Heaven Bound

Looking at the image above you might think I’m a tad bit confused. Santa Claus! Ridiculous! Everyone knows that’s Popeye – Popeye, the Sailor Man – not Santa. Since when was Santa known for his over sized muscles and penchant for downing cans of spinach. Over sized belly maybe, but not muscles! That is not Santa! And as much as I want to insist that the image above is indeed Santa. It doesn’t make it so.

But wait, you say! They both smoke a pipe. And maybe, just maybe the North Pole Candy Factory has replaced the S in spinach for sugar contributing to his reportedly over size belly that shakes when he laughs “like a bowlful of jelly”. Hmmm … you may have a point there. But, uh, nope …not Santa.

Facts Matter

While the illustration above may seem silly its actually intended to make a point – a very important point. A vitally important point in fact, and one if gotten wrong can cost you everything.

JESUS – Who he is and why it matters

There’s a lot of people talking about JESUS these days. Churches bear his name, radio and television can be tuned into day or night where one will hear his name. Movies have been made, mini-series and docu-dramas filmed. Missionaries sent out, blogs and YouTube videos all proclaiming this one name Jesus. But when you dig into it you might be a bit surprised to see that like Popeye and Santa some of the very important details central to who Jesus is have actually been switched. And the Jesus of this organization, or that film, or that music studio is not the Jesus of the Bible at all. So beware!

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“But, I just love that show. The actor who plays Jesus is so handsome and so kind to everyone and if everything in the program is not quite right I’m sure they mean well. I just feel it in my heart and when he smiles it just makes me feel so close to him and that can’t be bad, right?”

“The music really gets me charged up and ready to worship. That band is so great. Do you know they’ve even hired some of the best musicians in rock … and with the light show they put on – you can really get in to it. Believe it or not, I’m really digging this Jesus stuff – he’s actually very cool”

“We send missionaries out all over the world on two year missions. We want people all over the world to know that the true church was born in 1830 when all other churches had become corrupt. We’re super clean cut, abstain from the horrible drug of coffee and want people everywhere to know that Jesus will save you after “all that you can do.” The heavenly father (and mother) just love you sooooo much and like any parent want to see you succeed and be happy and I think that’s just wonderful, don’t you?”

We knock on doors too. We even mail out information when we’re too old, feeble or infirm to physically go. We’re so focused we don’t even have windows to distract us when we meet. Did I mention that Jesus is the archangel Michael? Or that only 144,000 go to heaven and those slots have already been filled? Confusing, I know but just go with it and try not to think too deeply”.

“Jesus, he’s a good man. Walked alot. I like that. He was probably very concerned about the environment. Definitely ahead of his time. And that changing the water into wine; dude knew how to party, I’ll give him that”.

“Jesus! The beloved son of Mary. I just love her don’t you? And what a good son Jesus was to obey his mother. And I feel so much comfort knowing that when I pray Mary will make my petition known to her son and he just has to answer it you know; he would never disappoint his mother”.

“Our Pastor and her wife have really changed things up. Last week we took up an offering for the poor and homeless and it was so large it blew my socks off. Well, we really had a good turn out that’s why .. I think it was the drag queen and the stripper poles that did it. Every one was having such a great time. And, oh, did I mention we’ll be giving out condoms too. Jesus is into pride… that’s why he was hanging out with all those other dudes, you know”.

Jesus, who he is and who we think he is – the most important question of our lives.

Only, the Jesus of the Bible can save you. If you have put your faith in any other “Jesus” you will die in your sins. Make sure the Jesus you trust is the Jesus of the Bible and not the figment of yours or someone elses imagination.

Jesus, is the second person of the triune God. Not the archangel Michael of the Jehovah Witnesses, nor the spirit brother of Satan according to Mormons, not your “home boy” or the character from one of your favorite television shows like The Chosen which is an unholy brew of Evangelical, Mormon and Catholic. Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. For the Biblical description of Jesus please read below.

From Bible.org – “The predominant theme of the Scriptures is the Person and the work of Jesus Christ. He is God. He became a human being, died by crucifixion, and was buried. He rose again from the dead. He is the only, all-sufficient Savior of the world. He will come again to this earth”. *And for a more full and detailed description you can click here on the high lighted text.

Our state before God dear friends is one of a wretched sinner in need of a Savior as the scripture so states:

“What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?” Roman’s 7:24

“Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Romans 7:25

Its been on mind awhile the number of people who think they know Jesus but don’t. And while that may sound judgemental it’s actually not. It’s the simple deduction one comes to by comparing what people think or believe with what the Bible says. And in these last days it couldn’t be more critical.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem they shall prosper who love thee” Psalm 122:6

Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus! Cindy