Think up, No Excuse

But I did not know. 

Many seem to think that some will go to Heaven, stand in front of God, and plead that they did not know He was real. Well? That is not going to Save them. The Word declares this in Romans 1 Starting at Verse 18

"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."

Stop there for a second. Read that part again. "his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made." Who? God. "His eternal power and divine nature," God. The Creator of all there is, was, or ever will be, God, "have been clearly perceived," Not maybe. Not could be. But rather "have been clearly perceived," When? "ever since the creation of the world," Not, this Past Tuesday. Sorry, you missed it. "ever since the creation of the world," How? "in the things that have been made." What? His Creation. So that what? "So they are without excuse."

One of my many problems with the Theory of Evolution, along with the Obvious, it is Scientifically and Mathematically IMPOSSIBLE to get something from nothing, they refuse to even suggest that those they are attempting to teach, Think Up.

So how do you reconcile the whole something from nothing? "I don't know. We do not know everything. However, there is no possibility that there is a God." Why? "Just Shut up. You ignorant, Hateful, Racist, Bigotted, Chauvinistic, Homophobe." I'm just having a conversation with you. You say you do not know where that first something came from, nor can you answer the fact that it is ALSO Scientifically impossible that all things, Trees, Flowers, Fish, People, Hot Blooded, Cold Blooded, ETC, all came from a single Cell that came from nothing. Yet? You completely denounce even the Possibility that the first Something was God, who in turn, Created all things. "Shut up. I'm done arguing with you. There is a Scientific Consensus that Evolution happened and that there is no God." Atheist storms off.

For the very reasons I stated, it is Scientifically and Mathematically IMPOSSIBLE to get something from nothing, Creation screams out that there is a Creator. Just like looking at a Work of Art, you know there was an Artist, looking at the World, you know there is a God. Back to Romans 1

"For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen."

Once you stop Thinking Up, thinking about God, you WILL fill your head with the things of the World and the things of the World are Enmity to God. The more and more you stop thinking of God, I'm talking to Children of God here as well, the more you stop thinking about God, the more the World WILL come in and separate you further and further from God till you get to a place where you start to call Good Sin and Sin Good.

God tells us in Isaiah 55:8-9

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Think UP! Forget what the World thinks. Paul warned us of this in Colossians 3:2

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

So why the Movement of No God? Why the Movement in the Religion Realm of No Devil? Why no Hell? Same reason for all. No Hell, No Devil, No God, No Sin. No reason for a Saviour. Live as you will. As a Society we still attempt, at least as of this second, to tell people not to Harm anyone, but we tell people to live as you will. Anything Goes. If it makes you happy, do it. However,

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge." {Psalm 19:1-2}

God did all this. He Created it. Turn to Psalm 90:2-4

"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!” For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night."

There comes the time when this Creation will End.

"Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation." {John 5:28-29}

We are not here by Accident. We are not a Happy Consequence. We are not Children of a delicate and fragile Mother Earth. No Asteroid, Tsunamis, Vulcano, Aliens, or Sorry, Zombies, I know some of you were hoping for the latter, are going to wipe out the Earth. Turn to Revelation 20:12-13

"And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works."

This is the first reason we need to Think Up. There IS a God. He IS in Charge. We ARE His Creation and we can be His Children. There is Free Will, but there is No Excuse.

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}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord

Psalm 53

Psalm 53

1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.

2 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.

3 Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

4 Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: they have not called upon God.

5 There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them.

6 Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

Every Knee

Jesus IS the Narrow Gate.

We have been talking about the Narrow Gate. Jesus said this in Matthew 7:13-14

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

We talked about the three questions some have about this, and the fact is the answer is "YES."

1- You must first believe

2- There is only ONE Way, Truth, and Life.

3- Yes, even some "Christians" will find their way through the Wide Gate.

Last time we talked about the Fact that even though you may USE the name Jesus, you may indeed not be on your way to the Narrow Gate. Why? Jesus IS the Narrow Gate. I know, I know, many people have an issue with this. It's like I am saying Jesus IS God. I am. Without haveing a one on one relationship with Jesus, you will NEVER have a Relationship with God.

"But what about all those other Religions out there? What about those that feel there are many ways to God? What about this statement? 'we are all Gods Children.' I think you saying Jesus is the Gate and he is the only way to God is Narrowminded and even Racist. You just don't like people that look like you."

{Sigh} I get so tired of stupidity like this all the time. I use to get mad. Now? Look, the simple fact is this.

