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MONEY, IS IT YOUR GOD??

Table of Contents

Introduction                                                        
Is Money Your God?                               Ch.1                    
Folly of Money                                        Ch.2                    
Money Causes People to Abandon God     Ch.3                    
Money’s Limits                                        Ch.4                    
Money and Happiness                               Ch.5                    
Bread that Cannot be Bought                      Ch.6           
WHY I write as I Do                                 
Poem, Anything That Truly Counts           #452 

Scripture verses taken from: [KJV] King James Version
Yellow bold italics is Jesus’ Words.
John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
 [KJV]

THIS BOOK IS NOT COPYRIGHTED,
AND IS NEVER TO BE COPYRIGHTED.
This book is free and not to be sold.

IT MAY BE USED BY “WHOSOEVER”
TO EDIFY THE CHURCH, AND TO
HONOR AND GLORIFY GOD.

MONEY, IS IT YOUR GOD??
Written and compiled by: HIS SERVANT, Connie Kramer
Revised 11-2015

SALVATION

*****Believe what God states about His Son.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: [KJV] 
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.  [KJV]
1 John 5:11-12 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12  He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (KJV)  Do you believe this?

*****Receive the Gift of salvation.
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  [KJV]
         
You can never ‘grow’ into being a Christian! You can never do enough ‘good’ things to become a Christian. Your name on the church roll, nor your church attendance will never make you a Christian. Belonging to a certain denomination will never make you a Christian. You must be born into God’s family by faith.

When you believe God’s Word and receive His Son into your heart and life, then, and only then, are you a Christian. Once you are in the family of God, THEN you will grow as a Christian, and work for our Lord! Once you make a TRUE heart-felt commitment to Christ, HE makes a life-long commitment to you! He gives you eternal life and a future home in Heaven. You are saved! Once God’s child; His child forever!

MONEY, IS IT YOUR GOD??
Introduction

         
People in this world have many gods. Most refuse to acknowledge or worship the TRUE God of the Bible. Millions believe in evolution, reincarnation, self-esteem, self-preservation, etc. They refuse to believe in the God of the Bible.
         
Money and what it can do, is worshipped by millions of people around the world. I realize that what I say in the following pages won’t affect or impress only a few, but I knew I must put forth the effort any way. If I reach just one person for the Lord, my time will have been well spent.
         
One man’s main purpose in life was to obtain the rich natural resources of an area in Africa. Just before he was about to die, he cried out in agony, “I’ve found diamonds and gold, much land belongs to me, but now I must leave them all behind. Not one thing that I have gained can I take with me. Eternal treasures I never sought or thought worthwhile; so now, I actually have nothing at all!” What a sad, sad story! Millions know or will know this feeling.

Money has never made a person happy or content, nor will it ever do so. There is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more a person has, the more he/she wants. Instead of its filling an empty spot, it makes one. If it satisfies one want, it doubles wants in another way. Proverbs 15:16 Better is little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure, and trouble therewith. [KJV] . . . Money is NOT required to buy any necessities for the contented soul.

IS MONEY YOUR GOD?
Chapter 1
         

Being worldly-minded (lusting after things of this world) is very common, but it is a fatal symptom of hypocrisy. It really is faith in the wrong thing, a bad thing! This sin allows Satan to grab a sure and fast hold on your soul. Many people, who profess to be religious, are guilty of this sin. Yes, it is a sin! And NO, not all people who SAY they are Christians, ARE Christians! Far from it.
         
Millions lust after riches and the many pleasures and comforts those riches can provide. Something deep inside people’s souls, fiercely yearns for better things, more things. There seems to be no end to the lust. It’s like a disease eating away a vital part of their being. People take great pleasure gaining and stockpiling riches, no matter who gets hurt in the process, or what they have to do to get it.
         
Money is a god to millions of people. Money rules people. The power of money is terrifying! To gain riches, many would do all but die. For money, people ridicule and scorn character. Unless money is carefully and wisely handled, a person becomes a servant to it. It becomes their god! They worship it and what it can do. 
         
Do you judge people by how rich or famous they are? I did once. I was wrong! If you do, it is wrong. It is a sin. Wealth may indicate intelligence, wise decisions, and hard work; but it may also mean that a person was simply born into a wealthy family. And too, it could even be the sign of cruelty, dishonesty, oppression, greed and selfishness. Money makes people do horrible things.

By honoring someone just because he or she dresses well (Jam.2:2-4), we make a person’s appearance more important than their character. Why do people do this?
(1.) Poverty makes us uncomfortable; we don’t want to admit it’s our responsibility help those who have less than we do;
(2.) We are jealous and want to be rich too, and possibly we hope to use the rich person as a means to that end.

These motives are selfish. We should view the rich or the poor person as a human being in need of fellowship. IF we say that Christ is our Lord, then we must live as He demands, by showing NO favoritism and loving ALL people regardless of whether they are rich or poor, red, yellow, black or white.

1 Tim. 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (KJV) . . . Greed leads to all kinds of evil and sins: marriage problems, fights, robbery, murder, blowups in partnerships, etc. If anyone truly wants to master greed, you must control it at its root. Get rid of the desire, the LUST to be rich, or money will make you its slave.
GREED CAUSES FAMILY TROUBLE.

Proverbs 15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. (KJV) . . . Dishonest money brings grief to the whole family, it is wise indeed to hate bribes. The covetous man lets none of his family have rest or enjoyment. Greediness of gaining more and more and more, often tempts a person into projects that bring ruin.
Genesis 14:12 And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed. (KJV) . . . Lot had a greedy desire for the best of everything, and it led him into sinful surroundings. He had a burning desire for possessions and success; and it cost him his freedom and enjoyment. He was captured by Kedorlaomer, and he faced torture, slavery, even death. It is the same way with people today; they can be enticed into doing things or going places they shouldn’t. The prosperity that millions long for is very appealing; Satan sees to that. But it can both lure us and enslave us if our motives are not in line with God’s desires. 

