We Have A New Church Home!

GOD HAS BLESSED US WITH A NEW CHURCH HOME  - and as you can see from the collage below, we are busy preparing it for our Inaugural Worship Service on March 18, 2018.   On that special day we will have two services:  10:30 AM and 2:30 AM.

We want to invite ALL our Friends in the Southern California, and anyone visiting our area on that special day - to come and join us for one or both of our Inaugural Worship Services.  And, we pray that, if you do not presently have a church home, you will be so edified and so full of joy from these services that you will continue to join us for worship each Sunday.

Our new address will soon be:

5932 Challen Avenue, Riverside, California 92503

Come and help us Praise God for this great blessing!

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day, 

Bill

Steps To Peace With God - Billy Graham

In 1987, after running from God for fifty years, I became a born-again Christian believer.   About 1990, my mom was in the hospital in Alabama and I went home to be with her.  Before leaving California I knew I wanted to be able to witness to my family and friends back home - but, still being a relative "babe in Christ" - I did not feel prepared to be an effective witness.

My solution - find a good Christian tract I could use to open a conversation and, possibly one that would guide me in sharing the Gospel.  I visited several good Christian bookstores and sifted through dozens of Christian tracts.  One that many of my friends were using was the "Four Spiritual Laws" written by Bill Bright of Campus Crusade For Christ.  I read through it and, although it had all the right information in it - the title was a real barrier for me personally.

Why?  Well, you see, when I was twelve years old, a traveling Pentecostal Revival Preacher in our neighborhood church literally forced me to come up to the altar so that he could "hallelujah and pray all over me" adding another number to his conversion resume - and that event so negatively affected me at that young age, that it drove me away from God until I was fifty years old.  

Praise God that when I was fifty years old, I met a loving Godly pastor, Sam Lacanienta, who, along with the Filipino congregation at the Fil-Am Church of Irvine (CA) - loved me all the way to the altar and to eternal life in Christ.

In 1990, when I saw "Four Spiritual LAWS!" on that tract cover - what my mind and heart saw was that traveling Pentecostal Revival Preacher forcing me to the altar once again.  Yes, now that I am 80 years young, I should have been able to resolve that childhood problem after all these years - but that young boy is still in there and can be reawakened at times.  In my search, I quickly put that tract back on the shelf.  After all those years I spent running from God - the last thing I needed was "Four Spiritual LAWS!"

So I kept searching until I found "Steps To Peace With God" by Billy Graham.  In that tract I found the LOVE of God that, in 1987, had led me to Christ in the Fil-Am church where Pastor Sam Lacanienta was the spiritual leader - not LAWS.

Why am I rehashing that experience from almost thirty years ago?   The recent death of Billy Graham led many of us to post blogs reflecting upon how he had touched so many lives over his seventy plus year ministry.   On February 24th, I posted a blog titled "Billy Graham Is Still Teaching Us!" 

And a Facebook Christian lady Friend wrote in response to my blog,  "Billy Graham's tracts are unsound."   Yet, when I questioned her,  she could never tell me why Biblically.  She just kept telling me that a person does not have to "turn away from sin" to be saved.  She responded, "He (Billy Graham) says you need to turn from your sin to be saved."  That was her total accusation against Billy Graham and his tract.  Her contention is that "turning from sin" is works salvation.

So, what does the Bible say about repentance, turning from sin and turning to Christ?

In 2 Peter 3:9 we read, "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."

In that Scripture verse, the English word "repentance" is the Greek word "metanoia" which in Strong's Concordance means:  "A change of mind, as it appears to one who repents.  .  ."               

Today, one of the most common text books, other than the Bible, in seminary classes is "Systematic Theology - An Introduction To Biblical Doctrine" by Dr. Wayne Grudem.  I have that one in PDF format in my computer.  An abbreviated version of that book, which I have in my library, thanks to Pastor Ed Dacio, is "Bible Doctrine - Essential Teachings Of The Christian Faith."  Both are published by Zondervan.

"Systematic Theology - An Introduction To Biblical Doctrine"
Chapter 35, Page 709, Conversion (Faith And Repentance)
What is true repentance?  What is saving faith? 

The word conversion itself means "turning"- here it represents a spiritual turn, a turning from sin to Christ.  The turning from sin is called repentance, and the turning to Christ is called faith.  We can look at each of these elements of conversion, and in one sense it does not matter which one we discuss first, for neither one can occur without the other and they must occur together when true conversion takes place.  For the purposes of this chapter, we shall examine saving faith first, and then repentance.

Now let me go back to 1990 when my mom was in the hospital in Alabama and I searched for a Christian tract to use in witnessing to my family in Alabama.  I chose Billy Graham's "Steps To Peace With God."   And I flew home with a pocket full of them.

Let's see what that tract teaches us.  This is taken directly from that 1990 version of the tract:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

STEPS TO PEACE WITH GOD:

1. God’s Purpose - Peace and Life:   God loves you and wants you to experience His peace and life - abundant and eternal.

The BIBLE says:

".  .  . we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,  (Romans 5:1)

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

".  .  . I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."  (John 10:10)

2. The Problem - Our Separation:   God created us in His own image to have abundant life.  He did not make us robots to automatically love and obey Him.  God gave us a will and freedom of choice.  We choose to disobey God and go our own willful way.  We still make that choice today.  The result is separation from God.

The BIBLE says:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  (Romans 3:23)

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."  (Romans 6:23)

3. Our Attempts To Reach God: People have tried in many ways to bridge this gap between themselves and God.

The BIBLE says:

"There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death."  (Proverbs 14:12)

"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear."  (Isaiah 59:2)

4. God’s Bridge - The Cross:   Jesus Christ died on the Cross and rose from the grave.  He paid the penalty for our sin and bridged the gap between God and people.

The BIBLE says:

"For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus."  (1 Timothy 2:5)

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, .  .  ."  (1 Peter 3:18)

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  (Romans 5:8)

5. Our Response - Receive Christ:   We must trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and receive Him by personal invitation.

The BIBLE says:

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."   (Revelation 3:20)

"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name."  (John 1:12)

"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."  (Romans 10:9)

To receive Christ you need to do four things:

1. ADMIT your need  ~  "I am a sinner."
 
2. Be willing to turn from your sin ~  REPENT.

3. BELIEVE that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.

4. Through prayer, INVITE Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit  ~ RECEIVE Him as Lord and Savior.                 

How to Pray:  Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I ask for Your forgiveness.  I believe that You died for my sins and rose from the dead.  I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life.  I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.  

(Bill Gray Note:  This is an example of a prayer to receive Christ as Lord and Savior.  You can put it in your own words - for their is no magic in these words, only what is in your heart.)

7.  God's Assurance - His Word:  If you have prayed this prayer (or one similar), the Bible says:

"For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."   (Romans 10:13)

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."   (Ephesians 2:8-9)

"He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.  These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God."  (1 John 5:12-13)

Receiving Christ, we are born into God's family through the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit who indwells every believer.  This is called regeneration, or the "new birth."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

To all my Friends, those who agree with what I have written - and those who disagree - I pray that some part of this blog has been helpful, that it has been fruitful reading for you and will help as you and I continue our Great Commission (Matthew 19:19-20, Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15) of sharing His Gospel with the lost world, until He comes again.

