Do you know God speaks to us in various ways. Are you listening?

My Dearly Beloved, 

God is communicating whenever you are ready to be talking to Him through consistent prayers.

Communication is more than just speaking; it involves listening as well. By making an effort to listen while communicating, we can benefit in almost every aspect of life. It can make all the difference in our personal relationships, work environments, and most importantly in our spiritual lives.

God has gone to great lengths to communicate with mankind. This is because He loves us, and wants to help each of us come to the knowledge of salvation, experience a personal relationship with Him, and then grow spiritually. If we are listening, we will hear God speaking to us in a variety of ways such as through His written Word, by the Holy Spirit, and through other people who He puts into our lives. By examining how He uses these methods to communicate with us, and then how we respond to His communication, we can more effectively understand His specific instruction and will for our lives.

God communicates through His written Word. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul listed some of the ways in which He does this. He said, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Why? “That the man of God may be perfect [complete], throughly furnished unto all good works.” The word doctrine in this verse refers to the set of teachings that come directly from Scripture, so through His Word, God provides (or communicates) the foundational principles that we live by.

God also reproves and corrects us through His Word. When we do something that God disapproves of, we may experience an uncomfortable feeling when reading the Bible. Every word can seem to highlight our error until we make it right. It is never pleasant to receive a rebuke from the Lord, but He does it because He loves us and does not want us to get hurt. When my children were young, if I found one of them playing with matches, I didn’t say, “Oh, that is so cute!” I was able to see the danger that lay ahead—that he could get burned—so I spoke quickly and firmly. Also, I took the matches away and said, “Don’t touch those again; they can hurt you!” God communicates the same sentiment to us through His Word.

In the 2 Timothy account, Paul said Scripture is profitable for correction or straightening one’s path (the word correction comes from the Greek epanorthosis meaning “to make straight”). It provides a right understanding when we get confused by conflicting arguments around us and don’t know which way to go. When this happens, we can take the opinions on either side of a debate and compare them to the Word. If one of them contradicts Scripture, then we know it is not of God, and must not entertain that thought any longer. Scripture is also profitable for instruction in righteousness. It is the practical “how to” of Christian living. There is nothing in the human experience that Scripture does not speak to. When we are unsure whether an action is right, wrong, or simply not expedient, we can search the Scriptures with an honest heart. God’s Word is alive; it will always speak to us.

God communicates by the Holy Spirit. When I received salvation, no one had to tell me the transaction had taken place in my heart. The Holy Spirit bore witness with my spirit that I was a child of God, just as it says in Romans 8:16.

After we are saved, the Holy Spirit leads our lives on a daily basis. In John 16:13 we read, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.” One example of the Holy Spirit’s leading was given in a testimony during one of our church services. A brother said he was driving home from work one day when he felt a compulsion to take a certain freeway exit and go a different way than his usual route. At first he thought, This is silly. Going that route will add at least an hour to my commute. Then the Spirit spoke to his heart again, but a little more insistently this time. The third time, he realized the Lord was communicating with him and he took the exit. Not too long after, he heard on the radio that there was an avalanche above the road he would have normally taken. It pays to listen to the Holy Spirit when we feel that tug at our hearts.

God communicates through others. In 2 Samuel 12:1-13 we read the account of God sending Nathan the prophet to King David with a parable to help him realize that his sin with Bathsheba was known to God. Nathan relayed that a rich man, who had many flocks of sheep, took the one little lamb, a family pet, belonging to a poor man. When David became indignant and asked who did this, Nathan replied, “Thou art the man” (verse 7). Sometimes God uses other people to reach us when we are trying to sidestep what He has to say.

Sometimes God uses other people to reach us when we are trying to sidestep what He has to say.

Some years ago, when I went to visit one of my friends, his parents, whom I had never met, were at his house. Introductions were made and his dad shook my hand . . . and didn’t let go. After a few moments, I became uncomfortable, so I tried to pull away. However, he just gripped a little tighter and leaned in and asked, “When are you going to stop running?” I had not told anyone that the Lord had called me to preach. Later, when the opportunity arose, I asked my friend, “What have you been telling your dad?” He replied, “Nothing.” In this situation, God had used that godly man to remind me that I needed to deal with His call.

Our response to God’s communication. It is amazing that the God of the universe wants to communicate with us, but it will not do us any good unless we reciprocate, and the primary way we do that is through prayer.

A good way to open communication with God is by thanking and praising Him for all He has provided. This brings God’s presence and blessing. The Israelites experienced this when they brought the Ark of the Covenant into the newly completed Temple. We read in 2 Chronicles 5:13-14, “It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord . . . then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God.” When we come before God in prayer with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving, we can be sure He will meet with us.

