Imagine going to work, coming as you please, leaving as you please, showing up when it was convenient for you, not paying attention to the task at hand, partially completing the job, and still receiving your paycheck as scheduled. The idea sounds out of this world doesn’t it? Of course it does, we would never expect our job to allow us to do as we wish all the time, at least not and continue to receive our paycheck. But many who choose to not serve the God of the universe believe that eternity is just like this. Why should anyone expect to not serve God and still reap the eternal reward that those who diligently serve Him are promised? God’s word gives some things we need to know and do in order to enjoy the beauty of Heaven once this life has finished.

1. God Loves us (John 3:16) 
2. We love God because He loves us (1 John 4:19), and if we love God we will do what He ask (John 14:15)
3. God tells us that those who labor for Him will rest from their labors and receive a reward (Rev 14:13).
4. God tells us that nothing we do for Him is in vain (in service to Him) (1 Cor 15:58).
5. God desires all to be saved (1 Tim 2:4)
6. Although God desires all to be saved we will be judged by the words Jesus spoke (John 12:48)
7. God will punish those who do not know or obey despite His desire they are saved (2 Thess 1:7-10)
8. God offers eternal salvation to those who obey Him (Heb 5:8-9)
9. God will reward those who faithfully serve Him (Col 3:23-25)
10. We must continue to “grow” in the Christian grace’s in order to be pleasing to God (2 Pet 1:1-8)

Jesus left the presence of God the Father, to come to earth and live as us so that I can be saved, and so that you can be saved, However God expects that we obey Him. What a great reward we have in Heaven for those who faithfully serve God here on earth. I can imagine with the difficulty leaving Nan and Pop’s for five days gave me, leaving heaven for many years had to be difficult. Let us not grow weary in well doing (Gal 6:9), don’t give up, and continue to serve God, and serve God diligently for our reward is great!   

Ande Z

Some times in our lives are just better than others, from December 27^th -30^th was one of those times. Many from our youth group were able to spend this time together at Exposure Youth Camp. This is one of our “major trips” we take each year, and every year I am left speechless after the lessons. The theme for Exposure this year was “Powered By Love” and was based out of 1 Corinthians chapter thirteen. The bible speaks a lot about love, as a matter of fact it can be argued that the bible is a book about love, the love that God has for each of us, and I believe that to be a true statement.

Paul in speaking to the church at Corinth reminds them of that the agape love the bible speaks of is more than what we say (1 Cor 13:1). Many times in this life people will use all kinds of words, words of flattery, and words of encouragement. Jesus even reminds us that it is that which comes out of a man which will defile him (Matt 15:18), meaning those words we say. Certainly our words can be used to encourage one another, but Paul relates our mere words to just noise if they are not backed up with a sincere and agape love for others

Paul also reminds those at Corinth that agape love is more than what we do. It is no secret that faith without works is dead (Jas 2:20), and there is no question that works are important. James reminds us that we show others our faith BY our works (James 2:18). Our works are of value to God, and God has promised to remember our works (Rev 14:13), but love, as the bible relays agape love, is more than our works, it is the motivation behind our works, which must be a sincere love of others.

Our love for God is based in the fact that God first loved us (1 John 4:8), and God has shown His love for us in so many ways. Remember that every single day your actions and love for others is not a reflection of their love for you, but it is a reflection of your love for God. How will others see God living in you?

Ande Z

How often has it happened to you that you were identified by something other than your name? Nobody likes a mistaken identity, we like to be known by our name and who we are. The flip side is true, have you ever called someone by the wrong name? How did you feel’? Probably embarrassed, it is never fun to be the one who calls someone the wrong name, it makes us look like we do not know the person we are attempting to talk to.  Our Christian lives are no different. Jesus made some big statements in the sermon on the mount, some of the things he said concerning our lives is that Christians are both the “salt of the earth”, and the “light of the world” (Matt 5:13-14). We have a tendency at times to be identified as everything under the sun, we can be identified as athletes, and business people, and parents, but God wants each of us to be identified as Christians. Christians are different

A Christians identity comes in Christ, Paul said that “If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation” (2 Cor 5:17). Those who are Christians have been “buried with Christ” (Rom 6:3), and our lives are “hid in Christ in God” (Col 3:3). We are also reminded that those who are “baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal 3:27), the text could literally say that we are “clothed in Christ”, the concept is clear, that as Christians, our identity is to be in Christ.

