Where Do Babies Go When They Die?

Where Do Babies Go When They Die?

Larry D. Schultz

Jesus Christ said, “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18).

Is this a general statement our Saviour is making here, or is it inclusive to all people everywhere, to all generations, and to every age of life? In order to come to a biblical conclusion we must go to the Holy Scriptures and compare scripture with scripture. In rightly dividing the word of truth, one must realize that though everything in the Bible is true, not everything is truth. Truth, as in absolute. An example of this is seen first in Genesis 3:4 where Satan says, “Ye shall not surely die,” which is obviously not truth according to Genesis 2:17, where God said, “thou shalt surely die,” this being a true statement about eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. We see this principle again in Acts 15:1, when certain men taught “Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved,” which is a true statement, but not truth according to Jesus Christ in John 3:3, “...except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” With that being said, I want to look at David's comment in 2 Samuel 12:23, “I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” These are David's words given at the time of his grief, much like today as people at a funeral of a loved one saying, “they're in a better place now,” or “heaven just got another angel.” These are comfort words. Nowhere in the Scriptures does it ever allude to the remote possibility of anyone at any age going to heaven without grace through faith. The Bible is clear that all are sinners (Romans 3:10; Psalms 51:5, 58:3). Sinners must go to hell for not accepting the free gift of eternal life by grace through faith, because of their sinful nature. So, that leaves an open assumption that God is not fair to give infants who can't understand, or mentally challenged people, or the people who have never heard the word a chance to accept and receive the gift that has already been purchased for them. Or, possibly God has another plan. No one went to heaven when they died in the Old Testament until Jesus resurrected. They went to Abraham's bosom. They didn't know this place existed until it was written of in Luke 16:23. Could there be a “holding place” now? The Bible teaches that all nations will hear the gospel (Matthew 24:14). I believe the aborted babies, mentally challenged, and people who have never heard the gospel will show up during the millennial reign of Christ. They will learn of Christ and have an opportunity to put faith in him. And this decision of trust will be verified after the millennial when Satan is “loosed out of his prison” and try to deceive the nations (Revelation 20:7,8), then Christ will put a quick end to that. It's at that time when those who have been aborted, or died early in life without knowing truth will have a chance to trust, and when Satan tries to deceive them that will be the time to “prove” their trust by being not deceived. Right after that is the White Throne Judgment, when all who have not believed will be cast forever into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

God is just, and God is fair. I agree what Calvin is quoted saying, “that God need not be limited because he works in ways we cannot always perceive, and he can still bestow his grace.” I believe his grace is to follow his word, and tell us only the things we need to know, as he does the things that only he can understand.

“There is no searching of his understanding” (Isaiah 40:28).

This is my personal belief on a subject that has long been speculated about with many different opinions. Even a number of theologians have disagreed on this matter.

One thing to get out of this is that God is not willing that any should perish. (2 Peter 3:9).

Is God's Word relevant today?

Is the power of the resurrection relevant today? Is the Bible relevant today? Is the Christianity that the pagans saw in the first century relevant today?
NO; absolutely not.
The only message you could preach from the Bible today from the Word of God and be somewhat relevant is ‘God is love’, and ‘Love your neighbor’.
God is love is understood by society that God accepts and tolerates us.
‘Love your neighbor’ is understood to mean toleration of the acts of your fellow human being. This is why abortion is legal, gay marriage is legal, children rights in the home are on the court docket to undermine the authority of the parent, pedophilia organizations are working to lower the age of consent, drunkenness is now an ‘ism’, God’s law is restricting to our very self being, and the biggest proof of the irrelevance of the Bible today is that it does not promote me, it does not make ME feel good for who I am.
The definition of relevance is ‘appropriate or to the purpose’. With this meaning of the word relevance, God’s word is not, should not, and never has been relevant for us. The real question should be, ‘are WE relevant to the Word of God?’
The normal procedure for most people is to remove and get rid of items that are not relevant to one’s life, or lifestyle. Example being the microwave replaced the toaster oven, the mp3 player replaced the walkman, the VHS replaced the BETA, email has mostly replaced paper mail, cell phone has replace the home phone, each decade or less we improve something to replace something. This has created a dangerous habit of thought that we see today: we must reprint or replace the Bible.
‘I will put no wicked thing before my eyes’ has been replaced with movie ratings from the world that make it relevant for us to go see things according to society’s standard. The ‘abstain from all appearance of evil’ has been replaced with the cushy word of ‘balance’, and a misinterpretation of the word of God.
The fact is WE are not relevant to God. But he has given his Spirit for us to walk in, not as a tool to get close to him, not as the method to live according to his Word, but the only way to be relevant to himself. Walk in the Spirit and ye won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh. Flesh is not relevant to God, but the Spirit is. God has to make us relevant to his purpose; he must make us appropriate for his use. Man has this thing turned around which has caused the diminishing of the Word of God in our society today.
Pilate asked Jesus, ‘what is truth?’, and today we ask, ‘what is relevant?’ William James, the father of psychology, said ‘truth is relevant to situation, circumstance, and time’. This philosophy has found its way into the church today, as a plague. WE need to be relevant to God.
America in her arrogance may think God owes her revival because of the missionaries she has sent worldwide; The declaration of ‘who we trust’ on our currency; the godly monuments displayed across this great country; the fundamental truths of God’s Word buried deep in the fabric of this land. BUT, Revival doesn’t come to America because it’s America, just as produce doesn’t come to a grocery store because it’s a grocery store. But because a need was seen, a deficiency was found, and a call was put in to the supplier. God is our supplier, and though we have served him well with our land: AT ONE TIME. We need to see the need, the deficiency, and make the call!
The call to our supplier: God.
The urgent call to fill the empty pews of our churches.
The urgent call to fill our empty hearts.
The urgent call for a cleanup in aisle one, two, and three., with the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
The urgent call to bring people to the altar and get filled up.
God has not changed, WE have. WE have changed, NOT God.
Let's begin now.