"so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

I understand some do not like Passages like this. But it is what it is. Romans 14:11

"For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”"

Also this in Zechariah 14:9

"And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one."

So why is this? Because Jesus IS Lord. All of the old Testament points to Jesus. Jesus said this.

"You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me," {John 5:39}

And in Luke 24:27

"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself."

Just as one example, all of Isaiah 53 speaks of the coming Jesus, Isaiah 53:5 tells us this

"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed."

Several places in the New Testament, it talks about Jesus always being here. John 1 we see He was with God in the beginning. John 1:3 "All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made." John 1:14. "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." John 8:58 “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” Colossians 1:16, Ephesians 3:9, Hebrews 1:2, ETC.

Jesus Himself told us that He is the only way. John 6, John 10, John 14:6, 7, ETC. All throughout the Word, we see that Jesus was here from the beginning. He was with God, and He IS God. He laid down His Godhood and came to Earth to Die for us, as a final Sacrifice, and He has Risen and is alive forevermore.

God made the way EASY. He did it Himself. He opened it up to ALL People. John 3:16 declare "that whoever believes" Peter 3:9 "not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." ETC.

By saying all you have to do is accept Jesus and you will inherit Enteral Life with God is NOT Exclusive nor is it Closeminded, Hateful, Racist, or anything else negative. He made the way simple. ALL inclusive. Open to ANY that believe and accept.

Philippians 2:5-11

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Jesus IS the Narrow Gate. Without Him, you will never enter Heaven. There is no other way. 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}

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

Psalm 52

Psalm 52

1 Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.

2 The tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

3 Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.

4 Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.

5 God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.

6 The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him:

7 Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.

8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

9 I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.

The Narrow Gate, Part 3

Just using Jesus's Name?

Jesus said this in Matthew 7:13-14

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

"What does this mean? It almost sounds like He is saying that unless you accept Him, you will not go to Heaven. It sounds like He is saying that ONLY those that accept Him will go to Heaven. It almost sounds like even some of those who profess Jesus IS Lord, will not go to Heaven? Really? What is this all about?"

The simple answer is YES. Yes. To all those questions.

1- You must first believe

2- There is only ONE Way, Truth, and Life.

We have discussed One and Two, but what about Three? Could this really be true?

3- Yes, even some "Christians" will find their way through the Wide Gate.

Wait, what does that mean? Even some people that do things in Jesus's Name, will NOT go to Heaven?

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." {Matthew 7:21-23}

Who is Jesus talking about? "Workers of Iniquity?" They were most likely NOT Adulterers, Murderers, Drunkards, Extortioners, nor Thieves, or any other openly profane Sinners. No, simply put, they did the work of the Lord deceitfully. They Preached themselves, and not Christ. They sought their own things, and not His Plans and Purpose. Whatever they did, they did with a wicked mind, and not out of a Pure Heart and an open living Relationship with God Himself. Jesus tells us of these people starting in Matthew 6:1

"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven."

He goes on to describe many like Practices

"2 Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward."


"5 And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward."

"16 And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward."

He tells us to do all these things,

"in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

These are they that Jesus is talking about in Matthew 15:7-9

"You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."

Why? They had no true love to God, nor faith in Him.They did not even fear of Him. They were not at all concerned with his Presence with them, or for communion with Him. They did not have a one on one relationship with Him. They were not seeking His Honour and Glory, rather their own. Their Hearts and Mind were in the World. They made Religion a tool to their Secular Purposes.

People still do this today. Many start their own Religions in the simple hope of Power and self-gain. This is why Religion is NOT Salvation. Religion is nothing more than man-made Traditions, that may or may not, have anything to do with God. Even if they tell you that what they are doing they do in the name of God. Look at John 8:38-47

"I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.

Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God."

He was not talking about or to normal every day believing people. He was talking to Priests and Rulers of the Synagogues. He is talking to Religious Leaders. People that were doing things in the name of God and Religion, yet Jesus called them the Children of the Devil. Remember this as well. The Devil knows Jesus is real. He knows that Jesus is Lord. He was there when the Bible was written and can quote it Chapter and Verse. Does this make Satan a Saved Being? Of course not.

So who IS going to enter in the Narrow Gate?

"Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’" {Matthew 25:34-36}

These are those that not only do the Works of God, but they do it out of Love for Jesus. They do so because the have Faith in Jesus. They do so because they have a one on one relationship with God Himself. They have been Adopted into the Family of God through the Holy Spirit and they are truly Following Jesus. Remember, if you say you are following someone and or something, yet no one sees you actually moving, are you truly doing anything?