The benefits of being in Christ are definitely ours, God has promised that only those who are “in Christ” will be saved (Matt 16:16), God has promised that all spiritual blessing are only “in Christ” (Eph 1:3). There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God which is “in Christ” (Romans 8:39), eternal life is found “in Christ” (Rom 6:23), our redemption is “in Christ” (Rom 3:24), and God has promised there is no condemnation to those who are “in Christ” (Rom 8:1).

The question remains, where is your identity, it is entirely possible that we can identify ourselves with a number of things that are good and wholesome, but God promises that only those who are “in Christ” whose names are “written in the Lambs book of life” will be saved, and those who are “in Christ” will be different from the world, Paul says that “all things have become new” (2 Cor 5:17) and all Christians are to consistently display the mind of Christ in all we do (Phil 2:5).

Ande Z

By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, (Heb 11:24).

 I can remember the famous saying, and my grandparents said it quite a few times, my parents said it too, and I never really thought about it until recently. Are you ready for the quote? Here it is: “If you lie down with dog’s, you will wake up with fleas”. Sounds kind of, well, simple, but for a kid it seemed to be such a great illustration. It was a great illustration to myself in the company I keep. Usually this was said when I chose to hang around those that my family may not have approved of. It was always a constant reminder that people know us by the company we keep. How true that is. Two things to mention today about the company we keep

 People not only know us by the company we keep, but the company we keep will influence us. Paul said it this way “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1 Cor 15:33). See the concept about lying down with dogs and waking up with fleas is a very Biblical concept. It is a concept that God shows us over and over through His word.  You know it is so much easier to act as God would have us to act when we are surrounded by God’s people. Likewise, it is so much easier to act like the world when we are away from God’s people, have you ever noticed that? God’s word not only tells us about this, but also gives us a great example in Peter. Peter who you remember told the Lord “Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be” (Mark 14:29) when he was in the presence of Gods people, denied the Lord three times when he was by the fire.

 People will know that we are Christians by the company we keep. Jesus said it “By this will all the world know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). We normally stay close to those we love, and those we do not care for we normally stay away from. Young people do you know that there are those that watch you to see where your priorities are? Believe it or not, there are those who watch you to see who you choose to be with w en given the choice, Gods people, or those who may be involved in some other activity.

 Thankfully there is no question about whom Moses chose. Moses could have lived a life in relative luxury; the decision was his to be with Gods people. But what a great decision it was.  Because of his decision we have no question that Moses loved God, and Moses wanted to serve God. What will people think of us by our decision? I pray they will think of us just as we think of Moses, that each of us love God, love the people of God, and love God’s word, by the actions each of us show.

Ande

Solomon begins the last chapter of the book of Ecclesiastes with this thought “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth” (Eccl 12:1). We have a task to ensure that our young people are exposed to the word of God at every available opportunity they have, and we are fortunate to have an Eldership which whole heartedly supports each of our efforts in this endeavor. One of the biggest events that we attend each year comes up in just about ten weeks. Exposure youth camp will be held again in Huntsville, and will feature a number of wonderful speakers. This camp will run December 27^th – 30^th and will feature a number of bible classes, devotionals, and keynote addresses to help to equip our young people to walk away better prepared to serve God

The theme this year is “Powered by Love” and will be based in a study of agape love that is described in 1 Cor 13:1ff.  EACH of our young people need to make plans to be here for this event, this is not something you want to miss. The accommodations are first class as we will be in the Embassy Suites agin this year, the lessons are first class, with some of the best keynote speakers, and class teachers around. Our time to register is limited, and each person going needs to make plans to pay a deposit of $65 which will be due no later than November 20^th. I hope you will make your plans to attend and to be with us again this year at Exposure Youth Camp.

