Wishing You a Happy New Year

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

I received a nice Christmas greeting from friends in CA with a verse from Psalms 33:20-22 that’s appropriate for 2021. ‘We put our hope in the LORD.  He is our help and our shield.  In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.  Let Your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in You alone.’  No matter on which side of the aisle you stand, please join me in making this our prayer and priority for the new year.  Christ in you, the Hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Best wishes.

Ken

Predawn Deception

“It is the LORD who goes before you; he will not leave you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed.”  Deuteronomy 31:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  Hebrews 13:8

There’s a phrase seldom used today, “Not one iota.”    It means ‘Not one bit.’ So it is with the Triune God. He’s as good as His Word, and there's not one iota of proof He's not.  In passing out of one of the roughest years in American history (and believe it or not there have been worse), that is good news indeed. We are in need of a happy new year.

The nation is divided and politically polarized.  Corruption in government, and society as a whole, is epidemic.  Totalitarian agendas are open with threats to destroy our constitutional republic and our First Four Freedoms, people are beaten and murdered in our streets while local governments hobble law enforcement, and the national economy has been crippled by the global Covid-19 pandemic. Things for the average Joe and Jill on the street aren’t looking good.

If you’ve ever driven east all night, predawn can be deceptive.  It comes ever so slightly, at different moments causing one to wonder is it getting lighter or is it wishful thinking?  Where is the promise of the sunrise?  But as you drive on, the sky suddenly begins to lighten, growing ever brighter until the sun crests the horizon. 

So, it is with the promises of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will sort all this out in His timing (John 14:2, Revelation 19:11-16, 21:1-2). It’s His promise.  Another seldom used phrase is “It’s always darkest before the dawn.” Or so it seems anyway.  But the qualifier is the promise of a dawn.  God’s promises are many, and many have already proven true with more to be so.  Let this be our anchor.  Words from the One whose Voice spoke creation into existence out of nothing. He will not leave us as orphans. It’s not a predawn deception, but very soon He will be the Son that rises with the light of Grace and Truth in the Brightness of His Coming.  And there’s not one iota of proof that He won’t. The darker the dawn, the greater the Light.  That’s His promise and He’ll stay true to it.

Ken

The Tower of the Flock

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  Luke 2:8

This being the Christmas season it is a time to consider the true meaning of why we celebrate it.  At the beginning Christ the Word became flesh and lived among us.  He was called the lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).

He was God’s sacrificial Lamb who would be the ultimate approval of God in His judgment of sin.  Rabbinic tradition tells of how the flock of sacrificial lambs were kept in the field of David, outside of Bethlehem.  This field is where the angelic hosts appeared to the shepherds the night of Christ's birth. A priest would come to the field every day to inspect the lamb to ensure it was not disfigured in any way.

This job was so important that the shepherds built towers to give them an overall view of the flock, guarding it against harm.  The chosen lamb would be inspected by the priest, and when it was found acceptable it was wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a manger.  It would not walk to the temple as something harmful might happen, and heaven forbid it would squirm out of the arms of the priest. 

A remedy to God’s hatred of sin was needed to satisfy His wrath against it.  His ideal remedy was not to clear the slate of mankind’s rebellion, but to give Himself as the perfect atonement for it.

He instituted the sacrificial program of animal sacrifice showing that the punishment of sin was so serious that the payment of shedding blood and death would be the ultimate payment for the human race.  While the sacrifice was only a temporary covering, it was a picture of a future permanent salvation and an open door to reestablishing fellowship with God. In the First Covenant, the Old Testament, His high tower were the Jewish prophets, who gave an overall view of Messiah, His message, and death (Daniel 9:26).

This Lamb of God is the perfect answer to a weary world and to a weary year that has seen little reason to rejoice.  Yet we have the Chosen Child, born of Mary, wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a manger, God in the flesh becoming a ransom to satisfy His own wrath.  Amazing grace.  If you want to receive Him you simply need to believe on Him and rejoice that your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.  If you know Him, rejoice that He ever intercedes for you to our Father God.  Either way this weary world still has reason to rejoice.  The Lamb of God is His Perfect Gift who takes away the sin of the world. Let us rejoice!  Merry Christmas.