Genesis 19:16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the Lord being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. (KJV) . . . Lot hesitated to leave the city that would soon be destroyed with fire and brimstone, so the angel grabbed his hand and hurried him along. Lot had great wealth and did not want to abandon anything he had, nor the comfort he enjoyed in Sodom. For us to be wiser than Lot, we must see that our hesitation to obey God comes from the false and short-lived attractions of this world’s riches and pleasures. 

Deut. 6:10-13 And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, [11] And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thouplantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; [12] Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. [13] Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. (KJV) . . . Moses warned the people not to forget God after they entered the Promised Land and became prosperous.
It is prosperity, much more than poverty, that can dull our spiritual vision because it makes us think we are self-sufficient. “I can do it myself.” People who lust after riches are eager to acquire more and more of everything . . . except God. We must always consider our NEED for God. We must concentrate on our thankfulness and service to God. 

Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. (KJV) . . . Jesus says that the good life has NOTHING to do with being wealthy. We must ALWAYS be on guard against greed (lusting for what we don’t have). This is the exact opposite of what the world thinks. Advertisers spend millions of dollars to lure us into thinking that if we buy more and more of their products, we will be happier, healthier, have less pain, be more fulfilled and much more comfortable. Do NOT fall prey to the constant pressure to buy. Concentrate on the truly good life . . . having a close relationship with God and doing His work.

Mark 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. (KJV) . . . Should all believers sell everything they own? NO! Absolutely NOT! We are responsible to care for our own needs and the needs of our families so we are not a burden on others. God hates a lazy person who sponges off others (2 Thes.3:10-12). We should, however, be willing to give up anything we have IF God asks us to do so. It is this kind of attitude that allows nothing to come between us and God and keeps us from using our God-given wealth selfishly. Are you comforted by the fact that Christ did not tell all His followers to sell all their possessions? If so, you may be too attached to what you have.

MONEY BRINGS DISAPPOINTMENT

Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. 11  When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes? [KJV] . . . People always want more than they have. Solomon learned that those who love money and lust after it in an obsessive way, will never find the happiness it promises. Wealth always seems to attract lazy freeloaders and thieves. It causes sleeplessness and fear, and ultimately ends in loss because it must be left behind (Mark 10:23-25; Luke 12:16-21). No matter how much you earn (or gain by illegal ways), if you think riches will bring you happiness, you will NEVER have enough. Money in itself is NOT wrong or sinful. We must have money to live in this world. It is the love of money that leads to all kinds of sin. Do not depend on money to make you happy. It’s not going to happen!

Instead, use what you have for the Lord. 

Eccles. 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. (KJV) . . . Solomon was the wisest man to ever live, yet though he had more money than he could ever use, experienced more pleasure than he should have, he learned that life without God is simply emptiness, hopelessness and lack of meaning. When he wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes, his mind was in great conflict over the problems of life. He spoke of the failures and frustrations that had come to him. He presents the view that there is nothing better than the carnal joy of the pleasures of life. Though this idea reappears all through the book, it is clear that he was struggling with it. At the end he seems to emerge from his thoughts and doubts and reaches the magnificent conclusion in Ecclesiastes 12:13.
         
The brightness of Solomon’s glory ended in darkness. His decline and fall from his high estate is a sad record. The main causes of his decline were his polygamy and his excessive wealth. Solomon lived among 1,000 women, filling the palaces and pleasure-houses which he had built (1 Kings 11:3). He first learned to tolerate his wives beliefs and then began to imitate their heathen ways. He did not cease to believe in the God of Israel. He still would offer the usual sacrifices in the Temple at the great feasts. But his heart was not right with God; his worship became routine. His soul was empty by backsliding out of the true worship of the True God. This brought upon him God’s divine displeasure. His enemies prevailed against him (1 Kings 11:14-22, 23-25, 26-40), and one judgment after another fell upon the land. He died, after reigning forty years. He left behind him only one weak and worthless son, to tear up his kingdom and disgrace his name. Money, riches, possessions and pleasure RUINED Solomon. He truly did have it all: power, wealth, fame and wisdom. But this very abundance was his downfall. He loved his pagan, idolatrous wives so much that he allowed himself and Israel to copy their detestable religious rites.

OTHER’S DISAPPOINTMENTS.

Adam/ Gen. 3       Adam lived in a perfect world and had a perfect relationship with God in a perfect environment. God met all his needs; he had everything. But he fell to Satan’s deception.  

Noah/ Gen. 9        Noah and his family were the only people on Earth to survive the Flood. The whole world was theirs. They were healthy and prosperous, and life was easy. But Noah shamed himself by becoming drunk and cursing his son Ham.

The nation of Israel/ Judges 2        God had given Israel the Promised Land. They had rest at last. No more wandering in that awful wilderness. But immediately after brave and faithful Joshua died, they fell into the idolatrous practices of the Canaanites. Forsaking God is never wise, no matter if it’s an individual or nation.

David/ 2 Sam. 11 David was a great ruler and he ruled well. Israel was a dominant nation, politically, economically, and militarily. In the middle of all the prosperity and success, he committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband Uriah murdered. People make bad mistakes over money and pleasure.

Folly (foolishness) Connected with Money
Chapter 2

Jeremiah 17:11 As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.[KJV] . . . There is a right way and a wrong way to do any job. Anyone who becomes rich by unjust means will end up poor and foolish. Whether it is at work, school or play, we should strive to be honest in all that we think, do and say. Getting a promotion, passing an exam, or gaining prestige unjustly will NEVER bring God’s blessing on us or lasting happiness, it will only bring on His righteous wrath (Rom.2:5)!   

James 1:10-11 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. [11] For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. (KJV) . . . Poor people should be glad that riches mean nothing to God; otherwise these people would be considered unworthy by God  . . . and they are NOT! The wealthy should be glad that money means nothing to God, because a fortune can be lost in a heartbeat. True wealth comes by developing and maturing our spiritual life, not by developing our financial assets. We should be interested in what is lasting (our souls), not in what is temporary (our money and possessions). We should try to treat each person as Christ would treat him or her. 