Ande Z

Could you imagine what it would be like If we lived in a world that had no rules, or order? Sometimes things can be hazardous enough even when we have set rules to govern situations. I could only imagine the period of the judges when we are reminded that “there was no king in Israel, and everyone did what was right in his own eyes “ (Judges 17:6). The very thoughts of a world without order should be sobering to us.

Fortunately we do live in a world where we have rules set, God reminds us to “let every soul be subject to the governing authorities, because there is no authority given except by God” (Romans 13:1).  Paul reminds us to “Honor all people, Love the brotherhood, Honor the King” (1 Pet 2:17). God has set in order that Christians are to subject themselves to the law of the land, provided that law does not conflict with God’s commandments.  God has given us direction through His word which will ensure us a heavenly home should we follow it.

Paul speaking to Timothy reminds him of three very important things, look at these.

1. We must maintain our focus: Paul says that “no one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier” (2 Tim 2:4).  The Christian life is a life of battle, Paul reminds us to “put on the whole armor of God” (Eph 6:11). The emphasis here is not on the armor, but on our focus. Paul reminds Timothy don’t get bogged down in the affairs of this life and lose focus on the battle at hand.
2. We must play by the rules:  Paul says “And also if anyone competes in athletics he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules”(2 Tim 2:5). Jesus was very clear that “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Later Jesus records that “If you love Me keep my commandments” (John 14:35), finally Luke records in the book of Acts that there is “no other name, under heaven by which we might be saved”. While God desires for ALL to be saved, only those who follow the commandments of God will be in heaven for eternity
3. Our work will be rewarded: Paul says “The hard working farmer must be the first to partake of the crops” (2 Tim 4:6). It is important to remember that we should not “grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Gal 6:9). Our life here is not just meaningless, and our work here does not go unnoticed. God has promised a reward to those who are faithful.

Ande Z

The bible leaves nothing to chance, there are no stones unturned, we are not made to wonder about our salvation, God has given nothing to chance. Even so, Moses penned these words “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deut 29:29) There are things that God has chosen not to reveal to us, not because He does not love us, but because there are things we do not have need of now. Look at just one of those things.

God has chosen to not reveal to us when Judgment will be: The Hebrew writer reminds us that “it is appointed unto man once to die, and after this the judgment” (Heb 9:27). We are all aware that life here is short, and will eventually come to an end. At some point in the future Jesus will return to this earth, and the day of Judgment will be on each of us, but God has never revealed this time. Jesus even said that “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mk 13:32).

One of two things will happen, either we will pass from this life, and await judgment, or the Lord will return and we will be judged, but God has promised that we do not know when that will happen. As a matter of fact the bible assures us that this will happen as a “thief in the night” (1 Thess 5:2). Our job is not to worry about when that day will be, but our job is to be prepared on ANY day for this event. Jesus reminds us that those who will be blessed on that day are those who, at that time, the Lord “finds doing “(Luke 12:43). The message of God is to not put off our being prepared, but to be prepared now.

                Ande Z

Sometimes the news can be interesting, but most of the time I don’t watch it. On a normal day I will know some events that are going on, but will rarely be able to quote the ten o’clock news  in any shape form or fashion. I know for many of you those things which we see on the news just “gets at you”. Most people agree that in the current economy, with the current state that so many things are in that peoples mood just isn’t as elevated as it once was. Maybe you can look back to your personal life and see things that affect your mood. Maybe you worry, maybe you in some cases even feel down. I have heard Tim say many times that we can not for certain know what someone is thinking, and that is absolutely true. Each of us have our own stresses and our own obstacles to overcome. What are some things we should remember from the word of God when we face times of stress and temptation?

