“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” (James 4:13-14 NASB95)

According to that passage above, our life is like a vapor that appears for a moment and then it fades away. You see, life goes by so quickly because we are here for such a short time. So, if this be the case, how should we be living our lives? Should we only please ourselves with no regard of the consequences that may follow? Or should we be aware that there is a God who has a standard by which we are to live by? For the bible does say: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27 KJV) So, it makes more sense to know God’s will instead of seeking our own will and ways. For the afterlife (whether it be in heaven or hell) is a lot longer than this temporal existence here on earth.

Therefore, let us live for today with heaven in mind. For by doing so, we will have peace with God, for: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.” (Isaiah 26:3-4 ESV)

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV)

That passage above makes it clear on how we should be living our lives. And it is also true that our eternal destiny is determined on how we conduct ourselves as well. However, we must also realize that even our best efforts will not get us right before God our Father. For: “We are all like one who is unclean, all our so-called righteous acts are like a menstrual rag in your sight. We all wither like a leaf; our sins carry us away like the wind.” (Isaiah 64:6 NET) And again: “Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:4 KJV)

So, if this be the case, how can anyone be saved? Because no matter how determined we are to do good, we would still fall short of being right in God’s sight. That’s because we are all descendants of Adam and Eve who sinned in the Garden of Eden. And because of their sin, we their descendants carry this fallen nature as well. For even Paul the apostle who realized this fact first said: “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? (Romans 7:24 NIV) However, it's what he says next that changes everything for us. For he goes on to say: Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25 NIV) So, there you have it. For we read that there is a way to get right before God. Therefore, I encourage you to continue reading and discover that faith in Jesus Christ is our only hope to get right with God.

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11 ESV)

Now, when Jesus came to earth as a man, he was completely human as we are. However, we know from scripture that he was born without the sin of Adam and maintained that sinless state. That’s because Jesus was miraculously conceived by the virgin Mary through the Holy Spirit. For we first read: “But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.” (Luke 1:30-31 NIV) Next, we read: “Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?” The angel replied to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. (Luke 1:34-35 CSB)

Now, because Jesus was not conceived through the act of fallen man but by the Holy Spirit, the curse of Adam was broken and therefore Jesus was free of sin. Therefore, Jesus was able to die in our place by taking the sins of the world upon himself. For we read: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:5-6 RSV) Yes, this was all done one our behalf because of God's great love for us.

“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)

What a bold statement Jesus is claiming in that passage above. For he is saying that there is no other way to God except through him. In other words, Jesus is implying that all other religions and beliefs are false, and that he is the only way to God the Father. And to go even further with this, John the apostle said: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 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 3:16-18 KJV) So, God’s word clearly proclaims that it’s through Jesus Christ and him alone that our sins are atoned.

Now, I have come to believe that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to have a true relationship with God. For I myself was one of those who was running from him. That’s because I wanted to live life my way and to do the things that I wanted to do. This I did being fully aware that I was doing wrong and affecting others in a bad way. But one day while I was wallowing in my sins and feeling so lost, Jesus made himself known to me. And even though I didn’t see him physically, I felt his presents upon me in such a real way. For I heard about Jesus Christ and even went to church when I was young. However, I never really knew who he was until that day he opened my eyes. And for the first time in my life, I understood who God was and realized that I can have a relationship with him through his Son Jesus Christ.

And what else is amazing is the fact that God chose me even when I wasn’t looking for him. For Jesus himself said: “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” (John 15:16 KJV) Now, this of course doesn't mean that you can't come to God some other way. For God can open the eyes of those who are seeking him and his truth as well. For His word does says: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJV)

• “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8 KJV)

“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:20 KJV)

Remember what was said earlier about God giving his only begotten Son. This relationship that I have with God is because Jesus died on the cross for my sins. This he did so that I can be forgiven for every sin that I committed. For it’s true that he took my place by suffering for me. This he did, not only through whippings, beatings and then being nailed to the cross. For Jesus had to spend three days and nights in hell as well. For he said: “as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:40 ASV) And how was it for Jonah in the belly of the whale? Well, he said: “I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.” (Jonah 2:2 KJV) Yes, we read that Jonah was in affliction and quoted it as being in the belly of hell. Therefore, we can see that Jesus himself suffered torment is hell as well on our behalf. This is what true love looks like.

