Simply True, Heaven and Hell

 Heaven and Hell are real places. 

Welcome. We are currently discussing simple truth. Truth is absolute. You can find it. Hold it as it is. Believe it. Share it. But you cannot ever change it. It simply is. It does not matter if you believe in it. It does not care if you like it. It does not care if you become offended or not. It does not change with the times. It just IS.

Here is a truth that most claim to believe in half of, but not the other half. Yes, they say, yes, I believe in a type of Heaven. I'm not sure what it is but I believe that we will live on and be at peace somewhere doing something. Some believe that Heaven is a beautiful place paved with gold, some believe it is a supernatural place in a different dimension and some believe that it will be set up here on this earth.

However? What about that other place? Hell? Oh, I don't believe in that, they say. No loving God would condemn those He claims to love to enteral torture and suffering in such an evil place. Some just do not believe it at all while some believe that Hell is just the grave, and some believe that it was just made up to scare people into submission. Etc.

I have some news for you. Heaven and Hell? They are simply true. They are real places. Let's start with the easy. Heaven.

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." John 14:1-3

John was taken to Heaven and shown this.

"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever." Revelation 22:1-5

Jesus made this statement to the thief who was crucified with Him. 

"And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise" Luke 23:43

We could keep going but most believe in some type of Heaven. It is easy to believe. A real place, where death no lover exists. Where there is no more pain and suffering. A real place where a real God wipes the tears from your eyes.

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Most believe this. They may disagree on how you get there, but they agree that it is a real place. What about the other place? You know, the bad place? Let's start like we did about Heaven, with Jesus Himself.

"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 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.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

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. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:31-46

Hell is a very real place. However, let's look into what Jesus actually says.

"And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 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."

Wait. Stop. What does Jesus say was prepared for us from the foundation of the World? "The Kingdom." Read that again.

"Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."

Then read this.

"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."

He said He prepared the kingdom for the saved and eternal fire for the sinners. Wait? No. Actually, He said this.

"Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels."

The eternal fire, AKA Hell, was created for who? "The Devil and his Angels." God is not some old man, sitting on a throne, waiting to see how many He can cast into Hell. He is not sitting there waiting for you to slip up so He can punish you. He never intended you to go to Hell at all. He created hell for one purpose. "The Devil and his Angels."

He never intended man to go there. He wants as many to be saved from that as possible.

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2nd Peter 3:9

One of the reasons that many do not like to teach, or accept that Hell is real, is that they do not want to think about someone that they loved and have lost being there as we speak, being tortured continuously. I really believe that the Word teaches us that although Hell is a real place, it is not open for business, if you will, yet. I believe it teaches very clearly that Hell is future tense. Look at Job 21:30-32

"That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath. Who shall declare his way to his face? and who shall repay him what he hath done? Yet shall he be brought to the grave, and shall remain in the tomb."

Then this in 2 Peter 3:7

"But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men."

Remember Jesus Teaches us this in John 5:28-29

"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."

So no. Uncle Bob is not suffering endlessly for his sins as you are eating Ice Cream on Sunday afternoons. It is a future occurrence. However, make no mistake about it, it IS coming. Revelation 21:7-8

"He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

Even though it was not intended for you, can you still end up going there? Yup. The Word makes this very clear too. Accept Jesus and live. Reject Jesus and die. 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 rose 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, 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!!

Book of Acts, Chapter 14

 Chapter 14

Paul and Barnabas at Iconium

1 Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4 But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. 5 When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, 6 they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, 7 and there they continued to preach the gospel.

Paul and Barnabas at Lystra

8 Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, 10 said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. 11 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, 15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. 16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” 18 Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.

Paul Stoned at Lystra

19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Paul and Barnabas Return to Antioch in Syria

24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, 26 and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. 27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they remained no little time with the disciples.

Simply True, Bible

 The Word of God

We are talking about Truth. it is simply true. Truth is. we talked about this reality that Truth just is what it is. Some find it. Some reject it. Some want to make Truth relative. Even some of our churches have started to do this with the Bible itself. Of course, those who do not believe in Jesus and or the God of the Bible, do not believe that the Bible is true.

