This is the fifth and final part to this message.
There is not one of us Christians who have lived the just, holy and righteous life that God desires of us. Each of us have made bad choices in our lives. It's not so much the choices that were made, but our actions to turn those bad choices into valuable learning experiences, seeking forgiveness and hopefully reconciliation where needed that God desires. Mending broken relationships not only with God, but with family and friends who have built a wall of separation and protection for fear of being hurt again. This is where the faith we have meets the pavement so to speak. We either gain heavenly wisdom during this life's journey and mature as Christians or we don't and stay spiritual babies.
Speaking to a crowd on the mountainside, Jesus said,"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14-15
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Jesus does promise us, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10 And again, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." Matthew 5:11
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 2 Timothy 3:12-13
"He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time." 2 Timothy 1:9
You may believe whatever you wish, but if your belief is not in line with God's Word you will stand before the Judge, Christ Jesus one day soon.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus writes, For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2
I know for a certainty that my Redeemer lives and His return is near.
Thus says the LORD, “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." 1 Thessalonians 5
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Revelation 22:12-14
To the Christian: The victory over death is ours and we are commanded to share the love of Christ, not tomorrow, for tomorrow may not come; but today and every day until our Lord's return. Share your experiences and faith with the lost, for this, I believe is The Final Generation and maybe even the final hour before the rapture of the church.
May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.