Ken

Remember the former age, for I am God, and there is no God beside, neither is there like to Me: Who shew [show] from the beginning the things that shall be at last, and from ancient times the things that are yet not done, saying: My counsel shall stand, and all MY will shall be done: Isaiah 46:9,10

 

Too Amazing to be True

Prophecy is telling the future before it happens. Did you know 1/3 of the Bible is prophetic with over 300 prophecies regarding the Jewish Messiah? Jesus fulfilled 356 Old Testament prophecies in His lifetime on earth.

It is sad that only about 2% of churches today teach biblical prophecy. Prophecy was so important to Jesus He took time to explain to His curious disciples things that were to come (Matthew 24-25, Luke 21). When He prophesied He said, “I have told you in advance that you may believe when it shall come to pass (Matthew 24:25, John 14:29). The hundreds of prophecies fulfilled by Yeshua (Jesus) corroborate Him to be the Jewish Messiah of Israel.

God has told us in advance so we have hope in Him. If He didn't want us to know He wouldn't have told us, so shouldn't we want to investigate these words of the LORD? He tells us in advance not to scare us, but prepare us that we might know His works.

All prophecies are God-breathed (2^nd Timothy 3:16, 2^nd Peter 1:21). He reveals the beginning and the end with total accuracy, so we will know when it comes to pass. His promises are spoken beforehand and are as sure as the sunrise. Take hope in that, Beloved. It sounds too amazing to be true. But there it is. the Sure Word of God.

Ken

 

 

Wonder of Wonders

remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, Isaiah 46:9

In today's devotional thoughts let's take time to consider who God really is. Who He is. Not is He? 

God is a Spirit, not made or existing by anyone's will or creation. He declared of Himself, “I AM, that I AM.” The eternally self-existent One who exists of and by Himself.  He who spoke Creation into existence out of nothing!

I want you to scrap any thoughts or views of God you may have carried, great or small, and let your mind wonder about Who He is. Whatever you can conjure up will never come close to the reality of such a Powerful and Perfect Sentient Being.

This ought to thrill us beyond belief. Whatever you think of Him He certainly is, but even if you amp it up billions of times you'll only catch perhaps His glow but never His fire. Thinking of what that Fullness is can confound our fascination and wonderment of His Being. His reality is seen in everything about us. Whatever you need He can supply. Take note that all things may not be good, but He will bring good out of all things.

Whatever we may build in our imagination concerning His Reality, when it comes down to it, it will only be a God of our imagination. He far exceeds all we can think or ask. Amazing Reality. Amazing Truth. A God above all gods made flesh as the impetus of our Redemption through His shed blood (Hebrews 9:12). Who is like God? No one. He far exceeds our imaginings. He says of Himself, I am God and there is none like me.” Wonder of Wonders. That says it all.

Ken

Worship The King!

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our Salvation! Psalm 95:1

I read once that the 95th-100^th psalms were sung by the Israelites as they went up to worship. These psalms demonstrate the basics of worshiping God.

We sometimes get a particular notion of how spiritual acts must be to be worth anything in God's eyes. In worship He does not desire the outward appearance but the inward heart. He looks on a tender and surrendered heart and a contrite or humble spirit. These He will not despise (Psalm 51:17). When it comes to worship there's not a category of one-size-fits-all. Our worship is as individually crafted as we are. It can be anywhere your heart is moved to do it. 

I've found for myself worship flows from my heart throughout the day as I recall the loving kindness of God the Father who sent His Only Begotten Son, Christ Jesus, to save us from our sins, giving us His Holy Spirit to lead us into all Truth with Power. That flow turns into a torrent when I take time to listen to worship music and meditate on those things. At times it can be a beautifully overwhelming experience.

Worship of God comes with music, prayer and praise. It's not the mechanics or time spent that brings Him intense joy but the attitude of the heart. It helps to know He doesn't have a baseball bat but a beautiful voice with which He joys over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).

