Self Responsibility, Consequences for Actions.

Consequences for Actions

We are discussing the fact that we are responsible for ourselves. We have, everyone has, by the way, self-responsibility. We just talked about the fact that there will be a resurrection for all. The Word declares this.

"Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment."

'Those who have done good to the resurrection of life and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment." There will be a resurrection for all. Some translations say "Rise" "Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment."

We talked about the reward that awaits those that have faith in Christ and does the Will of the Father. We talked about the fact that we, as children of God, are obligated to do the Will of the Father and share the Gospel. However, even though we are obligated to share with others, we are NOT responsible for others. Not for their acceptance nor for their sin.

Today we will wrap up this series, I think anyway, with a topic that is not too pleasant to think about. Hell. How does a loving God send anyone to a place of eternal torment and suffering? The short answer is He doesn't. You CHOSE to go there. You are entitled to go there as a direct result of your actions in life.

First, understand that hell was never intended for man.

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." Matthew 25:41

Now there are those who debate about the gap between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2. Some, of whom I may actually agree with, say that the earth was created originally for Lucifer and the Angels. This is why we see footprints and we know there were dinosaurs at the same time, yet now none around. We know that Lucifer sinned against God and tried to "ascend into heaven" {Isaiah 14:13} and dethrone God, which means he was not there. Remember the Tower of Babble? We tried to do the same thing. Yeah, it did not work out for us either. Then God wiped out His creation and created hell for "the devil and his angels." He then started over if you will, and created Adam. This was a whole new creation with new rules and such. Why God did not bring back Dinosaurs? I have no idea. But this new creation with this new man is here. This is why we see this form or wording in Genesis 1:28 KJV

"And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."

Interesting that it was translated as "replenish." Does this not mean it was once plenished? Most translations say "fill." Many say this is what it means. Then you turn to this command of God to Noah in Genesis 9:1

"And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth."

This is clearly a command to refill the earth. Many translations say fill here too. Not that any of this changes anything. Just interesting to many including me. The fact remains, the devil, then Lucifer, came first and he sinned the first sin, causing God to create Hell for him and his followers.

Then God started over and created Mankind. The devil was so jealous of this he came to Adam and tempted him with the same sin. Ignore God and try to become God. You know the story, you can find it in Genesis 3. From that time on, mankind suffers the same sin and fate that the devil and his followers do. That is unless you accept God's only plan out. Jesus. This is why we read this.

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

God does not want you or anyone else to go to hell. It was never His intent to send you there. However, He made the way so simple to avoid it, some get lost in the very simplicity. You know the passage.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." John 3:16-18

All you have to do is accept Jesus. That is it. Accept Jesus and live, do not, and you will go to hell. It is that simple. When we stand before God, we will be there and God will be there, Jesus will be there, and books will be opened. The first book I would assume is the Book of you. Then the second book is the Book of Life. However? You will be there by yourself. Representing you.

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." 2 Corinthians 5:10

Turn to Revelation 20, start at verse 11

"Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence, earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done."

Stop. This is the "Book of You." In this book, everything you have ever done and every word you have ever said will be read aloud. Remember what Jesus said?

" I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak" Matthew 12:36

Everything, every word. Everything that you, yes you, have done and said is in the "Book of You." Every day is a new blank page. Every day is a chance to write something new. People will read it in the end. At your passing, they will talk about it. "Do you remember when Peter did this??" "Oh yeah, but my favorite was when Peter did this." "Remember, Peter always use to say this?" "Peter did this, every day." They will determine in their minds if it was a good book or a bad one. "Peter was not a nice guy. Glad he is dead. Couldn't have happened to a better person."

On that fateful day, God will open my book. It will be read cover to cover. "On this day, August 17, 1969, Peter was Born. On this day, he met his best friend. On this day, his grandmother passed on. On this day, Peter and his mother were left on their own. Every page, and every chapter. Birth, Passing of grandma. Marriage. Salvation, Divorce. Peter becomes a wayward son. Peter returns, Marriage, Children. Works. Passing. God will close the "Book of Peter," {Not the Biblical one} and open another. This one is the Lambs Book of Life. This one is like the NYT Best Sellers List. This one is the one that determines what God says to me. Is my name written in THAT Book? Continue in Revelation, Verse 13

"And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."

