Tag: grace

Unlock Eternal Love:  Can you Imagine Being the Beloved Bride of Christ Forever?

You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride!
You have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes. Song of Solomon 4:9 (NET)

From Genesis 1 to the last verse of Revelation, we are given a portrait of Jesus Christ.  Each story and each verse reveal the magnificence of who He is.   On display are His Glory, Power, Grace, Humility, and Love.  Every part presents the story of His love for us.  He reaches forth with sacrificial love with one desire. To transform our hearts into hearts filled with joy overflowing and hope eternal.  We can only find this great treasure in an intimate relationship with Him.  How fitting. From the beginning, He designed the union of a man and woman. Theirs was to be a forever life relationship of love and union. An unbreakable covenant. This was a picture always of the intimate relationship between Christ and His Beloved Bride—the church.

Our hearts were created to only be fully satisfied by God.  It is the most magnificent love story ever told.  He willingly died to purchase His beloved bride. And rescue her from the depths of depravity to which she had fallen. 

An Example of Our Love as a Bride

I heard a sermon the other day from Joel Holm. He is a pastor at Cottonwood Church in Los Alamitos, CA.  The story he told that struck deeply in my heart. A bridegroom and his beloved bride checked into the wedding suite.  Once there the bride asked to go downstairs alone quickly to get something from the shop below. Of course, he said yes.  But when she got downstairs, she noticed the bar And she went in.  There she seated herself on a barstool next to a handsome gentleman. He was all alone. Meanwhile, the bridegroom waited patiently for his bride.  After a few drinks, she left the hotel and went out into the dark streets. Her arms linked with this stranger.  We would probably think.  Wow! He dodged a bullet.  Better now than to find out tomorrow or even a year from now. 

 We like the bride, often play foolish games. And we walk away from our bridegroom. Chasing other dreams or loves. Yet, He never would forsake me. Nor does He forsake you. If you are His bride. Instead, He steps into the darkest of nights to pursue us.  To find us.  And to bring us home regardless of all we have done.  All He desires is to safely bring us home, and to teach us of the depth of His love.  When we truly understand that, he knows we will not walk away.  No one and nothing could lure our hearts away. That is if we only fully understood the depth of His love for us. 

The Father’s Covenant Love of Israel and Christ His Beloved Bride

 “For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife. And the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless, let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself. And let the wife see that she respects her husband.  Ephesians 5:31-33

That was the story of Hosea in the Old Testament. His story illustrative of the love of God the Father for His beloved nation.  He covenanted to love them.  And even though they played the harlot, He will bring them home. One day He will bring them back to Him.  That is the reason for the final cleansing of Israel during the tribulation. To Transform their heart to know and love Him.  He has not forsaken His covenant to love them.

The modern-day Church is the Bride of Christ.  She is taken out before the tribulation.  Revelation 19 speaks of the wedding ceremony. The bride returns with her husband on the glorious day of His second coming.  She rides behind Him on beautiful white horses.

Last week we completed the interlude explaining Babylon. We now enter the final chapters which are strictly linear (chronological) again.  Therefore we return to immediately after the seventh bowl judgement. Christ returns to claim His earth accompanied by His beloved bride behind Him.  

We are united with Him in heart, mind, spirit, and soul throughout eternity.  Never forgetting how blessed I am to be His. I can hardly imagine the butterflies and excitement just to see His face.  Like falling in love with Him new every moment of every hour. 

The Beloved Bride of Christ Presented to the World

Then I heard what sounded like the voice of a vast throng, like the roar of many waters and like loud crashes of thunder. They were shouting:

“Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God, the All-Powerful, reigns!
Let us rejoice and exult
and give him glory,
because the wedding celebration of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
She was permitted to be dressed in bright, clean, fine linen” (for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints).  Revelation 19:6 -8 (NET)

Always the bride has been adorned in the righteous robes of her bridegroom.  Yet, for this moment in time she wears the bright clean, fine linen of her righteous deeds. Her beautiful wedding gift to her bridegroom.  After the wedding, she does return to His robes of righteousness for all of eternity.  She rides behind Him on white horses as He returns to earth to conquer and to set up His millennial reign.  His beloved bride forever at His side. 

The Conquering Bridegroom Wins with the Sword of His Mouth-His Word

Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies assembled to do battle with the one who rode the horse and with his army. Revelation 19:19 (NET)

How foolish! Humanity Believing They Could Conquer Over the Creator

 Now the beast was seized, and along with him the false prophet who had performed the signs on his behalf—signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. Both of them were thrown alive into the lake of fire burning with sulfur.Revelation 19: 20 (NET)

The first two residents of Hell will be there 1000 years before the others arrive.  These are the Anti-Christ and the False Prophet. But all who revolted against Jesus with them in this battle will die. Indeed they die by the Word which is sharper than any two-edged sword. 

The others were killed by the sword that extended from the mouth of the one who rode the horse and all the birds gorged themselves with their flesh.  Revelation 19:21 (NET)

The Millennial Reign with Jesus and His Beloved Bride

In discussion of the millennial reign of Christ there are so many different ideologies taught; however, why?  If God says 1000 years, why should we doubt Him.  Some believe that we are currently living in the millennium. However, does it appear things are free from demonic influence? Is Jesus on His Throne in Israel?  I have read and studied the A-millenialists and the pan-millenialists views. And I do not believe scripture supports their conclusions.  There is no reason to second guess what God has said. 

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.  Revelation 20:1-3 (NKJV)

 Note:  Must be released for after 1000 years, that is to complete the proof of God’s Absolute Justice in His final judgment. I will explain this further later in this post. 

His Beloved Bride Rules with Him–

Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their foreheads and on their hands; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.  Revelation 20:4 NASB

We will reign with Him.  And the tribulation martyrs will also be resurrected to reign with Him as priests.  Therefore, how can it be possible that we are in the millennium now if the tribulation martyrs are to reign with Him? I believe God said it and I trust His prophecy to be true. 

 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years. Revelation 20:5-6 (NASB)

The Saints have positions of power during the millennium.  Meanwhile, the resurrected martyrs will be priests of God.

Then as the millennium comes to an End

When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison and will come out to deceive the nations which are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore. Revelation 20:7-8 (NASB)

So why would God allow this? In so doing, He is magnifying the truth of His grace and justice in what He is about to do.  Satan after a thousand years in exile, did not change at all.  His fate is justly deserved.  Also, humanity cannot blame Satan for their fate.  

Entering the millennium are also some who never bowed to the Antichrist nor received his mark.  They will be in non-glorified bodies and able to marry and have children.  The sinful nature of humans born during this time period shows forth.  In a perfect world ruled by Jesus, everything will be perfectly, morally managed.  Yet, the fact that they follow the commands does not mean that there is a true heart change. 

Many will not truly trust Jesus as Savior. They will remain occupied doing their own things and relishing in themselves.   Especially as you notice, when everything is good—they do not consider there to be any need of Him.  Very similar to the Garden of Eden, many will have their own ideas of themselves.  These will easily follow Satan when loosed, exposing those whose hearts were never transformed. Those who never truly loved, adored and worshipped the King of Kings.   

God Intervenes-the Battle Ends Before It Begins

And they came up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, and fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:9-10 NASB

No harm presented itself against the bride of Christ or Christ Himself

Judgment at the Throne of God

Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled, and no place was found for them.And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.

All are judged according to their deeds and even they know at that point their guilt.  But there is one more chance.  If their name was found in the book of life, they are saved because of having put their faith in Jesus Christ.  If not, they are justly condemned.

And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them; and they were judged, each one of them according to their deeds.Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.  Revelation 20: 11-15

Notice Death and Hades were also thrown into Hell to never rise again.

The New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also, there was no more sea. Revelation 21:1 (NKJV)

Remember that when God created the world He spoke of the First Heaven (our atmosphere), the second heaven which is the Galaxy system, and the third heaven where God resides on His throne.  It is not clarified here; but, most likely He is referring to either the 1st or the 2nd heaven or both.  As we also know that there is no sun or moon to light the skies.  But given He spoke heaven and earth into being, He can again.

 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21:2 (NKJV) 

Imagine that!  New Jerusalem takes on the appearance of its inhabitants—the Beloved Bride of Christ.  Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for us. 

And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:3-5 NKJV

These Words are true and faithful!! Amen. 

And He said to me, “Itis done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, [e]unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”  Revelation 21:6-8 (NKJV)

The New Jerusalem—The City for the Beloved Bride of Christ

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.”  And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west.  Revelation 21:9-13 NKJV

 Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.  And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. Revelation 21:14-16 NKJV

A New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem minimally 4 Dimensional

Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.  Revelation 17-21 (NKJV)

The Beloved Bride is with Her Love—He is Our Light, Our Joy, Our Provider

 But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations intoit. But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.  Revelation 21:22-27 (NKJV)

What A Wondrous Pure River of Life Flowing for the Beloved Bride

And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22:1-2 (NKJV)

And Even More Amazing

And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:1-5 (NKJV)

A Reminder to the Beloved Bride of Christ- The Time Is Near

Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Revelation 22:6-7 NKJV

John was overwhelmed by all he saw.

 Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” Revelation 22:8-11 NKJV

Jesus Testifies to the Churches—His Beloved Bride

 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”  Revelation 22:12-13 (NKJV)

Hold on my beloved bride, my love, my heart and wait just a little longer.  I am coming for you.

 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.  Revelation 22:14-15 (NKJV)

Never has any part of Revelation been veiled in mystery.  He sent His angel to declare the truth to His beloved bride.  We can be assured He will perform all this for His love never ends. 

 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star” And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.  Revelation 22:16-17 NKJV

A Warning for All Who Teach Falsely

For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, Godshall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.  Revelation 22:18-19 NKJV

I Am Coming Quickly my Beloved Bride

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.”

Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.  Revelation 22:20-21 (NKJV)

“Microsoft CoPilot . Accessed 2025-02/21  Prompt: ‘ Beloved Bride of Jesus Christ in His Arms’ Generated using https://copilot.microsoft.com/.”

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

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Can I Really Rejoice at Babylon’s Fall and Never Mourn Her Loss?

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

New King James Version (NKJV)Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

New English Translation (NET)NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Amplified Bible (AMP)Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

One Way of Salvation and only One way, which is God and God Alone

“The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10 NKJV

        Throughout the previous studies in I Kings, we watched as God spoke to the people through Elijah.  He declared that God and God Alone was Sovereign.  All their vain idols were merely impotent ideologies of their own imaginations.  Desperately they desired to believe these idols were real.  After all they promoted sexual deprivation and promised freedom. Yet, their demands of child sacrifice and utter devotion brought bondage and suffering instead of the freedoms promised.  Repeatedly Elijah demonstrated that only God and God Alone had the power to save.  There was only one way of Salvation and that was complete devotion to God.  Today, we face the same ideologues desiring to say there are many ways of Salvation.  Christianity must be all inclusive or not at all, ignoring the truth that Israel’s destruction came from being all inclusive of false religious practices. 

        After Elijah stood on Mount Carmel alone against the 800 prophets of Baal and Ashtoreth, one might think people would have abandoned these false idealogues.  But they did not.  God and God alone had sent a blazing fire to burn the water drenched sacrifice.  The others had tried everything. And their sacrifice wasn’t even wet.  But their imaginary gods had failed.  Much as we watch the idealogues march forward with their plans today, despite their policies pushing toward the destruction of so many nations through famine, poverty, and death.  The farther they run from the truth of God the more devastating the resultant disasters.  Ignoring the truth that there is only one way of salvation and that is through God and God Alone.

God’s Grace Displayed

        God allowed his prophet to run away and even to fall into a momentary depression.  However, God’s plan was to reset and redirect His prophet to a different task.  Elijah needed to know that because of God’s great love and grace, humans would always have choice.  Never did God force them to follow Him.  Afterall, without choice, there is no true love, worship or devotion.  Still in His Sovereignty God Alone could transform a broken sin filled heart.  Both are true, equally even when my finite brain, locked within this time/space continuum doesn’t understand fully how.  One day when I stand before Him, then I will know fully. 

        Once recommissioned, Elijah marched forth to the next tasks at hand.  He was to call Elisha to be his understudy and designate the future King of Syria. 

A Grave Error- Doing It Any Other Way But God’s Way

        Meanwhile, King Ahab died just as Elijah foretold.  God’s grace so great, He had given King Ahab a chance to repent.  When he humbled himself before God, King Ahab was given a chance to win against the Syrian King Ben-Haddad. However, God instructed him to kill the Syrian King and he did not.  Using God only to win is not true devotion to God.  Although many proclaim to be Christian, not all are.  Some are only seeking the gifts, but not the Giver of Gifts.   Hence God sent a prophet, disguised as an injured soldier to speak to King Ahab.

““This is what the Lord has said: ‘Because you released a man I had determined should die, you will pay with your life, and your people will suffer instead of his people.’”[bg] 43 The king of Israel went home to Samaria bitter and angry.1 Kings 20 (NET)

God Alone Can Heal

After Ahab died,…2 Ahaziah fell through a window lattice … and was injured. He sent messengers with these orders,[b] “Go, ask[c] Baal Zebub,[d] the god of Ekron, if I will survive this injury.” 3 But the angel of the Lord told Elijah the Tishbite, “Get up; go to meet the messengers from the king of Samaria. Say this to them: ‘You must think there is no God in Israel! That explains why you are on your way to seek an oracle from Baal Zebub the god of Ekron.[e] 4 Therefore this is what the Lord has said, “You will not leave the bed you lie on, for you will certainly die!” So Elijah went on his way.  2 Kings 1: (NET).

Three times the King sent a captain with 50 soldiers to retrieve Elijah.  Of course, since he was sending soldiers, one can only imagine his plan was not to entreat Elijah to dinner with him.  The first two times the captains commanded “Elijah, O Man of God” to go.  Both times Elijah said,

“If I am a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And fire came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty.   2 Kings 1:10 (NKJV)

One Way of Salvation-God Alone

The third captain pleaded with him not to kill him.  This time an angel told Elijah to go unafraid.  Elijah went and told the King.

“This is what the Lord has said, ‘You sent messengers to seek an oracle from Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron. Is it because there is no God in Israel from whom you can seek a message? Therefore[ah] you will not leave the bed you lie on, for you will certainly die.’”[ai]  2 King1 (NET).

And the King died.

God Alone Declares the Way

Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper. 2 And the Syrians had gone out on[a] raids, and had brought back captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She [b]waited on Naaman’s wife. 3 Then she said to her mistress, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.” 2 KINGS (NKJV)

When Pride Wants Another Way

Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood in the doorway of Elisha’s house. 10 Elisha sent out a messenger who told him, “Go and wash seven times in the Jordan; your skin will be restored[l] and you will be healed.” 11 Naaman went away angry. He said, “Look, I thought for sure he would come out, stand there, invoke the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the area, and cure the skin disease.

12 The rivers of Damascus, the Abana and Pharpar, are better than any of the waters of Israel![m] Could I not wash in them and be healed?” So he turned around and went away angry. 13 His servants approached and said to him,[n] “O master,[o] if the prophet had told you to do some difficult task,[p] you would have been willing to do it.[q] It seems you should be happy that he simply said, ‘Wash and you will be healed.’[r] 14 So he went down and dipped in the Jordan seven times, as the prophet had instructed.[s] His skin became as smooth as a young child’s[t] and he was healed. 2 Kings NET

Concluding Thoughts

As we see here, it is not only God Alone, but also God’s Way alone.  Too often we here today many saying it does not matter.  Yet, Jesus said,

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14

God provided one way of salvation through the death of His son on a cruel cross to pay the full weight of our penalty of death. Why would He have done that if there were any other way?

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4 (NKJV).

There is only one way of Salvation and that is by accepting Jesus Christ and Lord and Savior by repenting of your sin and following Him.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

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When Depression Overwhelms Your Heart.  Where Can You find Hope?
How to Really Experience a Faith Evidencing Truth Beyond Sight

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New English Translation (NET)

NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

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How Can Fearing God Really Free Me from Fear?

Hear this now, O foolish people,
Without understanding,
Who have eyes and see not,
And who have ears and hear not:
Do you not fear Me?’ says the Lord.
‘Will you not tremble at My presence. Jeremiah 5:22 (NKJV)

Some would try to say that because God is love and God so loved the world; that our response to that love doesn’t really matter. Many profess that there are multiple roads to heaven; yet, that too is not what God’s own words would say. Others would say if we try hard and do "good" then God will reward us with heaven; yet, what is really good? The older I grow, the more I see of God’s righteousness; the more I recognize those hidden areas of darkness, selfishness, or covetousness that lurk in the recesses of my own heart. How often have I failed even the first commandment which is to love the Lord God with all my heart, my mind, and my soul! Each time I have railed against God’s will because I wanted something or cried bitterly because He did not give me some foolish desire of my heart were proof I did not love Him as I should. This verse from Jeremiah would shout into my heart–"O foolish heart, without understanding, whose eyes do not see, whose ears do not hear; do you not fear Me? Says the Lord, Will you not tremble at My Presence?"

Continue reading “How Can Fearing God Really Free Me from Fear?”

The Greatest Love, I Give to You

 God wanted to make known to them the glorious riches of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  We proclaim him by instructing and teaching all people with all wisdom so that we may present every person mature in Christ. Toward this goal I also labor, struggling according to his power that powerfully works in me. Colossians 1:27-29 (NET)

The greatest gift that we can give to another is Jesus Christ; yet, so often we struggle within our world, never really knowing how to present Him.  Society would call us to be “politically correct” so as not to offend another.  Yet, does not love demand that I speak truth.  Sometimes, my own frailties bid me to silence.  After all, when they see all my faltering steps; won’t they think me only a hypocrite.  It is God’s Grace that called me to Himself and not my eloquence nor my own strength.  Having received such a precious gift from God, how can I let fear of failure cause me to be silent?  I must not.  Love demands I speak.  For I cannot truly love you and not share with you my greatest treasure which is Jesus Christ.  So, if today is the last day I ever hear your voice or even if you walk away; I must say I love you too much to not present to you, Jesus Christ.

The Greatest Love, I Give to You

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

Throughout the story of my life

My days of joy, or days of strife

God has been there upon His throne

Into my darkness, light has shone

To guide me toward His perfect Will

Though I at times a rebel still

It was His pleasure to love me true

Transforming Grace each day renew

One day I’ll see Him face to face

With tears of joy, Amazing Grace

To think that He would love me so

His precious righteousness bestow

So undeserving that I be

He took the time to call to me

And so, my friend, this truth I know

This love I have it bids me show

To You His truth, His life, His way

And so dear friend, I must now say

The Greatest Love I give to you

Is to stand firm on what is true

That Only Jesus, Lord and King

Can cover sin, Salvation Bring

And though at times my faltering lips

Or stumbling feet, too often slips

I pray that God, in spite of me

Does open up your eyes to see

The magnitude of His love and Grace

That you will seek His lovely Face

[tweetthis]If I truly love someone I must boldly speak the truth of the gospel 2 them[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”Even if my lips falter and my feet stumble, I must proclaim the truth of God’s love.” username=”effiedarlene”]

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New English Translation  (NET)NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

How to Really Know Joy in Love of the Forsaken

Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy, 2 complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose. Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. 4 Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well.5 You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, Philippians 2:1-5 (NET)

 

We live in a world, a society that would tell us that “happiness is found in rising to the top, fulfilling our desires for pleasure, and in gaining the applause of others. To do so, we must avoid the friendships that are hard, shun the downtrodden for fear they might pull us down, and fight against anyone who gets in the way of our success. We cannot be distracted from our own happiness by someone else’s pain. We must shun those who do not fit our image for fear of what others might think.” Yet that is NOT what the Bible teaches nor is it the example of what Jesus Christ lived before us. Jesus showed us that true joy is found in humility, kindness, and in reaching out to the downtrodden, the broken hearted, and those whom society have cast aside as deplorable or unredeemable. Continue reading “How to Really Know Joy in Love of the Forsaken”