Ezekiel 7:19 They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity. [KJV] . . . The love of money is not something new. In this verse, God’s people had allowed their love of money (idolatry) to lead them into sin. Because of this, God would destroy them. Money has a strange power to lead people into sin. Paul said that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Tim. 6:10). It is strange that we use money . . . a gift of God . . . to buy things that separate us from Him. And it is truly tragic that we spend so much money seeking ways to satisfy ourselves (selfishness), and so little time seeking God, the only true source of satisfaction.

Psalm 119:36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. (KJV) . . . In the world today, people most often covet financial gain. Covet means to lust after, to desire, to envy, to want something someone else has. It is simply GREED! Money represents power, influence, fame and success. For many people, money is a god. They think and talk about little else. I personally know some people who live just for the satisfaction of making more money. They have millions which they will never be able to spend in their life time, but will be left to their children who are like hungry vultures, waiting for them to die. I also know of others, retired professing Christians, who do nothing to further the Kingdom of God, but simply keep building up their bank account with their more than ample pension funds. This to God is covetousness! It is quite true that money can buy certain comforts and offer some security. But far more valuable than wealth is obedience to God. When we obey God, and serve God, we are storing up heavenly treasure rather than an earthly one (Luke 12:33). We should always do what God wants, regardless of the outcome. Ask God to turn your heart toward His Word and His will, and NOT toward making money. You will benefit in the end. 

Proverbs 18:11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit. [KJV] . . . When rich people think that their wealth is their strongest defense, they are sadly mistaken. There are too many ways for money to lose its power. The government may cease to back it; thieves may steal it; the stock market may fall; inflation may rob it of all value. God never loses His power. He is always dependable. And money can never provide safety from the horrors of Hell. Only our awesome God can do that!

Matthew 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. (KJV) . . . Many people would not think that the word “sorrowful” could be associated with words like: “rich,” “young,” and “ruler.” But this was the case with this young man. He had position, possessions and youth. In spite of this, he went away sorrowful. He was sorrowful because of what he would have to give up to follow Jesus and have eternal life (verse 16). He should have been sorrowful for what he would miss in the future. It appears people lose some of their ability to enjoy commonplace pleasures when they are rich.
         
There are many today who are rich, young and perhaps powerful and famous who are unhappy. Money won’t ever provide lasting happiness.

Money Causes People to Abandon God
Chapter 3

1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (KJV) . . . Even though there is so much overwhelming evidence to the contrary, most people still believe that money will bring them happiness. Rich people craving greater riches can be caught in an endless cycle that only ends in ruin and destruction.

How can a person keep away from the love of money?

(1.) Realize that one day riches will all be gone (1 Tim. 6:7, 17);
(2.) Be content with what you have (1 Tim. 6:8);
(3.) Decide what you are willing to do to get more money (1 Tim. 6:9-10);
(4.) Love people more than money (1 Tim. 6:11);
(5.) Love God’s work more than money (1 Tim. 6:11);
(6.) Freely share what you have with others (1 Tim. 6:18).
(7.) Determine the difference between needs and wants. You may WANT far more than you NEED.

Proverbs 30:7-9 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: [8] Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: [9] Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. (KJV) . . . Having too much money can be dangerous in the respect that it may cause you to sin. But, having too little can also damage your spiritual as well as physical health. Jesus pointed out that rich people have trouble getting into God’s Kingdom (Matthew 19:23-24). Like Paul, we should learn how to live whether we have little or plenty (Phil. 4:12), but our lives will be more effective if we have neither poverty nor riches.

Psalm 37:25 I have been youngand now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. (KJV) . . . God will take care of His own. David said he had never seen the godly forsaken, nor seen their children begging for bread.
2 Peter 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. (KJV) . . . Peter is speaking of a person who has learned about Christ and how to be saved, and has even been rightly affected by Christians, but then rejects the Truth and turns back to his/her sin. This person is worse off than before, because he/she has rejected the only way out of sin, the only Way of salvation. Like a person sinking in quicksand who refuses to grab the rope thrown to him/her, the one who turns away from Christ throws away his/her only means of escape. Peter is NOT speaking of a TRUE Christian in this verse, but someone who, like in the parable of the sower (Mat.13:3-23) hears the word of God, then goes back to a worldly life again.
         
The hearts of men (different characteristics) are described in the parable of the sower (Mat. ch.13), by four types of ground.
(1.) Careless hearers are like hard packed ground, and are easy prey to Satan. He is the great murderer of souls, and will be sure to rob any that he can of the Word (seed), if extreme caution is not used.  

(2.) Hypocrites, like the stony ground, often seem glad to hear a good sermon, but do not profit by it. When some great trial threatens, or some sinful pleasure may be had, they give up or turn to some seemingly easier way.

(3.) Worldly cares are rightly compared to thorns, for they came with sin, and are a fruit of the curse (Gen.3:17-18). Worldly cares are a great hindrance to our profiting from the Word of God. The deceitfulness of riches (Mat.13:22) does the damage. But, they cannot deceive us unless we first place our trust in them. It is then that they choke out the good seed. Peter could be speaking of any of these types of people. The deceitfulness of riches could be called the delusion of money.

(4.) Other seed fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. This refers to those who are truly seeking the Truth of God.

Money Can Cause Misery

James 5:1-6 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. 2  Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. 3  Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. 4  Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. 5  Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. 6  Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you. [KJV] . . . James is talking about the worthlessness of riches, not the worthlessness of the rich. Money will be totally worthless when Christ returns, so we should spend our time accumulating the kind of treasures that will be worthwhile in God’s eternal Kingdom.