A time to laugh

It's bad enough that there is a major industrial accident at the bottom of the ocean that seems to be out of control. BUT when the concern of the outcome of the oil damage is directed toward 450 birds, and 30 dolphins, and some protected wetlands, it's time to realize that MAN is out of control. This could easily be a rant about the millions of babies we purposely murder, (that's Bible language for abortion). This could easily be a rant about how we worship the creature rather than the creator. But I digress.
I read Proverbs 1:24-27 the other day and immediately thought of this situation. The passage says that God called, and we refused; he stretched out his hand, and no man took it; we ignored his word, and listened to none of his advice, (All Paraphrased), but in verse 26 and 27 says, "I also will laugh at your calamity, I will mock when your fear cometh. When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you."
Some may say 'how mean!, I thought God was love'. Yes, he is love. Not a door mat. God's judgement is here in America today. More of it is coming soon. We allow the gay crowd to get into our teaching institutions, we allow science (this includes psychology) to take a dominant role in our existence. We teach tolerance, remove absolutes, and expect our kids to stand for something.
God is probably laughing now. So, what do we do? Be still, know that he is God, and that there is none other, then repent.

The Appointment

Send this to your lost friends.

The Potter

The God of second chances.

Jeremiah 18:4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Balance?

Where in the Bible does it teach to have a 'balanced' life? Maybe in Ecclesiastes where it talks about 'a time for this a time for that'? The more I read the Bible and the lives of the apostles, Jesus, and those that came after outside the Bible like Whitfield, Spurgeon, Moody, Hyles, Booth, Bounds, and countless others I find that balance is definitely not what God wants.
To us balance is to put the Bible away, put the tracts away, and spend time with family. Maybe watching TV, or going to a sports game, or visiting relatives, or whatever. THAT is good stuff. BUT why leave the Bible at home? Why leave the tracts on the counter? I think many Christians will be caught in the balances, and found lacking.
For the past year I have observed my church, visited churches, talked to other people about their own church, visited numerous websites of churches, talked to people on the street about church, and this is my conclusion. Put your seat belt on.
#1 I believe there is a close percentage of equal value between backslidden Christians outside the church and dead Christians inside the church.
#2 I have seen a very close resemblance between a social club with rules and standards and many of our independent churches today. Instead of being ALIVE, HOLY toward God, and making a difference in the lives around us, the church today has seemed to settle in to a comfortable padded, gas warmed, electric cooled, indoor plumbing, running water building where a group of really, really good people congregate to listen to a weekly message of which the majority have no intent of applying to their lives.
#3 I am under the impression that sign up sheets for get-togethers for food, fun, or fellowship activities use more ink in comparison to the gas it would take to drive to the church to come for a prayer meeting. That gas is still in the tank.
#4 I have literally seen a parking lot full of cars going to a youth rally but empty for visitation. Then the youths are not rallied to do anything other than wait for the next youth rally.
#5 It use to be when men were called to preach they would go off to school and learn as much as possible about the Bible and then go out and serve the Lord. But many who now are called run to the nearest 'sign up' sheet for any open preaching opportunity and think they have fulfilled their godly calling.
#6 As we continue to teach about David and Goliath, Samson and Delilah, Noah's Ark, Jonah and the whale, we have Jehovah Witnesses, Muslims, Mormons,Shamanism, New Agers and other cults falsely indoctrinating their youth to proselyte others.
#7 I have seen a wicked contentment of 'waiting on the Lord'. I am not encouraged
'to go' as often as I think I should be by others.

