confirmed that message with signs and wonders, and continues to call people through the Holy Spirit. The question Hebrews asks every reader is simple: "How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?" (Hebrews 2:3). The implied answer is that there is no greater rescue than the one God has already provided in Christ.

Key Theme: Don't Drift. Respond to God's Salvation.
Primary text: Hebrews 2:1-4

The warning in Hebrews is not primarily against ignorance, but against neglect. Spiritual drift is usually gradual. The writer urges believers to pay close attention to Christ because the salvation He offers is greater than anything that came before.

Supporting Scriptures:

• Hebrews 3:12-15: Guard your heart against unbelief that slowly pulls you away from God.
• James 1:22: Be doers of the Word, not merely hearers.
• John 5:24: Whoever hears Christ and believes has eternal life.
• Romans 10:9-13: Salvation is received by believing and calling on Christ.

Summary: God has spoken clearly through His Son. The proper response is faith, obedience, and perseverance.

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Key Theme: God Desires Everyone to Be Saved

God's heart is consistently revealed as one of mercy and invitation rather than condemnation.

Supporting Scriptures:

• 2 Peter 3:9: God is patient, not wishing that any should perish.
• 1 Timothy 2:3-4: God desires all people to be saved.
• Ezekiel 33:11: God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires repentance.
• John 3:16-17: Christ came to save the world, not condemn it.

Summary: God's desire is universal salvation, but His invitation must be personally received.

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Key Theme: God's Invitation Requires a Human Response

Salvation is God's work, yet Scripture consistently calls people to respond.

Supporting Scriptures:

• Matthew 11:28-30: Jesus invites the weary to come.
• Revelation 22:17: Whoever is thirsty may freely receive the water of life.
• Acts 2:38: Repent and be baptized.
• Acts 17:30: God commands all people everywhere to repent.
• Isaiah 55:6-7: Seek the Lord while He may be found.

Summary: Grace is freely offered, but faith and repentance are genuine responses that God calls every person to make.

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Key Theme: Salvation Is Entirely God's Work

People cannot save themselves. Forgiveness, justification, and new life come only through Christ.

Supporting Scriptures:

• Ephesians 2:8-9: Salvation is by grace through faith, not works.
• Titus 3:5: God saved us because of His mercy.
• Romans 3:23-24: We are justified freely through Christ's redemption.
• John 14:6: Jesus is the only way to the Father.

Summary: Salvation is accomplished by Christ alone and received through faith.

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Key Theme: Human Responsibility Is Real

God does not coerce belief. Scripture repeatedly presents people with a genuine choice to accept or reject Him.

Supporting Scriptures:

• Joshua 24:15: Choose this day whom you will serve.
• Deuteronomy 30:19-20: Choose life.
• John 1:11-13: Some rejected Christ, while others received Him.
• Romans 1:18-21: Humanity is accountable because God has made Himself known.

Summary: God's sovereignty does not eliminate human responsibility. Every person is accountable for how they respond to Christ.

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Key Theme: God Confirmed the Gospel Through Signs and Wonders

Hebrews emphasizes that the gospel was not based on human opinion. God authenticated it through miraculous works.

Supporting Scriptures:

• Mark 16:20: The Lord confirmed the message with accompanying signs.
• Acts 2:22: Jesus was accredited by miracles, wonders, and signs.
• Acts 5:12: Many signs and wonders occurred through the apostles.
• 2 Corinthians 12:12: Apostolic ministry was authenticated by signs and miracles.
• John 20:30-31: Jesus' signs were recorded so people would believe.

Summary: Miracles did not replace faith, but they confirmed God's revelation concerning Jesus Christ.

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Key Theme: Ignoring the Gospel Has Eternal Consequences

Hebrews presents one of the New Testament's strongest warnings against neglecting salvation.

Supporting Scriptures:

• John 3:18: Whoever does not believe stands condemned already.
• John 3:36: Whoever rejects the Son remains under God's wrath.
• Matthew 25:46: Jesus describes eternal life and eternal punishment.
• 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9: Judgment comes upon those who reject the gospel.
• Hebrews 10:26-31: Deliberately rejecting God's provision leaves no other sacrifice for sins.

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The resurrection life of Jesus brings understanding of our times (Matthew 27:50–53, Acts 1:9-11, Rev 19:8-14)

Growing up I remember seeing a painting of the Ascension of Jesus with a multitude of saints around him. Is he coming or going I thought, the scripture associated with the painting was Acts 1:9-11, 

"After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!"

According to Matthew 27:50-53, at the moment of Jesus' death, an earthquake occurred, splitting rocks and opening the graves of many "holy people" (saints) who had died. These individuals were raised to life, came out of their tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection, appeared to many in Jerusalem, signifying Christ's victory over death. 

Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people.

Key Details of the Event (Matthew 27:50–53), The Resurrected Saints:

• Timing: The tombs broke open at the moment of Jesus' death, but the saints were raised after his resurrection.
• The Scene: This occurred in Jerusalem, specifically around Calvary, as part of a series of miraculous events.
• The Saints: These were faithful people who had died prior to Christ’s resurrection.
• Significance: The incident serves as a "token" or "first fruits" of the resurrection, demonstrating the power of Christ’s sacrifice.
• Outcome: Matthew is silent on what happened to them afterward, leading to debates on whether they were permanently resurrected or temporarily raised to die again, similar to Lazarus. 

