40. The blessedness of God’s people

 40 • The Eternal Blessedness of God’s Children

God’s promises of eternal life, glory and joy in His presence are found repeatedly in God’s Holy Book (Psalm 16:11; John 3:16; Daniel 12:2, 3). If these promises were not true, then we would be the most miserable of all people (1 Corinthians 15:19). But Jesus did conquer sin, Satan, hell and death, He lives forever.  The Bible says that a time will come when Jesus Christ will return to earth and fetch His children. Just as He went up with the clouds into heaven, so He will return on the clouds in all His glory (Acts 1:11).  No one knows the time of this event, only God the Father (Matthew 24:36); but it is written in God’s Book that when He comes, every eye will see Him because He will come in great glory (Revelation1:7). Jesus said that as lightning flashes from east to west so will be His return to this earth (Matthew24:27). At that time, He will fetch His children.

All those who belong to Jesus will be given a glorified body (Philippians 3:21). They will then be with God forever and will see Him face to face. They will worship and praise and honor Him forever and forever. In 1 Corinthians 2:9 it is written that no eye has seen, nor ear heard, and that no mind has conceived the things that God has prepared for those who love Him. We can’t begin to imagine the glory, the exceeding joy and blessedness that God’s children will experience when Jesus Christ returns. If children of God die before that time, they will be translated directly to paradise (Luke 16:22-26).

As was said before: ‘The suffering that we now endure is not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us’ (Romans 8:18). We now have a natural body, a perishable body, a body subject to temptation, sickness and sin. But then we will receive a glorified, imperishable, incorruptible body, a body free from temptation, sin and death. The bodies that believers in God will receive will not even be subject to pain or sickness (Revelation 21:4). When you see movies of superheros that have abilities to fly, break steel, swing from building to building like Spider-Man, and possess unusual strength of some kind, some people think, ‘If only I had those capabilities it would be awesome’. The fact is that if you die as God’s child you will receive a body vastly superior to a superhero’s body, a body like the one Jesus now has, an indestructible body that can walk through walls or just appear somewhere (John 20:19).

Another wonderful thing is that with your new body you will still be able to enjoy food (John 21:5-14). In 1 Corinthians 15:52, 54, God’s Word says that as God’s angel sounds the last trumpet, we will all be changed in an instant. And death, the last enemy, will finally be destroyed. Can you imagine such a time when you will experience only joy and love and peace and glory and happiness without end? Jesus said heaven will be different from this life. Sexuality will be no more. There will be no drugstores, liquor-stores or 70 virgins waiting for you in heaven as some delusional religious fanatics believe. Jesus said that there will also be no marriages, because everyone in heaven will be like the angels (Matthew 22:29).

Truth to consider: All people now live in a time dimension where death is a daily reality. But one day the time dimension will be exchanged with eternity, and death will no longer be a reality. How we live in time and the choices we now make will have eternal consequences (Romans 2:15, 16).

Read: Psalm 16:11; John 3:16; Daniel 12:2,3; 1 Corinthians 15:19; Acts 1:11; Matthew 24:36; Revelation 1:7; Matthew 24:27; Philippians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Luke 16:22-26; Romans 8:18; Revelation 21:4; John 20:19; 21:5-14;1 Corinthians 15:52, 54; Matthew 22:29; Romans 2:15, 16.

39. The reality of eternal punishment

 39 • The Reality of Eternal Conscious Punishment of Unbelievers

We have heard that wicked people who have rejected God will be punished.  And this is true.  Justice will be served. Many people agree that evil people should be punished for their sins, but they don’t agree with the duration and extent of God’s punishment. They say that people in hell will be punished, but only for a certain time and then they will be annihilated.  In other words, they will cease to exist. Or others say God will punish them and then after some time, maybe after a few hundred thousand years, they will be reunited with God. Others say that after death we will be reincarnated and given another chance to be good. All these arguments are only opinions and speculations. What matters is what God’s Word says, even if it is an unpopular teaching.  Nevertheless, it remains God’s Word.