We look to God for all of our needs, so part of prayer is bringing Him our petitions, but we want to do this in the right way. 1 John 5:14-15 says, “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” Sometimes it is difficult to know if what we desire is in accordance with God’s will. However, if we will lay the request before Him while setting aside our own thoughts on the matter, and listen for His communication to us, God will make His will clear. Then, when we know our request is in alignment with God’s will, we can pray unhindered expecting an answer.

If we have brought a request before God and have not received an answer, we can ask again. Matthew 7:7-8 says, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” This verse has also been interpreted as, “Ask, and keep asking; seek, and keep seeking; knock, and keep knocking.” In His own time, the Lord always gives a response, so we should persevere until we receive one. It is possible to overlook an answer when it is not what we are expecting, or it is simply to wait. However, if we will employ listening in prayer, God will help us to hear the answer.

The most important communicating we will ever do is with our Creator. In Isaiah 46:9-10, He said, “I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand.” God knows all things, the past and the future, and when He says something, it is established forever. Therefore, when He speaks, we would do well to quiet ourselves and listen.

 

7 Times Jesus said "I Am

In the Gospel of John, an all-important phrase, spoken by Jesus, is repeated seven times. Jesus repeats the words “I am.” In this repetition we see the fullness of His character.

 

The Bread of Life

And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." -John 6:35

Jesus spoke these words after a quiet night alone in the wilderness. He fled to this wilderness after the miracle of feeding the 5,000 men (and more women and children) with just five loaves and two fish. Following this miracle and these words, the people, somehow, still asked for a sign that they could believe in Him. After all, they argued, their ancestors had manna. Jesus assured them that although their ancestors were given manna, they were dead. He offered the kind of Bread that those who ate would never die.

Jesus, as the Bread of Life, offers each of us life everlasting.

 

Light of the World

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." -John 8:12

Jesus uttered these words to a group that witnessed an incredible scene. Teaching in the temple, a woman caught in adultery was brought to Jesus. As the accusers attempted to trick Jesus by asking if He thought the woman should be stoned, Jesus mutely wrote in the sand. The accusers evaporated and the embarrassed woman was set free with forgiveness and the admonition to turn away from the darkness. Now, turning to the remaining assembled people, Jesus tells them that He is the Light of the world.

Jesus, as the Light of the world, offers a choice between the darkness of sin and the glistening light of a life in His presence.

 

The Door

"I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." -John 10:9

How does God describe Himself to His creation? In John 10, Jesus tapped into something familiar to each of His listeners—shepherding. Likely, the bleats of nearby sheep echoed behind Him as He spoke. Anyone sneaking into a sheepfold by any means than the door was not there legitimately. The only legitimate access to the sheep was through the door.

Jesus is that Door and He alone offers the true path to salvation.

 

Good Shepherd

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep." -John 10:11

Jesus is the Door and so much more. He is the Shepherd—the One whose voice the sheep know and trust. The Shepherd will protect and save the sheep at any cost.

Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, died to save each of us.

 

The Resurrection and Life

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" -John 11:25, 26

Jesus’ friends, Mary and Martha, are distraught. Jesus has arrived too late—their brother Lazarus is dead. The grieving Martha hears Him say, “Your brother will rise again,” and she responds in faith, affirming that he will rise in the last days. But Jesus has other, more immediate plans for Lazarus.

Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life, will raise all who believe in the last days, just as He raised Lazarus.

 

The Way, the Truth and the Life

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." -John 14:6

Thomas and the rest of Jesus’ disciples could not comprehend His leaving them. He warned them—on multiple occasions—but they could not seem to accept it. As they struggled with this, Jesus helped them to see the Father and to understand that they were one.

Jesus, as the Way, the Truth and the Life, is God, and is our only Source of salvation.  

 

The Vine

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." -John 15:5

As Jesus spoke, the vines hung heavy with ripened fruit throughout the region. His listeners understood the significance of the vine and the dependency the branches had to the source of nutrition and water.

Jesus, as the Vine, is our Source of life—life today and everlasting life.

 

The Gospel of John records this repeated phrase “I am” seven times. Each repetition adds another layer of understanding of His character until we see His form perfectly.

God wants to Talk to You

Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.  - Proverbs 19:20-21

I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel:  Psalm 16:7

There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, THAT shall stand. Prov. 19:21

 

God wants to talk to you.  And His counsel is always going to benefit you. It is always going to lead you in the right and prosperous way.  But here’s the thing: God can’t give you His counsel if you don’t ASK!