God bless, Bill

Billy Graham Is Still Teaching Us!

The world is mourning the death of Billy Graham - while we believers are celebrating his HomeGoing to receive his just rewards for a life well lived, a life of service to our God and to his fellow man.  In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus compresses the Ten Commandments into two:

The first four Commandments show our relationship with God:  "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind."  

The last six Commandments show our relationship with our fellowman:  "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Billy Graham, in his over 70 years of ministry truly lived both those commandments.   Yet, this week after his death - Billy Graham is still teaching us. 

The internet, and especially the group discussions on Facebook and other social media, has been a hotbed of discussions about life after death.  Surprisingly many Christian believers in these discussions share their belief, many dogmatically, in "soul sleep" - and some even sharing their belief in "annihilationism."

What are "soul sleep" and "annihilationism"?   Soul sleep is the teaching that upon death we fall into a deep sleep, totally unaware of anything until the return of Jesus Christ to earth.   Annihilationism is the teaching that non-believers do not spend eternity in hell, but are burned up much like you burn logs in your fireplace.  Neither of these teachings is Biblical - but social media is burning up right now with hot debates on the issue of life after death.

Let me give you an example of the rhetoric on Facebook today.  This is a post made my an administrator on one of the most active End Time group discussion pages today:

Billy Graham has “fallen asleep.”  He will rise from the dead at Christ’s return.  According to the words of Jesus Himself, “Well done good and faithful servant” will be spoken by Jesus after He returns and gives an assessment of our works, not when we die.  See Luke 19.

Is this all bad?  No, not really.  Since belief or disbelief of such issues do not affect our salvation, let us learn from them.  I have always believed that differences of opinion, on non-essential Biblical issues, can be very constructive.  When we have a difference of opinion in a Bible-based discussion - where do we go for the correct answer?  Why, of course to the Bible, God's Written Word, His full revelation to man.

The Bible is the only true authority on Biblical issues.  So, if having a difference of opinion about the fate of Billy Graham now that he has died - will cause many to open their Bibles and seek the truth - that is a positive.  And that is why I say that Billy Graham, in death, is still teaching us.

On March 21, 2015, I responded to a post on the TimesDaily Religion Forum discussing life after death.  My blog was titled, "What Happens After We Die? ~ Does 'Anyone' On The Timesdaily Forums Know?"

This is the blog I posted that day:

Alas, finally darkness reigns in TimesDaily Forumland!   Many years ago, I wrote a short satirical story titled "Nothing Comes To Forumland!" which began:

Once upon a time, long ago, in a land far away named Oblivion, there lived two atheist friends.  These friends were named Argue and Debate.  Now, one thing that both Argue and Debate agreed upon was that they believed strongly in Nothing.  This was their faith, their religion, the religion of Nothing.  They worshiped Nothing; they adored Nothing; their lives were dedicated to Nothing.

One day, as they were wandering around in search of Nothing, they happened to stumble upon a new valley, the valley of Forumland.  Oh, they were so excited.

"Maybe," chimed Argue, "we can find others here who know Nothing!"

"Yes," declared Debate, "if not, we can surely introduce them to Nothing!"

They were so excited; possibly there were many people here who either knew Nothing - or could be lured into knowing Nothing.

And, of course, my fictional characters were based upon my two atheist adversaries on the TimesDaily Religion Forum who used the posting pseudonyms DeepFat and GoFish.   Back in 2007, those two atheists dominated the Religion Forum - and they were the main reason that I became a posting member of the TimesDaily Forums, to refute their false religion and to shine the Light of Jesus Christ upon those beacons of darkness.

Now it seems that the dry sands of the Spiritual Sahara are once again free to blow unopposed across the landscape of the TimesDaily Religion Forum (aka Atheists' Corner).  For, under the new publisher/forum moderator, it appears that all who will share the true Word of God have been banned - and there is no one left posting who will, or can, answer a simple question about life after death.  The Bible is very clear about what happens to us after death, yet no one on the TimesDaily Religion Forum wants to have a literal reading and understanding of what God's Bible tells us.

Recently, on the TimesDaily Religion Forum, a Christian lady, Dinosaur, who seems to still be a "babe in Christ" is asking the right questions; but, there seems to be no one on that forum now who can give her a straight Biblical answer.   She began a discussion titled "What Happens After We Die, Does Anybody Know?"  And, in her initial post, she comments:

Most cultures hold on to some kind of hope that we live after we die.  Of course, nobody knows what happens when we die.  It's for sure that we will be six feet under or cremated.  It's unfortunate that the major religions and philosophies of the world can't agree (on) what happens after we pass on.

And, one non-believer, Peede Cooper, writes, "How could any body really know?  All we can do is wonder and wish.  Why is it unfortunate that religions and philosophies can't agree?  People can't agree on simple known facts.  They'll never be able to agree on something that can't be proven."

Then, the resident atheist lady, Bestworking, joins with, "You decay, unless you are cremated, frozen, or 'preserved' some other way."

And, the resident agnostic/atheist-in-training, Semi-Chick, who can think of nothing of substance to add, brings this bit of inanity to the discussion, "Prop me up beside the jukebox when I die."

Next, the forum's Roman Catholic Wannabe (yes, the same man who posted that Bill Gray should be killed and caused me to be banned from posting on the Religion Forum), chimes in with a suggestion that we read a book written by a guy who was struck by lightening, killed, visited heaven, then came back to life.   My Friend, Vic, who now calls himself Jack Flash (not the same Jack Flash as on Facebook, Vic must have stolen the pseudonym) on the TimesDaily forums, tells us about this amazing book:

He had visited the afterlife, met thirteen angels, and been given 117 revelations about the future.  In the years since, one hundred of the revelations have already come true. . .   Brinkley shares his incredible story, revealing the truth about the afterlife and providing guidance from beyond about how we should live today.

Is that the Twilight Zone theme song I hear playing in the background?

Or, is that Edgar Cayce - the mystic, psychic, seer, con man of past years, who allegedly possessed the ability to answer questions on subjects as varied as healing, reincarnation, wars, Atlantis, and future events - coming back to haunt us?

Finally, a Christian man who uses the pseudonym GBRK shared his views of what happens after death.  And, after several years of seeing his posts on the Religion Forum, I believe I am finally getting a better picture of his theology.  

For about twenty years, my step-father had my mother in a cult church, the Worldwide Church of God (Herbert W. Armstrong) which teaches soul sleep, i.e., that when we die we go into a state of sleep where we know nothing - until we are resurrected in the End Times to face judgment - either as a believer or as a non-believer.

I am not suggesting that GBRK is in one of the Herbert W. Armstrong created churches; but, he does seem to accept Armstrong's teachings of soul sleep and annihilation of non-believers.   Neither of which is Biblical.