Of course, the most important thing is the Book of Life. Did you accept Jesus? Were you adopted into the family of God? If not, there is no one to blame but you. But everything you do has consequences. Are you feeding the hungry? Are you clothing the naked? Are you visiting your widow neighbors? Remember what true religion is? It is NOT going to church on Sundays if you feel like it. No,

"Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world." James 1:27

Look at this passage in Micah 6:8

"He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?"

I try to do this every day. Maybe try to keep this in your mind. EVERYTHING that you do and or say is being written down in your book. You are writing your autobiography as we speak. Are you happy with what is in it so far? Today there is a new page. Tomorrow is a new page. What is it that you want to be read out loud? Remember Jesus told us this.

"For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light." Luke 8:17

Every action you take, everyone, the big and little, all have consequences. You may not see them today, but you will be there when they become read before God Himself. This is the ultimate in self-responsibility. No excuses will be accepted. Start today, if you have not yet, start today with the biggest one. Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He raised from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Self Responsibility, You ARE Responsible

 The Soul Who Sins Shall Die

We are talking about Self or Personal Responsibility. This is not a popular topic. As a matter of fact, it is one of those topics that become more and more whitewashed as time goes on. We have a whole industry that attempts to point the blame for everything we do onto others. Or onto environments. Or onto mental disorders and diseases. ANYTHING to take the responsibility away from the one it is to be granted to. The one who did it.

We talked the last time about how it is our obligation as children of God to share the gospel, however, it is not our responsibility if they accept it or not. It most definitely IS our responsibility as to how WE act and live.

Look at Ezekiel 18

"The word of the Lord came to me: What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge’? As I live, declares the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel. Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die."

This seems pretty clear. Does it not? continue on. Ezekiel 18:5

“If a man is righteous and does what is just and right, if he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, does not defile his neighbor's wife or approach a woman in her time of menstrual impurity, does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, commits no robbery, gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment, does not lend at interest or take any profit, withholds his hand from injustice, executes true justice between man and man, walks in my statutes, and keeps my rules by acting faithfully, he is righteous; he shall surely live, declares the Lord God."

Put it into today's terminology, if we, accept Jesus, live by faith, and do the will of our Father, we shall live. If we do not? Continue verse 10

“If he fathers a son who is violent, a shedder of blood, who does any of these things (though he himself did none of these things), who even eats upon the mountains, defiles his neighbor's wife, oppresses the poor and needy, commits robbery, does not restore the pledge, lifts up his eyes to the idols, commits abomination, lends at interest, and takes profit; shall he then live? He shall not live. He has done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon himself."

Translation, if you do not accept Jesus, live by faith, and do the will of the Father, you will die in your sin. God makes it very clear. Continue in Verse 14

“Now suppose this man fathers a son who sees all the sins that his father has done; he sees, and does not do likewise: "he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, does not defile his neighbor's wife, does not oppress anyone, exacts no pledge, commits no robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment, withholds his hand from iniquity, takes no interest or profit, obeys my rules, and walks in my statutes; he shall not die for his father's iniquity; he shall surely live. As for his father, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother, and did what is not good among his people, behold, he shall die for his iniquity."

We are only responsible for our own actions. Not those of our parents, or even that of our children. Now secular law states that in some cases, the parents can be held accountable until a certain age is reached by the child. But God holds the individual accountable always. Verse 19

“Yet you say, ‘Why should not the son suffer for the iniquity of the father?’ When the son has done what is just and right and has been careful to observe all my statutes, he shall surely live. The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffers for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself."

However, we have some good news, and also some kinda scary news. You see, there are some "Christians" that truly believe once saved always saved. Some who disagree and say you CAN lose your salvation. Read the following with me. Turn to verse 21.

“But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done, he shall live. "

Why? This is God talking here.

"Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?"

Here is a prickly point of scripture.

"But when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice and does the same abominations that the wicked person does, shall he live? None of the righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered; for the treachery of which he is guilty and the sin he has committed, for them, he shall die."

I want to stay with this thought for a second. Turn to 2 Peter 2:20-22

"For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”"

In Hebrews 10:26-29

"For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? "

Can you lose your salvation? According to this? It seems to be a possibility. Look at the scariest, at least to me one of the scariest passages in the entire Bible. This is Jesus talking.

"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’" Matthew 7:21-23

Be careful, child of God. Do the will of the Father. Live by faith. Read the Word of God, Pray and get to know your Daddy. We will talk more in-depth on this topic of consequences and actions next time. Go back to Ezekiel 18, pick up in verse 25

“Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way not just? Is it not your ways that are not just? When a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice, he shall die for it; for the injustice that he has done, he shall die. Again, when a wicked person turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he shall save his life. Because he considered and turned away from all the transgressions that he had committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die. Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ O house of Israel, are my ways not just? Is it not your ways that are not just?"

