Success and Failure Blog

We see everyday that millions of people are dying around the world every second. Within the Christian faith, there is a lot of confusion regarding what happens after death. Some people claim death is final some claim life begins after death, some claim everyone is in sleep until the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, some others believe that when some one dies instantly they are judged according to their fruits ,few others believe that they go to be with Christ immediately after death. Death is really a mysterious topic to be discussed.

Types of death: God says the wages of sin is DEATH not immortal life (Romans 6:23) but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). The scripture says that there are three types of death. When each person dies on this earth it’s called physical death, a separation of the spirit from the body is called second type of death which is called spiritual death (Isaiah 59:1-2)and the third type of death is called eternal death which is permanent separation of humanity from God (2 Thessalonians 1:9).

God told Adam and Eve they would die if they ate of the forbidden fruit. (Genesis 2:17). When Adam disobeyed God, he experienced immediate spiritual death, which caused him to hide from Lord God among the trees of the garden (Genesis 3:8). Later, Adam experienced physical death (Genesis 5:5). The physical death has entered into the world with Adam’s sin (Romans 5:12) affected all living things.

When a righteous man dies: Deaths of saints are precious in Gods eyes (Psalms 116:15). When a righteous man dies he enter into peace (Isaiah 57:2) and into eternal life(Matthew 25:46)and will fear no evil(Psalms 23:4), he has a hope in his death(Proverbs 14:32).

Few righteous man in bible are Abraham( Genesis 25:8 Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age , an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people. Isaac(Genesis 35:29 And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him) Moses(Deuteronomy 34:5 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD) Jacob(Genesis 49:33 And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people).

When unrighteous man dies: God has no pleasure in the death of a wicked person but desires them to turn from their wicked ways so that they can live (Ezekiel 33:11). (Ezekiel 18:32).The wicked and unrighteous man dies in their sins (John 8:21)without hope(Proverbs 11:7).Their death will be sudden and unexpected(Proverbs 29:1) and their remembrance shall perish from the earth(Job 18:17, Proverbs 10:7).

Eg. Of few unrighteous men in the bible are Herod, Judas Iscariot, and Jezebel

Types of heaven: The FIRST heaven is the atmosphere or sky that surrounds the earth.

The SECOND heaven is the physical universe that has stars, planets and so on.

The THIRD heaven is where God and his throne resides. Scriptures say that Jesus Christ went to the Third Heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-4) to prepare paradise for His Elect.

Elijah and Enoch are in heaven: scriptures say that the believer in Christ is escorted by angels at death to a place of peace .By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him. (Hebrews 11:5)

And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him (Gen 5:24).

And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a

Chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. (2 Kings 2:11)

John 3:13 says that no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

Soul sleep is unbiblical: Death is described as sleep. There are many scriptures to say that people who die are conscious in Heaven. Jesus Christ said to his disciples that Lazarus had fallen asleep (John 11:11, 14). Stephen’s death is described as falling asleep (Acts 7:59). Paul describes Christians who had died in Thessalonica as “asleep” (1 Th 4:13). In the Old Testament, we are told that David “slept with his fathers” (1 Kings 2:10).

Ephesians 3:14-15: For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. There are many scriptures that Challenge the Concept of Soul Sleep such as Genesis 35:18 Luke 16:19-31,Luke 23:43,John 11:25-26 ,1 Peter 3:18-19 ,Revelation 6:9-10.

The soul leaves the body at death: The souls of the unrighteous go to a place of eternal torment until the Last Day and The souls of the righteous go to be with the Lord in Paradise (Phil 1:22, 2 Cor 5:6-8)

Jesus tells us in Mathew 10:28 that the soul survives death, even though someone may kill the body. Jesus soul did not remain in his dead body. The Gospels tell us that at the moment of his death, Jesus prayed, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” and then he yielded up his spirit (Luke 23:46; Mt 27:50) .Acts 7:59-60 describes Stephens death: “And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Luke 16:19-31

Bible says souls can die:

Ezekiel 18:4: Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

Acts 2:27: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Acts 3:23: And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

Psalm 55:18: He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, For there were many against me.

James 5:20: Let him know, that he who converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Psalm 16:10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.

