I Interviewed an AI BOT about Salvation ( 1 of 3)

 My Salvation Interview with an AI BOT

ME:
Can you help me write a blog on John 3:16

AI:
Sure! Here's a concise blog post about John 3:16:

John 3:16 is one of the most well-known verses in the Bible. It states, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

This verse conveys the message of God's immense love for humanity and His desire for all people to have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. The verse also highlights the sacrifice that God made by sending His son, Jesus, to die on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins.

John 3:16 is a crucial verse in understanding the message of the Bible and the gospel. It emphasizes the love and grace of God, which is freely given to all who believe in Jesus. This verse is a reminder that we can have eternal life through faith in Jesus, and that this gift is available to everyone, regardless of their background or past.

In conclusion, John 3:16 is a powerful reminder of God's love for humanity and the gift of eternal life that is available to all who believe in Jesus. Whether you are a seasoned Christian or just beginning your journey of faith, this verse is a source of comfort and hope, and a reminder of the love that God has for each one of us.

ME:
what do you mean grace of God

AI:
Grace refers to the unmerited or undeserved favor and blessings of God. In the context of Christianity, it is the gift of salvation that God offers to humanity through faith in Jesus Christ, despite our imperfections and sinfulness. Grace means that we do not have to earn or work for our salvation, but it is freely given to us by God. This concept is central to the gospel message, as it highlights God's love and mercy towards us, and the incredible sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross to redeem us. In other words, grace is the undeserved kindness of God that brings salvation and forgiveness to all who believe.

ME:
you said "our" imperfections - are you part of the our?

AI:
No, I am an AI language model created by (cannot disclose) and do not have personal experiences or beliefs. I am programmed to respond to questions and provide information to the best of my ability. The use of the word "our" in my previous response was meant in a general sense to refer to humanity's imperfections and sinfulness, not to include myself as an AI.

ME:
so God's grace is only for humans

AI:
Yes, according to Christian beliefs, God's grace is intended for humans. The Bible teaches that God's grace is offered to all people, regardless of their background or past, and that it is received through faith in Jesus Christ. The concept of grace is central to the gospel message, which is the good news that God offers salvation and forgiveness to all who believe in Jesus. In this sense, God's grace is a manifestation of His love and mercy towards humanity.

ME:
so God's grace is equally available to all mankind - black, white, indian, asian, chinese, man, woman, child

AI:
Yes, according to Christian teachings, God's grace is equally available to all people, regardless of their race, gender, age, or any other demographic factor. The Bible teaches that God loves all people and desires for all to receive His grace through faith in Jesus Christ. In this sense, God's grace is not limited by external factors, but is offered freely to all who believe in Jesus and receive Him as Lord and Savior. This is a core principle of Christianity, and one of the key messages of the gospel.

ME:
you keep referring to Christian teachings, do muslims not believe in the grace of God.

AI:
Muslims do believe in the concept of God's grace, but they have a different understanding of it than Christians. In Islam, God's grace is understood as His mercy, compassion, and forgiveness towards humanity. Muslims believe that God is merciful and benevolent, and that He offers forgiveness to those who repent and seek His forgiveness.
In Islam, the concept of grace is closely tied to the belief in predestination, which teaches that God has already determined the ultimate fate of all people, and that everything that happens in the world is part of His divine plan. According to this belief, God's grace is offered to those whom He has chosen, and it is not available to everyone equally.
While the understanding of God's grace may differ between Christianity and Islam, both religions emphasize the importance of God's mercy and forgiveness towards humanity. In both religions, the concept of grace is central to the understanding of God's relationship with humanity and the path to salvation.

ME:
so in Islam, you must earn God's mercy, where as in Christianity, God's grace is free to all and you don't have to earn it.

AI:
In Islam, the concept of earning God's mercy is closely tied to the belief in predestination and the idea that God has already determined the ultimate fate of all people. While Muslims are encouraged to perform good deeds and follow the teachings of Islam, they believe that their ultimate fate is in God's hands and that they cannot earn His mercy through their own efforts.
In Christianity, however, the concept of grace teaches that salvation and forgiveness are freely given by God to all who believe in Jesus Christ. Christians believe that they cannot earn God's grace or salvation through their own efforts, but that it is received by faith in Jesus. This is a central message of the gospel, and is often expressed through the idea that grace is unmerited or undeserved favor.
In both religions, the concept of grace/mercy is central to the understanding of God's relationship with humanity and the path to salvation. While the understanding of how this grace/mercy is obtained may differ, both religions emphasize the importance of God's mercy and forgiveness towards humanity.