We might as well finish up Ezekiel 18

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.”

We have something that they did not have back then. We have Jesus. Jesus came and died for our sins. That is how simple God made it for us. Accept Jesus and live, or reject Jesus and be rejected by Him on the last day.

Although you are not responsible for anyone else's actions, you are most assuredly responsible for yours. The word even declares this. in Matthew 12:36

"I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,"

More on consequences and actions next time. But make no mistake about it. You ARE responsible for yourself. Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He raised from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Self Responsibility, Obligated, but Not Responsible for Others

 We are obligated as children of God. 

Welcome, today. Today we are going to start a new series that is not what you would call a popular topic. As a matter of fact, as time goes on, we find this topic becoming more and more diminishing in importance in nearly all areas of personal and public life. We have entire industries that make billions of dollars in convincing you that you are NOT responsible. Man guns down 5 people in a Fastfood joint? It was not his fault. He was not hugged as a child. Let's look at some of these. Lose your temper? Not your fault. You may have EAD!

You steal? Not your fault. You may be a Kleptomaniac.
Steal a lot? Not your fault. You may be a Hoarder.
Murder? Not your fault. Many possibilities drove you to it.

Other industries work together and supply pills. Unhappy? Take this. Feeling like you cannot breathe? Take this. Feeling like you want to murder someone? Take this. So on and so forth. Religions even get into the game and tell you that you are not responsible. The Devil made you do it. Or it is just human nature and you should not be blamed.

Then we have the other end of the spectrum, and that is those that feel that not only are they responsible for their own actions, but somehow feel that they are responsible for others as well. This can become a serious problem in Christian Households.

This is the topic we will be talking about for the next few weeks.

Yes. You are obligated to share the Gospel.
Yes. You ARE responsible for yourself, and the decisions you make.
Yes. There are absolute consequences for actions.

We are going to start today with the fact that yes, you are obligated, but not responsible, for others. look at this command that God gave to Ezekiel in Ezekiel 3:16-21

"And at the end of seven days, the word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them a warning from me. If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. But if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, or from his wicked way, he shall die for his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul. Again, if a righteous person turns from his righteousness and commits injustice, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die. Because you have not warned him, he shall die for his sin, and his righteous deeds that he has done shall not be remembered, but his blood I will require at your hand. But if you warn the righteous person not to sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live, because he took warning, and you will have delivered your soul."

Now I understand that God is talking to Ezekiel here. He is talking to you as well. Jesus also told us this.

"Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20

We are obligated to be sowers of the Seed. Tellers of the Truth. Sharers of the Gospel. However? We are not responsible for their acceptance. You tell them the Truth. John 3:16-18

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God."

You share with them all of the Gospel and they say, "I do not believe in God." Or "I do not believe that you have to accept Jesus to get to Heaven." Or "religion is for idiots." Something to this effect. Have you failed? Have you not communicated properly? Are you responsible for the fact that they will now die, not accepting Christ, and forever be cast out? You think about this. Someone you care about, someone you love, and you have the key to give them, so that they may enter into Heaven, and yet, they are on their way to Hell. Have you failed to save them?

The simple answer is NO. You have fulfilled your obligation. You are now free and clear. You have told them the Truth. You are not responsible for their decision to accept or not. It is your responsibility to tell people the Truth. It is your responsibility to live as God commanded us to live. John wrote this warning to us not to think of ourselves as higher or more holy than anyone else. It is our responsibility to keep ourselves in check and to spread the Truth. He wrote this in 1 John 1:1-10

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life. The life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

The truth is simple. Believe and accept Jesus, and live. Or do not, and die. This is the message. The truth. This is what we are obligated to tell people. "he that believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." Not that God is going to condemn you. You are condemned already. Not that God is looking to punish you. But rather God is looking to save you.

Here is something that can be difficult to learn. Especially if you are talking to loved ones. See the world will tell you that you must have compassion and live and let live. Keep that religious stuff to yourself. However, we know that true compassion is not sitting back and quietly watching someone walk into the fire, but trying to warn them not to. This is especially hard when it comes to the ones we love. However? Jesus never told us to go out, get in people's faces, and thump them on the head with the Bible. He never told us we should go out and try to force people to believe. He told us this.

