Sunrise-Sunset

Eternity to the godly is a day that has no sunset.
Eternity to the wicked is a night that has no sunrise.

[Thomas Watson]

Romans 2:6-11 ... Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,  Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;  But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God. ❤

Most Sparkling Diamond

 A believer's last day is his best day! Death is a change of enjoyments. It is a change of our more dark and obscure enjoyment of God for a more clear and sweet enjoyment of Him. The best believer in this world, who enjoys most of God--he is still much in the dark and does not enjoy God clearly.

Ask those who live highest in the enjoyment of God, "What is your greatest burden?" They will tell you: "That our views of God are quite darksome, so that we cannot see Him face to face, whom our souls dearly love."

Death is a change of our imperfect and incomplete enjoyments of God, for a more complete and perfect enjoyment of Him. One has beautifully said: "The glorious things of Heaven are so many, that they exceed number; so precious, that they exceed estimation; so great, that they exceed measure!"

There are no complaints in Heaven, because there are no needs. Oh, when death shall give the fatal stroke, there shall be an exchange of this wilderness world, for the glories of Heaven!

Here in this present world, the saints receive grace; but in Heaven, they shall receive glory! God keeps the best wine until last. Here we have but some sips and tastes of God; the fullness is reserved for the glorious state. He who sees most of God here on earth, sees but his back parts; His face is a jewel of such splendor and glory, that no eye can behold but a glorified eye.

The best of Christian is able to take in only a glimpse of God; their hearts are like the widow's vessel, which could hold only a little oil. Sin, the world, and creatures take up so much room in the best hearts that God gives Himself out little by little; as parents give sweets to their children. But in Heaven God will communicate Himself fully and at once to the soul! Grace shall then be swallowed up in glory!

Death is a change of a more inconstant and transient enjoyment of God for a constant and permanent enjoyment of God. Here on earth, the saints' enjoyment of God is changeable. But in Heaven there are no clouds arising between the Lord and a believing heart. In Heaven there are nothing but kisses and embraces; nothing but a perpetual enjoyment of God! When once God takes the soul unto Himself, He shall wipe away every tear.

Jesus is the most sparkling diamond in the ring of glory! It is Heaven and happiness enough, to see Jesus and to be forever with Him. One has said, "For Jesus to be with Paul, was the greatest security but for Paul to be with Jesus, was the chief happiness!"

Oh, what a glorious change this is! Methinks these things should make us long for our dying-day and account this present life to be but a lingering death. 

[Thomas Brooks]

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1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 ... Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Ecclesiastes 7:1 ... A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth. ❤

The Shortness and Uncertainty of Life

Life is fleeting. Imagine an hourglass with sand steadily falling from the top chamber to the bottom. You cannot see how much sand remains above. You only know that the grains are slipping away, second by second. Yet, distracted by temporary pursuits and oblivious to eternal realities--we often live as if the sands will never run out. This is a vivid picture of our lives. One day the last grain will fall, and our time will be over! Will you be ready?

The Bible teaches us to consider the brevity of life and the weight of eternity. Wisdom begins with understanding that our earthly existence is but a vapor compared to the endless expanse of eternity. In a little while it shall be said of us, "He is gone!" Let us live as men who must soon give our final account to God.

The question we must face is this: Where will we spend eternity? The Scriptures make it clear that there are only two destinations Heaven or Hell. Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

It is the height of folly to live unconcerned about such a critical question. Eternity is not something to ignore or postpone considering. To neglect our final destiny is to gamble with our eternal soul. Hebrews 9:27 reminds us, "It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment."

The sands of time are running out for each of us, and none of us knows when our last moment will come! We are not guaranteed another breath, let alone another day or year to figure it out. Eternity awaits.

Let us live wisely, with eyes fixed on eternity, making every grain of sand count for the glory of God.

[Charles H. Spurgeon]

Psalm 90:12 ...  So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Isaiah 40:7 ... The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.

