Archive for the ‘Christianity’ Category

On Friday, Jesus paid the price for our sins. But on Sunday, He went a step further. He gave us life- eternal life, beyond the grave, with Him! By breaking the chains of sin and death, Christ made it possible for all people to have a choice of where we live eternally. Our destination doesn’t have to be in the eternal fires of Hell. By accepting Jesus as our Savior, asking forgiveness for our sins and receiving His gift of eternal life, we can live with Him in Heaven after our earthly body has died.

But it’s not automatic. We don’t go to heaven because we are a good person, or because our parents went to church, or even by following the Ten Commandments. We must believe that Jesus is the Son of God, believe it in our hearts and confess it with our mouth. Only then will we be saved!

If you are a Christian, celebrate today the victory you have in Christ over death. When He walked out of that grave, He brought those who believe in along. Celebrate your freedom from the sting of death!

If you are not a Christian, I urge you to consider what Christ offers you. there is no other way- Jesus Himself said that. In John 14:6, Jesus said “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” Faith in your own goodness or adherence to rules will not change your current path to eternity in Hell. You must turn from yourself, and turn to Christ.

Luke 24

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; 5 and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living One among the dead? 6 He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, 7 saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.” 8 And they remembered His words, 9 and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now they were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles. 11 But these words appeared to them as nonsense, and they would not believe them. 12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he *saw the linen wrappings only; and he went away to his home, marveling at what had happened.

We all have debts. Cars, homes, credit cards, tuition and others. Sometimes we can pay those off, sometimes we can’t. But the thing they all have in common is that once we die, they don’t follow us.

But there is another debt we all have- sin. All of us- everyone who has ever lived- has sinned against God in some way shape or form. And that sin will separate us from God eternally, in hell. But unlike financial debts, which we can pay off ourselves, our sin debt cannot be paid by what we do. no amount of good works, good living, philanthropy or self-denial will pay our debt.

Yet God loves us so much that he sent Jesus Christ to pay the debt for our sins. the debt we owe is death. Yet Christ died on a Cross to pay our debt, forever. All we have to do is ask for His forgiveness and receive that forgiveness. When we do that, our debt is paid.

If you are already a Christian, remember the price that was paid for you, and live as someone ransomed from hell. if you are not a believer, I urge you to examine your own life, and and consider asking Jesus to be your Savior.

Mark 15

22 Then they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. 23 They tried to give Him wine mixed with myrrh; but He did not take it. 24 And they crucified Him, and divided up His garments among themselves, casting lots for them to decide what each man should take. 25 It was the third hour when they crucified Him. 26 The inscription of the charge against Him read, “THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

27 They crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left. 28 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And He was numbered with transgressors.” 29 Those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads, and saying, “Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save Yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes, were mocking Him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. 32 Let this Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe!” Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him.

33 When the sixth hour came, darkness [p]fell over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 35 When some of the bystanders heard it, they began saying, “Behold, He is calling for Elijah.” 36 Someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink, saying, “Let us see whether Elijah will come to take Him down.” 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed His last. 38 And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

Luke 2: 8-20

⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

The birth of Jesus, on that day so many years ago, was more than jus the birth of a child. More than the birth of a prophet, or a good man. More than the birth of a philosopher or a social activist.

The birth of Jesus was the birth of God in flesh, when He put aside His heavenly glory to be born as a man. To live and eat and breathe and exist in this fallen world in which we live.

And His purpose was not just to say nice things, and spread peace, and tell folks to treat others nice.

That baby born so long ago was born to bear the burden of sin on the cross, to bear the penalty for all mankind’s sins. Bearing up the penalty for all- those who believed, and those who didn’t. He’s paid the price for us all.

But just like the shepherds, when we hear the news, we must do something with it. To ignore it means we reject His payment of our sins, and must bear the burden of the penalty for eternity. Only by accepting this gift- this precious, ultimate gift to the world made possible by a baby in a manger in Bethlehem can we be restored with God for eternity.