Hebrews 9:27 says that man is appointed to die once and then the judgement. We need truth from God’s Holy Book. We shall know the truth and the truth will set us free (John 8:32). Listen to God’s words in Matthew 25:46: ‘And these will go into eternal punishment.’ ‘These’ refer to those who didn’t serve God. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 says that when the Lord is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, He will take vengeance on those who do not know God and did not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. They shall be punished with everlasting destruction in the presence of the Lord. Revelation 14:11: ‘And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever.’ Jesus warned about the reality of eternal punishment more than any other person in God’s Book.

Jesus said in Mark 9:43-48, ‘if your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, for it is better for you to enter life maimed than for you to enter hell with both hands where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched……..and if your eye causes you to stumble it is better to pluck it out and enter the Kingdom of Heaven than to have two eyes and be cast into hell where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ In this passage and in Matthew 18:6-9 Jesus meant that we should take the most drastic steps with our bodies and kill sin to escape the coming torments in hell’s fire. The eternity of hell is exemplified by His description of hell. Three times in Mark 9:43-48 hell is described as an eternal reality and not merely as a rubbish heap (dump) as some theologians would say. And what is evident is that what the suffering God-haters will experience will be constant, conscious and forever (Luke 16:24; Mark 14:21)!

If someone murders a person, he may get a life sentence or even a death sentence. But we know that a murder takes only a few seconds to commit, even if it was planned weeks before the murder took place. It works the same way with rape or theft. It only takes a short time to commit the crime, but the sentence fits the crime considering the dignity of the person against whom it was committed. That’s why sins committed against an infinite, worthy Person (God) will receive an infinite, worthy sentence. Therefore, eternal punishment (Daniel 9:2) is fitting for those who reject Jesus Christ and His redeeming work on the cross (John 3:36).

Truth to consider: A reality that many people deny but a truth clearly taught in Scripture is the eternity of human existence. We will all live forever (Ecclesiastes 3:11), either in God’s glorious presence or without God’s glory; either in heaven or in hell (Daniel 9:2). It is a shocking and dreadful reality for those who hate God!

Read: Hebrews 9:27; John 8:32; Matthew 25:46; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 14:11; Mark 9:43-48; Matthew 18:6-9; Luke 16:24; Mark 14:21; Daniel 9:2; John 3:36; Ecclesiastes 3:11.

38. God’s Final Judgement

Part 6 Consummation–End Times

 38 • God’s Final Judgement—The Day of the Lord

You might think: Why does God allow His people to suffer so much? Or you may think: Why does God not stop the devil from wreaking havoc in this world? Where is justice for God’s people? Where is God’s protection? Isn’t He almighty? Isn’t He the Creator? Many things we, as limited human beings, cannot understand; but God has a purpose in our suffering. Romans 8:28 states: ‘All things work for the good to those who love Him and who are called to His purpose.’ Also, in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 it states that as suffering for Christ’s followers abounds so does the consolation of Christ abound so that His disciples can be effective in His service. However, our concern should be directed to another reality:

Hebrew 9:27 states: ‘Man is appointed to die once and then the judgement.’ There is one appointment no one who has ever lived will miss—the Day of the Lord. The final judgement of the world will come when every person who has ever lived will be judged by God. We live in ‘real time’, this life is no fantasy or illusion, and when we look at things happening in the world, we may think God is unjust for allowing evil things and cruelty to occur. There are so many wars and people fighting over land and possessions, rapes, murders and the list goes on. But at the Final Judgement seat of God, when God will end the world, justice will be given to every person who has ever lived (Revelation 20:11-15). This will include justice for the devil and his demons. Those who have rebelled against God and Jesus Christ will be condemned for eternity. But those who have received Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord will be justified, declared innocent of all their wrongdoing (Romans 3:24-25, 28). They will enter paradise with the angels of God. All the names of those belonging to God are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 17:8; 20:15).God’s Book says in Revelation 20:15 that every person whose name is not written in the Lamb’s book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire.

