Week 11: March 17th, 2019
Topic: I set before you life and death – Part 1
Bible Reading: Jeremiah 21:1-8
Introduction
Life is the existence of an individual human being or the period during which living things or inanimate things continue to exist and function. While death can be described as the time that humans and inanimate things cease to exist and function.
During this lent period, it is important to discuss the two ways that are available to mankind so that people will be able to make a wise decision. The two ways are: the way of life and the way of death. It is either you choose the way of life which leads to eternal life or the way of death that leads to perdition. It must be noted that there is nothing like sitting on the fence or remaining neutral without choosing a way.
Heaven is real and hell is real; God created both because of human, but His desire is for us to inherit eternal life and reign forever in His kingdom. The Bible attested to this fact by saying “Hell and Destruction are before the Lord; so how much more the hearts of the sons of men” Proverbs 15:11. If God can see whatever that is happening, and know everything in hell and the world of the dead, how then can you hide your thoughts and choice from God? All you need to do is choose life because hell is the destiny of the wicked and all those who reject God Psalm 9:17. You must make the right choice, and you must neither forget nor ignore God during your lifetime if you do not want to end your journey in hell.
The origin of the two ways: The scripture says “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” Genesis 2:7. God gave us the spirit of life so that we can live and be useful to Him. Then the Lord God put Adam in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it Genesis 2:15. We can ascertain from the passage that the primary reason that God created human was to do His work or work for Him. During the period when Adam resided in the Garden of Eden, the tree of life which gives life was also in the midst of the garden and the tree of knowledge of good and evil which empowers to recognize the difference between blessing and calamity Genesis 2:9. Though God loved mankind so much that He gave us dominion over all the earth and His other creations Genesis 1:26. Adam and Eve misused their power/control because they failed to follow the instructions of God. Their disobedience prompted God to curse them, they were separated from God and expelled from the Garden of Eden. Since then, mankind died spiritually because we can neither see God physically nor interact with Him physically like a friend Genesis 3:17-24. God acknowledged in the passage that Adam and Eve can distinguish between good and evil; He admitted that they know the difference between right and wrong. You as a descendant of Adam and Eve have the knowledge of what is good and what is bad. Therefore, utilize your knowledge to make the right choice so that you will eventually eat the fruit of the tree of life which your ancestors did not have the opportunity to taste.
Invitation to abundant life: God does not have pleasure in the death of the wicked, but He wants the sinners to turn away from their malevolent acts, return to Him and live. The Bible says “‘Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?’ says the Lord God, ‘and not that he should turn from his ways and live?’” Ezekiel 18:23. Repent and return to God today, since every human will die because we are like water that is spilled on the ground which cannot be gathered up again. And God does not take away life, but devises means so that anyone who is banished is neither an outcast nor driven from Him. Our lives are like water poured out on the ground which disappear but God always figure out ways of bringing us back whenever we run away from Him 2 Samuel 14:14. Since God wants us to share from His abundance of life, He always design or invent ways to bring us back when we have been separated from Him because of sins. For this reason, is anyone thirsty for salvation? Come to the fountain of life and drink—even if you have no money! Come drink it is free. As it is written “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price” Isaiah 55:1. The Lord is calling you to come and drink the water of life free without any payment.
The covenant of life and peace which God made with Levi is for every soul that is doing what is right and acceptable in His presence. God gave us this covenant as an object of reverence so that we will continue to fear Him, worship and stand in awe of His name. If we do not relent, then God will bless us in full as He has promised, if we continue to honor Him at all time and respect His name everywhere under the sky Malachi 2:5. For this reason, return and reconcile with God so that you will have life, according to the scripture which says “Therefore say to them, Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the Lord of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts. “Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets preached, saying ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Turn now from your evil ways and your evil deeds.’” But they did not hear nor heed Me; says the Lord” Zechariah 1:3-4. Harken to this call of repentance and return to God; do not be stubborn like your ancestors. Since God does not have pleasure in death of sinners, believers repent and live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, my brethren in the Lord, why should you die? Ezekiel 33:11.
Jesus is the resurrection and life: Jesus said to Martha “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believe in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11 25-26. We can deduce from the passage that death is not the end of humans because we will resurrect to receive the rewards of what we have done in the land of the living during our lifetime; also, whoever believes in Christ will have eternal life. At this junction, we must realize that every living creature is in the hand of God and everyone’s life is in His power. As it is written that “In whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?” Job 12:10. It is for this reason that Jesus was sent to shine upon and give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. And direct our feet into the way of peace and serenity. He came to shine on those in darkness so that they will neither stumble nor fall and deliver those living in the shadow of death by guiding their steps into the path of peace Luke 1:79. Therefore, we know that death no longer has any power over Christ. He died and was raised back to life, never to die again. Likewise, anyone who believes in Him will be raised from dead and death will no longer rule over such person Romans 6:9. Choose life today so that when you resurrect, death will no longer have dominion over you.
The Book of Daniel stated that “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt” Daniel 12:2. Will your deeds permit you to be among those who will resurrect to eternal life? Jesus also confirmed this statement by saying “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” John 5:28-29. Choose life before it is too late so that you will not resurrect to eternal punishment and damnation. For this reason, make efforts so that Christ will always be magnified and glorified in your body whether by life or by death. It is your duty to ascertain that Christ is exalted in your body/life whether you live or die, and never cease doing things that will bring honor to Jesus during your lifetime Philippians 1:20.
The corrupt nature’s attitude leads to death: Never allow your mind to be ruled by your desires, else you will die. It is not good to be controlled by human nature because it will result in death. As it is written “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” Romans 8:6. Be warned, do not let your sinful nature rule your mind or permit human nature to control you, else it will lead to death. If you want life and peace, allow the Holy Spirit to rule and reign in your mind.