Matthew 10:28, “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 hell.”

Soul sleep is biblical: People who are dead lie in the grave and know nothing, think no thoughts, have no emotions, possess no consciousness and are waiting for the resurrection. When we die we don’t immediately go to heaven or hell for we sleep in the grave until the awaiting of the resurrection of the dead. There are many Scriptures say about soul sleep: some of them are Job 14:10 ,Job 14:14 ,Psalm 6:5 ,Psalm 49:15 ,Daniel 12:2 ,John 5:28-29 ,John 3:13 ,Acts 2:29-34 ,2 Peter 3:4

The Scripture says the dead will sleep in the dust of the earth (Psalm 13:3) and sleep the sleep of death (Deut 12:1-2) and they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep(Job 14:12)”unto the coming of the Lord” (1 Thess 4:13-15). Further John 5:28-29 says, “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” Ecclesiastes 9:5 makes clear that for the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

Few will be able to enter to heaven: Scriptures say that many are called but few are chosen. (Mathew 22:14).Heaven is meant for those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Revelation 21:27) and the names of saints are written in heaven(Luke 10:20) .In order to go to heaven .we must believe Jesus Christ ( John 11:26) shed His precious blood, died, was buried, and rose again 3 days later. We need to be born of water and of the Spirit and get baptized into Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) and strive to enter the straight gate(Luke 13:23-24) by being obedient to the will of God(John 14:15) and living holy and blameless before him(Ephesians 1:4).

Matthew 7:21-23 :“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

Conclusion: Repent, Believe & Live for JESUS.

1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 (New International Version, ©2011)

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.

 I have a favorite expression. Every time I am preparing to leave from work or when ever I am about to go anywhere, as I am saying my goodbyes, I like to say,”See you tomorrow (or next time), unless the LORD comes before then!” You see, for me this is extremely exciting! However, I have learned that not everyone gets excited about the thought of Jesus coming. I also mention Jesus coming often because it is a great source of hope for me and to all of us that wait for Him to return. I can always tell when someone is not ready to meet Jesus, should He come. When I say, “Jesus could come any second now” the people that are not ready will usually let me know right away. They usually reply,”Oh, I hope not because I’ve got to do x and o”, or “I don’t really want to go anywhere yet”,or “I have too much life left to live!” This concerns me and I pray for them.

Are you ready? If Jesus came right now, even before you had a chance to think about it, would you be going with Him or would you be staying behind? Are you too bogged down with work and your earthly goals, dreams and ambitions?  Are there things that you have become attached to?  You see there will be no time to look back, and we will not have time to load up a moving truck with our big screen TVs, or material things. We won’t have time to stop and get a cup of coffee, or grab that last bite or say those last words. We have to be ready then and there. We will not even be taking the clothes on our backs. Jesus will come and when that trumpet call of God sounds, it will be too late to even change your mind. Ready or not Jesus is coming soon. 

We will be blessed with wonderful and unimaginable, new gifts from God. We will have a glorious new home in heaven with God and all of our loved ones, friends and Christian family. We will be given new adornments and a new white robes. Everything we could possibly want or need is all ready provided for us in advance. Isn’t that Super?

If you do not have a relationship with Jesus and have not yet accepted Him as your Savior, please do so right away. Pray from your heart of hearts and ask Him to forgive you of all your sins and come into your heart. Ask Jesus to wipe your slate clean and give you a whole new life. He will, because He has been waiting patiently for you. He loves you and wants to give you eternal life and all the wonderful blessings that come as priceless gifts upon believing in Jesus and calling upon His matchless name.

So please don’t allow anything to keep you from being ready should the LORD JESUS come today. Jesus is coming soon! Be looking for His return and waiting for this wonderful day. Be excited in the promise that He will return for us and we will be with Him forever.

John 14:2 (New International Version, ©2011)

2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

John 14:3 (New International Version, ©2011)

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Praise God! Jesus went to prepare a place for you and me. He will come back and take us with Him so we can be with Him and remain with Him forever. What an exhilarating promise. I can hardly wait! Hope to see you in that meeting in the air!

Yours In Christ Jesus,

Pam Shekailo

Every person will be judged

We’ll all be judged one day, Christians and non-Christians alike.