"And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town." Matthew 10: 14-15

Why? Because before someone hears the Truth, they know no better. They have an excuse for living the way they do. After they hear the Truth, then they are without excuse.

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." Romans 1: 18-20

"I didn't know" is far different from "I didn't believe." If I was going through a strange town, and I get pulled over and told that the speed limit in that town is 35. If there are no signs, and no way of me knowing, "I didn't know." may find me some compassion and grace. However, If the first thing I see when I enter is the sign saying 35. Someone who lives there tells me it's 35. I get pulled over, I say "I didn't believe it, nor do I accept it." Guess what? I'm guilty beyond any excuse.

I understand your compassion and your desire to free those you love from the laws of sin and death. God has blessed me, with now, three beautiful children. Joshua who is not going to be sixteen years old, accepting Jesus into his heart at age 7. Without conversation or prompting, he stood up and walked up to the altar, and asked to be, and was, baptized. Elijah is 10, and Maya is now 6, at this time. When the time comes, it will be their choice.

Let's say that one or both of my youngest, chose to live a life of sin. Do I love them? Yes. Of course. Would I do whatever it takes to save them from the laws of sin and death? Of course. Let's say one or both are living in a way that causes me to have to lay down my life for them. I do so. I have paid the ultimate price. If they choose to go back to the same life, I can no longer help them.

Jesus loved us so that He came and died for us. He can do no more. He paid the ultimate price. If we choose not to accept that, there is no longer anything He can do for us. He already paid the ultimate price. Death. He cannot, nor will He, come and do it again. It is final. It is settled. It is now up to us to accept it or not. It is up to all of us, individually, to do so or not.

Our responsibility is to be sowers of the Seed. Tellers of Truth. Share freely what we received freely. The Way. The Truth. The Life. That is our responsibility. That is our obligation. Acceptance of this truth and reality. It is everyone's own responsibility to accept it or not. We are not responsible for their choices or actions.

Remember what Jesus told the Disciple that asked to join Him?

"Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.” Matthew 8: 21-22

And again

"And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9: 60-62

Was Jesus saying this to be mean? No. He was telling His disciples the truth. Not everyone will accept the truth and live. Even those we love the most. So, we need to rather focus on those that do want to hear the truth and those that God will lead us to. Tell them the truth, and what they choose to do with it, is their choice. You are free and clear. You have met your obligation.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He raised from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord! 

Two Paths

We are all responsible for ourselves. 

Jesus said this.

"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." Matthew 7:13-14

Did you know this? Seriously. Have you thought about this? We live in a society that for the most part, operates in and on trends. Everyone jumps on the Band Wagon. The 60s was Burning Bras, Free Love, ETC. The 70s were Grovey with Bellbottoms. 80's the Me started to emerge. 90s, 2000, So on.

Now we live in a Digital Me Generation. Everyone wants to be Famous. "Look at me? Look how many Views, Likes, Thumbs Up, whatever, I have." We literally have people getting Rich making Videos of them playing with Toys. Some thought my Generation was getting Lazy because we got to start playing Video Games and maybe watching too much TV at the end of the 80s and 90s. Now? Now our kids are so lazy that they no longer sit around playing Video Games. They lay around watching Videos of OTHER PEOPLE playing Video Games.

Worse yet, we have all but removed God from Society so all and anything goes. You want to Prostitue your kid on Social Media to make money, all good. If your 13-year-old girl wants to go around showing off all she has, so be it. If your 13-year-old or younger Girl or Boy want to claim to be a Boy or Girl? So be it.

Nothing is your fault. EVER. Nothing is Sin. EVER. There is no God. There is no Hell. There is only you. All of us are the same. None are different or better or anything. If it feels good, do it. No worries.

Problem is? Sin is still Sin. God is real. Hell is real. Morals and Righteous are real and just because all these people are walking down the broad and Easy Path, does not mean you should join them. Romans 8

"For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God." 7-8

Those walking down the Broad Path cannot please God, for they do not know Him. If they do hear of Him, they reject what they hear, in exchange for themselves. But you Child of God, are not to be like them.

"You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you." 9-11

It does not matter how popular a Trend is. It does not matter what the World tells you. The World will tell you that Sin is Good and Good is Sin. Forget what the World says. You ARE responsible for your actions and saying, "Well, everyone else is doing it." isn't going to cut it when you stand before your God.

"For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."13-14

In John 8 Jesus gets real with those who were not just Religious Folks of His time, but Religious Leaders. Jesus told them this.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are offspring of Abraham, yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.” 34-38

Needless to say, this did not go over well. They are the Chosen People. They are Children of Abraham. Therefore Children of God. Jesus tells them this.

