"Why Would God Send People To Hell?"

"If God loves people, why doesn't He just save everyone?" Greg Laurie, Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, gives the answers to life's biggest questions. Why would God send people to hell?

"While the question is good," says Laurie, "it places the blame for peoples' damnation on the wrong person: God."

"God doesn't want anyone to spend eternity in hell. In fact, He earnestly desires that everyone spend all eternity with Him in heaven."

Laurie explains, "Scripture tells us, God does not want anyone to perish, so He is giving more time for everyone to repent" ( see 2 Peter 3:9). "Throughout the Bible we see God's loving and patient invitation for us to come to Him."

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" (MATTHEW 11:28).

"Come. Let the thirsty ones come--anyone who wants to. Let them come and drink the water of life without charge" (REVELATION 22:17). 

"The truth," contends Laurie, "is that there are some things only God can do--such as cleanse us of our sin, forgive us, and justify us. At the same time, there are some things only we can do--such as come to Him, believe in Him, and repent of our sins."

Laurie concludes, "While God does indeed love everyone, He has given us a wonderful but dangerous gift. That gift is called 'free will'. It is the ability to choose between right and wrong, good and evil, God and Satan, and heaven and hell. God will not force His salvation and forgiveness upon our lives. It is our choice to say 'yes' or 'no'.

In other words--people end up in hell because they reject God's offer of forgiveness.

A wise man once said: "The gates of hell are locked from the inside." -- C.S. Lewis, author

"What makes us think that we can escape if we are indifferent to this great salvation that was announced by the Lord Jesus Himself?" (HEBREWS 2:3).

👉👉👉"HOW TO GO TO HEAVEN!"☝

News:

• ZeroHedge: Percentage of Americans who say crime is up hits 50-year high
• Daily Caller: What some schools teach kids is too obscene to read on TV say Parental Rights activists
• CNN: Seoul crowd disaster leaves South Korea reeling as death toll rises to 154

 

"2022: Will It Be Better?"

Anyone remember the optimism we all felt right about this time last year? 2020 was almost over (hurray!) and 2021...well...it couldn't be any worse, right?

Let's just say none of us is as naïve, as unsuspecting as we were back then. None of us is looking at 2022 the way we once looked at 2021.

So what do we do? Recognize that we're in it for the long haul.

"Throughout the New Testament, the Christian life is compared to a race," says Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship.

"With that in mind, we need to realize that it is not a short sprint, but a long-distance run."

Throughout all the twists and turns, ups and downs, good times and bad, Laurie contends the answer is the same: "A successful runner must keep his eyes on the prize."

In other words, remember what the race is all about.

"We must bear in mind," says Laurie, "for Whom and to Whom we are running: Jesus Christ. In essence, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus."

Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who survived the horror of Hitler's concentration camps during World War II, often said, "Look within and be depressed. Look without and be distressed. Look at Jesus and be at rest."

"God will see us through to the end," says Laurie. "He has given us His word."

"And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again"-- (PHILIPPIANS 1:6).

"And now, dear children, continue in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming"--(JOHN 2:28).  

 A wise man once said: "It's good to remind ourselves of God's faithfulness and the hope we have in Him...The same God who has been faithful in the past will continue His love for us in the future." -- James Banks, Christian writer

👉👉👉"HOW TO GO TO HEAVEN!"☝

News:

• The Washington Post: 'Flashmob' robberies roiling U.S. retailers, traumatizing workers; "smash-and-grabs" feature dozens of people swarming stores, breaking windows armed with crowbars, guns, knives and pepper spray.
• Washington Examiner: U.S. Intel warns Russia planning massive offensive against Ukraine involving 175,000 troops.
• ZeroHedge: World Health Organization: No "Evidence" Booster Jab Offers Greater Protection To The Healthy

"No One's Immune To 2020"

If 2020 were a book, its author would be Stephen King. And if we've learned anything from this year, it's that none of us is immune to life's trials and tribulations.

And guess what, gang--it isn't over.

The good news? Trials and tribulations come with a purpose and a reward when we apply biblical principles.