Nowadays, many people are twisted, so, do not join their group or support them. You must never lie to people to encourage them to do wrong. Your conducts must neither hurt nor discourage the good people, at the same time, your acts must neither prevent nor make it difficult for the evil doers to turn from their wicked ways, and give up their nefarious activities in order to save their lives. The Book of Ezekiel stated that “Because with lies you have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and you have strengthened the hands of the wicked, so that he does not turn from his wicked way to save his life” Ezekiel 13:22. Beware so that you will not directly or indirectly dishearten and discourage the righteous while you are strengthening and encouraging the wicked. Remember “No one can serve two masters; For either he will hate the one and love the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” Matthew 6:24, Luke 16:13. You cannot choose both life and death at the same time, but we pray that you will make the right choice. Therefore, make resolution today that nothing will separate you from or make you ignore the love of Christ. As it is written “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword? Romans 8:35. Do not allow anyone or anything to pressurize or influence you to abandon the love of Christ or choose death instead of life.
The youth beware: Keep your Creator in mind while you are still young! Because in years to come you will be burdened down with troubles. It is inevitable that you remember your Creator while you are young, before the dismal days and years come when you will say, “I don’t enjoy the physical pleasures of life anymore” Ecclesiastes 12:1. Do not let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator but honor Him in your youthful and old age. Be cheerful and enjoy life while you are young but do things moderately because God will judge you for everything that you do. The Bible says “Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these God will bring you into judgment” Ecclesiastes 11:9. Depart from every form of misconducts. Never join the people who are determined not to serve/worship God in their youthful age but planned to wait until their old age before serving/worshipping God. We need to have a change of attitude since we have spent enough time executing our sinful desires. The scripture says “that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries” 1 Peter 4:2-3.
Part 2
Bible Reading: Jeremiah 21:1-8
We shall continue our discussions by mentioning the necessity of keeping the commandments, the statutes and the judgment of God if you want to live. Anyone who is proclaiming to choose life while he/she fails to keep the commandments and the statutes of the Lord is deceiving himself or herself.
Necessity of keeping the commandments and the statutes
It is inevitable for the Christians who desire to have eternal life to keep the statutes, the commandments and the judgment of the Lord. Since it is essential to keep the commands and the instructions of the Lord. Therefore, we have set before you life and prosperity, death and adversity. You have a choice. You can choose life and success or death and disaster. If you obey the commands of the Lord your God that are stated in today’s messages, to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments, His statutes and His ordinances, you will live, you will multiply and be fruitful. The Lord your God will bless you abundantly in the land/nation that He has given you. As messengers of God, we are commanding you to be loyal to the Lord, to live the way He has instructed you, and to obey His laws and His teachings, so that you will live and not die Deuteronomy 30:15-16. If you want to live and be blessed, it is important for you to keep the commands and the regulations of the Lord, because loving God means obeying His commands which are not burdensome. The only way we can show our love for God is by keeping His commandments that are neither difficult nor hard to obey. As it is written “For this is the love of God; to keep His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome” 1 John 5:3. Since the commandment of the Lord is neither oppressive nor grievous for us to obey, then obey them and you will live, says the Lord; according to the scripture which says “You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them; I am the Lord” Leviticus 18:5. You can derive life by observing the laws and the rulings of the Lord. The only way to please the Lord and live a fulfilled life is to live by God’s standard and obey His rules.
The scripture says “For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend into heaven for us, that we many hear it and do it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it? But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it” Deuteronomy 30:11-14. The word/message of the Lord is very close to us, most people know them by heart to the extent that they can even quote it. Therefore, all you have to do is obey it. We pray that you will be completely faithful to the Lord by paying attention to whatever He says and cling to Him because that is the purpose of your life! On this, depends your longevity and existence; as it is written “that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you cling to Him for He is your life and the length of your days: and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give them” Deuteronomy 30:20. Make the right choice today by loving the Lord your God, obey Him and be loyal to Him. Hold fast to Him so that it shall be well with you throughout your lifetime. For this reason, “Set your hearts on all the words which I testify among you today, which you shall command your children to be careful to observe—all the words of this law. For it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life, and by this word you shall prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to possess” Deuteronomy 32:46-47. It is your duty to command your descendants to faithfully obey every word of these teachings because they are neither idle talk nor empty words. But they are potent enough to give you long life and prosperity.
Choose life instead of death
Brethren in the Lord, it is important that you choose life because that is the desire of God. If we choose life, we will eventually meet at the feet of Christ where we will meet to part no more but live as a big family. For all the persecutions and tribulations that we have passed through not to be in vain, we must choose life and not death.
Importance of Word of life: It is time for us to believe in Jesus Christ the Word of life. Christ the Word that gives life, existed from the beginning and this our message is about Him. Today, we are proclaiming to you that Christ is the Word of life and you need to believe in Him in order to have eternal life 1 John 1:1. We need to realize that unless we believe in Christ and cling to Him, we cannot have life. Therefore, hold on firmly to the message that gives life, so that we can take pride in you on the day when Christ returns to take the beloved home; with the knowledge that our works and efforts were neither useless or wasted. As it is written “holding fast the Word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain” Philippians 2:16. Since the Devil has taken away the Word of life from countless people, you must embrace the Word of life so that your teachers/preachers/pastors will have joy over you when Christ returns. Please note that no one except Jesus Christ have the Word of life; which means you can only obtain the Word that gives life through Christ because it belongs to Him. The confession of Peter attested to this fact when he said “Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” John 6:68. If you believe and accept that the words of Christ alone give eternal life, then do not allow the vanity or the pleasures of this world to separate you from Jesus, but hold on firmly to His messages and teachings.
It is the directive of God that you must go to the Churches and teach people this message of life. In fact, you need to go to public places and declare to the people the whole doctrine concerning the eternal life revealed by Christ and found through faith in Him Acts 5:20. If the angel can instruct the apostles to go to the temple and speak about the Words of this life, you are not exempted from preaching about eternal life. Remember that it is the importance of the Word of life that made Jesus Christ to instruct us to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” Mark 16:15. The command of our Lord Jesus Christ says “‘Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” Anyone who fail to carry out His command is a disobedient person, and no disobedient person can have eternal life Matthew 28:19-20. For this reason, Holy Spirit will give you life that comes from Christ Jesus, and you will be set free from sin and death. As it is written “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” Romans 8:2. Do not forget that the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Therefore, I assure you that if you observe the teachings of Christ and live in accordance to His messages, then you will neither see nor experience death according to the scripture which says “Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word, he shall never see death” John 8:51. If you do not want to die, but live eternally, then you must keep Christ’s life-giving Word.
