God is like the sun. One cannot look directly at Him, but without Him, one cannot see at all.

Author unknown.

Are you a Christian? If so, how did you become a Christian? Did you become a Christian according to tradition or according to Scripture?

Do you have a Bible? Do you read it? If not, why not?

It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (God breathed).

So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

…the word of God is living…

…let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…

…thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee…

…the word of God liveth and abideth forever…

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Being born again (from above), not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever,…

Dead people don’t read….

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:14-16

Do you believe this? Does your practice reflect your belief?

…let the word of Christ (Messiah) dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

To whom are you praying?

For there is one God and one mediator* between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, I Timothy 2:5

Do you believe this? Does your practice reflect your belief?

*Mediator – a go-between

Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first (Old Covenant), that he may establish the second (New Covenant). By the which will we are sanctified* through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified*.

Hebrews 10:9-14

Do you believe this? Does your practice reflect your belief?

*Sanctified – Set apart.

…let the word of Christ (Messiah) dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.  Ephesians 2:8&9

If we are not saved by works, why assign works of penance to achieve absolution?

If salvation is of the Lord, why is the “church” dispensing it?

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 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. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

For the scripture saith, whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 10:8-13

For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8&9

What are you being charged?

There is an old (1938) Robin Hood movie that contains a scene that illustrates how all men will respond when Christ returns in glory to judge mankind.

King Richard I of England had been participating in the Crusades. Upon returning from one of his excursions, he is captured and held for ransom. Prince John who has ruled in Richard’s absence, begins raising a ransom through an oppressive tax. It becomes clear that he does not have King Richard’s best interests at heart. Prince John plans to become King in his place and pocket the ransom. Richard will never be freed.

Robin Hood sees through Prince John’s scheme and begins to oppose him. Prince John revokes Robin’s titles and confiscates his lands making Robin an outlaw with a price on his head. Seeing the corruption and oppression of Prince John, many men join Robin Hood’s band and live exiled from society in Sherwood Forrest. They begin to rob those loyal to Prince John and to provide protection for those whom John has stolen from and oppressed.

Meanwhile King Richard I either escapes captivity or is ransomed by some other means. Upon his return to England he realizes that he has been usurped and not knowing who is loyal to him, he begins to move about with a handful of men whom he trusts, disguised as monks.

Eventually they cross paths with Robin and his men. When Robin realizes the ”monks” are loyal to King Richard, he invites them to his camp to share a meal and to perhaps join his band. There King Richard sees the oppressed people that Robin and his men are protecting and providing for.

After hearing their stories of oppression and their hope for King Richard’s return, the King removes his monk’s hood and robe revealing his suit of mail and the royal crest. The camp’s reaction was instantaneous. They all, without hesitation and as one man, went to their knee and bowed in submission to their King.

One day Christ will return to earth. Every eye will see Him, every knee shall bow before Him, and every tongue will confess that He is Lord, to the glory of the Father……..whether ready or not.