ME:
I see. but grace and mercy aren't the same....can you explain the difference

AI:
Grace and mercy are closely related concepts, but they are not exactly the same thing.
Grace refers to the unmerited or undeserved favor of God. It is the free gift of salvation and forgiveness that God offers to humanity through faith in Jesus Christ, despite our imperfections and sinfulness. Grace means that we do not have to earn or work for our salvation, but it is freely given to us by God. This concept is central to the gospel message, as it highlights God's love and mercy towards us, and the incredible sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross to redeem us.
Mercy, on the other hand, is a characteristic of God that is closely related to grace. Mercy refers to God's compassion and forgiveness towards those who are in a vulnerable or pitiable state. It is the act of withholding the punishment that someone deserves and instead showing them kindness and compassion. In the context of salvation, mercy refers to God's forgiveness and compassion towards us, despite our sinfulness and imperfections.
In summary, grace and mercy are closely related concepts that describe different aspects of God's character and His relationship with humanity. While grace refers to the free gift of salvation and forgiveness that God offers, mercy refers to God's compassion and forgiveness towards those who are in a vulnerable or pitiable state. Both grace and mercy are central to the Christian understanding of God and the gospel message.

ME:
So if God gave us grace for our sins, why did Jesus have to die

AI:
The death of Jesus is central to the Christian understanding of salvation and the gospel message. According to Christian beliefs, Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, thus making it possible for us to receive God's grace and be reconciled to Him.
Before Jesus came to Earth, the penalty for sin was death, and people could only be reconciled to God by offering animal sacrifices as atonement for their sins. However, these sacrifices were only temporary and could not truly remove the guilt of sin. With the coming of Jesus, a new and permanent sacrifice was offered, as He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.
Jesus' death on the cross made it possible for all people to receive God's grace and be reconciled to Him, without having to pay the penalty for their sins. This is because Jesus' death satisfied the justice of God and provided a permanent atonement for sin. Through faith in Jesus, people can receive forgiveness for their sins and receive the free gift of salvation.
In this sense, Jesus' death on the cross is the cornerstone of the gospel message, as it provides the means by which people can receive God's grace and be reconciled to Him. Without the death of Jesus, people would still be under the penalty of sin and unable to receive God's grace and forgiveness.

ME:
What is the penalty of sin

AI:
The penalty of sin in Christian beliefs is death. The Bible teaches that all people are sinners and fall short of God's perfect standard of righteousness. As a result of our sin, we are separated from God and under the penalty of death. This death is not just physical death, but also spiritual death, which means that our souls are separated from God and unable to experience eternal life in His presence.
In the Old Testament, the penalty of sin was often described as physical death, and the animal sacrifices offered as atonement for sin were seen as temporary remedies. However, with the coming of Jesus, a new and permanent sacrifice was offered, as He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.
Through faith in Jesus, people can receive forgiveness for their sins and be reconciled to God, thereby avoiding the penalty of death. This is because Jesus' death on the cross satisfied the justice of God and provided a permanent atonement for sin, making it possible for all people to receive God's grace and be saved.
In summary, the penalty of sin in Christian beliefs is death, which is both physical and spiritual. Through faith in Jesus, people can receive forgiveness for their sins and be reconciled to God, thereby avoiding the penalty of death and experiencing eternal life in His presence.

ME:
so if I believe in Jesus I won't die

AI:
According to Christian beliefs, faith in Jesus does not guarantee that a person will not die physically. All people, regardless of their faith, will eventually die physically.
However, faith in Jesus does provide the assurance of eternal life in the presence of God after physical death. The Bible teaches that when a person believes in Jesus and is reconciled to God, their soul does not die with the body, but continues to live in the presence of God forever. In this sense, faith in Jesus provides the assurance of eternal life, and protects a person from spiritual death and separation from God.
In summary, faith in Jesus does not guarantee that a person will not die physically, but it provides the assurance of eternal life in the presence of God after physical death. By believing in Jesus, a person is reconciled to God and protected from spiritual death and separation from Him.