This event is exclusively recorded in the Gospel of Matthew and was intended to show that Jesus' death had a significant impact, validating his identity as the Son of God to the residents of Jerusalem. 

According to GotQuestions.org, Matthew 27:50-53 describes miraculous events—an earthquake, torn temple veil, and raised saints—occurring at Jesus’ death and resurrection to signify His power over death. The resurrected saints testified to the new life Jesus gives. The Ascension signifies the successful completion of His earthly ministry and his exaltation. 

The Ascension of Christ (Acts 1:9-11)

Significance: The Ascension marks the end of Jesus' earthly ministry and his return to heavenly glory, demonstrating his exaltation by God the Father.

Purposes:

• It signifies the success of His work on earth.
• It allows Him to begin His work as High Priest and Mediator.
• It prepares a place for believers in heaven (John 14-17)
• Return: The Ascension set the pattern for His second coming, which will be literal, bodily, and visible. 

Connection Between Events

• Both events emphasize Jesus’ authority. The resurrection (and the accompanying saints) validates His claim to divinity and victory over death, while the ascension proves He has taken His place of power in heaven.
• The resurrected saints are often interpreted as a sign of the in-breaking of the Kingdom of God, which is fully realized when Jesus ascends to sit at the right hand of the Father. 

The Messiah Coming from Heaven with His Holy Ones

This is one of the most theologically rich threads in all of Scripture, the parousia as a unified event anticipated across both Testaments. Here's a systematic look.

Acts 1:9–11 as the Interpretive Anchor

The angelic declaration establishes four markers for the return:

1. Visible — "this same Jesus"
2. Bodily — taken up physically
3. From heaven — coming back the same direction
4. In like manner — clouds, glory

Old Testament Passages That Match This Pattern

Daniel 7:13–14

The foundational text. The Son of Man comes with the clouds of heaven and approaches the Ancient of Days to receive dominion over all nations. This is the direct antecedent Jesus cites in Matthew 26:64. The "coming" is cosmic, visible, and triumphant.

Zechariah 14:1–5

The most precise fulfillment match: the LORD comes, his feet stand on the Mount of Olives (the same mountain of Acts 1), and  "all the holy ones with him" (v.5). This is the clearest OT picture of Acts 1:11 fulfilled. The geography (Olivet), the company (holy ones), and the cosmic disruption all align.

Isaiah 63:1–6

The warrior-Messiah comes from Edom, garments stained, treading the winepress of wrath alone. This matches Revelation 19 explicitly. The question "Who is this coming from Edom?" frames a dramatic entrance from outside Israel, a heavenly warrior arriving for judgment.

Psalm 68:17

"The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands; the Lord has come from Sinai into his sanctuary." The vast heavenly army accompanies the LORD's triumphant procession, a template for the Messiah's retinue.

Zechariah 9:14

"The LORD will appear over them; his arrow will flash like lightning." This is a military theophany, the LORD visibly appearing in power on behalf of his people.

Enoch Quoted in Jude 14–15

"The Lord is coming with tens of thousands of his holy ones to execute judgment on all." This ancient prophecy (pre-flood tradition preserved in Jude) is arguably the most explicit OT-era statement matching Acts 1:11, vast company, judgment purpose, visible arrival.

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New Testament Passages That Match

Passage	Key Detail
Matthew 24:29–31	Son of Man on clouds, angels sent to gather elect
Matthew 25:31	"all the angels with him," seated on throne of glory
Mark 13:26–27	Clouds, great power, angels gathering
Luke 21:27	"Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory"
1 Thess 4:14–17	Lord descends from heaven, shout, trumpet, dead rise first, then living caught up in clouds
2 Thess 1:7–10	"revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire"
Revelation 19:11–16	Heaven opens, white horse, armies of heaven in white linen following
Colossians 3:4	"When Christ appears, then you also will appear with him in glory"
1 John 3:2	"When he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is"

The "holy ones" / "saints" in these passages is a debated point worth noting for your teaching:

• Angels — most consistent with Matthew 25:31 and 2 Thess 1:7
• Resurrected believers — supported by 1 Thess 4:14 ("God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep"), Zechariah 14:5 LXX, and Colossians 3:4
• Both — the most likely answer; Revelation 19 shows the armies of heaven (v.14) in white linen, the same garments given to the saints in Revelation 19:8

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Passages About the Messiah That Do NOT Match This Description

These are equally important because they reveal why first-century Jews largely missed the two-stage fulfillment.

First Coming / Incarnation Passages

Passage	Description
Isaiah 7:14	Messiah born of a virgin — hidden, quiet, not from clouds
Micah 5:2	Born in Bethlehem — a specific geographic birthplace, not a heavenly descent
Isaiah 9:6–7	"A child is born, a son is given" — incarnation, not parousia
Genesis 3:15	Seed of the woman — implies human birth and suffering
Zechariah 9:9	King comes "humble, riding on a donkey" — triumphal entry, but lowly, not glorious

Suffering Servant Passages

Passage	Description
Isaiah 52:13–53:12	Despised, rejected, struck down, pierced — no armies, no clouds
Psalm 22	"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" — abandonment, not triumph
Psalm 69:20–21	Gall and vinegar, reproach — passion narrative
Zechariah 11:12–13	Valued at 30 pieces of silver and thrown to the potter — betrayal
Zechariah 12:10	"They will look on me, the one they have pierced" — mourning over crucifixion

Priestly Messiah Passages

Passage	Description
Psalm 110:4	"A priest forever in the order of Melchizedek" — intercession, not conquest
Zechariah 6:12–13	"He will be a priest on his throne" — reigning and priestly, but the manner of coming is unspecified
Malachi 3:1	"The messenger of the covenant whom you desire will come to his temple" — often read as first coming (or as John the Baptist's preparation)

New Covenant Inaugurator

• Jeremiah 31:31–34 — the Messiah inaugurates a new covenant written on hearts. This is fulfilled at the Last Supper (Luke 22:20) and ongoing through the Spirit — not a visible descent from clouds.