James 4:14 ...  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. ❤

You Will Be Damned if You Live in Sin!

We preach salvation by grace alone, but we do not preach the salvation of those who still continue to live in sin. The children of God are a holy people, washed, purged, sanctified, and made zealous for good works. He who talks about faith but has no works to prove that his faith is a living faith is simply lying. It is faith that saves us, not works but the faith that saves us, always produces a holy life. 

God-given faith always renews the heart, changes the character, and influences the desires and motives. One who merely professes to be a Christian but lives continually in unrepentant sin shows by his life that he is not a genuine believer. The New Testament consistently affirms that saving faith always produces holiness. (James 2:17; 1 John 2:3-6) Persistent, willful, unrepentant sin demonstrates that one's profession is false. 

No doubt about it, sirs. You may be baptized and re-baptized, you may attend to sacraments, and you may believe an orthodox creed; but you will be damned if you live in sin! You may become a deacon, or an elder, or a minister but there is no salvation for any man who still harbors his sins. "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23) death to professors as well as to non-professors.  If you hug your sins in secret and will not part with them then God will reveal those sins in public and condemn you according to the strict justice of His Word. 

[Charles H. Spurgeon] 

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1 John 2:16-17 ... For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

1 John 3:8-9 ... He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.  Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

Titus 1:16 ... They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. ❤

Spiritual State

We don’t decide the day of our death any more than we decided the day of our birth. But we do determine the spiritual state we’ll be in when we die. God wants us to be close to Him. God wants us in friendship and fellowship and intimacy with Him. But it’s our choice whether to have a relationship with the Lord or not to have a relationship with Him. We must choose wisely so that we finish well. 

[Greg Laurie]

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Joshua 24:15 ...  And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Deuteronomy 30:19 ... I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

2 Timothy 4:7-8 ... I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. ❤

Preaching Into Heaven ...

Most ministers dare not speak hard truths, for fear of offending but it is better to offend men, than to flatter them into Hell! It has become tragically common that, no matter how a person has lived whether in open rebellion against God, mockery of His Word, or a life utterly void of repentance and faith the minister preaches him into Heaven at his funeral.  This betrayal is not merely a sentimental error it is a grievous sin against God, a deception to the living, and a dishonor to the truth of the gospel.

God has solemnly charged His ministers to proclaim the truth without fear or favor. Yet too many of them care more about their paychecks and pleasing men than in pleasing the God who sees and judges all things in truth.  They comfort the hearers with lies, rather than confront them with the solemn realities of death, judgment, and eternity. Ministers who love popularity and money more than truth, will always preach the kind of gospel that fills pews and Hell!  To tell the unconverted that they are safe while they continue in sin, is to murder their souls with a lie!

The prophet Jeremiah condemned the false prophets of his day who committed the same evil: "From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit! They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. 'Peace, peace!' they say, when there is no peace!" (Jeremiah 6:13-14) Those who mocked God and His Word while they lived are not "at peace" after they die. They are damned, and their condemnation is just.

"This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?" (Ezekiel 34:2) Such ministers have no true concern for the perishing people whom they teach. They do not fear God they fear man. They are like those of whom God says: "The prophets prophesy lies...and my people love it this way. But what will you do in the end?" (Jeremiah 5:31) Yes, what will they do in the end when they must give their account to the all-knowing and inexorably just Judge of the universe?

Genuine love always speaks truth. A faithful minister must declare, even at a funeral, that "man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment!" (Hebrews 9:27) Eternity is too serious to deceive men with false hopes and lies!  May God raise up men who will proclaim His Word with holy fear and fearless faithfulness.

[Charles H. Spurgeon]

Galatians 1:10 ...  For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

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Names Written in Heaven!!