ME:
so if all people die a physical death, believing in Christ let's me have eternal life with Him; what happens if I don't believe in Christ.

AI:
According to Christian beliefs, if a person does not believe in Jesus Christ, they remain separated from God and under the penalty of death, both physically and spiritually. The Bible teaches that without faith in Jesus, people are unable to receive forgiveness for their sins and are condemned to an eternity separated from God.
In this sense, not believing in Jesus means that a person's soul is separated from God after physical death, and they experience a spiritual death that is permanent and irreversible. This spiritual death is often described as hell, a place of eternal separation from God and His presence.
In summary, if a person does not believe in Jesus, they remain separated from God and under the penalty of death, both physically and spiritually. This means that after physical death, their soul experiences an eternity separated from God in a place often described as hell.

ME:
but God's grace is for ALL mankind, why can't all mankind join Him in heaven

AI:
According to Christian beliefs, God's grace is indeed available to all mankind, but not all will choose to receive it. The Bible teaches that God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth, but He also allows people to make their own choices, and some choose to reject His grace and salvation.
Belief in Jesus Christ is the means by which people can receive God's grace and be reconciled to Him, but not all will choose to do so. Those who do not believe in Jesus and receive God's grace remain separated from Him and cannot enter heaven, which is described as a place of eternal life in the presence of God.
In summary, God's grace is indeed available to all mankind, but not all will choose to receive it and believe in Jesus Christ. Those who do not believe in Jesus remain separated from God and cannot enter heaven. Belief in Jesus is the means by which people can receive God's grace and be reconciled to Him.

ME:
So all I have to do is believe in Jesus, there's nothing else needed?

AI:
According to Christian beliefs, faith in Jesus Christ is the most important requirement for salvation and reconciliation to God. The Bible teaches that belief in Jesus is the means by which people can receive God's grace and forgiveness for their sins.
However, faith in Jesus is not the only requirement, as the Bible also teaches that faith in Jesus should lead to a changed life and obedience to God's commands. A true faith in Jesus should result in a transformed life that reflects obedience to God and His ways.
In summary, faith in Jesus Christ is the most important requirement for salvation and reconciliation to God, but it is not the only requirement. The Bible teaches that a true faith in Jesus should lead to a changed life and obedience to God's commands, reflecting a transformed relationship with Him.

ME:
where in the bible does it say I should have a changed life and obedience to God's commands

AI:
The Bible teaches that faith in Jesus Christ should lead to a changed life and obedience to God's commands in several places. Here are some examples:

• James 2:17 says, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." This verse teaches that a living faith in Jesus will result in actions that reflect obedience to God.

• Romans 6:17-18 says, "But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." This verse teaches that faith in Jesus should result in obedience to God's commands and a transformed life.

• 1 John 2:3-6 says, "We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. The man who says, 'I know him,' but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." This verse teaches that faith in Jesus should result in obedience to His commands, as a reflection of a true relationship with Him.

These are just a few examples of the many verses in the Bible that teach that faith in Jesus Christ should lead to a changed life and obedience to God's commands. The Bible teaches that a transformed life, reflecting obedience to God and His ways, is an essential aspect of a true faith in Jesus.

The Only Purpose

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9

 

When we bury our head in the sand and ignore the facts, we are doing a disservice to the fabric of our society.  This complacency and decision to turn the other way is allowing the acceptance of worldly perspectives rather than Godly perspectives.  Let’s face it, there are mornings I wake up and read the news and become completely discouraged with the current state of the world.  I look at the poverty, the wars, the corruptness, greed and scandals; and ask myself how much longer.  Have you been there?  Have you found yourself at times wondering, “How much longer God.  How much longer must we wait for your return?”  It’s so hard to look upon all of the evil in this world and not be overwhelmed by the challenge before us as believers in Jesus Christ.  Daily we hear of violent crimes against children, abuse of spouses, murder in the streets, oppressive governments, incurable disease, increases in homelessness and unemployment and the deception of world views on our youth, drawing them away from Christ.  There are days I wake up and feel sick to my stomach as I hear the stories of what is happening around the globe to those that stand up for their faith.

Jesus Christ came for all mankind.  The scriptures are clear that God’s desire is that all of mankind would return to Him.  In the most popular verse of the Bible: John 3:16, we see that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whomever should believe in Him would not perish, but have eternal life.”   By the sacrifice of His only Son, God set a path in motion for ALL of mankind, not for some, not for a few, but for “all that believe in Him”.  This is the only requirement, yet so many in today’s world have chosen to refuse this gift, and remain in their sin and unrighteousness.