"If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word." 42-43

Stop there for a second. Did you ever try to share God's Word with someone and it seemed like they couldn't even hear what you were telling them? This is why. Read that one part again.

"Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word." Later he will finish this statement with this. "Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” 43, 47

The World does not receive God's Word, His Truth, His Righteousness, or even His Grace, for one simple reason. They are of the World, and NOT of His. But you are not a Slave to Sin. Or a Slave to this World. You have been set free from all that. Romans 8:15

"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

DADDY! That is literally what Abba Father means. Daddy. Follow your Big Brother Jesus, down that "Narrow" and "Hard" Path that leads to Truth and Life. Be the few that find it. Be the Child of God you are meant to be. Forget what the World says. Learn what your Daddy says and step off that wide and easy Path. It might be wide. It might be easy. But at the end of the Path lays Death and Destruction. Choose wisely, which Path you want to be on.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will heal you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a Sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. I repent my Sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen.{2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

You Are Obligated, But Not Responsible

You have an obligation to tell the Truth. You are not responsible for acceptance.

As a Child of God, we often times get discouraged. Especially if we tell someone we love, this is the Truth according to God, that you accept Jesus's Sacrifice for you, or you can in no other way, enter into Heaven. We tell them Jesus said...

John 3:

16 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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 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.

We tell them that Jesus said..

John 10:

1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

We tell them there is no other way. As Jesus also said.. 

"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. " {John 14:6}

They say, "I do not believe in God." Or "I do not believe that you have to accept Jesus to get to Heaven." Or "Religion is for Idiots." Something to this effect. Have you failed? Have you not communicated properly? Are you responsible for the fact that they will now die, not accepting Christ, and forever be cast out? You think about this. Someone you care about, someone you love, and you have the Key to give them, so that they may enter into Heaven, and yet, they are on their way to Hell. Have you failed to Save them?

The simple answer is NO. You have fulfilled your Obligation. You are now free and clear. You have told them the Truth. You are not responsible for their decision to accept or not.

"When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul." {Ezekiel 33: 8-9}

It is your responsibility to tell people the Truth. It is your responsibility to live as God commanded us to live. John wrote this warning us not to think of ourselves as higher or more Holy than anyone else. It is our responsibility to keep ourselves in check, and to spread the Truth. He wrote this..

1 John 1:

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

The Truth is simple. Believe and accept Jesus, and live. Or do not, and die. This is the Message. The Truth. This is what we are obligated to tell people. "he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." Not that God is going to condemn you. You are condemned already. Not that God is looking to Punish you. But rather God is looking to Save you.

Jesus never told us to go out, get in peoples faces, and thump them on the head with the Bible. He never told us we should go out and FORCE people to believe. He told us this..

"And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city." {Matthew 10: 14-15}

Why? Because before someone hears the Truth, they know no better. They have an excuse for living the way they do. Yet, AFTER they hear the Truth, then they are without excuse.

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:"{Romans 1: 18-20}

"I didn't know" is far different than "I didn't believe." If I was going through a strange town, and I get pulled over and told that the Speed limit in that Town is 35. If there are no signs, and no way of me knowing, "I didn't know." may find me some compassion and Grace. However, If the first thing I see when I enter is the Sign saying 35. Someone who lives there tells me it's 35. I get pulled over, I say "I didn't believe it, nor do I accept it." Guess what? I'm guilty beyond any excuse.

I understand your compassion and your desire to free those you love from the Laws of Sin and Death. God has blessed me, with now, three beautiful Children. Joshua who is not going to be Nine years old, accepting Jesus into his heart at age 7. Without conversation or prompting, he stood up and walked up to the Altar, and asked to be, and was, Baptized. Elijah is 3, and Maya is just 15 days old, at this time. When the time comes, it will be their choice.

Let's say that one or both, chose to live a life of Sin. Do I love them? Yes. Of course. Would I do whatever it takes to Save them from the Laws of Sin and Death? Of course. Let's say one or both are living in a way that causes me to have to lay down my life for them. I do so. I have paid the ultimate price. If they choose to go back to the same life, I can no longer help them.

Jesus loved us so that He came and died for us. He can do no more. He paid the ultimate price. If we choose not to accept that, there is no longer anything He can do for us. He already paid the ultimate price. Death. He cannot, nor will He, come and do it again. It is final. It is settled. It is now up to us to accept it or not. It is up to all of us, individually, to do so or not.