Search out worshipful songs online and mediate on what Christ has done for you. He lives within the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). Worship the King! He sees your heart. Don't be in a hurry. Remember, He's your Rock, not your clock.

Ken

The Bema Seat-Reward, not Retribution

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 2^nd Corinthians 5:10

Today's verse was always one of the most troubling verses for me in the Bible. It pertains to the Judgment Seat of Christ where all believers that have ever believed on Him, from Pentecost to the Rapture, will be judged according to their works, not their sins.

Being judged for the good I've done isn't the issue. Being judged for the evil [or bad] things I have done filled me with the greatest dread and shame. That all changed when I learned the Bema Seat's dual purpose.

The 'judgment seat' is taken from the Greek word Bema. The Bema Seat was used at times to condemn the guilty, but was also used in athletic competitions to bestow rewards. The winner would come before the Bema and receive his reward. This is the meaning Paul was using, and it's significant to our understanding. This judgment will take place after Christ raptures His Bride [the Church].

As believers we have nothing to fear. Rewards will be based on all we have done. Some will receive more and some less, but whatever is received from His gracious hand will be enough. We will never be judged for any evil we have done, for Christ's work on the cross settled that, justifying us through His redemption. In ancient athletic events the losers were never beaten. Nether will we be. Fear not. Judgment or Justification? Justification always wins that race.

Ken

A Tale of Two Testaments

And he said, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” Matthew 22:36

When people compare the Old and New Testaments there is a consensus among most that the New Testament gives us a loving God while the Old Testament gives us the godfather. Why the difference? Why study the Old Testament at all? The Law and the mean God who gave it are so last year, and besides, we're under grace now. What's the point? OK, that's a legitimate question.

The Old Testament is really God's First Covenant with the human race, revealing to us His Character, and His expectations as the Perfect Law Giver. Under the Second Covenant, the New Testament, we're no longer required to practice the ceremonial or dietary aspects of the Old Testament, but we are still bound to obey its moral code, for it ever demonstrates to us the unchanging Character of God. Jesus said He never came to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, that is, its righteous demands (Matthew 5:17-18).

We need to read the New Testament with the Old to understand what the Old points to. What has God revealed about Himself in it? He doesn't want us doing something that is opposed to His Character. What does He say? Do not bear false witness, for He is true. Do not commit adultery because He is faithful. Do not murder because He is the Author of Life, Do not be unforgiving because He is forgiving. Do not be unloving for He is loving. Do not be unjust for He is Just.

The purpose of the Old Testament is threefold. (1) To explain what sin is. (2) To expose sin as it is. And (3) to express our need for a Savior. Both Testaments roll seamlessly into one another and find the Second is a continuation of the First. The God of all Creation expresses His Character in the First and finds that Character enfolded in flesh in the Next (John 1:14), becoming the answer to sin, and to His suffering our consequences for it. From Genesis to Revelation it is the most amazing and harmonious tale to be told in the history of the world. The continuing revelation of His story. An amazing and exciting Tale of two Testaments.

Ken

Ruling Regents

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2

We're all looking for peace in our lives. Whether personal peace from anxiety or peace with one another. Paul addresses all believers with this familiar greeting. The only exception is his pastoral letters where he adds the word 'mercy.' Christian Pastors and leaders who labor in preaching and teaching are worthy of double honor as they labor in the word and doctrine (1^st Timothy 5:17).

We tend to come up against a wall in our search for peace. Most of us want what we want first, and that is rest (peace) from the load we're under.

But grace must always come before peace. Until we experience the ease and dignity of God's grace in our lives, there can be no peace. Being under a penalty means getting what we deserve. But Christ who knew no sin took our penalty on Himself becoming sin for us that we might be made righteous (2^nd Corinthians 5:21). That's grace. That's peace.

God's grace is extended to all. He's unwilling that anyone should perish but all should come to repentance (2^nd Peter 3:9). Realizing the weight of that penalty being lifted can bring us to worshipful praise and thanks with a peace that cannot be fully fathomed.