Money is not the problem; people need money to live and to support their families. It is the love of money that leads to evil (1 Tim. 6:10) and causes some people to oppress others, even kill to get more. Christians should stay away from worldly standards. They should live by God’s standards (Rom.12:1-2) and encourage all those who are oppressed by the rich, if they want to please God.

Money’s Dangers  

Deut. 8:13-14 And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; [14] Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; (KJV) . . . God was talking to Israel here, but my friend, we can apply this warning to ourselves as well. When things are going right, and we have plenty, we often tend to take credit for our prosperity. We become proud, and say “Look what I have, and I did it all myself!” People get so busy collecting and managing their wealth and possessions that they push God right out of their lives. They seem to forget that it is God who gives us everything we have, and we are simply the stewards of everything we have in this world. God owns it all, every where! (Ps.50:10-11).

Deut. 8:19 And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the Lord thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. (KJV) . . . If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods (money for one), worshiping and bowing down to them, you will certainly be destroyed.

Psalm 62:10 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them. (KJV) . . . Don’t try to get rich by extortion or robbery or murder. It will only lead you to horrible trouble. And if God allows your wealth to increase, do NOT make it the center of your life. That would be putting it before God, and that greatly displeases Him. There are many Christians that God never permits to be wealthy. WHY? I honestly think it is because He knows they could not handle it in the right manner. They would forget about God, the One that counts!

Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. (KJV) . . . Only the righteous person will receive a rich reward someday, from Almighty God in Heaven. But those people who want to get rich quick will only get into trouble. True happiness is to do right and be honest. It is to trust and obey God. It is not to store up a vast estate without regard to right or wrong.

Matthew 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. (KJV) . . . Christ spoke forcefully about riches. Few people have riches that do not trust in them. And there are few who are poor who are not tempted to envy (covetousness). Christ’s words show us that it is hard for a rich man to be a TRUE Christian, and to be saved. WHY? Because most rich people trust their wealth and NOT God! Their money and possessions come first. The way to Heaven is a narrow way to all, and the gate that leads into it is strait, (difficult) gate; especially so to rich people. They simply cannot seem to place God first in their lives, and placing God first in your life is a prerequisite. It is absolutely necessary, it is required, it is essential, it is mandatory, it is one thing that above all others is NEEDED! We must place our Lord FIRST in our lives or we simply are not worthy of Him (Mat.10:37-38). If a person does not have faith enough to place Jesus first, trusting Him in ALL things, they will never be a citizen of Heaven. Jesus says there will be only a few who will ever make it to Heaven; and my friend, ONLY A FEW OF THOSE FEW, WILL BE RICH PEOPLE. It is utterly impossible for a man that sets his heart upon his riches, to get to Heaven. Do NOT bow down and worship riches, for your eternal home will be Hell.

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. [KJV]

Who then can be saved? Riches do hinder rich people, but pride and sinful lusts found in those not rich, are just as dangerous to them. Our Lord’s Promise is that everyone who has forsaken possessions or comforts, for His sake and the Gospel, would be repaid, rewarded at the last day (Mat.19:28-30). May God give us abundant faith to rest our hope on this Promise. Our heavenly inheritance is not given as earthly ones are, but according to God’s justice and pleasure. We shall be rewarded for our faithful service to Him.

Mark 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. (KJV) . . . This is the parable of the sower. Worldly worries, doubt, the false sense of security brought on by prosperity, and the lust for things troubled the disciples in Jesus’ time as they do to us today. It’s easy for our daily routines to become overcrowded. A life packed with worldly pursuits can deafen us to God’s Word. Do not get so entangled, that you cannot hear when God speaks to you.

1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. [KJV] . . . People who long to be rich are those who are not satisfied with God’s provision for them (1 Tim. 6:8) and have more than “food and raiment.” Many who wish to be rich; not merely are willing, but are determined, and earnestly desire to have riches at any cost (Pro.28:20-22). This wishing or lusting (not the riches themselves) is fatal to a person’s contentment (1 Tim. 6:6). Rich men are not told to cast away their riches, but NOT to “trust” in them, and to “do good” with them (1 Tim. 6:17-18; Psalm 62:10). Rich people fall into temptation. They not merely “are exposed to temptation,” but they actually “fall into” it. Falling into it is what we are to pray against, “Lead us not into temptation” (James 1:14). This person is already in a sinful state, even before any definite act of sin. Wishing to be rich is an evil, lusting, greedy sin. This is the last step in the terrible descent (James 1:15), which leads to destruction and perdition, that of body and soul in Hell. Please do NOT let money or the things it can do, distract you from the truly important things of life, such as God, other people’s needs and faith. Enjoy what the Lord has given you, but don’t ever trust it.

Money’s Limits
Chapter 4

Proverbs 11:4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. (KJV) . . . NO amount of riches will ever help you on Judgment Day! Only right living and a close, personal relationship with the Lord Jesus is a safeguard against eternal death. “The day of wrath” refers to the time when God settles accounts with all people.
         
So often, it seems that evil, wrong-doing people become rich. It makes many think, “If bad people become wealthy in spite of their sin, why should I try to be good, and stay poor?” The wicked may SEEM to get away with sin, but there is absolutely a higher Judge and a judgment to come (Rev. 20:11-15). Just because some people ‘get away’ with wrong-doing in this life, does not mean they ‘get away’ with that sin. They will NOT! God will absolutely settle the score in the day of wrath. Justice may not come in this life, but be certain, it will come in the next.
         
There are many times God does not punish us immediately for sin (believers or unbelievers), but, His unavoidable judgment is certain. No one knows exactly when it will happen, but the Bible tells us that NO one will escape that final encounter with the Creator who is the Judge.
         
On Judgment Day, each unbeliever will stand before the Great White Throne Judgment, alone, accountable for ALL the deeds they ever did, and be cast into Hell (Rev.20:11-15). At that time, NO amount of riches will buy reconciliation with God. There will be NO second chances!
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: [KJV] . . . Consider this, and live accordingly!

