LOSING A LOVED ONE

Losing someone we love is one of the most painful experiences of life. Every person we have known who dies reminds us that each of us has an appointed time of death.

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

Hebrews 9:27

Someone who has lost a loved one often begins to ask soul-searching questions about God, death and eternity. Death is unwelcome but inevitable part of life and the pain it brings is inescapable and overwhelming for everyone who suffers the loss of close family and friends.

Everything we hold dear is going to be torn from our hands by death. Whether we like it or not, we are all part of the ultimate statistic: Ten out of ten die.

Death happens because we have sinned and violated the moral laws of God. The Ten Commandments.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 3:23

With a tender conscience, let us examine ourselves by God's law the Ten Commandments. Have you ever lied? Have you stolen anything regardless of its value? Have you taken God's name in vane? (Have you ever used God's name as a cuss word?). Jesus said, "But I say unto you, that whosoever looked in a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her in his heart." Have you ever looked with lust? If you said "Yes" to these four questions by your own admission, you are a lying, thieving, blasphemer and adulterer at heart. We've only looked at four of the Ten Commandments. That's how God sees you.

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:14

Will you be innocent on the Day of Judgement? Listen to your conscience. You know that you will be guilty and therefore end up in God's eternal prison a place called Hell. That's not God's will.

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Revelation 21:8

However, the Bible says God is rich in mercy and in His great kindness He provided a Saviour, Jesus took the punishment for the sins of the world. He died on the cross, so that we could be forgiven, then He rose from the dead and defeated death.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

All religions are man's attempt to rid themselves of sin by religious rites, traditions, good works and attending church can't save you, only a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:8,9

God doesn't want you to go to hell. Neither do you want to go there. To receive everlasting life as a free gift, repent, believe and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone to save you and you will pass from death to life. Then read the Bible daily and ask God to help you to obey what you read.

There's always hope in Jesus Christ. “What matters most is Where will you spend Eternity?”

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

John 11:25,26

Blessings in Christ,

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com/

THE BATTLE OF THE MIND

We all experience fear being humans, whether it is healthy or an unhealthy fear of torment. We sometimes love the adrenaline rush like sky diving, bungee jumping, roller coaster etc. We are prepared to risk death for the love of fear. Above, is the fear that we enjoy and there is a fear that torments us.

Are we fearful for our lives? Everything you hold dear to you is going to be torn from your hands by death. Whether we like it or not, we are all part of the ultimate statistic: Ten out of ten die. What is the essence of fear that torments us? There is a fear of not being loved, a fear of rejection, a fear of looking foolish, a fear of being alone, a fear of being forgotten, a fear of losing loved ones, a fear of death etc.

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 10:28 (KJV)

There is a fear that God doesn't send, we are all fighting a spiritual battle in our minds. Please read Ephesians 6:10-17 (KJV). Fear comes without permission, fear can paralyze us, steal our joy, can cause anxiety, negative thinking and depression when we dwell on it. There is a great beast called fear seeking to overcome us and if we don't overcome it, it will consume us. We have the option of either casting down those negative fearful thoughts or dwelling on them. The good news is, negative thoughts can be replaced with positive ones.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1: 7 (KJV)

The Bible says, the fear of man is a snare unto you.

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Proverbs 29: 25 (KJV)

If you were to stand on a cliff, put your toes over the edge with rocks at the bottom, all the stones crumbling beneath your feet, would that be scary? It would be a horrifying feeling. Would that feeling of fear be a good feeling or a bad feeling? Most people would say it's a bad feeling, that bad feeling is saying back off from the cliff edge. That fear is saving your life. That fear is your friend, not your enemy. The Bible says, through the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.

By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

Proverbs 16: 6(KJV)

Surrender the fear that you feel into God's hands and conquer that fear through prayer and by replacing those negative fearful thoughts by meditating on the word of God.

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

2 Corinthians 10: 5 (KJV)

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

The fear of the Lord is a healthy fear. When sinners repent and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, the eyes of their understanding are enlightened.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)

Blessing in Christ,

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com/

WILL YOU GO TO HELL?

Firstly, we thank God Almighty that the numbers of those affected with the Corona virus has gone down. We are now in our second phase of lockdown because of this deadly viral disease. Our hearts and prayers go out to those who have been affected and for those who have lost their love ones.

Death could happen anytime and sometimes we don’t want to talk about it, but let us face the fact 10 out of 10 people die. Sadly, not everyone will go to heaven, many will go to hell.

Will you go to hell?

