Praise His Name for b-u-t!!! part 9

From: Ben Kelley
Subject: Praise His Name for b-u-t!!!

(If you haven't read part 1 of this series, you need to read at least the first 2 paragraphs of it before proceeding with this message, so you will understand its premise.)

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. (1 Peter 4:7) Peter had just mentioned some of the evil ways of this world, and the fact we live in times when they (the wicked) are allowed to appear to be in control, even trying to draw us believers into their cesspool of sin, mocking and ridiculing us when we resist and seek to live godly lives. It's hard to live in that, but, we are told, these times are drawing rapidly to an end, and Jesus the righteous Judge will turn it all around, making all things new, pure, and clean. We are reminded of that as an encouragement to "hang on" a little longer, keeping alert to and turning away from their deceitful temptations, while praying to God for His direction and strength to do just that. Christian, God's absolute promise is that HE will put a stop to all this and bring us in to all the glory and wonder of eternity with Him. Praise His Name for b-u-t!!!

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you, But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:12-13) One of the hardest things people can attempt in this world is to press on through fiery trials when they believe they have no hope of things ever getting better. That is probably the underlying cause of most suicide attempts. That, to me, is probably also one of the worst "conditions" encountered in Hell, an eternity with no hope. It's terrible, but to know the torment will never be relieved makes it all the more so. We are reminded once again in these subject verses that, yes, it is hard (fiery) in this life, but, we have cause to rejoice in the midst of it. Our trials are just a sharing in some of what Jesus endured down here, and as a result, we shall share His inheritance for all eternity! and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward. Romans 8:17-18 (ASV) Praise His Name for b-u-t!!!

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:21) The world has all kinds of myths and fables they desperately want to believe and follow, hoping they will somehow turn out to be true, regardless of how preposterous and foolish those myths and fables are, and how totally lacking they are of any evidence of their veracity. We, instead, have the Word of God, with astounding evidences of its truth, such as fulfilled prophecies, penned when the peoples or situations were not even in existence at the time, and the changed lives of those who have believed on it. No, the Word we base our eternal hope on did not come because man desired it to be and thus created it, but, the Word we believe on came about by the Spirit of God's directing godly (holy) men to speak and write it. It is tried, true, and supported by thousands of years worth of evidence. We can depend on it. Praise His Name for but!!!