"For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything" (JAMES 1:3-4). "...And remember, it is a message to obey, not just listen to. If you just listen and don't obey, you are only fooling yourself" (JAMES 1:22).

Jesus put it this way:

"So why do you call Me 'Lord', when you won't obey Me? I will show you what it's like when someone comes to Me, listens to My teaching, and then obeys Me. It is like a person who builds a house on a strong foundation laid upon the underlying rock. When the flood waters rise and break against the house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who listens and doesn't obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the flood sweeps down against that house, it will crumble into a heap of ruins" (LUKE 6:46-49).

Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship agrees.

"When the storms of life hit us--and they will--the true foundation of our lives will be revealed. The faulty (or nonexistent) foundation will result in bitterness when tested. Some turn to cheap imitations like alcohol, drugs, food, or sex for comfort. If that describes you, now is the time to examine your foundation.

"Jesus is not simply some authoritative figure who demands our respect. He is a personal being who loved us so much that He died in our place. In return, He requires our obedience. Obeying His commands is one of the earmarks of a true follower of Christ.

"The person who builds upon the Rock-solid foundation of obeying God's word will be able to withstand even the most devastating tempest.

"The next time you face some kind of difficulty-- be it an illness, family problem or unexpected change in your life-- remember that you are going to heaven. That will help to keep everything in perspective. Your trials are only temporary. One day you will be in the presence of the Lord, and there will be no more fear, no more death, no more pain, and no more sorrow.

"In the midst of your trials, remember that God cares for you so much He is coming back so that you can be with Him forever."

Jesus said, "Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey...(REVELATION 22:7).

A wise man once said: "As the day for Christ's return comes closer, we need to help each other through difficult times and keep our problems in perspective. We also need to encourage each other to live holy lives and to share God's Good News with others in the time that remains. God wants the body of Christ to stand out and be a light in these ever darkening days." -- Greg Laurie

👉👉👉👉HOW TO GO TO HEAVEN! ☝

News

• The Oregonian: Portland protesters  topple statues, shatter storefronts and rampage through city's streets in 'Day of Rage'
• Jerusalem Post: North Korea's Massive New Missile Could Help Iran Threaten Israel
• ZeroHedge: The  Great California Exodus Accelerates Due To Leftist Policies

 

 

 

  

 

 

"Happiness At 50 Year Low"

Everyone wants to be happy--but according to a recent study--almost no one is.

Americans are more unhappy today than they've been in almost 50 years.

This survey, funded by the National Science Foundation, and conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago, found that only 14% of American adults identify as being very happy.

That's an all-time low in a study that's been collecting data on American attitudes and behaviors since 1972.

And get this--most of the survey's interviews were completed last month before any of the following had even happened:

• the murder of George Floyd that touched off nationwide rage
• the riots/looting and anarchy that followed
• the demands to defund or even abolish the police
• the full economic impact of 44 million job losses
• the bankrupting of millions of small/medium -sized businesses

That's right people, this survey was completed back in the day when our biggest problem was dodging the virus and even then we saw a massive surge in suicide, alcohol and drug abuse.

If we've learned anything from the past few weeks and months it is this--happiness is fragile. And while none of us  knows how long this current crisis will last, we do know that today, more than any other time in the history of man, events are occurring that foreshadow things to come exactly as predicted in the Bible.

The alignment of nations; the collapse of law and order; the lies and deceptions and the weakening influence of our leaders to control the masses, are just a few of the indicators of the era directly preceding the return of Christ.

So what are we trying to say? Being unhappy is the least of our problems. God is sending a wake-up call that even the dimmest among us can't possibly miss. 

According to Got Questions.org the message God is sending is this: 

"Repent and turn your life around. Make a conscious decision to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (MATTHEW 6:33). The meaning of this verse is as direct as it sounds. We are to seek the things of God as a priority over the things of the world...believers who have learned to truly put God first may then rest in the promise...and all these things (like love, joy, peace) will be given to you as well, then, whether Jesus comes for you at the Rapture or at your death, you will be ready for an eternity of pure joy."

"...what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty" (PSALM 32:2).