Believers will also stand alone, but at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Rom.14:10; 2 Cor.5:10). Too, their destination has already been decided . . . and that is Heaven. They will be judged on what they did with their lives AFTER they became Christians, and will either receive rewards or suffer loss of rewards they could have had. Were they good disciples of Christ? Did they serve Him willingly and lovingly? Did they trust him? Did they obey Him? What is important is how a person sees God in times of prosperity or poverty, not the prosperity or poverty itself. Only our love for God through Jesus, and obedience to Him will count.

Ecc. 6:2 A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.[KJV] . . . Everyone dies, and both rich and poor end up in the grave. Many people work hard to prolong their life and improve their physical condition. But they spend very little (if any) time or effort on their spiritual health. Which is more important? The Bible clearly teaches that our body shall die, but our soul is eternal! Yet the vast majority of people are concerned only about the here and now! They can SEE this life, where they cannot see the other life; so they don’t even think about eternity.

My friend . . . eternity is a FACT! And no matter how hard you try to run away from the fact that you will live somewhere after you die, it is a FACT!! It is TRUE! Your soul is eternal. Physical death is simply the body and soul separating. Your body will die and will be buried in a grave, but your soul (spirit) returns to God who gave it (Ecc.12:7). SO! What does God do with the spirits of those who return to Him? Believers will be admitted to Heaven. Unbelievers (sinners John 9:31) will in NO way be permitted into Heaven but be cast into Hades (present day Hell, see Luke 16:20-24) which is the holding place for unsaved souls until the Day of Judgment for them. It is stupidity to work hard to extend this temporary life and not take the steps God requires to gain permanent eternal life. Doing this will only lead you into Hell. Death, Then What? http://hisservants.org/death_then_what_1.1.htm

Zeph. 1:18 Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord's wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land. (KJV) . . . You cannot buy friends. You cannot buy love. You cannot buy good health. When God begins to judge, silver nor gold will mean absolutely NOTHING! Riches will NOT be able to deliver anyone in the day of the Lord’s wrath (judgment). The whole land will be devoured by the fire of His fury. He will make a terrifying end of all the people on Earth who respected and worshipped something else besides Him. No amount of possessions, no amount of stockpiled money, no amount of human power, no amount of fame will matter in the day of the Lord’s wrath! God had to move in and cut away the cancer of sin that was destroying the nation Israel in that day, and He will one day remove the cancer of sin eternally!
         
Money in itself is not evil, but it is completely useless and powerless to save us from the eternal destruction of Hell. Money can twist our outlook on life, for it can give us feelings of security and power. Just as Israel’s wealth could not save them from the Babylonian invasion, so it will be at the final judgment, our riches will be worthless. Only Christ’s redemptive work on the cross on our behalf, matters for eternity. Only Christ alone will ransom us IF we believe in Him. Do NOT trust in the temporary security of money; trust in the permanent security of Christ.

Rev. 18:17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, (KJV) . . . Many become rich by transporting merchandise, and it will be so in the Great Tribulation Period. Here, people mourn because of the depression. All will go up in smoke in one hour (a very short time). In but a moment, there shall be sudden destruction. Can this apply to us today? YES! Can we see the luxury of this world as it really is? Can we use it without it making a home in our hearts, without it controlling us? How would you feel if the luxuries in your life which you consider necessities suddenly went up in smoke? What would you do? Would you be able to live without electricity, a refrigerator, a telephone, indoor plumbing, a nice vehicle to take you from place to place, a computer, a washer and dryer, central heat in the winter, and air conditioning in the summer? (Just to name a few). This world WILL pass away (Mat.24:35; 1 Pet.3:10), and all the nice things you have will also one day be gone. Would your heart break if you saw the things of this world go up in smoke? Or is your heart and your treasures in Heaven, firmly and faithfully standing on the Promises of Christ? It does make a difference what you believe, and what you feel in your heart.

Just as Babylon shall be destroyed in the Great Tribulation, consider other great cities and civilizations of the past which have fallen. A book called: The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire written by Edward Gibbon in 1788, has some great truths that apply to our times today. In it Mr. Gibbon gives five basic reasons why that great Roman civilization withered and died:

(1.) The undermining of the dignity and sanctity of the home, which is the basis for human society.
(2.) Higher and higher taxes; the spending of public money for free bread and circuses for the populace.
(3.) The mad craze for pleasure; sports be coming every year more exciting, more brutal, more immoral.
(4.) The building of great armaments when the real enemy was within—the decay of individual responsibility.
(5.) The decay of religion; faith fading into mere form, losing touch with life, losing power to guide the people.

Do you see the United States in any of the above? My friend, ALL five apply! The home is no longer a place of honor and purity. People think nothing of living together (in sin) without the benefit of marriage, and same-sex marriages are an absolute abomination to God.
         
Taxes keep being raised, for one thing or another, because many of those in power are filling their pockets, or they are not qualified to make the financial decisions they are making. Far too many people are taking advantage of the welfare system, grossly and flagrantly misusing it. I have seen many in check-out lines at the supermarket who were in much better physical shape than I am, yet they are on food stamps. One day this will NOT be so (2 Thes. 3:10). There will be no lazy people sponging off the government any more. If any would not work, neither should he eat.
         
There certainly is a mad craze for sports. This too is a “god” for millions upon millions of people. And too, present day sports are getting more barbaric and blood thirsty all the time. People sit on hard bleachers out in the rain or snow for hours. Yet they complain about an hour long church service, and if the building is not hot enough or cold enough, they don’t come back.
         
The USA keeps building up armaments. I honestly don’t think the public knows how far this program has gone. But, the worst enemy is really right within our borders . . . the decay of individual responsibility.
         
The decay of religion is true today, an absolute fact. And many of the existing so-called religions out there are those who do NOT believe in the Almighty Creator God, the one and only TRUE God of the Bible. Faith is rapidly fading. But then Jesus said it would (Luke 18:8).
         