This blessed title the Savior gives to his disciples, is above all present gifts in value. They returned with joy from a successful exercise of their ministry. He lifted their minds to a higher privilege than that. He himself rejoiced over their possession of this privilege. It was the father's gift. It was a special gift to his elect. The Lord knew those who were his. Their record was on high. 

But it belongs equally to the whole church of the firstborn. They are all written in heaven an imperishable record the Lamb's book of life. (Revelation 21:27) They are called by his Spirit on earth, according to this record. They are acknowledged, when their earthly pilgrimage is passed, as the children of God, thus chosen and registered. He will own them as his, when he makes up his jewels. (Malachi 3:17)

It is an inestimable privilege a glorious prospect! Am I one of this recorded company? If I believe in Jesus, and love him, and follow him, I am. And how great are the blessings of it!

[Unknown Author]

Luke 10:20 ... Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Hebrews 12:23 ... To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

Psalm 87:6 ... The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah. ❤

"Farewell"

My very Dear Sister in our precious Lord,

I rejoice to hear of your soul's prosperity under those afflictions which have attended your body. I have again been visited with illness and am weak. The hand the heart of our own God our God of love is in everything to us. In all, let us love, bless, and adore His name, for honorable and glorious are all His works, and most worthy is He of praise from us in all. Under the sweet, enlarging influence of God's free love, we love Him and as much when He frowns as when He smiles.

A believing, loving, adoring spirit, under divine chastisement, is an excellent spirit a God-glorifying frame of soul. Our afflictions, light as they are, as being laid upon us and we supported under them by the Lord's all-gracious and almighty hand, are made blessings to us. They may well be borne by us, not only as they are designed for, and shall end in, our soul's present and eternal advantage, but also, and chiefly, in that our God is and will be glorified thereby His displaying the glory of His infinite love, grace, mercy, wisdom, power, faithfulness, and fatherly goodness towards us in them and by our ascribing all honor in filial duty unto Him.

Our God is infinitely concerned for our good in every affliction. So let us be earnestly, yes only, concerned about His glory as to our duty therein, casting all our care upon Him who cares for us.

We shall bless God, when we come to heaven, for every kind and degree of affliction that we passed through on earth for every trial, and for every circumstance attending it, wherein we are enabled to glorify God.

After this heavenly temper, and an increase therein, let us labor while pilgrims on this earth. A submissive, patient, cheerful, thankful frame of spirit, under the afflicting hand of God, is that honor, that reverence which we owe to Him as a Father and ineffably sweet, and exceedingly profitable is this unto us as His children. In a little, little while, sin and sorrow shall be no more. A fullness, an eternity of joy and glory in the immediate presence of God and the Lamb awaits us.

Our afflictions are given to us as a fruit of the Father's grace, of the Son's purchase and intercession, and as a season of the Spirit's preparing us below for that glory which is prepared for us above. Oh, my dear sister, all things are ours, whether life, or death, or things present, or things to come. Time with all its changes, its comforts and crosses, and eternity with all its great and unchangeable glories, are ours! Christ is ours, and all things in and with Him, and we are His, and shall shortly be with Him where He is, to behold His glory! We shall be like Him, perfectly so for we shall see Him as He is! We shall not be long absent from but shall shortly be forever with the Lord to see, to love, to praise Him perfectly and eternally. Oh, blessed day! It hastens upon us. A day without clouds, without decline, without end! A magnificent, bright day, that will spread its glories over all, when the Lord will be our everlasting light, and our God our glory!

Then farewell forever! Farewell trials! Farewell sin! Farewell sorrow! Farewell death! Farewell darkness! Farewell pain! Farewell weakness! Mortality shall be swallowed in life! And in the meantime, my dear sister, let us go on in faith and hope of that eternal life which God, who cannot lie, has promised; and loving and adoring the Lord in all things, let us follow the Lamb, even wherever He goes, until we reach immortal glory with Him. And now, my dear child, unto the tender care of your everlasting Father, I commit you. May His presence be with you, and His blessing be upon you continually.

