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!