So that all being said, we must acknowledge that none of us can earn forgiveness by doing good works. For all our works are based on our own efforts that are flawed. For as said before: “We are all like one who is unclean, all our so-called righteous acts are like a menstrual rag in your sight. We all wither like a leaf; our sins carry us away like the wind.” (Isaiah 64:6 NET) So, only through Jesus Christ can we be forgiven. For he is our perfect sinless sacrifice who took the penalty for every bad thing that we ever committed. So, we can see that God our Father did pay a very high price by giving his Son to take all of our sins upon himself. “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (1 Peter 1:18-19 NIV) Amen.

Now, we must also realize that God did all this because he desires that none of us should perish. For his word says: “The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some regard slowness, but is being patient toward you, because he does not wish for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 NET) Yes, this is true. For even in the Old Testament, we read: “Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11 ESV) So, we see that God doesn’t want anyone to die in their sins. For he wants us to receive his son Jesus Christ and spend all eternity with him in paradise.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV)

So, do you want true love, joy and peace in your life as described above? Well, it’s all yours if you repent of your sins and give your life over to God. And for the first time in your life, you will experience life in a whole new way. For as our Lord and savior Jesus Christ said, it’s like being “Born Again”. That’s because God will fill you with His Holy Spirit. And by walking after the Spirit, you can put to death that old life with all its sins and now live a life pleasing to God. And not only that, but you will be so excited that you’ll want everybody to know about this new relationship that you have with God. For the fruit of the Spirit mentioned above will flow from you and effect other people as well.

For we know that: “It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing; That’s how it is with God’s Love, once you’ve experienced it, your spread the love to everyone, you want to pass it on. What a wondrous time is spring, when all the tress are budding, the birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming; That’s how it is with God's love, once you’ve experienced it. You want to sing, it’s fresh like spring, you want to pass it on. I wish for you my friend, this happiness that I’ve found; You can depend on God, it matters not where you’re bound, I’ll shout it from the mountain top - PRAISE GOD! I want the world to know, The Lord of love has come to me, I want to pass it on.” (Song penned by composer and pianist, Kurt Kaiser, 1969)

“This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16 KJV)

Now, by walking after God’s Holy Spirit, we can be aware of his presence in everything we think, say, and do. And as already said above, we can now put away all the sins that we had committed in the past. These sins are called the “works of the flesh.” For we read: “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21 NKJV)

So now, as “born again” Christians, we must put away all the works of the flesh mentioned above. For being saved is not a license to continue in our sins. For we also read: “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 ESV) Yes, we are washed, sanctified and now justified in the name of Jesus. And as said earlier: “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh". (Galatians 5:16 NKJV)

“My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ the righteous one. He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2 CSB)

Now, if we do happen to fall into sin, we are to repent before God according to that passage above. For John again said: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 KJV) However, we shouldn't make light of sin by thinking that God understands our situation and thus allows it. For his word does says: “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:20 KJV) Therefore, we must hate sin just as God does and therefore do our best to live a sin free life.

So again, let’s be diligent to walk after God’s Holy Spirit and put away all sin from our lives. For the sins of the flesh are not only displeasing to God, but they can make our lives (as well as others) miserable as well. And let's remember this, that we who are in Christ are “born again," and therefore we can now put off all the sins of the flesh. For: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 ESV) Amen.