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The Theological Key: Two Comings, One Messiah

The reason "other passages don't match" is not contradiction — it's progressive fulfillment across two advents. 

First Coming → Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, Zechariah 9:9)

                Priestly Mediator (Psalm 110:4, Malachi 3:1)

                New Covenant Inaugurator (Jeremiah 31)

Second Coming → Warrior-King (Isaiah 63, Zechariah 14)

                Son of Man on clouds (Daniel 7)

                With holy ones (Jude 14, Zechariah 14:5)

                → Fulfills Acts 1:11

First-century Judaism largely collapsed these into one event, expecting a conquering king. The disciples themselves held this confusion (Acts 1:6 — "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"). The angelic answer in Acts 1:11 is essentially: Yes — but not yet. He will return. Same Jesus, same manner, clouds.

Zechariah 14:5 paired with Jude 14–15 is a particularly powerful cross-reference cluster for showing that the OT always envisioned the Messiah arriving with a retinue. The question of who those holy ones are (angels? saints? both?) opens rich discussion on the resurrection, glorification, and the corporate nature of the parousia. Revelation 19:8 and 19:14 together suggest the armies of heaven include the bride — which ties eschatology directly to ecclesiology.

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Dying to Self, Living for God (Galatians 2:20)

Because Jesus died and rose again, nothing will ever be the same. The old you does not have to run your life anymore. Sin does not have to win. Death does not get the last word. The same power that raised Jesus from the grave is alive in every person who belongs to him. This is not just a story from long ago. Today, right now, in this year of our Lord, the risen Christ is calling people to stop living for themselves and start living for him. He says: give me your life, pick up your cross, follow me. Lose yourself and you will find something far greater. The seed that falls into the ground and dies does not stay dead. It rises and bears fruit that lasts forever. Resurrection Sunday is the proof that dying to self is not the end. It is the beginning. If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus, today is the day. If you have been holding back, today is the day. The tomb is empty, grace is real, and the door is wide open. This is the day of salvation.

🌱 The Old You Must Go

• Your old sinful self was nailed to the cross with Jesus, so sin no longer has to control you. Romans 6:6
• Get rid of your old self. It was full of wrong desires. Put on your new self, made to be like God, good and holy. Ephesians 4:22-24
• You have died, and your life is now hidden safely with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3

✝️ Follow Jesus, Take Up Your Cross

• If you want to follow Jesus, say no to yourself, pick up your cross every day, and follow him. Luke 9:23-24
• If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give your life up for Jesus, you will save it. Mark 8:35
• Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow Jesus cannot be his follower. Luke 14:27

🌾 Dying Brings New Life

• A seed must fall into the ground and die. If it does not die, it stays just a seed. But if it dies, it grows and makes lots of fruit. John 12:24
• If anyone belongs to Christ, he is brand new. The old is gone. The new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

💧 Buried With Jesus, Raised to New Life

• When we were baptized into Jesus, we shared in his death. And just like Jesus rose from the dead, we get to walk in a brand new life. Romans 6:3-4
• If we have died with Christ, we will also live with him. Romans 6:8

🔥 Stop Letting Sin Be the Boss

• Think of yourself as dead to sin but alive to God through Jesus. Romans 6:11
• Sin does not have to be in charge of you anymore. You are not under the old rules. You are under God's grace. Romans 6:14
• Do not let the sinful parts of your body do wrong things. Instead, give yourself to God as someone brought back from death to life. Romans 6:13
• Put to death the wrong things in your life: bad desires, greed, and all that belongs to your old self. Colossians 3:5

🙌 Live for God, Not for Yourself

• Give your whole body to God as a gift, a living sacrifice. Do not copy the world. Let God change the way you think. Romans 12:1-2
• Those who belong to Jesus have nailed their sinful desires to the cross. Galatians 5:24
• Walk by the Spirit, and you will not do what your sinful self wants. Galatians 5:16
• He must become greater. I must become less. John 3:30

💪 Christ Lives in You

• I have been crucified with Christ. I no longer live. Christ lives in me. The life I live now, I live by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
• For me, living is Christ. Dying is even better. Philippians 1:21
• I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

🤝 Put Others First

• Do not be selfish or try to look important. Be humble. Think of others as more important than yourself. Philippians 2:3-4

🏆 Nothing Is Worth More Than Knowing Jesus

• I count everything else as worthless compared to knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Philippians 3:8
• What good is it if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Luke 9:25

🕊️ Nothing Can Separate You From God's Love

• Not death, not life, not anything in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

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Friendship is God's way of loving us through someone else

My friend shared his concern for a new believer in Christ who lives in the muslim world. He and his family is in crisis, and crisis feels out of control and God can seem far away. My immediate response is that we need to bring the situation to the Lord who is able to do more than we can ask or imagine (Eph 3:20), to cast our cares on Him because he cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). To have faith beyond our current world (Heb 11) with eyes on Jesus and God's city (Heb 12).  My life verses when I was new believer was Philippians 4:4-7, with 1 Peter 4:7-11. A life verse is something you meditate on, contemplating it's truth in your life until the peace of God that transcends understanding guards your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. We stand in understanding, instead of fight or flight. 

