Mt St. Helens Washington State
On 18th May 1980 the volcano exploded taking out the whole side of the mountain sending volcanic lava, rock, melted glacial water and debris, down the mountain, wiping out 600 kilometres of vegetation and animal life, killing 57 people.
Most obeyed the warnings, but Harry R Truman refused to evacuate his mountain lodge saying he had lived here 50 years, he knew the mountain and it would not hurt him, but he was buried in his lodge under 150ft of mudflow
Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius
Survivors of this disaster recalled that on the morning of the 24th August 79AD, long before Vesuvius showed signs of danger, something extraordinary happened-
All the BIRDS gathered together on the roof tops and at a given signal they all flew off in the opposite direction to Vesuvius. The DOGS were restless refusing to stay still, and the HORSES became unruly refusing to eat.
They sensed the invisible tremors and sounds that the people of Pompeii didn’t, they were not preoccupied with earthly matters, only life mattered and they obeyed the instinct they were given by their Creator, to flee danger
Many people escaped, but 2000 stayed, slaves escaped if they could, but the masters trusted in their buildings, refusing to leave their wealth and possessions, confident they would survive, but were entombed.
Experts in disasters highlight the fact that when faced with physical danger our thought patterns change and are no longer in control. We deny reality, stand petrified, downplay the threat, delay action, hope someone will take charge, or we just refuse to accept whats happening.
Experts also noted that only those who had prepared a plan of action beforehand had the ability to think straight and not panic, they were ready.
So why write about this?
Well its not just good advice if you live in a danger zone, but we are not just physical beings we are spiritual and what happens to the body has eternal consequences for the soul.
We have been warned by God that Judgment is to come upon this world that will affect every single person because we are all sinners.
We have all broken the laws of God, but because we have not been punished immediately with fire from heaven we think we have got away with it so we continue doing wrong. After all we aren't accountable to anyone are we!
But we are, God sees all we do, think and say, nothing is hidden from Him, but He will not continue to allow immorality, murder, lying, cheating, stealing, deception and a host of other sins we commit without Judgement coming, there is a limit to His grace and mercy.
He hates sin, the sinner will be judged. Christianity is the only religion that has a Saviour, Who came to die for the very people who rejected Him. A sinless substitute Who took the punishment we deserved so we could be forgiven and escape.
Can you remember how many lies you have told, or how many times you have used the Lords name as a swear word, or committed immoral acts?
God remembers them all, and each one will be judged. We are storing up wrath for the Day of Wrath unless we repent and ask the Lord Jesus to forgive us.
There is no other name given under heaven by which we may be saved. We can think what we like, chose any religion we like, or make a god to suit ourselves, but like wooden images or stone idols made with our hands they have no power to save.
You may think there is no God, and once your dead that's the end, but one second into eternity you will know how wrong you were but it will be too late then for you have died in your sin.
None can forgive sin and change the heart except Jesus, He is the way the truth and the light, the only Saviour of the World. Only those who are prepared and ready will escape the Day that is coming. We will all face our Creator on that day but the destination will not be the same for everyone, it will be Heaven or hell eternally.
God is love but true love never overlooks sin that is why there is a Hell. But if we reject the only means He has provided we will not escape.
We can go our own way like Harry R Truman who did it his way, or trust in the Lord today be ready before our final day because we do not know when that will be!
The plan of salvation has been given and whoever calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved.
Welcome to Dunk's Green Free Church
Dunk's Green Evangelical Church is the last remaining independent village church in the Tonbridge and Sevenoaks area. First established in 1838, today's church remains true to its founders' original vision -- to preach the full Gospel of Jesus Christ and to encourage local people to seek and trust Him alone for their salvation.
Enquiries: epastor@dunkschurch.org