Everyone will bear their cross: The Bible stated that ‘“For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies, says the Lord God. ‘Therefore, turn and live’” Ezekiel 18:32. Since it is evident that God do not want us to die, so, repent and live. If a wicked person repents and start doing what is lawful and right, if such person starts walking in the statutes of life without committing iniquity, then the person will not die but live. All the sins of the person will no longer be remembered and God will not hold the sins against the person Ezekiel 33:14-16, 18:27-28. All you need to do is repent and depart from sinful lifestyle, then you will live. As it is written “But when the wicked turns from his wickedness and does not what is lawful and right, he shall live because of it” Ezekiel 33:19. Since you now have the second chance, desert Satan and his works so that you will live.
We need to realize that the soul that sins is the one that will die. Children will neither bear nor be punished for the iniquity of their father, likewise father will neither bear nor be punished for the iniquity of their children. Righteous people will be rewarded for their righteous behavior while wicked people will be punished for their wickedness Ezekiel 18:20, Deuteronomy 24:16. Since you can only be put to death only for the crime/sin that you have committed and not because of someone else’s crime/sin. It is time for you to flee from misconducts and start living a Christ-like-life. Henceforth, start living a virtuous life because godliness is useful in everything and beneficial in every way. In fact, it holds promises for the present life and the life to come according to the scripture which says “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” 1 Timothy 4:8. Since you have the knowledge that you will only bear your own cross, why not repent and start living uprightly? Since godliness is of value in everything and every way, why not live a godly life so that you will be blessed in this life and in the future life?
Discipline your body and flee from lustful desires: The Bible confirmed that what you can earn from sin is death, but eternal life is what you can receive as a free gift from God through Jesus Christ Romans 6:23. If sin payoff with death, why not choose eternal life that is a free gift? You need to know that sinful desires make us to sin and our lustful desires always give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it will give birth to death as it is written “Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” James 1:15. Inasmuch as lustful desires is the source of death, do not be controlled by your body. Deprive your body of the power of evil longings. Make sure that you kill animal impulses and sensual appetites. You must not be immoral, indecent, greedy or have evil thoughts; according to the Bible passage which says “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth, fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire and covetousness, which is idolatry” Colossians 3:5.
You need to realize that you will become the slave of whatever you choose to obey. As it is written “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are the one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” Romans 6:16. Wake up from your spiritual slumber and choose life. Remember that you have been crucified with Christ which means you are dead to sin. It is no longer you who is living, but it is Christ who is living in you. This life that you are living now, you are living by faith in Jesus Christ, as it is written “I have been crucified with Christ; It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” Galatians 2:20. Inasmuch as you are dead to sin, be alive to God and make sure you continue to obey Christ who loved and died for you.
Part 3
Bible Reading: Jeremiah 21:1-8
We shall continue with our discussions by mentioning how mankind inherited spiritual death from Adam but have eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Death in Adam, Life in Christ
When human stumbled and fell due to the mistake of Adam and Eve, God showed how much He loved us by sending Jesus Christ into the world to give us life. God’s love was revealed among us, when He sent His Son into the world so that we might live through Him 1 John 4:9. Though, God love us tremendously, but we need to admit that Adam sinned, and that sin brought death into the world. Now everyone has sinned, which means, everyone must die. It is evident that sin came into the world through one man named Adam and his sin brought death with it. As a result, death has spread to the whole human race that no one is able to stop it or escape its power, because everyone has sinned. Although, sin was in the world before the law was given, but no record of sin was kept, because there was no law Romans 5:12-13. So, from the time of Adam to Moses, death ruled over all human beings, even over those who did not sin in the same way that Adam did when he disobeyed God’s command. People continue to die during this period before the coming of Jesus Christ whom Adam is His symbol and representation. It must be noted that Adam is the image or figure of Christ who came to reverse the destruction caused by Adam by saving and giving us life Romans 5:14.
Adam’s offense and free gift are not the same, there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. It is true that the sin of this one man, Adam brought death to many. But greater is God’s wonderful grace and gift of forgiveness to many through this other man Jesus Christ. The grace and the gift that comes through the undeserved favor of Jesus Christ, abound and overflow to countless people for the benefit of mankind. The free gift cannot be compared to the effects of one man’s sin because Adam’s sin brought judgment and condemnation whereas the free gift brought justification and the release from sin’s penalty for those who believe. There is a lot of difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gift because Adam’s sin led to punishment but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, and made it possible for us to be acceptable to Him. Even though we have sinned many times and we are guilty of many trespasses Romans 5:15-16. We can deduce that just as sin ruled by means of death, so also God’s grace rules by means of righteousness, bringing us eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord Romans 5:21. The conclusion is that death came into the world through Adam and eternal life plus free gifts of God came through our Lord Jesus Christ who rectified the havoc caused by Adam’s trespass.
Hope was restored through Christ: The Bible says “For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” 1 Corinthians 15:21-22. Do not forget that if you keep the commandments of the Lord, you will be raised to a new life. It is written, “‘The first man Adam became a living being.’ The last Adam became a life-giving spirit” 1 Corinthians 15:45. Remember that Christ has come to show us the kindness of God. He defeated death and brought us the Good News which shines like a light and offers life that never ends. The extraordinary purpose and grace of God has been fully disclosed, and realized by us through the appearance of our Savior Christ Jesus who through His incarnation and earthly ministry abolished death, making it null and void. And He brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel 2 Timothy 1:10. Christ broke the power of death; He illuminated the way to life and immortality through Good News. For this reason, do not fail to keep His statutes.