BSF has taught me the ABC of Urgent Prayer Care. A: Address the situation, B: Bring God in, C: Communicate Hope. I've been enjoying friendships with a deeper understanding of the Gospel of Jesus. John 13:20 listen to Jesus, "whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me." Don't call it friendship evangelism, call it "God's way of loving us through someone else."

A) Pray back the situation and what emotions or perspectives are blocking the peace and calm of the Holy Spirit. In the prayercourse.org we call this part, keep it simple, keep it real, keep it going. A friend once told me if after prayer you still feel stress, anxiety, anger or similar emotions, you haven't prayed but only complained to God. This is why we need to go two steps further - Bring God in and Communicate Hope. 

B) In crisis, the key to lasting calm is the control of the Holy Spirit. (Read Romans 8:6: "So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace."). Bring God in. What do they need in a crisis? God’s attributes and an awareness of His presence. I love Romans 8:1-17, what Good News! We belong to Christ Jesus and the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed us from the power of sin. God declared an end to sin's control by Jesus atoning sacrifice on the cross. We give our lives to Christ and no longer dominated by sinful nature but controlled by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:12 reminds us, we have no obligation to do what our sinful nature urges us to...all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 

C) In crisis, we need a reason to continue. (Read Psalm 31:24). Communicate hope. What truth or promises from God’s Word are needed? Romans 8:15-17, "So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

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Baptism is uniting in Christ death and resurrection (Romans 6-8)

Being a Christian involves an honest encounter with God. We listen to instruction and obey, leading to righteousness, purity and abundance - or we go our own way and fail. A Friend once said a discontented heart is the result of the ideal values you hold not matching the real values you live. When feeling discontented it's important to review who you aspire to be and make a commitment to live from those values today. 

• Good input leads to good output (TrustEdge on Character)
• Lord help me to move from values to virtues
  

Today is my last day of being in my forties and yesterday I watched "Alice Through The Looking Glass" on the airplane (It was the only film not watched after traveling to and from AZ all year). It's a story about time travel, wanting to go back and change what's happened. The moral of the story is that we can't change the past but we can learn from it. 

• The Mad Hatter lives in his head and the Queen of Hearts lives in her heart. 
• The Hatter was dying because Alice didn't "believe him" and is stuck in a minute before tea time. 
• The Queen had, locked people up in her hate filled heart. She shrunk down a whole family and treated them like ants. 
• Time stops for the Queen of Hearts when she goes back to the moment when she felt betrayed by her sister. Alice puts time back in its place of power, where time heals all wounds. 
• Back in the the real world, Alice "gives up the ship" to have a positive relationship with her family and in return her family believes in her. Her heart and mind, in sync - no longer needing to go through the looking glass. 

We had a wonderful walk around the Veterans Oasis Park then we watched "It's a Wonderful Life" with John. When we get caught up in ourselves we lose sight of the big picture. But when we open ourselves up to what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy... When we think about these things and put them into practice we enter into God's peace, wholeness and feeling together. I had these scriptures read at my Baptism in 2005 (Phil 4:4-19). I'm grateful for our "Relationships Matter" group in BSF and all the lives. We watch Christmas Eve at Cornerstone Chandler and Pastor Lyn gave a good message about not opening the greatest Christmas gift of all time. "A Savior." The Savior is the only one who can connect the Ideal to the real. Everything else comes up empty. 

This morning I'm reminded of Romans 7:14-15,18,19,21,23. Sin is still at work in my body and mind. Romans 7:25, "Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin."

• Dying to Self, being made alive for God (Luke 9; Gal 2:20,5:24; Romans 6, 12; 1 Peter 4)
• Sets us free to live righteously in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1-6), no longer hostile to God (Romans 8:7-8), He lives in us (1 Cor 12:8-10, Romans 8:9-11), Holy Spirit's trans-formative power in the world and in the individual (Romans 8:14-17), God transforms all things with his glory (Romans 8:28-30)
• Suffering in Christ, with Holy Spirit brings unfathomable hope (Romans 8:17-30)
  

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Jesus raised to life witnessed by angels, guards and disciples (Matt 28:1-10)

 Matthew 28

1-4) Sunday, Mary Magdalene and other Mary, tomb, earthquake, an angel of the Lord (lightening, white-snow) rolled stone, sat, guards afraid, shaking

Angelic touch brings freedom for Peter and death to Herod (Acts 12)

5-7) Angel: Don't be afraid, Jesus crucified has risen as he said, come and see - tell disciples this and he's going to Galilee where you'll see him

8-10) Hurried, afraid, filled w joy - then Jesus "greetings" -they bowed worshiped "Don't be afraid"