Some say the Bible is nothing? That it is an old book, written by a bunch of old men, who wanted to control the masses. Or that it should never be taken literately. Or that it is a great history book. Or that it is filled with contradictions. Or that there is no difference in the Bible, Torah, Qur'an, Tripitaka, The Scientology Handbook, or even books Atheist read, like "The impossibility of God" and "An anthology of Atheism and Rationalism."

They tell you that if that is the "religion" you chose to follow, then great for you. Just let everyone else have their "holy book" and leave them alone. The Bible is no different, not better, nor worse than any other "religious book."

Today, we will look at the importance of the Bible and the fact that this is God's living word. This is not like all other religious books.

First, let's start with this simple fact. The Truth does offend those who chose not to accept it. I will say that again. The Truth does offend those who chose not to accept it. Truth is, all religion is equal. However, there is only ONE Way, One Truth, One Life. There is only ONE Salvation. His Name is Jesus.

Even some in the "Christian" religion are trying to change this. In Progressive Christianity, the Bible is no more important than any other tool in the learning of the faith you are to experience. It is a book written thousands of years ago, by men, in order to shape and in some cases, control, society.

It may be written by Man, but it was given to man by God Himself.

"knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." 2 Peter 1:21

It is the infallible Word of God.

"The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward." Psalm 19:7-11

It was breathed out by God Himself. Look here.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness," 2 Timothy 3:16

Then you have this fact. All of the Old Testament written thousands to hundreds of years prior to Jesus being born is ALL ABOUT JESUS! Jesus IS the Word.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was at the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made." John 1:1-3

A little bit later in John, we read this.

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

Think about this. Jesus himself, before there was a New Testament, said this about the Bible. In John 5:39

"You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life, and it is they that bear witness about me,"

One of the reasons that Progressive Christianity, or non-children of God, tries to move away from the Bible is because there are absolutes. There are certain things that God set in stone. Literally in some cases. Sin is sin, good is good. Jesus is the ONLY Way, Truth, and Life. The Word also never changes or "evolves" with the times.

"For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished." Matthew 5:18

What was sin then, is still sin now, and may even kill you quicker at that. It does not matter if society has "evolved" to say there are other ways to Heaven, and all religions are equal. There is still only one way, Jesus. It does not matter if society has "evolved" to say abortion is about a "woman's right" to choose what to do with her body. God calls it murder of the most innocent life. Psalm 139:13-16, Exodus 21:22-25. Thankfully the Supreme Court has finally overturned Roe vs Wade. There was never a right to murder an innocent life. It does not matter if society has "evolved" to say homosexuality is good and should be celebrated. The Bible still says it is a sin, against God, and against nature. Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Ezekiel 16:48-51, {Think America} Romans 1: 18-32.

Some of you are thinking, that I still have not answered the question, why trust the Bible?

Well, Jesus is a big one. It predicted every aspect of Jesus hundreds of years before He was born. When He would be born. The exact date. Where He would be born. How He would be born. How He would live His life. How he would be abused. How He would be killed. It is all there to read about some 700 years before He was born. Read Isaiah 53.

One of the easiest ways to disprove the Bible is also one of the easiest ways to prove the Bible is Truth. You see. there are 1,239 prophecies in the Old Testament and 578 prophecies in the New Testament for a total of 1,817. This is according to “The Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy” by J. Barton Payne.

If the Bible makes all these predictions, and they are proven false, then the Bible is indeed false. However, if the Bible makes all these predictions, some 26 percent of the total Bible is made up of prophecies, then predictions proven correct make the Bible true.

Let's get started with some general.

Babylon Will Rule Over Judah for 70 Years

"This whole land shall become a ruin and a waste, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. Then after seventy years are completed, I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, the land of the Chaldeans, for their iniquity, declares the Lord, making the land an everlasting waste." Jeremiah 25:11-12

Jeremiah said that the Jews would suffer 70 years of Babylonian domination and that after this was over, Babylon would be punished. Both parts of this prophecy were fulfilled. In 609 BC, Babylon captured the last Assyrian king and took over the holdings of the Assyrian empire, which included the land of Israel. Babylon then began to take many Jews as captives to Babylon and destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple. This domination of the Jews ended in 539 BC, when Cyrus, a leader of Persians and Medes, conquered Babylon, bringing an end to the empire. This was predicted in Isaiah 45:1

"Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed:"

Jeremiah 49:15-20; Ezekiel 25:12-14 both tell of how the luscious and beautiful land of Edom, today a part of Jordan, would become a desert and wasteland. Their description accurately tells the history of that now bleak region.

