"The Narrow Road": Blogs By Shane Kastler

Your First Day in Glory (A Poem of Heaven)

Your First Day in Glory (A Poem of Heaven)

By Shane Kastler

 

A flash of light and instantly, I entered in this place.

I lived for Him below on earth, now I behold His face.

The sights I see remind me of the things I read down there.

Streets of gold and pearly gates; Such splendor bright and fair.

 

There is no sun, there is no need; God’s glory shineth bright.

There is no fear, nor any crime; Not even any night.

I scarce can think of life on earth, or why I loved it so.

It seems like such a dream to me; Back in a world below.

 

The feelings that I feel right now are quite beyond description.

I’ve had some glimpses down on earth, but none like this to mention.

The man from Tarsus wrote about the things he saw up here.

Inexpressible expressions, An enigma to the ears.

 

The angels sing the praises of the Godhead, one in three.

And now I can’t help joining in; The worship is so free.

Unto the Father, Glory goes, for He ordained it all.

The Spirit drew me unto Him, And saved me from the fall.

 

And Christ the Son, Eternal Word who came to earth and died.

A perfect life, A sacrifice; For sinners crucified.

I heard the words I longed to hear, come from His lips to me.

Well done my servant, joy is yours; It lasts eternally.

 

I see departed loved ones, Who before me entered in.

They loved the Lord as I do; And they died but live again.

Reunited with a love; More deep than e’re before.

We worship Him together; With our faces on the floor.

 

The greatest pleasures known to earth, multiplied by billions.

Can’t begin to scratch the surface of each moment here in Heaven.

There is no sin, there is no want; The curse has been destroyed.

Only pure and clean affections; Govern all that I employ.

 

So fear not death, if you’re in Christ.  It is but just a doorway.

To take you from this life below, So you can know a new way.

And don’t forget that all you gain on earth is not the story.

It won’t compare to all you’ll see… Your first full day in Glory.

Sunday Morning Christians

Are you a “Sunday morning Christian?”  A “Sunday morning Christian” is someone who goes to church and puts on a show every Sunday morning, then goes out and lives much differently the rest of the week.  Every town has them.  Every church encounters them.  And deep down, every church attender knows if they are one.

            In Jesus’ day he dealt with a group of people very similar to “Sunday morning Christians” who were called Pharisees.  He said they were “white washed tombs” who looked good on the outside but were inwardly rotten.  He frequently called them hypocrites for trying to look righteous in front of people, but actually being wicked in their hearts.  So what might Jesus say of you?

            Is the Christian character that you show on Sunday morning the same character that you exhibit Monday thru Saturday?  Would your friends at church be shocked to hear how you talk at work or school?  Would your friends at work or school be shocked to hear that you claim to be a Christian?  And most importantly, what would God, who knows all and sees all, say of you?

            You see, the sad reality of “Sunday morning Christians” is that they are not really Christians at all.  Phony Christians who specialize in Sunday morning charades are very similar to the Pharisees that Jesus condemned, and to the false prophets that Jesus spoke of in his day saying:  “A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:18-20 (NASB)

            Another common trait of “Sunday morning Christians” is that when confronted with an article like this one, they immediately grow defensive and begin to point the finger at others, rather than examining themselves.  I ask you to avoid doing this.  And in all honesty before God, examine your life, test your heart, and truthfully ask yourself if you are a “Sunday morning Christian.”  If so, there is hope.  Some “Sunday morning Christians” have been changed by God’s grace into genuine Christians.  They’ve repented and placed their faith in Christ and now follow Him every day, including Sunday.  But there are others who have gone to the grave living the lie.  Today they are in Hell, and all hope is forever gone.  May this never be said of you.  If you’re a phony Christian, repent before it’s too late.  You might fool your friends at church.  You might fool your pastor.  But rest assured, you’ll never fool God.

           

The Seriousness of Sin

In our day it seems that most people have no concept of the seriousness of sin.  It’s a fact that the Bible teaches that all are sinners (Romans 3:23); but many people take this teaching as a comfort, when it should be seen as horrendous.  You probably don’t take sin all that seriously.  Since everyone is a sinner you might surmise that sin is no big deal.  But the terrifying reality is that sin is a big deal.  Your sin is a very big deal….to God.

          In fact, sin is such a big deal to God that we find in Scripture that he has promised to pour out infinite wrath upon sin.  This means that because of your sin you can expect to spend eternity in Hell; a place that Jesus described as a place where “the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.”  (Mark 9:48) You might say that this is too great of a punishment for your sin, because after all sin is no big deal.  Well, it’s no big deal to you.  But it is a big deal to God; and therein lies the problem.

