Cheated death again, it will catch you!
Have you cheated death again and do you feel you're deserving of more time?
We all value and cherish certain days like holidays, blue moons, birthdays, wedding, anniversary days and so many more. We know those days and they usually have a great importance in our life. I’d like to ask you the most important question of your life, when was the day you trusted God, and trusted Jesus the Christ paid the price for your very own and personal sin? I'm not talking about the sins of the world, but your very own sinful nature (all past, all present and all future).
The sin I'm talking about could be just the mere hearing the name of “Jesus” and you mock within yourself in disbelief. You may have said I’ve heard about him in some archaic book man wrote, however poetic and archaic it may be, can I trust this bible? You may have said, I/we don’t talk like that anymore and it’s too hard for me to understand. You've said its impossible to understand it and everyone has their own opinion about it anyway. You've said this is the 21st century and all this stuff about God is personal, and where is he if there is such a one? I’m right about those humanistic questions and doubts, I've had them and we humans aren’t so different after all! We're all on this world together, this beautiful and wonderful place we’ve come to know as earth, we have the same basic genetics.
Sin is simply missing the mark or not getting things right. I ask again since we’ve all missed the mark and continue to do so, when did you trust or have you trusted? When was that day and what happened on that very special day? Examine yourself be honest with yourself, when did it happen? Did it happen when you were a baby? Maybe you think it was when you were drenched and wetted by a person in a baptismal pool with "holy" water, most people do! The only real thing I remember about being baptized with water was I got wet! No matter how many times I’ve done it, I just got wet. No Holy Ghost came upon me, no special gifts of healing happened, no unction from the Father and I still didn't know all things and still needed to be taught spiritually everything.
Maybe you asked God to come into your heart like you were taught in some religious ceremony? I ask you as a mere mortal, do you want God in a untrustworthy human heart, do you think God want’s in your untrustworthy human heart?
Maybe you walked a church aisle somewhere verbally repeating words someone told you to say and you account that as your special day of trusting God. Maybe you did an act of good works, maybe something you dedicated to God which in some small way made you think or feel you're pleasing to God. Surely he must accept you after you sacrificed your time, money and resources! Maybe you were told "you’re saved” by someone who loves you and knows you intimately; maybe your parents or grandparents, husband or wife, best friend, brother or sister, pastor, preacher or evangelist? I wonder how many parents have said to their children: “I saw you walk the aisle, I heard you repeat those words, I watched you get baptized, surely you're one of God's children, surely you’ve been accepted. I witnessed your day of salvation, I was with you!” How many parents teach their children from a very young age that they are the children of God? If you're in that boat, why would you ever think you need a day of salvation and a day of reckoning! A child of God needs no reckoning to be a child of God! Do you think like so many millions of people and say I’ve always been saved, I don't need a day of salvation.
Maybe you walked a church aisle somewhere verbally repeating words someone told you to say and you account that as your special day of trusting God. Maybe you did an act of good works, maybe something you dedicated to God which in some small way made you think or feel you're pleasing to God. Surely he must accept you after you sacrificed your time, money and resources! Maybe you were told "you’re saved” by someone who loves you and knows you intimately; maybe your parents or grandparents, husband or wife, best friend, brother or sister, pastor, preacher or evangelist? I wonder how many parents have said to their children: “I saw you walk the aisle, I heard you repeat those words, I watched you get baptized, surely you're one of God's children, surely you’ve been accepted. I witnessed your day of salvation, I was with you!” How many parents teach their children from a very young age that they are the children of God? If you're in that boat, why would you ever think you need a day of salvation and a day of reckoning! A child of God needs no reckoning to be a child of God! Do you think like so many millions of people and say I’ve always been saved, I don't need a day of salvation.
Maybe you’ve thought God is altogether as yourself; a mortal, a mere human! Have you ever thought you’ve done something which denounces the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, thereby mocking the Creator making him as yourself, the created? Folks, that’s missing the mark and that’s simply sinful rebellion!
The scriptures state about God:
2 Cor 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them;
Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Col 2:8-15 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ on the cross: Buried with him in baptism (his bloody death, no water involved) wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God (Jesus believed and obeyed God, always trusting), who hath raised him from the dead (proof God’s justice is fulfilled in Jesus). And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses (past, present, and future trespasses); 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; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Are you asking God for forgiveness? it's a requirement of the Jews (I John 1:9) and or maybe you’ve even been taught you're a spiritual Jew? The Spirit state's in Revelation 2:9 “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, but thou art rich and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Again, this must be a very important issue because the warning is reiterated again in Revelation 3:9; “Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie…”. Be honest and examine yourself, have you been taught your a spiritual Jew by someone, some religion or a denomination?