I personally believe that this country will fall. And I personally believe that Jesus could come at the Rapture at any time. The condition of things just seem to worsen day by day and people keep backing further and further away from God. He will tolerate just so much idolatry, so much aspostsy, so much sin and wickedness; but one day His abundant patience will simply come to an end.

History repeats itself. These five things are at work in our present civilization in this country this very day. The same things that was the doom of the Roman Empire will be the doom of the USA, and the same things will bring Babylon down at the end. They destroy nation, home and the individual.   

What people have worked for a lifetime to build up, will be destroyed in one hour. The awesome power of God is far beyond our finite (small) minds. Those people who work only for material rewards in this present life, will have nothing when they die or when their possessions are destroyed. What can we take with us to the new Earth? Our sincere love for Jesus and our Heavenly Father, our faith, our obedience, our Christian character, our service for the Lord, and our relationships with other believers. These are so much more important than any amount of money, power, fame or pleasure. When we love, trust and obey our awesome triune God with our very all, and love our neighbor as ourselves (Mat.22:37-40), and serve God to the best of our ability, THIS is storing up treasures in Heaven (Mat.6:19-20).                      

So many people think that money can fix anything. The verses I have included in this booklet, say that it can’t. It cannot FIX anything permanently nor can it GIVE lasting pleasure and comfort. There will be some tragedies come to you, no matter how much money you have, and no amount of money will be able to fix them. That’s why you should not place too much confidence and security in money. There are some things that only God can do. Trust God!

MONEY AND HAPPINESS
Chapter 5

Sorrowful.” Many there are who would think that the word “sorrowful” would never be associated with the words “rich,” “young,” and “ruler.” But such was the case with the young man in the following verses. He had position, possessions, and youth. In spite of having all three, he went away sorrowful. He was sorrowful because of what he would have to give up. He should have been sorrowful because of what he would miss in the future.

Matthew 19:16-22 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? [17] And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. [18] He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, [19] Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. [20] The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? [21] Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. [22] But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. (KJV) . . . We cannot love God with all our hearts (Mat 22:37), and yet keep our money to ourselves. Loving our Lord totally means using our money in ways that please Him. Many people, like this young man, keep away from vulgar wickedness, but they do not fulfill their obligations to God. Each and every instance of disobedience, whether it be thought, word or deed, are marked against unbelievers (those who reject Christ) in the books of God (Rev.20:12). There are millions who forsake Christ, loving this present world more. Maybe at times they might feel guilty, maybe they depart sorrowful, maybe even tremble at what is to come, but they do NOT change. We should judge ourselves in these matters, so the Lord won’t have to (1 Cor.11:31). There is also a book of remembrance where God keeps track of His people’s good behavior (Mal.3:16).    

Eph. 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (KJV) . . . When someone gives you a gift, do you ask them, “How much do I owe you?” No, the right response to any gift is “Thank you.” Yet so often Christians, even after they have been given and accept the gift of salvation, feel obligated to try to work their way to God. Because our salvation and even our faith are gifts from God, we should humbly respond with gratitude, praise, and great joy.  We become God’s children through God’s unmerited grace, not as the result of any effort, ability, brilliant choice, or act of service on our part, BUT, out of gratitude for this awesome gift, we will strive to help and serve others with kindness, love, gentleness, and compassion.  

While NO action or work we do will ever obtain our salvation, it is God’s desire that our salvation results in acts of service to Him and His people. We are not saved merely for our own benefit (selfishness), just to get us to Heaven, we are saved to serve Christ and build up the church (Eph. 4:12). My friend, this is extremely important! BEWARE!! If you simply sit back and do nothing to benefit others, do nothing to tell others about salvation through Jesus alone, it is highly unlikely that you are even saved.
         
Do you see what verse 10 states? For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. It is God’s purpose; the reason He made us and allowed us to become His children, that we should honor and glorify Him by our good works, and continue on in a right life. When we abuse this tremendous privilege, we are not living a life that is pleasing to God. We are NOT really Jesus’ disciples (God’s children) if we do not obey His commands.

John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (KJV) 
John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (KJV) 
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (KJV) . . . A person CANNOT sit back and do nothing to further the Kingdom of God and be saved!
         
Our salvation is something only God can do. It is His powerful, creative work in us. If God considers us His works, we must not treat ourselves or others with disrespect or as inferior work. 

Isaiah 55:1-6 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy,and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. [2] Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. [3] Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. [4] Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. [5] Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. [6] Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: (KJV) . . . Food costs money or labor to produce, and it lasts only a short time, meeting only our physical needs. God’s salvation is freely offered, but if we want it to nourish our souls, we must receive it willingly and eagerly. We will starve spiritually without this food just as surely as we will starve physically without daily food. How do we get it? We come (Isa.55:1), we listen (Isa.55:2), we seek, and we call on God (Isa.55:6). God offers us this free nourishment that feeds our soul. Again I stress that the eternal soul (spirit) is much more important that the temporary body.

Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (KJV) . . . It’s impossible for someone to serve two masters. You will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Money has such enormous power over people and can easily take God’s place in your life. It can easily become your master if you are not careful, even if you are a Christian.

Are a slave to money?
(1.) Do you often think and worry about it?
(2.) Do you give up doing what you should do in order to make more money?
(3.) Are you devotedly attached to your possessions?
(4.) Is it hard for you to give your money away?
(5.) Are you deep in debt?
         
Money is a hard master and an extremely seductive and deceptive one. Wealth promises happiness, power, fame and control, but most of the time it can’t deliver. Great fortunes can be made . . . and lost . . . overnight, and NO amount of money can give you good health, a loving spouse, true friends, happiness, or eternal life (the truly good things in this life). If you are wise, you will let God be your Master. God’s servants have peace of mind, contentment, joy and security, both now in this life and forever more.