According to the scriptures, Jesus will return one day to take His children home (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).   Those who believe.  There is no other path to salvation represented in the scriptures for those who refuse the act that has already been demonstrated.  No good works, no charity, no financial gain, no position of power or authority, no relationship, and no wisdom will bridge the chasm between this world and the next.  Many have tried to twist the scriptures to accommodate other paths and define salvation in a way that brings comfort to their life-style, but the Holy Word of God cannot be twisted or conformed to our way of thinking.  Rather, we must accommodate our lifestyle to align with His Word.

A simple question and answer session:

• Do you believe in God?
• Do you believe that God created the heavens and earth?
• Do you believe that God gave the 10 Commandments to Moses as law for mankind?
• Do you believe that God flooded the earth during the days of Noah?
• Do you believe that God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for the evil that dwelt within?
• Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?
• Do you believe that Jesus Christ was born to a virgin, died, and was raised again as the salvation for mankind?

If you can answer Yes to all of these questions, than do you also believe that Jesus will come back one day to bring His own home?  Peter, Paul, John and the other disciples believed this as well.  They suffered terrible deaths holding onto this truth, and the belief that it would be in their lifetime.  Just because it did not happen in their lifetime, doesn’t change the fact that it will happen.  1 Thessalonians 4:16 tells us that the “dead in Christ” will be taken up first – this includes all of those who have gone on before you.  Peter, Paul, John, Mary, …. , Billy Graham, Mother Theresa, perhaps your parents or Grandparents, perhaps your spouse, or your child.  Verse 17 tells us that “we who are alive in Christ” will then be called to dwell with Him forever.

Does your life reflect this anticipation?  Are you impatiently awaiting the return of Jesus, and keeping alert and ready for His return?  If it were today, where would you be tomorrow?  Honestly reflect on this, for you are not going to “fake” your way through it.  God knows the truth of your heart, and regardless of your words or pleading, He will judge one way or the other.  By grace He has provided a plan of salvation, not because we deserved it, but because His love for ALL of mankind is so deep. 

He wants that all should be saved, so upon His return, can this world claim that ALL or saved?  Of course not, so does this not then require our patience and adherence to His teaching until that time has come?  If you can stand upon His truth and claim salvation, then you should be reaching to those that are lost with love and compassion, just as Jesus did, so that they too can come to this redemption.  I fear that we have turned salvation into a sporting event and as long as our team wins it’s all good.  That is not the heart of God.  It’s not a competition, it is a loving discourse of God’s truth.  Jesus came to share the truth, and left the Holy Spirit with us to help us share this good news. 

In leaving the Holy Spirit with us, we have God’s advocate dwelling within until the time of Jesus return.  Rest on this, be strengthened by this, and know that you are a child of God, left here only for a select time to share this love of God with others.  For in due time either He will return or you will reach your end of days.  In either case, our only task is to glorify the Father, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to expand His Kingdom and share His love.  This is the fruit that a child of God will bear, until the time of Jesus return.  

We get wrapped up in the worldly news, and the negativity of this life, and in doing so lose sight of why we are here.  Why are we so intrigued and captivated by the meaningless dribble that comes out of the news, social media, and the mouths of those in this world?  Nothing you do, no nothing, is more important than returning the lost to the Father.  You focus on your career, on your cars, your bills, your house, your sports, and your family; while those along your life’s path are suffering in their sin, with no understanding of the Father.  Your children, your spouse, your family, your friends are all a good place to start.  For in due time, when the trumpet sounds, they will no longer have a choice.  God’s grace is sufficient for the most disgusting of sinful actions, and His redemption is available to all, but they must come to an understanding that He alone is Lord and they must be saved from their worldly unrighteousness. 