There is a good reason the Bible says in Proverbs 1:7 that “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom”.  Many people I talk with, even many who say they believe in God say that God is all love and therefore would never punish anyone.  The Bible actually says just the opposite.  It talks about two different judgments, one that relates to everyone about our belief in Jesus as the savior of the world and the other relates to every word and or deed that Christians say or do.  

Non Christians will be judged

Accepting Jesus Christ as our savior is the most important decision of our lives?  It’s a yes or no question.  There is no middle ground, no neutral place…we have to choose.

The choice we make has eternal consequences. Many of us look at our lives here on earth as the main part of existence; however, the Bible is clear, we’re eternal beings.  If we choose Christ, we spend eternity in heaven, if not, an eternity in hell and the lake of fire.

HEAVEN – a place of total contentment, peace and joy…forever

HELL – a place of physical and emotional pain and egony…a place of true regret…forever.

Both, the Old and New Testament talks about eventual judgment…

“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people–everyone whose name is found written in the book–will be delivered.  Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.  Dan 12:1-2 (NIV)

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.  And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.  The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done.  Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire.  The lake of fire is the second death.   If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.   Rev 20:11-15 (NIV)

The book of life records everyone who accepted Jesus as their savior.  Salvation is a choice and a free gift.  Whether or not we accept this free gift is the difference between eternal glory and eternal damnation.  The only way to have our names written into the book of life is through the free gift of Jesus…there is no other way.  We can’t earn our way into heaven…it is a free gift.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.  John 3:16-18 (NIV)

Christians will be judged.

It’s called the judgment seat of Christ.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.  2 Cor 5:10 (NIV)

 We will get an award for our good deeds.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Gal 6:9 (NIV)

“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.  Rev 22:12 (NIV)

 We can’t take our houses or other possessions into heaven, however, all the work we do for God will follow us.

Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”   Rev 14:13 (NIV)

 God has a record of every careless word that we have ever spoken.  We will also be judged for our work. 

But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.   Matt 12:36 (NIV)

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.  For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.  If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.  If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.  If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.  1 Cor 3:10-15 (NIV)

 May God have mercy on us all.  When I read the above, it made me re-evaluate my life.  I hope you do the same.

1. A saved person is the one who Hungers and thirst for righteousness, standing up for right things, even if that invites persecution.

2. A saved person is the one who keeps and seeks for all the commandments of the God

3. A saved person is the one believes and delights in Gods word and is constantly growing in the Knowledge of the Scriptures

4. A saved person is the one who develops a true faith in Christ, repent of his sins, baptized for the remission of his sins, and received the gift of the Holy Spirit ,Live the commandments of God since Salvation is a continuous process” but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

5. A saved person is the one who is baptized into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit of God and he believes that by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone there is eternal life.

6. A saved person is the one who Stand firm, with the belt of truth buckled around their waist, with the breastplate of righteousness Keeping the Full Armor of God Enduring Hardships, Sufferings, and Trials through Christ.

7. A saved person is the one who leads his family members and others to God our Father and Jesus Christ.

8. A saved person is the one who trains his children to walk in Godly Path, teaches them Gods commandments and Judgments, teaches them to fear the Lord keeping themselves pure and holy in all conduct Seeking God’s kingdom and his righteousness.

9. A saved person is the one who has the spirit of the Lord as his helper, counselor, educator, comforter, testifier, intercessor, and has a voice of God dwelling within him and he walks by the Spirit by bearing the fruit of the Spirit.

10. A saved person is the one who do Not Conform to the Things of This World and who loves the Lord with All his Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength.

11. A saved person is the one who will not have fellowship with Unbelievers and Those who Compromise Their Walk with Jesus Christ but Pursue Pure and Godly Friendships that inspire them to be more like Jesus.

12. A saved person is the one who does NOT to Tolerate False Teaching instead examines everything with scriptures.

13. A saved person is the one whose faith is proved genuine by good works coming forth as fruit in the Kingdom of God because Faith without works is dead And Works are the fruit of Faith.

14. A saved person is the one who love the way of God and to hate every form of evil since the Salvation is an ongoing process throughout our lives.