So, what does all this mean? Well, first of all, if you are offended by any of this then you may be part of the problem. I am not the perfect Christian by any stretch of the imagination, but I do desire to get back to what Jesus actually had in mind for his church. AND if hell is real, and heaven divine, then why are we so selective in our witnessing? I want to see families unite their time for Jesus. I want to see our churches under attack by Satan. Isn't that a sign that we are doing something for Christ? I think it is.
Well, this could go on and on, but I want it to end with an emotion from our Lord and Saviour, author of our salvation, Jesus. Found in John 11:35 'Jesus wept'.
I believe Jesus wept because of those around him weeping. He saw they knew they had NO HOPE. We need to see others around us that they have NO HOPE.
I trust if this blog did anything, it would be to ask yourself, 'what did Jesus really want my church to be like?"

God bless.

Christ is coming!

What if Christ was to come this Friday at 4:45? God dropped fliers from heaven! The whole world knows! Would we jump for joy? Not go to work?Not do the dishes? Not make our beds? Forget the lawn and yard chores? Quit school? Would we be rejoicing? Would we be singing hosanna, and holy, holy, holy, Hail Christ Almighty? Would we be calling all our friends/family and begging them to listen to the plan that Jesus laid out for eternal life? Would we pray to God for power in our 'last of the last days' of witnessing? Would we fast and witness? Would we stay up without sleep praying at night and witnessing by day KNOWING that the Lord of the harvest returneth this Friday at 4:45? What would you be doing at 4:44? crying, because you KNOW those left behind will never sit on a curb of the streets of gold with you? Will your heart be so swollen with hurt because you know your loved ones will NEVER be standing with you watching the river sparkle from the glory that Jesus provides as he is the LIGHT? At 4:44 on that Friday afternoon, one minute before Jesus BUSTS through the clouds to receive unto himself those that believe and trust the blood he shed for the remission of sin, where will you be? Who will you be leaving behind? Who will you never see again, until the Great White Thrown judgement where they will be cast into the Lake of Fire, forever? Well, we don't have a flier, but we do have where Jesus says 'get busy' in so many words, and he did give us signs to look for and these signs are definitely being fulfilled, so, it may not be prudent to quit school, or your job, BUT how about joining your church with its soul winning outreach program? How about calling a friend and inviting them to church? how about praying for courage now? memorize some soul winning passages now? How about fasting and praying now? NOW, is the time we have to work. NOW is the time we have to pray. NOW is the only time there will ever be for salvation. NOW is the accepted time, behold TODAY is the day of salvation. God help us.
I am not afraid to admit to others that I do not want to see Christ come right now. I believe this is why God offers a crown of righteousness to those who love his appearing as He understands how heart breaking it will be to depart this world with loved ones lost forever to an eternal hell without hope. Let's get busy while there is still time.
God bless.

Church Invite

I hope this encourages you to invite someone to hear the gospel this Sunday.

Sweet sound

Day Two of VBS

God has blessed day two of our Vacation Bible School with an attendance of 79! This is the 5th and 6th grade class reciting their Bible verse.

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 20:11 that 'Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether they be right.'

It most certainly is a sweet sound, isn't it?

Add to your faith

Add to your faith virtue.

Virtue is strength of mind. Once we step out in FAITH to God our mind is the next thing He wants. First our hearts, then our minds. Then from virtue we add knowledge. II Peter 1:5

We can also use the 'adding to our faith' the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22,23

Hearing from God

Hearing from God is always exciting as manifested prayers are an encouragement to pray more often. Don't take things for granted when something appears that you have asked for. Be sure to give thanks always.

Hidden sin ahead

Unlike the sign "Hidden Drive Ahead", sin doesn't make itself so well known. There are TWO ways to deal with sin as a christian: participate in it and later get on the 'recovery' program, or avoid it and get in the 'orchard' program (bearing fruit). The fruit of the Spirit is a good way to measure your walk with Christ. Look at Galatians 5:22,23 and see how your walk is doing. For comparison jump back a few verses (19-21) where the works of the flesh are manifest.

Remember, to walk in the Spirit is a sure way to stay out of the way of the mysterious Pringles content.

