“The Bride Took Off”

  Believe It Or Not.  The bride and groom came out of the church, heading for the limousine, when the bride suddenly left her husband and ran to a car parked across the street! The motor was running and a man was at the wheel, and off they drove, leaving the bridegroom speechless. The driver of the “get-away car” turned out to be an old boyfriend of the bride, a man who had boasted that “he could get her anytime he wanted her.”
  Pledges.  “When a man and woman pledge their love to each other, they are set apart for each other; and any other relationship outside of marriage is sinful. Just so, the Christian belongs completely to Jesus Christ; he is set apart for Him and Him alone. But he is also a part of a worldwide fellowship, the church, ‘all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ’ (1 Corinthians 1:2). A defiled and unfaithful believer not only sins against the Lord, but he also sins against his fellow Christians.”  Warren Wiersbe
  Defiled.  Like many churches today, the church in Corinth was a defiled church.  Some of them were engaged in sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 5).  Other Christians were abusing the world system, their Christian liberties, and were drunk at the Lord’s table (1 Corinthians 7:31; 8:9; 11:21). Instead of glorifying and magnifying God, they were bringing disgrace to His name.  Do you know any churches whose members act like this?  Perhaps they are “professors” and not “possessors.”  Do you know the difference?  Jesus spoke of them (Matthew 7:21-23).  Which are you?
  Chastening.  God won’t let His “legitimate children” act lawlessly without disciplining them.  “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives…If you are without chastening…then you are illegitimate and not sons” (Hebrews 12:6, 8). 
  Sin Unto Death.  Because of their sinful behavior, many Christians within the church at Corinth were weak and sick, and many died prematurely (1 Corinthians 11:30).  Yes, there is a sin unto death (1 John 5:16).  Are you committing it?  Do you know what it is?  
  Saints.  When God saves a person who believes on the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, He (God) sets that believer apart unto Himself.  He washes, sanctifies, and justifies him (1 Corinthians 6:11).  Do you believe that He died for your sins…and rose again bodily from the grave?  Are you trusting Him alone to save you? Our salvation is not based on our good works lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2;8, 9).  Don’t let the devil or any of his agents deceive you in the most important decision of your life that will affect your eternal destiny.   Beware of false teachers (2 Peter 2:1)!
  Real Places.  Heaven and hell are real places (John 14:1-3; Revelation 20:15).  Jesus is the only way to God in heaven (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels (demons) but all unbelievers go there too (Matthew 25:41, 46).  Where will you spend eternity?
  An Answer.  If you claim to be a Christian, could you explain these things to someone else?  The Apostle Peter wrote: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense [an answer] to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15).   Do you know the difference between positional, practical, and ultimate sanctification? 
  Moral Purity.  God wants every Christian to live a morally pure life (1 Peter 1:15, 16)?  Are you? Those believers who live in the light of Christ’s any moment return will purify their lives through the confession of their sins (1 John 1:9; 3:3).  Do you want to have victory over your spiritual enemies: the devil, the diabolical world system, and your own sin nature?  If you’re not too proud to ask for help, if you’re teachable, and if you’re willing to change, we can share with you what we’ve been taught from Scripture so you can teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2).
  Down And Out?  Are you lying on the ground, spiritually speaking, because you’re afraid to get up lest you get knocked down again?  If so, I know what you’re going through.  I’ve “been there and done that.”  Take heart, the Apostle Paul experienced the same problems that we have (Romans 7:15-25).  Remember this, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, Who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).     
  Your Move.  If you aren’t sure that you will go to heaven the moment you die, and would like additional help, call us at 805-238-3549 or visit our web site where we have “God’s Simple Plan Of Salvation” in 24 languages.  We also have other material to help you know God better and live a life that is pleasing to Him (2 Corinthians 5:9).  Go to www.kelseypeach.com.