[Anne Dutton]

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Herd of Swine!!

The generality of people are like dead fish which float down the stream wherever it runs. The "voice of the people," is often the voice of the devil. Satan's herd of swine is larger than Christ's flock of sheep! Let them be ever so mighty, we are not to fear them. Let them be ever so many, we are not to follow them. If we will not have the people of the world to be our leaders, we shall be sure to have them as our troublers. If they cannot seduce us into their evil ways, they will oppose us in our holy ways. If they cannot scorch us with their fire, they will try to blacken us with their smoke. They will speak evil of us, because we do not run into the same excess of evil with them.  Because we refuse to play the fool with them, they will say that we are mad. "Though the people of Israel are as numerous as the sand on the seashore, only the remnant will be saved." (Romans 9:27) 

The whole piece belongs to the Devil, but God cuts off a remnant for Himself! The trees of righteousness are thinly planted, in the world's orchard. There are many wicked sinners, to one godly man! Pebbles lie abundant in the streets, but pearls are rare to find. Sinners are certainly the greatest company, but they are also the worst company. Remember, the multitude of people, are like the droves of cattle, which go to the slaughter! Those who follow after others in sinning, will be sure to follow them in suffering! Alas, the largeness of the multitude, will not extinguish the fierceness of the flame! The great number of those immortal faggots will but intensify the fury of the eternal fire! 

[William Secker] 

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Exodus 23:2 ... Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:

Matthew 7:13-14 ...  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. ❤

The Saints Everlasting Rest

If there is such a wonderful rest remaining for us, why don't we think about it more? Has the eternal God provided us such a hope, and promised to take us up to dwell with Himself; and is it not worth thinking about? Do we believe this, and yet forget it and neglect it? Why does God condemn earthly-mindedness and command, "Set your affection on things above"? (Colossians 3:2). If God says, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world" (1 John 2:15), why then do we make earth our principal concern?  Where is the Christian whose concentration is really on his rest? What is the matter are we so full of joy that we need no more? 

I urge you, reader, to bend your soul to study eternity. Busy it about the life to come. Make such meditation your habit. Bathe your soul in heaven's delights; and if your backward soul begins to drag its feet and your thoughts wander, call them back. Hold them to their work. Don't put up with their laziness. When you have, in obedience to God, tried this work, and kept a guard on your thoughts until they are accustomed to obeying; then you will find yourself in the suburbs of heaven. Then the life of Christianity will be a life of joy. 

[Richard Baxter]

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Titus 2:13 ... Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Philippians 1:23 ... For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

2 Corinthians 5:8 ... We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. ❤

God Has Two Fires!

God has two fires: 

One where He puts His gold, one where He puts His dross. 

The fire where He puts His gold, is the fire of affliction to purify them. 

The fire where He puts His dross, is the fire of damnation - to punish them.

[Thomas Watson]

 Isaiah 48:10 ... Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.

Matthew 25:41, 46 ... Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: ...

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

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Distinction Between The Righteous and The Wicked!

The prophet ministered in an age of spiritual declension one much like our own, when men scoffed at God and divine justice. They said, "Where is the God of justice?" (Malachi 2:17) In their blindness, they mistook God's patience, for indifference. Yet even then, God had a remnant a few who trembled at His Word, who feared His name, and who lived for His glory. Of these it is written, "Then those who feared the Lord spoke often one to another, and the Lord harkened and heard." Here we see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked a difference not outward, but inward; not temporal, but eternal. 

First, they feared the Lord. This holy fear is not terror, but "reverent awe" a gift of the Spirit that bends the heart in worship and obedience. The fear of God set them apart as those who walk by faith, not by sight. Second, they spoke often one to another. Their fellowship was not frivolous but sacred rooted in God and sustained by love for Him. Like coals gathered together, their conversation burned brighter in the cold night of unbelief. In these humble assemblies, God Himself was present: "Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20) Third, they thought upon His name. While others filled their minds with personal gain and pleasure these saints delighted in meditating upon God and counting Him as the sweetest subject of their contemplations. And what was the Lord's response? The Scripture says, "The Lord harkened and heard." 