Our responsibility is to be Sowers of the Seed. Tellers of Truth. Share freely what we received freely. The Way. The Truth. The Life. That is our responsibly. That is our obligation. Acceptance of this Truth and Reality. It is everyone's own responsibility to accept it or not. We are not responsible for their choices or actions.

Remember what Jesus told the Disciple that asked to join Him?

"And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead." {Matthew 8: 21-22} 

And again 

"Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." {Luke 9: 60-62}

Was Jesus saying this to be mean? No. He was telling His Disciples the Truth. Not everyone will accept the Truth and Live. Even those we love the most. So, we need to rather focus on those that DO want to hear the Truth, and those that God will lead us to. Tell them the Truth, and what they choose to do with it, is their choice. You are free and clear. You have met your obligation.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

God Condemns No One

Yes. You read that right.

God condemns no one. Not Hitler, Not Bundy, Not Manson. Not you. God is not some old guy, with a long beard, sitting on a throne, waiting to punish you if you disobey Him. I know this is going to be hard for some to understand. To even accept. Even for some Christians. A lot of Christians were brought up in Churches that Preach fire and brimstone. But God does not condemn you for what you do. You are condemn for what you do not do. Your inactivity condemns you. Not your activity.

Wait! Did you say God does not condemn Hitler? Yes I did. But wait, he killed six million plus Jews and others. He was the face of evil. How can you possibly say God did not condemn that monster straight to hell? One word. Saul. Saul from Tarsus in Cilicia. His whole reason for living? To go out and enslave and kill God's Chosen People. He received great power and praise by his Government for doing such. He also became Paul, who wrote a lot of the New Testament we read today. He also became the first Pope, if you will. It wasn't Peter. Peter was to the Jews, what Paul was to the Gentiles.

So what is the difference between Paul and Hitler? Jesus. Paul said yes. Hitler said no. You see, Paul received the Spirit of Adoption. He repented. Hitler did not. It was this inactivity that condemns Hitler. Not the murder of six million Jews. It was this decision to not do something that condemns Hitler. Not accept Jesus and repent his Sins. So will it be for all who chose, not to accept the gift.

John 3:

15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16 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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 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.

19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Lets look at this passage a bit more closely. First, God is a God of Love. He IS Love. He is not some judgmental, overbearing, slave master, dictating to you what to do and not do, or else. The heart of man is continuously evil and the inventions of such are always. God tried other things. The Law. Prophets. Messengers, Priests, Angles. He attempted to show what happens to those who reject Him. We were still continuously evil. So the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us. Jesus.

"That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." Whosoever believeth. You see, Jesus is all inclusive. Not exclusive. He came for all. God made it so simple. Simply accept Jesus. Repent your Sins. You will receive the Spirit of Adoption, whereby you can cry "Abba Father!" It's that simple. Why? "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." Again, whosoever believeth. He doesn't care who you are, what you have done, or what Religion your Mommy and Daddy are. He wants YOU to accept His gift and live.

"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." Notice what Jesus says here. He that believeth not is condemned already. Whosoever. Simply, accept Jesus and live, or do not, and you are condemned already. It is not God condemning you. Not Jesus. Not Religion. Not even your Sins. It is this simple inactivity. Not accepting Jesus. "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world." So Jesus is not here to condemn. He is here to save. The Choice is yours to make. Yes, or no.

Remember what Jesus said in...

John 12:

44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.

45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.

46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

"And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world." I judge him not. I came not to judge, but to save. Again, Jesus tells us that it is simple to understand. "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." What did Jesus speak? Through Him, you must be saved. He said Love God with all your heart, and your Neighbor as yourself. He said accept Him and receive the Spirit of Adoption. He said love Him, and He will love you. He said, do the Father's Will.

He said, "He that believeth not is condemned already." Those are the words that will condemn you. You cannot say to God, at this time, I never knew. Jesus told ya. He told all of us. We are without excuse. Speaking of Paul, he makes it pretty clear as well in Romans 8. He said this.

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

So it is God who justifies who you are. It is God who sees your heart and knows your will. He is the one that makes you whole, and pure. Able to accept the gift of salvation. Does it then mean it is God that also condemns? If you do not do what he says, he will throw you in the lake of fire? No. What does it say?

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

You see, God condemns no one. But Pete. Mathew talks about Jesus saying that He will condemn Sinners. He talked about Hell. What about Hell? God created Hell for Lucifer and the third of the Angles that followed him. In...