You tell someone that "God loves you, and Jesus died for you." Yet? They see you living Worldly and doing nothing more than talk, are they going to believe you? As The Word says in James 2:15-16

"If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?"

No, my friend, Jesus IS. He has always been. John 8:58

"Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am."

Get to know the REAL Jesus. Get to know the REAL God. First, be Adopted into the Family, then enter into and grow in a one on one RELATIONSHIP with God. This is what He wants from you. He wants to be your Daddy. He wants you to BE His Child and do His Work. Then, and only then, will you have any Hope in finding and entering in through the Narrow Gate.

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}

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

Psalm 51

Psalm 51

1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

The Narrow Gate, Part 2

There is only one Way.

Jesus said this.

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." {Matthew 7:13-14}

Last time we discussed the three things that are essential to finding it.

1- You must first believe

2- There is only ONE Way, Truth, and Life.

3- Some "Christians" will find their way through the Wide Gate.

Last time we talked about the simple fact that before you accept the Truth, you must first learn what the Truth is. In order to accept God, Jesus, Salvation, ETC, you have to first hear, then believe in these things.

What we are talking about today is the second Truth and Key to the Narrow Gate. There is only ONE Gate. One Doorway. One address. One entry point. One. There are not many paths to Heaven. God is not whatever you chose to think of Him as. He is who and what He is.

Look, I am Peter. I am who and what I am. Now, you can call me something else, my name is still Peter. You can pretend that I am 7 foot tall. I'm not. You can pretend that I am Blonde with Blue eyes. I am not. You can pretend and even believe that I am a Rocket Scientist. I am not. No, my friend, when you get to know the REAL me, you get the real me. I am who and what I am regardless of what you like, dislike, believe, or not believe. None of that EVER changes based on your conception or acceptance.

God is who and what He is regardless of what you like, dislike, believe, or not believe. None of that EVER changes based on your conception or acceptance. He is a very REAL Person and has a very REAL plan for YOU. He has made the way simple and all inclusive. See, there's the rub. This Fact, has been totally twisted and changed to say that saying Jesus IS the only "way, and the truth, and the life," you are called Hate-filled, Narrow Minded, and a Fool, trying to exclude all other beliefs besides yours. None of that changes the Fact that

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." {John 14:6}

None of that changes this Fact either. In John 10:1-11

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

Pretty clear cut? Is it not? There is no other way. Sorry. Being good will not get you there. Simply believing in God will not get you there. Religion will not get you there. There is only one way. Jesus. He is the Way. He is the Door. He is the Gate.

Last time we talked about the Restaraunt Biljane's. I never went there because one, I never heard of it. Then when I heard of it, I never went there because no one ever told me how to get there. Now they have told me that I have to go through the Tunnel named Jesus and go straight up Salvation Way. I still do not go. Why? Because I do not like the name of the Tunnel? I do not like the Straight Road? I figure there must be another way? But there is not.

Now Biljane's is there. Sitting there. Waiting. It does not care if I am Rich, or not. It does not care if I am Black or White. It does not care what Restaraunt I usually dine at. It does not care if I believe it is there or not. It does not judge me. It does not condemn me. It is just there waiting. Either I go, or I do not. The way is there. The Choice is Mine.

God is the same. Saying you must accept His way is NOT discriminatory. It does not exclude anyone other than, those that CHOSE to be excluded. God is "no respecter of persons" {Romans 2:11} {Acts 10:34} He does not care if you are Rich or Poor, Male or Female, Black or White. He does not care what Religion you grew up in. He loves YOU. He is waiting for YOU. All you, ANYONE, and EVERYONE, have to do is accept that Jesus IS the WAY. The TRUTH. The LIFE. and what?

"No one comes to the Father except through me." {John 14:6}

It does not matter if you were a Muslim. If you were a Buddhist. If you were a Jew. None of that matters. ALL that matters is that you accept Jesus. All that matters is you go "Through Jesus to the Road of Salvation." Remember what Jesus taught us in John 3:16-21

“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. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

So first you have to believe in God. After all

"And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." {Hebrews 11:6}

Then you have to accept that the only way to get to God is through Jesus because that is the Way God set up. That is the Location and the Directions. That is where God is waiting for you to arrive. Oh, and by the way, He does not Condemn you if you chose not to go. Remember,

"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."

Simply put, you do not go to Heaven because you chose not to. You chose to live in the World? Romans 8:5-8

"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh, but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God."