God bless.

What will you remember?

Do you remember your first homework assignment? Probably not. But do you remember your first day in drivers ed? or when you got to drive alone? or your first date? how about the first time you used the rearview mirror?

Homework assignment? Rearview mirror? Who remembers those things, not me! BUT, though they weren't as instantly gratifying or rewarding as the 'first drive' they were extremely important to getting you to where you are today.

The point of the video is to be careful of the decisions you make from the choices you will you have in life. If you don't use the rearview mirror some very bad things can happen ahead.

Spiritual readiness

Baseball practice, soccer practice, football practice, band practice, new employee orientation, 4 years of training before each Olympic event, drivers ed, reciting the ABC's over and over and over! YIKES!! When do we get to do the real thing??

Well, practice is training, and both help against defeat. Both require 'repetitive action to become more skillful'. So, I challenge myself and you to practice and train for the christian life.

Young Christians are often confused about certain situations they may be faced with during the course of their day and NOT know what to do. Even mature Christians are sometimes indecisive. This comes from a couple reasons: untrained to make the right decision, or knowing the right choice but choosing not to do right.

I want to give a few suggestions for training, as the 'choosing' is a matter between you and God. (though I do encourage you to do right)

How to train/practice the Christian walk.

1. Knowing what you believe is the start, and probably the most basic principle to grasp. I Peter 3:15 tells us to 'be ready always to give an answer of reason why we believe what we believe'. THIS comes from reading AND studying.

2. Surround yourself with other Christians who can encourage you and share with you what they have done in similar situations, and the blessings they received.

3. Situational rehearsing. Role play. Yes, this is the practice and training. I will give an example of soul-winning. Sharing our testimony to a group of non-believers can be intimidating if you don't know what you are gonna say. Practice among a small group or one on one. Possible introductions, question and answer, asking the person if they want to make a decision, and a sinners prayer. These should all be things we as Christians know how to address. Let's be fruitful.

How about peer pressure? SEX! I most certainly hate Satan's attack on our young people today! 'Everyone is doing it', 'what's so special about what you got', 'don't you love me', 'you're not hurting anyone'. Whether it's your friends, or Satan telling you these things YOU are the one to make the final decision. Young person, listen to me, you only have one 'first time' with everything. Don't be in such a hurry to give something away that is so precious. Virginity. Practice saying 'NO' in the mirror. Once you realize that this is a sin it may be a little easier for you to commit to 'NO'. Our society has disregarded the truths of God, and are now suffering the consequences. Just because abortion is legal in government does not take it off the 'sin list' with God. Just because 'gay marriage' is legal in government does not take it off the 'sin list' with God. Just because 'everyone is doing it' does not take it off the 'sin list' with God.

I hate sin, more so now than ever. I have struggles in my life today that are there because of seeds planted over 30 years ago. Satan is a master farmer. He knows how to work the soil, cultivate, feed, and grow a crop. BUT! his crop is not good for digesting, it is poison.

I will stop now before this turns into a sermon. I have just recently had some news of a very dear person I know who has chosen to sign his virginity over to Satan. I wish I had a crowd of teenagers to preach to right now. I have love to preach, and deliverance that God offers. Satan is NOT your friend.

Satan is NOT your friend. You are created in the image of God, how could Satan possibly like you? He is a deceiver, remember that.

Practice goodness, practice soul-winning, practice saying NO. NO. NO to Satan. And YES, YES, YES to what is right. Plant good seed.

I love you all who read this, in Christ.

Greater is HE in me!

WE go through struggles that keep us apart from God. This is nonstop. A full time job for Satan. And he loves it! Some from seeds planted many years ago, or recently. Some struggles we bring on ourselves because we don't feed our spiritual body. BUT, all struggles can be overcome through aligning ourselves up with God's Word. Be careful what you look at today. What you listen to. Where you go. What you say. And remember, someone is feeding! Is it the carnal side of you, or the spiritual?

God bless.

I have not forgotten

A very influential person early in my life died last year. She gave me my first Bible when I was 8 years old (1971). What a Christmas gift.

She was my neighbor, invited me to church and became my Sunday School teacher, she was also my sitter when my parents were working. Then when I was 12 years old she led me to the Lord in salvation.

Ann was influential in a lot of childrens lives. She had a calling that way. I also know she prayed for me often. I don't know how many years she kept this up but one verse comes to mind as I ponder my life.

Psalms 119:61 says, "The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law."