"For behold, I will make you small among the nations, despised among mankind. The horror you inspire has deceived you, and the pride of your heart, you who live in the clefts of the rock, who hold the height of the hill. Though you make your nest as high as the eagle's, I will bring you down from there, declares the Lord.

Edom shall become a horror. Everyone who passes by it will be horrified and will hiss because of all its disasters. As when Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring cities were overthrown, says the Lord, no man shall dwell there, no man shall sojourn in her. Behold, like a lion coming up from the jungle of the Jordan against a perennial pasture, I will suddenly make him run away from her. And I will appoint over her whomever I choose. For who is like me? Who will summon me? What shepherd can stand before me? Therefore hear the plan that the Lord has made against Edom and the purposes that he has formed against the inhabitants of Teman: Even the little ones of the flock shall be dragged away. Surely their fold shall be appalled at their fate." Jeremiah 49:15-20

Ezekiel 25:12-14

"Thus says the Lord God: Because Edom acted revengefully against the house of Judah and has grievously offended in taking vengeance on them, therefore thus says the Lord God, I will stretch out my hand against Edom and cut off from it man and beast. And I will make it desolate; from Teman even to Dedan they shall fall by the sword. And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel, and they shall do in Edom according to my anger and according to my wrath, and they shall know my vengeance, declares the Lord God."

Isreal itself is a prophesy fulfilled. Isreal? As we know it today? The exact location and construction sequence of Jerusalem's nine suburbs was predicted by Jeremiah about 2600 years ago.

"Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when the city shall be rebuilt for the Lord from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate. And the measuring line shall go out farther, straight to the hill Gareb, and shall then turn to Goah. The whole valley of the dead bodies and the ashes, and all the fields as far as the brook Kidron, to the corner of the Horse Gate toward the east, shall be sacred to the Lord. It shall not be plucked up or overthrown anymore forever.” Jeremiah 31:38-40

Ezekiel 37:21-22 declares this

"then say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will take the people of Israel from the nations among which they have gone, and will gather them from all around, and bring them to their own land. And I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. And one king shall be king over them all, and they shall be no longer two nations, and no longer divided into two kingdoms."

Isaiah 66:7-8 describes this taking place in one day.

"Before she was in labor she gave birth; before her pain came upon her she delivered a son. Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? Shall a nation be brought forth in one moment? For as soon as Zion was in labor she brought forth her children."

This rebirth became history in 1948, in one day, and the construction of the nine suburbs has gone forward precisely in the locations and in the sequence predicted.

These are some general prophecies and predictions that have become proven true, in some cases, thousands, in some cases hundreds of years after they were made. As we talked about in the beginning, there are 1,239 prophecies in the Old Testament and 578 prophecies in the New Testament for a total of 1,817. This makes up over 26 percent of the whole Bible. When fully examined, we find that the Bible is correct, 100 percent of the time. We just scratched the surface today.

We did a study a while back on this topic. There are predictions in the Bible like these. There is science in the Bible and science has proven the Bible trustworthy. As we talked about, Jesus. He fulfilled all of those. Perfectly. Then there are future predictions. Now I really want you to think about this. If, all these prophecies that we have discussed have come true, then what the Bible says about the future MUST be believed.

No other book can be proven in this way. No other "messiah" can be proven in this way. If they have a mother and father, then they are disqualified right off the bat. A virgin birth. If they did not come from Bethlehem they are disqualified. If they did not heal the sick, or raise the dead, they are disqualified. If they were not tortured, killed, hung on a cross, and pierced in the side, they are disqualified. If they did not rise from the dead, they are disqualified.