15. A saved person is the one who receives Jesus Christ through Holy Communion to nourish the souls with spiritual food

Heaven:

Heaven Is A Place of No More Thirst, Hunger, Sorrow, Pain or Death – Revelation 21:4

Heaven Is a Place Where Nothing Can Be Corrupted – Matthew 6:20, Rev. 21:27

Heaven Will Be A Place Of Worship – Revelation 15:4

Will Be A Place Of Constant Illumination – Revelation 21:23

Heaven Is A Place where No immoral, impure or greedy person, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like exists .Ephesians 5:5, Galatians 5:21

Kingdom of heaven belongs to little children.Matthew 19:14

The kingdom of heaven is for the “poor in spirit.Matthew 5:3

The kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are persecuted because of righteousness. Matthew 5:10

Neither man’s words (“Lord, Lord!”) nor his claim t Spiritual gifts like prophecy, exorcisms, miracles will gain him entrance into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 7:21-23

Unrighteous, fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners shall not inherit the kingdom of God.I Corinthians 6:9-10

Heaven is the place for Saints . Colossians 1:5,1 2, Mark 10:21

Hell:

Hell Will Be A Place Of Fire And Brimstone – Revelation 19:20

Hell Will Be A Fire That Is Never Quenched – Mark 9:43,45

Hell Will Be A Place Of Intense Torment, Pain & Weeping – Matthew 13:42,50

Hell Shall Be A Place Of Blackness & Darkness – Jude 1:13

Hell is the place for those who do not know God. (2 Thessalonians 1:8)

Hell is the place for those who do not obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:8)

Hell is the place for Sinners and hypocrites. (Isaiah 33:14, Matthew 23:33)

Hell is the place for those that practiced lawlessness. (Matthew 13:41)

Hell is the place for Cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murders, sorcerers, sexually immoral, idolaters, and all liars. (Revelation 21:8)

Hell is the place for Homosexuals, adulterers, thieves, covetous people, drunkards, extortioners. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

Hell is the place for Group of individuals who are in danger of being thrown into hell are the wealthy, the successful, the powerful, and the well-off because of wickedness and prosperity. Luke 6:24

Hell is the place for Disembodied spirits.Acts 2:31

Hell is the place Prepared for the devil and his angels.Matthew 25:41, 2 Peter 2:4

Hell is the place for Society of the wicked. Proverbs 5:5, Proverbs 9:18

Hell is the place for The beast, false prophets, and the devil shall be cast into. Revelation 19:20, Revelation 20:10

Hell is the place for Unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars. Revelation 21:8

Hell is the place for Sodom and Gomorrah an example to those that after should live ungodly Jude 1: 7, 2 Peter 2: 6

1 Timothy 1:15-16 (Paul writes) ……. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would  believe on him and receive eternal life.

1 John 1:8-9 ……. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, (realize that you are a sinner and there is nothing  that you alone can  do to earn your way into Heaven) he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Romans 6:23 ……. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 3:21-26 ……. But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified (made right with GOD) freely by his grace (giving you what you don’t deserve) through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He  did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

John 3:16 ……. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

1 Corinthians 15:35-44 & 50……. But someone may ask, “How are the dead raised?  With what kind of body will they come?” How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body. All flesh is not the same: Men have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another and fish another. There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor. So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable .

John 5:24 ……. ”I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.

Revelation 21 ……. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 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.” He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

1 John 5:5 ……. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

1 John 3:1-3 ……. How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. AMEN!!!

For more “Wisdom” go to nuggetsofwisdom.us

Many people when you asked them “do you think you will go to heaven?” will tell you…” yes.   

Take the 2 minute Who goes to heaven QUIZ.

If you asked them why, they will tell you that they have been pretty good or they tell you that they are better than other people they know.

Other people will tell you that even though they are not perfect, God is a merciful God and therefore we will all go to heaven.

Many people believe that Jesus died for all of our sins and therefore we’re all going to heaven.

Others believe that you can work your sins off in purgatory.

Some say that there are many ways to salvation.  Or they say that all religions lead to salvation.

What does the bible say about “How to get into heaven” or “Salvation“?  Find out here.

Also check out:

The good person Test – see how you score.

Good Works