"Put On Your Socks" by Faust

 What a zany song this is. Faust were a German rock band who dabbled in various styles during the 1970s. Eschewing the tried-and-true rock traditions, this quartet fused different musical elements into their own unique sound. Check out the tune here.

It's obvious to us that putting shoes on first is silly. But we make the same sort of mistake when we present the gospel to people. Before we can give the good news of salvation, we must tell folks the bad news of why we need to be saved in the first place.

A group of people once discussed the matter of worshippers in the temple whom Pilate had executed. Christ's answer showed the peril all people face unless they're saved.

Luke 13:2 to 5 (Bible in Basic English) quotes him as saying, "And he, in answer, said to them, 'Are you of the opinion that these Galilaeans were worse than all other Galilaeans, because these things were done to them? I say to you, It is not so: but if your hearts are not changed, you will all come to the same end. Or those eighteen men who were crushed by the fall of the tower of Siloam, were they worse than all the other men living in Jerusalem? I say to you, It is not so: but if your hearts are not changed, you will all come to an end in the same way.'"

This "end" is both physical and spiritual, meaning an eternity in hell. As Romans 6:23 (BBE) reminds us, "For the reward of sin is death; but what God freely gives is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord."

Giving only half the gospel is as bad or worse than presenting no gospel at all. In Matthew 7:21, (BBE) Christ warned, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will go into the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the pleasure of my Father in heaven." The pleasure of the Father is that sinners repent and follow Christ. 

This is missing from most gospel presentations these days. So present the bad news of human depravity before giving the good news of Christ's substitutionary atonement.

Saturday Song: The Eagles, "Hotel California"

This is perhaps the most controversial song by The Eagles. Certain evangelical leaders claimed that the lyrics praised Satan. For example, the line about not having that spirit here since 1969 was supposedly referring to the founding of the Church of Satan. Gathering in the master's chambers and not being able to stab the beast to death was supposedly a reference to the Antichrist. These  people also spun  other songs backwards, searching for hidden messages.

Listen to the song here and decide for yourself.

I don't know if this is true about the song or if it's just another conspiracy theory. What I do know is that sinners are locked into a dead end life. Seeking pleasure isn't satisfying since the feeling wears off. Furthermore, God can give permanent joy which the world can't give.

Psalms 4:2 (BBE) tells us, "O you sons of men, how long will you go on turning my glory into shame? how long will you give your love to foolish things, going after what is false?"

It's true as well that sinners are prisoners of their own device. They actually work hard to go to hell. Romans 6:23 (BBE) explains what they earn. "For the reward of sin is death; but what God freely gives is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord."
And though the person couldn't leave the hotel, sinners do have somebody who can rescue them. Acts 2:38 (BBE) holds the answer. "And Peter said, 'Let your hearts be changed, every one of you, and have baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will have the Holy Spirit given to you."

Surrendering to the rule of Christ and asking his forgiveness for sin is thee only way to be freed from a dead-end life. After all, is Champaign on ice and mirrored ceilings really worth an eternity in hell's agony?

Christ told a parable of a rich man and a beggar, both of whom died. The rich man in hell begged Abraham in heaven for a little relief from his torment. Here's Abraham's reply in Luke 16:25 (BBE). "But Abraham said, 'Keep in mind, my son, that when you were living, you had your good things, while Lazarus had evil things: but now, he is comforted and you are in pain."

Heaping up riches won't protect anybody either when God takes us out of this life. As Psalms 39:6 (BBE) reminds us, "Truly, every man goes on his way like an image; he is troubled for no purpose: he makes a great store of wealth, and has no knowledge of who will get it."

And at the end of this age, those who trusted in anything other than Christ's salvation will suffer for ever in eternal torment. Revelation 20:14 (BBE) warns every one, "And death and Hell were put into the sea of fire. This is the second death, even the sea of fire."

Thanks to Roger Brannon of Tallahassee, Florida for indirectly inspiring this post.

On Monday, provided that Christ doesn't return first, I want to post about why we must hope for the best but plan for the worst.

Saturday Song: Harry Chapin, "Thirty-Thousand Pounds of Bananas"

This song about a real event sounds comical but it was no laughing matter for a certain truck driver. He descended the hill going into Scranton, Pennsylvania when his brakes failed.