These are the people who rejected Jesus as their Saviour and King as well as the devil and his demons (Revelation 20:10). The just Judge of all the earth will see to it that every evildoer gets punished. So, when we see evil people prosper, we need not fret or get anxious (Psalm 73:3-5; 17-20).  Every evil thought and motive will be laid bare before God (Romans 2:14-16). God will open the books and reveal to the universe those who rejected Him and those who belong to Him (Matthew 25:31-46).

Not feeding the poor, not giving water to the thirsty, not clothing the naked, not visiting the sick and those in prison are sins just as murdering, stealing and lying are, although according to the laws of an earthly government you wouldn’t get sentenced to prison for not being merciful. Many people think sin is only the bad things people do, but Jesus Christ revealed that sin is also the good things we do not do when we have the opportunity to do them (James 4:17). Only those who belong to God and whose sins have been washed away by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) will be safe from the wrath of God (Romans 5:9, 10). Jesus also said: ‘Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy’ (Matthew 5:7).

Questions to consider: if you were to die tonight, would God let you enter His holy heaven?  Is your name in the Book of Life?  Do you have peace with God?  Are you in a right relationship with God?

Read: Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:11-15; Romans 3:24,25,28; Revelation 17:8;20:10, 15; Psalm 73:3-5;17-20; Romans 2:14-16; Matthew 25:31-46; James 4:17; Romans 5:9,10; Matthew 5:7.

37. The reality of suffering

37 • The Reality of Suffering and Persecution of God’s Children

When Jesus was on earth, He told His followers that they would have to endure suffering for His name’s sake. He said: ‘If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you’ (John 15:20). Also, in 2 Timothy 3:12 Paul, the soldier of God, said: ‘All who desire to live godly lives will suffer persecution.’ Christians must be ready to face opposition and rejection by those in respective cultures, and even from their friends and family. The Bible says in Acts 14:22 that it is through many tribulations that we must enter the Kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul writes from another perspective to the Philippians: ‘For unto you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake’ (Philippians 1:29). For Paul, it was a privilege to suffer for Christ!

The Apostle Peter agreed—He wrote: ‘If you are insulted for the Name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you’ (1 Peter 4:14). Romans 8:18 says: ‘For I consider that the sufferings of this present age are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.’ We know that if we are followers of God, people will oppose us, and we should not be surprised but be ready and prepared for this (Matthew 10:33-39).

As you read this in the 21st century, Christians all over the world are being killed, churches are being destroyed, people are being locked up in prison and tortured because they belong to Jesus and because they follow and love Him. In many countries, even in the West, people are vilified and losing their jobs, because they stand for what is right and for Jesus. As you witness about God and make disciples of all nations, many will not like it. People will insult you and may physically harm you and even kill you (Acts 7:54-59; Matthew 5:11, 12)! Throughout the history of God’s people there have been nations and peoples who have persecuted them and killed many of them: The Romans, Persians, Moguls, Chinese, Buddhists, Communists, and most severely the Muslims. Even Catholics persecuted and killed followers of Jesus a few centuries ago.

From God’s perspective it is a useless operation to even try to destroy God’s people and His Word. This attempt can be likened to a person who wants to quench a fire by pouring oil onto it. The more oil is poured onto it the bigger the flame gets. When unbelievers see that Christians refuse to deny Christ and are willing to suffer for His glory, then many unbelievers turn to Christ. The unquenchable faith of Christ’s followers shines brightest during suffering. Some wicked people think they are doing God a favor by persecuting Christians, but the devil has blinded them to the truth (2 Corinthians 4:4). This may surprise you, but we must realize who is behind this persecution—our sworn enemies, the devil and his demons. 1 Peter 5:8 says we must be watchful because the devil is like a roaring lion walking about and waiting to devour God’s people. From an eternal perspective this lion has much roar but no teeth. Jesus said that you will be hated by all nations because you belong to God (Matthew 24:9).

Reality to consider: It might seem that God’s enemies are getting the upper hand by killing God’s people; but the ultimate victory is with God because He conquered death. So, when Christians suffer or die for Jesus’ sake, death becomes the entrance to eternal life with God (Acts 7:56, 59)!  In the end God’s people will be victorious!