A wise man once said: "According to the Bible, if you know God and discover His plan for your life, you will find the happiness you're searching for. It doesn't come from seeking to be happy in and of itself. It comes from knowing and seeking the God who created you and discovering His plan and purpose for your life." -- Greg Laurie, Harvest Christian Fellowship

"See, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to repay all according to their deeds" (REVELATION 22:12).

HOW TO GO TO HEAVEN ☝

News:

• Breitbart: BLM Rallies in U.S. Call for 'Death to Israel, Death to America'
• The Hill: Vladimir Putin becomes Russia's president of life; wins 2 more 6-year terms
• Impact 2020: Anti-Trump Republicans work to sink president's re-election bid

 

 

"Satan's Strategies"

"Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from what we believe; they will follow lying spirits and teachings that come from demons. These teachers are hypocrites  and liars. They pretend to be religious but their consciences are dead" (1 Timothy 4:1-2).

Heeding teachings that come from demons is a serious matter because it involves a departure from the truth of Christ's Gospel.

According to Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship,

"We must be on our guard against Satan's clever counterfeits, because, as this passage in Timothy tells us, he will be at work in the last days (which we are in). In fact, we are warned that some in the church will fall prey to these aberrant ideas and teachings.

 Therefore, as you listen to various teachers and pastors today remember this:

• Any so-called gospel that distorts the message of Jesus as found in the Bible by adding to it or taking away from it is not the Gospel.
• Any so-called gospel that offers Christianity without Christ or the Cross, is not the Gospel.
• Any so-called gospel that promises forgiveness without repentance, is not the Gospel.
• Any so-called gospel that presents the hope of heaven without the reality of hell, is not the Gospel, but a "watered-down" version that will give you a false assurance.

Such teachings are extremely hazardous to your spiritual health. Stay away from them at all costs."

A wise man once said: "Satan knows how to manipulate us, and that is why the doctrines of demons are so effective. We must immerse ourselves in the truth of God's Word. When we know what God says on any given subject, then any deviation from that teaching will send up a red flag. When we are in tune with God's Word, aberrations from that keynote will ring hollow and off-key."-- Got  Questions.org

"By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 14:1-4).

HOW TO GO TO HEAVEN!!!

News;

• NBC: FEMA prepping for possible emergency declaration in response to coronavirus
• CNBC: Dow roars back from coronavirus sell-off with biggest gain since 2009; surges 5.1%
• NK News: North Korea fires two "short-range ballistic missiles", South Korea says; test is first of its kind by the DPRK this year

"3 Ways 2 Win"

 

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

 According to Greg Laurie of Harvest Crusade fame, "this verse touches upon three important facets of the Christian life that should give you great joy:

• You have a new identity. When you accept Jesus Christ into your life, God gives you a new identity. You discover that you are not merely some product of random chance. You are not a speck in the universe. You are a child of God. And as God's child you can rest assured that you will be loved and cared for by your heavenly Father.
• You have power to face life. With that new identity and hope in Christ, you also have the promise of the Holy Spirit's presence and power in your life. The Holy Spirit works constantly in your heart, helping you to understand God's Word and to  transform your attitudes and behaviors.

An expanded translation of Romans 15:13 says that by the power of the Holy Spirit, your whole life and outlook will be "radiant with hope". God has not left you to face life on your own. He has promised to guide you and strengthen you with His Spirit.

• You have hope for the future. As a Christian, you have hope and knowledge that there is life beyond the grave. Your last breath on earth will be followed by your first breath in heaven. 

The world offers many roads to happiness: sex, money, power, personal success. But they are all cheap and worthless substitutes in comparison to knowing that you are God's child and that you have the hope of heaven.

"This," says Laurie, "is the only road to lasting--indeed, eternal--joy."

A wise man once said: "There is only one kind of life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior. Until that is done, we are on an aimless course that runs in circles and goes nowhere."    --John Wooden, legendary UCLA basketball coach

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in Me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in Me and will never perish. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26)

How To Go To Heaven...click here! 