 - do not be afraid is a theme in the Bible, God is with us (Deut 20:1-3), our shield and reward (Gen 15:1), he hears us (Gen 21:17), with us, will bless us (Gen 26:24), our father (Gen 46:3), deliverer (Ex 14:13), testing, fear of God, kept from sinning (Ex 20:20), with us (Num 14:9), impartial wise judgment (Deut 1:17), giver of land (Deut 1:21,29), conquerer (Deut 3:2,22), powerful history (Deut 7:18), goes with us, never leave or forsake (Deut 31:6,8), with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:9), victorious (Joshua 8:1,10:8,25,11:6), savior (Judges 6:23), redeemer (1 Sam 12:20) with us (2 Kings 1:15) true word (2 Kings 19:6), blessed servant in a hostile environment (2 Kings 25:24)

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Justification is evidenced by Peace of God (Gen 15:6, Rom 5:1, Phil 4:4-7)

 Genesis 15:6 is one of the most important verses in all Scripture, for by it we learn that all people in all ages are justified by grace through faith. “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”

Second Day: 5 a) What did Abram believe? B) what’s connection between belief and righteousness today?

In Genesis 15, God gave His promises to Abram. Abram’s belief, his faith in what God had promised, was the basis upon which God declared him righteous – justified. (Rev 12:11 blood of the lamb, word of testimony)

Faith is confidence in the trustworthiness of a person, concept or entity (John 11:25-26; 12:44; Hebrews 11:1). Abram believed God’s Word, His promise. Righteous means in right standing or morally upright behavior. God declared Abram to be in “right standing” before Him. 

When I believe God’s promise of forgiveness and eternal life through Christ, God declares I am “right with Him.”

Being Right with God is the Shalom that transcends all understanding Gen 15:6, Rom 5:1, Phil 4:4-7

Personal faith in the sacrifice of Jesus for sins, not works or signs (Romans 3-5) 

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (Romans 5:1)”

 - Justified: Romans 4:25 says, "He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification."

 - through faith: Romans 3:28 - "For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law."

 - we have peace: Christmas time peace, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.“ Jesus our Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6), Jesus took my sin to the Cross, "the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed. (Isa 53:5)“

Peace: the gift from God we are commanded to seek

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Message: The living Word of God engages and intrigues us right where we are

As I often do, I was walking with my brother yesterday who brings up problem Bible verses, in a word game approach to Bible study we call Bible Versus. When I'm with him I constantly rely on the Holy Spirit to bring to mind the living Word of God - not just the memorizing scripture but the truth behind it so that we can apply it together.

Over the years I've made stickers that I give out as the progression of faith that I explained in this bucket web site in Myanmar:

https://myanmar-christian-bible-resource.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/index.html

I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. (1 Corinthians 15:3-7)

• The facts of the resurrection (15:1-11)
• The results if people deny the resurrection (15:12-19)
• The results of the resurrection of Jesus (15:20-34)
• The nature of the resurrection body (15:35-50)
• The time of the resurrection body (15:51-57)

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless (1 Cor 15:58 NLT).

You are unmistakably wonderful and valued by God (Psalm 139)
God who created the heaven and earth also created you. God has searched us, knows our entire lives completely. Before we were born he saw all our days before they came to be. He wants you to know him like he knows you. Ask him in prayer:

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life

God's grace reaches for you (2 Corinthians 4:13-18)
But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

The Lord disciplines those he loves (Hebrews 12)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said,

“My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

I have this on the back of my phone as a constant reminder for myself when I talk with people about faith in God.

The Lord knows those who are his (2 Tim 2:19-26)
God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”

Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God. Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil’s trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands. 2 Tim 2:22-26 MSG

This is my status message at work on Skype messenger

Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed,

God's word in our heart, is carried on to others (Psalm 119:11)

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Jesus resurrection impacts our lives now

“I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.

John 5:24 NLT

When we die we are present with the Lord. 

 - We are souls with bodies 

 - Soul is the essence of who we are

Resurection give great confidence 

 - But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip. Acts 2:24 NLT

 - God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” Acts 2:36 NLT

 - We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. Romans 6:9 NLT

When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Romans 6:10‭-‬11 NLT

The resurection should keep us from "playing it safe"

 - when do I risk my life?

 - fearlessness 

When you put your faith in Jesus you will never be put to shame. 

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By Faith we receive all that God has for us (Hebrews 11)

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. - Hebrews 11:6

Hebrews 11-13
A) Faith enables a righteous living that pleases God
11:1-3) Faith shows reality of hope, evidence of unseen. Through faith earn good reputation. By faith understand entire universe formed by God's command, what we now see didn't come from anything that can be seen
4) By faith Abel's offering gave evidence he was righteous, God approved
5-6) By faith Enoch taken to heaven without dying, known as a person who pleased God. Without faith, God can't be pleased.
7) By faith Noah built a boat to save his family, He obeyed God who warned of things that never happened before - he condemned the world, received the righteousness that comes by faith
8-10) By faith Abraham obeyed God, left home he went not knowing where he was going - lived in tents, foreigner looking forward to an eternal city built by God
11-12) By faith Sarah believed God would keep his promise, an uncountable nation from one man who was good as dead.
13-16) Died still believing God's promise, saw from a distance and welcomed it, agreed on being foreigners, nomads, looking forward to the heavenly homeland - God is not ashamed to be called their God