"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

There is no other way. There is no other book, religious or otherwise that can be proven true over and over again, with the accuracy of the Bible. Any "religion" or man-made tradition, that does not have Jesus as the foundation is a lie. Anyone telling you that you can get to heaven, in any other way than accepting Jesus's sacrifice for your sins, is lying to you. Without love, your religion is worthless. Jesus IS love. God IS love. Without Jesus, your religion is nothing.

Again, I understand that this may offend some people. Sorry. Like I said before, the Truth can become offensive to those who chose not to accept it. Doesn't change the fact that it is the Truth. God does not care about religion. He cares about YOU. He wants a one-on-one relationship with YOU. You have to have faith in His plan. His Way. His Truth. His Life.

This is why He gave us His Word. It is our instruction for life. Was the Bible written by Man? Yup. All the things Jesus did, were done by a man. Jesus, although God, was a man. He had to become a man, to deal with us in this physical realm. God gave man His Word, to write down in the physical realm, so we could have it here, and learn from it.

You see, every answer, to every question, can be found in God's Word. There are no contradictions. There are misinterpretations, misunderstanding of what is read, differing points of view from the writers, and simply, a lack of understanding of what we are reading. Through prayer and reading His Word, you will have a wealth of knowledge that most will never know. Most will never know they don't know. Let the World rejoice in its own knowledge. For we know the knowledge of the world is foolishness to God. Learn from He who made the world. Use this manual for life, by the one that gave you life. The one who created all that is was, or ever will be. Who do you think knows better? The creature? Or the Creator? My bet is on God.

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 rose 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, 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 well, be blessed, and Jesus IS Lord!

Book of Acts, Chapter 13

 Chapter 13

Barnabas and Saul Sent Off

13 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Barnabas and Saul on Cyprus

4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. 6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. 7 He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

Paul and Barnabas at Antioch in Pisidia

13 Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, 14 but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” 16 So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said:

“Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen. 17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. 18 And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. 19 And after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance. 20 All this took about 450 years. And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 21 Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ 23 Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised. 24 Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’

26 “Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. 27 For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. 28 And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. 32 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, 33 this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm,

“‘You are my Son,

    today I have begotten you.’

34 And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way,

“‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’

35 Therefore he says also in another psalm,

“‘You will not let your Holy One see corruption.’

36 For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, 37 but he whom God raised up did not see corruption. 38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. 40 Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about:

41 “‘Look, you scoffers,

    be astounded and perish;

for I am doing a work in your days,

    a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’”

42 As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. 43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.

44 The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. 46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying,

“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,

    that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Simply True, God

 God is Real

We are currently discussing simple truth. The truth is simple. It exists if you like it, or believe it, or not. It just IS. Truth has no agenda. Truth is. Nothing else matters. Truth is. Everything else is perception. Everything else is interpretation. Truth just is. It doesn't have a desire to be justified. It cares not for your opinion or acceptance. It just is, if you believe in it or not.

Last time, we talked about the importance of knowing what the truth is. Why? Truth in all things exists. The importance of knowing the truth is simple. Once you know the truth, you will never fall for a lie. Today, we are going to talk about God Himself.

I want to present you with two possibilities. Two theories. At least the two most popular. I really want you to think about this for yourselves. I want you to apply logic. I want you to truly analyze the evidence and make up your mind, about which of these two actually makes more sense.

First? Look around. There is nothing. Zero. Like a plain canvas, no, wait, there is not even a canvas. No universe. No galaxies. No sun, moon, stars. No earth. Nothing. Then, one day, BANG! Something came from nothing. I know I know, this is not scientifically possible. I understand this is not mathematically possible. But this is what some tell us we need to believe.

Then one day, one single cell organism somehow comes about from again, nothing. It finds its place in a pool of ooze which also must have come from nothing. I know, again scientifically impossible. But let's just keep going. From this one and first something, came all things. Trees, to mosquitoes. birds and fish. Hot-blooded and cold-blooded. cats, dogs, and people.

Yes, I understand that we have learned that this is not possible either. Not scientifically. We now know of DNA and we know none of this is related. Hot-blooded and cold-blooded as totally different and cannot be related. But this is what we are told to believe. Science?