My full joy in Christ has been robbed as I allowed sin to rule a good portion of my life. And I am sure it was the early teaching, and prayers of an obedient servant that kept me from falling off the page of God's will. The many scriptures I have memorized were often tugged at by the Holy Spirit, and I always knew that I should be serving God.

I tell you this for two reasons: To honor Ann, as a great lady of God. Teaching, praying, and being an example for all the children she led during her life here on earth.

And to encourage YOU. Christian sitter, Bible teacher, Sunday School teacher, prayer warrior, christian neighbor. YOU are building a foundation for some kid today that may have a way out of sin later in life when they say, "The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law." It is God's pressing word that brought me back into service. Who will I influence? Who will you influence?

Ann also helped me memorize my first Bible verse. John 3:16

This Bible sits in my office as a memorial.

In memory of Ann Pritchard. My first Sunday School teacher. The giver of my first Bible. And the one who showed me how to have life more abundantly through Jesus Christ.

Happy DAY Mother's!

God bless all you mom's. I don't want to say "Happy Mother's DAY" because being a mother is a 24/7 job that is probably the most under-appreciated position a female could have. Like a good farmer, you are over-worked and under appreciated, but very, very necessary. YOU are the glue, the staple, the paper clip, you are the hinge that makes it ALL work. Like a seasoned CEO from a Fortune 500 company, you know how to meet deadlines and schedules. The early morning madness of getting the kids ready for school; packed lunches, breakfast, last minute homework, making sure the kids clean behind the ears, tying the shoes, then the standard declaration "I love you, and be good".
After work you rush to meet schedules of sports practices or games. 'Soccer Mom's, Basketball Mom's, Football Mom's, MOM's! (Manager Of Mountains). The mom mobile is on the road with the troops getting to places quicker than a New York taxi driver in rush hour. You are probably a candidate for 'mom of the year'. Of course things change when the kids get older. They drive now, more time away from home with friends, and your 'worry-years' begin. I know great moms never stop worrying about their kids, my mom still worries about me and I am 46! I tell her not to worry and her reply to me is, "Larry, you will never know what it is like to be a mom. I will always worry about my two kids, and no matter how old you are you will always be my little boy."
A special God bless you to the single moms, and the grandmas who are caring for your own children's kids. Your heart is bigger than the world, and your reward is bigger than the universe.
A farmer knows things about the land that one may never understand; a great mom knows things that we will never understand.
Happy DAY Mother's!
Larry

Copy and forward as you like. (but send people back to my blog)

Hath God Said? (Part Two)

Here is Part 2 from 'How do I commit?'
Often times we want to commit to God but are so overwhelmed with the little details we loose progress, or worst yet, we don't make any progress. Let God know you want to follow him. Then I suggest, read his word, pray for guidance, ask for wisdom to know when guidance comes, and discernment to know that it is from God and not Satan. THEN, rest, and wait.
REST AND WAIT.
Yep, these are actually action verbs! Put it in God's hands. Listen for direction. REST AND WAIT.
Enjoy.

Be sure to look up Psalms 119:32. Then get ready for some real action. Commitment. "I will run......, WHEN THOU...." Like the ole saying from the basketball coach, he says 'jump', you say 'how high'.

Have a great day!

What's in your garden?

Good seed, bad seed, good fruit, yucky fruit, we all experience it. And when we go to the fruit stand we certainly don't pick the bad, ugly flowers or apples to take home with us. Right? Sure we don't!

A garden is something you want to enjoy, whether it is a flower garden, vegetable garden, or orchard. Each type needs care. Proper seed. Proper and timely weeding, watering, pruning, more timely weeding, watering, pruning, and even more timely weeding, watering, pruning.

I just want to make mention of the seed for now. The seed is the first step to the fruit. No matter what seed it may be, it will produce fruit in the future. For the christian, seeds can be our friends, the places we go, the thoughts we have. OH YES, my friend, thoughts are the master mind of great things, BIG and small. Pondering, planning, wishing, desiring are all seeds. Always look at the seed as a road, because it will certainly take you somewhere. And know this> often the roads are ONE WAY. The only way to change the destination is to get on another road. Possible to do but usually not easy. This is why I encourage you to carefully look at the seed you are getting ready to plant or nurture today.

Our Youth need to be taught how to pick and nurture good seed. It's easier to plant than to pull weeds. God Bless Our Youth.
Galatians 5:22,23

Hath God Said?

Hey all, I have been toying with getting a fun comic type thingy together mainly for another page on my website http://www.larrydschultz.com/ and thought I would try it here as well.

This series will mostly be a lesson through Psalms and Proverbs.

Enjoy.