l.a.

This is a difficult question. I believe I would have to answer that worries/cares would be the most dangerous thorn. With riches, you can have the idea that God has blessed you with abundance to give and help others. With pleasures, there is more transparency between moral and immoral behavior; a little harder to convince yourself that certain 'pleasure webs' people get tangled in would be pleasing to God. Worries seem like the 'subtlest' of thorns, but the sin is prefound. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

Repentance is our way of recognizing that we need a Savior. We, by nature, only desire selfishness. We are led away so quickly on paths that destroy; relationships, others, even ourselves. When we arrive at a place where we can recognize that we are created to desire God's will for our lives, then we can see how God's ways lead to true peace and love. Without repentance, there is no hope in ever truly recognizing your true purpose in life; you will always turn to your own way. The way to God is through Jesus Christ. He commanded us to be baptized as a testimony of our belief in Him. It is an act of faith.

Knowing that Jesus would return in my lifetime would be very exciting! I believe I would evangalize more than I currently do. I am not the most outgoing person; but the urgency would probably bring out needed bolness.

We give God the glory for loving us enough to send Jesus to sacrifice Himself for us. We cannot overcome sin without the Holy Spirit. As we read and understand more about our sinful ways, the more we realize how much we need to be covered by His grace. Holy living is important because we are to represent God on earth. Our goal is to be witnesses to His teachings. God cannot and will not allow sin in His presence; we have the scriptures and Holy Spirit to guide us. We have Jesus who overcame the world for us. We must choose which master we will serve.

Jesus looks at His church as a bride; the object of his affection. He loved her, adored her and she said yes. As He looks at His bride, she has prepared herself for this special day; a bride puts forth effort of every detail for this anticipated day. Now, His eyes fall on her, fully prepared.

It seems when people become Christians without repentance, it causes a false sense of self-righteousness. Many times this leads to arrogance and judgement because, without repentance, the heart does not experience change. Many avoid repentance because they would have to change; change is difficult. Matter of fact, without guidance from the Holy Spirit and the bible, it is impossible for one's heart to change. I cannot estimate the percentage of Christians that are unrepentant, but I do know that there are too many times that I hear of people that claim to be Christians but, act in ways that are contrary to His teaching.

The water of life represents a giving of this essential element free and without debt. In Isaiah, he asks why we work for these things? Living with God in our hearts is as essential as water. God gives of Himself freely; He allows us to 'thirst no more' in this life - He gives us His peace concerning the future. And when others ask how we can have peace, we bear testimony that it comes from Jesus, who extends the invitation to us all and gives of Himself freely. If they have a need that we can fulfill, we do so, for His name's sake. We do our best to extend the love He so graciously gave to us.

God will be with us; we will have been fully redeemed. Our former selves will have passed away and the only part left is the righteousness that has been so mercifully bestowed on us. Only under God's reign can wickedness cease. The old, corrupt world will pass away. I am especially looking forward to His righteous rule and living together in His love!

The assurance that I have that my name is in the 'Book of Life' is that I believe that Jesus is Lord. I depend on and seek His guidance in the Word. I confess that Jesus is Lord with my mouth.

I think that the most terrifying thought about judgement is knowing that we stand before a 'all knowing God.' Even though we believe in Jesus and are saved, I cannot deny that God knows every ill thought that I have ever had. The desire to measure up, even though you know you don't. Thank God for Jesus who always gives us the victory! I know there are many who do not think they need a Savior; they think they are pretty good people on their own merit. They seem to have been overwhelmed by the evil in the world, therefore, do not see themselves as truly evil. They are measuring themselves according to man's standards and not God's.

He is the King of Kings! He is righteous and just; all that He does is an example for us. He never faulters. He knows what's better for us than we know for ourselves! He gives freely of Himself. My greatest prayer I can offer, is that we use Christ for our example for all we do and say!

These words are great inspiration to do things that align with God's will (feed the hungry, take care of the widow and orphan) for His name's sake! It is the belief in His righteousness that we wait in joyful anticipation for His reign!

I believe that God expects us to change, and use our new lives to witness to others. 'Who lights a candle and hides it under a bushel?' We are to use our freedom in Christ to help others become free as well. I recall Jesus telling a story of servants that were given a portion to 'invest.' The master was severe with the servant that did not try to invest his portion, but buried it until his master returned. We are obligated to spread the good news. God has given us spiritual gifts; some evangelism, some serving, some intercessing, etc. We are to use our gifts to His glory.

Singing and song usually bring pleasure. When we sing songs of worship to the Lord, it is out of true expressions from our heart. We can bring God pleasure from this expression of our love for Him.

I think that the thought of 'anything eternal' is sometimes hard for us to wrap our minds around. We live in a world where the concept is theoretical. Many also cling to the idea that God is always willing to forgive, and this is true, but God has promised that there will be justice for the evil and corruption in the world. "'The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentence." He gives us our whole lifetime to turn to Him for guidance and protection. But the reality is Christ is coming back, like a thief in the night, so you need to be prepared. Along with promise, is warning. Ultimately, you have the free-will to live for God or for the world. Even in the world we cry for justice; even in the flesh, we understand that justice is right.

I believe that the 144,000 is told to us so we have an example of how God esteems those who follow His example and live their lives according to His teachings. To keep yourselves free from worldly idols (possessions, power, sexual immorality, etc.)and keep your eyes on that which is yet to come.

The ant-christ will lead many astray, more than likely, using promises of peace and world unification. He will use the false prophet to help extinguish 'religion' and strongly persecute the church. Those who endure to the end will be saved.

I believe that this verse means that those who continue to seek Christ; seek answers in the Word, who continue to confess that Jesus is Lord until the end of their lives, these are the overcomers. This is how we are assured that we will be covered with His blood and washed of our sins. As we live, we must proclaim the gospel boldly. We must hold it in higher esteem than any 'earthly thing' we can gain by witholding the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This vision confirms to me that our lives are about the ultimate choice of our free will; do you believe you need a savior or are you deceived into thinking you can stand without one? There is truly a battle for your soul that is fought every day. The only way to escape the snare of evil is to take refuge under the protection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Put your faith in the Faithful One, He will protect you and lead you on a path to righteousness.

These two witnesses do not hesitate to punish those who are not willing to repent and turn to God. They are given power and authority to do what is seen as necessary to bring repentance. They are faithful to God; though they are greatly persecuted. They give their lives for their testimony. They receive the greatest reward anyone can ever have; they are raised from the dead and taken up to heaven in the presence of their enemies.The scene will open some of their eyes and they will believe!

It is bitter to face that so much of the earth is doomed to destruction. God's angels, who believe in God's greatness wholeheartedly, do not seem happy with our relaxed attitudes towards sin. We see they're wrath towards mankind's heinous behavior. It is just that they carry out these judgements on the earth; they are meant to lead us to repentance. It is sweet to know that God has already given us a Savior and we already have redemption. God, in His mercy, has given us a way back to Him and the opportunity to experience a life in His kingdom of peace and righeousness forever!

The great multitude before the throne are 'those who have come out of the great tribulation.' By the grace of God they have overcome the evil one by placing their trust in Jesus and being dependent on His teachings to live their lives. They were now free to worship God to His face! Because He loved us enough to save us, we are free to follow our 'Good Shepard' that will lead us to God. Amazing grace!