Your challenges must not influence your choice
Whatever you are passing through must not influence you to make a wrong choice between life and death. Beware so that your situation and trial will neither impact your decision nor make you to refuse to harken to the voice of the Lord.
Our existence in this world is brief: Anyone that is born or carry out of a woman’s tummy through cesarean section operation have limited number of years to live and it is full of turmoil. Humanity is frail, with short life that is full of trouble. The scripture says “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble” Job14:1. Since life is short and sorrowful for every living soul, why not seek Jesus Christ so that you will have eternal life and live a fulfilled life on earth? It is written that “What man can live and not see death? Selah” Psalm 89:48. Though no one can escape the power of death and the grave, but you can live forever in the kingdom of heaven if you cling to Jesus Christ according to the scripture which says “Jesus said to Martha, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live’” John 11:25. For this reason, obey God and you will live! Let His instructions be your greatest treasure. Whoever keep the commandments of God will live, so keep His teaching and law as the apple of your eye Proverbs 7:2. You must neither ignore nor go against the statutes of the Lord if you want to live.
Your trial will not last forever: The Bible says “That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun” Ecclesiastes 1:9. This means whatever that is presently happening in your life is not the first time and it won’t be the last time that it will happen. So, my brethren, consider it a great joy whenever you encounter trials or fall into temptations because it won’t last. Brothers and sisters, be very happy when you are tested in different ways or when you experience various trials James 1:2. Whenever all kinds of trials come your way, count yourself fortunate because you will be promoted if you endure. We need to realize that if Jesus Christ our Lord was tempted by the Devil, then no one is exempted from temptation Luke 4:1-13. Since you are not exempted from temptation “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation”. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak” Matthew 26:41, Mark 14:38. Pray not to fall into temptation but if you are presently passing through one, pray for the strength to overcome it and be promoted, since it will be for a brief period. At this junction, most of us that are undergoing various trials must neither blame God nor pass judgment on Him for our situations, because the Devil is the one tempting us, since it is inevitable for us to be tested to ascertain our faithfulness to God. Therefore, whenever we are tempted, we must not say that we are being tempted by God. The Bible affirmed this fact by saying “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God;’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone” James 1:13. We must also acknowledge that any temptation that we are presently experiencing regardless of its source, and no matter how it comes, or where it leads, is the kind that comes to human beings, because our God is faithful; He will make sure that we are not tempted beyond our ability to resist and endure the situation.
God can be trusted to see that we are not tempted more than what we can bear, but it will be proportional to our faith so that we can remain firm. Our God will show us how to escape from our temptation, for us to be able to endure it without yielding but overcome it with joy. He will strengthen us to endure our temptation and provide a way out of our precarious situation 1 Corinthians 10:13. It is this reason that prompted God to instruct Satan to spare Job’s life during his ordeal. As it is written “And the Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life’” Job 2:6. Be rest assured that Satan will not tempt you beyond what you can bear, but you will be rescued, because God knows how to rescue the godly from their trials and how to keep the ungodly under chastisement until the day of judgment according to the scripture which says “Then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment” 2 Peter 2:9. If you neither deny God nor betray His covenant during your trials, then He will give you life and grace; according to the declaration of Job during his ordeal which says “You have granted me life and favor, and Your care has preserved my spirit” Job 10:12. God cares about you; He will watch over you, preserve you and give you eternal life if you can endure your trials with uprightness.
Beware of the antichrist: The Bible says “For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist” 2 John 1:7. Beware so that you will not be misled by the antichrist in the world. Therefore, pray fervently to God to make it difficult for you to yield to temptation but rescue you from Satan. Pray to Him not to lead you into temptation but protect and keep you safe from the evil one Matthew 6:13. Therefore, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25. For this reason, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you” Matthew 6:33. Your heavenly Father knows the things that you need to survive, so He will cater for your needs. Make sure that vanity which can make you to stumble or make wrong choice does not dominate your thoughts Matthew 6:32.
You will prevail over your ordeals: Though the righteous person has many adversities and troubles, but God will certainly rescue him/her from all of them. Many hardships and perplexing circumstances will confront you consistently if you are righteous, but have the assurance that God will deliver you. As it is written “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” Psalm 34:19. Do not be afraid to be righteous since you have the guarantee that you will be rescued from your afflictions. Dismiss your dread and never fear whatever that you are passing through. Make a resolution to endure and overcome whatever temptation, hardship or affliction that Satan may bring to test your faith, but be faithful to the point of death. The scripture says “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” Revelation 2:10. Are you ready to be tested? What is your level of preparedness? You must remain faithful even when facing death, in order to receive the crown of life. Have confidence that your affliction will never lead to death but to the honor and the glory of God. Your predicament will certainly lead to the glorification of the name and the power of God. As it is written “When Jesus heard that, He said, ‘This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it’” John 11:4. Since Lazarus sickness did not lead to his death, your trials will not lead to death but it will be for the promotion of the glory of God. For this reason, you will be a victor and hero through Christ who loved and died for you. If you can endure, you will have victory in all your situations because of Jesus who loved you; according to the Bible passage which says “Yet, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” Romans 8:37. If you remain faithful, you will prevail over all your trials, and overwhelming victory will be yours through Christ.
Part 4
Bible Reading: Jeremiah 21:1-8
We shall continue with our
discussions by mentioning the way of life and the way of death. We shall speak
about the difference between the way of life and the way of death. We shall
also talk about the outcome of walking or traveling in each of these two ways.