Any weight lifted is a relief. Christ brings freedom to His children in any situation. His grace offers pardon and power. Power to obey, serve, pray, and tell others of their own reprieve and of the glorious God who made it possible. Grace and Peace to you. Or Grace with peace. Either way, where Grace rules, Peace reigns.

Ken

The Dingy Dozen

A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. Luke 22:24

God never uses people with halos over their heads. Instead He consistently chooses to use imperfect people with dingy characters to show how His power is made perfect in their weaknesses (2^nd Corinthians 12:9).

Jesus chose twelve disciples who were obviously flawed in character. They were vain and ambitious (Luke 22:24, Mark 9:33-34), impulsive (Matthew 16:22, 14:28-29), doubting (Luke 24:13-35, John 20:25), given to wrath (Luke 9:54, John 18:10), and even one He called a devil (John 6:70).

When He chose disciples to become the nucleus of His ministry He didn't go to the Temple or the best Jewish educational institutions. He went to the lakeside and called fishermen, to the booth of a tax collector, He called an Israeli freedom fighter, and even the one who would betray Him. They were all flawed, but amazingly, He immediately named this dingy dozen Apostles (Luke 6:13).

They proved loyal to a point, that is, until His arrest, then they ran like deer and went into hiding. They remained so until He appeared to them after His resurrection. Boldness came on the day of Pentecost when they received the promised power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). These formerly timid men became spiritual lions and champions of the faith, turning the world upside down (Acts 17:6).

From dingy to delight, Christ Jesus loves revealing Himself through us when we know we can't do it on our own. He upholds us with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). To us be all the strength. To Him be all the glory. He will be faithful to do it. Amen.

Ken

Spoiler Alert

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2^nd Timothy 3:1

If you follow the news you have seen the difficulty our nation is in. We are more polarized and divided than anytime since our American Civil War. We are definitely in times of great difficulty.

Students of Scripture will not be surprised when 2000 years ago Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said in the last days 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 (2nd Timothy 3:1-9). Sounds like it just came off a news feed of today, doesn't it? 

What does it all mean and how does Jesus commend us to live in these perilous times? He said He had all authority and to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey Him, promising to ever be with us (Matthew 28:18-20).

But what can we do now? It is obvious what 60 years of the majority remaining silent has brought our nation. To say Christians shouldn't speak up and get involved in the operation of our city, state, and federal governments rather defeats the purpose. Everything we do revolves around laws enacted by those governmental branches. Do you want to have a say in how you're treated? Be involved in the process. Be heard through voice or vote. I'm not telling anyone which political party to belong to or how to vote. Study the character of God and decide for yourself.

Inspired Scripture teaches God will remain in complete control of all things and will judge Earth's wickedness with righteous judgment. Then Jesus will return to Earth with His saints (All who have believed in Him), and His righteous kingdom will be established forever.

We can only keep our eyes on Jesus and the prize of life eternal, studying the Word of God to know how we should think, act, and be ready to answer anyone who asks us about our faith. Whatever happens may we not be overcome with 'world worry.'

As bad as things can look, take heart. The final book has been written. The Book of Revelation. Receive a blessing by reading and studying it (Revelation 1:3). Spoiler Alert: We win!

Ken

The Benchmark to Victory

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1 

My chosen class in track was the 100 yard dash. Those who ran in any track class always tried to be as 'light as possible.' When we dressed out for any practice or meet, the first order in the locker room was to remove anything that would add weight. To run any race with weight would have been unthinkable and a sure bet for being last across the finish line.

Sin can weigh heavily upon us in so many ways. The Bible tells us it's wages is death (Romans 6:23). We often try to justify reasons to carry that weight as we push off the chocks and attempt to head down the track. It can wear us down to a slow walk toward the finish line.

The race can only be run by renouncing our sin and looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. That means seeking help for our addictions, tempers, or ending any illicit relational involvement, physical or emotional, outside of the one one we committed to. To repent means to turn away from the sins that cling and so easily hinders us.