News: 

• NTEB: Kansas & Oklahoma Hit By 65 Earthquakes Within Last 7 Days; largest a 4.1 magnitude
• CBS: Democratic state senator from Chicago apologizes for mock Trump assassination photos at his fundraiser on Friday.
• Israel News: Bill Gates will try to block the sun by injecting millions of tons of dust into the atmosphere to counter global warming; Gates teamed with Harvard University scientists for the experiment

"Eyes On The Prize"

"Throughout the New Testament, the Christian life is compared to a race," says Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship.

"With that in mind, we need to realize that it is not a short sprint, but a long-distance run."

Throughout all the twists and turns, ups and downs, good times and bad, Laurie contends the answer is the same: "A successful runner must keep his eyes on the prize."

In other words, remember what the race is all about.

"We must bear in mind," says Laurie, "for Whom and to Whom we are running: Jesus Christ. In essence, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus."

Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who survived the horror of Hitler's concentration camps during World War II, often said, "Look within and be depressed. Look without and be distressed. Look at Jesus and be at rest."

"God will see us through to the end," says Laurie. "He has given us His word."

"And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again."-- Phil. 1:6

 A wise man once said: "It's good to remind ourselves of God's faithfulness and the hope we have in Him...The same God who has been faithful in the past will continue His love for us in the future." --  James Banks, Christian author

How To Go To Heaven

News:

• Reuters: Iran claims to have arrested 17 CIA spies amid escalating international crisis; Trump says "totally false".
• DEBKAfile: UK intelligence warns pro-Iranian sleeper cells ready to strike across Europe.
• Alt-Market.com: California launching creepy "cradle to career" data system to track children.

"Like A Thief In The Night"

"First, I want to remind you that in the last days there will be scoffers who will laugh at the truth and do every evil thing they desire. This will be their argument:

'Jesus promised to come back, did He? Then where is He?'

"But you must not forget, dear friends, that a day is like a thousand years to the Lord and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn't really being slow about His promise to return, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish, so He is giving more time for everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief ... and the earth and everything on it will be exposed to judgment" (2 Peter 3: 4, 8-10).

Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship contends:

"The scoffers described in this passage mistook Christ's delayed return to earth to mean that there would be no final judgment at all. They not only doubted Christ's return but forgot about God's judgment in the past. More importantly, these scoffers overlooked God's love and mercy. It is for their sake that God is restraining His judgment because 'He doesn't want anyone to perish.'"

But does that mean Christ will never come back?

Not according to Jan Markell of Olive Tree Ministries. She believes that by recognizing the precise signs and patterns predicted in the Bible we can know we are the generation that will see His return.

Here's a condensed version of Markell's watchlist:

• Nationalism is scorned and globalism is celebrated, destabilizing Europe. France's Emmanuel Macron makes astounding one-world statements, including wanting to offer Israel a peace plan. If the Antichrist is to come out of Europe, that continent is preparing the way for him.
• Israel's re-birth is a reminder that God keeps His promises. Donald Trump kept a promise and moved the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem on her 70th anniversary. The dry bones prophecy of Ezekiel 37 came to life in May of 1948. This is the miracle of all time. The dry bones (Israel) stood on their feet a great army and in 2018 were declared the 8th strongest nation in the world!
• In 2018 "Birth-Pangs" became apocalyptic when unprecedented disasters struck the globe.
• Trump's decision to pull troops out of Syria opens a pathway from Iran to Israel. Russia, Turkey, Sudan, Libya and many nations are prophesied to attack Israel(Ez,38). This action could further cause Israel to strike Damascus and fulfill the Isaiah 17:1 prophecy.
• The decline in moral character and the tragic rise of evil prophesied in 2 Timothy 3 is steadily increasing. Paganism and witchcraft soar as Christianity declines with millennials proclaiming they do not need God. There is a growing love of evil while good is denounced.
• There's a shocking escalation of apostasy and mocking of Bible prophecy. Most churches no longer teach the 1/3 of the Bible which is prophecy.
• Intrusive technology invades homes and paves the way for the Antichrist.
• The Pope is the ultimate globalist who could easily slide into the role of false prophet, sidekick to the Antichrist.
• Preparation for the 3rd Temple accelerated in 2018. Prophesied to be built in Jerusalem early in the Tribulation, this activity is a sign of things to come.