Matthew 25

41 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:

Again, What does He say? "Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire." He also said in Matthew 7:23

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

If you do not accept Him, and you do not repent your Sins, He can not save you. You can not be adopted into the Family of God, If you do not accept, Jesus. So you will continue to Sin and work iniquities. He can not get to know you, if you chose not to get to know Him. He says depart from me, but He does not say, I condemn you. He makes it clear it is by your own hand that you are cursed.

Hell was never intended for man. In..

Isaiah 14

11 Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.

12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

But he failed..

Revelations 12

8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

And in...

Revelations 20

9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Who will be tormented day and night forever? The devil, the beast, and a third of the Angels. Hell was never intended for Man. It was created for, and exists for the devil. However, we all have free will. We can chose to accept the gift of life, which is simply accepting Jesus, or we can chose not to. If we chose not to, then we go down the same road. We chose the same path. We reject God. God does not reject us. It is by our own inaction that we are condemned, or it is by the grace of God, through the blood of Jesus, we are saved.
Continuing in Revelations 20

11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

12 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.

13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Death and Hell were cast into the lake of fire. "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Who is it that is written in the Lamb's Book of Life? Those that accept the Lamb. Those that accept his sacrifice for their lives. His death that they may live. God is a God of Love. He created you out of love. He will not condemn you, of which he loved so, he gave Jesus to suffer all that is. Did He do this just to justify sending you to everlasting condemnation? Everlasting torment? Of course not. He has given you the simplest way out. He has even paid the price for you. All you have to do is accept it.

Who is it out there, that being a Parent, would build a bonfire in the back yard, and say to their children, I love you. But remember that day in October? Yeah, because of that, I will now throw you into the fire and watch you burn for the rest of your existence. God would never do this. God IS Love. He sent Jesus for ALL. The choice is yours.

Like I said before, I could show up at your door, with a million dollars in a brief case. I could say to you, look, I understand you are in debt. I understand you are about to lose your house. Here is a way out. Take it. Use it for your needs. Save your house. Now it's up to you. You can take it. Accept the gift. Save your house. Or you can say Yeah, no thanks. I leave with my money. You lose your house. Did I take it from you because you refused my gift? No. What was going to happen, happened. I tried to help you. You decided to not accept my help. There was nothing more I could do at that point. You were on your own.

You are about to lose your house. Your body is your home. Jesus is knocking on the door. He says He has a better house waiting for you. All you have to do is accept His gift. What say you? Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

Now you no longer have to worry about hell. You no longer have to worry about that lake of fire. When you stand before God, your name will now be found in the Lamb's Book of Life. God never intended for you to suffer for all eternity. He made the path of Salvation simple and easy to find. You just found it. Now give Him the Praise and glory He deserves. He is now your Daddy. Thank Him for His gift to you.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus IS Lord of all!

True Charity

What is true Charity?

We hear all the time how this group of people believe in Charity, and this group doesn't. How this Political Party cares, this one doesn't. We are told that if you do not care for the Poor and the downtrodden, you are heartless.

But what IS true Charity? The actual world definition is this...

1.generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill, or helpless: to devote one's life to charity.
2.something given to a person or persons in need; alms: "She asked for work, not charity."
3.a charitable act or work.
4.a charitable fund, foundation, or institution: "He left his estate to a charity."
5.benevolent feeling, especially toward those in need or in disfavor: "She looked so poor that we fed her out of charity."

Charity, can also be translated, and is, in the Word of God, as Love. Love your Neighbor, Love is above all. Etc. But what is Charity according to God. Do we have it right? Jesus gives us a clear example of Charity, in...

Luke 10:

25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Now lets look at this a bit. Who did the Samaritan, and the other two that came across, find? Someone who, by no means of their own, found themselves in a poor state. Here is a guy, who was walking or traveling from one point to another, and thieves came and robbed him. Jesus tells us that he was robbed, beaten, stripped naked, and left half dead.

Notice Jesus did not say, he was begging for food. Or that he was out of a job. No. By no fault of his own, this happened to him. He was left helpless. The Good Samaritan, which is where we got the term from, showed mercy and love. He helped this man who was in this state of helplessness. He offered true Charity. Jesus said, "go and do likewise."

What about unemployment and food stamps, and Government funding, which is taking your money, to "help" those in need. Is this something God would be in favor of? Would God see it the Government's Job to care for the poor and needy? Who really are the poor and the needy?