Ever the storyteller, Harry Chapin immortalized this hapless driver in a song. Listen to it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGldNpngDws

Death is the most-feared event for people, generally speaking. It ranks even higher than public speaking. In fact, most folks would rather not think about their impending demise.

Even so, death stalks us all. As James 4:13 and 14 (BBE) reminds us, "How foolish it is to say, Today or tomorrow we will go into this town, and be there for a year and do business there and get wealth: When you are not certain what will take place tomorrow. What is your life? It is a mist, which is seen for a little time and then is gone."

The reason we are all headed for death is because of Adam and Eve's disobedience of God's single prohibition for them. Genesis 2:16 and 17 (BBE) states, "And the Lord God gave the man orders, saying, 'You may freely take of the fruit of every tree of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you may not take; for on the day when you take of it, death will certainly come to you.'"

From that terrible day of disobedience onward, we all dwindle and eventually die. Death is also the payment for the work of sin. As Paul noted in Romans 6:23 (KJV) "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

A day will come when death will be no more. Revelation 21:3 and 4 (BBE) reminds us who have placed our faith in Christ, "And there came to my ears a great voice out of the high seat, saying, 'See, the Tent of God is with men, and he will make his living-place with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them, and be their God.' And he will put an end to all their weeping; and there will be no more death, or sorrow, or crying, or pain; for the first things have come to an end."

But those who resist God to their deaths will suffer a terrible fate. Revelation 20:14 (BBE) warns, "And death and Hell were put into the sea of fire. This is the second death, even the sea of fire."

On Monday, I hope to publish a post about why Christ is called the Lion of Judah.

What is This Gift of Faith?

We Christians often speak about this gift of faith but what exactly is it? Basically, it's the god-given ability to believe and surrender to
Christ.

So, how do people get this gift of salvation? Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:8 (BBE)that, "Because by grace you have salvation through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is given by God:"

This faith to believe in Christ isn't some mysterious property. God gives it away to whom he chooses. Romans 6:23 (BBE) shows that we earn our punishment but receive salvation freely. "For the reward of sin is death; but what God freely gives is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord."

But why doesn't everybody have this gift? God, in his sovereign wisdom, chose certain people to be redeemed from the slave market of sin. As Jesus himself said in Matthew 22:14 (BBE) about these folks who responded to the call to his banquet, "For out of all to whom the good news has come, only a small number will get salvation."

Furthermore, Paul gives the reason why those who aren't responding to the gospel can't respond to it on their own. Ephesians 2:1 and 2 (BBE) reads, "And to you did he give life, when you were dead through your wrongdoing and sins, In which you were living in the past, after the ways of this present world, doing the pleasure of the lord of the power of the air, the spirit who is now working in those who go against the purpose of God;"

And this is how people are brought to new life spiritually. They must hear the gospel proclaimed. Paul reasoned in Romans 10:14 (BBE), "But how will they give worship to him in whom they have no faith? and how will they have faith in him of whom they have not had news? and how will they have news without a preacher?"

So we realize that most people are in effect spiritual zombies. They were physically born but not from above. I'll point out these important scriptures in my next paperback called You Think You're Going to Heaven? It may be used by the Lord to bring the walking dead to eternal life.

On Thursday, I'll deal with the subject of a scripture which some people use as a magic spell.

What Does The Bible Say About Wages?

Many new believers don't realize just how much Scripture has to say about wages. Here are just a few examples to ponder.

Firstly, wages must be paid on time. When people were writing the books of the Bible, workers were paid at the end of each day.

The Lord commanded through Moses in Deuteronomy 24:14 and 15 (BBE), "Do not be hard on a servant who is poor and in need, if he is one of your countrymen or a man from another nation living with you in your land. Give him his payment day by day, not keeping it back over night; for he is poor and his living is dependent on it; and if his cry against you comes to the ears of the Lord, it will be judged as sin in you."

And if your employer tries to fiddle with your wages, as Laban did with Jacob's pay, God will give you help. As Jacob told his wives in Genesis 31:7-9 (BBE), "But your father has not kept faith with me, and ten times he has made changes in my payment; but God has kept him from doing me damage. If he said, All those in the flock which have marks are to be yours, then all the flock gave birth to marked young; and if he said, All the banded ones are to be yours, then all the flock had banded young. So God has taken away your father's cattle and has given them to me."