Our Father desires that we go though life together, seeking His counsel, seeking His wisdom, and His ways, in EVERYthing we do.  We are not part-time children of God. He is seeking an intimate and ongoing relationship with us.  Amos 3:3 says, “Can two walk together except they be agreed?” Our part is to seek His will, and get into agreement with Him.

Psalm 139 teaches that we are on God’s mind ALL the time.  In I Thessalonians we see that He  wants us to reciprocate.

Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Quench not the Spirit.  I Thess. 5:17-19

When the Bible says pray, or commune with God, without ceasing actually means without ceasing!  God wants to have a running dialogue with us throughout our whole day.  In every thing: whether it is family, or business, or friendships, or travel, give thanks to God for His insight and wisdom in ALL areas of your life.  Why? “For THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD… concerning YOU! “  I Thess. 5:18.

“Quench NOT the spirit.”  Quench means, “to extinguish a light or a fire, to put it out.”  God wants us to utilize our holy spirit, by staying “on fire” for Him, coming to Him for wisdom and revelation. I don’t know why this is so hard for people to grasp, but it seems to be so. God had children with a view toward sharing our life our experience with us.

And seeking God’s counsel doesn’t have to be some long, drawn out prayer, it can take a few moments.  I call it “checking in with Papa,” throughout my day.  “Papa, is this the best way to handle this?”

Did you know that the number one key to walking by the spirit is to practice the presence of God?  Well, it is. As the old hymn goes, “I need Thee every hour…”  Amen!

Here’s a clue: You are either living supernaturally or you are living superficially.

Man without God at the center of his thoughts can be desperate, and even wicked. As a matter of fact, the carnal mind is in opposition to God.  The “carnal mind” simply means, going your own way without inquiring of the Lord, without being spiritually minded.  It is making your decisions based solely on what you know by your five senses, and not asking the Lord for His input. Rom. 8:7.  But, to live carnally minded brings death, or loss of the blessings that God desires to give you. Carnality will always  yield less than God’s best.

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Rom. 8:6

If we learn to be “spiritually minded,” that is, to include God in our day to day decisions, to make a habit of enquiring of the Lord, God promises to bring “life and peace.”  I don’t know about you, but I sure want life and peace.  But God never promised to bless man’s own self-centered ways, and yet many of us still devise our own way and say, “This is what I AM going to do, now Lord, You bless it!”  That, my friends, is the height of stupidity.

There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, THAT shall stand. Prov. 19:21

Of all the ways one could choose to act in a given situation, God ‘s way is the one that will stand, His will bear good fruit.  And His counsel is ours for the asking.  “You have not because you ask not.” James 4:2.  Sad but true.

All through the books of Judges, and I and II Samuel, the men and women who did notable things for God, that had supernatural results, had one habit in common, they enquired of the Lord.  They went to Him continually for guidance and instruction.  (That is how Jesus lived.)  They “got it.”  They understood, that there are many devices, or ways to do things, in the heart of a man, but only THE COUNSEL OF THE LORD is guaranteed to be the best way.  God’s way is wise, i.e. doing it right.

Hear [God’s] counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.  

Prov. 19:20

In Psalm 73 the heart of the great prophet and musician, Asaph, is laid bare. Asaph was the head of all David’s singers, some 4,000 men looked up to him. But this tremendous man of God had become jealous of the prosperity of the wicked.  Uh, oh!  God revealed to Asaph that his pain and his jealousy stemmed from taking his eye off the true realities in life, and what really mattered, namely, his personal relationship with the Lord.

There is a saying, “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”  In other words, the main thing is to keep God at the center of our lives. And the Lord showed Asaph he had become discouraged because he had ceased to keep the main thing the main thing, he had neglected to seek the counsel of the LORD.  He had ceased to appreciate the relationship he had with God.  And Asaph penned these words of humility when he realized the error of his ways.

So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. 

Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. 

Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. 

Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.  

Psalm 73:22-25

Asaph got his priorities straight — God first. In the New Testament Jesus puts it another way:

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.  Rev. 3:20

Jesus is continually standing at the door of our heart, knocking to get in, but the doorknob is on the INSIDE.  We are the ones who must open the door.  We must invite the Father, and the Son, into our hearts, daily.  This verse is talking about a lot more than sonship, it is talking about friendship.  God, through His Son, is OFFERING to be our most intimate friend, our deepest confidant, our mentor; sharing hearts with us.  That’s almost unbelievable.  I hope you are wise enough take Him up on His spectacular offer!

We are the ones who invite God into our thoughts and seek His will.  We are the ones who tap into the limitless well of knowledge, and guidance, and blessings, at our disposal.  “This is the will of God… concerning you,” to live in the flow, WITH Him.