Those beliefs appear to fit rather well with what my Friend, GBRK, is sharing in this post:

My personal belief is that our inner spirit is in a sleep state awaiting the return of Christ to resurrect it from the grave as Paul related to the Thessalonians in 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18.   I do not believe that the individual is aware and (I believe) that essentially, to those that are saved - the next thing they will see is Christ at the Resurrection.  To the individual Christian it will be as if he is immediately (after death) in front of their Savior.  .  .  .  (Bill Gray Note:  Notice that he says "their Savior" - not "our Savior")

As for those who are not saved, I believe their next awareness will be at their judgement before God.  At that time their soul/spirits will awaken to awareness of their judgment for their sins - whereas Christians will awaken in their Savior's presence at the time of the Rapture.  And, from that moment, they will dwell in their eternally appointed Heavenly home that Christ has prepared for them. 

For those (non-believers) who awaken to judgment, it will be without arbitration.  Rather (it) will be to address why they did not accept God's only offering for their sins.  And then (they will) face judgment for their earthly acts, including denial of Christ/God. 

As to what happens after their (the non-believers) judgment I am not dogmatic.  I do feel that it's possible that the end state of some will be that their soul/spirit dies and just ceases to exist (annihilation) - whereas others probably will continue to be in torment for their sins.

Lastly, there is the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16:19-31) where it appears, from the story, that there is immediately (after) death: (1) being in Abraham's bosom (Paradise) for the Just ~ OR ~ (2) immediate judgment, being in Torment, for the unjust.  

Again there is nothing about this story (Lazarus and the rich man) that can negate my opinion as voiced above, because as the soul/spirit/individual is concerned - if it is in soul/spirit sleep until it's awakening.  Then that would (seem to) be as immediate to that individual as is described in Luke.    (Bill Gray:  bold, underline, and parenthetical emphasis is mine) 

Let me address the issues raised by GBRK by pointing out three key facts: 

1. All people will die, or be raptured.  For those who die, this mortal body will go into the grave and will be like an empty shell, holding no material or spiritual value, slowly decaying back into dust.  However, our soul/spirit is very much alive and will either go to be with the Lord, for believers - or - for non-believers they will go, fully aware, into Hades/Torment to await resurrection for the final Great White Throne Judgment.  (2 Corinthians 5:1-7, Luke 16:19-31, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

2.   “Soul sleep” is a belief that after a person dies, the soul “sleeps” until the resurrection and final judgment.  The concept of “soul sleep” is not Biblical.  When the Bible describes a person “sleeping” in relation to death (Luke 8:52; 1 Corinthians 15:6), it does not mean literal sleep.  Sleeping is just a way to describe death because a dead body appears to be asleep. 

The moment we die, we face the judgment of God (Hebrews 9:27).  For believers, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23).  For non-believers, death means everlasting punishment in hell (Luke 16:22-23).  Present-day defenders of soul sleep include the Seventh Day Adventist church, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christadelphians, and others.  (www.gotquestions.org/soul-sleep.html)

Bill Gray Note:  Soul sleep is also taught by the Herbert W. Armstrong founded Worldwide Church of God and its offshoots.

3.  While Jesus often taught in parables, He also taught using true stories.   When He taught using parables He used ideas, thoughts, and examples which were familiar to the agricultural-based lifestyle of the Jewish people in that time.  But, in those parables He never used names, i.e., the parable of the Sower, the parable of the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, etc. - in none of those did He use specific names.

Yet, in the story found in Luke 16:19-31, He does specifically mention Lazarus, the poor man, and He does specifically mention Abraham.  He omits the name of the sinful rich man, but that is of no importance.  Because He did use specific names, we know that this was a true story which He used to teach about the death of the believer, Lazarus, and the death of the non-believer, the man rich in earthly materials, but devoid of faith in God. 

Some say this Luke 16:19-31 passage is a parable because people in heaven and people in hell cannot see one another, as did Lazarus, Abraham, and the rich man.  But, keep in mind that this Scripture passage and teaching is not speaking of heaven and hell.  It is speaking of Hades/Paradise, i.e., the Bosom of Abraham, where believers waited until Jesus resurrected and led them into heaven - and - Hades/Torment where non-believers are waiting in great discomfort until they are resurrected into their immortal bodies to stand in final judgment (Revelation 20:11-15).

The rich man, not redeemed, went into Hades/Torment (Luke 16:23) where he will wait, in full awareness, until he is resurrected into his immortal body to stand in judgment before Christ (Revelation 20:5a).  Lazarus, like all Old Testament believers, saints, went into the Bosom of Abraham, Hades/Paradise (Luke 16:22), where he stayed, fully aware, until Jesus Christ was crucified and went into Hades for three days - "He went and preached to the spirits in prison" (1 Peter 3:19).

Some say that He was preaching the Gospel to those in Hades/Torment, so that they might have a second chance.  Others teach that He was teaching to the fallen angels, i.e., demonic spirits (Jude 6) whom God had locked in darkness.  Neither of these teachings align with other Bible teachings, so, therefore, must be discarded. 

While the idea of a second chance for salvation is appealing, the Bible is clear that death is the end of all chances.  Hebrews 9:27 tells us that we die, and then face judgment.  So, as long as a person is alive, he has a second, third, fourth, fifth, etc. chance to accept Christ and be saved (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 16:31).  Once a person dies, there are no more chances. 

The idea of purgatory, a place where people go after death to pay for their sins, has no biblical basis, but is rather a tradition of the Roman Catholic Church (based upon the Apocryphal books).   (Will there be a second chance for salvation after death? -  https://www.gotquestions.org/second-chance-salvation.html)

In Luke 23:43, Jesus told the thief on the cross, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."   He did not tell the thief that he would be with Jesus in Hades/Torment - but in Paradise.  I am convinced that Jesus did not go into Hades/Torment, for those people had made their choice in this life and that cannot be changed.  Jesus would not be celebrating all those lost souls - for God desires that no one should perish (2 Peter 3:9).  I am sure that God weeps over lost souls, His Love - but He will not alter their decision after death, His Justice. 

I believe Jesus Christ was celebrating with Abraham and all the OT saints in Paradise.  Because His crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ascension were the culmination of His work of propitiation, i.e., atonement - and His work, paying our sin debt, was "paid in full" on the cross, i.e., His work of making salvation available to all who will by grace through faith, believe - was finished (John 19:30).  

I believe He was celebrating this finished task and sharing His joy with all those Old Testament saints who had been waiting in the Bosom of Abraham, Hades/Paradise, for Him to come and lead them into heaven, into the presence of God the Father (Ephesians 4:8, Psalm 68:18) thereby moving Hades/Paradise into heaven.  

Keep in mind that He teaches us, in John 14:6 that "no one comes to the Father, but through Me."   Ephesians 4:8 tells us of that procession when He led the Old Testament saints into their heavenly home.   And, that is the joy He was preaching in celebration while in Hades/Paradise as he was preparing to resurrect and lead the saints free from the captivity of Hades/Paradise.

