Blog # 193 Unless...

Blog # 193 Unless... Recently it occurred to me to look up in the bible the use of the word "unless". Unless is a strong word that sets definite fences around actions thoughts and plans. I'll give a few of the references in the New Testament in which the word unless occurs. Mat. 5:20. Jesus is speaking. I tell you, unless your holiness surpasses that of the Scribes and Pharisees you shall not enter the Kingdom of God. Mat.18:3. Jesus called a little child over and stood the child in their midst and said: I assure you, unless you change and become like little children you will not enter the Kingdom of God. Mat 18:35. After telling a story of a man who did not treat his neighbor mercifully, Jesus says: My Heavenly Father will treat you in exactly the same way unless each of you forgive his brother from his heart. John 3:2. Jesus teaches Nicodemus in these words: I solemnly assure you, no one can see the reign of God unless he is born from above. John4:48. Jesus says: Unless you people see signs and wonders you do not believe. John6:44. No one can come to me unless the Father Who sent me draws him. John 12:24. Unless the grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat. But if it dies it produces much fruit. John 19:11. Jesus is speaking to Pilate at the time of the trial of Jesus. You would have no power over me whatsoever unless it were given you from above. Unless we are holy, unless we change and become like little children, unless we forgive our brother from our heart, unless we reform our lives, unless we are born from above, unless the Father draw us, then we cannot please God and attain His Kingdom. This is the message Jesus taught in Jerusalem and Jericho. It is the message He brings to Augusta today. We must be holy, like children,forgive our brothers, reform our lives, believe. Jesus did all of this before us and invites each of us to follow him in these ways. May our lives be a great "Amen!", "Yes" to His desire!