B) Faith enables sacrifices and perseverance in the midst of impossible circumstances
17-19) By faith Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice to God, God was able to bring him back to life and Abraham did receive his son back
20-22) By faith Isaac promised blessing for his Jacob and Esau and blessed each of Joseph's sons and Joseph confidently said Israel would leave Egypt and take his bones.
23) By faith Moses parents hid him, not afraid to disobey king's command
24-27) By faith Moses refused luxury, chose to share the oppression of God's people instead of enjoying fleeting pleasures of sin. Better to suffer for Christ, looking ahead to his great reward, by faith moved forward kept eyes on the one who is invisible. 
28) By faith Moses commanded people to keep the Passover, sprinkle blood on doorpost so angle of death wouldn't kill firstborn
29) By faith people went through Red Sea on dry ground but Egyptians all drowned
30) Faith, people of Israel marched around Jericho seven days and the wall crashed down
31) Faith, Rahab prostitute not destroyed in her city who refused to obey God, gave friendly welcome to spys.
32-38) Everyone in the Bible is an example of faith that overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, receiving God's promises, super natural help - their weakness turned to strength - tortured refusing to turn from God seeing the resurrection
29-40) earned good reputation becuase of their faith, yet none received all God promised, wanting to reach perfection with us

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Resurrected Jesus engages his followers

Jesus engaged with his followers in the following ways
Acts 1:1-4; Luke 24:13-49
 - Gave instructions through the Holy Spirit, presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He ate with them and spoke to them, giving clear instructions (don't leave Jerusalem, wait for the gift my Father promised...)
 - He came to people where they were (7 miles from Jerusalem, Cleopas and another on the road to Emmaus)
 - Asked questions to understand what they think (what are you discussing... what things)
 - He rebuked them for being "slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken", proclaiming the Messiah had to suffer these things then enter his glory
 - Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself
Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will...
Numbers 21:9
So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and...
Deuteronomy 18:15
The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow...
Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a...
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders....
Isaiah 40:10
See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is...
Isaiah 40:11
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to...
Isaiah 53
Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? He grew up...
Ezekiel 34:23
I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them...
Daniel 9:24
“Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put...
Micah 7:20
You will be faithful to Jacob, and show love to Abraham, as you pledged on oath to our ancestors...
Malachi 3:1
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are...

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Questions and conversation leads to unity

1 Cor 15:35, what will resurrection be like?
36-49, like a seed planted grows into something new, bigger and wonderful.
50-58, in light of the answer

Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength.
1 Corinthians 15:43 NLT

Seeds don't look like what they grow into

John 12:24,34,35
Jesus talks about this
It's the kingdom of heaven within us
- Matthew 13:31

Natural vs Spiritual
1 Cor 15:44,45
46-49, first earth, second of heaven

As he is. So we are
1 John 4:17
By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world.

Phil 1:21-23
Live is fruitful labor for Christ vs being with Christ or as we listen to Philippians we see it's both/and.
- Would I gather as Grace church if to do so I could die?
- the Mission: if might is right, love has no place in the world.

With lips they honor me, but heart is far
- they prayed for demon possessed but when it cost a heard of pigs they asked Jesus to leave them
https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/a-far-country-decapolis

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT

1. Renewed steadfastness in Christ
2. Immovable with Gospel truth
3. Abound with urgency to share the Gospel  (Col 1:29)
4. Labor is not in vain, there is no burn out for those abiding in Christ.

We should be confident and clear in sharing the message of Jesus. Live in reality of Christ in me. Live with passion, abound in energy and strength provides.

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Hell as an experience for those not dressed (Matthew 22:2-14)

I've been preparing for Christianity 101 Destiny (happening at work in two days). In my study of the wonderful truths that of the resurrection portrayed as "new clothes" we must put on, giving ourselves fully to the work of the Lord.

Isaiah 1:18; 61:10; 1 Corinthians 15:53-58; Colossians 3:12-17 ;1 Peter 1:3-9;Deuteronomy 8:5; Proverbs 3:12; 1 Corinthians 11:32; Hebrews 12:4-11

Came across, Hosea 13:14

“I will deliver this people from the power of the grave;

    I will redeem them from death."

from the Dictionary of Bible Themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes Scripture index copyright Martin H. Manser, 2009. As Editor, Martin Manser wishes to thank all those who compiled or edited the NIV Thematic Study Bible, on which this work is based.

Hell as an experience
The state of final separation from God, and so from all light, love, peace, pleasure and fulfilment.
Hell is separation from God
2Th 1:8-10 See also Mt 7:23; Mt 8:12; Mt 25:32; Rev 21:8
The final state of the wicked is one of eternal punishment
Mt 25:41-46 “eternal punishment” means the punishment that is part of, and belongs to, the final order of things that follows this present age. This is usually, though not invariably, understood as an unending process of punishment consciously experienced by the wicked. See also Jude 7
Biblical expressions for final punishment
God’s wrath Jn 3:36 See also Dt 32:22; Zep 1:18; Mt 3:7; Ro 2:5; 1Th 1:10; Rev 19:15-16
Torment Lk 16:23-24 See also Mt 8:29; Rev 14:11; Rev 20:10
Corruption Ps 55:23; 2Pe 1:4
Destruction Gal 6:8 See also Dt 7:10; Ps 88:11; Jn 17:12; Ro 9:22; Php 3:18-19; 2Th 2:3; Rev 17:8
Unquenchable fire Jude 7 See also Isa 66:24; Mt 3:12; Mt 18:8-9; Heb 10:27; Rev 19:20
Intense darkness, emphasising utter isolation Jude 13 See also Mt 22:13; 2Pe 2:17; Jude 6 (Matt 22:2-14)
Death Jn 8:21 See also Job 28:22; Pr 15:11; Isa 28:15; Hos 13:14; Ro 6:23; 1Co 15:26,54-55
The second death Rev 20:14-15 See also Rev 20:6; Rev 21:8
The finality of hell
Lk 16:26 See also Heb 6:4-6; Heb 10:26-27; Rev 16:11

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Finding Easter, Resurrection Sunday

Metonic Cycle

[ Jesus Again Predicts His Death ] As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside privately and told them what was going to happen to him. “Listen,” he said, “we’re going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die. Then they will hand him over to the Romans to be mocked, flogged with a whip, and crucified. But on the third day he will be raised from the dead.”