The way of life and the way of death
There are several traits mentioned in the Bible that
humans can use to identify whether they are walking in the way of life or
travelling in the way of death. It was for this reason that God instructed
us to proclaim to the world that, He is presenting humans with the way of life
and the way of death. God is giving the inhabitants of the earth a choice
between the way that leads to life and the way that ends in death;
according to the Bible passage which says “Now you shall say to this people,
‘Thus says the Lord: “Behold I set before you the way of life and the way of
death”’” Jeremiah 21:8. The Lord has spoken, so take your
choice of life or death. The scripture says we should go in through the
narrow gate because the gate to destruction/hell is very wide and the road that
leads to it is easy, therefore there are many who travel it. Jesus Christ our
Lord directed us to enter through the narrow gate because the gate that leads
to destruction and eternal loss is broad with easy
to travel path, and there are many who enter through it. But narrow is the gate
and difficult/hard is the path that leads the way to everlasting life, and only
a few find it Matthew 7:13-14. Since the command of our Lord
Jesus Christ is clearly stated, then it is inevitable for us to enter through
the narrow gate if we desire to have eternal life. For this reason, we
must be focused and concentrate all our efforts to achieve this goal. We must
neither be distracted nor be obstructed by the vanities and pleasures of this
world since “No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs
of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier” 2
Timothy 2:4. We are the soldiers of Christ who are battling the
principalities and the invisible spirits, so, we must not get involved in the
carnal things that can make us to lose focus or implicate ourselves in worldly
things that can affect our readiness. Remember that we are not fighting
with flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the
rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in
the heavenly places Ephesians 6:12.
Many people in the
world today think they are on the right path, but they always end up dead. We
need to beware because what some people think is the right way may lead to
death. The Bible says “There is a way
that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” Proverbs
14:12, 16:25. These were the two paths previously described by our
Lord Jesus Christ. The two ways are before you, one is authentically right and
leads to life while the other seems right but it ends in death. Numerous
politicians who neither love the poor nor care about transparency are walking
in the path which seems right to them, but it will eventually lead to death.
Those who are oppressing others and the people who are exploiting the
underprivileged are on the way that ends in death. Those who are defrauding
others and the dishonest people are on the path of destruction. For you to be
on the right path you must not commit any injustice but treat others with
equity/fairness. It is for this reason that Jesus said “Therefore whatever
you want men to do to you, do also to them for this is the Law and the
Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
The politicians and their stooges who are embezzling the funds of their countries and mismanaging their nations resources cannot claim to be on the path which leads to life; according to the Bible passage which says “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him” 1 John 3:14-15. Therefore, the politicians together with the priests/pastors that are aiding and abetting them are still under the power of spiritual death. Unless they repent and retrace their steps, they will be considered as murderers by the heavens, which means it will be impossible for them to be granted eternal life. In addition, the refusal of such people to do what pleases Christ will make them to be denied access to God, since Jesus is the only way to God. As it is written “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” John 14:6. Therefore, depart today from the broad way which seems right to you, but it leads to death. If you want everlasting life, start walking in Jesus Christ the narrow way that leads to life; because it is only the people who believe in, or have faith in Jesus and obey His commands have eternal life. According to the scripture which says “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” 1 John 5:12. Make the right choice today since the way that seems right to you leads to death.
The way of death
There are countless
things that can make anyone to be in the way of death. Since many people lack
the knowledge to identify those things, we shall mention some of the prominent
among them, because of time constraint.
Failure or
refusal to keep the commandments: The statement of our Lord Jesus
Christ when He was asked a question by one scribe was: “The first of all
commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one. And you shall love
the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind,
and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second,
like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other
commandment greater than these” Mark 12:29-31. How many people
in the world today consider the commands of the Lord before making their
decisions? What percentage of the world population love God with their souls
and strength, or allow Him to take preeminence in their ways/dealings? How many
people are neither selfish nor self-center but always put/consider others first
before themselves? Though God gave the ten commandments through Moses Exodus
20:1-17. But Moses put a curse by saying “‘Cursed is the one who does
not confirm all the words of this law by observing them.’ “And all the people
shall say, ‘Amen’”” Deuteronomy 27:26. However, Christ
purchased our freedom on the cross and redeemed us from the curse of the law
and its condemnation by becoming a curse for us; since it is written that
“Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.” The crucifixion of Jesus on the cross
attested to this fact. Galatians 3:10-13. From the passage we
can deduce that Jesus Christ made us to be justified by our faith in Him since
no one can be justified by the law. So, do not be a novice, because you need to
have faith in Christ and also keep the commandments to have eternal life.
Since we cannot continue in sin or practice sin as a habit and expect the
grace of God to multiply in our lives Romans 6:1. Failure
to keep the commandments of God means you are on the way to death. It is
for this reason that the Bible says “And whoever would not seek the Lord God of
Israel was to be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.” 2
Chronicles 15:13.
Those who do not acknowledge God but rebel against Him: Many people in the world today thought it is foolish to acknowledge God. Countless people are even saying there is no God, so, they think it is worthless and useless to acknowledge God. Therefore, God abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. He gave them over to a depraved and reprobate mind to do inappropriate things. It is for this reason that immorality, indecency and corruption are widespread in the world Romans 1:28-32. Do not be deceived, the corrupt people who are doing improper and repulsive things are on the way of death. Anyone who encourage people to turn away from God and whoever stir people away from Him, are on the way of death. Those who support, participate and champion rebellion against God are on the broad way which leads to death. Deuteronomy 13:5. Beware of the people who walk in the way that is against the instructions of the Lord or live in manners that are not in conformity with the teachings of the Bible.
We need to learn from
the event of the people of Israel who complained and rebelled against the Lord
in the wilderness, which led to the death of several of people Numbers
14:26-30. Those who are misrepresenting and twisting the word of the
Lord to suit their purpose will face the consequences in this world and the
world to come. The Bible says, God will add to the afflictions of those who
add to His words and He will remove their names from the Book of life Revelation
22:18-19. Those who manipulate the words of God must be aware that
they are walking in the way that leads to death. Therefore, their names will be
removed from the Book of Life and they will never come into the kingdom of
heaven. For this reason, whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord in any
way will be doomed. Be careful not to curse or insult the name of the
Lord, else you will never come into eternal glory Leviticus 24:16.
You must neither argue nor query God if you do not want to end your journey
in hell.
