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Christian Soapbox

The Shadow Of Death

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†The Shadow Of Death†

Why do we die? What happens when we die? †Wait, soooo…two people have not experienced death? Did we die at the beginning of mankind?

I take for granted this “blip” of life given me by God. It’s been quite a convicting ongoing study of death, key in on the “ongoing” because there are so many testimonials of this experience that it’s difficult not to get lost in confusion and fear of the unknown, to the point of just … giving up.

It is also difficult when finding the answer of consequence in relation to those not believing in Jesus Christ (The Word of God) to be that they are †destroyed in hell. To think about someone you love so deeply being in such a place. It just doesn’t seem plausible that a loving God would do that. The experience that surrounds the event of death can cause many to question their faith, or understanding of life, it’s traumatic.

From my search and study in Genesis of the Bible found that I die because of the warning †“…for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.” I live in a †“garment of skin” that testifies to the ground from which my father (Adam) was created; this ground I walk on, the dust that I am and will eventually return to, is cursed. Because the curse consequently … is death.

But that’s not the end.

The reason I believe Adam didn’t die as expectantly was because of the length of time that concludes 1 day. Adam lived to be †nearly 1000 years old after the consequence of his sin, but it says that God warned “…for in the day…” so what happened? Why didn’t he die in that day? And why don’t we die in a day?

The apostle Peter of Jesus Christ enlightens me to this truth †“that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.” so that explains the reason why Adam didn’t just die as expectantly. These forms of enlightenment are all throughout scripture.

Please don’t do yourself a disservice not to at least consider trusting God with your time in His Word to help you through very hard and difficult times and questions.

Ultimately my Lord God and Father in Heaven is sovereign in how life is governed. I can only hope that those who’ve heard or are hearing this gospel will believe in it’s message. Because the message will give warning and reward. To believe means you bear responsibility to the preaching of this Word that confirms your eternal salvation. To do so means to love, not only your family, but the entire world. Because my Lord and Savior did not die in vain, but so that the †world might be saved through Him. The gift of the Holy Spirit that †records your name in heaven is the reward.

I pray you will trust in the providence of God. Because none are without excuse, even the †dead have heard and are hearing the gospel.

LIVE

In love,

Nathan Dooley

P.S. Tell me who the “two people” are that have not experienced death.

  1. †”the shadow of death”† — Psalms 107:10, 14; Psalms 23:4; Luke 1:79
  2. † — Genesis 5:24, Hebrews 11:5, 2 Kings 2
  3. † — Matthew 10:28
  4. † — Genesis 2:17
  5. † — Genesis 3:21
  6. † — Genesis 5:5
  7. † — 2 Peter 3:7-9
  8. † — John 3:17
  9. † — Luke 10:20
  10. † — 1 Peter 4:6
Christian Soapbox

I Don’t Follow Jesus

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I Don’t Follow Jesus

“What!? No.” I know what you’re thinking, but I’m not trolling you. And remember, even though I don’t follow Jesus … keep loving people like He did and treat them as you want to be treated. Don’t try and scroll down to see what my aim is here. Does it surprise you? I mean…

I think John L. Cooper said it best—

“More and more of our outspoken leaders or influencers who were once “faces” of the faith are falling away. And at the same time they are being very vocal and bold about it.” (link)

And it only makes sense according to the Christian Post—

“Back in the 1930s, only 5% of Americans did not identify with any religion. In 1990 that number had risen to 8%, a modest increase after more than half a century.

But these last years have brought a dramatic change. By 2008, the number of Americans not identifying with any religion had risen to 12%, and by 2012, it had risen to 20%, with the number among millennials around 30%.” (link)

So this should not come as a surprise to you if it does. Especially if you’ve read how dark my previous post was. I mean, come on. I’ve been in the pits of unquenchable fire and suffering. I guess now the question is whether I truly EVER followed after Jesus? Some might think that my believing was in vain and only wanted something to gain. That I NEVER truly believed.

I would disagree and counter you misunderstand the enlightenment of your own faith or have not been enlightened to the truth of the gospel altogether. Just because you read that I don’t follow after Jesus does not mean that I wasn’t enlightened by the truth of the gospel, see I still know the truth and that is what should make this statement alarming.

The real question is—

Can the person turned away from their faith in Christ re-enter the Christian faith?

Sense we are talking about me because I’m selfish. The answer to that question for me is “no” because in my case I’ve confessed to taste the heavenly gift that made me a partaker of the Holy Spirit. So it is impossible for me to be renewed again to repentance since I again crucify to myself the Son of God and put Him to open shame. Don’t believe me, check out Hebrews chapter 6 in your Bible.

It is the Holy Spirit through the inspired words of the Bible that speak with authority … I’m just a messenger.

That is what happened to Judas Iscariot. Judas held onto his thievery at heart, did not confess this sin. To do this leaves the “believer” (by association) in this case, Judas Iscariot, vulnerable to Satan’s influence (John 12:4-6) and ultimate possession. This is why it is so important for professing Christians to not sell their soul for the cost of their sin not confessed.

38 John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. 40 For he who is not against us is for us. 41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward. (Mark 9)

49 John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is ]for you.” (Luke 9)

I’ll confess that I used this title to especially peak the interest of those who thought they knew me to catch them like a fish. Because it’s the kind of friend I am, it’s what I do, that’s my humor and getting a rise out of my friends is quite fun, I admit. Not with the intention of destruction of course, then there would be an issue.

I wasn’t lying about not following Jesus, but I do follow after Jesus with all my heart, soul, strength, and mind. So brothers and sisters in the faith, don’t hinder me just because I’m not following after the style of gospel in you. Don’t hinder me just because you think there are enough christian resources out there for me to get plugged into one without having to startup a recourse of my own. Don’t hinder me…

In Love.

Nathan Dooley