          You don’t make the rules for eternity…God does.  That’s part of what ruling the universe is all about.  God decides who goes to Heaven and Hell; and he has not sought sinful man’s opinions in making his determinations.  So he has decreed and declared that the price for sin is infinite wrath.  And the place where this infinite wrath is poured out is in Hell.  That is your lot.  Don’t you long for another option?  Don’t you wish there was another way?  God’s justice demands this infinite payment.  But thankfully, God’s grace provides another option besides eternal Hell.

          Jesus Christ came as “God among us” to live a life of perfection, then died a sacrificial death on behalf of those who turn to him in repentant faith.  Rather than facing eternal wrath in Hell, Christ takes upon Himself, on the cross, the wrath that his sheep rightfully deserve.  Jesus said, “My sheep know my voice and they follow me.”  (John 10:27) In other words, those whom the Lord saves don’t continue on in sin.  They turn from sin in repentance and they follow Christ the rest of their days.  He is their Shepherd.  He is their Lord.  He is their Master.  He is their Substitute regarding God’s wrath.

          Sin is serious business and God will punish it one way or another.  It’s either Hell or the Cross.  I exhort all sinners to flee to Christ.  This is the only way to salvation.  Your depravity might lead to you ignoring all warnings.  Or the Spirit of God might quicken you and you might joyfully turn to Christ.  My prayer for you is that you would repent.  That you would see the seriousness of sin, and experience the beauty and grace of one who paid the price by death, so that others might live.

What Is Your Greatest Treasure?

What would you consider your greatest treasure in life?  When this question is asked, people will typically give a variety of answers.  Some would say their greatest treasure is their family.  Kids, parents, siblings, and grandparents should all be important to you.  But they shouldn’t be your greatest treasure. 

            Others might answer that their house is their greatest treasure.  Or perhaps a boat; or a car; or maybe some precious heirloom passed down for generations.  While all of these may be important, none of them should be your greatest treasure.

            Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44 NASB)  So the kingdom of Heaven is more precious than anything.  And what exactly is implied by the Kingdom of Heaven?

            Most people wrongly assume that Heaven is nothing more than their sinful pleasures being indulged to the utmost for eternity.  But the cold hard truth is that those who crave and live in sin will never see the Kingdom of Heaven.  The glorious and joyous reality of Heaven is that it is the place where we will forever be in the very presence of Christ, where sinning is no longer possible and indeed no sin is allowed.  Does it excite you to think of being with Christ forever?  If not, then rest assured you’re not a Christian.  You may think you are.  But if Christ is not your treasure, then your heart has not been changed.

            In John 3, Jesus said we must be “born again” to see the Kingdom of Heaven.  When this spiritual birth takes place in a sinner’s soul, their life and desires change forever.  Though there is still a struggle against sin, there is a newfound hatred for it; and a newfound love for Christ as the all-satisfying treasure of life.  Apart from this new birth, no one is saved.  Apart from this new birth, you will spend eternity in Hell; a place of unending torment for those who valued other things above Christ.

            I encourage you to examine your life and carefully consider whether or not you’re truly a Christian.  Jesus taught very clearly that many will think they are saved when they are in fact deceived and perishing. (see Matthew 7)  It’s terrifying to consider that so many Americans think they’re saved when they are in fact on a wide road to Hell. 

            Prayerfully consider your life.  Read the Bible passages cited above.  And honestly, before God, honestly ask yourself:  “Is Christ my greatest treasure?”  If there answer is no, repent and beg God to change you.  This world will never satisfy your deepest desires.  Only Christ is worthy of your greatest devotion.  Christ and only Christ…should be your greatest treasure.

The REAL End of the World

(Note: This article will appear in the May 25 edition of the Linn County News.)

Recently, doomsday prophet Harold Camping predicted that the church would be raptured on May 21, and the end of the world would follow 6 months later.  As all who read this know, the events of May 21 failed to transpire and the delusional status of the heretic Harold Camping should be firmly established.  The Bible clearly warns against making such predictions, as Jesus said: “as to the hour and the day, no one knows.” (Matthew 24:36)

            The sad part of this whole fiasco is the reproach Camping has brought to the name of Christ.  Non-believers the world over now think they have a reason to mock Christianity; and some of Camping’s own followers are now skeptical of the Bible.  But let it be known…just because Camping is crazy, does not mean that Scripture is wrong.  Indeed, Christ is coming again; and indeed this world will one day end.

