Pastor's Ponderings, August 14, 2017

We Have Eternal Life Now

2017 has been a challenging year.  The United States inaugurated an unpopular President, we have had major threats to our national security, middle class wages have stagnated, millions are in danger of losing their health care, our air and water protection laws are being threatened and we have had experienced an uptick in extremist activities. Although each of us is here only for a short time, it seems that our time on earth is full of trouble (Job 14:1). 

While that is true, the Bible says that those who love the Lord will have much distress, but that God will deliver them (Psalm 34:19). In the Bible, Job had many tragedies but did not lose faith in the God that would deliver him (Job 19:25). But what is most important is that in spite of life’s tragedies, God promised that those who believe in Him would live with Him forever (1 John 5:13).

God does not require us to join a certain church, denomination or to worship a certain way.  The Bible simply says to hear God’s word and believe in Him and you will have eternal life right now (John 5:24).  We know that God wants the best for His children but thank God, He wants us to be with Him eternally.  We may never get the Rolls Royce, a Brioni suit, or the million-dollar portfolio, but simply hearing God’s word and believing on Him will bring eternal benefits. Let us rejoice because He will wipe away all of our tears and sorrow and we can live in eternal bliss with Him forever (Revelation 21:4).

Job 14:1
New International Version (NIV)

1 “Mortals, born of woman, are of few days and full of trouble.

Psalm 34:19
New International Version (NIV)

19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;

Job 19:25
New International Version (NIV)

25 I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.

1 John 5:13
New International Version (NIV)

13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

John 5:24
New International Version (NIV)

24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.

Revelation 21:4
New International Version (NIV)

4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”