When I debate some of these people, I ask a simple question. What is Science? I usually get an answer like this. "Science is knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws, especially as obtained and tested through the scientific method." Ok. What is the "scientific method?" They answer "the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses." I then ask if they allow for all possibilities when doing this. They usually say "Yes. Of course. If not, it would be junk science. It would be incomplete. It would not be real."

Now after all this I ask them, "Ok, so where did the first something come from? "Well, we just do not know yet. Then, of course, I ask the question that usually ends the conversation. "What about God?" "GOD?!?! I thought we were talking about science. You are one of those. Sorry, you just cannot understand science. There is no God therefore He cannot be the cause of evolution."

Uh? So? You exclude even the possibility of God, yet you cling to a scientifically impossible theory of something coming from nothing? Junk science. Incomplete. Not real. Let me give you the other theory.

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1

God created the universe. He breathed out the stars and galaxies. and our sun, moon, and stars. He made the earth. Then?

"The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." Genesis 1:2

In John, we read this.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was at the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made." John 1:1-3

I remember hearing this one day. "I see a painting. I know there was an artist. Why? Because there is a painting. We are here. Look around. Look up in the night skies. Which do you truly believe is more possible? Something from nothing? All things happened by accident? Or there is a Creator? An artist if you will that created all things?

Did we evolve from monkeys? Wait. Fish? Wait. No, we just became but still evolved?

"Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

So God created man in his own image,

in the image of God he created him;

male and female he created them." Genesis 1:26-27

You are not an accident. There is a plan and purpose for you and your life. The Creator created you to love you and for you to love Him. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Science does not have to be opposed to the Bible. God created science. If science and the Bible appear to disagree? I submit to you that the science in question is wrong. Look at a couple of examples.

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life." Leviticus 17:11

Leviticus was written somewhere between 538–332 BC. During that time and many years after, it was thought to heal a sick person would be to bleed them. Actually removing their life force instead of attempting to heal the disease. In bloodletting, doctors use sharpened tools or leeches to drain “excess blood” from a patient in an effort to cure the patient’s illness. Bloodletting was an accepted medical procedure worldwide for 3,000 years until it was discredited as an ineffective medical practice in the late 19th century AD. Interesting side note, George Washington died in 1799, due to bloodletting.

"The leprous person who has the disease shall wear torn clothes and let the hair of his head hang loose, and he shall cover his upper lip and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean.’ He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease. He is unclean. He shall live alone. His dwelling shall be outside the camp." Leviticus 13:45-46

What does Science say is the best way to protect the healthy? As we learned through our battle with Covid? Identify the sick person. A 14-day quarantine. Face masks, and social distancing. Separation and the disease can in no way spread.

Here is one of my favorite of all time. For years science said the world was flat. Still, some today believe this. Not kidding. What does the Bible say?

"It is he who sits above the circle of the earth,

and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers;

who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,

and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;" Isaiah 40:22

There are so many more. The position of the earth in space. Health and wellness. Even Jesus sweating blood has been proven true through science. It is called Hematidrosis or Hemohidrosis. What about all things evolving from a single cell organism?

The Bible claims that God created animals “after their kind.”

"And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day." Genesis 1:11-13

Nineteenth-century biologists argued that animals evolved from other, very different animals, but today biology and DNA confirm that creatures reproduce within their own kind.

Over and over again, I'm told, that there is no God. I am foolish for believing in God. I love this statement that was just made to me a couple of weeks ago. "What does it matter if a God I do not believe in condemns me or my way of life? It does not matter because I do not believe in your God."

The sad truth is God is real. He exists. He is there. Look how Paul puts it in Romans 1

"For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 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 1:19-20

There is a painting, therefore there must be an artist. Say that again. There is a painting, therefore there must be an artist. There is a creation, therefore there must be a Creator. It does not matter if you believe in God or not. He is real. You will stand before Him. Or rather?

"Turn to me and be saved,

all the ends of the earth!

For I am God, and there is no other.

