Good morning,
The same yesterday, today and forever
The Bible is a wonderful source of encouragement and guidance as we face the challenges of living as sinners in a sin filled world. Last week we were challenged as we listened to what Jesus had to say to the seven churches in Revelation. The Bible makes it clear that we will be involved in a spiritual battle as long as we live. The Bible also gives us a reliable history of the outcomes of the decisions that people make. The Lord has given each generation a love based life in the face of a hate filled enemy. While we make our decisions to love and obey our Savior or live life our way, our creator Jesus Christ, is the same yesterday, today and forever.(Heb.13:8) God’s standard for us is, So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your spiritual strength comes from God's special favor, not from ceremonial rules(13:9) God also wants us to live here and serve him here knowing that, For this world is not our home; we are looking forward to our city in heaven, which is yet to come.(13:14) Even though God laid out these truths right from the beginning, it didn’t take long before the people of their day walked away from their loving God. God warned them, they didn’t listen, so God sent a flood that killed all of them except Noah and his three sons and their wives. When their families grew into a vast number of people again who were mostly living in rebellion to him, God sent fire on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.(Gen.12:24) As time passed the people that God had chosen to represent him would forget these lessons and God said, I will pronounce judgment on my people for all their evil—for deserting me and worshiping other gods. Yes, they worship idols that they themselves have made!(Jer.1:16) That pattern happened again and again over 1,500 years until Jesus, the Creator, came and lived with them.
After Jesus died and arose triumphant over death and the Devil, the Lord through the preaching, teaching, and living a life empowered by the Holy Spirit, brought a large number of people into churches made up of people who said they were trusting Jesus as their Savior. It didn’t take long until people who pretended to be from God were teaching all kinds of lies that were turning people back to a life of sin and rebellion. Jesus appeared to the Apostle John and warned the people of seven of the churches that they were starting that same pattern as the people had before Jesus came. Jesus was pleased with the many people who loved him but then he had to say things like, Repent, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.(Rev.2:16) To another group he said, I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love. Be diligent and turn from your indifference.(Rev.3:19) Alas, the people were still trapped by their sins and rebellion and so another pattern of the same kind as before kept developing over the 2,000 years since. Peter warned us that, I want to remind you that in the last days there will be scoffers who will laugh at the truth and do every evil thing they desire.(2Pet.2:3) It seems to me that when we see a country like America turn away from the guidelines of the Bible to a fierce rejection of belief in his truths as well as countries from all over the world doing the same, we will face what the Bible calls the Great Tribulation. Those who are ungodly, rebellious, hate filled and lost will be killed in the seven years of great punishment from God. The good news is the genuine followers of Jesus will be welcomed into heaven for eternity.(Rev.7:14) Dear Lord, help us to listen to you and share your truth with those around us before it is too late.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Roy Wisner