On this day, as we celebrate with gifts and joy and family, remember what we are celebrating. We celebrate becuase of the gift of Christ our Lord, who would be our Savior one day on the Cross of Golgotha.

To all, I wish a Merry Christmas!

It’s Thanksgiving Day in the United States today. A day that we celebrate and remember what God has done for us over the last year.  Sadly, in our increasingly humanist world, it’s become a day of thanking ourselves, as if by our own hand we have anything. Yet, it’s much “like a hog under a tree eating acorns, but never looking up to see where they come from”, as Timothy Dexter once said.

All we have is from the Lord. Whatever talents and skills we have, any education we’ve achieved, the place we live, the things we have- all is by the grace of God, not because of any merit we have, but simply by His Hand.

So as you prepare to celebrate this day, with all of the wonderful traditions of turkey and dressing, pumpkin pie, and of course cranberries shaped like a can… remember first that it is from God from whom all blessings flow. Give thanks to Him!

Psalm 136

1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.

3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

4 To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.

6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.

7 To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:

8 The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:

9 The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.

10 To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:

11 And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:

12 With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.

13 To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:

14 And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:

15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.

16 To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.

17 To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:

18 And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:

19 Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:

20 And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:

21 And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:

22 Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.

23 Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:

24 And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.

25 Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.

26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

We set today aside in America to celebrate our Freedom.  Freedom not given by the grace of government, but by the grace of God. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Freedom is not something granted by men, but rather it is a gift to man from God, and we must be good stewards of this freedom.

But freedom in this world is not enough, because this world is not all there is. Our eternity hangs in the balance, because none of us are free from the penalty of sin, which is separation from God for eternity in Hell. When we ask Jesus to be our Lord, to forgive our sins, only then can we be truly free.

And because true Freedom, the kind we have been graciously given, comes only from God, it is only through Him in our lives that we can ever hope to be the kind of stewards such a precious gift brings.

On this day of Freedom, consider this things- are you free from the penalty of sin? If you are, then truly you are free indeed. ”So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 If you are not, or if you are not sure, why not take some time today to declare Jesus as your Savior, so that you can be truly free?

Throughout history, many good men have given their lives for others. Only one, though, has given His life, and then came out of the grave to triumph over death itself.

When Jesus died on the cross, it was to pay the price for the sins of the world. His love was shown at the cross. But it is in His resurrection that we have life, an new life in Him!

When Christ walked out of that grave, it was a triumph of many sorts. A triumph over death, over sin. Over those who doubted Who He was. It was the most astounding act anyone had seen… even death could not hold Him down!

And when we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, being forgiven of our sins by His work on the cross, His work alone, we are saved for a purpose. Life in Christ is not just fire insurance. It is a call to serve, to serve a risen Savior, Who has a purpose for all of our lives, a purpose to God’s glory. And while how that purpose may manifest itself in each of our lives may be very different, the focus is singular- to share the Good news of Jesus with a world dying of sin. In fact, before He ascended to Heaven, to be at the father’s right hand, Jesus gave us all our marching orders:

Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Rejoice today, we serve a Risen Savior! Let us serve Him every day, in every way!

Happy Easter from AgapeModels.com!

On this day, many years ago, Jesus was nailed to a cross. The religious leaders of the day thought they were ridding themselves of a troublemaker, who dared challenge their authority. Some saw Him as crazy. Some saw Him as a zealot. Some saw Him as a threat to their on posotion. yet I daresay none of those who wtched Him die saw Him for who He was.

Immanuel, God with us. The long awaited Messiah. The Savior of the world. He was exactly Who He said he was.

Why then, did He have to die on the cross?

All  men, in all times, have sinned. No man who has lived has been free of sin. you see, a single sin will keep us out of heaven, out of an eternity with God, and will instead condemn us to an eternity in Hell. The Bible tells us no sin can enter heaven. Revelation 21:27 says “and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” If God were to allow any sin into Heaven, it would be defiled. It would be like earth. It would no longer be perfect.

But God wants us there with Him, in Heaven, for eternity, because He loves us. Yet if we cannot live without committing sin, how can we get there.