By myself I have sworn;

from my mouth has gone out in righteousness

a word that shall not return:

‘To me, every knee shall bow,

every tongue shall swear allegiance." Isaiah 45:22-25

I can hear some of you now. "This is all well and good, but you are using the Bible to attempt to justify your position. What makes you think that the Bible is any more important than any other "holy book" that is out there. What makes the Bible true, and all others false?" This is what we will talk about next time.

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 rose 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, 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!!

Book of Acts, Chapter 12

 Chapter 12

James Killed and Peter Imprisoned

1 About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3 and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. 4 And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

Peter Is Rescued

6 Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” 9 And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. 11 When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

12 When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13 And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” 16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. 17 But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place.

18 Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19 And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.

The Death of Herod

20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food. 21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. 22 And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.

25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

Simply True, Truth itself

The Importance of Knowing the Truth

Welcome. Today we are going to start a new series that is entitled "Simply True." During the last few messages, and recent conversations and debates I have been engaged in, the common question keeps coming up. this is a common question that is asked of me, and many "Christians," or children of God, all the time. It comes in various forms, but it usually comes as one of four.

1- "Whose truth are you talking about? What is your truth may not be other people's truth."


2- "God? What god? There are many. Why is your God real and the only one?"


3- "Bible? Is this not just a book written thousands of years ago by men to control people?"


4- "Jesus? What if I do not believe in Jesus? Are you say all other religions are false?"

This is what we will be attempting to answer, in the next few weeks. We will spend time on each in the hope, that following this in-depth study into these most common questions, you will?

1- Understand the reality of the Truth.
2- Be comforted that you are in the right. Even if others do not agree with you.
3- To possibly even equip you with some answers to help you when others ask.

In a way, these are good questions. They can be powerful tools for you to use, to educate the one asking. They are sometimes meant to be insulting, but as with many things, God can use them for good. Let's start with Truth. Is there universal Truth? Or is all truth relevant? Here is the difference.

Absolute Truth? Truth is. Plain and simple. Truth has no agenda. Truth is. Nothing else matters. Truth is. Everything else is perception. Everything else is interpretation. Truth just is. It doesn't have a desire to be justified. It cares not for your opinion or acceptance. It just is, if you believe in it or not.

Relativism?

Truth is created not discovered. Truth is a matter of perspective and each culture or individual defines for themselves what is truth. Since truth is invented, there is no universal transcultural truth. Each culture or individual will define truth differently according to their background and perspective.
Truth changes. Since it is inseparably connected to individuals and cultures which continually change, truth perpetually changes.

This means one’s beliefs can change a truth statement. Since an individual determines truth, truth is affected by the attitude of the one professing it. There can be no such thing as absolute truth.

This is simply not true. Seriously, if this was proposed a few years back, and or, if it was to be proposed to anyone with common sense and the ability to think for themselves, it would and should be considered nonsensical and absurd.

Here is an example I recently used. If someone came to me and told me that there is this place, give me directions on how to get there, explain to me that this place has all the things I need to meet my needs, from food to clothes, to appliances to whatever, and all I have to do is go there and use the system they put in place, and I can benefit from it. Its name is Walmart.

Now I can choose to disbelieve them. I can choose to not accept what they say. I can choose to even argue with them. However? As you are well aware, there is a place called Walmart. If I followed their direction and instructions, I would indeed benefit from going there. Walmart is Truth. It exists if you believe in it or not. What they told me is true. My disbelief does not change that.

Heaven and Hell are real. If you understand the directions and the instructions on how to avoid hell and go to heaven, you will. If not? It really does not matter if you choose not to accept it or you choose to argue about it, They simply are.

I've used this analogy before as well. Take the glass. Half of the glass is liquid. Half is taken up with air. That is the truth. Now some see it as half full. Some see it as half empty. Some call the liquid in the glass water since it is clear to the eye. Some call it alcohol. Some say they do not know what it is. Others may attempt to explain the emptiness of the glass as being oxygen. Some suggest that it is CO2. Some may even say it may be helium.

Then you have those that attempt to justify the glass. Where did it come from? Why is it there? What is the purpose? Is there a deeper meaning than, it is? Some may even argue that the glass is not really there. That it doesn't exist. However, none of this changes the fact that there is a glass. None of this changes the fact that in the glass there is liquid taking up half the space, and there is an absence of liquid taking up the other. That is the truth.