There is a God who is real and loves you so much. He will bring true meaning and purpose into your life. All you need to do is give yourself completely over to him. Any other way would be empty, meaningless, and eventually could led you to eternal damnation. And we know God doesn’t want that to happen to you. For he wants you to repent before him and believe and receive Jesus Christ as your Savior. Yes, let Jesus be Lord of your life today. You will not regret it, believe me. “Now to God and our Father be glory for ever and ever.” Amen. (Philippians 4:20 WEB)

Note: All the version used in this article are listed below. These are included to assist you in your study of God’s word:

• KJV = The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769. Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown.
• NKJV = New King James Version, © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
• ASV = New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved.
• REV = The REV® (Revised English Version®) copyright © 2014 by Spirit & Truth Fellowship International, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
• ESV = The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Books and Bibles, a Publishing Ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
• CSB = Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017, 2020 by Holman Bible Publishers.
• NET = The NET Bible®, New English Translation Copyright © 1996 By Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. NET Bible® is a registered trademark The NET Bible® Logo, Service Mark Copyright © 1997 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
• NIV = THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.
• NASB95 = New American Standard Bible 1995 Copyright (c) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved.
• LSB = Copyright ©2021 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org
• NLT = Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
• RSV = The Holy Bible: Revised Standard Version containing the Old and New Testaments, translated from the original tongues: being the version set forth A.D. 1611, revised A.D. 1881-1885 and A.D. 1901: compared with the most ancient authorities and revised A.D. 1946-52. — 2nd ed. of New Testament A.D. 1971. There should be enough in the rest of the description to identify the text.
• WEB = The Webster Bible was translated by Noah Webster in 1833 in order to bring the language of the bible up to date. This version of the Bible is in the public domain.

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"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:34-36 NIV)

Yes, brothers and sisters in Christ, we are living in the last days. Therefore, we can see things starting to happen everywhere that should wake not only us up, but those of this world as well. For we see false teachers and those who are claiming to be Jesus Christ. Also, we’re seeing devastation all across the world. For Jesus said: “And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.” (Luke 21:11 NKJV) This is so true. Look at the volcanic eruptions that are taking place, the massive floodings that are occurring as well as the extreme summer heatwaves and devastating winters. And let’s not forget the gross sins that are taking place today around the world. For we see the rising up of the LGBTQ+ community as well as the spike in crimes being committed in our cities.

However, for us who are in Christ, we should already know this. For God’s word clearly says that these things will come to pass before our Savior’s return.

• “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
• And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25 NKJV)
• But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. (2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV
• And the people were scorched with fierce heat; and they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory. (Revelation 16:9 NASB20)

But that being said, do we as Christians really believe this from our hearts? I say this because there are so many who profess Christ as their Savior and yet are so caught up in this world’s nonsense. For there are sports events to attend, unbiblical movies to watch, Godless video games to play and the list goes on and on. My brothers and sisters in Christ, what are we doing? Shouldn’t we be more concerned with those lost souls who don’t know Christ? For it’s our job to share the love of Jesus with those of this world. For the first word’s that came out of our Savior’s mouth after being baptized and tested was: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17)

Now, let’s take heed to what Jesus said to us Christians. First, we read that we must beware: "See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains." (Matthew 24:4-8 ESV) Next, we read what they are going to do to us. "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:4-14 ESV)

Wow, we read that we who are in Christ will be even put to death. However, we also read that the gospel is going to be proclaimed throughout the whole world. And the only way it can be proclaimed is through us who are Christ’s disciples. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:13-15) So, just as God our Father sent his Son Jesus Christ to proclaim the gospel to us, we are now to do the same. For we being his disciple are called to do this. So, let us start preaching my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.

• “And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.” (Luke 21:7-9 ESV)
• “Then he said to them, "Nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and famines and plagues in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven. But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you, handing you over to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will be a time for you to serve as witnesses. Therefore be resolved not to rehearse ahead of time how to make your defense. For I will give you the words along with the wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.” (Luke 21:10-15 NET)
• “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:25-28 NIV)
• “And he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees; as soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away till all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Luke 21:29-33 RSV)
   

So, my fellow Christians, let’s also take note to the warning that Jesus gave, for he said: “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:34-36 NIV) Yes, let’s always be watchful and ready for our Lord’s return so that we can be counted worthy to enter into his Kingdom. Amen.

• "Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 CSB)

God bless you as you seek to do his will. Amen.

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