Well, that’s why Jesus died on the cross. He died to take the punishment for our sins. All of our sins, every one in the world, then, now, and in the future, had God’s wrath taken out on them at the cross. 2 Corinthians 5:21 tell us “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become therighteousness of God in Him.” Jesus was sinless, blameless, perfectly innocent in every way. His death paid for our sins.

So that debt of sin you and I have built up, and continue to build up, separates us from God. And if left unresolved, it will do so for an eternity. But resolving it is really not difficult. John 3:16 tells us “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” Romans 10:9-10 says “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”

If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior this day, why not come before Him in prayer, confessing you are a sinner, and you need His forgiveness? Ask Him to wash away your sins, and to be Lord and Savior of your life, believing only in Him. He’ll be faithful to do so, and you’ll know you will be prepared to go before God, not on your own merits, but because of the price Jesus paid on the cross for your sins. And more importantly, you’ll have a new life, re-birthed in the Holy Spirit, ready to serve the Lord as he leads you.

Jesus died on the cross this day for you, friend, to pay the price for your sins, because He loves you so much.

But the story does not end there…. Sunday is coming!

Luke 2: 1-20
Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Christmas is not just about the birth of Jesus. It is about Him coming to earth, to die on the Cross, to conquer death, and to pay for all of our sins. All we have to do is accept the gift of forgiveness that is offered to us. Celebrate the birth of Jesus by accepting His gift to you today!

It was 70 years ago to day when Japan launched a surprise attack against the United States at Pearl Harbor. Over 2,400 American lives were lost. Most American aircraft were caught on the ground. Ships were lined up, prime targets for torpedo and dive bomber attacks.

In the weeks that followed, Japanese  forces advanced rapidly throughout the Pacific and Asia. It became painfully clear that America was not prepared for the attacks.

Yet respond we did, and victoriously. Flexing mighty muscles of industry and manpower, the United States and it’s Allies throughout the world overcame the tyranny that threatened to engulf the world.

Looking back, it gives me pause to consider how this parallels the life of a believer in Christ. All around us, we are opposed. The prince of this world seeks every opportunity to attack us. As believers, we cannot allow ourselves to be complacent. Rather, we must always stay in God’s Word, leading an active life of prayer in relationship with our Lord, seeking His Kingdom and His glory. The surprise attacks will still come- but we will be prepared, wearing the full armor of God.

As you pause to reflect on the great loss many years ago on this solemn day, consider your own state of spiritual preparedness. If you are a believer, stand strong in God’s Word. If you do not know Jesus as your Savior, I urge you to find out what it means to be in an eternal relationship with Jesus Christ. Our sins separate us from God eternally. It is only through the death and resurrection of Christ that we can have eternal life, admitting our sins and accepting Christ as our Savior.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States. The first Thanksgiving dates back to the Pilgrims, taking time to thank God for His provision in their first year on the shores of the New World.

And make no mistake about it, they were thankful to God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The great I AM. It was not a general feeling of thankfulness, or just a  day off from the otherwise busy work week. It was a celebration, recognizing that they were where they were by the grace and mercy of Almighty God.

We should pause to remember today, to give thanks, in that spirit, with that heart. All we have is from the Lord, by His hand.

Take time today to thank Him for the provisions and blessings in your life.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today we honor veterans, past and present, and remember their service to our country. It is the veteran who has stood in the gap, making sure that our freedoms remain in place. We are the nation we are because men and women have been willing to stand up and say “this is worth serving, worth fighting for, and worth giving up life for.”

Yet the real battles our nation and world faces is not against man, but against the “prince of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient” as Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:2, referring to Satan. As Christians, we are veterans in that struggle, a struggle far more deadly, far more important than any temporal struggle of this earth.

And we can take great hope- the outcome is decided! Christ defeated Satan’s power, the sting of death, on the Cross. On the Cross He died as a sacrifice for your sins and mine, establishing Him as the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world. And His empty grave announced to the realm of Darkness that their defeat was imminent.