            The question for you is:  will you be ready when that day really does come?  As sinners, all people are deserving of the eternal wrath of Almighty God.  The only hope for such sinners is to repent and place their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.  Many who mock today may perish tomorrow.  They deserve eternal damnation, but through Christ they could find eternal redemption.

            The Apostle Peter wrote: “Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation’….But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:3-4; 8-9)

            In other words, Christ will return when it’s really time for him to return.  This will occur in accordance with God’s (not Harold Camping’s) timetable.  If the Lord so chooses to return today, would you be ready?  Is Jesus the Lord of your life?  Is that evidenced by your daily love and commitment to him?

            For all of his lunacy, Harold Camping got one thing right….Jesus is coming back one day.  Forget about the delusional ramblings of the heretic; and heed the true warning of Holy Scripture.  Just as Christ once ascended into Heaven, one day soon he will come again in like manner to receive his people unto himself and to judge those who have rejected him.  Will you be ready, when that day comes?

 

The Perishing Earth-Dwellers

The book of Revelation frequently uses the phrase “earth-dwellers” to describe non-Christians, sometimes translating it “those who dwell upon the earth.”  These are people who are focused on the “hear and now.”  They love themselves and the things of this present world.  They are worldly and indeed this planet (earth) is their home.  They are “earth dwellers”….and they will soon perish.

            The Bible contrasts such people with another group known as Christians.  Unlike “earth dwellers” Christians consider their life on earth to be a pilgrimage through which they must pass before entering their true home in Heaven.  The Apostle Paul wrote of this, saying: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20 NASB)  The King James translates the verse “our conversation” is in Heaven.  The idea being that our life, our business, and our real home is not on this earth, but rather it is in Heaven with our Lord and Savior, whom we now eagerly await and long to be with.

            So where is your true home?  In all honesty, can you say that you would prefer to be with Christ right now as opposed to living on this planet?  Or are you so in love with the temporal that you’ve largely ignored the eternal?  Make no mistake, if this world holds your heart’s desires, then a guaranteed disappointment awaits your future.  One day this life will end, and whatever you have been clinging to will be forever lost.  But if what you’re daily clinging to is the Lord Jesus Christ, and you see this life as passing, then eternal glory will await you when this transient life is over.

            Certainly there are things about this world that you love, and there are things in this life that God wants you to do.  But be careful of anything that starts making you feel too “at home” in this world.  If Christ is your Lord, then earth is not your home.  If Christ is not your Lord, then you may embrace earth, and when this life ends you will have no choice but to embrace Hell as well.

            Repent and place your faith in Christ as Lord.  Commit your life to Jesus and embrace a new path which leads beyond this dying planet.  Earth-dwellers are sure to perish; but those whose citizenship is in Heaven will one day go there and forever rejoice with the Lord whom they love.

The GOD Who Raises The Dead

In this sin cursed world in which we live, suffering is unavoidable.  Trials come often in every shape and size.  Some trials are minor annoyances; others are major life-changing catastrophes.  Yet regardless of the trial, God has a purpose in it; and he has a way by which we can be strengthened and survive.

            The Apostle Paul faced a major trial that he wrote of in 2 Corinthians.  He told the church, “We do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life.” (2 Corinthians 1:8 NASB)

            What Paul faced was horrendous.  In fact it was so bad that he didn’t expect to live.  In all likelihood Paul was imprisoned and faced imminent execution.  Yet he saw a greater purpose in the trial.  Paul saw a deeper reason why God brought this trial into his life.  He continued:  “We had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead.” (v.9)

            God ordains trials in our life so that it will bolster our faith in Him.  And our faith tells us not only that God is in control…but that indeed God can do anything.  Raising the dead is a physical impossibility.  But Paul specifically mentions it because the God he trusts in is capable of doing anything His will desires.  He raised the dead with Lazarus.  He raised the dead with Jesus Christ.  He will raise the dead in the future when all of God’s saints will be resurrected unto eternal life.  He can raise the dead today. 

            Paul’s circumstances were impossible for him to survive.  Yet survive he did.  God delivered him from the peril and Paul continued his life of ministry and service to Christ.  God can do the same with whatever you face today.

            Your trial may be massive.  But God is bigger.  For our God is not powerless like the idols of the world.  Our God is a God who raises the dead.