Now many that accept the glass, are right. Those that reject the glass are wrong. In the glass, the liquid is water. Those that accept the fact that it is water, are right. Those that thought it to be, or claim it to be anything else, no matter how clever they may think they are, are wrong. The truth is. Anything else, is not the truth, therefore, wrong.

Those that accepted the truth are right. Was it the glass that justified them? What about those that were wrong? Was it the glass that condemned them into false perception? No. The truth is. It really is this simple.

Truth in all things exists. The importance of knowing the truth is simple. Once you know the truth, you will never fall for a lie. You know your name. That is true. When I was born, I was given the name Peter. That is the truth. If someone came up to me and said, "Your name is Bob," they would be wrong. I would understand that they are mistaken, or, if after corrected, they continue to call me Bob, I will then know that they are lying and have no desire to know the truth. So I would no longer waste my time attempting to correct them.

We read this in the Word. Jesus tells us this.

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." John 16:13

The world has decided that they want the truth to be relevant. Why? Because if they can change the truth whenever they become uncomfortable, then all is good. Used to be this country was founded on the Gospel of Jesus. Then we got the fictitious wall of separation. Used to be God is God. Now no god is ok. Used to be "the Truth" that abortion is murder. Then we got "Certain times is not only ok," to now "No abortion is murder." We went from Marriage between a man and a woman, to "Gay marriage," "self-marriage," Beastiality" "Pedophilia," and many other ridiculous concepts being called equal to Biblical Marriage and should be honored and seen as truth.

If you accept the world's attempt to make truth relative, then you join them in celebrating sin. You must be careful, child of God.

"The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." Psalms 145:18

This does not mean my truth, your truth, or their truth. It means THE Truth. Not swaying with the world and trying to figure out what to believe. That was wrong but now it is right? This was sin, now there is no sin? No.

"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:18

I know I know, sometimes when you are trying to witness someone, they tell you that your truth is not for them. They try to tell you things like it's this or that year. You are old fashion and out of date in your beliefs. Truth has changed and this or that is not acceptable and if you say different, then YOU are the one with the problem. You are hateful.

The problem is, knowing that someone is on their way to hell and on their way to eternal damnation and remaining silent as you watch them walk toward is NOT compassion or love. It is NOT hateful to try to show someone the error of their belief. To show someone the Truth. It is not hateful to talk about Jesus. Do not be intimidated, or shamed into remaining silent.

This is the whole reason we are called to be children of God.

"He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created." James 1:18

You cannot, nor will you ever, find the absolute truth in the world. You may even become offended. You will most likely become offended at something you hear in the Word of God. If you hear something in the Word, and if you become offended, please consider looking more closely at yourself. Research it yourself. Seek out the truth. Remember, it is. It matters not your acceptance. That is why I encourage you to NEVER take anything you see here, or, just blindly accept anything, anyone, ever, tells you, as absolute fact. Seek it out for yourself. If you know the truth, you can never be misled.

We ARE the children of God and we are the keepers of truth.

"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of his glory." Ephesians 1:13-14

This is why it is so very important that you find the absolute Truth for yourself. A good place to start? {Holding up the Bible} Right here. This IS absolute Truth, and it is the living Word of the Living God. "But wait a second? God? What version of god are you talking about? Who's god?"

There is only one God. More on that next time. Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Is He asleep in your boat? Ready to calm the storms? 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 rose 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, 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!!

Book of Acts, Chapter 11

 Chapter 11

Peter Reports to the Church

1 Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, 3 “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.” 4 But Peter began and explained it to them in order: 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance, I saw a vision, something like a great sheet descending, being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me. 6 Looking at it closely, I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8 But I said, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9 But the voice answered a second time from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, do not call common.’ 10 This happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven. 11 And behold, at that very moment three men arrived at the house in which we were, sent to me from Caesarea. 12 And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house. 13 And he told us how he had seen the angel stand in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter; 14 he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’ 15 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?” 18 When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

The Church in Antioch

19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

27 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). 29 So the disciples determined, everyone according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

You Can Do Nothing.