Luke 12:19-20 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. [20] But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? (KJV) . . . The rich man in Jesus’ story died before he could even begin to use what was stored in his big barns. Planning for retirement and preparing for life before death, is wise, but IF you neglect life after death, it is disastrous. If you stockpile wealth, and lust for pleasures and happiness only to enrich yourself, with no concern for helping others, you will enter eternity empty-handed.

Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: [20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: [21] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (KJV) . . . By the reference to moth and rust, our Lord teaches that earthly treasures are perishable, and too, thieves break through and stealEarthly treasures are so uncertain! Our Lord recommends that we lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust does ruin, and where thieves do not break through or steal. Treasures in Heaven are imperishable and protected! For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. As clear as this saying is, even those who profess to bow to the teaching of Christ, is it practically disregarded! “What a man loves, that is his God” is what one wise man once stated! For what he carries in his heart, it’s with him night and day, he sleeps with it, and wakes with it; be it riches or pleasure, or GOD!
         
Why do you save money? To retire? To buy more expensive possessions? To be secure? To be happy? Jesus tells us to think beyond this life’s goals and to use what we have been given for God’s Kingdom. Steadfast faith, love, compassion, service, and obedience to our awesome God make us rich in His eyes.

BREAD that Cannot be Bought
Chapter 6

John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. (KJV) . . . Two essential things, bread and water are very important to maintain life. Jesus is BOTH our spiritual Bread and Water. He always uses commonplace symbols. He is the Word, and the Word became flesh. Jesus, the Word, reaches down and communicates where we can understand it. He said that He is Water and that He gives Living Water (John 4:10). He said that He is Bread. Let us trust and believe what Jesus tells us. Without Him, our soul will starve and die of thirst. NO amount of worldly money or possessions can feed our soul! Only Jesus can do that!

John 6:32-35 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. [33] For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. [34] Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. [35] And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (KJV) . . . Jesus is the Bread. He, as this Bread is divine, spiritual and eternal; He is the ordained Fountain and essential Substance who came down from Heaven to give eternal life to whosoever.

This Eternal Life which was with the Father and was manifested unto us (1 John 1:2). Anyone that comes to Jesus, to obtain what their soul craves, will freely receive the only all-sufficient and ordained source of supply. We shall never ever hunger spiritually, never ever thirst spiritually again! We shall have a conscious and abiding satisfaction for our soul, both in this world and in the world to come.

John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. (KJV) . . . Our Lord clearly explains His sacrificial death. It is Jesus which is the Bread of life to men, but also it is that every element in Him that possesses life-giving virtue. The words “That I will give” (meaning His death on the cross), may be compared with the words at the Last Supper, “This is My body which is given for you” (Luke 22:19), or in Paul’s report of it, “broken for you” (1 Cor. 11:24).

John 6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. (KJV) . . . Here Jesus clearly states that eating physical food (such as the manna in the wilderness), will only sustain the physical body. But, IF we eat of “this bread” (meaning Himself), we shall live forever. Does this actually mean eating the flesh of Jesus, as the Jews wrongly thought He meant? NO! It simply means to believe in Him, trust Him, obey Him and partake of His loving grace day after day.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (KJV) . . . Many people react in a very negative way to the Biblical FACT that there is NO other name than that of Jesus to call on for salvation. I have heard many lame excuses as to why people can’t accept the Gospel.

(1.)  “Your way isn’t the only way.” This was what someone very near and dear to me said. First of all, the Gospel is NOT my way! It’s God’s way!
(2.) People simply must believe they can make it to Heaven on their own.
(3.) They say that everyone is God’s child.
(4.) They say “I’m not a bad person.”
(5.) They think if their good outweighs their bad, Heaven is theirs.
(6.) Some think they will have a second chance, that if they don’t make it the first time, they’ll make it the next time.
(7.) Some think that will go to a place to purge them of their sins, and then they’ll go to Heaven. The Bible teaches none of this garbage! The word purgatory is not in the Bible, nor is its doctrine!

Jesus is the only way to Heaven whether you like it or not. Truth is truth! God does NOT lie! God specified that Jesus would be the Saviour of the world. NO one else can be His equal. No other religious teacher was sinless and could die for our sins; no other religious teacher came to Earth as God’s only Son; no other religious teacher rose from the dead. Our focus should be on Jesus. God freely offered Him as the only Way to have an eternal relationship with Himself. There is no other name, no other way! And money has NOTHING to do with it!

Closing Comments

(1.) Be thankful to God for what you have (1 Thes.5:18). 
(2.) Stay away from sin and the love of money, which is the root of all evil (1 Tim.6:9-12).
(3.) Beware of the power of Satan in the children of    disobedience (1 John 3:9-10). 
(4.) Worldly wealth is temporary, heavenly wealth is eternal (Mat.6:19-21).

WHY???         

When I became a child of God by belief in Christ (John 1:12-13), my life started to change. The closer I got to Jesus, the more I changed! Some people liked the change, some people hated who I had become; including (maybe especially) some in my family. “I liked you better before” was one comment. The devil surely tried to get me to retreat.
         
The Bible clearly states that if we do not change from our old lifestyle to one of obedience to God and His Word, we are NOT His children.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. [KJV]
2 Cor. 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. [KJV]
         
When I believed in Jesus, and accepted Him into my heart, He made me a new person, from the inside out! I am not perfect, but I have changed for the better.
Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. [KJV] . . . My lifestyle changed, my friends changed, my heart changed, my thoughts changed . . . everything about me changed, for I really wanted to please God and to serve Him. Before, I honestly did not care about other people; their feelings, their loneliness, their pain or their sin. I did not care about my own sin, why would I care about others who were living so far away from God! But Jesus made me do a complete turn-around! I don’t think I ever really hated anyone, but I did not really love them. I did not care how they felt, and I did not have any compassion. Jesus can truly work miracles in your life . . . IF you let Him!        
         
