Posted by: Bishop Neil Jansen

Do you remember as a child that awful lump in your throat because you were treated unfairly? Have you ever failed at something and there was no 2nd chance, no do-over, and you just had to walk away bitterly? I believe that we have all had such experiences in our lives. When I think of my relationship with my heavenly Father and His grace to me I can only marvel and stand in awe. 

Think about it:
If I sin He forgives me.
If I need another chance He gives it to me.
If I pray He answers me.
If my love fails Him, He still loves me.
That is Grace (undeserved love).

Imagine this grace of God is available to all mankind because His desire is that all of mankind should be saved (whether living or in the eternal realms).

Do you have loved ones in the realms of the departed? Where are they? How are they? Do you know? Do you assume? Do you really care? God does, and He wants that all of them should be near Him. How can that be done? How can we help? There is a simple answer but it does require a conscious and intense effort.

The answer is your personal prayer for those in the eternal realms that still need grace. Who did not believe? Who did not have faith? Who are still bitter and have not forgiven. Your prayer and its content must contain the essence of the commandment to “love your neighbor”. Hearts need to be moved in order to change, and this happens through sincere love, true compassion, and God’s grace.

Always remember, our prayers help;                                                                                                                                   
God still forgives.                                                                                                                                     
God still gives 2nd chances.                                                                                                                                 
God still answers prayers.                                                                                                                                   
God still loves me.

Maybe there are many in the beyond that for whatever reason have difficulty believing in Jesus Christ. On Sunday, July 1st, 2018 is our next Service for the departed, so please pray for your neighbor and show them that you love and care for them. Also, that they may accept the invitation of grace to come to the altar of Jesus Christ.