The Lord Jesus Christ makes the offer to take His 'yoke,' or burden, onto ourselves for it is lighter than our sins. He says in doing so to learn from Him for in His humility and humble heart we will find rest for our souls. He says, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light,” (Matthew 11:29).

We're all in it for the long-haul, whether in Christ, or not. We can run with what we've chosen to weigh ourselves down with or make the choice to trade in the weight of sin that so easily besets us for a burden that is lighter than light. If we want to be quick off the chocks, running with endurance, then dropping our weights and taking on His light yoke is the sure benchmark to victory.

Ken

What's in it for Me?

Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that Day, and not only me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2^nd Timothy 4:8

I heard a funny story out of the 'What's In It For Me Generation' textbook. An arrogant man walked into a popular church and said to the pastor, “I'm looking to get involved in a church as a pastor. I want to know what your church can do for me.” He asked the wrong guy. This pastor was a retired Marine. He said, “I'll tell you exactly what this church can do for you. It can let the door hit your behind on your way out.”

The Good News of redemption is never about power or gain. The highest goal I can attain to is to preach sound doctrine and Christ and Him crucified (1^st Corinthians 2:2). My eye is not upon power or wealth but upon the Crown of Righteousness I will receive from the hand of Christ. To hear Him say “Well done, good and faithful servant,” will be enough.

If you have believed on the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and look for His soon appearing, you too will receive a Crown of Righteousness that will include you in an eternity with Him (John 14:3). Money and personal ambition will perish as all things do. Look to things above, storing up treasures in heaven where things do not become corrupted (Matthew 6:19). Use money wisely, but put your store into a Crown of Righteousness that will never perish. “Well done, good and faithful servant” will be His words to you as He bestows on you your Crown of Righteousness. That's something money can't buy.

Ken

Now What?

Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2^nd Timothy 2:15

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2^nd Corinthians 5:17). If you have believed on Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you might be wondering what do I do next?

First, be encouraged. You were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promise of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). The Holy Spirit is living in you and will lead you into all truth.

Second, get yourself a Bible. I would recommend beginning to read the gospel of John. If you are coming from a Jewish background the new testament is completely Jewish and I would encourage you to read the Book of Matthew, with an introduction to the Jewish roots of Yeshua beginning with Abraham. The New Testament is a continuation of the Tanakh. You will find yourself immersed in writings by Jews.  But don't take my word for it.  Check it for yourself.

Find yourself a church that is doctrinally sound, preferably one that teaches through the Bible from cover to cover. While you are searching out a church there are several Christian growth websites I recommend. The Word For Today, with teaching through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation (the C3000 series) with Pastor Chuck Smith. Another is 'Cornerstone Chapel,' with Pastor Gary Hamrick, based in Leesburg, VA. Both are excellent resources.

You may immediately find a Christian or Messianic fellowship (church or synagogue) where you can find growth in your Christian faith. You may need to try out a few churches until you find a fit. I attended several in my town until I found a fellowship that met my needs for growth and discipleship.

The LORD wants you to grow in your faith. Remember, Christianity isn't religion, it's personal relationship; relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Grow in grace and truth, letting the Holy Spirit lead you to rightly understand and grow in God's word. What do you do now? Study to show yourself approved unto God as a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. I commend you on your journey. God bless.

Ken

Bark Without Bite

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:3

Did you know there is an estimated 3.04 trillion trees on Earth? Or around 422 for each person on the planet. Trees help the environment. They reduce CO2, create clean oxygen, reduce ozone levels, impede erosion, and among other things give us food and shade.

Under the inspiration of God (2nd Timothy 3:16), David gives a beautiful word picture of what anyone who puts their trust in the Lord can be likened to. The description is of a mature tree with roots nourished in its strength by plenteous rivers of water. And most importantly, bringing forth its fruit in due season. 