Read: John 15:20; 2 Timothy 3:12; Acts 14:22; 1 Philippians 1:29; 1 Peter 4:14; Romans 8:18; Matthew 10:33-39; Acts 7:54-59; Matthew 5:11, 12; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 Peter 5:8; Matthew 24:9.

36. Go and make disciples

36 • Go and Make Disciples

Jesus said many things to His disciples before He went to heaven. One of His last commands should be His children’s supreme concern and ambition. Jesus said, about 2000 years ago: ‘Go therefore and make disciples (spiritually mature Christians) of all the nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all the things that I have commanded you; for I am with you always, even to the end of the age’ (Matthew 28:18-20). This command is meant for all His followers—not only for His disciples two thousand years ago. In a sense it is impossible for Christians to make even one disciple. We all know that Christians struggle to overcome sin and everyday problems. In our own strength it is impossible to be a disciple, let alone to make disciples.

This is why God assures us that He will be with us to the end of the age. His presence, the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of Christ; Romans 8:8), will help us in this wonderful task. We need Him (Psalm 63:1-3; Psalm 84:1-5) and we need to remember that Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). Because of His authority and supreme power, the task of making disciples is certain. With God’s manual (The Bible), with His Spirit within us (Ephesians 1:19, 20), with the grace of Jesus Christ enabling us (2 Corinthians 13:14), we are sure to succeed in God’s enterprise. Jesus said in Matthew 16:18: ‘On this rock (Christ) I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.’ All the powers of sin, wickedness and hell cannot overcome Jesus’ power. Christians cannot be destroyed because Jesus overcame death (1 Corinthians 15:3-5; 20-22).

His marvelous aim and purpose is to see people from all ethnic groups (currently there are about 12000 of them) come into His kingdom to worship Him (Revelation 5:9; 7:9). The goal of making disciples of Jesus is to enable them to worship and delight in God for eternity (Revelation 5:9-13). Teaching people to be obedient to Him is a temporary project on earth. To go and share and live God’s words can be compared to an army going for battle against enemy forces. There will be casualties and assaults on God’s kingdom, and we need weapons to fight with. The difference is that our weapons are not physical weapons but spiritual weapons, mighty through God to pull down strongholds and to go behind enemy lines (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). The great thing to remember is that the decisive battle has been won through the finished work of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

Christians, as God’s soldiers, are to proclaim His victory so that God will receive the rewards of His suffering from all ethnic groups. One day this opportunity to go into all the world and be on mission for Jesus will be gone. What vision and divine ambition drive you? Are you energized to do great exploits for God’s glorious Kingdom (Daniel 12:2, 3)? There will be no end of the increase of God’s government and peace (Isaiah 9:6)! In Mark 8:38 Jesus said: ‘For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this sinful and adulterous generation, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels’. To make disciples of all nations is therefore not an option for believers but a glorious responsibility and a privilege.

Scripture to consider: In Revelation 5:9 God gives us a picture of eternity:  ‘And they sang a new song saying, “You (Christ) are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of EVERY TRIBE AND TONGUE AND PEOPLE AND ETHNIC GROUP, and made us kings and priests to our God.”’

Read: Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 8:8; Psalm 63:1-3; Psalm 84:1-5; Ephesians 1:19, 20; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 15:3-5; 20-22; Revelation 5:9; 7:9; Revelation 5:9-13; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; 2 Corinthians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 15:55-57;

Daniel 12:2,3; Isaiah 9:6; Mark 8:38.

35. You shall be my witnesses

 35 • You Shall be My Witnesses

Before Jesus went back to heaven from where He came, He told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem to receive the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:48, 49). Jesus said: ‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria and unto the ends of the earth’ (Acts 1:8). This command Jesus gave His Apostles two thousand years ago, but it applies to all Christians too. It has already been fulfilled many times in the world, but it remains valid for each believer in every generation. Each person who has been touched by God and whose sins have been forgiven has a story to tell the world (1 Peter 3:15). You must tell others what great things Jesus has done for you (Mark 5:19, 20)!