Why You Should Have a Death Wish

“I am hard pressed between living and dying. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” (Philippians 1:23)

Are you eager to die?  That probably sounds like an absurd question.  After all most people assume the whole point of life is to avoid death and live as long as possible.  That idea is partially true.  We should take care of ourselves and not live reckless and pointless lives.  But surprisingly enough, we should have a bit of a death wish.  Not because we are miserable and wish to avoid suffering, but because our desires for Christ should so far exceed our desires for anything this life offers that we long to be with him forever.

            The Apostle Paul seemed to wrestle with this more than most.  He was literally torn between staying on earth and serving Christ; or dying and being with Christ.  We desperately need to emulate Paul’s mindset and see our lives as something to be spent for God’s Glory and Christ’s kingdom.  And we should rejoice at the thought of our Lord calling us home when our service on earth is complete.

            This type of mindset will only be accomplished if we daily fight to loosen ourselves more and more from the enslavements of this temporal world.  In many ways this is why God ordains so much suffering for us.  It loosens us from the world and drives us to him as we are frequently reminded that this world is passing and true joy only comes from an eternal relationship with him.

            Please don’t misunderstand me; the day of our death should be God’s call rather than ours.  He decides when our service ends, not us.  But with that said, a healthy death wish should be the ultimate goal of all true Christians.  Though this might sound insane to the world, Christians are not of this world.  Our true home resides in Heaven from where we “await a Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord.” (Philippians 3: 20)

Regeneration: The Work of God Alone

(This article is scheduled to appear in the Oct. 27 edition of the Linn County News.)There was once a man named Nicodemus, who came to Jesus secretly to inquire about the Kingdom of God.  Ironically, Jesus told Nicodemus that he must do something that he was incapable of doing.  “You must be born again.” (John 3:3)

            Not surprisingly, Nicodemus was confused as his thoughts immediately turned to physical birth.  But Jesus was speaking of a spiritual birth.  While we have no control over our physical birth, it is equally true that we have no control over our spiritual birth either.  At least this is true according to Jesus who went on to tell Nicodemus: “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8 ESV) 

Interestingly enough, Nicodemus argued with Jesus over this aspect of God’s sovereignty; and Jesus responds with a rebuke.  “Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can these things be?’ Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?” (John 3:9-10 ESV)  Nicodemus was considered one of the greatest teachers in Israel, yet he did not understand God’s work of granting new life to the spiritually dead.

The big word for “born again” is regeneration; and it is a sovereign act of God.  You cannot conjure up a new birth, no more than you conjured up your physical birth.  Jesus’ analogy of the wind teaches us much about the new birth.  We have no control over it, but we see the effects of it.  The effects of regeneration are repentant faith.  In other words, when God brings new life to a heart, the heart responds by turning from sin and placing an eternal faith in Christ as Lord.  Regeneration is not a work of man, for dead men do not determine to come alive.  Only God can bring them alive.  Dead men do not simply choose to repent.  God grants them repentance. (See Acts 11:18)  The work is God’s; therefore the glory is God’s.

            So in closing, I’ll do as I usually do and call you to repent and trust in Christ.  Many will ignore this call because they are dead in their sins.  But some will respond:  those whom God chooses to awaken and to grant the new birth.  Do you want to go to Heaven?  You must be born again.

 

 

An Atheist Faces Death

“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)

World famous atheist Christopher Hitchens was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer.  As an atheist who has debated many Christians, Hitchens is well known for his hatred of God.  Ironically, many Christians are now praying for Hitchens.

While not unheard of, true deathbed conversions are very rare.  There have been times when I have been summoned to the bedside of a dying person who wants spiritual comfort.  In truth the comfort given to the dying is the same one offered to the living.  Repent and place your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord of your life.  At the end of the day, salvation rests in the hand of a sovereign God.  Sinners by their very nature have hard hearts.  And over the years, the heart hardens to the point where salvation would seem miraculous.  Yet in truth, salvation is always miraculous.  Only God can change a sinner’s heart.  And God can change the heart no matter how hard it i

Where do you find yourself today, in relationship to Jesus Christ?  Do you follow Him daily as the undisputed Lord of your life?  Or are you living for self, money, pleasure, or fame?  Don’t wait until your death bed to consider eternal realties.  You will never be saved apart from God’s conviction which leads to repentance.  And God doesn’t have to bring conviction to your heart.  If he is drawing you today, then repent and submit to Him.  Christ died to pay the price for sinners who would turn to him in faith.

Unless there is a change in his heart, Christopher Hitchens will soon enter an eternity of unspeakable horror.  Sinner, unless there is a change in your heart …you will soon after join him.  Repent and run to Christ for salvation.