So while we take this day to honor veterans in our struggles of this earth, consider where you stand in the struggle that is eternal, the only struggle that matters, that of the struggle with sin that creates eternal separation from God. Have you asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins and be Lord of your life? If you have, I rejoice with you, and encourage you to stand firm in the Gospel, sharing the Good news with all of those around you.

And if you have not, I invite you to do so today. God loves you, and sent His Son to die on the Cross for your sins. Take time this day to repent, and be saved.

As Christians, we do not need to live in fear. Our Lord is in control, even at the darkest times. And it’s all, ultimately, to His glory. Even when we don’t understand how or why. All of history is leading to the return of Christ, to rule, in all His glory.

Christian, let today remind us of our mission. To share the gospel with a world that desperately needs to hear the message.

Today is the day Americans celebrate freedom. Freedom that came at a price. Frreedom that continnues to exact a price.

Take time today to thank the Lord for the blessing of freedom. Freedom for our nation through the blood of patriots.

And more importantly, thank the Lord for His provision of freedom from sin through the blood of Jesus!

Today is Memorial Day here in the United States, a day we set aside to remember those who have died defending our country. It’s not a day of politics, or of national blustering. It’s a day to remember. To reflect.  Those lives are the price that was paid so that we could live in a land that gives us the freedom to worship where and how we please, to speak freely, to gather and express our minds. The fact that America is as polarized as it is and yet remains peaceful internally is a direct consequence of the service of veterans- past present and future, living and dead. And those who have died – and will die- have paid the price for us.

As Christians, we cannot let that price go ignored. We are Christians because a price was paid for us, by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that we could be free of sin and an eternity in hell. And we are free to practice that faith because of those who have paid with their lives to protect that freedom.

So as we enjoy this day of remembrance with family and friends, don’t forget what the price was paid for. When something has great cost, it has great value. Our freedom has great value. And the freedom purchased with the blood of our Savior and our brothers and sisters in service in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard means we owe a debt. The debt to all those lives to use our freedom. And the debt to the One life to share the Truth.

Share your faith, Christian. Speak the Truth, stand on the Word. The price to do so has been paid.

And we have our marching orders, given to us by our Lord:

Matthew 28
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

John 20
11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my LORD, and I know not where they have laid him. 14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

Jesus didn’t just die for our sins. Yes, His death, if we accept His gift of salvation, saves us from our sins. But the empty tomb means so much. It means there is more to come. It means he is alive.

And if He purchased us with His blood, He purchased us for a purpose. No one buys something for no reason. Even a piece of artwork is purchase dot be admired.

But we are purchased to do something. No, our works will not save us. But we do have a mission. Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, He told His disciples “19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28)

You see- we are called to share what He has done. it’s not just fire insurance! It is a call, a mission. A rescue mission.

And time is getting shorter. A lost world needs to hear your testimony, Christian.

Today we celebrate that Jesus walked away from the grave.

But don’t forget that He then calls us to share that good news!

We are all sinners. Romans 3:23 assures of of this, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God“, so that none of us can take pride in our righteousness. And in Romans 6:23, we are also assured that the price for our sins is certain: “For the wages of sin is death“. God is Holy. God cannot have sin in His presence. Just as one drop of sewage pollutes a glass of clean water, so would a sinner pollute the perfection and righteousness of heaven.

Yet God desires us to be with Him.

So He sent His Son, Jesus, to pay the price for our sins. You see, we must answer for our sins. And because all have sinned, and none are righteous, we cannot pay for our sins and must face an eternity, separated from God, in Hell. But Jesus came to die in our place. To pay our price. Friend- He’s already paid for your sins. All you need to do is accept the gift. Romans 10:9-10 tells us “9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

God’s mercy is shown to us by us not receiving that which we deserve- death, if we accept His gift of salvation through Jesus. We deserve to stand for our sins, and to pay the price. By His mercy, we do not have to. Grace is receiving that which you do not deserve. By His grace, we are offered eternal life in heaven, because Jesus paid our price. We only need to accept it, to confess Jesus as Lord.