Every whisper of faith, every sigh of longing, every quiet word of encouragement was written down in His book of remembrance. The righteous were not forgotten they were recorded, loved, and treasured! Then comes the glorious promise: "They shall be Mine, in the day when I make up My treasured possession!" What comfort is here! The Lord Himself claims His chosen and redeemed people as His precious jewels. Though now they may be overlooked, afflicted, or despised, yet in that final great day of judgment, they will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. 

For that day will soon arrive, when the Lord will make a just, final, complete, and eternal distinction between the righteous and the wicked. No longer will the proud prosper, while the humble suffer; no longer will the mocker question God's justice. The books will be opened, and every secret thing will be brought to light. The faithful shall then be owned by Jesus Himself as His "treasured possession". The wicked will then experience the full weight of His holy judgment. 

[Charles H. Spurgeon] 

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Malachi 3:16-18 ... Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

Matthew 25:46 ... And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. ❤

Let Them Alone!!

God sometimes leaves men to themselves their furious passions are unchained, and they are given up, without restraint, to the lusts of their own evil hearts! A more dreadful judgment than this, cannot be inflicted on this side of hell. Matthew Henry writes, "People go on in sin until the Lord says, 'Let them alone!' 

Then they receive no more warnings and feel no more convictions. Satan takes full possession of them, and they ripen for destruction! It is a sad and sore judgment for any man to be let alone in sin! Those who are not disturbed in their sin will be destroyed for their sin! 

May we be kept from this dreadful state; for the wrath of God, like a strong tempest will soon hurry all impenitent sinners into eternal ruin! 

[John Newton]

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Hosea 4:17 ... Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.

Matthew 7:23 ... And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 18:8 ... Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. ❤

The Last Four Things

1. DEATH – The Inescapable Appointment Death is not a possibility--it is a divine certainty. It is the wages of sin (Romans 6:23), the last enemy (1 Corinthians 15:26), and the doorway to eternity. No one escapes it. The rich and the poor, the righteous and the wicked, the young and the old, all must pass through its shadow. Yet for the believer, death is not the end, but the beginning of glory. Christ has removed the sting of death (1 Corinthians 15:55), and to die is now gain (Philippians 1:21). But for the unrepentant, death seals their eternal doom. "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12) 

2. JUDGMENT – The Unavoidable Reckoning After death comes judgment not reincarnation, not annihilation, not a second chance. Every soul will stand before the throne of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). The books will be opened (Revelation 20:12), and every thought, word, and deed will be weighed. For the believer, Christ has borne the judgment. For the unbeliever, every sin will be exposed and justly condemned. There will be no appeals, no excuses, no escape. "For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:14) 

3. HEAVEN – The Eternal Home of the Redeemed Heaven is not earned, it is purchased by the blood of Christ. It is the home of righteousness (2 Peter 3:13), the dwelling place of God (Revelation 21:3), and the eternal inheritance of the saints (1 Peter 1:4). There, we shall see Christ face to face (1 John 3:2), worship without sin, and rejoice without sorrow. No more tears. No more death. Only unending joy in the presence of the Lamb! "In Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11) 

4. HELL – The Eternal Justice of God Hell is real. It is not a metaphor, not a scare tactic, but a terrifying reality. It is the just punishment for sin, under God's righteous wrath (Matthew 25:46; Revelation 14:10–11). Jesus spoke more of Hell than anyone else in Scripture. The Cross of Christ is the only refuge from the Fire of Hell. Those who reject Christ, will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb; the smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night. There are many ways to enter Hell. There is only one way to avoid Hell. There is no way to escape Hell. "These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Matthew 25:46) 

These Four Last Things are not distant abstractions they are imminent realities. You will die. You will be judged. You will spend eternity in either Heaven or Hell. The only hope is Jesus Christ, who died and rose again to save sinners. 