 

 

© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
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14 Days of Love – Day 14 – God is Love

 “God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only son, that whosoever should believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
 

Happy Valentines Day.  Today is the day that millions of people will go to any means to express to their spouse, children, parents, and friends that they love them.  Some will give flowers, some will give candy and still, others will give jewelry.  It represents a need deep inside every one of us to feel loved and to hear from others that we are loved.  But what about the giver?  How do they benefit from the giving?  I, for one, love giving gifts.  I love seeing the joy and happiness that is derived from receiving gifts that I have put thought and effort into.  It’s not just physical gifts though.  In many cases, it’s serving and helping others, without their knowledge or request.  Taking a warm bowl of soup to a homeless person, or buying the lunch for a soldier before they head off to serve our country.  It warms the heart to do something for others, without any visible gain from it, but often times an enormous spiritual and emotional gain. 
 
A simple example happened to me just today.  I came out of the store with several things in my shopping basket.  I arrived at my car, and proceeded to load them into the backseat.  As I stood to push my cart back down the parking lot to the cart return area, a gentlemen looked up from his car and walked toward me.  “Are you all set there, you want me to take that for you?”  He then proceeded to push my cart 100 feet down the aisle to the cart return area and then walked back to his car.

Certainly, one of the most recognized verses in the entire bible is John 3:16.  Its popularity has been broadcast worldwide on sporting events, from concerts, journalistic events and a plethora of other entertainment events.  Where it could be predicted that millions, if not billions, would be watching there was always someone who was willing to stand up for God and in doing so spread His good news.  This one scripture sums up God’s plan of salvation for mankind.  To once again draw them close to His side, He took it upon Himself to bridge the gap. 

God so loved the world.  I tell my wife, “I Love You Most” and it comes from deep within.  The deepest feelings I have for anyone in this world are shared with one person only.  This love exemplifies the emotional as well as physical love that brings two souls together.  One step removed is the love I have for my children, grandchildren, parents, and family, often greeted with “I Love You More”.  I would cross the ocean, desert or tundra to help any single one of them, because we share a bond of blood that cannot be reversed or unseeded, there will always be an emotional tie between family.  Finally, there is the love I have for my friends.  A love that is bound by values and life’s experiences.  A loving relationship that develops stronger over time.  Do I love the world?  Could I?  Certainly not.  Trying to put logic around God’s statement of loving the world, one must first realize that God is omnipotent and omnipresent and solely capable of loving every person in the world at the same time with the same depth.  Without first accepting this fact, one can never fully embrace God’s ability to love the world and everyone in it.

God gave His one and only Son.  I have 5 children and 5 Grandchildren, and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for them.  I would give up my own life before putting any of them in harm's way, so I can’t fathom the type of love that is referred to here.  How can a loving God ever consider sending His Son to become the sacrifice for all mankind?  It wasn’t that God sent His Son to die, for this result was predetermined and God knew the glorious events that would unfold 3 days afterward.  It was the pain, temptation, suffering, rejection, humiliation, and degradation that Jesus Christ would have to endure leading up to Calvary.  Jesus even asked for another way but ensured his Father that if not, he would follow through.  God gave His Son to establish a path of salvation for mankind and to demonstrate the love of the Father for everyone forever more.

The path to eternity was clearly articulated in John 3:16.  “..whosoever believes in Him, will not perish, but have eternal life.”  It seems straight forward.  Many claim that they don’t understand the Christian faith and all of the rules and guidelines.  They don’t comprehend the differences between Catholicism, Orthodox, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Methodist, Calvinistic or Reformed Baptists.  Partially because of these differences the world has been led to believe that there are many paths to heaven.  The truth comes from the scriptures.  Salvation is derived from believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Messiah, and will return one day to bring His children home.

When we reflect on the last 14 days of devotionals on God’s Love for mankind, it all boils down to one thing, which is captured in 1 John 4:8; “…God is Love.”  That sums it up.  You can’t escape this definition of God, for everything we understand of love – emotions, serving others, words of affection, time with one another, and even the physical touch; it all stems from what God has given us through His Son - Jesus Christ.


Prayer:
Loving Father,
You have given us love.  You have shown us the truth in how to love one another and the future in how to receive salvation.  You have given us Your Son to teach us and to demonstrate Your unending love which is available to all mankind.  We rejoice in knowing that You love us and want us to be with You in heaven.  Thank You, Father, for providing a path of redemption, sanctification and eternity in Your presence.  I tell my wife, “I Love You” and it comes from deep within.  The deepest feelings I have for anyone in this world are shared with only one person.  One step removed is the love I have for my children and grandchildren. In Your name we pray – Amen


© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
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Your Best Friend

Friendships aren't born, they are created over time.  Strength comes from trust, love, humility, honesty and sacrifice.  One typically will go out of their way to help a friend whenever possible.  There isn't a blood bond, but many times there is a heart bond that is even stronger.

