Bible Pathways - Dec. 31, 2008

Revelation 21

Highlights In Today's Reading:

A new heaven, new earth, new Jerusalem (21:1-2). A new relationship (21:3-8). Beauty of new Jerusalem (21:9-21); God and the Lamb are its Temple (21:22-23).The new center of creation (21:24-27). The River of Water of Life/Tree of Life (22:1-5). Last message of the Bible (22:6-19). Final promise and prayer (22:20-21).

We have come to an end of another year, and to the end of The Book far above all books. In fact it is the only book provided by our Creator that reveals who the True God is, that we are lost sinners, and how God wants us to live in order to prepare for eternal life with Him. After prayerfully reading it, we will never be the same and one of these days, sooner than we think, we will turn the last page in the book of our own journey through life to delight at seeing our names recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life (21:27). The Bible has always been the worldwide best seller, even though the Author wrote only one book using about 40 people over a period of about 1500 years to do so.

Note the characteristics of the unsaved: The fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (21:8).

How solemn is the warning concerning all liars and those who are morally corrupt — including whoremongers, fornicators, sexual perverts — and those dealing in the various forms of witchcraft, spiritualism, and idolatry! All will be cast into the lake of fire. (Deut. 18:10-12; Eph. 5:3,5; Col. 3:5-6; Heb. 13:4.) As evil as these sins are, God is willing to forgive anyone — even the vilest sinner — who turns from his sins to Christ (II Pet. 3:9; I John 1:9). Every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure (I John 3:3).

In your daily Bible reading, think, pray, and believe that the Holy Spirit will mold your life to be like Him whose Name is The Word of God (Rev. 19:13). Let His Word dwell in your thoughts throughout each day and you will become a living expression of His life. Let us renew our covenant to read His Guide.

Our world is becoming a mess. While drinking water, streams, and even the ocean are so polluted with mercury and other filth that it is unsafe to eat the fish, earth's physical pollution can't compare to sin's spiritual pollution.

However, a Christian's future is awesome and thrilling. We have been promised a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea (Rev. 21:1)

Thought for Today:

The final word is God's Word. The more we continue to read and reread it, the more He will reveal to us. Prayerfully commit to start again reading God's Word. The blessing will be yours!

Cross References:

For Rev. 21:4: See Is. 25:8. Rev. 21:23: See Is. 60:19. Rev. 21:25: See Is. 60:11. Rev. 21:27: See Is. 52:1. Rev. 22:2: See Ezek. 47:12; Gen. 2:9. Rev. 22:3: See Zech. 14:11. Rev. 22:12: See Is. 40:10. Rev. 22:13: See Is. 44:6; 48:12. Rev. 22:16: See Is. 11:1. Rev. 22:18-19: See Deut. 12:32.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts for the week sponsored by Dr. John A. Hash • Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN • Government Officials: Rep. Jeff Flake (AZ), Rep. Harold Rogers (KY), and Rep. Heath Shuler (NC) • Country: St. Kitts-Nevis (42,000) in the Leeward Islands of the West Indies • Major language: English • Religious freedom • 74% Protestant; 7% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for national revival, for righteousness exalts a nation (Prov. 14:34).

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 8:28