Repent and believe the gospel. Cling to Christ. Live every moment in light of eternity!

[Various Authors]

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Hebrews 9:27 ...  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Amos 4:12 ... Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. ❤

Lessons Learned Too Late!

Luke 16:19-31. Here is the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus.

Lazarus died and was carried up to Heaven. Chosen, redeemed and born of God--he entered into glory. "The rich man also died." What became of him? "In Hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torment!" 

 Our Lord here allows us to look beyond the grave. He allows us to look into Hell itself. He shows us the pains, feelings and desires of a damned man one who is forever shut up in Hell. Here are seven things that the rich man learned, but he learned them too late! He learned them in Hell! I pray that you will not learn them too late. 

1. Death does not end all. "If a man dies, shall he live again?" Indeed, we shall. We all have an immortal soul that will live on forever after our bodies are in the grave. Will you spend eternity in the bliss and glory of Heaven--or in the torments of the damned in Hell? 

2. There is a real place called "Hell." Hell is as real as the town in which you live. The same Inspired Book that tells us about Heaven and the eternal bliss of the redeemed, also tells us about Hell and the eternal misery of the damned. I do not know where it is, and I cannot imagine what it is, but Hell is a real place. The rich man found out too late, that Hell is not a myth. 

3. A holy God must and will punish sin. God is so inflexibly just and holy, that when the sin of His people was imputed to His own dear Son He poured out His infinite wrath upon Him! In the same way He who punished His Son for sin He will certainly punish you for your sin, if it is not removed by His Son. 

4. Hell is a place of endless torment. The rich man cried, "I am tormented in this flame!" Hell is a place of unfulfilled lust and desire a place of eternal mental, moral and physical agony. 

5. Christ is the only way of salvation. The rich man's riches, religion, and works, were of no value to him in Hell. Missing Christ, he lost all! 

6. Unless a man repents, he will surely perish. In Hell this man realized that without repentance, there is no salvation. (verse 30) 

7. No one can ever be saved without hearing and believing the gospel. (verses 28-31) Be wise now and believe the gospel. Trust Christ, lest you also perish forever under the wrath of God!

[Don Fortner]

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When a Lost Man Dies ...

When a lost man dies: his relatives scramble for his money; the worms scramble for his body; and the demons scramble for his soul! What a fearful and sobering picture this is! The world may dress death in velvet and flowers, but God reveals its true horror for the unregenerate soul. The instant a man without Christ breathes his last, everything he loved is torn from him. His money is left behind, becoming a point of contention and greed among his relatives. The body he once adorned and pampered, is claimed by corruption and decay. And his soul the most precious part of his being is cast into eternal Hell. 

The world's goods, its riches, its pleasures, its pomp, its fame what are all these without Jesus? They are a painted pageantry to go to Hell in! They are a mockery to an immortal spirit. They are like a mirage in the desert, deluding the traveler, but not yielding one substantial drop of joy. "I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind!" (Ecclesiastes 1:14) 

Yes! This poor world is a heap of chaff; the only enduring treasure is to be found in Jesus. If you neglect Him, you neglect all that is worth having. For the lost, death is not an escape it is the doorway to everlasting punishment. Jesus spoke more often of Hell than of Heaven, warning us with great compassion: "Fear Him who, after killing the body, has power to throw you into Hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!" (Luke 12:5) 

The man who lives for himself and dies without Jesus, does not rest in peace. He awakens to eternal torment, where hope never dawns, and mercy is no longer offered. Dear reader, do not be deceived. Life is short! Death is certain! Eternity is near! 

A golden coffin will be a poor compensation for a damned soul! 

[Charles H. Spurgeon] 

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Hebrews 9:27 ... And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Mark 8:36 ... For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? ❤

Deceitfulness of Sin!

