Word-Filled Wednesday ~ #100 ~ Forgiven Much

"In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." ~Luke 15:10 [Jesus speaking]

"Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven ~ for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." ~Luke 7:47 [Jesus speaking]

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners ~ of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." ~I Tim. 1:15-17 [emphasis, mine]

 "The Sinner" ~ Ron DiCianni

To many who have only known me since I became a Christian in May of 1982, I have often said that I have lived two utterly and completely different lives. 

I am a sinner saved by GRACE ~ God's Riches At Christ's Expense ~ I am the "wretch" of "Amazing Grace" who is forgiven and washed clean by the precious blood of Jesus Christ: THE Son of God, THE only Savior of the world. 

I'm bringing this up because I have come to think that time on this ol' earth is growing short. During my Christian walk, I have often had conversations with other sincere believers about how incredibly COOL it would be to still be on earth when the Lord comes back. O Glorious Day! But something that we seem to forget is that, if we are here at Christ's return ~ whether you're pre-/mid-/or post-trib ~ we are going to have to live through some very hard times. Persecution, discrimination . . . even death for the cause of Christ. 

Sound familiar?

These things are already going on in our world ~ and increasingly in the the United States. It is simply amazing how quickly this world, and our great country, is turning against the things of Christ. (Especially in the last 5 years or so . . . just being honest here.)

So, I want to invite you to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. No pretty bows or flowery language needed ~ we make our eternal decision HERE, on THIS side of Heaven. None of us are promised tomorrow, much-less our next breath ~ if you die without Jesus as your Savior you WILL go to hell. No passing "go", no collecting $200. You're opportunity to spend eternity ~ NEVER ENDING TIME ~ with God will have been lost forever . . . just like you. Don't kid yourself with the old joke, "I want to go hell because that's where all my friends will be!" Well . . . that may be true enough, but you will never know it, unless you can hear their screams of agony over your own. Hell is a place of total agony and complete separation from God ~ forever. Perhaps that's the real agony.

I was a wretched, horrible person. God's ONLY Son, Jesus, paid the price for me ~ and you ~ with His suffering and death on the cross. And then . . . as only THE GOD of all can do . . . He raised His Son back to life! Incredible, but true. 

One of my dear friends that I'm still close to from back in my school days, once told our girls, "I grew up going to church and have believed in God all my life, but if I had never believed before, I would have from the change I saw take place in your mom. The change in her caused me to re-commit my life to Jesus." [paraphrasing from memory] 

I don't tell you that to toot my own horn, but as an example that if a sinner like me can be changed by the leading of the Holy Spirit in my life, you can, too. 

Time is short and hell is just a real as Heaven.

I try to keep my blog up-beat and helpful ~ but I felt that this is what the Lord wants me to tell you, today. Please accept Jesus as your Savior today ~ I look forward to meeting you in Heaven.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><