Matthew 20: 17-19 NLT

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There is a huge difference between believing and knowing

I've been researching how other faiths and people view Christian Bible teaching. By Christian Bible teaching I mean to say, taking the Bible lierally, trusting what it says is true and applying that truth to our lives. Time and again I see offence coming between people who hold to religious dogma and tradition. As a self-professing bridge builder, I like to help people see the way to cross over to a new life relationship with God. 

Big Idea: Knowing is experienced

Time and again I've witnessed this truth, "But to this day the Lord has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear." Deuteronomy 29:4, ESV

How to build a bridge to knowing

A guy walks into the doctors office, the doctor says, "What seems to be the problem?"
 - "It's not a problem per se, just something strange. You see I pass gas alot but it doesn't smell or make a sound. In fact while I've been in your office I've passed gas 20 times."
 - "I see" says the doctor and he writes a perscription asking him to come back in a week. The guys comes back very alarmed, "Doc, what was in those pills! Now my farts are loud and smell terrible!"
The doctors says, "well now that we cleared up your sinus and unpluged your ears we can take a look at that." (author unknown)

I did a Bible search on "Know" and found the word 1,163 times. Ezekiel 16:59-63 explains how God is faithful to his promise as seen in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

(59) Sovereign Lord says: I WILL as you deserve you despied my oath, breaking covenant

(60) I WILL remember my covenant, I WILL establish everlasting covenant w/you (Gen 9:16, Ezek 37:4-6,14, 23-24,26)

• (61) You'll remember, be ashamed. In John 16:7-8 Jesus talks about sending the Holy Spirit in fulfillment of this prophesy - the spirit of truth will convict hearts. I love Ezekiel 37:14, "I will put my Spirit in you an dyou will live...KNOW that I the LORD have spoke, done it, declares the LORD"
• (62) I WILL establish my convenant with you, KNOW that I am the LORD. Luke 1:77 says, " to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins," 
• (63) "when I make atonement for you..." Matt 26:28, Luke 22:20, affirms the new covenant is established by the Cross of Jesus, his blood". The ressurection proved the sacrifice was acceptable to God and Jesus opened their minds to truths pointing to him in the old testiment (Luke 24:44-48)

What is the New Covenant?

Works the Holy Spirit does in the believers life

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Incarnation, the Word became flesh

Worship, Hark the Harold angels sing!

Getting eye level, able to communicate
Jesus like us. Human. Hebrews 4:15-16
- able to sympathize with us. In every way.
- Yet unlike us. God, without sin

Other religions: Transcendent means God is far away, wants us to come to him. Not interested in us until we get it right.

Jesus is our mediator, not a priest or Mary. We can talk to Jesus about our struggle because he totally understands us. The Spirit given will remind us of Christ (John 15-17, Romans 8)
Hebrews 7:26-27, Jesus holy, without need of personal repentance. He became the sacrifice for us.

Virgin birth, bypassed the original sin.
Romans 5:12, we all die. Evidence of sins reality (scientific method, we see the evidence). Romans 5:17, Jesus brings Spiritual life, having defeated death at his resurrection. 

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Jesus teaches God's word is living and active Scriptures and power of God

Hebrews 4:12

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Active rebellion or passive indifference, our accountability regarding sin

When we sin it's not just what we do or don't do, it's in our very nature. Christians believe our sins are covered by the death of Jesus and confirmed in his bodily, historical resurrection. God draws us to himself throughout our lives, via people, His creation, His Spirit, and circumstances. When we repent from sin, turning to God it is through the work of the Holy Spirit in us. We confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord and Savior, committing our lives to follow him. Committing to do what he has commanded us to do.

The following explores sin (Active rebellion or passive indifference) as it relates to God, others, ourselves and our work and finally in our relation to God's Love.

In Relation to God (Repentance means to contrition Psalm 51:4)
 - Foolishness of indifference (Psalm 14:1-3; Psalm 53:1-3; Romans 3:10; Job 15:16)
 - Evil of rebellion (Genesis 6:5,12; Psalm 10:2-11,4)
 - Idolatry (Exodus 20:1-2,3,4,5,6,7)

In Relation to Others (Repentance means reconcilation Matthew 5:23-24)
 - Family (God's desire Luke 15:11-32): Parents (Exodus 20:12), siblings (Genesis 50:20), children (Matthew 18:6-7)
 - Friends: neighbors, community (Ephesians 4:28, 1 John 2:6,10)
 - Strangers (Luke 3:11, Luke 12:42-48,1 Timothy 6:17-19)
 - Enemies (1 Cor 4:12)