A deathbed is a great revealer. Some time ago, I was called to visit a lovely young woman on her deathbed. She had regularly attended the means of grace, often felt impressed under the Scriptures but never came to saving faith. She was suddenly seized with illness, which soon terminated fatally. On that sick bed, she saw things very differently to what she had done and deeply regretted the course she had pursued. Often on her dying pillow, she was heard to exclaim, "Oh the deceitfulness of sin! Oh, the deceitfulness of sin!" 

She now saw that it had deceived her and bitterly regretted that she had yielded to its fascinations. Reader! Sin is very deceitful. It never appears at first in its true colors but wears a mirthful garment to deceive. Beware of it, lest it deceive you. Many have never been undeceived until it was too late; the door of mercy was closed, and they were beyond the reach of salvation. 

JANE JONES was a lively, good-tempered, kind young woman. Her conduct was moral, and she stood well with her employers. She read her Bible, sometimes attended a place of worship and her case appeared very hopeful. But she was invited to a public dance. She hesitated about going. She was pressed and was assured there was no harm in it. She went. She was fascinated. She soon gave up reading her Bible. Then she neglected public worship and went out visiting friends on the Lord's Day. She acquired a fondness for dress, for mirthful company, for music, for parties in a word, for all that was frivolous and mirthful. But in the end, she was ruined. She lost her job and her character, her conscience became hardened, she could laugh at serious things and became a victim to the deceitfulness of sin. One step led on to another, until she perished in her own deceiving's, and became the victim of her own folly! Had she refused to go to the dance, had she kept to her Bible and the house of prayer she might have lived respected, and died happy. 

Young woman! Beware of the village dancing-room. It was the ruin of Jane Jones and has been the ruin of thousands beside!

SAMUEL SMITH was a sober, steady, and industrious young man. He promised well. In the Sunday school he had learned many useful lessons, and under a faithful minister became "almost a Christian." But he was urged to join a club which met at a tavern, and, from an exaggerated representation of its advantages at length did so. At first, he went, paid his money, drank his pint of beer, and returned home. At length he took a pipe of tobacco. Soon after, he remained to hear one song. Soon he became fond of the society of vain, mirthful, thoughtless young men and at times drank so much that could not walk straight when he went home. A craving for strong drink, mirthful company, and foolish jests was produced, and step by step he was led on until he squandered his property, destroyed his health, and ruined his soul!  Disease was generated by his bad habits his constitution was undermined, and he sank into a premature grave. He was another victim to "the deceitfulness of sin."

Young man! avoid the tavern as you would a house full of disease! Join no society or club which holds its meetings there. The ruin of thousands has been accelerated thereby. If you take one step in sin you will be tempted to take another, and another, until you are undone! Yielding to temptation, is like making a break in a huge dam the waters will soon become all-powerful and carry everything before them. If you begin you cannot stop when you will; for habits are soon formed but once formed, are not easily broken off! Hence that fearful text of Scripture, "Let the Ethiopian change his skin, and the leopard his spots then may you also do good, who are accustomed to do evil."

HENRY MAYNE was a kind-hearted, amiable lad, a good son, and a faithful employee. His conscience was tender; his conduct was consistent. His mother was proud of him, and his father used to say, "there was not a better lad in the town than our Henry!" He had just turned his eighteenth year when he was coaxed away one day to the races. There he was introduced into mirthful company, which proved a snare to him. He became selfish, and his temper was soon soured. He could not bear the restraints of home. He was now too much of a 'man' to be tied to his mother's apron string nor would he put up with the old man's lectures. If he earned money, he had a right to do what he pleased with it, and he would, too!  He left home, went to lodge with a loose young man, and was soon added to the number of those who are destroyed through "the deceitfulness of sin." Poor Henry! he might have been a respectable young man, a useful member of society, and a happy Christian but sin deceived him, and he died as he lived a slave to his passions, one of the dupes of Satan led captive by the devil at his will.