So, to my Friends on the TimesDaily Religion Forum, and specifically to my Forum Christian Friend, Dinosaur, who asked about life after death - yes, the Bible does answer that question, clearly.

2 Corinthians 5:6-8, "So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord.  For we walk by faith, not by sight.  We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord."

Philippians 1:21-23, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.  For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better."

Luke 16:22-23, "So it was that the beggar (Lazarus) died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom (Hades/Paradise).  The rich man also died and was buried.   And being in torments in Hades (Hades/Torment), he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom."

Dinosaur, my Friend, the fact that you still having questions about salvation, life, and death - does not detract from your Christian faith nor from your eternal security in Christ.  It is only an indication, a red flag, that you need to make sure you are in a Christ-centered, Bible-teaching church fellowship which places emphasis on both corporate and personal Bible studies. 

And, it is an added bonus if that church fellowship also has adult Sunday School classes.  Discussion groups such as Bible studies and Sunday School classes are where we grow toward more maturity in our knowledge of God's Word and grow stronger in our Christian faith.

To my non-believing Friends (TimesDaily Religion Forum Friends and others), you would be well advised to put aside your anti-God rhetoric and, as I suggested to Dinosaur, find a solid Christ-centered, Bible-teaching church fellowship where you can learn more about your coming eternal and immortal life - an assured eternal life where you will be totally alive, aware, and feeling - the eternal life which we all will experience for eternity. 

I praise God that I can say, and KNOW, that I have eternal life in Christ and will spend eternity in the presence of God, in eternal joy and happiness.

My Friends, if YOU cannot say that - with conviction - then I pray you will take the time to learn how you can HAVE, and KNOW that you have, eternal life in Christ.  For the eternal, never ending, alternative is not very pleasant, matter of fact, it is pure hell.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Nothing Comes To Forumland ~ Once Again!

About twenty years ago, at the suggestion of my good Friend, Pastor Freddy Cortez, I began to share my writing ministry on the internet.  And I found a lot of fertile ground for planting seeds of eternal life.  Then I found my Alabama hometown newspaper, the TimesDaily, online and began to follow the activities of my hometown friends and neighbors. 

Since I am an Alabamian living in Southern California, for several years I read the TimesDaily online just to keep up with my hometown folks.  But I stayed clear of the forums - for to me most forums were just "spitting contests."  But in January 2007 I noticed on the TimesDaily Forums a post titled "What Is A Christian?"  Knowing that my home state is the Belt Buckle of the Bible Belt - I had to see what that post had to say.

What I found in that post and on the Timesdaily Forum, later renamed the TimesDaily Religion Forum, was that the majority of the dialogues were dominated by two atheists, DeepFat and GoFish.  To refute their atheistic teachings I joined the forum and stayed for seven years - until a new atheist-leaning Publisher banned me for posting conservative Christian thoughts on "his" Religion Forum.

Using a wee bit of satire to balance the atheist teachings on the Religion Forum, in 2007 I shared a story of my jousting with Forum Friends, Deep and Fish.  I pray you will enjoy this satirical view of our dialogues.  Keep in mind that while the story is fictional, and the characters are fictional, there is so much truth in the tale itself.  You might call it a prophetic short story.  And, as you will quickly surmise, the fictional characters Argue and Debate in the story, are in reality my Forum Friends Deep and Fish.

+++++++++++++++++++

NOTHING COMES TO FORUMLAND!  (From 2007)

Once upon a time, long ago, in a land far away named Oblivion, there lived two atheist friends.  These friends were named Argue and Debate.  Now, one thing that both Argue and Debate agreed upon was that they believed strongly in Nothing.  This was their faith, their religion, the Religion of Nothing.  They worshiped Nothing; they adored Nothing; their lives were dedicated to Nothing.

One day, as they were wandering around in search of Nothing, they happened to stumble upon a new valley, the valley of Forumland.  Oh, they were so excited.  "Maybe," chimed Argue, "we can find others here who know Nothing!"

"Yes," declared Debate, "if not, we can surely introduce them to Nothing!"

They were so excited; possibly there were many people here in this beautiful valley who either knew Nothing - or could be lured into knowing Nothing.

"Just imagine the possibilities, if we can convince many others to also believe in Nothing," Debate told Argue.  "Then, maybe we can build a cathedral dedicated to Nothing.  That will be a glorious tribute to our god, Nothing."

So, in the new valley of Forumland, Argue and Debate began a concerted effort to plant their seeds and to lay plans for building their cathedral to Nothing.  First, they had to develop a relationship with the people of Forumland.  "Come," said Debate, "we will get into a  conversation with them, assure them that we are Friends - and then we can talk about Nothing."

Walking along in Forumland, the two friends happened upon a small group of Forumland residents.  Right away Argue and Debate began to talk with these good folks.  Discovering that many of these folks believed in someone called God, the two friends were somewhat taken aback.  But, that did not deter them.  They were determined that these folks were going to become followers of Nothing.

Argue began, in his sly way, to lead the group of Forumland residents into a discussion.  He asked, "Do you really believe in this God?  Why do you believe that He really exists?"

One local fellow, Bill, replied, "Truthfully, until twenty years ago, I was very much like the two of you.  I wandered in the world, loving the ways of the world, and following Nothing.  But, then a Friend named Sam told me about God - and this Friend was so full of love, warmth, and peace.  I realized he must have something that I was lacking.  I had Nothing.  But he had his God.  I was wandering, but he was grounded in love and peace."

"So, when he told me about his God, I began to investigate this new Person.  I went to Sam's church, I went to their Bible studies - and I found that these folks in church and Bible study also had this love and peace I was lacking.  Because of this, I kept going to church and Bible study.  I kept learning more and more about this God.  And the more I learned, the more I realized that the god, Nothing, whom I had been following was just that - he was Nothing."

"After about six months, I began to feel this love and peace coming into my heart.  I was surprised.  That is when I said, 'Yes, God, please come into  my heart and bring all of Your love and peace.  I want to follow You and Your Son, Jesus Christ.'

"Since then, I have had God's love and peace in my life.  Really, Argue and Debate, you should try it.  You should go to a Bible-teaching church and Bible study and see if you can rid yourself of Nothing and find God."

Of course, Argue began to argue, "You say that this love and peace JUST came into your heart?"

"No," replied Bill.  "As I learned more about God, I began to realize that He had what was missing in my life.  Then I began to  seek Him, I wanted to know more about Him.  It took me about six months to realize that I wanted Him to be my Lord and Savior.   That is when I prayed and asked Him to come into my heart.  That is when I was saved - and love and peace came into my heart - for He forgave me all my sins."

So, debated Debate, "If it is that easy, I guess that even Hitler might have been saved?"

"Yes," Bill told him, "even Hitler could have been saved if he had sincerely turned to God in repentance and asked Jesus to come into his heart.  That said, I truly doubt that he did - for he scoffed at everything of God."