A wise woman once said: "Things are falling into place. Jesus is coming soon...the headlines are a herald of His coming." -- Jan Markell

"See I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to repay all according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End" (Revelation 22:12-14).

HOW TO GO TO HEAVEN!

News:

•  Fox 5: Four men brutally beat a man to steal his iPhone in Brooklyn
• DEBKAfile: Trump asks Netanyahu to make his peace plan the focal point of his campaign
• Reuters: U.S.issues China travel advisory amid increased tensions

"Life After Death: Make Your Reservations Now"

"If you ever wondered what happens when we die or if near-death experiences are real, The Afterlife Conference will answer all your questions...and more!" (or so the Original Afterlife Awareness Conference claims).

Yes indeedy, friends and neighbors, according to the Afterlife Conference and their "skilled" facilitators, we too can have all the answers...(and more!).

If "death-midwifery", after-death communication, or new and improved meditation practices are what you're looking for--then look no further--this conference has all that...(and more!).

But are all their wild claims true? Christian website Got Answers.org puts it this way: "The existence of life after death is a universal question. Job speaks for all of us by stating, "Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. He springs up like a flower and withers away; Like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure...if a man dies, will he live again? (Job 14:1-2, 14). Like Job, all of us have been challenged by this question. Exactly what happens to us after we die? Do we simply cease to exist? Does everyone go to the same place, or do we go to different places?"

"According to the Bible, you have two options to choose from when it comes to deciding where you will spend your life after death," says Greg Laurie, Senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship.

1. Heaven
2. Hell

"Interestingly enough," says Laurie, "while there seems to be an increased belief in a place called hell, most people don't believe they are headed there. Instead, they believe that hell is reserved for only the most hardened of criminals and other "evil" elements of our society."

Not true and Laurie explains why: "God's Word judges people by a different set of criteria. You are not sent to hell for being a bad person any more than you are sent to heaven for being a good person."

Only perfect people can go to heaven and there are no perfect people. Romans 3:23 says all have sinned and sin separates us from God. Clearly, people (all people) have a problem.

Adds Laurie, "But God solved our problem by sending His Son to bridge the gap between sinful man and perfect God."

"While God clearly says that those who reject the salvation offered through His Son will spend eternity separated from Him," warns Laurie. "God repeatedly gives each person ample opportunity to choose life--abundant life on earth and eternal life in heaven. (2 Peter 3:9).

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him"                            (1 Corinthians 2:9).

A wise man once said: "Although we will all be eventually resurrected, not everyone will go to heaven. A  choice must be made by each person in this life, and this choice will determine one's eternal destination." -- quote taken from Got Questions.org: Is There Life After Death?

find out How To Go To Heaven!

News: 

• BBC: Russian and Syrian warplanes pound southwest after truce talks fail; 600 airstrikes reported overnight
• DEBKAfile: Israeli Chief of Staff inspects Golan for IDF war-readiness for potential flare up.
• Reuters: Fed says economy strong

"America: Divided We Fall"

Has the Deep State really infiltrated every American institution including:

• the FBI, CIA, DHS, IRS
• the public education system
• the entertainment industry
• the mainstream news media
• and all 3 branches of government?

Ask the people on the right side of the aisle and some will answer with a resounding- 'yes, our country is being hijacked by a shadow government bent on destroying America from the inside out.'

Ask the Left (or "Progressives") and they will look at you askance while tracing "Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs" circles next to their ear, indicating only the "crazies" or conspiracy-theorists believe that stuff. America's problem, they'll say is the racist conservatism, or more specifically: Donald J. Trump, and his ignorant, bigoted supporters. The best thing for the country? Get rid of:

• Trump and his "deplorable" supporters
• Guns
• Capitalism
• (and last, but not least) borders of any kind

To say America is a divided nation is the understatement of the century. There is an unprecedented "us vs. them" partisan edge permeating every public (and private) institution.

Jesus warned against this, saying, "Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand" (Matthew 12:25).

"In the endtimes scenario," said Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship, "a number of nations seem to be identified in Bible prophecy. Clearly, we find the nation of Israel. Perhaps we can find the nations of Russia and China in end time events.