Like Asaph, many times I feel foolish, brought low, “like a beast,” because I have neglected to tap into the counsel of the Lord.  How many times would God have given me good, wise  counsel (whereby I would have avoided embarrassment, or pain, or loss), but I neglected to ask?  Unfortunately, far too many.

I want to become more and more God conscious, seeking His counsel, and living under the shelter of His wing.  Psalm 91.  I want, and need, to hear His wisdom.  I  want to include God in all aspects of my life, because “This is the WILL of God.”  I Thess. 5:18.

Folks, this is why we were born, to be in relationship with God; to be one with our heavenly Father.

Now, back to the friend with the “important” meeting, I  want to say, if you go through your day thinking you have important things to do, and keeping God first is NOT on the top of your most important “Things to do”, you have already missed your most important meeting.

“Keep the main thing the main thing.” Keeping God first is the main thing. Living in the flow is the main thing.

The ball is in your court to live life WITH God, and not to live by your own devices.  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Rom. 8:6

God really, really does want to talk to you. Do you want to listen?

Living In His Presence,

Brgds,

Uchenna C. Okonkwor

(Major Prophet)

Ministering

PILGRIMS WHO HAVE BEEN BEGOTTEN UNTO A LIVING HOPE

  

Scripture: I Peter 1:1-9

TEXT: I Pet. 1:3, Jn. 1:13

INTRO: I wish you happy weekend as you go through this message to know that we are pilgrims on this earth.  God bless you.

1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. In view of what they were already experiencing and would experience, Peter is reminding them of how blessed they are. In the text for this message they are reminded of the gracious blessing of regeneration.

Let no one under estimate the importance of the new birth. And, in light of that, let us rejoice that God has graciously regenerated us.

WE PILGRIMS HAVE BEEN REGENERATED BY THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

Peter does not hesitate to affirm that God is the one who regenerates. 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Peter also affirms that the instrumental means which God uses in this regeneration is his word. 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

John also attributes our regeneration to God. John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Paul declares that it is God who quickens dead sinners into spiritual life. Ephesians 2:1-5 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Scripture also affirms that this regeneration is wrought by God when and where he wills and in whom he wills.

It is not a result of the will of man. John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

It is wrought wherever the Holy Spirit wills to work. John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

It is solely of God’s will. James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

WE PILGRIMS HAVE BEEN REGENERATED ACCORDING TO GOD’S ABUNDANT MERCY

It must be according to mercy and grace because we were dead in trespasses and sins. Ephesians 2:1-5 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;),

It must be according to mercy and grace because of our inability to effect the change ourselves. Jeremiah 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. Romans 8:6-8 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

It must be by grace because of the inability of an unregenerate person to receive spiritual truth. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

It must be of grace and mercy because we cannot open our own hearts so that we may perceive spiritual truth. Acts 16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

It must be of grace for if we were to be saved we must come to Christ and no man in his depraved state of spiritual deadness can come to Christ. John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:63-65 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

I might also point out that we were so unworthy and depraved that it must be abundant mercy that God would have toward us before he would regenerate us.

WE PILGRIMS HAVE BEEN BEGOTTEN UNTO A LIVING HOPE

It is a hope that is so alive that even death cannot dim it. Proverbs 14:32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

It is a hope that is laid up in heaven for those who have believed the gospel. Colossians 1:5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel.

It is a hope that anticipates the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

It is a hope that serves as a sure anchor for our souls. Hebrews 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.

It is a hope that will never be a reason for us to be ashamed. Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

It is a such a living hope that we can patiently wait for its fulfillment. Romans 8:24-25 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

It is a living hope because Christ who is our hope lives in us. Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

It is a good hope because it is grounded in grace. 2 Thessalonians 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace.

It is a living hope because it is according to God’s own promise and God cannot lie. Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.

It is a hope that is grounded in the certainty of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

His resurrection is the blessed assurance of our resurrection. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

We can be assured that the one who raised up Jesus from the dead will also quicken our mortal bodies. Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 2 Corinthians 4:14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

He has the keys of hell and of death so nothing can prevent him from raising us up. Revelation 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

It is a hope that so lives that we are able to say it is a blessing to die when you die in the Lord. Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

CONC: How wonderful and marvelous it is to be the object of God’s mercy and grace by which we have been begotten to a living hope that is both sure and stedfast being grounded in grace and mercy and the Lord’s own resurrection from the dead. He has promised, John 14:19 "because I live, ye shall live also." John 11:25-26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? He is our life and when he appears we shall appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:3-4 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. He lives forever and so shall we. Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

 

God is kind

 

Uchenna C. Okonkwor