Those who betray the
covenant of God: It is rampant
in the world today for people to be proclaiming “Freedom of religion.” This
action legitimizes and authorizes people to worship anything or any being they
like. Nowadays, uncountable people are serving and worshiping idols, deities
and demons; these people are in the way of death because they have betrayed the
covenant of God Deuteronomy 17:2-5. Those who are
worshiping the sun, the moon, the rivers/oceans or any handiwork of the Lord
instead of their Creator have betrayed His covenant. People who turned snakes,
cows, dragons and any other creature to a sacred thing are on the way of death,
immaterial of their confession. Therefore, those who made covenant with
death and an agreement with grave, thinking that when catastrophe happens, they
will be spared are deceiving themselves. The people who made covenant with the
devil, and a pact with the darkness thinking that they will be kept safe
whenever disaster strikes are joking; because their covenant with death and
their agreement with Sheol will be annulled, and they
will be annihilated when catastrophe strikes. The covenant they made
with Satan will be nullified, and their treaty with the terrestrial powers will
be voided whenever disaster comes upon the world Isaiah 28: 15, 18.
The witches, the wizards, the mediums and those with familiar spirit will
never escape the impending calamity, but they will be crushed and trampled into
the ground, because they have betrayed the covenant of God Leviticus
20:27. If you belong to any cult or secret society, you have
betrayed the covenant of God and you are on the way of death.
Those who lack virtues: The people who conduct themselves in the following manners are walking in the path of death:
· Those who disrespect, insult or dishonor the elderly people.
· Those who attack or beat their parents or the elder people.
· Those who curse their parents or the elderly people Exodus 21:15-17
· The fornicators and the adulterers.
· The sexually immoral people together with those who are committing incest.
· Those who mate with women during their menstrual period.
· The homosexual and the lesbians.
· Those who mate with animals Leviticus 20:9-23.
· Those who practice sorcery.
· Those who worship idols or domestic gods/deities.
· Those who mistreat or oppress strangers/aliens.
· Those who afflict widows and orphans Exodus 22:18-24.
Anyone who belong to any of
the aforementioned group/class is on the way of death.
Part 5
Bible Reading: Jeremiah 21:1-8
We shall continue with our discussions by mentioning the way of life. We shall examine the various conducts that can make you to be granted eternal life according to the scripture.
The way of life
The Bible stated that: Wise people walk the road that leads upward to life, not the road that leads downward to death. For those with insight, life is an upward path, thereby avoiding the grave below. As it is written “The way of life winds upward for the wise. That he may turn away from hell below.” Proverbs 15:24. In order to prove that you are not foolish, but you have the wisdom of God, you must never stray from the path of life. If you do not want your efforts to be in vain, follow the way that leads upward to life and stay away from the way of death below. It is time for you to be focused and make projection of how you will be accepted into the glorious kingdom in heaven, instead of being preoccupied by the thoughts of the carnal things that will lead to death and dust.
Christ alone was authorized to give life: Jesus Christ our Lord is the source of life and the existence of every living thing was made possible through Him. The scripture says, He was with God in the beginning before the formation of the earth and the creation of the universe. Jesus the Word and the Wisdom was beside His Father working as craftsman or architect assisting Him to plan and build the heavens and the universe. Christ made His Father happy each day and He Himself was happy to be working and at His Father’s side. Christ was His Father’s daily source of joy and He Himself is always happy in His presence. Rejoicing in His Father’s inhabited world and His delight was with the sons of men Proverbs 8:22-31. The Book of John confirmed that Jesus Christ was the source of life and He gave life to every living thing. And this life brought light to humanity John 1:4. Since life was received through Jesus, then you must walk in Him to have everlasting life. Peter also corroborated this fact by saying “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” Matthew 16:16. We can deduce from this passage that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and He inherited eternal life from His Father who is the living God.
Jesus was authorized by His
Father to give eternal life to mankind. As it is written, “As You have given
Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as
You have given Him” John 17:1-2. Since Jesus was given the
authority to give eternal life to those who believe in Him, then Christ alone
can reveal the path of life to mankind, only our Savior can teach humans the
path which lead to life and make people who follow the path to have gladness
and joy; because there is total celebration in His presence Psalm
16:11. Therefore, do not fear, the Messiah will show you the way of
life, and He will grant you the joy of His presence and the pleasures of living
with Him forever.
There is life in the word and the precepts of God: Do not be a novice but be wise and acknowledge that only the word of God can give you comfort and consolation. The word of God alone can revive you spiritually and gives you life. It is for this reason that believers always organize Crusades/Revivals. The purpose of these Crusades/Revivals is to awake Christians from their spiritual slumbering using the word of God and prayers, so that people will be granted eternal life Psalm 119:50. Remember that the word of God alone can comfort you in your distress/misery, and give you the promised eternal life. So, do not forget His commandments which revives and gives life. You must never neglect the instructions of God because by them He has kept you alive Psalm 119:93. The precepts of God are important because it is through them that you will be given eternal life. Therefore, the teaching of the people who have the wisdom of God is a fountain and source of life that will make anyone to avoid the snares of death. The only thing that can make you to turn away from the deathtraps of the darkness is to follow the instruction of those who have the wisdom of God Proverbs 13:14. Never fail to follow the advice of the wise that will help you to escape the deadly traps of the wicked.
The fear of God is life-giving fountain: It is good to fear the Lord because the fear of the Lord leads to life which brings security and protection from harm. The fear of God will make you to live long, you will be kept safe from harm and you will be contented during your lifetime. As it is written “The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; he will not be visited with evil” Proverbs 19:23. If you want your existence to be without danger, so that you will be secured and satisfied, you must fear the Lord. Fear God inasmuch as it is impossible to have riches and honor and eternal life without the fear of the Lord. The scripture says “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life” Proverbs 22:4. Humble yourself and fear the Lord so that you will be rewarded with wealth without sorrow, honor and everlasting life. For this reason, you need to realize that the fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain that keeps you safe from deadly traps. The only thing that make you to escape the snares of death and turn you away from the terrestrial deathtraps is to fear the Lord Proverbs 14:27. Do you want to avoid death? Fear the Lord; because the Lord is a fountain of life. Therefore, proclaim to the world that the life-giving fountain belongs to God and without His light humanity will be in total darkness. You need to publicly declare that God is the source of all life and through His divine light alone can we see light Psalm 36:9. Do not forget that from God alone flows the fountain of life because only Him can give eternal life.