If a man or woman, have the ability to work. God says, work. It really is the Man's responsibility to work and care for the needs of his family. If the Man is not around, then it becomes the Woman's responsibility. But what if they can't? Should the Government step in and become the Father and Husband? No. It is OUR responsibility to care for true Widows and Children. Here is something you do not hear taught often...

James 1:

27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Wait, did you call them "true Widows?" What does that mean?

1 Timothy 5:

3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.

4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.

5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.

8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Use to be, the Man worked, and the Woman stayed home and raised the kids. Took care of the house. The Man was to provide for, and love his Wife, as his own self. When the Husband and Father died, the Kids then would be responsible to care for their Mother. A Widow indeed, or a true Widow, is someone without children when her Husband dies, and who is not capable of working, and providing for herself.

When all else fails, then God says that it is the Church's responsibility to care for the true Widow and Children. It means, if you are part of that Church, then YES. It is your responsibility as well. One of the reasons for Tithes and Offerings.

But what about those out of work? I know this is not Politically Correct, but God makes it simple to understand. No work? No eat.

2 Thessalonians 3:

10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

Now what does that mean? It means that if you have to dig a ditch, you need to do it. God does not care if you think you are above it. Even if you have a degree in this or that, if you can not find a Job in this or that, then find something else, until you can. I understand, that many are on the government dole because they have found they can actually make more money, not working, than they can working. 

I know for a fact, someone that was in the Medical field, was unemployed for over a year, because anything they could find outside their field, was not willing to pay them more than they got for nothing from the Government. So why bother working at a Job you hate, if you can get more, for doing nothing?

This person also applied for other free assistance from the Government. Food Stamps, Day Care, and other programs. They found it was amazing what they could get for nothing. They found a Job a year later, and could not be happier about it. They would much rather be working.

But here is the thing. All that, cost everyone, more money than everyone has. People find that it really is easier to accept the free ride, so they chose to ride it, as long as they can. But what happens when this runs out? What happens when the free ride is over?

You as a Child of God need to understand, that you, as well as all, live under a Spiritual Law. Reaping and Sowing. In..

Galatians 6:

7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

If you Sow good? You Reap good. Sow evil? Reap evil. Sow nothing. Reap nothing. "What goes around, comes around." Is not just an early saying. It's true. Now as a Child of God, you should also be sowing the Seed. Sharing the Truth. But it is also applicable to all things. Faith, Money, Time, Hate, Love. We are the decisions we make.

2 Corinthians 9:

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

Also in...

2 Timothy 2:

6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

And in...

1 Timothy 5:

18 For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

If you are able to work, and chose not to, you are not worthy in God's eye, to receive, anything. Remember the story of the unfaithful servant?

Luke 19:

13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.

17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.

19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.

20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:

21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.

22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:

23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?

24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.

25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)

26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.

God is with you. Your needs will be met. He will help you in all things. However, if you do not do your part, He will call another. He will help another. He can not help you if you chose to disobey His Will and His Plan for you and your life.

Many "Christians" do not understand why they seem to work so hard, and yet, have nothing to show for it. The main reason for this, is that they are not doing it right. They are outside the Will of God. According to....

Haggai 1:

5 Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.

6 Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.

If you are outside God's Will, even though you may feel you are doing something good, you will profit litte. This is why it is so important for God's Children to seek out His Will for their lives. Perhaps you have a Degree in Economics. However, God wants to you be a Cook in a Nursing Home? Be a Cook. If you dream of traveling the World and making a lot of money, and yet God calls you to be a Cop. Be a Cop. God has a plan for you. You just need to find it. I do not know what it is for you. But I do know this without doubt. Doing nothing, is not it.

Ephesians 4:

21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

27 Neither give place to the devil.

28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

So who should we help? Those that can truly NOT help themselves. The Widow. The Sick. Children in need. Those that for physical reasons, truly can not work. Those that for no fault of their own, find themselves in a helpless state. Not those that chose to do nothing. Not those who are able to work. For those who are able to work? "Not work, neither should he eat."

As a Child of God, you need to ask your Father, what is it He wants you to do. Then go do that. When God tells you to do something, He makes a way for you to do it. Even if you do not think you can. It really is simple. If you live within the Will of God, you will profit much. Outside the Will of God? Little to nothing. Sometimes, even that little you have, is taken away.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? Do you have that privilege of being able to boldly walk into the Throne Room of God Himself and say, "Hey Dad. I have a question?" Then actually receive an answer? For your benefit?

Romans 8:

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

Until next time, be blessed, and Jesus IS Lord!