If a lame man who was healed in the Name of Jesus when the apostle Peter prayed for him then started walking and jumping and praising God for everyone to hear (Acts 3:1-10), how much more should we praise God for what He has done for us, saving us from eternal wrath through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross (Romans 5:9). In fact, it is impossible to keep quiet if you really know what has happened to you. Many people have been involved in terrible things, and some have a more dramatic story to tell than others. People addicted to drugs, pornography, fornication, lust, homosexuality, prostitution, gambling and alcohol have been set free by Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Others have been set free from ancestral worship, demonic oppression and possession and even from pride and legalism, the worst type of bondage (Luke 20:46-47).

In any case, each one of us who believes in Christ has the privilege to witness about Jesus Christ’s saving power, about His perfect life, His sacrifice on the cross on behalf of us and His victory over death. He took us from the pit of hell, from the miry clay (Psalm 40:1-3) and gave us new life in His Spirit. Just imagine that someone gave you 2, 000, 000 US dollars! Wouldn’t you tell someone about it? Wouldn’t you be happy about it? Wouldn’t you share it with others? How much more, then, when someone’s sins have truly been forgiven, and he/she is delivered from the bondage of sin, self and Satan, has been granted eternal life, has received the wonderful Holy Spirit and an inheritance in heaven and found the Treasure of Jesus Christ, would he/she remain quiet about it and not want to share this good news with others?! Revelation 12:11 says: ‘And they (referring to believers) overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony and they did not love their lives unto death.’ As Charles Spurgeon said: ‘Have you no desire for others to be saved, then you are not saved yourself. Be sure of that!’

But we need wisdom (Colossians 4:5) how and with whom to share this good news. Jesus said we should be: ‘…as wise as serpents an as innocent as doves’ (Matthew 10:16). In many places in the world believers can be persecuted or even be put to death because they follow Christ. There are people who would like to kill and destroy the life of God within Christians. But the life of God within His children is indestructible— because God is indestructible. He is the Author and Prince of Life (Acts 3:15; John 1:4)! Because many people are the enemies of God, they will go against His children with force to kill and to steal and to destroy (John 10:10; John 16:33).

Having said this, Jesus warns His followers to speak out, and not to be silent when the opportunity arises. Jesus said: ‘Whoever confesses Me before men I will confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will deny before My Father who is in heaven’ (Matthew 10:33).

 Scripture to consider: Jesus said: ‘Blessed and happy are you if people insult and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be glad for great is your reward in heaven’ (Matthew 5:11, 12).

Read: Luke 24:48, 49; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15; Mark 5:19, 20; Acts 3:1-10; Romans 5:9; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Luke 20:46, 47; Psalm 40:1-3; Revelation 12:11; Colossians 4:5; Matthew 10:16; Acts 3:15; John 1:4; John 10:10; Matthew 5:11, 12; John 16:33.

34. God uses imperfect people

 34 • God uses Imperfect People

You may have heard rumors of Christians caught up in adultery; or who were greedy and did things which did not reflect the glory and holiness of God. You may therefore think that God’s people are hypocrites. However, God’s people are all human beings and none of them in this world is perfect (Philippians 3:12-15; 1 John 1:8). We all carry the weight of a sinful nature around with us (Romans 7:14-24). Some may sin, others more so; but that doesn’t mean they don’t belong to God. God is a God of mercy and grace and He knows that we are weak, earthen vessels, that break easily (2 Corinthians 4:7) and He knows our enemy, the devil, is prowling around like a lion to devour His children (1 Peter 5:8).

But there are also those who claim to be Christians, but in fact aren’t. Jesus said many will preach His word and do miracles in His Name, but they do not belong to Him (Matthew 7:21-23). Jesus said only those who do the will of God will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. In 1 John 2:17 it is written: ‘And the world is passing away, and the lust thereof, but he who does the will of God abides forever.’ We cannot live sinful lives, play around with sin and think we will not reap the consequences (Galatians 6:7, 8). But Jesus said some people are like wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). We must beware of these people, who for instance want to be named ‘Christian’, but who in fact have ulterior motives (2 Peter 2:1-3; 13-15; 17-19). Many of them are in the church only for money, status, power or some malicious reason.

The track record of some believers in God isn’t good at all. Moses, for instance, God’s own prophet, was a murderer (Exodus 2:12-14). David, the man of God, committed adultery and murdered the husband of the woman he desired (2 Samuel 11:1-27). Paul, the great apostle, persecuted members of God’s church before he was converted (1 Timothy 1:13) and Peter disowned Jesus three times. But they all repented, and God cleansed them, transformed them, and used them to share His good news. King David, for example, had to bear the consequences of his sin and was betrayed by his own son. Jesus said in Matthew 6:15: ‘For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you don’t forgive others their trespasses, God will also not forgive you your trespasses.’ We should look at people through eyes of mercy and forgiveness—just as God looks at us. We might find that some of the hardest criminals find mercy and grace from Jesus before they die. That is why in John 1:16 it says out of Jesus Christ’s fullness we all have received grace upon grace.

The Bible tells a story of a man who was demon possessed, cut himself until blood poured out, lived among the tombs and screamed and shouted all the time. But when Jesus came to him, He only spoke, and that man was delivered from a horde of demons. And this same man became an instrument God could use for His glory (Mark 5:1-20). If Jesus could change, forgive and deliver someone like that what can He not do for and with us? 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 says: ‘…do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the Kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed…’ Jesus looked at us with eyes of forgiveness when He was crucified and died for us. As Jesus hung on the cross He cried: ‘Father forgive them for they know not what they do’ (Luke 23:34).

 Questions to consider: Do you realize that you don’t have to be perfect to be used as God’s instrument; that you don’t have to expect perfection in God’s children and the world in order to love them? God uses imperfect people, but especially forgiven people who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb.

Read: Philippians 3:12-15; 1 John 1:8; Romans 7:14-24; 2 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8; Matthew 7:15, 21-23; 1 John 2:17; Galatians 6:7, 8; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 13-15; 17-19; Exodus 2:12-14; 2 Samuel 11:1-27; 1 Timothy 1:13; Matthew 6:15, 26:69-75; John 1:16; Mark 5:1-20; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Luke 23:34

33. The means of grace

Part 5 Working with God

 33 • The Means of Grace/ Ways grace comes to man

When a person becomes united with God, when he/she gets saved, it is only because of God’s grace—His gift of true faith in Jesus Christ and in His perfect sacrifice on the cross, nothing else (Acts 16:31; Titus 3:4-7). We must receive Christ for Who He is or not receive Him at all (John 1:12, 13; 2 Corinthians 11:4). God saves people by using other people. Just as you use a hammer to hit a nail into a wall; or you would use an axe to chop wood, so in the same way God uses people to get His job of building His kingdom done. God uses ‘hammers’ and ‘axes’ to do His work of saving people. He uses His children’s words and prayers (Ephesians 6:15-19; 2 Corinthians 2:14-16) and the Bible to expose people to the saving message of Jesus Christ.

Today, people can get exposed to the life-saving gospel of Jesus through many different means e.g. the Television, the radio, the Internet, YouTube, Facebook, social media, audio sermons and Bible sermons on the Internet and many more.  Mass Media has made the Word of God run very swiftly. The hammers and the axes (Saints) God uses don’t have any power in themselves. On the contrary, they are likened to pots lof clay that break easily (2 Corinthians 4:7), so that the transforming power evidently comes from God and not from man. The moment a person uses these (an axe or a hammer) for a specific purpose, they have a worthy function. The One Who does the hitting gets all the glory; but the instruments God uses are nothing and they do not get any glory (2 Corinthians 3:5).

In 2 Timothy 2:20, 21 it is written that in any great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay. Some are used for honour and some are used for dishonour. If God cleanses a person from dishonour, he/she will be a vessel of honour, sanctified and useful for God’s purposes and prepared for every good work. The good news of Jesus Christ (the gospel) is also like precious seed (1 Peter 1:23). Without seed there would be no life possible in the natural world because the seed contains the information (DNA) that will influence and determine life. If there were no seeds, there would be no life on earth. It doesn’t matter if it is seed for procreation in fish, mammals, human beings or in plant life, these are all necessary. In the same way, with no gospel (spiritual seed: Romans 1:16, 17; Romans 10:13-15, 17; Acts 10:34-46) no one would be saved and united to God.

It is the privilege of God’s children, God’s church, to sow the seed of the good news of Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:1-9;18-23) and to pray that the seed receives spiritual water to grow (Ephesians 6:18, 19; 1 Timothy 2:1-4). It is a great responsibility and a great privilege for God’s children to sow the seed and to water the seed of God’s Word (1 Corinthians 3:5-7). Romans 1:16 says: ‘The gospel is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes.’ God’s seed has power and God uses His children to sow this seed—everyone needs it—so that people can be born of God for His eternal glory. God says in Isaiah 55:11: ‘The word that comes out of My mouth will not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.’ 1 Peter 1:23,25  reads: ‘You have been born again not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever…. now this is the word which by the gospel was preached unto you.’

Question to consider: How can God use me to sow His precious seed so that people can hear the gospel of Jesus Christ—thereby taking root to grow, flourish and so bear fruit to the glory of God?

Read: Acts 16:31; Titus 4:7; John 1:12,13; 2 Corinthians 11:4; Ephesians 6:15-19; 2 Corinthians 2:14-16; 2 Corinthians 4:7; 2 Corinthians 3:5; 2 Timothy 2:20, 21; 1 Peter 1:23; Romans 1:16, 17; Romans 10:13-15, 17; Acts 10:34-46; Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 3:5-7; Isaiah 55:11; 1 Peter 1:23, 25.

32. Knowing God

Lesson 32 • Knowing God

Some people who call themselves followers of Jesus tell other Christians that God always wants them to be healthy, wealthy and materially prosperous. This is not what God’s Book says that life will be like for His children. God wants His children to be wealthy and prosperous in Him (Ephesians 1:3), but not necessarily in material ways (1 Timothy 6:6-9; James 2:5, 6). Some Christians will never be wealthy in worldly goods. We shouldn’t become Christians in order to become rich. God is sovereign and He decides to whom He will give earthly riches (e.g. Abraham and Job). It is not a sin to be rich (1 Timothy 6:17, 18), but if you don’t become rich know that God has a better possession for you in heaven! God can do what He pleases (Psalm 135:6) and He loves to heal people and do good to them (Matthew 5:45; Matthew 7:11; Matthew 9:35). But God is more interested in His relationship with you and in your sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:7).

God’s main aim is that you get to know Him better each day (2 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 3:18). If God must take away your health and wealth for you to know Him better, and to create His image in you, He will do it (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Do not resist Him. God wants us to grow in our knowledge of Him. The Apostle Peter said: ‘That we grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ The Apostle Paul, who wrote large parts of the Bible under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote the following when he was in prison about 2000 years ago. He probably had no material possessions with him when he wrote this: ‘I count all things as loss for the exceeding greatness of knowing Jesus Christ my Lord, for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish that I might gain Christ’ (Philippians 3:7, 8).

Paul knew how to be rich and to have nothing; he knew a lot about suffering for Jesus Christ’s sake (Philippians 4:11-12). In all his sufferings he knew that the greatest thing in the world is to know God—and to be in a right relationship with Him. Imagine you find an island full of different treasures – gold, silver, diamonds and precious jewels and everywhere you look you find new gems of exquisite beauty. And then you realize it is all yours because you were the first to discover it. To know Jesus should be like that (Matthew 13:44-46). Believers will spend eternity discovering new and grander facets of His perfections and the wonder and excitement of knowing Him will keep us busy forever. Knowing Jesus is not a means to an end, He is the end – a glorious end (Rev 5:12-13; 7:10-12).

If we look at creation, the different varieties of peoples, planets, birds, sea and land creatures, then we see something about God’s creativity. Looking at the complexity and ingenuity of creation itself helps us to see the Creator at work and the being He is. But creation is not part of the Creator as some believe. Just as a motorcar or computer a person designed and created isn’t part of the essence of the person. In the life of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross we see the brightness of God’s glory and the immensity of His love for us (2 Corinthians 4:6). To know Jesus Christ through the agency of the Holy Spirit by faith is to know the meaning and purpose of your life. To know Jesus and all His divine attributes and Excellencies should be the journey of our earthly lives and the destination of eternity. It will take eternity for us to know the riches of the glory in Jesus Christ. Eternity may not even be enough!

 Command to consider: Jesus said that if you want to be His follower you must deny yourself, take up your cross daily (endure suffering) and follow Him (Luke 14:27). That is the condition of getting to know Him better and therefore remaining in a right relationship with Him. God receives glory when we willingly suffer all for His glory (2 Corinthians 4:17, 18; Philippians 3:10, 11).

Read: Ephesians 1:3; 1 Timothy 6:6-9, 17, 18; James 2:5, 6; Psalm 135:6; Matthew 5:45; 7:11; 9:35; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; 2 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Philippians 3:7, 8; Philippians 4:11, 12; Matthew 13:44-46; Revelation 5:12-13; 7:10-12; 2 Corinthians 4:6, 17, 18; Luke 14:27; Philippians 3:10.

31. Assurance of salvation

 31 • Assurance of Eternal Life

It’s impossible to think of a better gift to receive than the gift of eternal life with God! Just imagine spending eternity with a Person infinitely wise, wonderful, good, and creative. Imagine existing with an inexhaustible Treasure of intelligence, love, joy, peace, righteousness and holiness? This is what eternity will be like if you belong to God. God’s Book says in John 17:3 that eternal life is to know God and Jesus Christ Whom God sent.  Eternal life and knowing God are interwoven. But how does a person know that he/she has eternal life?  And can you lose it once you’ve received it?  God’s Book has the final say in the matter.

John 10:27-29 says: ‘My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father Who has given them to Me is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.’ In this passage it is clear that if you belong to God, if you are one of His sheep, if God knows you, (which signifies spiritual intimacy with Him), nothing and no one will be able to separate you from Him. Not even your own will! Romans 8:31, 38, 39 states: ‘If God is for us, who can be against us … I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’

God’s Book is full of similar wonderful promises. Psalm 37:28 says: ‘For the Lord loves justice and does not forsake His saints, they are preserved forever.’ Psalm 98:10 says: ‘You who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints.’ Philippians 1:6 states: ’Being confident of this very thing, that He Who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.’ If God has begun the good work, He will finish it and secure your place in heaven. There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). The apostle John says it differently: ‘They went out from us, but they were not of us, because if they had been of us, they would have continued with us, but they went out that they might be manifest, that none of them were of us.’ (1 John 2:19). John, the apostle, made it clear that if we belong to Jesus we will remain in fellowship with His church, His family, and that love towards one another and faith in God would be found amongst His sheep (1 John 5:1).

Just as a shepherd looks for lost and wounded sheep so Jesus, the Good Shepherd, (John 10:11) seeks the lost sheep that have gone astray to bring them into the fold and heals the wounded sheep who have become sick and were mistreated along the way. The Apostle Paul said that if Jesus has saved you, then you are seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). That is your privileged position. If you are born from heaven, then you are to rule with Jesus on this earth as His king and priest (Revelation 1:6). But that position is a reality only by a true faith in Jesus Christ. Eternal security for a Christian is not anchored in our faithfulness but in God who will keep us and preserve us to the end (1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 1:8, 9). God is the author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).  All those who come to Jesus, will never be cast out (John 6:37). Everyone the Father has given to the Son will not be lost but will be raised on the last day and receive eternal life (John 6:38-40).

Reality to consider: The main thing is this: to have this confidence and assurance of your eternal destiny, you should receive God for Who He is, and not for Who you think He is, or merely for His wonderful gifts (Matthew 7:21-23). If you receive God for Who He is, then suffering and difficulties may come your way. But you know that you have a lasting treasure in Jesus Christ that will never fade.

Read: John 17:3; John 10:27-29; Romans 8:31,38,39; Psalm 37:28; Psalm 98:10; Philippians 1:6; Romans 8:1; 1 John 2:19; 1 John 5:1; John 10:11; Ephesians 2:6; Revelation 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 1:8,9; Hebrews 12:2; John 6:37; John 6:38-40; Matthew 7:21-23.