Maybe this wasn't what you would have expected on such a special day, but it's the greatest gift I have to share with you today. In a world so mired in confusion it’s no wonder people have been led away from the truth, you need to trust God's word. Give an honest account; when was your day you trusted in the finished works of Christ? For salvation is by faith of Christ, Christ faith and not your faith! It's Christ faith which God accounts for righteousness. Rom 3:21-22 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe. Folks that's not your faith in Jesus, but the faith of Jesus, his faith. One more time, it's not about your weak and always wavering faith, it’s about Jesus and his steadfast faith. Jesus was sinless and upon himself he carried your sins ever knowing the Father's penalty for sin; the wages or payment of sin is death. James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. Christ didn’t sin; he wore your sin like a filthy garment, he took your penalty. Judicially he he became the bearer of all mankind's unrighteousness, it was all our sins which killed Christ.
Yet, another day and another year has gone by and still there is the pain and the burden, you say please give me something to take away this pain. Folks bare with me, this is all about you. The doctor has written your prescription and it’s waiting for you to take it spiritually. I'd love to hear you have reckoned this account to yourself, I think of eternity and the hope it brings. God knows if you've trusted him, God knows if you’re his, God knows if you had that moment; so don’t be a fool and be unwise, the time's coming when your account will be manifest. Will the Spirit say: I know you, or will he say I know you not!
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. I share with you the gospel of Christ, the good news and the opportunity to believe and trust:
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I (Paul) 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: BTW: notice the word "if" in verse 2!
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I (Paul) 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: BTW: notice the word "if" in verse 2!
How can one believe something which is not trusted (the Word of God) and how can one trust in that which is not believed? There are "lost believers" all over this world sitting in churches. People are expecting the salvation of God, but they have never yielded themselves to the finished work of God in his Son’s death, burial and resurrection. God knows them that are his! Again, I ask, when did you trust Christ did it all for you, personally? When was your day and what happened? Ask yourself, when was my day and what happened or do I truly have a day?
Have you been cheated, lied to or have you lied to yourself and will your pride keep you from receiving the truth? You should have a day of accountability, a day of reckoning if I may. Have you accounted Jesus Christ did it all or are you still attempting to fit the pieces of the puzzle together? Please, examine yourself before your last breath or heartbeat takes place, no man knows the time of departure and yet we all truly know we’re on borrowed time. All men have not faith, but all men are capable of exercising belief and trust in Christ's faith, his finished work. No trust and belief in the Word of God brings no applied faith of Christ to mankind.
Have you been cheated, lied to or have you lied to yourself and will your pride keep you from receiving the truth? You should have a day of accountability, a day of reckoning if I may. Have you accounted Jesus Christ did it all or are you still attempting to fit the pieces of the puzzle together? Please, examine yourself before your last breath or heartbeat takes place, no man knows the time of departure and yet we all truly know we’re on borrowed time. All men have not faith, but all men are capable of exercising belief and trust in Christ's faith, his finished work. No trust and belief in the Word of God brings no applied faith of Christ to mankind.
I Corinthians states in verse 15:12-19; Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
I’ll share with you my testimony on trusting Jesus Christ: I trusted the Lord behind the steering wheel of a p/u truck (Nov 1987), I was 27 years old. The good, the bad, and the ugly thoughts are what led me to seek the instructions of God within his Word. Can you explain how those good, bad, and ugly thoughts get into our minds at a very early age? The ever present thoughts; when your being as good as an angel, even when in times of prayer, those thoughts get skewed. Come now, God knows and isn’t being surprised by any of our thoughts. Hear me out, I tried my best to be accepted of him via the express route, all toll roads open. I like to find shortcuts or what appears a better way or faster route in everything. You know we all do it, usually the fastest and easiest way possible, right! However, my way was not God's way and God's way was not my way. I ended up not heeding the directions on the map, and being stubborn I wasn’t willing to ask for directions. In fear I trusted none, not one, and especially not myself.