In Relation to ourselves (John 15:4-5,6-7,9-10; John 8:31, 1 John 2:17,24,27)
 - Our bodies (1 Cor 6:18-20)
 - Our minds (Psalm 32:1-2,3-4,5,6,7)
 - Our lives (Sabbath for man Mark 2:27, Exodus 20:8-11)

In Relation to our work
 - Foolishness of laziness (Matthew 25:14-30)
 - Evil of theft (Matthew 15:19; Revelation 9:20-21)

In Relation to God's Love
 - Revealed in Jesus Christ (John 3:16-21, Romans 5:6-9,8; 1 John 4:10 )
 - Revealed in Creation (Genesis 2:7;Romans 1:20; 2 Peter 3:5; Hebrews 11:3; Psalm 33:6)



Since Jesus ascended to Heaven some 2017 years ago we have been living in the "Grace Period" that is talked about in Joel. Joel proclaims God's message of judgement, repentance and eternal restoration.

Good and evil, multiple world views 

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Jesus turns water into wine, says his resurrection is authority

John 2:1-25
AIM: Following Jesus in faith let's you in on the miracles

A) Jesus shows his glory, changing water into wine
(1-3) 3rd day of wedding, Cana in Galilee, Jesus mother there - Jesus and disciples also invited - wine runs out, mother tells Jesus

• Perhaps Jesus who drew crowds of 5,000 had brought an un expected amount of people
• Taking symbolic meaning, from Isaiah 24:7,9,11 - "no more wine" takes a new meaning, Isaiah 24 regards the destruction of the Earth as God's doing (Isaiah 24:1), a consequence of sins of people (Isaiah 24:5).

(4-5) Jesus "not our problem, my time hasn't come yet" - Mary to servants do what he says

• Mary knew Jesus was the Messiah (Luke 1:31-33) and may have had Isaiah 25:6,7-9 in mind when she told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
• Mary's influence on Jesus and Others because the Lord was with her (Luke 1:28). It's God influence working through his servants (Luke 1:38).
• Principle: God's timing is perfect and deliberate and he uses all things (Rom 8:28), from an embarrassing situation at a wedding to times of suffering (Judges 6:1-40). These timed events or divine appointments are confirmed in the person/witness who is called.
• Application: Present your problems to Jesus (cast your cares on him), when talking with others about your problems ask them to "do as he says", not "do as I say." What difference could telling a child to do as Jesus says, rather than do as "I" say make? 

(6-8) six stone water jars, ceremonial washing (20-30 gallons each) - Jesus said fill with water, dip some out take it to master of ceremonies (MC) - they did so

• 25 gallons is 95 liters, a bottle of wine is 1.5 liters, so that's 63 bottles per jar, 378 bottles from all six jars
• Principles: God's provision is more than enough. God is not limited by time (fermentation). 

(9-10) MC didn't know where the wine was from but recognized it was the best

• "Share the gospel at all times, when necessary use words"
• Principle: Everyone benefits from God's grace whether they know it or not (Joel 2:28 promised, John 14:12-21 reminded/clarified,  Acts 2 fulfilled)

(11-12) first of many signs, reveal his glory, disciples believed in him, to Capernaum mother, brothers, disciples 

• Principle:  Signs are received in faith, bringing more faith (Romans 1:17 NIV, KJV), Jesus performed many signs but not everyone excepted and believed (ver 23; Mt 12:38; Jn 3:2; S 4:48; 6:2, 14, 26, 30; 12:37; 20:30)

B) Jesus clears the temple and explains the resurrection is his authority

(13-17) almost Passover Jesus Jerusalem temple courts, people selling animals/exchanging money, whip of cords, overturned tables, "stop turning Father's house into a market" (Ps 69:9)

(18-20) Jews, "what sign, prove authority", Jesus "destroy this temple and I will raise it again in three days" - "46 years to build.."

• No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known. And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.” - John 1:17-20
• He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe. - John 1:7,
• (21-22) So after Jesus does his first miracle he immediately talks about the miracle that proves his authority. The resurrection. 1 Cor 15:4

(23-25) In Jerusalem, Passover Festival, people saw signs and believed in his name but Jesus wouldn't entrust himself to them - he knew all people, didn't need testimony about mankind, knew what was in each person.

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The Brevity of LIfe

Apr. 16, 2017

"Easter" - - Troy Dobbs

Watch • Listen •  Study Guide

1. Life goes by fast
How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.
James 4:14 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jas.4.14.NLT

Not about meaning but, brevity of it

James 4:13-15, don't get ahead of yourself because you don't know what God's timing is. Don't make plans without God.

2. You are wired to think about eternal life.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
Yet God has made everything beautiful in its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT
http://bible.com/116/ecc.3.11.NLT

Hard wired dissatisfaction  (15-year-old yearning to grow up or older persin wanting youth)

Jesus is the only answer

3. We are all going to die and then face judgment (deaths appointment).
Heb 9:27
Judgment based on what?
 - our morals, thought life, church attendance?
 - what we did with Jesus.

To forgive our sins, 1 John 5:11-12
John 3:18
Rom 8:1

Everyone dies, not everyone truly lives

John 11:25-26
Resurrection and the life, do you believe?

Romans 10:9
Confess with your mouth

Storing seed,  preparing ground, sowing seed and results
 - a seed that is dead from improper storage
 - hard ground  (removal, addition

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