Jesus did give me a new heart, a soft, tender heart that cared about others, that cared when I saw their pain, loneliness, sorrow . . . and especially their sin. I remember years ago, I heard a pastor preach a sermon on lost souls; that we should care about their destiny. At that time I did not think much about lost souls (those without Jesus). That night I asked God to show me something of what Hell was like. That prayer was answered . . . over and over again! There were times I wished I had never asked for such a thing! The poems that came at that time were nearly all on Hell. Oh! How I saw glimpses of Hell! Each time God gave me another poem, I’d sit here in agony and tears as I wrote the words down. This is WHY I write as I do! We are to imitate Jesus. When we take on the precious Name Christ (Christ-ian), we must live as He would live, we must teach as He would teach. He said we must obey His commands, which boils down to one word: LOVE!

Matthew 22:36-40 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37   Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38  This is the first and great commandment. 39  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. [KJV]

Romans 13:8-10 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. [9] For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. [10] Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. [KJV]

Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. [KJV]

John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. [KJV]

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. [KJV]

John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. [KJV]

John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. [KJV]

Acts 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. [KJV]

1 John 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. [KJV]
         
If we really love Jesus, we will do as He tells us to do, and we will imitate His character as much as we possibly can. And LOVE tops out that list of wonderful characteristics!

I write the way I do (the truth) because I really do care about the souls of those around me. I realize that what I write sometimes offends people. It is not I that is offending, it is the Word of God! I look back to before I had turned to Jesus, when I simply wanted to do what I wanted to do. What I write now, would have greatly offended ME then!
         
Anyone who truly has a burden on their heart for lost souls, loves those people! Anyone who teaches or preaches the TRUTH of the Bible, truly cares about people, or they would simply do as so many today; preach what people want to hear! Preaching what people want to hear will never get a soul to Heaven!
Isaiah 30:10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: [KJV] . . . Just as in Isaiah’s time, people today do NOT want to hear the Truth! Times have not changed, most still do NOT want the truth, but it is the only thing that can save your soul.
2 Timothy 4:2-3 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; [KJV] . . . Paul said that there was a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They would follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. Paul was a prophet! TODAY fulfills what he said!

I love and care about people, that is WHY I write the way I do. Jesus taught on love, yes! But He also taught on the horrors of Hell because He wants no one to go there. I think that Jesus taught more on Hell than any other subject. He wants us to “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). He does not want us to continue in our sin, refusing to believe Him when He tells us it will lead us to Hell. Jesus loves you, and so do I. Neither of us want you to spend eternity in Hell. I must obey Jesus . . . that is WHY I teach as I do.
  

ANYTHING THAT TRULY COUNTS

Anything that truly counts can’t be bought,               Mt.6:19-21
It’s God’s will, and blessings that should be sought.    Mt.7:7-8; Jam.2:5
Count all loss, save the knowledge of our Lord,         Phil.3:8;
Irreplaceable wealth, comes from God’s Word!       Ps.19:10; 119:72, 127, 162

Happiness, nor joy, can money buy,                  Pro.27:24; 28:6
Yet it’s sad to see that the world does try.          Pro.10:22
For good health millions worldwide do strive,     Pro.13:7; 23:5
Yet sickness and disease instead arrive.              Jer.30:17; Pro.4:22

A calm and happy home brings contentment,      Pro.15:16-17; Ro.12:18
Money never seems to be sufficient.                  Pro.12:20; Ro.14:19
Riches in this world can never buy peace,          Lam.5:5; Eze.7:25
Only with Christ, will peace and rest increase!    Jn.14:27; Phil.4:7
40
The wealth of a man simply can’t buy love,       1 Co.13:13
Pure, true love comes only from God above!     Gal.5:22
To buy a ‘friend’, he’ll not be worth a dime,      Job 16:20; 19:19; Ps.142:4
Only friendship with Christ truly does shine!      Is.54:10; Jn.13:1; 14:18; Heb.13:5

You cannot buy salvation of your soul,               Ep.2:8-9; Ro.6:23
Only Christ has pow’r and complete control!     Mt.28:18; Jn.1:12-13; 3:15-18,36
A ‘mansion’ in Heaven, where Jesus lives,          Jn.14:2-3; Rev.ch.21; 22:1-6,14
Awaits those ‘in Christ’, for God graciously gives!    Jn.3:16; 4:10; Ro.6:23; 2 Co.9:15
******************************************************************
 By: His servant, Connie Kramer Jan.14, 1998 # 452

Money will buy a bed, but it will not buy sleep.
Money will buy food, but it will not buy an appetite.
Money will buy medicine, but it will not buy health.
Money will buy a house, but it will not buy a home.
Money will buy a diamond, but it will not buy love.
Money will buy a church pew, but it will not buy salvation.

          I copied this in my Bible many years ago. I don’t know where I got it.
I don’t know who wrote it, but it goes along with this booklet.
         
Contentment is the sufficiency that a Christian feels because he is satisfied with the situation in which God has placed him. Being content comes as a result of a close fellowship with God and a total dependence on God’s perfect plan. (Phil.4:11).

I did not write this either, but it too, goes along with this booklet.

Books You Should Read

A Loving God Would Not Send me to Hell. Would He?

Contradictions_in_the_Bible

???Death, THEN What???

ELIJAH!

God CANNOT Lie

God Controls His Greation

God's Wrath

Holy Spirit

???Is There Really a God???

Judgment in the Great Tribulation

Judgment IS Coming!

Living With Eternity In Mind

Me? A Pharisee???

MONEY? Is It Your God?

NOAH!

Parables of Jesus

Righteousness

Second Coming of Jesus

Sin and Forgiveness

???What Does GOD have to Say???

???What Must I Do to be saved???

Why Do I Need Christ?

Why Do We Suffer?

Wicked People Described

Home Page

For our other web sites:

http://www.godcannotlie.org

http://www.hisservants.org

Poetry . . . http://www.hisservantsministry.org . . . Poetry

http://www.judgmentcoming.org

http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org

http://www.worldlychaos.org

 

The BIBLE has the answer