Reader! beware of yielding to temptation! Beware, oh beware, of taking the first step in the road to ruin! Seek grace from God in prayer, to enable you to live godly, righteously, and soberly in the present world. Keep, Oh keep eternity in view, for you must live forever in happiness or woe! Your eternal destiny is fixed by the course you pursue in time. There is a strait gate and a narrow way that leads to glory, and comparatively few go in there at: and there is a wide gate and a broad road that leads to destruction and multitudes, multitudes, go in there at! Strive, therefore, to enter in at the strait gate, and be sure you enter it by a living faith. It leads to the way of holiness; it conducts to the presence of God.

Do not be deceived by sin! Do not walk in the way of sinners. Young woman! avoid the dancing-room, it is one of the first steps to ruin! Young man! avoid the tavern, and the racecourse for there is Satan lies in wait to destroy. The best way to escape from all the traps and snares that Satan lays for you is to come to Jesus and be saved from sin and the wrath to come through him!

 [James Smith]

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Matthew 7:13-14 ... Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Romans 7:11-12 ... For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 ... Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. ❤

With Christ!

How marvelous is the transforming power of the religion of the Lord Jesus! Whatever it touches, it beautifies; and all that comes within its range receives a luster and a loveliness from the reflection of itself. Everything on which its light is cast, appears the very reverse of what it appeared before. Where there was darkness light springs into existence; where there were previous gloom brightness shines; and where there was sadness songs begin to abound. How true this is in reference to the heart. "The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked!" (Jeremiah 17:9.) 

Behold your heart in its natural sinful state can you imagine anything more devoid of anything that is lovely? Can you think of anything drearier to the view? 'Tis a wilderness, a wilderness overgrown with briars and with thorns, while these are interlaced with poisonous plants, and in and out among them, there creep reptile lusts and serpent sins. It is enough to make an angel weep to look at such a sight! But behold! God's hour of mercy touches that heart saving grace enters it. See now the contrast.

Instead of the thorn there is the fir tree; and instead of the briar the myrtle tree sends forth its sweet perfume; while the birds of praise carol as they rest in the branches of the trees of the Lord's right-hand planting; and the serpents are either destroyed, or else they hide themselves in their holes. The religion of Jesus has touched that heart and at its touch there has been a magic transformation; where dreariness and death reigned, there is now beauty, delight and joy. 

[Archibald G. Brown]

Philippians 1:23 ... For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

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Choose Life!!

 If you reject Jesus Christ, then you reject your only way into Heaven.

Choose wisely.

Deuteronomy 30:19 ...  I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

Romans 6:23 ...  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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

If Anyone Does Not Love The Lord ...

If you do not love the Lord Jesus then you are on the way to judgment, and then to eternal condemnation. If you do not love the Lord Jesus, then you are going as fast as time can carry you away, away, away to the gloomy land where not a single ray of hope will ever pierce the midnight darkness. Away, away, away, to the place of eternal despair! 

If you do not love the Lord Jesus, then you are now in awful peril. You stand over the mouth of Hell upon a single plank, and that plank is rotten. You hang over the jaws of perdition by a slender thread, and the angel of justice is waiting to cut that thread in sunder! 

Oh, how dreadful to live and die in this cursed state! And then to wake up on the resurrection morning and see the King in His beauty on the throne, and to know that you are eternally cursed! You will cry to the rocks to hide you, and to the hills to cover you, for you are cursed! Then to be brought out before the great white throne resplendent in its holiness, and hear the fact announced so that all may know that you are eternally cursed! 

Ah, what will it be to see the bottomless pit open its mouth to devour you, and descending forever, to understand that you are not only cursed, but damned! 

[Charles H. Spurgeon]

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Matthew 25:46 ... And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Matthew 25:41 ... Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

1 Corinthians 16:22 ... If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. ❤