"But what amazes me is that I can find no passage in the Scriptures that clearly identifies the United States of America. Where is America in Bible prophecy? Where is the U.S. in the prophetic puzzle?"

According to Laurie, "We may simply fade away as a world power. This is a very likely scenario."

Way back in the 1700's, John Dickerson coined the phrase "United we stand, divided we fall." He was right. Red States + Blue States should = United States. 

Because we sink or swim together.

A wise man once said: "America needs divine intervention. We need God's help." -- Greg Laurie

"How To Go To Heaven"

News:

• USA Today: Google blasted by top Republican for linking California Republican Party to Nazism
• Jewsnews: Divine Irony: Rockets fired by Gaza terrorists hit electric facility in Israel...that provides the Gaza Strip with electricity
• The Washington Post: Italy's political crisis is a gut-punch to Europe; If fresh elections are required, furious Italians expected to vote for the same anti-establishment Finance Minister.
• FNC: Democrats oppose Trump's "Right To Try" bill that gives terminally ill patients the right to try experimental treatments; Dems say wrong to give patients "false hope".

"New Study: BFF Brains Light Up The Same"

"Scientists long ago understood that 'birds of a feather flock together,'" said Carolyn Parkinson, director of the Computational Social Neuroscience Lab at UCLA. And apparently, they were right.

According to a study released Tuesday, close friends have more in common than they realize: Their brains.

That's right folks, you and your BFF really do think alike.

"Our results suggest that friends process the world around them in exceptionally similar ways," said Parkinson. "You can predict who people are friends with just by looking at how their brains respond."

The study included 42 volunteers connected to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) viewing short video clips of news reports, music videos, comedy skits, and documentaries, while researchers watched neural activity in their brains. The findings? Close friends have "eerily comparable neural responses to life experiences." And as an extra added attraction, their brains light up in all the same places making them a natural match. Link: Best Friends' Brains Light Up The Same

"The closer the relationship, the more alike the neural patterns in parts of the brain governing emotional response, high-level reasoning, and the capacity to focus one's attention," the authors of the study said. And conversely, "the relationships we forge with individuals who are clearly different from us--not of our 'tribe'--tend to be practical, task-oriented and short-lived, research has shown." In other words, if you want to "know yourself" take a good, long look at your friends.

A wise man once said: "As a Christian, you should avoid anything that would compromise your relationship with Jesus. That includes entering into a relationship, business deal, or any other association that would tempt you to lower your standards or discredit your integrity. When you team up with someone who does not love and fear the Lord, that relationship can dramatically weaken you spiritually." -- Greg Laurie, Harvest Christian Fellowship

"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." Proverbs 13:20

News:

• The New York Times: Oprah Winfrey Drops Russell Simmons From Spiritual Advice Book After Multiple Women Accused Him Of Sexual Misconduct
• Associated Press: Leading Islamic Scholar In Custody Amid Rape Claims In Paris
• WND: FBI Says Explosive FISA Surveillance Memo 'Accurate'; Dems did everything they could to hide info from American people

"Why Would A Good God Send Anyone To Hell?"

"If God loves people, why doesn't He just save everyone?" Greg Laurie, Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, gives the answers to life's biggest questions. Why would God send people to hell?

"While the question is good," says Laurie, "it places the blame for peoples' damnation on the wrong person: God."

"God doesn't want anyone to spend eternity in hell. In fact, He earnestly desires that everyone spend all eternity with Him in heaven."

Laurie explains, "Scripture tells us, God does not want anyone to perish, so He is giving more time for everyone to repent" (2 Peter 3:9). "Throughout the Bible we see God's loving and patient invitation for us to come to Him."

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

"Come. Let the thirsty ones come--anyone who wants to. Let them come and drink the water of life without charge" (Revelation 22:17). 

"The truth," contends Laurie, "is that there are some things only God can do--such as cleanse us of our sin, forgive us, and justify us. At the same time, there are some things only we can do--such as come to Him, believe in Him, and repent of our sins."

