Many of you know Alvis (Hades, Tinkerman, Hunter Gibbens, Shy Fox, and Billy Joe). He joined Sylvan in 2008 and has been a faithful friend and helper to many. Though a faithful adventurer here with us for many years, he has now begun a new and unending adventure in a land of glorious wonder and majesty before the very throne of God in heaven. We are blessed to have shared such fellowship with him here, and he is greatly missed. However, this isn't the end, and he is coming back!
- 1 Thessalonians 4:14
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
I feel sure it won't be very long before Christ returns and Alvis with Him! I also feel sure they want me to tell you how to join that reunion so that we can all fellowship together once again in everlasting glory.
So, what is the way? What path do we take? The simplest answer is Jesus.
- John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
The world is dying in sin and because of sin, and sin cannot live in heaven else heaven would be dying as well! However, God loved us even as sinners and made a way for sin to be punished and for us to live. That way is Jesus. Jesus died taking the punishment for our sins, but then He rose again claiming victory over death for us!
- John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. - 1 Corinthians 15:55, 57
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
....
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Yes, but what does that mean? What must we do? This means we need to turn from our sins asking forgiveness for them and turn to God in faith asking Him to save us and believing in the sacrifice of Jesus to save us forever.
- Acts 20:21
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
How can you have faith? Listen to the evidence given in the Word of God. It tells of how nature speaks of God and how the resurrection of Christ gives us hope. It tells us the truth.
- Romans 10:17
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
How can we turn from sins? We can turn from sin by listening and obeying the Word of God. It tells us what sin is, how to avoid it, and how to get out of it! This can seem difficult for some, but what is impossible for man is possible with God.
- Psalm 119:9
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. - Matthew 19:24-26
24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Sadly, this seems so simple that some people consider it foolishness.
- 1 Corinthians 1:18
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
I hope you don't see it as foolishness, and I hope you will one day join us in that glorious reunion!
Alvis has been a great friend for many years and has helped me more times and in more ways than I can remember! I do remember one particular awesome adventure we went on. I think were testing out the Chief Paroxysmus spawn at that time. That fight was crazy, but we managed to find a glitch and use it to win! The glitch got fixed later *laughs* Ah, fun times, I miss him; but yes, I will see him again! Amen!