Take a moment to evaluate your friendships.  Ask yourself what is the foundation, what is the basis of your friendship.  What are you putting into it, and what are you expecting to get out of it?  What have you given up, what have they?  What are you willing to give up to keep it?

Now evaluate your relationship with God.  What is the foundation and basis for your relationship?  What are you putting into it, and what are you expecting from Him?  What have you sacrificed to follow Him?   What has He sacrificed for you?  What are you willing to do going forward to keep your relationship with God?  What do you expect Him to do for you going forward?

John 3:16 tells us "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.  That whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but shall receive eternal life."

He has given it all for you.  Are you willing to do the same for Him?  There is no more valuable relationship in your life than to strengthen this relationship first and foremost.

Proof that He Loves You

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It with your Friends

“Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the Lord out of the heavens.”– Genesis 19:24

The cities were filled with sin.  Man slept with man and woman with woman.  Rape, incest, murder, evil thoughts and actions were pervasive throughout the population of the city.  The corruptness had become the norm and righteousness was hard to find.  The pleas of Abraham had been for the Lord to show mercy if only 10 righteous people could be found in the entire city.  It was not to be and we know the rest of the story.  In an instant the Lord destroyed the two cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, as no righteousness could be found within their walls, except Lot and his family.  Was the Lord justified in destroying these cities?  How can you answer anything but yes when you are contemplating the actions of the Lord.  He is justified in every action ever taken by His own hand.  He is the designer, creator and author of life, death and all that is in between.  Who can tell Him that He is wrong in His actions?

Who is pleading with the Lord on our behalf today?  For I propose to you that the society in which we live, the acceptance of our culture has become so complacent and accepting that unrighteousness once again abounds within the walls of each city.  Should we be looking heavenward for the streaking flares of sulfur raining down upon our cities any day now?  Are you convinced that the population of Sodom and Gomorrah were much worse than the cities of our 21^st century?  Certainly, there are more than 10 righteous people inside of your city walls, and you are likely one of them.  Is this what keeps the Lord from pouring out His wrath upon our very existence?

There is a significant reason that God has not destroyed the earth again, despite the evil, corruption, sadistic and deplorable sinful lives of mankind.  That reason is the one we call Jesus Christ.  For you see, the wrath of our Lord; which was poured out on Sodom, it was poured out on the Philistines, it was poured out on the Egyptians, it was poured out on the entire world in the flood of Genesis 6; was also poured out on the very flesh of God’s own Son.  Take that in for just a moment.  We are no better than those of Sodom and Gomorrah, or those of Egypt, or those that ridiculed Noah.  We as a society in general have turned our back on serving the Lord with everything we have, and we have chosen to pursue the pleasures of the world instead.  The wrath of God that you and I so rightfully deserve for our thoughts, our actions and our sinful nature would be death, devastation and destruction of catastrophic proportion.  This overwhelming wrath of the Lord, the pain and suffering we deserve, was delivered to one man who did live perfectly righteous in every way.

The sacrificial lamb for our sins was slaughtered because you and I deserved to die for what we have done, not because of anything He did.  Jesus Christ bore the extreme wrath of God, something we cannot begin to fathom, so you and I would not have to.  When you read John 3:16; “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever shall believe in Him will have eternal life.”; the words are almost cliché, because we have watered them down to our view of love.  I want you to realize the severity of God’s wrath that He poured out onto His only Son, based on the perspective of His wrath that He poured out on Sodom and Gomorrah, Egypt, and the world in the Old Testament.  This extreme wrath was poured out on this One man, so that you and I would be exempt from this punishment in our lifetime.  He loves us that much.  Not a little bit as you and I love each other and our families; but His love was so intense that He chose to destroy His own Son, literally and figuratively, so that we can enter eternity one day.