"You see," Bill continues, "the only sin which cannot be forgiven is the sin of rejecting Jesus Christ.  For by rejecting Him you condemn yourself.  By rejecting Him, you, by default, choose to follow Satan.  And this personal choice you make will condemn you to an eternity with Satan."

Then Bill told them, "Even Judas Iscariot could have been saved if he had truly repented.  Yet, the Bible tells us that Judas was indwelt by Satan at the Last Supper and never repented.  We read about this in John 13:26-27 and Mark 14:21.  Oh, Judas was sorry about his action of taking thirty pieces of silver as his price to betray Jesus.  And Judas ended much like Hitler, by taking his own life.  We read about this in Matthew 27:3-10."

By now Debate is incensed, "I suppose you even believe in the myth of Creationism?"

"Actually," Bill smiled, "Yes, I do.  If you are sincerely interested I can explain.  You see, nature, the human body, the universe, the relationship between the earth, the sun, the planets, moon, and stars - all of these things declare the glory of God and His Creation.  Later, if you are interested I can give you much more detail to prove that Creation is indeed true and factual."

This really gets under Debate's skin.  He responds, "Evolution is the only thing that is factual and true.  I can give you many web sites which prove evolution!"

Bill responds to Debate's challenge, "No, Debate, rather than showing me what other evolutionists who are devoted to Nothing write - why don't you tell me, in detail, why you believe in evolution."

Debate sputters and fumes, "No.  You are really stupid.  I tell you that evolution is factual, but you will not listen!"

"No, Debate," said Bill, "you tell me to look at web sites written by other followers of Nothing.  But you have not given me any knowledge or facts which come from you.  Why don't you tell me exactly what you know about evolution and why it is factual.  Remember, even Charles Darwin said that if scientist cannot show a transitional 'missing link' fossil record - then, evolution is gasping its last breath.  What can you personally tell me, from your own knowledge, that will show me, absolutely, that evolution is alive and well?"

Angrily, Debate declares, "Bill, you are really stupid.  Look at this web site, Blah-Blah-Blah dot com.  And there are others.  Go to this web site, HotAir dot com. Are you so thick headed and moronic that you cannot read what these honest, sincere evolutionists, followers of Nothing, have written?"

"No," Bill once again replied, "I want to know what you, Debate, and you, Argue, know.  Not what a bunch of other Nothing followers tell you.  What do you know?  Can you, from your own knowledge, tell me why evolution is factual?  Don't just huff and puff, calling me names.  Show me the beef!  Show me the 'missing link' fossils.  Lay it on me!"

Now, both Debate and Argue are boiling, "Bill, you are too stupid for us to waste our time.  We don't want to talk with you anymore.  Just go away and leave us to tell these good people about Nothing."

Smiling, Bill tells them, "I am sorry, my atheist Friends, but I cannot leave Forumland and allow you to build your cathedral to Nothing.  I must make sure that these good folks, my home town family, at least have the Word of God to balance against your words of Nothing."

And, so, the saga of God versus Nothing continues in Forumland; each with their champions, each continuing to share His Truth or his truth - until one day Jesus will come and Rapture His followers away - leaving Forumland totally in the hands of Nothing.

+++++++++++++++++++

Stay tuned for the next exciting episode of "Nothing Comes To Forumland."

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

 

 

Jerry Jenkins Remembers Billy Graham

WHEN A MAN LIKE BILLY GRAHAM IS PROMOTED HOME  ~  We will see many reflections and memories shared.  I shared mine earlier today on our Bill & Dory Gray Christian Ministries blog site and I also shared it on Facebook and in my Friends Ministry eNewsletter.  This afternoon I received an e-mail notification from Jerry Jenkins, co-author with Dr. Tim LaHaye of the great "Left Behind" series of books.

Jerry Jenkins is sharing his memories of being a ghost-writer on a portion of Billy Graham's autobiography "Just As I Am."

There is a link to Jerry Jenkins' blog below.  But let me just share one portion which I feel is so Billy Graham:

I spent the better part of 13 months in the early 1990s traveling to and from Mr. Graham’s home in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and his nearby ministry offices in Montreat.  (I assisted him in writing the " birth-through-the-Nixon-years" for his autobiography Just As I Am.) .  .  .  .

Another time, he suggested we get away and work at a hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  One morning I followed him to the hotel barbershop where he got a haircut.  A manicurist working nearby struck up a conversation with him, asking, “So what do you do?”

In his inimitable accent, Mr. Graham said, “I’m a preachah.”

She said, “Oh, I don’t care for preachers that much.  Except Billy Graham, I do like him.”

He said, “You like Billy Graham, do you?”

“I do. I really learn from him.”

“Well, thank you. I am Billy Graham.”

She frowned.  “Oh, you don’t even look like him!”

The barber caught her eye and mouthed, “It’s really him.”

She said, “Oh, my God!”

And Mr. Graham said, “No, but I work for Him.”

With that introduction, please take a moment and visit Jerry Jenkins' blog site and read his full post at this URL:

Precious Memories: Billy Graham (1918-2018)
https://jerryjenkins.com/precious-memories-billy-graham-1918-2018/?inf_contact_key=15f39342927e55127baefe2702a0cc58be0b32175fed3f84c685ab37f3833045

God bless, have a wonderful blessed day,

Bill 

Today We Celebrate The Life Of Billy Graham

TODAY THE CHRISTIAN WORLD AND THE GRAHAM FAMILY has a short time of mourning our loss of the presence of Billy Graham in our lives.  But, we gather with believers, and many non-believers, around the world to CELEBRATE Billy Graham's life.  For the past 70 years he has touched millions of lives around the world.  My wife, Dory, fondly recalls attending a Billy Graham Crusade in her native Philippines in the 1950s.

As a young girl, Dory attended the 1950s Billy Graham Crusade in the Philippines.  And she went on to attend a Bible School, then to working with a missionary lady from America, and later became a deaconess in her local church - before coming to America in 1962.  She gives a lot of credit for her Christian life and walk to Billy Graham.

Billy Graham himself said:  “Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead.  Don’t you believe a word of it.  I shall be more alive than I am now.  I will just have changed my address.  I will have gone into the presence of God.” - Billy Graham (1918–2018)

That is true for all Christian believers.  Upon death, the next moment we will be alive in the presence of Jesus Christ.   About fifteen years ago, Anita, the wife of an Orange County, California, friend, Pastor Yeo, unexpectedly became ill and died suddenly.  After her Memorial Service, we all went to a restaurant for fellowship and to remember Anita.  As we were taking turns sharing our thoughts, one lady said, ".  .  .  when Anita was alive."   And, I added, "Anita is more alive today than ever.  Before she was alive in this fallen mortal world.  But now she is alive in the presence of Jesus Christ."   And, Pastor Yeo agreed with me.

Our mortal bodies will be in the grave.  But the spirit of the Christian believer, our true essence - will experience a great "Home Going" celebration.   And all our Christ-believing loved ones and friends who have gone on before - will be standing at the door of heaven with Jesus Christ to greet us and to welcome us home!