But if you agree to a certain wage and then grumble about it later, God won't be pleased. Jesus told a parable about a farmer hiring labourers at various times of the day to get his harvest in. Matthew 20:9-14 (BBE) says, "And when those men came who had gone to work at the eleventh hour, they were given every man a penny (a day's wage). Then those who came first had the idea that they would get more; and they, like the rest, were given a penny. And when they got it, they made a protest against the master of the house, Saying, 'These last have done only one hour's work, and you have made them equal to us, who have undergone the hard work of the day and the burning heat.' But he in answer said to one of them, 'Friend, I do you no wrong: did you not make an agreement with me for a penny? Take what is yours, and go away; it is my pleasure to give to this last, even as to you.'"

When Jesus sent his disciples out, he told them to accept whatever hospitality people offered them. Luke 10:7 (BBE) says, "And keep in that same house, taking what food and drink they give you: for the worker has a right to his reward. Do not go from house to house."

John the Baptist also had a thing or three to say about wages. Luke 3:12-14 )BBE) reads, "Then tax-farmers came to him for baptism and said to him, 'Master, what have we to do?' And he said to them, 'Do not make an attempt to get more money than the right amount.' And men of the army put questions to him, saying, 'And what have we to do?' And he said to them, 'Do no violent acts to any man, and do not take anything without right, and let your payment be enough for you.'"

Of course there are spiritual wages mentioned as well. Romans 6:23 (KJV) explains, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

So we can tell that it's the attitude one has toward wages which is important. They must be paid promptly and according to an agreed amount. And if one works wickedness, they're paid with eternal damnation.

I'll be writing about those spiritual wages in my next book called You Think You're Going to Heaven? So many folks assume they'll go to paradise when they die but they'll be paid according to their wickedness. The worst form of sin is continually rejecting Christ's magnanimous offer of forgiveness.

On Thursday, I'll be posting about the wealthy and how poor some of them are. That sounds contradictory but I'll explain why it isn't.

Saturday Song: Lenny Kravitz, "The Resurrection"

Though Lenny Kravitz is a Christian, he also is a well-respected rock star in his own right. Neither is he afraid to sing about the Lord. I'm glad because I both love Christ and good rock music.

Take a listen to Lenny's song here.

Each Easter, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ. But why should this matter so much? It certainly mattered to the early Christians. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:19, (KJV) that, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable."

We have the hope of our rising from the dead because of what Christ did to pay our death penalty. Romans 6:23 KJV) tells us, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

But why should we be held guilty because of Adam's sin? Because he represents us all and he failed to obey God. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:21 (KJV), "For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead."

Revelation 20:6 (KJV) explains why this rising to life eternal is so important to us who obey Christ. "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years."

I hope you liked what I wrote and this beautiful tribute to Christ's resurrection.

On Monday, I'll be posting about how the Christian life is like bowling.

The Belief in a Higher Power Error

Is it really enough to just believe that there is some sort of universal higher power? Many people, including good friends of mine, say that they can't believe in the Bible and Jesus. Then they give me some sort of excuse about bad examples of Christians or of misunderstandings they have of church doctrines.

Look at what James wrote about those who just believe about God. In chapter two and verse nineteen (BBE) he wrote, "You have the belief that God is one, and you do well: the evil spirits have the same belief, shaking with fear."

Beyond mere mental ascent, people must place their trust in Christ. Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) plainly states, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

Some people will doubtless be confused at how we can believe in God and Jesus as well. Even so, Christ tells us to do so. John 14:1 (KJV) quotes our Lord as saying, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me."

Believing in the Lord means placing one's full and total trust in him and Christ's atonement for sins on the cross. As Romans 10:9 and 10 (BBE) instructs, "Because, if you say with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and have faith in your heart that God has made him come back from the dead, you will have salvation. For with the heart man has faith to get righteousness, and with the mouth he says that Jesus is Lord to get salvation"

Additionally, we must love the Lord rather than roboticly obeying him. Jesus said in John 14:15 (KJV) "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

Christ also explained the benefits of loving God in John 14:21 (KJV) when he said, "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."