My true dilemma was I didn’t realize I couldn't get to God the Father without going through the Son, and that’s what I continually did with great error. This error continued until one day behind the steering wheel of my truck, I realized I’d never actually listened to God's directions or truly paid any attention to the roadmap. I’d never asked the right person for help, something was wrong and I recognized I was lost! Sure I knew where I was, I was on Stillwood Lane in Austin, TX., but I was lost just the same. No matter how hard I tried to rid myself of those ever changing humanistic thoughts, they’d never permanently leave. ie: I’d be reading the bible and all of a sudden out of nowhere comes an ugly thought about someone or something, maybe about God himself.
The Trinity or the hierarchy of God requires mankind to come to God through his Son via his word. Why did God make it this way you ask? The answer is simple, he (Christ) has been given the right of glorification in his inheritance. Jesus the Son of God became the Christ, he did all the work, so all Glory and honor is given to him in the heavens and upon the earth during this time.
Now, back to my moment(s) of salvation. I’d reckoned myself lost and in need of a Saviour, I couldn’t become good and I knew it and I finally admitted my weakness's. Sitting behind the wheel of that automobile, I literally cried out for help and in tears I admitted I was a great mess and needed help! I cried out to one that knows this world, to the one who created it, to the one who knows me! He knows the traps which beset us all; we’re all in a deadly minefield together, and we need directions to get out. I’d heard Jesus did it all for me on the cross in AD 33 and I had heard he died for me, but never truly understood why. I never actually understood he died because of my sinful nature. God raised Jesus from the dead, proving his acceptance of Christ payment, proclaiming Jesus Christ righteousness.
I look back and ponder what really happened in those tempestuous moments of mine; time seemed to have stopped, it was broad daylight and nobody else was with me. It seemed all creation and time patiently awaited my decision to accept God's gift of his Son. I could choose to continue running in rebellion and not making the decision to accept God’s roadmap out of this great minefield which I’d struggled with all of my life. I was tired of running and the cross road before me. I’d already acknowledged my belief and trust the words of the bible were inspired by Gods Spirit and not mans, man couldn’t have possibly created all of this; mimicked it yes, created it, no. It was now time to trust those words, trust them for my salvation and eternal life.
That was the day I accepted God’s free gift of salvation. I accepted Christ died because of me and for me. Christ was buried because of me and God raised Christ Jesus in spite of me and for me. God placed my death penalty on Jesus. I accepted the gift of life that day, freeing me from my myself and allowing me to see God’s ways through this present darkness. I still have ugly thoughts, tendencies and bad habits, but I know now and understand the cause and finally accepted the antidote. I have no need to ask for forgiveness, I was forgiven 2000 years ago and not when I ask for forgiveness of being a sinner. I mock Gods roadmap if I continue asking for forgiveness, when I've already been forgiven. It would show I never really trusted what he did when his Son died for me on the cross.
It was God himself who stepped upon the dirt of this earth and breathed life into the dust of this world, it was God who took upon himself your sin, God was in the form of man. God was doing what was needful to fulfill his word, let me repeat that bit of information, God fulfilled the scriptures. God left his throne, became man and walked with mortal men. God removed the sting of death from sin, God removed the penalty of sin, sin shall never be accounted unto me because I'm now in his Son. God cast sin into hell, hell will never release those sins (past present and future). It wasn’t Jesus who sinned, it was my sin and your sin, the sinful nature from within each and every human was dealt with on the cross. I wasn't born when his grace was bestowed upon me (at the cross AD 33). Mankind receives God through his Word, the Son, and his everlasting Spirit by grace.
God the father raised Christ proving Jesus was righteous in every way. God's word states in the book of Acts 2:27; Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. John 14:6 Jesus saith; I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
My hope and prayers for you is that this message rings true. I hope you consider what has been revealed, I hope you trust in the finished work of Christ for your eternity. You know not when your heart will permanently fail; So why give it all to chance by taking another moment for granted? Why hope you're able to beat the clock and the Reaper. 2 Corinthians 6:2 For God saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Trust Gods finished work at the cross through the predetermined council of his own will through his Spirit and Son. There is no hope when the heart stops, the opposite of accepting the good news is rejecting. Don’t reject so great a gift, it’s your passage into eternity with a new body and without the bad and the ugly. You’ve lived with God’s very own word upon this world, have you taken him for granted. Don’t be such a fool thinking you can out smart and or outlast Gods word and judgement, it’s like playing Russian roulette, except with a full clip.
You’ve heard the truth and I’m asking again: when did you believe and trust God, when did you receive the truth, what happened?
Rom 5:8-10 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Brian Miller 2/7/12