The Psalmist is not telling one how to be the tree, but what abiding in the LORD will bring as the tree. They will stand strong in winds of change, not withering in the heat of trial, but soaking up the Living Water they shall enjoy nourishing others with the Truth of God's Word.

Where does one begin? It only comes by abiding in Christ. Apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). It begins with believing the claims of Messiah Yeshua, followed by trust, then immersion in study and prayer. A fully mature tree will grow in Grace and Truth, standing the tests of time. And in that abiding Grace and Truth many will be glad and the LORD shall receive all the glory. They will rejoice in that its bark will be strong but minus the bite.

Ken

Too Amazing to be True

Remember the former age, for I am God, and there is no God beside, neither is there like to Me: Who shew [show] from the beginning the things that shall be at last, and from ancient times the things that are yet not done, saying: My counsel shall stand, and all MY will shall be done: Isaiah 46:9,10

Prophecy is telling the future before it happens. Did you know 1/3 of the Bible is prophetic with over 300 prophecies regarding the Jewish Messiah? Jesus fulfilled 356 Old Testament prophecies in His lifetime on earth.

It is sad that only about 2% of churches today teach biblical prophecy. Prophecy was so important to Jesus He took time to explain to His curious disciples things that were to come (Matthew 24-25, Luke 21). When He prophesied He said, “I have told you in advance that you may believe when it shall come to pass (Matthew 24:25, John 14:29). The hundreds of prophecies fulfilled by Yeshua (Jesus) corroborate Him to be the Jewish Messiah of Israel.

God has told us in advance so we have hope in Him. If He didn't want us to know He wouldn't have told us, so shouldn't we want to investigate these words of the LORD? We don't need fortune tellers, mediums, spiritualists, or psychics to do that. Those practices are an abomination to the LORD for they are counterfeited by Satan and will never be as 100% accurate as His Jewish prophets.

All prophecies are God-breathed (2^nd Timothy 3:16, 2^nd Peter 1:21). He reveals the beginning and the end with total accuracy, so we will know when it comes to pass. His promises are spoken beforehand and are as sure as the sunrise. Take hope in that, Beloved. It sounds too amazing to be true. But there it is.

Ken

No Bones About It

But God, (who is rich in mercy,) for His exceeding charity wherewith He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together in Christ, (by whose grace you are saved,) Ephesians 2:4-5, ESV

Remember when Zombie movies were the rage? No pun intended. They were the 'walking dead,' able to rise to any occasion and run amok, the living being their own fresh-meat smorgasbord.

Paul speaks of us being dead in our trespasses and sins. I've heard Christians say that to respond to Christ we each have a 'little spark' of life in us to hear and respond to the Gospel message, otherwise how could we do it? Believe me, in times past I've pitched my tent at that site and I can tell you the firewood there is green.

What brought me out of that belief was a sermon I heard on of Colossians 2:13. The minister said, “Dead means dead. Dead. It doesn't mean a little life, a spark of life, or a twitch of life. Dead means you aren't able to move, hear, act, or think. You can do nothing of yourself when you're dead.”

You might be thinking, “So if dead means like a door-nail how did I come into a living relationship with the risen Lord?” It's in today's Scripture verses. You hath He quickened together with Christ. It's a spiritual resurrection. He breathes life into the dead and stirs them to the possibility of eternal life in Him. How fortunate we have a living God who first loved us (1^st John 4:19).

It is a matter of life and death depending on where you will spend eternity, and with whom. Saying no to Christ's forgiveness returns the person to the grave, metaphorically speaking. They may continue to rise and walk like a zombie, but they are dead spiritually.

As the old song goes, two roads to choose, the road to glory or the fools highway. You can walk hand-in-hand with the King or shuffle along as a spiritual zombie. Sweet road to glory or the bitter end? Dead is dead but life in Christ is beautiful and eternal. Seek the Lord while He may be found. You'll no longer have to lie in the coffin of the old life but you'll be alive in Christ. No bones about it.

Ken

Jesus, I want to put my trust in You.  I believe Your death on the cross became God's perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world.  I ask You to forgive my sins and be Lord of my life. Amen