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Written by Bill Bradford
God has in mind a wonderful future for those He has called to be the ‘firstfruits’ and, ultimately, for all of mankind. It is true that humanity will have brought many terrible things into the world but we, of course, know the end of the story. As God’s grace was shown at the beginning of creation so, too, will we see God’s grace at the end of the age. God’s plan will stand and come to pass as He said.
In the meantime we have been granted the absolute privilege to know God’s purpose and that the blessings He promised to Abraham -- and is being fulfilled through Jesus Christ -- will be extended to all the nations. We are privileged with this knowledge. We know where our loved ones are -- to whom God mercifully gave life -- and now keeps them as “asleep in Jesus” until the day when Jesus Christ will be revealed. We have the knowledge of the future and we have help for today. We not only have the help and encouragement from God, we also have His presence.
We have truth that that is sure, and not fables foisted on us from a world of human beings who themselves are deceived. But, at the same time, we know God will one day shine the light of truth to them.
Whatever dilemma we are in, God will see us through. We know that there is a purpose for everything that happens, and God knows all things. He will work all things out for us. He has our good in mind and is our teacher along the journey. Not many people can have this kind of confidence.
When I make a mistake or sin, I know it will be forgiven. In fact it is a very positive thing to be confronted, in a loving way with our faults. “There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the spirit” (Rom 8:1). Repentance is hard for some, for us we should gladly approach the throne of His grace in humility. Let me say again, it is an absolute privilege to know the true God at this time. My blood pressure just dropped 20 points!
Do I have a responsibility toward God and my fellow man? Do you have a responsibility toward God and your fellow man? Absolutely! But we are not cursed because of a mistake. Nor has God withdrawn his presence. The devil just says things like that to make us doubt. Let’s make sure we don’t promote the devil’s points. “The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.” “Come to me all you who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest” (Rom 11:29, Matt 11:28)
by Ken Murray
The other day I was meditating as I was reading the Bible and I thought: "What is Jesus Christ's purpose for our lives?" On what should we setting our hearts and minds that would be pleasing to Christ? What do we understand from the Bible is Jesus Christ's purpose for our lives?
A Christian's walk is challenging, and trials can be overwhelming at times. But through the birth, perfect life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have hope in the ability to overcome life's challenges. Find out how we are saved by His life.
Studying God's Word in sincerity helps us to discern our own thoughts and intents. (God already knows them - we cannot deceive God!) To come boldly before God, we must be honest with Him. Pretence before God is not a good basis for a relationship. We need to emulate David's prayer and his intent as recorded in Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me... We cannot be honest with God unless we are honest with ourselves.
"Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel'" (Mark 1:14, 15). "The gospel of the Kingdom of God" is the message Jesus Christ instructs His followers to believe. This booklet will help you understand and believe this wonderful good news Jesus Christ announced to humanity!
What is the purpose of human life? Are we here for a reason? Does the Bible provide answers for these questions? What does the Bible mean when it talks about repentance, baptism and conversion? Inside this booklet you will find the answers to these questions.
"...Broad is the road that leads to destruction...and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13,14 New International Version).
In this booklet we will examine the Bible's teaching on conversion—it is not just a one-time event. Instead the Scriptures reveal that it is a process. The process begins with God's calling, followed by the key steps of repentance, baptism and the receiving of the Holy Spirit, finally climaxing with the return of Jesus Christ — when the dead in Christ are resurrected to immortality and given eternal life — the ultimate transformation!
It’s obvious that our world is plagued with serious problems. Look around at the devastating wars, civil unrest, violent crime, rampant theft, corrupt governments, grinding poverty, hunger, spreading substance abuse, broken homes and families, natural disasters, failing educational systems and much more. These things aren’t new; they’re the sad legacy of human history. Is there any hope that these problems will ever be solved? Believe it or not, there is indeed great hope, and it’s found in the pages of your Bible. It’s called the gospel, a word that means “good news.” And it truly is good news, the message of Jesus Christ’s coming reign over the earth and God’s divine solution to our problems! Learn much more about this wonderful hope and news in the pages of this issue of Beyond Today. Download this issue in PDF. Individual articles will be posted in the upcoming days.