Or you chose that you do not like this whole Jesus Concept or Idea and you become offended thinking there must be another way? John 14:6

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

What about those that accept there is a God, claim Jesus, and try to go to Heaven based on Works they do and how man sees them? That is what we will be discussing next time. The fact that even some "Christians" will find their way through the Wide Gate.

We are almost there. Look up. Can you see it? The Narrow Gate is straight ahead. 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}

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

Psalm 50

Psalm 50

1 The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.

2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.

3 Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.

4 He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.

5 Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.

6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.

7 Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.

8 I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me.

9 I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds.

10 For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.

11 I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.

13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?

14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

16 But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?

17 Seeing thou hatest instruction, and casteth my words behind thee.

18 When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.

19 Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.

20 Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son.

21 These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.

22 Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.

23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.

The Narrow Gate, Part 1

True Faith

Jesus said this in Matthew 7:13-14

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

"What does this mean? It almost sounds like He is saying that unless you accept Him, you will not go to Heaven. It sounds like He is saying that ONLY those that accept Him will go to Heaven. It almost sounds like even some of those who profess Jesus IS Lord, will not go to Heaven? Really? What is this all about?"

The simple answer is YES. Yes. To all those questions.

1- You must first believe

2- There is only ONE Way, Truth, and Life.

3- Yes, even some "Christians" will find their way through the Wide Gate.

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

Today we will look at the most obvious. Hebrews 11:6

"And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."

Kinda makes sense. Does it not? I mean, if I am going to accept the Gift of Salvation, I must first believe that there is Salvation, and I have to accept the WAY to accept Salvation. Romans 10:14

"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"

Simply put, you can't.

Bill and Jane start their Dream. They open their own Restaurant. They love cooking and only produce the best using the best ingredients. The Restuarant itself is beautiful. People fall in love just walking in the door. Bill and Jane themselves are great people. People that become like Family after the first time you meet them. I, however, have never been there. Why? I did not know that Bill and Jane opened a Restaurant.

Now? Someone told me about this GREAT new Restaurant, They told me the Food was some of the best they ever had and they highly recommended it to me. They told me about the Beauty and the great people Bill and Jane are. I still have never been there. Why? They never told me how to get there.

Just like there is only one address and one way to get to the Restuarant, there is only one address and one way to get to God. More on that next time. But the first step is simple, I have to first hear about it. Romans 10:17

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

I have to hear that,

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." {John 3:16}

You must hear these truths before they become a possibility of you accepting them as Truth. Now someone told me about Bill and Jane's Restaurant. They told me the Address. Gave me Directions even. Now it is up to me to go or not to go. But NOW the Choice is mine.

I chose not to believe them. I chose to not follow the Directions and I decide not to go. I do not meet Bill and Jane. I do not see the beauty. I do not try the food. I totally miss out on what could have been the best dining experience I have ever had. Who's fault is it? Mine.

Bill and Jane did not shut me out. They did not deny me a meal. They did not say to me that I cannot enter in because it is a punishment of my disbelief. Simply put, Bill and Jane do not even know who I am. They do not really care about me. You know who they do care about? Those that DO come to see them. They serve those people. Not punish those that do not come. Back to John 3, verse 18

"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."

Again, more on this next time, but read that again. "but whoever does not believe is condemned already," There is nothing you have to do other than, simply, not believe. There is nothing God is going to do to you. Nothing the Devil is going to do to you. There is no Punishment as we see Punishment. Simply put, you are condemned already. Just like the Restaurant, "Biljane's," I will not go to Heaven if I hear about it, the Directions on how to get there, and I chose to not believe or not go.

I chose to believe what they tell me. I follow the Directions and go down the ONLY road that leads to "Biljane's" I arrive. I go in. I meet Bill and Jane. I see the beauty and I sit and order my meal. It comes. I do enjoy it immensely. I'm in the Heaven of Restaurants. Why? Because I heard about it from others. AND, because I went. I followed the Directions.

Now that I have been there, I want to share it with others. So I start telling people about it. Now, they like me, have heard about it, and now they will decide on their own, for themselves, if they are going to go or not. You have met your obligation and told them the truth. Now it is, like it was with you, totally up to them.

So before you can even hope to find Heaven, God, Jesus, the Narrow Gate, you must first hear that they exist. That we are not here because of some kind of cosmic accident that produced something from nothing, then EVERYTHING came from the first something that came from nothing, which is Scientifically and Mathematically impossible. You have to HEAR the Truth. ACCEPT the Truth. BELIEVE the Truth. Then, and only then, can this apply to you.

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." {John 8:32}

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}

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