Today, nearly 2000 years ago, Jesus paid the price. For you and for me. Reflect on this, and consider what God is calling you to today.

Luke 23

33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. 35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. 36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, 37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. 38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. 44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. 46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. 47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

God loves you, dear friend, and wants you to be with Him for eternity in Heaven. But He will not force you. He has given us free will to choose.

As Joshua said to the Israelites in Joshua 24:15, “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve“.

“But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

It’s funny to see the various stories and pranks that take place on April 1st. Most are in good fun. For instance, the “Gmail in Motion” page is one of the many things you may find on the web today.

I had been trying to think of a fun way to add to the day, something like the “announcement” I’d posted a few years ago regarding a supposed merger between Hasegawa and Tamiya.

But as I thought on this more, God really impressed on me a need to be a bit more serious. While most of the April Fool’s jokes you see today will be quite humorous and light-hearted, there is a Truth that there is no fooling about, and cannot be dismissed.

The world today will tell you that there are many ways to heaven. Or that there is no heaven. Maybe even that if there is a heaven, everyone goes to it except really, really bad people. Friend, that talk is simply foolishness. But not the lighthearted foolishness of an April Fools joke. It is foolishness that lasts into an eternity, with frightful consequences.

You see, there truly is heaven. Jesus told us so in John 14: 2-3. “2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.“

But there is also Hell- a place separate from God. Jesus spoke of this in Mark 9. “If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.“

What separates us from God, and dooms us to Hell, is our sin. Any sin. In God’s eye, there is no “big” sin or “little” sin. Held up before the righteousness of God, all sin makes us unworthy. Whether it be gossip, or crimes against humanity on the scale of the Nazis in WWII. Sin is sin, and causes us to be separated from God.

And all of us sin. Romans 3:23 tells us “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Me, you, everyone. None can puff themselves up as having not sinned. To be human is to sin.

Yet if Jesus said He has prepared a place for us in Heaven, but our sin has condemned us to Hell, what are we to do?

That is the wonder of the Gospel, friend. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) What that means is Jesus came to die on the Cross, and then rose again on the third day, to pay the price for our sins. All we must do is ask forgiveness of our sin, and accept His gift of salvation.

How? Romans 10:9-10 tells us quite plainly. “9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.“

We must turn from our sin, and turn to Jesus. Only He can clean us up. Only He can pay the price. Only He can stand for us on our day of judgement.

Dear friend, don’t be fooled by the world on this day or any other day into thinking that your eternity is nothing to consider. It is truly the only question in life to consider. Sooner or later, you will stand before God, the God of Abraham, Isaac , and Jacob, God the Father of our Savior Jesus, God Who gives us the Holy Spirit. The God who created the universe and all that is in it. We will all stand before Him one day, and our place in eternity, Heaven or Hell, will rest on one simple question.

What did you do when confronted with the Gospel of Jesus?

I urge you, if you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, to do so today. You can find out more about that here. Do not wait, dear friends. We never know when our time of judgement will confront us.

Luke 2

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Hallelujah! Christ our Lord was born on this day. He left the glory of Heaven to be born a man, to live on this earth. Born to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins. All of our sins. Yours and mine. For all time.

Dear friend, if you know Christ as your Lord and Savior, take time today, amid the presents and fun and food and family, and thank Jesus for reaching down to pull you from the pit of sin. To rescue you from the certainty of an eternity in hell.

And if you do not know Jesus as your Lord, I urge you to seek Him, to accept the forgiveness He offers freely, and to make Him the Lord of your life.

Merry Christmas everyone, from AgapeModels.com.

Joy to the world- the Lord has come!

Psalm 107:1
“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.”

Today is a day the United States sets aside to give thanks for all that we have. To many, it is simply  a day off, for a general feeling of “thankfulness”. I heard one person describe it as this way. “I feel thankful, sure, not to anything or anyone in particular, just thankful.” How sad and empty.

All that we have, whether it be a physical, tangible thing like a car, our Thanksgiving turkey or a stash full of models, or something more intangible like the love of a child or a feeling of peace or the joy of watching a Thanksgiving day football game with family and friends, all that we have is by the grace of God. Even those who do not ackowledge Him have had everything that they may feel thankfulness for pass through His hands. In Matthew 5:45 Jesus affirm this- “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.“

If nothing else, we should be thankful that He loves us despite our sins. He showed this by sending Jesus to die on the Cross, to pay the price for our sins that we could never pay, and if we accept that gift we will be saved from an eternity in Hell separated from God, and live with Him instead in Heaven. Romans 10:9-10 tells us that “⁹ If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

Christian, give thanks this day, for all that you have comes from the Lord who loves you, who has saved your soul at great price through the blood of Jesus.

And if you don’t know Christ as your Lord and Savior, seek Him today. Give thanks that He has reached out to you, and receive His gift of salvation and eternal life.

Thank You Lord, for all that I have, given through Your grace, and thank You most of all for what I have been spared, through Your mercy.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

The world watched, with their breath held, as the miners were rescued from the depths in Chile this week. The cameras rolled as each one came up, attentive to their words. We all celebrated as they emerged, until all were safely  returned to the surface. We all rejoiced in their rescue.

All the miners were eager to be rescued. I’m certain the waiting process was very nerve-wracking on them, especially as there number underground became fewer and fewer.

Yet can you imagine if one would have said “No, I do not want to be rescued?” No one would have believed it. No one in their right mind would even utter such a thought. Who would refuse rescue from certain, lonely death?

Yet the reality is that every day, people do exactly that.

You see, in a spiritual sense, we all are born living in a place as deep and dark as that mine was. Just as the miners were on their own, we have no hope, in and of our own efforts, of getting out. We are trapped. We are separated from God, by our sin.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

All men are sinners. None of us have managed to get through life without sin. And sin keeps us separate from God- in the mine, so to speak. And worse, our sin condemns us to an eternity apart from God, in hell- far worse than simply being trapped in a mine.

Some may ask “Why can’t we just all go into heaven?” Well, it’s sin that keeps us out. If God were to allow sin in to heaven, it would not be heaven- it would be less than perfect.

“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Romans 21:27

But there is good news- God loves us so much He has provided a way of rescue from our separation, from the depths of the mine we are born in. And that way is through faith in Jesus Christ.

“For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

God provided a means of rescue, a way out, through His mercy. We are given the offer of eternal life with Him in heaven, rescue from the certainty of an eternity in hell, through His Son, Jesus. And it’s not something we work for by our acts. No more than those miners could have dug their own way out. Nothing we can do will make us worthy of rescue. We are offered rescue solely through God’s love and compassion. Just as those miners were offered rescue simply through compassion, and not by their worthiness to be rescued, so are we offered rescue through Christ.

And how do we do that?

9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Romans 10:9-10

When we turn from our life of sin, confessing our sins to the Lord, making Jesus the Lord of our life, and accepting His forgiveness, we have the promise of eternal life!

In fact, Jesus promises that when we believe in Him, He’s already preparing a place for us, a place with Him in eternity in heaven.

“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:3

Dear friends, if you have not accepted Jesus Christ as the Savior of your life, I urge you to seek God’s mercy, and ask to be forgiven of your sins. I have some more information on this page for you to read, and would love for you to contact me if you have questions. Or, seek out a local, Bible-believing church, and let them know you want to know about asking Jesus to be your Savior.

Just as none of those miners would have contemplated turning down their rescue, none of us should turn down our offer of rescue from the certainty of hell. For those who have not yet believed in Jesus, I urge you to accept this rescue. And for those who have accepted Christ as your Savior, first, I rejoice with you. Second, let the story of the Chilean miners serve as an example of how our calling here in this life is to share with others the rescue we were given. Just as the mine rescuers showed those in peril the way to salvation from the depths, we too must do the work Christ called us to do, preaching the gospel to the whole world.