Let's Get This Straight...

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Galatians 2:16

I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Galatians 2:21

For some, this message is just a reminder, but for others this is new. Let's get this straight...

You do not get to Heaven by doing works for GOD. You get to Heaven by believing and receiving (the message) that that JESUS CHRIST died on the cross for your sins and then once you believe it, you accept JESUS into your life. That is how you get to Heaven.

Once, someone told me to clean up a mess that someone else made. I told that person that I didn't do it. Then she told me to just do it anyway, because it would be "honor points" in Heaven. I was shocked! That is totally false. Let me repeat: Your works and good deeds for GOD will not get you into Heaven!!!

Why? Let me explain. GOD is perfect; without sin. We, human beings, are not perfect; we are full of sin. GOD cannot be your presence if you have sinned: Heaven is spotless of sin. That's why we need to ask JESUS into our hearts and to forgive us. Once we do this, HIS spilled blood washes away our sins... and the next time GOD looks at us, HE no longer sees our imperfect sin, but a perfect image of JESUS (in us).

Don't think you've sinned before? You are just lying to yourself... Yes, lying is a sin. The 8th commandment (for Catholics it is the 7th). If you don't think you are lying, think back: Have you ever stolen, used GOD's name in vain, have you ever cursed, have you ever disrespected your parents, or... the list keeps going on and on. If I was talking like an atheist, I would be basically asking: Have you ever done anything wrong... at all?

Still think you're clean? Here's my back up. The Bible says:

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Romans 3:23

How about this one:

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23

So the Bible makes it clear, works do not get you into heaven (check out the Bible verses at the start of this post if you haven't already...). If you want to get to Heaven, remember, the only way is through JESUS CHRIST! Pray to HIM, and ask HIM to forgive you of your sin... ask HIM to come into your life. Then you will have a relationship with GOD and you will be ignited, with the HOLY SPIRIT. You will also have your ticket on the J-Train!... Uh... to Heaven... (Sorry Toby and Kirk, had to use that one).

Does this all mean that once you have accepted JESUS you can do whatever you want (and) keep sinning? Does it mean that you shouldn't do good works for GOD? No! Your relationship with GOD is connect by love... and if you love GOD, you will keep HIS commands! (That verse was John 14:15... it has roots with:

http://theflippingsweetblogtwo.blogspot.com/2007/02/keep-commands.html). If you love GOD, by all means you should try to do GOD's will and not go back to the slavery of sin. Yes, sin holds you captive... and JESUS sets you free from your sin... maybe what I am saying will make more sense in a verse. Then it will be time to rap this post up...:

But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

Galatians 4:9

Just remember that JESUS is the only way to be in Heaven with GOD forever. You can't try to out-do your bad with good. GOD will still see the bad, and it will ruin the good like a black spot on a white carpet. JESUS can wash away that "spot" with HIS blood. JESUS is the only way!

GOD bless you all. Peace be with you. May your cup overflow and your faith be limitless.

Your servant, RC Hammer

Love and Obey

If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I (Moses) give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.

Deuteronomy 28:1

Many Christians complain to GOD that things aren't going well for them. They think that GOD doesn't want to help them or something. There are a few reasons GOD might not be answering them:

1. They don't have enough faith and they won't keep asking GOD

2. GOD will answer their prayers when the time is right or

3. The person praying to GOD is not keeping all of GOD's commands.

Today, I am going to discuss the third one. You cannot say that you love GOD and that you're a Christian to someone and then go off and sin. If you did that, you wouldn't have true love for GOD. Being a Christian is about your relationship with GOD; You don't become one just so you don't go to hell when your time is up. No. You become a Christian because you love GOD. You can't have a true relationship with GOD if you disobey HIM without even trying to stop. Your relationship with GOD is just like a relationship with someone else. You have to be kind and nice to your friends (someone you have a relationship with) if you want them to stay friends wit you. It's the exact same thing with GOD.

Of course, it is very difficult to not sin at all. We are all humans: We're going to sin sometimes. But we have to try our best not to sin. If we try to stay obedient to GOD, HE promises us many blessing, like it says in the verse above. However, later in the Bible, it warns us what will happen if we are disobedient to GOD and do nothing about stopping our sin. The Bible says:

However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I (Moses) am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:... (It goes on to names some curses).

Deuteronomy 28:15

If we don't even try to stop disobeying GOD, not only will HE not bless us, HE'll curse us. We have to express our love for GOD by keeping HIS commands. HE will bless us and make us stronger Christians. Our relationship with GOD will be a lot stronger and we will be that much closer to the kingdom of heaven.

"I highly suggest that you read all of Deuteronomy 28. I had to cut out a lot of the interesting parts to make the post more understandable. I hope it is understandable. I'm feeling pretty tired tonight, so forgive me if my grammar is a little messed up."

GOD bless you all.

Peace be with you too!

Your servant,

RC Hammer

An Awesome GOD

In the begining, GOD created the heavens and the earth. That includes this. This is just a small sampling of everything GOD has made for us. We should be very thankful. GOD thought of all of this. It is HIS creation. None of this was around before HIM. None of it could be. HE designed the whole world. HE made up what a mountain looks like. Same with glaciers, coral reefs, lakes, sunsets... everything. Many people treat the world with respect because they know it is one of HIS awesome creations. But HIS best creation is us: The people. HE made all of this because HE loves us. HE treasures us. So be kind to tour neighbor, and treat them better than yourself. And remember that GOD loves you enough to give you all of this.

I wonder what Heaven will be like...

GOD bless you all. Peace.

Your servant, RC Hammer