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| photo by Celia Darrigo |
Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. (Jude 1:7)
Matthew Henry tells us that "pride was the main and direct cause or occasion of [the Israelites'] fall". We are also reminded that "the destruction of Sodom is a loud warning to all, to take heed of, and flee from fleshly lusts that war against the soul". Far too many "Christians" believe that they can commit whatever sinful acts they desire and will still enter the Kingdom of God upon their mortal death. They lay the blame for their acts on the teachings of their religious leaders. The "blame" falls on both.
As God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because their inhabitants were so full of sin, so, too, will He sentence people to hell for rejecting Him. This is taught throughout the scripture and is a lesson that should have been learned, yet people continue to live in deliberate disobedience to God's commands. Sinners who do not seek the forgiveness of God will face eternal separation from Him. This is Jude's warning to us: all who rebel against, ignore or reject God will be punished and it will not be a slap on the wrist. Yes, God loves us very much and wants more than anything to offer us His limitless mercies. No, He will not bend the rules for anyone, for as He is merciful, He is also just. That should be evidenced by the fact that He did not bend them for His chosen people, so why, therefore, would you think He would bend them for anyone else.
As we begin to witness the fulfillment of what is prophesied in the book of Revelation, turning to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, would be a very wise decision to make. Those of you who think that hell is here on earth may want to reconsider.
God sees all things. You cannot hide from Him anymore than Adam and Eve could hide from Him; no more than Cain could hide from Him; no more than the citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah could hide from Him. He KNOWS your heart. He knows and understands the "lusts" of men and He will continue to forgive those who repent and refrain from their ungodly acts. Ignore Him and you will surely spend eternity away from Him and in the company of others like you.
Walk away from the preachers and teachers who are telling you what you WANT to hear. I know that it is often hard to do what is right in God's eyes, but it is, nonetheless, what you NEED to hear that will save your soul and bring you back into communion with Him.
It is not too late to come to know Him, to ask His forgiveness and to live a life that pleases Him. These "natural disasters" are only a sample of what is to come. Choose to be counted among those who serve. Choose to live a life that may not be pleasant and may be extremely hard at times, but knowing that in the end, you will be rewarded. Walk by faith - total faith that He will do all that He has promised. This life is not the one that matters, but what does matter is the way you live it!
