Hell’s Gates!
What did I do on Easter Sunday?
I went to the Hell’s Gates and back, and here’s the pics to show it…..
Okay, it wasn’t the REAL gates of hell! I went for a walk in Noosa National Park, and the last point of the walk is called “Hell’s Gates”.
But as I thought about it, it reminded me, firstly, of the victory Jesus won at Easter time. In Revelation, He said:
“I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” (Revelation 1:18, NKJ)
And secondly, it reminds me of the victory WE have now, as His Church, over hell and Satan, because of Jesus death and resurrection.
Jesus said to Peter: “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:18-19, ESV)
And thirdly, it reminds me of our FINAL victory over sin and death:
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”
The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
(1 Corinthians 15:54-58, NKJ)
The last photo is really nice.
What a beautiful way to bring the Message out to people. I thoroughly enjoy your pictures on Flickr but this was a nice added touch to see this side of your talent as well. Keep up the great work and the wonderful witnessing. You are a blessing to many!
About 3 years ago I dropped into a black hole – four months of absolute terror. I wanted to end my life, but somehow [Holy Spirit], I reached out to a friend who took me to hospital. I had three visits [hospital] in four months – I actually thought I was in hell. I imagine I was going through some sort of metamorphosis [mental, physical & spiritual]. I had been seeing a therapist [1994] on a regular basis, up until this point in time. I actually thought I would be locked away – but the hospital staff was very supportive [I had no control over my process]. I was released from hospital 16th September 1994, but my fear, pain & shame had only subsided a little. I remember this particular morning waking up [home] & my process would start up again [fear, pain, & shame]. No one could help me, not even my therapist [I was terrified]. I asked Jesus Christ to have mercy on me & forgive me my sins. Slowly, all my fear has dissipated & I believe Jesus delivered me from my “psychological prison.” I am a practicing Catholic & the Holy Spirit is my friend & strength; every day since then has been a joy & blessing. I deserve to go to hell for the life I have led, but Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross, delivered me from my inequities. John 3: 8, John 15: 26, are verses I can relate to, organically. He’s a real person who is with me all the time. I have so much joy & peace in my life, today, after a childhood spent in orphanages [England & Australia]. God LOVES me so much. Fear, pain, & shame, are no longer my constant companions. I just wanted to share my experience with you [Luke 8: 16 – 17]. God sent his Son into the world to reconcile us to Himself (Col 1: 20.) Jesus Christ came not to tell us the answer to the universal problem of evil, but to overcome evil, sin and death by His everlasting love. Division and dissension, hatred and fear, aggressive power and exploitation could be conquered only by a gentle, suffering love unto death. By freely sacrificing his human life in dying for us, Jesus in His humanity was raised to glory by His Father’s Spirit and is now able to live within us.
Peace Be With You
Micky
WOW!! Thanks Micky, for sharing that. I am so pleased the Lord led me to write this post, just so I could hear that from you.
God is our life source, Jesus is our life blood, and the Holy Spirit is our life breath.
And God has given us His word for us to discover these things, and “they are life to those who find them, and health to all (our) flesh.” (Prov 4:22)
Bless ya, Mate!