In 1970 my step-father, Russell Arthur, (who, to me, was my father) died from a heart attack.  We had his service and burial at a small country church in his hometown, Russellville, Alabama.  After the service a long-time family friend, Mrs. Gibson, a pastor's widow, walked out of the small church with my mom.  When they came over to me, Mrs. Gibson looked at me and said, "You really look like Billy Graham.  One day I want to see you preaching on television just like him."    At that time I was not a believer - so my immediate thought, although out of respect I did not say it - was, "Mrs. Gibson, you are out of your mind.  You'll never see me preaching or doing any of that stuff!" 

Yet, after I became a believer in 1987 - I would have considered myself so blessed to be even a small, very tiny bit like Billy Graham.  Lord, just make me one thousandth of a Christian like Billy Graham - and I will be a very happy believer.  I have never felt called or had any aspirations to become a pastor - but I love leading Bible studies - and I know that, in the 1980s, God gave me the gift of writing so that I can share His Word.

In the early 1980s, I had no writing skills and the internet and social media as we know it today - did not exist.   Yet our omniscient God knew the plans He had for the then non-believing Bill Gray.  I was asked by my company, Ferranti (a large English company) to go to our Houston U.S. headquarters and present a two-day seminar on Computer Graphics.  My preparations, the material I prepared for that seminar, led me to think about writing a book.  I envisioned a book with a title like "Computer Graphics For The Salesman" or "The Dummy's Guide To Computer Graphics."   Honest, and that was before all the "Dummy" books hit the market.

To prepare for that book writing endeavor, I registered in a English Creative Writing Class at my local college.  And, voila! - this guy who before could not put together two coherent sentences - immediately started scoring straight "A"s on all my essays and stories in that class.

A few years later the Internet was born - and some years later, Facebook and other Social Media were birthed. 

Can you see the progression as our omniscient God began to prepare me?  First, through the seminar and the desire to follow that up with a book (which I never wrote) - then success in the Creative Writing Class - then He introduced me to Pastor Sam Lacanienta and through attending solid Bible-based, Christ-centered church Bible studies, He gave me the desire to really dig into His Word.  

Once that groundwork was well underway, He gave me the medium - the Internet - and from that the TimesDaily Religion Forum, The Conservative Voice online newspaper, my Friends Ministry eNewsletter, Facebook, the Bill & Dory Gray Christian Ministries Blog, etc. - which I use to share His Word around the world.

Though not nearly as effective as Billy Graham and the Billy Graham Crusades - at least through my writing ministry God has granted my wish, to be a small, small wee bit like Billy Graham in sharing His Word.   For that gift, I praise and glorify God.

So, today let us all join with the Graham family - and the many folks around the world whose lives Billy Graham has touched as he pointed us toward eternal life at the foot of the cross - in mourning our loss and in celebrating Billy Graham's HomeGoing!

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

A Revelation (End Times) Question For You - Another Look Back!

In the year 2006 I had a number of interesting things happening.  I was leading a Bible Study in the book of Revelation - Dory was working on her Graduate Real Estate Institute designation - our granddaughter, Elyssa, graduated from Elementary School at Stoneybrooke Christian School into Middle School (today she is a married college grad teaching in the 6th grade) - and I had a very interesting late evening Norm's Restaurant End Times Bible Study with my Friend, Bob Ginger.

It is always fun to look back at earlier dialogues and see what progress I have made in my quest to grow more mature in God's Word.  This look back is from 2006 when Dory and I were serving in a Filipino-American church in Corona and I was leading an independent group Bible study in the book of Revelation.  Each week I would send my Study Notes to my Friends Ministry eNewsletter mail list.

So, let's look back at June 2006 and see if Bill Gray has grown and made any progress in my knowledge of God's Word.

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Subject:    A REVELATION QUESTION FOR YOU
Date:     Wed, 21 June 2006, 09:49:07 -0700
From:     Bill Gray    To:  BCC Undisclosed Recipients

Hi to all my Friends,

You may, or may not, have noticed that I did not sent out Revelation Bible Study notes this week.  That is because we did not have a study last Friday.  My wife, Dory, and I had to be in San Diego for two days.  She is taking a series of fourteen one day classes to earn her GRI (Graduate Real Estate Institute) designation - the highest for residential real estate sales.  And, since I am her computer man, gofer, chauffeur, and all around good guy - I went with her. 

Our Friday Night Bible Study has a number of other highly qualified leaders who could have taken over for that evening; but, since this was graduation week and most parents and grandparents were busy with these activities, we decided to cancel Bible study for last Friday.

And speaking of graduation, our beautiful granddaughter, Elyssa, was promoted into the seventh grade at Stoneybrooke Christian School in San Juan Capistrano.  Although Lola Dory and Papa Bill could not be there to celebrate with her, since we had to be in San Diego - we are very, very proud of her.  This kind of "proud" God loves.

However, I did end up having sort of a Bible study Sunday night - at midnight - at Norm's Restaurant.  My friend, Bob Ginger, was at my home Sunday afternoon so that I could take a look at his computer.  That "look" went on until about 11:00 PM, so Bob and I decided to have a late dinner.

During our dinner, I started telling Bob how excited I am to be leading the Bible study in Revelation.  And that began our discussion.  I gave him my End Times overview charts - and then we discussed questions he raised.  Later in our discussion, Bob raised a very good question which I am going to have to research.  I will share his question after I first lay a wee bit of groundwork.

As we were talking, the waitress overheard our discussion, and not being busy, joined in the conversation.  She appeared to be a believer, but with not much knowledge of End Time prophecy.  It was a wonderful opportunity to share with her the joy which Revelation promises for the believer - and the responsibility Jesus Christ has given us, as His witnesses (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15), to make sure that many others - especially those who are not currently believers, hear the Gospel and have an opportunity to know that they can receive eternal salvation, have eternal security, and miss the horrible Seven Year Tribulation.

This week, thinking about my discussion with Bob, it dawned on me that I have a great resource from which I can seek an answer to Bob's question, the question I could not answer Sunday night.  I will go to all my Friends in my Friends Ministry eNewsletter mail list and get your thoughts on this question.

We know that Old Testament saints are in heaven with Jesus now.  We know that Church Age saints who have died are in heaven with Jesus now.  We know that the mortal bodies of both OT and Church Age saints are in the grave.  And we know that all who believe and are still alive when He comes for His church will be Raptured.  And we are still alive at the Rapture, along with those Church Age believers who have died in Christ and the OT saints, will all be with Jesus in heaven.  At the Rapture, we will all receive our glorified, immortal bodies, and be like Him (1 John 3:2). 

Shortly after the Rapture the seven year Tribulation begins (Daniel 9:27).  The Tribulation is God's Judgment of Israel (Ezekiel 20:32-38,34:17-22), His Refiner's Fire which will bring the remnant of His chosen people, Israel, into the fold - along with many left behind Gentiles who will also be saved during the Tribulation:

Malachi 3:2-5, "But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire And like launderers' soap.  He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, And purge them as gold and silver, That they may offer to the LORD An offering in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem Will be pleasant to the LORD, As in the days of old, As in former years.  And I will come near you for judgment.  .  ." 

