Concerning Quicksand

      The visitor to South Florida is usually impressed at the unusual plant and animal life.  He sees the tropical plants of so many sorts  - vines, trees, and bushes, all of which seem to grow like mad.  Then there is the winged critters of all sizes and colors.  He notices that monkeys also thrive there by the number of road-side ape attractions.  As the South Florida region is much like a jungle, the visitors and residents should all be glad that there is no quicksand to complete the charm.
     But wait!  Is there no quicksand?  Yes, there is.  It’s a variety that slowly and naturally bogs its victims down.  This “mud” at first seems harmless, but gets a strong hold on one before he knows it.  Too many times it draws people into it up to their necks.  During the struggle the victim realizes too late that he is almost dead with the “mud” at his head, without hope of grabbing a rope.  Soon, he is gone.
      Now many will not admit the danger of South Florida quicksand.  But in the jungle of life, unbelief is spiritual “quicksand” and it is found anywhere we may go and is infinitely worse than regular quicksand.  We are programmed from our early years to question all that God has recorded for us in the Book.  Seven day creation is replaced by “monkey-business.”  Reincarnation and astrology effectively undermines the teachings of Christ.  After this groundwork is laid, the victim’s mind is programmed to reject the simple gospel of Jesus Christ and His salvation.  He is too wise to believe “all that” - especially in this age of enlightenment.  He settles down in his pride, false convictions & sin while the years pass and his heart is hardened beyond the point of hope. (link 173 "Strong Delusion")   Soon, he is gone.
      As the above views may be hard to swallow, let’s refer to the Book.  “The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is caught in the toils of his sin.  He dies... he is lost.”   “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”  “Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe...”  “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.  But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable... shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
      Let’s not get stuck in the “quicksand” of unbelief.  God has put us here to find out who will believe Him and who will not.  Let’s pass through this jungle and walk on top of the mud holes, water, devils (see "Mindset of Victory" link 103) and all else that would drag us under into eternal loss of our souls.  “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”  Receive Jesus Christ today and hook-up with eternity.   Scriptures referred to are:  Proverbs 5:22-23, John 3:16, Hebrews 11:6, Revelation 21:7-8 and John 1:12 respectively.   RSV and KJV.

Many other Titles: www.gospelnotes.org                                                        * * F. J. Stone * *
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