050325 From the Banks of Burcham Creek...

 From the banks of Burcham Creek…

I came across this quote in my vast archive
that I have collected through the years…

 “Even in life’s darkest hour,
 Christians have the brightest hope.”
- Anonymous

I have personally found that to be true.

Today’s post is in honor and memory
Of 3 brothers in Christ who recently
Past from this earth life…

Vernon Shuffett
Gary Pendley
Jessie Russell

May our Heavenly Father bless the
Families of these 3 Godly
Christian men.

- Hayden Childs

***

Friend, After your death what then?

Have you considered where you will live throughout eternity?
I had 2 grandfathers who lived into their 90’s.
Do you realize if you lived to be 100 years old, it would be a speck
of sand on the beach compared to your life hereafter in eternity.

The scriptures tell us there are two destinations for the soul…
Heaven or Hell.
Everlasting punishment or Eternal life (Matthew 25:46).

The scriptures also tell us there are two roads’ people are traveling…
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way
that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life,
and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

What road are you presently on?
The broad way. The narrow way.

Jesus Christ came to earth to be our Savior
He lived, He died. He was resurrected,
He ascended back to Heaven.
Jesus told Thomas…
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me”
(John 14:6).

There are many roads that lead to and from
Panama City Beach, FL.
Our family enjoyed a vacation in that fair city.
We traveled one way there and took the
scenic route home.

Friend, our spiritual journey is not like that trip.
There are not many roads (ways) to Heaven.
The Bible tells us there is only one road (way)
To Heaven and it is through God’s only
Begotten Son Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the way.
Jesus is the only way!

The wise man Solomon wrote through
The spirit the following…
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.
Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except
That no one can find out the work that God does
From beginning to end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

This means we can never be completely satisfied
With earthly pleasures and pursuits.
That is why Tom Brady after winning all of those
Super Bowls could ask “is this all there is?”

The reason for this…
God created humans in His image
(Genesis 1:26-28).
Therefore, Mankind has an inner spiritual thirst
(longing). Just like a deer needs water
(Psalm 42:1-2) we must have a relationship
With God our Heavenly Father.

Blaise Pascal said it like this…
“There is a God-created vacuum in the heart
Of every man, which cannot be satisfied by
Any created thing, but only by God the Creator
Made known through Jesus Christ.”
Our souls are restless until we find peace
With God.

We have eternal value.
Physical death is not the end of our existence.
You and I have an eternal soul that will live on
Forever… Jesus said it like this…
“And do not fear those who kill the body but
Cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who
Is able to destroy both soul and body in [a] hell”
Gr. Gehenna (Matthew 10:28).

Eternity to the Godly is a day that has not sunset…
Eternity to the wicked is a night that has no sunrise.
- Thomas Watson

Sadly, most are preoccupied with this earth life,
(What am I going to eat? What am I going to drink?
What am I going to wear? Matthew 6:31).
many make more plans for education, weddings,
financial security, vacations, retirement etc.
Then for the soul which is our greatest possession.
“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole
World, and loses his own soul? Or what will he give
In exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26).

Where will you spend eternity?
This question comes to you and me!
Tell me, what shall your answer be?
Where will you spend eternity?
Eternity! Eternity!
Where will you spend eternity?
- Elisha A. Hoffman

GET RIGHT WITH GOD!

Writer: Hayden Childs

***

The Church of Christ is Unique
In that it…
1. Was planned and purposed by God
From times eternal – (Ephesians 3:8-11)
2. Was built by, and upon Jesus Christ
(Matthew 16:16-18)
3. Was purchased by the blood of Christ
(Acts 20:28)
4. Has Jesus Christ as its Head and Savior
(Ephesians 5:23)
5. Has no creed but Christ
(Acts 2:36)
6. Has no rule of faith or discipline except
Christ’s Word – (John 14:20-23)
7. Has no earthly headquarters
(Ephesians 1:21-23)
8. Is composed of all the saved
(Acts 2:47)
9. Is sanctified and cleansed by Christ
(Ephesians 5:26)
10. Works and worships in the Name of
Christ – (Acts 4:12)
11. Urges the oneness of all believers in
Christ – (Ephesians 4:1-6)
12. Will be gloriously presented unto
Christ – (Ephesians 5:27)

Requires No More for Membership Than
Is Necessary to Be Saved…

1. Hear the Word of God
(Acts 15:7)
2. Believe in Christ
(John 3:16)
3. Repent of sins
(Acts 17:30)
4. Confession of Christ
(Matthew 10:32)
5. Baptized into Christ
(Romans 6:3-4)
6. Faithfulness
(Luke 9:62)

All Spiritual Blessings are Located
In Christ!
(Ephesians 1:3)

Via Beacon – 5/16/1985
Edited by H.C.

***

Eternal Bliss…

When all the dreams are ended,
And the last page has been turned,
Dreams and realities are blended,
For eternal life we have yearned.

When the last kind word has been spoken,
And the last good-bye has been said,
And the last praises of tokens,
And the last chapter has been read.

When life’s last breath has been taken,
And life’s crown has been won,
And the living are forsaken,
And life’s race has been won.

When life’s last picture has been painted,
And when the last song has been sung,
We’ll see the joys that have awaited.
Until the last race had been won.

We’ll be called to home yonder,
Upon high and far above,
This is much that we must ponder.
When we meet our Maker… our love.

- Stella G. Wester

***

For further study…

https://video.wvbs.org/series/searching-for-truth/

***

Phil Wickham
What An Awesome God

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT5whoRt4wA