He did it all

 

We just got done talking about "bad company." We talked about how we must separate from them and join together with good company. We talked in that series about how some choose to go it alone. You should never do that. If you do, you become really open to misunderstanding and or even falsehoods. The problem with being on your own is that there is no one to correct you and show you the truth.

One of the biggest falsehoods or misunderstandings is this. You have to find God. You have to do this or that, and try to be a good person, or you will not make it to heaven. This is completely false.

First, you will never find God. You do not even have a clue where to look. Second? Jesus already did it.

God let us know that this day would be coming.

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” Isaiah 1:18

Now God promised this to us even though we were sinners, in the middle of our sins. Remember, we were so bad He almost wiped us all out. Noah found favor in His eyes, so he spared mankind and gave us a second chance through him. But look here.

"The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." Genesis 6:5

This was right before the flood. Then a little bit later we read this.

"Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And when the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, the LORD said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done. While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”" Genesis 8:20-22

We have been evil and sinned for a very long time. We would deserve to be wiped out again. However, God made His promise to Noah. This is what the rainbow is by the way. Read this as a side note.

"Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark; it is for every beast of the earth. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember the covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth." Genesis 9:9-17

Time went on. God gave us His Law. We broke it. He sent us messages, we ignored, abused, and killed them. Then He, left with no choice, laid down His Godhood and came to earth for the sole purpose of allowing us to? Ignore, abuse, and kill Him. Why? Because we earned it? By no means.

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

We deserved and we earned a place in hell. We deserve and we have earned the right to be wiped out as we were in the flood. It is only by His grace and His mercy that we are not. It is only because of His love for us, that He did what He did. And He did it all.

“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…” Hebrews 1:3

He is the reason, that even though we still sin daily. He is the reason we are forgiven.

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

Of course, we should strive to be the best we can be. Because of what Jesus did for us, we should try the best we can to live a life that He would be proud of. One where we serve others. One where we put God first in our lives. God, family, then work, and everything else. Many get this wrong. But life is not that of simply working for years just to pay bills and retire on a couch sipping coffee or tea, or adult beverages and drift off to the afterlife.

Jesus said this.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10

First, God created you. You are the way you are because God said so. However, you are born of sin, through sin, and sin lives in you. Yet, God loves you so much that He calls you out to accept Him and His plan and purpose for you and your life. If you accept, if you believe, then He loves you so much that He adopts you into His family. Then, as you go about His business and do what He asks you to do, He goes before you and makes a way. When you have completed the race? When the time comes for you to end your time on this earth? He will welcome you into paradise.

This is the formula. This is the way. It is all about, all by, and all God. I am very sorry. I understand this may offend some. But there is no other way. You can do nothing to earn your way to heaven. There is ONE GOD. Jesus is the ONE WAY. There is no Religion, faith, god, belief system, or any other way to get to heaven than Jesus. It does not matter if you believe in Him, believe in the Bible, believe in heaven or hell or not. They are all real. Your belief, and or acceptance, has no bearing on the reality of their existence but has everything to do with your participation.

Walmart exists. Someone can come to me and tell me of this place called Walmart. They can give me directions to go there. They can explain that they have everything I could need from food, clothes, and house goods. Whatever my needs are, as long as I follow their way, go in their assigned entrances, and use cash, or credit, I will reap the benefits. If I do not believe them? I do not ever have to go. I can choose to not believe. I can choose to never try to even find out if what they are telling me is true. That does not change the fact that Walmart is real and everything I was told is true. Truth is what it is. Regardless of your acceptance, or belief, it just is. What they told me is true.

We can literally do nothing. We literally know nothing. With the exception of what God had told us in His word. The good news is this. We do not have to. He already did it for us. His last words on the cross, before going home?

"So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit." John 19:30

All you have to do is believe. After this? Then you should go about your Father's business and love one another. Then and because of what He did, you should go forth and spread the gospel. You should go forth and clothe the naked, heal the sick, and set the captives free. Because of what He did. Not in the vain attempt to go it alone.

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 rose 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, 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 well, be blessed, and Jesus IS Lord!