The church, the universal body of Christ, will be in heaven during the Tribulation (Revelation 3:10, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 5:9).   We are told that, at this time prior to the Rapture, the Holy Spirit is restraining the Antichrist.  After the Rapture, the Holy Spirit will no longer be a restraining force holding back the appearance of the Antichrist.  But, He will still be working among the people left behind during the Tribulation, bringing many to faith.

Some folks have misunderstand 2 Thessalonians 2:7, thinking this means that the Holy Spirit will be removed from earth when the church is raptured.  That is not what this Scripture passage in 2 Thessalonians is telling us.  Verse 7 tells us that the Holy Spirit will remove His restraint from the Antichrist and will allow him to make his appearance on the world scene.  This is all to fulfill Scripture.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, 6-8, "Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin (the Antichrist) is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. .  .  . And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time.  For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.   And then the lawless one will be revealed.  .  ."

What does 2 Thessalonians 2:7-8 mean by, "only He who now restrains (the Holy Spirit) will do so until He is taken out of the way.   And then the lawless one (the Antichrist) will be revealed"?  

The Holy Spirit is God and no power can take Him away, or remove Him.  What I believe this Scripture passage is saying is that the church, whom the Holy Spirit used to spread the Word of God to the world, will be taken out at the Rapture.  In the Old Testament when God deemed it necessary to chasten Israel for her disobedience - He often stood aside and allowed pagan nations to take His chosen people captive. 

After a period of refining, He brought them out of captivity.  In a sense, that is what God the Holy Spirit will do during the Tribulation.  He will allow the Antichrist to make his appearance on the world political scene and wreak havoc upon the nation Israel.  This is God's final Refiner's Fire which will make the remnant of Israel into pure gold as the eternal chosen people of God.

Who is the Antichrist?  From Pastor David Guzik's Study Guide for 2 Thessalonians 2:   www.enduringword.com/commentary/2-thessalonians-2/

+  Daniel described an individual person:  The prince who is to come (Daniel 9:26), the king of fierce countenance (Daniel 8:23), the willful king (Daniel 11:36-45).

+  Jesus described an individual person:  The one who comes in his own name (John 5:43).

+  We are not surprised that Paul described this man of sin as an individual person, not as a system or an office (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

So, we can see that the Holy Spirit will still be in business during the Seven Year Tribulation - saving souls!  There will be two groups of believers who emerge from the Tribulation:  (1) those who were martyred during the Tribulation for their faith in Jesus Christ and are in heaven, and (2) those who believed and yet survived the Tribulation.

Matter of fact, we are told in Revelation 7:9-15 that those Martyred Tribulation saints in heaven will be a large number, a great multitude too great to count.  Wow!  Yes, the Holy Spirit is definitely moving and working on earth during the Tribulation.

The Tribulation Saints who are martyred during that seven years will be in heaven with Jesus Christ and will have received their glorified bodies.  All of us (the Bride of Christ, the OT saints, and the Tribulation saints) will return with Christ (Revelation 19:14) at the end of the Tribulation when Christ returns to earth, His Second Coming, His Glorious Appearing, to defeat the Antichrist and his False Prophet and establish His Millennial Kingdom on earth.

Revelation 19:7-9, 14, "Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride (the church) has made herself ready.  It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, 'Write, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb (OT and martyred Tribulation saints)'  .  .  . And the armies (His Bride, OT saints, Tribulation saints, angelic legions) which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses."

At that time He will sit in judgment of the Tribulation survivors - the Sheep and Goat Judgment (Matthew 25:31-46).  There will be many believers (sheep) who will survive the Tribulation and will go into His Millennial Kingdom in their mortal bodies. 

The Subjects of the Judgment (Matt. 25:32):  All the nations will be gathered before Jesus. The word for nations is ethne, plural of ethnos.  A nation is “the largest unit into which the people of the world are divided on the basis of their constituting a socio-political community” (Louw-Nida Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament). 

In the Jewish context here in Matthew, the nations of the world exist in distinction to (Bill Gray Note: or from) the chosen nation of the world, Israel.  The people here thus constitute all the non-Jewish people of the world (Bill Gray Note: Gentiles) who survive the devastation of the Tribulation period.  (The Judgment of Survivors of the Tribulation Period at the Second Coming of Christ - www.wordexplain.com/Last_Survivors-Judged.html)

With all that said, let's get back to my Friend, Bob Ginger's, question.  I will paraphrase the question which he raised:

"We know that today believers who die go immediately into the presence of Christ in heaven.  And, we know that Tribulation martyrs killed during the horrible seven year Tribulation go into His presence.  But, what happens in the Millennial Kingdom when Christ has returned to earth for His 1000 Millennial Reign?

During the Millennial Kingdom, since Christ is already on earth - when a believer who is still in his mortal body, dies - where does he go, what happens to him at the moment of death?"

We know that before the Second Coming (His Glorious Appearing) of Jesus Christ, Jesus is in heaven, and we who die will, in our next breath, be at home with Jesus in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:8, Philippians 1:23).  However, during His Millennial Kingdom Jesus will be here on earth. 

So, my Friend, Bob, raised a very good question with two implied thoughts: (1) Do believers die in the Millennial Kingdom?  And (2) if a believer can die during the Millennial Kingdom - where does he go? 

As Bob phrased his question during our dinner Bible study in Norm's Restaurant:  "If a believer is sitting in this booth, and Jesus is dining with other friends in another booth, and the believer suddenly dies of a heart attack - will his spirit just go to the other booth to be with Jesus - and his dead mortal body stay in this booth?"

I know!  I know!  You are mumbling to yourself, "Why does Bill present such inane questions?  Isn't it enough just to know that we will be with Jesus Christ when we die?"  

And, you are right.  Questions such as this, and other discussions of the End Times, i.e., Pretribulation, Post-tribulation, PreMillennial, Amillennial, Rapture, etc., etc., etc. - do not affect our salvation one way or the other.  But, a better understanding of Scripture does give the believer a stronger feeling of eternal security, of peace, peace with God (Romans 5:1).

That said, there is a very good reason to discuss these issues - even though they do not affect a person's salvation.  "Okay, Bill, why do we want to spend time discussing issues which do not affect our salvation?"

Glad you asked.  One of the main goals of our sharing the Gospel and discussing God's Word with believers, and especially non-believers - is to encourage them, and ourselves, to go deeper in our own personal Bible study, to dig deeper into God's Word.  So, whether that person is just verifying against Scripture what we have shared (Acts 17:11) ~ OR ~ that person is determined to prove us wrong, either way it is good. 