Some people reject the reality of hell. If there is no hell, there’s no ultimate justice. Those people who were stabbed, shot etc and the criminal went away free. If God isn’t going to punish the criminals for doing the crimes, then He would be an unjust God, but that’s not who He is. God will be so thorough, He will consider hatred to be murder at the heart and will judge all humanity right down to our words, thoughts and intents of our hearts.

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:14

Even some professing Christians changed the truth about hell or some doesn’t believe the existence of hell. In doing so they are ignoring God’s warning.

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Revelation 22:19

Hell is mentioned many times in the Bible, it is called Gehenna, Hades, bottomless pit, everlasting fire and punishment. Jesus spoke of heaven and hell as real places. The parable that He told about Rich man and Lazarus was an actual event that demonstrated the reality of heaven and hell. Please read

Luke 16: 19-31

The Bible says that hell was prepared for the devil and his angels.

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:

Matthew 25:41

Because every human being is a sinner, every person past the age of accountability has already been condemned to hell. We all deserve to go to hell as a punishment for sinning against God.

The rejection of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour will send the people to hell.

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 3:18

Jesus was clear that no one can see the Kingdom of God unless they are born again.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 3:3

The Bible tells us that all should come to repentance for God desires every person to spend eternity with Him. We must humble ourselves, acknowledge that we have sinned against God, repent, believe and trust in Jesus Christ alone.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9

We can choose to trust in Jesus payment for our sins or we can choose to pay for our sins ourselves – but we must remember that the payment for our sin is eternity in hell.

Will you go to hell?

Blessings in Christ,

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com/

WILL YOU GO TO HEAVEN?

People have different ideas about heaven. Many have got no understanding at all, but still like to think of heaven as a place where good people will go. Most people don’t give heaven much thought until they attend a funeral or lost of a family member or friends, even in these uncertain times we are in now, this corona virus pandemic.

In fact, at this present time people are dying all around us, we are all one step away from death. Will you go to heaven? Most people think that good people like friends and family they know will go to heaven. The dictionary has over 40 definitions of the word good, number one definition of good is morally excellent, are you morally excellent?

The Bible has a lot to say about life after death and it contradicts popular opinion

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him

John 3:36 (KJV)

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

Hebrews 9:27 (KJV)

These verses say everyone dies but not everyone goes to heaven. There will be no reincarnation or second chance after death. God is Holy and perfect and His dwelling place is holiness and righteousness.

The Bible says;

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Romans 3:10 (KJV)

No human being is holy and perfect enough for heaven. People we call good aren’t good at all compared to God’s standard.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 3:23 (KJV)

For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

Ecclesiastes 7:20 (KJV

The payment for sin is eternity without Christ, separation from God, eternity in hell. Sin has to be punished, our judgement at death is God bringing our account up to date and passing sentence on our crimes against Him. We have no way to make our wrongs right, our good does not outweigh our bad. So God became a man and took the punishment upon Himself, Jesus was God in the flesh. He lives a sinless life of obedience to His Father.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:15 (KJV)

Jesus had no sin, yet at the cross He took our sin and made it His own. Once he paid the price for our sin, we could be declared holy and perfect by confessing our sin and asking for His forgiveness. When we stand before God one day, we will give an account of every thought, word and deed. We cannot gain an entrance into heaven by our good works or by our own merit. We have none to offer. It’s only through Jesus Christ we can enter heaven for He is only one who is good.

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.

1 Corinthian 6:9, 10 (KJV)

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 14:12 (KJV)

The sacrifice of Jesus covers it all. His precious blood paid the price for the sin we committed.  Will you go to heaven?

The people who will go to heaven are all alike in one way, they are sinners, who have believed and placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone. They recognise their need for a Saviour and humbly accept God’s offer of forgiveness. They have repented of their old ways of living and set course to follow Christ. The kind of faith that saves a soul is one that transforms the life and rest fully in the grace of God.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:8-10(KJV)

Will you go to heaven?

With Blessing in Christ,

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com/

HE IS NOT HERE - HE IS RISEN

Above: On back of door in Tomb of Jesus

The reason why God commands all men everywhere to repent is…. 

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. Acts 17:31KJV

We can have assurance that the day of judgement will take place and that Jesus will judge the earth - because of the resurrection.

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Revelation 20:12KJV

The Garden Tomb is believed by many to be the garden and sepulchre of Joseph of Arimathea, and therefore a possible site of the resurrection of Jesus.

So should we then try and convince an unbelieving world of the resurrection?

God’s Word is very clear about Jesus Christ resurrection appearances below:

              CHRIST’S RESURRECTION APPEARANCES

              APPEARED TO:                      

            1.Mary  John 20:10-18                                  

                   2.Mary and women  Matthew 28:1-10                  

                   3.Peter  1 Corinthians 15:5                                   

              4.Two disciples  Luke 24:13-35                        

                                      5.Ten apostles  Luke 24:36-49, John 20:19-23                         

           6.Eleven apostles   John 20:24-31                  

 7.Seven apostles  John 21                     

                                    8.All apostles Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:14-18                        

       9.500 brethren  1 Corinthians 15:6                    

              10.James  1 Corinthians 15:7                                        

11.All apostles  Acts 1:4-8                         

                          12.Paul   Acts 9:1-9, 1 Corinthians 15:8                                    

Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God - who was beaten and bruised for our transgressions, willingly giving up His life to conquer the grave for us! He then rose from the dead, because it was not possible that death could hold him.

Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. Acts 2:24KJV

Above:Tomb of Jesus

           

When sinners repent and believe the gospel, the eyes of their understanding are enlightened. They pass from darkness into light, from death to life.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 5:24KJV

We then become a new creation in Christ with a brand new heart and new desires.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17KJV

It is through the power of the gospel that the world will appreciate the miracle of the risen Christ who is the resurrection, also have assurance that God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness.

So celebrate the resurrection by sharing the good news of the gospel with someone today.

With blessing in Christ.

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com/

WHY IS THERE SUFFERING?

There are no words to describe the anguish being felt by those who are suffering today, our heart and prayers have and will go out to them and all the emergency services and those actively working on the front line. There are plagues, illness, crime, death etc. Perhaps you have been asking the question “WHY”?

God created man perfect, and he lived in a perfect world without suffering. The Bible tells us that God cursed the earth because of Adam’s sin. When sin came into the world, death and misery came with it.

And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

Genesis 3:17(KJV)

Sadly, many use the issue of suffering as an excuse to reject any thought of God, when existence of suffering is the very reason we should receive Him and repent today for no one is guaranteed tomorrow. To understand why there is suffering we must read His word, the Holy Bible.

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Romans 5:12(KJV)

How can we know that the Bible is true? Simply read and study the prophecies of: Matthew 24, Luke 21, and 2 Timothy 3. When people repent, believe Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, fully trust, have faith in Him alone, whatever life brings only Jesus Christ can be relied on.

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Mark 1:15(KJV)

When people receive the message of the Holy Bible they can say that all sufferings are temporal for those who have sincerely repented and believed the gospel of Jesus Christ, and are now awaiting on the new heaven and a new earth where there will be no sorrow and pain for God will wipe away all tears, and make all things new.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Revelation 21:4-5(KJV)

With Blessing in Christ,

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com/

PANDEMIC, DISEASES, AND SICKNESSES

The Holy Bible says in the Old Testament that on many occasions God brought plagues and diseases on His people and on His enemies " that you mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth." "for to shew in thee my power."

For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth.

Exodus 9:14 KJV

And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

Exodus 9:16 KJV

God used plagues on Egypt to force Pharaoh to free the Israelites from bondage, to spare His people from being affected by them. Indicating His Sovereign control over diseases and other afflictions.

For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.

Exodus 12:12 KJV

And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

Exodus 12:13 KJV

God also warned His people of the consequences of disobedience including plagues, or suffer many evils.

And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.

Leviticus 26:21 KJV

The Lord shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish.

Deuteronomy 28:22 KJV

It’s sometimes hard to imagine our loving and merciful God displaying such wrath and anger towards His people. But God's punishments always have the goal of repentance and restoration.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV

In the New Testament, Jesus healed "every sickness and every disease among the people." "He gave His apostles and disciples power to heal all manner of sickness and disease.

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

Matthew 9:35 KJV

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Matthew 10:1 KJV

Just as God used plagues and disease to show His power to the Israelites in the Old Testament, Jesus in the New Testament healed as an exhibition of the same power to verify that He was truly the Son of God. Indicating His Sovereign control over all things.

For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.

Mark 3:10 KJV

The spread of sickness and diseases is a foretaste of pandemics that will be a part of the end times.

And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

Luke 21:11 KJV

Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Luke 21:26 KJV

For those who do not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, pandemics, disease, sickness, etc should be a reminder that life on this earth can be lost at any moment. As bad as pandemics are hell will be worst!

The moment we humble ourselves repent, believe, trust and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, we pass from eternal death unto eternal life.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 5:24 KJV

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

John 14:6 KJV

The born again Christian, (John 3:3) however, has the assurance of Salvation and the hope of eternity because of the blood of Christ shed on the cross for us.

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Hebrews 9:28 KJV

Thank you to all our Reader's.

May God bless you all.

David & Gay

https://onewaytograce.com/