Is God’s wrath still alive today?  Yes, but we are shielded from that wrath because of the lamb that paid the price for our deplorable sinful nature.  One day, God’s wrath will once again be released upon this earth, for those who have chosen to deny His sacrificial offering.  This wrath will make Sodom and Gomorrah look like a walk in the park on Sunday afternoon.  The fire and sulfur that rained from the sky on these cities will be nothing compared to the depths of Hell that await mankind for their denial of Jesus Christ, and God the Father.  Don’t question the reality of it.  God has given you plenty of warning.  Jesus has pleaded with Him on your behalf and taken your punishment already.  The next step will be utter destruction of this earth as we know it and you won’t be able to avoid His wrath without accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.  Don’t blame it on God, for He provided a path for your escape, just as He did for Lot and his family to escape from Sodom on that night as recorded in Genesis.  Are you telling your friends?  Are you telling your family?  Do you care enough about their salvation to ensure that they are not exposed to God’s wrath one day?  If not, ask yourself why not.  Why is that not the most important thing you have to do today?


             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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Don’t Make Him Mad

“When I {the Lord} shoot at you with my deadly and destructive arrows of famine, I will shoot to destroy you. I will bring more and more famine upon you and cut off your supply of food.” Ezekiel 5:16

 

Have you ever had one of those days where enough is enough?  Most of us will answer yes to this question.  The bills are piling up and then the car breaks down.  You’re running late on a project at work and your boss comes by to give you yet another project to complete in an even shorter timeframe.  There is only so much we can take before we explode.  There is always that point at which we throw up our hands and lose it.  In most cases someone is going to get the outburst of our frustration, whether they deserved it or not.

We have studied in many past devotionals that God is immutable, never changing.  His love for us today is equal to His love for King David, Moses, Paul, Peter and the other saints from the scripture.  He can neither love us any more, nor any less than He does today. We adhere to this principle, and focus much of our attention on His loving grace and mercy.  It’s important that we do not lose sight of the fact that God is all powerful and capable of unbelievable wrath, like nothing we have ever experienced in our lifetime.  He is truly immutable, but that does not only refer to his loving side.  Here in the 5^th chapter of the book of Ezekiel we read about the city of Jerusalem and His wrath that would fall down upon them. His chosen city, the city set up on a hill, where His temple was built and the Arc of the Covenant was held.  When His wrath is poured out upon this city, devastation, chaos and mourning are heard in the streets. 

I reference this scripture this morning because God is to be feared even today.  It is my hypothesis that we have forgotten just how vengeful and omnipotent God truly is.  He is not this loving Santa Claus that will give us everything we want in life.  He is a Father and fully capable of disciplining His children out of pure love whenever necessary.  You see it is my belief that God has zero tolerance for sin.  Time and time He has demonstrated His wrath over the sinful nature of mankind and their blatant disobedience of His word. This is not a reality show or a game called life, this is living for Him and His Kingdom, and nothing else.  Understand that the only reason you have breath each day is to glorify Him, and to serve Him and build up His Kingdom.

You and I are unbelievably sinful beings.  From the moment we awake until the moment we lay our head upon the pillow, sin fills our thoughts, our actions and our heart.  As a society, the human race has fallen to a place in history where our actions, our wickedness and debauchery far outweigh anything in the scriptures from those societies of old that fully experienced God’s wrath and were completely wiped off the map.  Why are we still here?  There is only one reason that God has not poured out His wrath on you and I.  That one reason is the man Jesus Christ.  When God sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross, the sins of mankind were placed upon Him.  Not just the sins of those standing on the hill in Jerusalem watching that day, no, the sins of all mankind before and those to come after.  God’s wrath that was poured out on Sodom, and the wrath He poured out on Jerusalem, and the plagues He poured out on Egypt are nothing compared to the wrath He poured out onto His own Son, hanging on that cross.  Grasp this, if nothing else when you read John 3:16 from here forward. 

Jesus stands between you and God.  If God were to look down upon the earth He would see the evil and unrighteousness of mankind.  Yet, with Jesus as our Savior and Lord, He sees us as forgiven, washed clean and redeemed.  Imagine Jesus as a filter between you and God, taking away all of the sin that corrupts our lives and heart, such that we are presented fully righteous and worthy of God’s perfect heaven.  Only Jesus can act for us in this manner, for He alone was perfect through His life, death and resurrection.  Perfect in God’s eyes and worthy of God’s loving grace and mercy.  Therefore through Him we are given this same grace and mercy.  The opposite is also true though.  Those without Christ as their Savior will stand before God one day on their own and try to justify the sins of their past and their worthiness, which will fall well short of the perfection required.

 

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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