" A New Year "

2nd.Corinthians 5:17  " Therefore if any man be in CHRIST, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new; "

     We will be saying goodbye to the old year and preparing to welcome in a new year. For the Christian, the new year brings with it the understanding that we are one year closer to the return of CHRIST. With the hopes of the new year also come many troubles that will only be solved by JESUS' coming. I believe in the biblical truth of " de-evolution." Since the time that sin entered the world (Genesis 3), this world and the life forms upon it have been experiencing the opposite of evolution. The natural processes of entropy march forward no matter how environmentally-minded earth's inhabitants might attempt to be. These thoughts could start the new year on a depressing note were it not for the fact that, as believers in JESUS, we live in the realm of " new " things.

     Our original parents blew the first covenant GOD had made with man, and subsequently each of us, through inherent, willful disobedience to GOD, self-identifies as a sinner (Romans 3:23). Yet if we by faith receive the blessing of Salvation, we receive new life as new creatures in CHRIST. But the wonders of the new extend far beyond this present life and world. We will receive a " new name " (Revelation 2:17) and sing a " new song " (Revelation 5:9). The problems of this aging planet due to the consequences of sin will be permanently solved: " The heavens shall pass away [and] . . . the elements shall melt . . . nevertheless we, according to HIS promise, look for . . . a new earth " (2nd.Peter 3:10-13). In addition, GOD will make a new heaven and a new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-2). As a final stamp amid these miraculous creations, JESUS will declare, " Behold, I make all things new " (Revelation 21:5a). Each new year brings us closer to all things being made NEW ! JMC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used with permission.   www.feasite.org

" Heaven's Immigration Policy "

Revelation 21:1-14  " And I saw a new Heaven and a new Earth: for the first Heaven and the first Earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the Holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from GOD out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of GOD is with men, and HE will dwell with them, and they shall be HIS people, and GOD HIMSELF shall be with them, and be their GOD. And GOD shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And HE that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And HE said unto me (John), Write: for these WORDs are true and faithful. And HE said unto me, It is done. I AM ALPHA and OMEGA, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his GOD, and he shall be my son.

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the Lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. And there came unto me (John) one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the LAMB's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain and showed me that great city, the Holy Jerusalem, descending out of Heaven from GOD, having the glory of GOD: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal: And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: on the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve Apostles of the LAMB. "

     The United State of America is divided over the matter of immigration. Some believe that almost anyone should be allowed to enter the country, with very few restrictions. Others believe that it is a national security risk to have open borders, and they do not want foreigners entering our county unless they have been carefully vetted first. They believe that welcoming new citizens into our nation should only come about through the legal process and that people should not enter illegally.

     When it comes to the heavenly country (Hebrews 11:14), the living GOD exercises extreme vetting. While the SAVIOR indeed has compassion on all,, only those who accept HIS gracious invitation are made fit and allowed to enter (Colossians 1:12; 1st.Corinthians 6:11). A perfect righteousness is required (Matthew 5:20; 1st.Corinthians 1:30). No one will see that land unless he or she is born again (John 3:3,5). No person will ever inhabit the eternal city unless he is a proper citizen of Heaven (Philippians 3:20). Also, GOD is not opposed to having a great wall and gates in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:12). GOD's people will enjoy perfect security, with the LORD HIMSELF providing the protection: " Violence shall no more be heard in thy land . . . but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise " (Isaiah 60:18). Many bad characters are absolutely denied entrance: " And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie " (Revelation 21:27 cf. 21:8). The redeemed ones who enter are properly registered, having their names in the LAMB's Book of Life (Revelation 21:27). May we ever rejoice in the fact that our " names are written in Heaven " (Luke 10:20). GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright,  FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org