Righteousness delivers from death: Every virtuous person is in the way of life because there is life in the path of righteousness and there is no death in its path, but immortality. Righteousness is the road to life and wickedness is the road to death. The Bible says “In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death” Proverbs 12:28: Now is the time for you to follow the way of righteousness to life because you would not be bothered by death along its path but you will live perpetually. We need to realize that only righteousness can rescue you from death. Your wealth will provide no security for you in the day of wrath and judgment, but righteousness is the only way to be saved from death.
Riches will do you no good on the day you face death, but righteousness can save your life Proverbs 11:4. You must realize that your enormous bank account and your money are worthless when you face God’s punishment, so be righteous. Also, your ill-gotten wealth will do you no good, whereas righteousness can save your life. Nothing good comes from ill-gotten wealth and whatever that is gained by doing evil will perish, but righteousness alone rescues from death Proverbs 10:2. Never forget, tainted wealth has no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death.
The scripture says, “As
righteousness leads to life, so he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death
Proverbs 11:19. Be upright, because the righteous are heading
toward life, while the evil doers are heading toward death. Therefore, those
who pursue righteousness and kindness will find life, prosperity and honor.
As it is written, “He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life,
righteousness and honor” Proverbs 21:21. If you want to live a
long and contented life, be righteous and kind, so that goodness and glory of
God will be with you throughout your lifetime; according to the scripture
which says “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” Psalm 23:6. Do
not be deceived, it is only righteousness that can give you lasting
goodness and glory together with everlasting life.
Keeping the commandments leads to life: The law of the Lord is a lamp, and its teaching will shine brightly in your path. Corrections and self-control will lead you through life. The commandment is a lamp and teaching of the law is a light; and reproofs of discipline are the way of life Proverbs 6:23. Warnings from discipline are the path of life and corrections for instruction can teach you how to live a godly life. Jesus confirmed this fact by saying “And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak” John 12:50. If you believe the testimony of Christ, then you will know that the commandments of God mean everlasting life and leads to eternal life. Accept correction and you will find life, but if you reject it, you will go astray. Anyone who heeds instruction and correction is on the path of life, such a person is a good example and a blessing to Christianity; because he/she will inspire others. Whereas, anyone who ignores instruction or refuses correction will go astray, his/her action will then cause others to err and fall into sin which lead to death Proverbs 10:17. For you to have life, you must neither reject nor neglect instruction and correction.
Escape from death belongs to God: God will always protect and save from death, those who keep His commands. Escape from death comes from God because He is a God of deliverance and salvation. The Bible says “Our God is the God of salvation; and to God the Lord belong escapes from death” Psalm 68:20. Therefore, those who find Christ find life, they will receive favor from the Lord God and He will be pleased with them. As it is written “For whoever finds Me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord; but he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death” Proverbs 8:36. If you want to escape death, you must have Christ the divine wisdom of God. If you heed this warning, then the Lord will discipline you whenever you err but He will neither give you over to death nor allow death to lay its spiritual hand over you Psalm 118:18. It is inevitable for the Lord to punish you whenever you sin, but as long as you repent, He will not let you die but escape death.
Therefore, the Almighty God is our God forever and ever. He will lead us and be our guide till the end of time. As it is written “For this is God, our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death” Psalm 48:14. For this reason, some people will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God; according to the scripture which says “But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:27, Mark 9:1. Are you among those who will not taste death? Will your conducts permit you to escape the second death?
The resurrection of the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord died and came to life again. The scripture corroborated this fact by saying “And to the angel of the church in Symrna write, ‘These things says the first and the last, who was dead, and came to life’” Revelation 2:8. Since nobody pray to God for Jesus to wake up from His sleep before He came back to life, and He did not die again since He came to life: then He is the only Being that is entitled and qualified to be called ‘The firstborn from the dead.’ As it is written “And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth” Revelation 1:5. It is for this reason that the Book of John says “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life” John 5:24. Whoever believes in Christ may die but such person shall resurrect. The clarity of the condition of those who will live forever was made by Jesus Christ, when He was asked a question by some of the Sadducees who denied that there is a resurrection. Jesus equated those who will resurrect to the angels, calling them sons of God and the sons of resurrection Luke 20:27-36. Therefore, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death” Revelation 2:11. If you want to resurrect and live forever, heed these messages.
Part 6
Bible Reading: Jeremiah 21:1-8
We shall continue with our discussions by stating clearly, the reasons why people have to choose life instead of death.
The reasons to choose life
There are several reasons for you to choose life, but prominent among them is to repent and reconcile with the Lord God your Creator. Most especially during this lent period, repent and turn to God. It is necessary for you to search diligently for God, regard Him more than food or pleasures, and do whatever that pleases Him. The only way to live perpetually is to return to God. As it is written “For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel; ‘Seek Me and live’” Amos 5:4. Choose life today by turning to God who will forgive and overlook your previous/past sins. Do not allow the deception of the vanity of this world influence you to make the wrong choice. Never heed the advice of family, friends and colleagues that can pressurize you not to choose life. You must flee from any spouse or soulmate who can encourage or support you to continue to walk in the path of death. In addition, you must discipline yourself, so that no part of your body will be used as an instrument of evil to serve sin, or to sin against God Romans 6:13. For this reason, do away with whatever that can make you to end your journey in Satan’s camp because it is better for you to lack such thing in this world and have eternal life Mark 9:43-48. Therefore, if you want to be blessed, favored by God and live forever, you must be prepared to patiently ‘weather the spiritual storm;’ according to the scripture which says “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” James 1:12. Make the right choice to receive the crown of life.
Victory over death: Today, Christians throughout the world are celebrating in remembrance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord. Likewise, if you too choose life, you will resurrect and live forever with Christ. God will fulfill the prophesy in the Book of Isaiah in your life, by wiping away your tears, pacifying and comforting you. He will remove forever all insults and mockery against you, because of your faith. And when you sleep in Him, He will destroy the power of death and swallow it forever so that you will neither take part in second death nor death having any sway over you Isaiah 25:8. You will be given a new body (the angelic body) because your earthly body which is dust and prone to decay will put on imperishability; your mortal body will put on heavenly body which is immortality, then the scripture will be fulfilled that says “Death is swallowed up in victory and vanquished forever” 1 Corinthians 15:54. For second death not to have power over you, make the right choice; if you want to have victory over death, you must choose life.
The hope of the wicked is death: There is no hope for the wicked people who choose death instead of life, because our Lord is a just God who will not preserve the lives of the wicked, but He will certainly give justice to the oppressed people. Do not be deceived, God will neither prolong the lives of wicked nor keep the evil doers who choose death alive Job 36:6. If you want to be preserved perpetually, choose life. The evil doers who refused to yield but defiantly say disaster will neither overtake or confront us shall perish Amos 9:10. Do not be blinded by false confidence by saying ‘God will not let any harm come near you’ but change and make the right choice before it is too late. Wake up from your spiritual slumber and depart from the midst of the people whose only hope is death. Those who look around in despair and find no way to escape the judgement of God so they put their hope in giving up of the ghost. It is written “But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope—loss of life” Job 11:20. If you don’t want to go blind and lose your way, yield now. If you don’t want to look for relief in vain, so that your only hope will be to breathe your last and die, make the right choice now. Since the Bible says, “For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he may gain much, if God takes away his life?” Job 27:8. What will be your hope in the hour when God demands your life?
Choosing life means deliverance and better/secure future:
· Since you are precious in the sight of God, and He loves you, He will honor you among your people, give others in exchange for you and trade their lives for yours Isaiah 43:4
· Powerful kings and mighty rulers will satisfy your needs, they will care for you as a mother nurses her child, and you will drain the wealth of the influential people Isaiah 60:16.
· Your spiritual sun will never set and your moon will not go down. God will be your eternal light and your days of grief will come to an end Isaiah 60:20.
· God will satisfy you with long life, you will witness His saving power in your life and He will give you His salvation Psalm 91:16.
· You will forget your miseries and they will fade from your memory. Your troubles will go away never to return. Your life will be brighter than sunshine at noon, and your life’s darkest hours will shine like dawn. You will be secured and rest in safety, you will be filled with hope and emptied of worry. You will live secure and full of hope; God will protect you and give you rest. You will sleep without fear; many will court your favor and countless will look to you for help or ask for your help Job 11:16-19.
You will prevail/triumph in every situation, if you choose life:
· Since no one prevail by strength, God will guard your feet and you will neither stumble nor fall during your lifetime 1 Samuel 2:9.
· God will arise, He will not allow humans to prevail upon you, but He will judge them according to what they have done against you Psalm 9:19.
· God will be with you, so that whenever your adversaries fight against you, they will neither prevail nor defeat you Jeremiah 1:19.
· God will make enemies to neither defeat you nor triumph over you in order to prove that He favored you and He is delighted in you Psalm 41:11.
· God will thrill you with all that He has done for you, and make you glad by His deeds Psalm 92:4.
You will overcome your enemies and problems by choosing life:
· You will eat from the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God Revelation 2:7.
· You will be given the hidden manna and receive a white precious and priceless stone with mysterious name written on it Revelation 2:17.
· You will be given power and the authority to spiritually rule and reign over the nations of the world Revelation 2:26.
· You will be clothed in white garments; your name will not be erased from the Book of Life and Christ will confess your name before His Father and His angels Revelation 3:5.
· You will become a spiritual pillar in the temple of God and you will be an immovable part of the Church. Jesus will write on you the name of His God and New Jerusalem the name of the City of His God Revelation 3:12.
· You will be granted the right to sit with Jesus Christ on His heavenly throne Revelation 3:21.
· You will inherit all things; Jehovah will be your God and you will be His Child Revelation 21:7-8.
Choosing life will make you prosper during your lifetime:
· Your enemies will be clothed with shame but your head will be adorned with radiant crown of prosperity. Your undertakings shall prosper and flourish Psalm 132:18.
· The unbelievers who trust in their riches/wealth will fall and wither, but you will flourish like foliage Proverbs 11:28.
· The house of the wicked will be overthrown and destroyed, but your home will flourish and continue to expand Proverbs 14:11.
· You will flourish like a palm tree (long-lived, upright and useful) and grow like a cedar in Lebanon (majestic, stable and durable). Because you are planted or have taken root in the house of the Lord, you will flourish in the courts of our God. You will continue to grow in grace, and prosper in every department of your life by producing/bearing fruit in your old age. You will be fruitful and will be full of spiritual vitality Psalm 92:12-14.
You
will be blessed and live a peaceful life if you choose life:
· God will make your enemies to be at peace with you and they will make friends with you or become your friends Proverbs 16:7.
· God will give you impenetrable strength, He will make you to be strong and bless you with peace Psalm 29:11
· You will have a bright future and live a peaceable life. Your future will be peaceful Psalm 37:37.
· Whatever the situation, God’s love and kindness will not depart from you. His grace and mercy will never leave you, and His covenant of peace will never be broken, instead, it will be established perpetually in your life Isaiah 54:10.
· Your biological and spiritual children will be taught by the Lord, and He will give them prosperity and peace. Your descendants will be successful and great will be the well-being of your offspring Isaiah 54:13,
· You will inherit the earth and possess the land, and will live in peace and prosperity Psalm 37:11.
· God will make a covenant of peace with your household; it will be an everlasting covenant. He will make a covenant that guarantees the security of your household forever. He will establish your home and increase your number, and He will put/set His sanctuary among your descendants forever Ezekiel 37:26.
Finally, “Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” Psalm 34:12-14.
The Seal: Deuteronomy 30:19: “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.”