Our temptations are not unique to us: Paul reminds the church at Corinth that there is ““No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Cor 10:13). In any trial or temptation we may face in our life, it is of great comfort to know that others have faced these situations and come through it in faithful service to God.

Even our Lord endured temptations: The Hebrew writer reminds us that Jesus was “in all points tempted, just like we, yet without sin” (Heb 4:15).

We have each other to lean on in times of trouble:  There are more blessings to being in the family of God than we could ever count. One of the great blessings is that we know that we ALWAYS have someone there to help pick us up when we are down, and that there are others who we can help lift up when they are down. Paul reminds the Galatians to “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal 6:2)

Remember God has promised that our faithfulness will be rewarded: Jesus in His own words states to “be faithful unto death, and so receive the crown of life” (Rev 2:10). The idea of remaining faithful is not just during the good times, it’s during all times.  Our trials and temptations may seem overwhelming sometimes, but in the grand scheme of things, they are very short lived. Our service to God, is an eternal commitment.

Ande Z

I hope that in this life you have been blessed with a great friend somewhere down the road. Great friends are few and far between. I have always heard that if in this life you have just one good and true friend you have done well, and I believe that to be true. A true friend will listen to you when you have troubles, and will build you up when you need to be built up. A true friend will also do all they can to help you get to heaven.  A true friend will truly care.

Peter reminds us to “humble ourselves”. The term humble means to “depress” or to “humiliate”. It means that we are to place ourselves under another, or to take a step back. We are to “humble” ourselves in under the mighty hand of God so that he may “exalt” us in due time.  James reminds us similarly that we are to “humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up” (Jas 4:10). It was even said of Jesus that he “humbled himself” to the will of God the Father and became obedient even to the point of death (Phil 4:8). God expects us to humble ourselves here, so that He can exalt us, or lift us up in due time. The term exalt is a term that means to elevate – The term is used by Peter to say “exalt” and by James as “lift up” and the term simply means to elevate.

For our humble submission to God here, God has promised to lift us up later. The reward is so great for such a small sacrifice for us. The question is why? Well Peter continues that we should “cast(ing) all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pet 5:7). Peter literally uses the term casting as a term to “throw” our cares, not casually lay them down. But he reminds us that God cares for each of us. We are of interest to God. There may be times in this life that we feel we have no one who truly cares about us, or our situation, but God has always promised that He cares for us. He has not only promised it, he has proven it as well.

The choice is ours. People in this life may leave us, and may do lip service to their commitment to us. But God has said to humble ourselves under Him, cast all our cares and worries on Him, know He will exalt us in due time, and He cares for us. Thanks be to our God who loves us so.

Ande Z

The fact is the Psalmist wrote to “be still” and we know that “all scripture” is profitable for us (2 Tim 3:16.). It seems like we understand the principle in so many things, but what exactly does God mean when He says we should “be still”?

The term “be still” comes from the term “raphah” and it is a term which means to “withdraw,” or to “slacken’. The term is used in other places in the Old Testament to mean “cease, forsake, leave and let alone”. The Psalmist is speaking about getting away from distractions we may see in everyday life. We may use this to mean “solitude”.  Sometimes it is good for us to get away from things and spend time concentrating on what God, and reflecting on His word.

Being still though is not enough. The Psalmist further goes to say “and know”. The term used here is interesting, there are other places it is translated concerning Abram to “know of a surety” (Gen 15:16) it is also in the book of Nehemiah as “And I perceived” (Neh. 13:10).  The Psalmist translates the same word as “I acknowledged” (Psalms 32:5), How interesting it is to read other translations of this same root word “yada”. God expects us to take time to know for sure, to perceive, and acknowledge that He is God.

Time flies, are days are all so full, we can get lost in the hustle in bustle of all that we do. We take time to be still in so many things, I pray we all take a moment each day to “be still, and know that (He) is God”.

Ande Z