Laurie concludes, "While God does indeed love everyone, He has given us a wonderful but dangerous gift. That gift is called 'free will'. It is the ability to choose between right and wrong, good and evil, God and Satan, and heaven and hell. God will not force His salvation and forgiveness upon our lives. It is our choice to say 'yes' or 'no'.

In other words--people end up in hell because they reject God's offer of forgiveness.

A wise man once said: "The gates of hell are locked from the inside." -- C.S. Lewis, author

"What makes us think that we can escape if we are indifferent to this great salvation that was announced by the Lord Jesus Himself?" (Hebrews 2:3).

If God Is Good...

News:

• The Wall Street Journal: Texas church where gunman killed 26 people last Sunday will not reopen says pastor.
• Channel 10 Israel: Mideast peace proposal coming early next year; Trump has secret plan.
• The Sun: Pope Francis Vows To Save World From Nuclear Disaster As Tensions With N.Korea Mount.

"What's It All About (Alfie)?"

"Throughout the New Testament, the Christian life is compared to a race," says Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship.

"With that in mind, we need to realize that it is not a short sprint, but a long-distance run."

Throughout all the twists and turns, ups and downs, good times and bad, Laurie contends the answer is the same: "A successful runner must keep his eyes on the prize."

In other words, remember what the race is all about.

"We must bear in mind," says Laurie, "for Whom and to Whom we are running: Jesus Christ. In essence, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus."

Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who survived the horror of Hitler's concentration camps during World War II, often said, "Look within and be depressed. Look without and be distressed. Look at Jesus and be at rest."

"God will see us through to the end," says Laurie. "He has given us His word."

"And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again."-- Phil. 1:6 

 A wise man once said: "It's good to remind ourselves of God's faithfulness and the hope we have in Him...The same God who has been faithful in the past will continue His love for us in the future." -- James Banks, Christian writer

News:

• DEBKAfile: Syrian military spokesman confirms Israeli air strike on Damascus
• CBN News: Harvard study suggests millennials have given up on democracy; European millennials agree
• The Telegraph News: Russia hopes to 'normalise' relations with U.S. under Trump presidency, says Vladimir Putin in State of the Nation speech

"3 Important Facts You Need To Know"

According to Strong's Concordance, the word elpis (translated "hope" in Romans 15:13), is a Greek term that denote "confident expectation" or "anticipation", not "wishful thinking".

Romans 15:13 says,

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

According to Greg Laurie of Harvest Crusade fame, "this verse touches upon three important facets of the Christian life that should give you great joy:

• You have a new identity. When you accept Jesus Christ into your life, God gives you a new identity. You discover that you are not merely some product of random chance. You are not a speck in the universe. You are a child of God. And as God's child you can rest assured that you will be loved and cared for by your heavenly Father.
• You have power to face life. With that new identity and hope in Christ, you also have the promise of the Holy Spirit's presence and power in your life. The Holy Spirit works constantly in your heart, helping you to understand God's Word and to to transform your attitudes and behaviors.

          An expanded translation of Romans 15:13 says that by the power of the Holy Spirit, your whole life and outlook will be "radiant with hope". God has not left you to face life on your own. He has promised to guide you and strengthen you with His Spirit.

• You have hope for the future. As a Christian, you have hope and knowledge that there is life beyond the grave. Your last breath on earth will be followed by your first breath in heaven. (To know for sure you really are going to heaven, click here.  

The world offers many roads to happiness: sex, money, power, personal success. But they are all cheap and worthless substitutes in comparison to knowing that you are God's child and that you have the hope of heaven.

"This," says Laurie, "is the only road to lasting--indeed, eternal--joy."

A wise man once said: "There is only one kind of life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior. Until that is done, we are on an aimless course that runs in circles and goes nowhere."    --John Wooden, legendary UCLA basketball coach

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in Me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in Me and will never perish. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26

News: 

• Fox News Channel: Alan Greenspan warns: "Venezuela is now under martial law and America is next"; "a coming economy crisis" cited.
• Reuters: U.S.-backed forces open major front in Syrian War after weeks of quiet preparation.
• Star-Telegram: 3 dead, 6 missing after Army truck swept away in Texas flood.