For when we are in God's Word, He will reveal Himself - and He will reveal His true message.  A person cannot go wrong by studying God's Word.  And that can be the Holy Spirit's way of leading the non-believer into eternal life in Christ.  So be happy when folks become Bereans and test your words against Scripture (Acts 17:11) - for it will have a good outcome.

Yet, we must remember there are questions which the Bible does not answer.  We are told in 1 Corinthians 13:9-12, "For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.  When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.  For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known."  

One day, we will stand face to face with our Lord and Savior and can ask Him all these questions.   But I have a feeling that, at that moment, even though we will be able to ask Him many questions which we have pondered for so many years - I believe we will be so thrilled, so happy, just to be in His presence, we will forget all those questions and just worship Him.

As I said a couple of paragraphs before, these questions do not affect our salvation.  However, there is a very good reason that sneaky old Bill Gray sends them to all my Friends.  I want to get everyone excited about studying the Bible ~ I want everyone to be excited about searching God's word for answers ~ I want everyone to be seeking answers. 

For in that seeking, we all grow in our walk with the Lord, we all grow in our knowledge of Him, His Word, and His will for our lives.  You might say that I am putting a bit of salt into that open "spiritual knowledge" wound to make you more aware of it.

All said and done, I would love to hear what you think about Bob's question.

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A FRIEND RESPONDS:

From:  Dr. Bob Griffin  To:  Bill Gray  -  Date:  Wed, 21 Jun 2006:  

Bill,  Will a believer (one in his mortal body who has survived the Tribulation and entered the Millennial Kingdom) ever die?  Or will he, like Adam live in an Edenic earth for that 1000 without the curse? - OR - At the end of such time will he will be taken to heaven (earth destroyed) like those in the rapture and given a new body?   I see no death in the Kingdom.  Grif

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ANOTHER FRIEND RESPONDS:

Bill Walker writes - Wed, 21 Jun 2006

Bill, not sure I understand the question just right.  But, today, as I understand it, when a person dies - the soul departs leaving the used-up body behind, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.  Would it be not the same at that time?  Bill Walker

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Let me attempt to answer these questions to the best of my ability:

Much of what we hear in sermons, etc., regarding that time period comes from Isaiah 65.  What is Isaiah 65 really telling us?

This Scripture passage in Isaiah 65:17-19 begins by speaking of the time beyond the Millennial Kingdom - the time of the New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem, "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.  But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; For behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing, And her people a joy.  I will rejoice in Jerusalem, And joy in My people; The voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, Nor the voice of crying."   See Revelation 21.

Then, in Isaiah 65:20-23 he switches to events of the Millennial Kingdom, "No more shall an infant from there live but a few days, Nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days; For the child shall die one hundred years old, But the sinner being one hundred years old shall be accursed.  They shall build houses and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.  They shall not build and another inhabit; They shall not plant and another eat; For as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, And My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.  They shall not labor in vain, Nor bring forth children for trouble; For they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the LORD, And their offspring with them."

And, then he returns again to the time beyond the Millennial Kingdom, to eternity, the time of the New Earth, in Isaiah 65:24-25, "'It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.  The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, The lion shall eat straw like the ox, And dust shall be the serpent's food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,' Says the LORD."

Let me offer two good references:

First, Pastor David Guzik in his Study Guide for Isaiah 65: 

ii. From John's context we see that this new heavens and a new earth comes after the Great White Throne judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) and is connected not with the millennial earth, but with the eternal state.  If all we had to go by was Isaiah's statement, we would automatically connect this new heavens and a new earth with the millennial earth, because immediately after Isaiah 65:17-19, we clearly find the millennial earth described. 

But based on what we find in 2 Peter and Revelation, we must see that Isaiah is in the prophetic habit of switching quickly from one time frame to another, speaking of the eternal state in Isaiah 65:17, and of the millennial earth in Isaiah 65:20-25.

Then, let's take a look at what Dave Hunt has written in The Berean Call Newsletter Q&A Section:

Question:   ".  .  . In the millennium, a child will die being 100 years old and will go...where? .  .  ."

An excerpt from Dave Hunt's answer:  To speak of a hundred-year-old as a "child" does not mean that person is immature physically or mentally but that to die at 100 during the Millennium would be like being cut off in childhood.   Those dying that "young" must be wicked and taken instantly to hell to join the "rich man" and multitudes of others in torment.  (The Berean Call Q&A:  www.thebereancall.org/node/5573)

So, to get back to my Friend, Bob Ginger's, Bible study in Norm's Restaurant question:

"If a believer is sitting in this booth, and Jesus is dining with other friends in another booth, and the believer suddenly dies of a heart attack - will his spirit just go to the other booth to be with Jesus - and his dead mortal body stay in this booth?"

Personally, I lean toward believing that those who walk with Christ during the Millennial Kingdom will not die.  Why do I say this?  I believe that Jesus Christ will be happy being in fellowship with believers, mortal and immortal, during His Millennial Reign.   Christ died to offer eternal life to all who will believe in Him and receive His precious gift of eternal life.  That is all in the past during the Millennial Kingdom.  Why rehash old news?

"But, Bill, there will be millions of mortals born during the Millennial Kingdom who still will not receive Him as Lord and Savior.  What about them?  Will they die?"  

During that time, Satan is locked in the abyss and the Antichrist and his Prophet are already in hell.  So, there will be no temptation from those sources.  Because of that, mortals who do not believe and receive Him - will do so out of apathy, just not making the effort.  Just as God does with us now, He will give those folks every opportunity during the 1000 year millennium to believe.  Why would He allow them to die in disbelief at an early age when they have 1000 years to turn around and follow Him?  Will they get away with their apathetic denial of Christ?   No.

Haven't you ever wondered why God is going to release Satan from the abyss after 1000 years?  Why not just leave him there - or just throw him into hell to be with his Antichrist and Prophet? 

God has a plan and a final use for Satan.  At the end of the 1000 year Millennial Kingdom, there will be millions, maybe billions, of apathetic non-believers.  They have had 1000 years to believe and have eternal life.  Now God releases Satan to be their tempter - and the vast majority will actually follow Satan.  An apathetic person has no roots, no foundation - so they blow with the wind.  And, we know that no one - OT, Church Age, Tribulation, or Millennium - can spend eternity in the presence of God if he/she does firmly stand with Jesus Christ.  So, in their apathy, they, by default, follow Satan toward their final destruction.

"Bill, how can people who have lived for 1000 years under the perfect theocracy, the perfect world rule of Christ - now turn to Satan?"

I realize that is hard to understand, but the Bible tells us it is so. 

Revelation 20:7-10, "Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them (the apathetic non-believers) together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea.  They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city (earthly Jerusalem). And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.  The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are.  And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever."

So, will those who do not believe and receive Christ during the Millennial Kingdom die?  Yes, but to make God's mercy and justice complete - they will die after the Millennium along with their new leader, Satan, when God zaps them all with His divine fire from heaven.

Then they, along with all other non-believers since the Creation, will stand before Jesus Christ at the Great White Throne Judgment - to be sent into eternal hell (Revelation 20:11-15).

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill