Suggestion # 15 On Bible Study

 

 

 Suggestion #15 On Studying The Bible: To build a great marriage is an awesome adventure. One man and one woman working hard to build something great. Paul discusses Christ and the Church and then compares it to the beauty of the marriage relationship (Eph. 5:21ff).   I wish for all a happy and loving marriage.

Here is something that can really help build a lasting marriage. Daily, take a little time to sit together and read the Bible together and pray together. Each of you can take turns reading out loud the sacred text and each of you praying. It is a beautiful scene.

Black & White Working Together To Save the World!

DIFFERENT RACES WORKING TOGETHER: GREAT THINGS WE CAN DO!

I wish in America, we could all just pull together. What glorious things we could do. I want to tell you a story. It is the story of a white doctor and a black man who dreamed of being a doctor. Their lives crossed paths at a time in our history when there was deep prejudice and segregation.

Dr. Alfred Blalock and Vivien Thomas crossed paths in 1930 in a time of economic depression in America. They met first in Nashville. Vivien, (an African American) takes a job in the lab of Dr. Blalock working mainly as a janitor. As time passes Dr. Blalock notices the intelligence of Vivien. From mutual respect and admiration grows a deep friendship. They do great things together doing medical research.

They Took The Bullets, Meant For Us!

THEY TOOK THE BULLETS, MEANT FOR US!

War is such a terrible thing. All should agree with that. I think it was Sherman that said, "war is hell". Patton said, "war is about killing people, and when you have killed enough, the war is over". Horrible thoughts. Sometimes the alternative to war is worse and so war is necessary.

The Bible & The Lord Of The Rings (2)

Today, we launch our new series on, THE BIBLE & THE LORD OF THE RINGS.  What is our purpose in all this?  The Bible is the greatest book in the world and most profound.   It has many themes that touch all our lives in so many ways.   The Bible and its great lessons apply to everyday life.   It touches everything.   The Bible touches literature.   Mighty Shakespeare has within its great words the themes that were first laid out in the Bible.   The glorious work of Tolkien and THE LORD OF THE RINGS, is a masterpiece of literature and a movie sensation.   It too takes its grand themes from the Bible.

Mysteries Of The Bible (16)

Here we are, at the 16th installment in our series.   I know this series may not be what some were thinking.   I am not here to be playing games with science fiction.   I truly believe the Bible is of God and perfect.   I believe the major thrust of the Word can be understood.  However, since it is of God, there are great mysteries in it.   No man shall ever fathom the FULL greatness of God nor of anything He has produced, including the Bible.

We have dealt with various topics more in the peripheral of the Bible.   One will never know the Bible, if all one knows is the Bible.   One can know all about the Bible and never know the Bible.   So, there is balance.   All that has been presented previously has paved the way for our great journey, in the GREAT MYSTERIES OF THE BIBLE.

Mysteries Of The BIble (15)

In our previous installments we set forth the argument for the inspiration and the glorious mystery of the Bible.   Here it is again:

If the Bible fully claims to be the book of God, exhibits complete and total historical accuracy from Genesis to Revelation, and if, it exhibits total scientific accuracy, (that is, when it speaks of anything related to Science, it always speaks in total accuracy),  is free of all errors and mistakes of any form, possess  a remarkable unity, has a world view that is true and unique to the age of the writings (Bible), contains within its pages predictions about the future that would be impossible for humans to know and that had clear and precise fulfillments (predictive prophecy), has a presentation of reality in life that is unique, true, and unknown to the times in which the books were written, and has other demonstrations that prove it is a book of divine (supernatural) origins, then it is indeed, THE WORD OF GOD.

The Bible does exhibit claims to be the  book of God, exhibits complete and total historical accuracy from Genesis to Revelation, it exhibits total scientific accuracy, (that is, when it speaks of anything related to Science, it always speaks in total accuracy),  is free of all errors and mistakes of any form, possess  a remarkable unity, has a world view that is true and unique to the age of the writings (Bible), contains within its pages,  predictions about the future that would be impossible for humans to know and that had clear and precise fulfillments  (predictive prophecy), has a presentation of reality in life that is unique, true, and unknown to the times in which the books were written, and has other demonstrations that prove it is a book of divine (supernatural) origins.

Therefore, the Holy Bible is most certainly, the Word of God!

The last part of the above argument states, "and has other demonstrations that prove it is a book of divine (supernatural) origins."    Now, we wish to discuss at least one more item here.   Think with me of the mystery and magnitude of the transmission and translation of the Bible.  Yes, we can know many things but not all things.   Thus, the glory and mystery of the Bible.

Suggestion # 14 On Bible Study

 

Suggestion # 14 On Studying The Bible: Fathers, spend time with your children reading and studying the Bible. Let me urge you to do this. You will spend time with them playing ball, going out to eat, and having fun. But, do you spend time cultivating the souls of your children. After all, the souls of your children is that part of them which will live for all eternity.   If you neglect your children's spiritual development, you have committed the greatest form of child abuse. 

 

Suggestion # 13 On Bible Study

 

 

Suggestion # 13 On Studying The Bible: How do we communicate the message of the Bible to others? Now, that is a task. Many feel they need no training on this subject. "Just tell it like it is" and "lay it on them", is the cry of many. "Let the chips fall where they may", still others will be heard to say.  

Mysteries Of The Bible (14)

Mystery.   The very word, conjures up, "mystery".  The word mystery grabs our attention and we automatically want to know, what is the mystery?  In this series, I make clear over and over, that we can know a lot of things about God and about the Bible.   However, we cannot know all things.  We cannot know everything.   I have often said, we no doubt know less than one percent, of one percent, of one percent, of one percent, etc.   But, we know enough or can know enough to get to heaven.   In the end, that is the most import thing in life.   To know God, to know His will for my life, and to do His will, is truly  my greatest task on earth.

I talked earlier of how the Bible has a world view that is amazing.  Here, I discuss the truth, that the Bible presents a view of reality in life that is unique , true and unknown to the times in which the  books were written.  Here, I wish to take a different turn.   Reality!   Now this is something to consider.

What is reality?  Many religions and belief systems have all kinds of ideas about this topic.   Through the ages it has been debated and considered.  Only the Bible has ever answered it fully and completely.   Others who have since written books and got it mostly right, got their perceptions of truth from the Bible, whether they admit it or not.

The only way the writers of the Bible could write such sublime truths about reality is because the God of the Universe, who knows all things, revealed such to them.   A great mind who knows all had to reveal it to them.   For they , most certainly, could have never come up with this on their own.   The knowledge of their day just did not provide such.   Most Bible writers did not know each other and thus it is a miracle and proof of inspiration that all could write of true reality as they did and be in perfect harmony.   Such is the wonder of God and shaded in mystery.

Suggestion # 12 On Bible Study

Suggestion # 12 On Studying The Bible:  My father was a carpenter and had many tools. I was always fascinated by his tools. He had drills, saws, hammers, screw drivers, nails, screws, measuring tapes, etc. These were necessary for him to do his job and do it well. The same is true in regard to the study of the Bible. It is work. "Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body." (Eccl. 12:12). I have been so tired and hungry after hours and hours of detailed study. The Bible teaches, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15). Notice, that one is a worker who should do his/her work well and not to be ashamed of such. Do your work well in the study of the Bible. Other books in this life that you read and study are to make money at a job, information, or entertainment. But, your study of the Bible is not only to live a better life here but to find true life in eternity. That is an awesome task. No other book in the world can compare to that. Here are tools to consider. This is taken from an online site that I enjoy. Today, we are blessed with nearly unlimited online resources. www.Biblestudytools.com

Will Americans Lose Their Freedoms?

America is a great country.  It is great because of the freedom we enjoy.   We can each live our lives, think, ponder, consider and make our own individual decisions.   We can each dream big dreams and then go for it.  We are free to work hard and succeed or work hard and fail.   Life is before us. Based on our talent and ability, the sky is the limit, in America.   We have as our founders declared, the right to "life, liberty, and the  pursuit of happiness".   It is up to us.   Each of us as individuals have been given  this great freedom by God.   The United States Government just recognizes that and stands down.  Our freedom is of God and not the United States Federal Government, or any government.

Mysteries of the Bible (13)

The glorious mysteries of the Bible.  Amazing!   Thrills the soul.  What if I could predict the future?   What if were to talk of nations being absolutely destroyed in the future and it came to pass?   What if I told of new nations that no one had ever heard about and it all came to pass?   What if I told of people being born in the future and gave their names and told what they would do?

Suggestion # 11 On Bible Study

Suggestion # 11 On Studying The Bible: Recognizing The Two Audiences: Every book of the Bible has two audiences in mind. First, is the primary audience. This is the audience to whom the audience was FIRST written to. This is very important. It is also tied to the time in which the book was written. If you do not get this issue right then you are in big trouble in ever understanding any book of the Bible. This is one of the great errors I see with many who seek to teach the Bible. They never get the first audience of any book in the Bible, right. 

The BIble & The Lord Of The Rings (1)

Mysteries of the Bible (12)

The great mysteries of the Bible.   Anything that God puts His hand upon will always have some mystery.   We are finite humans made of dust and so limited and especially limited compared to Almighty God.  When I speak of mysteries of the Bible, I am talking about how we are on a journey, many things we see and understand but there are many things we do not see nor understand.   Think how you have driven down the highway and you look here and there.   You see many things, but you do not see all things.   Some things you see, but  you do not fully grasp all the details.   You are driving fast and moving down the road, and you are limited ast to what you can observe and see and digest.   Such is the Bible.   We see and digest much but never all.  Thus there is always that mystery of what we can never fully grasp and know.  But, even in that mystery there is the glory of God,  and it intrigues us and challenges us, and motivates us to reach farther and farther for His glory.

Suggestion # 10 On BIble Study:

 

 

 

 

Suggestion # 10 On Bible Study: Meditation On Your Bible Reading: to mediate is to think deeply and ponder and consider all you have read and studied. To let your mind wonk on it and consider it. Let the words of the Bible sink deep in your mind and thoughts and soul.

 

Mysteries Of The BIble (11)

Oh, the glory that is the Bible.  God's hand has been and is upon it.   When you read the words of the Bible, y ou will have a closeness to the Almighty God, Ruler of all!  Our magnificient God!  We can know much of the Bible but we will never master it fully.   Such is the nature of God and all his creation, including the Bible.   It is all too glorious for us mere mortals to fully master.   But, that is ok, even the unknown, and the mystery, can amaze us and astonish us in so many ways.

Suggestion # 9 On Bible Study

 

 

 

 

 

Suggestion # 9 On Studying The Bible: Application! The Bible is no ordinary book! We should NOT be reading it like some American novel or American history book. We are reading the Word of God! Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matt. 7:21-23). 

 

Preaching Jesus

 

Here is the link to the trailer for a great movie. Peter and the Last Supper. I love this movie. I love the face of the one who portrays Christ. It is how I see him in the New Testament.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECjzj0DDqdU

The Carpenter's

When I think of music and the music I love,  The Carpenter's come to my mind.  Below, is their official website with tons of information you might enjoy.   Their unique voice has thrilled me and stirred me since i was a teen boy.  The 1970's was a big decade in my life and the Carpenter's were with me all the way.   They were the biggest-selling group of the 1970's in music.  Richard and Karen Carpenter, brother and sister and tons of musical talent.  They made it big.

Collecting Stamps (1)

I love to collect stamps.   I have been collecting stamps since I was about age, 12.   There is mystery and excitement in the collecting stamps.   You are able to study and think about all kinds of things  

First, the stamp itself.   It is usually a picture of a place or person, or to commemorate an event.   You learn something right at the first by observation of the stamp and what it commemorates.

Mysteries Of The Bible (10)

The great mysteries of the Bible!  Wow!   There are 66 books in the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.   It is my dear friend.   I hope it is your dear friend.   It is my friend because  it came from my God, whom I love so very much.   It is one of His many gifts to me and to all the human race.  The Bible is of this world and yet, it is not of this world.  God used men to write it down so it could connect with all of us.   Yet, His Spirit directed the entire production.  The Spirit of God, a being not of this earth, directed the production of the Bible and approved every word written.   Amazing!  There is much we can know about the Bible, but there is also a cloud of mystery that hovers over the Bible,  and it is a marvelous thing to ponder.  The fingerprints of Almighty God are all over the Bible.

Suggestion # 8 On BIble Study

 

 

 

Suggestion # 8 On Studying The Bible: See The Entire Context. When originally written, the Bible was NOT in chapters and verses. That is not how God delivered the Word. Men put the Bible in chapters and verses. I hear people saying, "we want Book, chapter and verse preaching". Such was not the preaching of the great prophets or the early church or even Jesus. My view is this, preachers would do well to cite less Bible verses in their sermons and to really teach about the ones they do use. We need more expository preaching. Preaching right out of the text. To expound on the Word so that people leave, not impressed with a hundred verses quoted but to leave knowing what a passage of God's Word really teaches.

Mysteries Of The Bible (9)

When I talk of the "mysteries of the Bible", I am talking about the things we do not know, and also the things we know some things about,  but we do not know it all.  I believe the Bible  is true and we can say it with confidence.   We never know it all when it comes to the Bible.   We never know all the story on any topic.   Great are the depths of God's wisdom and glory.  There are mysteries.   These mysteries in and of themselves  cause us to be humbled and stand in admiration  of the great glory that is the Bible.

Suggestion # 7 On Bible Study:

Suggestion # 7 On Studying The Bible: The Bible Is Such a Fantastic Book. It is rich, powerful, and sometimes overwhelming. It is always my friend. Its been with me in all my life, even in my earliest days. It is a vast treasure. Another way that will help you in your study of the Bible is to study the Bible by biographies and topics. I call this life stud

Mysteries of the Bible (8)

Oh yes, the Bible is book of great power and meaning to all the humans on earth.  It is a book that can be understood to a great deal but never fully mastered.   That is because, it is of God Himself!   God is in control and rules the universe.   God gave the Bible to this world.   It is a message from a power and being not of the earth.   Praise God for His Bible.

Suggestion # 6 On Bible Study

 

 Suggestion # 6 On Studying The Bible: Bible History. From Genesis to Revelation the Bible is history. There is lots of history to the Bible. One will never fully grasp the power of the Bible without looking at its great history. In the Old Testament one should look at Ancient Egypt and the Egyptian world. The first five books of the OT were penned by a man of God, inspired, who grew up in Ancient Egypt. He was called of God to deliver God's people out of Egypt. The memory of Egypt will follow the Israelites all through the Old Testament periods. In addition, a study of Persia and Babylon add much to one's understanding of the OT. Of course studying the founding of Israel and its long history will form the cement to hold all the OT together. The period between the Testaments which was some 400 years is filled with an emphasis on Alexander the Great and the Greek Empire and the founding of the Roman World which then paves the way for the New Testament times. Rome shadows all of the 27 books of the New Testament. To fully comprehend the NT one must study the Roman world. Here is a good outline of Bible history you can see online. http://www.biblica.com/bible/history/41/

Mysteries Of The Bible (7)

Ah, the mysteries of the Bible.  Amazing.   For all of my life there has been a cloud of mystery over the Bible.   I think it is because I know this, The Bible Came From God.   This is a most profound statement with far reaching consequences.   Most humans take this for granted.   I see TV programs talking about the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

Suggestion #5 On Bible Study

Suggestion # 5 On Studying The Bible: Bible Outlines. I love to outline the books of the Bible. I have boxes of notebooks spanning some 40 years. I think of outlines like when I was at the Grand Canyon and stood there on a high ridge looking out over that amazing place and seeing all the wonder of the canyon. Fantastic views. There I get the big picture. I see the big view. 

Nelson Mandela

The life of Nelson Mandela is truly remarkable. He forgave all that had wronged him. He sought forgiveness for his wrongs. He worked to heal a nation and bring all together. I know some will attack him for this and that in his life and past. But,  it is hard to judge another man until you have walked in his shoes. Given the context of his life and his world, I think overall , he was truly an amazing man and did some remarkable things  An entire nation owes him gratitude.   His great life will be written about again and again in coming years and people everywhere will study his life and the times in which he lived.

Christianity And The MIND

Christianity does not ask us to close our minds. It does not ask us to set our intellect aside. It does not ask us to go against logic and truth. Christianity is true, pure and simple, as revealed by God. When you accept Christianity you are being most logical, reasonable, rational, and intellectual. Highly intelligent individuals will embrace Christianity and follow the Master Teacher!

Rational Thought

I find great joy in understanding. Even those that I may not agree with. To seek to understand what they believe and why they believe such. I find such to be a great adventure. I do believe there is a need for a healthy respect for rational thought, however. We should strive for excellence in our thinking and mind and seek to be true with the evidence. There was once a healthy respect for logic in our land. No more.

 

Sailing the Ocean of Life

Whether someone agrees with me or they do not, does not threaten my faith and beliefs. I will listen, think, ponder, consider, and investigate. I may still hold what I believe, or i may modify it or change my thoughts. No one should be afraid to be challenged in their beliefs nor take it as an insult. None of us are God and any of us could be wrong about many matters. If we are honest, we will admit that we have been wrong in life about many things. Lets smile, enjoy life, believe what we believe, but always keep an open mind and be willing to think and rethink what we believe. Always be a voyager on the ocean of life sailing towards a land, called truth. We should all seek the best, learn all we can, be open to all and accept those conclusions based on the real and true evidences of life. My best to you.

Mysteries Of The Bible (6)

The Bible is filled with mystery.   It is the most amazing book on earth.   It is a treasure beyond treasures.   It is far better than any movie or anything the world has to offer in entertainment.   It is a book that is both physical and spiritual and contains in its words awesome power to transform lives here on earth and transport your being into another realm, a heavenly realm.

In this installment we want to introduce to you the idea of evidences for faith in the Bible.   These evidences are powerful and tinted with a hint of great mystery.   How the Bible has come to us and how it has survived for centuries and how it has survived all the hatred of its enemies is an amazing story and mysterious.


What powerful and mysterious evidences exists that prove that the Bible came from Almighty God?  Here is the argument as I would set it forth.  

If the Bible fully claims to be the  book of God, exhibits complete and total historical accuracy from Genesis to Revelation, and if, it exhibits total scientific accuracy, (that is, when it speaks of anything related to Science, it always speaks in total accuracy),  is free of all errors and mistakes of any form, possess  a remarkable unity, has a world view that is true and unique to the age of the writings (Bible), contains within its pages predictions about the future that would be impossible for humans to know and that had clear and precise fulfillments (predictive prophecy), has a presentation of reality in life that is unique, true, and unknown to the times in which the books were written, and has other demonstrations that prove it is a book of divine (supernatural) origins, then it is indeed, THE WORD OF GOD.

The Bible does exhibit claims to be the book of God, exhibits complete and total historical accuracy from Genesis to Revelation, it exhibits total scientific accuracy, (that is, when it speaks of anything related to Science, it always speaks in total accuracy),  is free of all errors and mistakes of any form, possess  a remarkable unity, has a world view that is true and unique to the age of the writings (Bible), contains within its pages,  predictions about the future that would be impossible for humans to know and that had clear and precise fulfillments (predictive prophecy), has a presentation of reality in life that is unique, true, and unknown to the times in which the books were written, and has other demonstrations that prove it is a book of divine (supernatural) origins.

Therefore, the Holy Bible is most certainly, the Word of God!

All of the evidences combined prove beyond doubt to every fair minded and rationally thinking human being that the Bible is the Word of God.   The evidence is not coercive but it is persuasive.  Just like in a court room, a trial, you must have honest men and women to sit on the jury to render a verdict.   They must be fair and impartial.   So it is with the Bible, if one is fair and impartial and honest with the evidence, we believe one will be driven to the conclusion that the Bible, and the Bible alone is the true Word of God!

In future installments we shall examine the various aspects of the argument set forth above.   All of this is amazing.   It is overwhelming when you look at the whole.   One can understand much of it and much of it is a great mystery that pushes us to our knees to shout and praise, THANK YOU, OH GOD, FOR YOUR AMAZING WORD.  Yes, the Bible is indeed, a miracle, a miracle come from God.   There is great mystery to it and that mystery in and of itself shouts, inspiration! 

You must listen to the evidence.   You must decide.   Will you believe and accept the Bible as the Word of God, or will you not?   Eternity hangs on how you respond.

Suggestion #4 On Bible Study

Suggestion # 4 On Studying The Bible: Check your heart as you study the Bible. Yes, your heart. Your attitudes. Be a person that is humble, willing to learn. Be a person, sincere and honest with the Scriptures. Be honest with the Bible, seek to learn what it says even if it goes against what you have already believed. The Bible is powerful but its great power will only work in your life when you fully surrender yourself to God and His word! "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." (I Pet. 5:6). Be a prayerful person, before you read the Bible and after you have read and studied. You accomplish two things. One, you speak to God in prayer and two, you let God speak to you through His word. "pray without ceasing;" ( I Thess. 5:17). God bless you in your study of His word. When you open the Bible you are opening a power that is beyond your full comprehension. God bless you richly, I know He will.

 

 

 

Mysteries of the Bible (5)

The Bible is book of great power, glory, and Mystery!   So many do not realize the awesome power of this fantastic book.   It is more than a mere book, it is the Word of God and yet there it sits, ignored by the masses.   Sometimes the greatest treasures of life can be right before us and we never realize it.   Look at that Bible, see it, now take it and open it and begin your journey.   It will change your life.

Here is a mystery and yet something that is so sublime.   In the Bible are the instructions of how to get you from this physical life to a new world.   The Bible contains the road map from this earth to the world we call, heaven.   That is a powerful truth.   In many ways, a great mystery.  Again, by mystery I mean there are things we cannot fully comprehend.   Yes, we can understand some things about it,  but not all.   There is a mystery to all the Bible.

New International Version (©2011)
"Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. "  (James 1:21).

The above passage teaches several great truths.  One of which is this.  The Word of God posses the power to save us.   What does that mean?   It means as humans in this world we are lost in sin (Rom. 3:23).   The Word has the information and instructions that unlocks the code so that we can be fully forgiven, saved, and with confidence,  face death, and be transported from this life to a spiritual realm known as paradise and heaven.

We often take journeys.   We travel here and there.   Sometimes it is for business and other times for pleasure.   Life is a journey.   From birth to the grave we are all on a great journey.   Many things happen in life that are a mystery and we may never be able to explain.  Most live their lives and never see the awesome glory of God all around them.   Some, have the ability to see what others cannot see.   They see the glory that is God.   They are in tune with the spiritual.   If you read the Bible just for the words and facts you will miss the power.   See in it the blueprint for a way out of this life and to the glory of God.

In the Bible are words.   Words of power.   Such transforming power for this life and the life to come.   No other book on earth contains the secrets revealed for transformation from this physical world to the new world of Heaven.  Oh, there are others that claim such but cannot deliver.   Do not be misled by them.  They are trap doors that lead to ruin.  Only the Bible has the real secret revealed.      It is an amazing thought.   If you never learn anything in life but this message, then you are in good hands.  Follow the map that leads to life eternal.

Following the Bible in this life is a great adventure.   At death, we face the end of our physical journey and the beginning of a new existence.   Here is what the Bible says of heaven.

Revelation 21

New International Version (NIV)

A New Heaven and a New Earth

21 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”^[a] for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. ² I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴ ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’^[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

⁵ He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
⁶ He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. ⁷ Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. ⁸ But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

The New Jerusalem, the Bride of the Lamb

⁹ One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” ¹⁰ And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. ¹¹ It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. ¹² It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. ¹³ There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west. ¹⁴ The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
¹⁵ The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. ¹⁶ The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia^[c] in length, and as wide and high as it is long. ¹⁷ The angel measured the wall using human measurement, and it was 144 cubits^[d] thick.^{[e] 18} The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. ¹⁹ The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, ²⁰ the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.^{[f] 21} The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.
²² I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. ²³ The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. ²⁴ The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. ²⁵ On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. ²⁶ The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. ²⁷ Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

It is also possible that you will be alive when Jesus comes to end the world.  If that happens you will be changed in a moment of time.  Here is what the Bible says of that:

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

New International Version (NIV)

Believers Who Have Died

¹³ Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. ¹⁴ For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. ¹⁵ According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage one another with these words.


Yes, the Bible is great!   It is a divine book from the mind of the Almighty.   In it are the words of life.   In it are the words of transportation from this world to a new world!

Suggestion # 3 On Bible Study

Suggestion # 3 On Studying The Bible: Studying the Bible is such a great adventure. The Bible is a physical, literal book. But, it is far more than that. It is a spiritual powerhouse of vast significance to your life. As you study the Bible, notice the words. Words make up the Bible. Seek to understand those words. Seek to define the words properly. Often people make a big mistake in putting American concepts into great Bible words and then they draw conclusions that are not accurate. Remember, the OT was written in Hebrew and the NT was written in Koine Greek. Use a good Bible dictionary like Davis, or a word study dictionary, like Vine's. There are great online tools now to check the meaning of Bible words as well. Here is a good tool as well, you will enjoy, Word Study Greek-English New Testament By: Paul R. McReynolds. I wish the best in your exciting word study of the New Testament. May God bless you as you study His word.