And not only in this world do we receive new life in Christ but in the age to come. Romans 6:23 (KJV) states, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

So mere ascent that there is some sort of divine being somewhere who made the universe isn't enough to give people salvation and save them from sin and eternal torment. This is the main theme of my next book called You Think You're Going to Heaven. May the Lord use my writing to guide folks to eternal life.

On Thursday, I'll post about the error of moralism. Just being a nice person won't get one into heaven either.

What Must We Do to Have Eternal Life?

I've shown in past posts that surrendering our wills to Jesus is the only way we can spend eternity in Heaven. But what must we do to inherit eternal life?

Jesus gave the answer in John 3:15 (KJV) when he said of himself, "That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." The word "believe" means to have implicit trust in Jesus and his gift of salvation.

We must realize that we are hopeless sinners and ask the Lord for forgiveness of our rebellion against him. Then we must become Christ's disciples, following and obeying everything he commands. As the Apostle Paul pointed out in Romans 6:23 (KJV), "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

But merely believing about Jesus isn't enough. We must be a hundred percent devoted to following him and to do so every day. Look at what Paul wrote to his protege, Timothy. He said in 1 Timothy 6:12 (KJV), "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."

We can also see the guarantee of our entrance into heaven in 1 John 5:11 (KJV). "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son."

And as it says in Jude 1:21 (KJV), "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."

We can therefore put our full trust in Christ because he is God. Peter realized this when he said to Jesus in John 6:68 KJV), "Then Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.'"

There was a time when I thought that just believing about God would get me into heaven. Then I learned at a vacation Bible school meeting that I must repent and place my trust totally in Jesus Christ. This is what I'll emphasize in my upcoming book called You Think You're Going to Heaven? Far too many people claim to be Christians but they haven't yet placed their lives in his hands. My goal is to let as many people know about true salvation in Christ alone as I can through my writing.

Who Gives the Best Gifts?

To us Christians, the answer to this question is obvious. But why is it that our Lord gives us the best gifts?

God loves us like an excellent father. Jesus tells us in Luke 11:11 (KJV), "If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?" We aren't always the best at parenting but our heavenly Father knows what would be best for us.

But did you know that making a living is also God's gift to us? Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 5:19 (KJV), "Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God." Thanksgiving Day has passed but we must be thankful every day for such wonderful things which he provides.

But more than physical gifts, we receive spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit. And what good are these? Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 14:12 (KJV) that, "Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church."

Of course the best gift of all is salvation. As Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:8 (KJV), "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" And what a wonderful gift it is for we who trust in the finished atonement of Christ.

And as Paul reminds us in Romans 6:23 (KJV), For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Additionally, Jesus was our gift. Mark 10:45 (KJV) testifies, "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." For this reason, we worship him and celebrate his birth, death, and resurrection.

There are so many wonderful verses that I could add regarding the excellent gifts our heavenly Father provides us but this blog post would become a novel. Instead, I'll save them for my next book called You Think You're Going to Heaven? Sadly, many people assume they'll be in paradise when they die but they'll be shocked at their real destination.

Does God Excuse Inherited Sin?

Returning to the topic of dead babies, I need to explain that inherited sin isn't excused by God. David was correct when he wrote in Psalm 51:5 (KJV), "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me." Therefore, we all inherited the sentence of death promised by God to Adam in Genesis chapter three.

Even so, God hates sin but he loves sinners. We know that from Romans 6:23 (KJV) which says, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." This applies to us but what of those who can't even form the words and intention to repent?

We all understand that 1 Corinthians 15:22 (KJV) states, "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." This includes infants who died inside and out of the womb.

Jesus especially loved babies and young children. Look at what is written in Luke 18:15 (KJV), "And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them." Our Lord also likened new believers as babes. This is because infants are helpless and they can't even speak.

But what of Adam's sin which we all inherited? Jeremiah 1:5 (KJV)says, "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." How then can God sanctify an infant in the womb if that person is an unforgiven sinner who can't repent?

I'll be delving much deeper into this subject in my next book called You Think You're Going to Heaven. This topic is germane to my book's topic as it concerns one's eternal destiny. After all, God would be a monster if he condemned people for being born sinful but without the ability to seek forgiveness.