CASE ON THE MOUNTAIN TOP

 THREE DETECTIVES CLIMB

BALD MOUNTAIN

Jack, Gloria and Valerie climb to the summit of Bald Mountain in Utah.  Putting down their daypacks, they walk over to a Hispanic family enjoying views of Mirror Lake below.

Marco the father says, "This is our first time up here.  We're from California."

Rosa the mother adds, "We live near sea level and not use to hiking in high mountains."

Gloria remarks,  "Bald Mountain is 11,943' above sea level and the air is a lot thinner.  Would you like me to take a picture of your beautiful family?"

Rosa smiles, "I'm Rosa, my husband Marco, my daughter Ana, and my son Carlos."

Rosa passes her cell phone to Gloria to shoot a family portrait.

Gloria takes a photo, saying, "Carlos, you're not smiling!  Put on a happy face."  

Passing back the phone, Carlos mumbles, "Cell phone coverage is spotty up here.  I can't contact any of my friends."

Jack smiles, "We are the three detectives.  I'm Jack, Valerie is our note taker, and Gloria shoots videos.  We are here investigating mountain top experiences and wonder if you would like to share your thoughts."

Ana speaks, "Some of the hike was scarey walking near steep cliffs.  I don't know how anyone can climb Angel's Landing in Zion."

Carlos adds, "I almost fell running on loose rocks today."

Jack speaks, "You all made it to the top of the mountain.  Have you made it to the top of the mountain in your career, goals or life?"

Rosa blurts out, "Yes, I'm married to Marco, and have Carlos my son and Ana my beautiful daughter.  With my family, I'm on top of the world."

Marco looks in Jacks eyes, "I grew up in a large family, we were poor, but the good Lord always provided for us.  After I married Rosa, I had to work two jobs to provide for my family."

Rosa adds, "He was working so much, he was never home.  I told Marco, he should start his own business.  That's when he started his food truck."

Ana speaks, "Papa's food truck broke down, and he decided to start his own Mexican restaurant."

Carlos talks, "He's rich now, tearing down the old building to construct a larger restaurant.  Me and my sister will be going to college after we graduate high school."

Valerie states, "Sounds like you have reached most of your dreams of life and are on the top of the mountain.  Have you ever thought about your afterlife?  Do you have any mountain top goals with Jesus?"

Marco's family is silent, looking at each other waiting for the first one to speak.

Marco scratches his ear, "Won't we be floating in heaven with all the angels?"

Valeria replies, "I'm going to be living forever with Jesus.  'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16 NIV - New International Version)

Jack speaks, "After the great tribulation, Jesus the Messiah will set up his kingdom on earth for 1,000 years."

Gloria adds, "Marco, this life is short on Earth now.  Should you be preparing to be apart of God's future kingdom.  Is there another mountain top you should be seeking?"

Rosa smiles, "We don't attend church as much as we should.  Carlos needs to do homework,

Ana stays up all night, and Marco either wants to watch games or go fishing with his friends."

Jack speaks, "When we meet Jesus, he will be on the Bema Seat to judge our works of what we did for God during our lifetime."

Gloria reads, "Because all of us must go and stand in front of Christ as our judge. He will decide about the things that we have done during our lives here on earth. Whether we have done good things or bad things, we will receive what is right for us." (2 Corinthians 5:10  Easy - Easy English Version)

Rosa replies, "We are a good and loving family."

Jack reads, "For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,  each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.  If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.  If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."

(1 Corinthians 3:11-15  NKJV - New King James Version)

Valerie adds, "After athletic competion, winners would go to a raise platform called the Bema, to receive their reward for their accomplishment.  Jesus said, "Look! I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me to repay each person according to what he has done."  (Revelation 22:12  HCSB - Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Ana speaks, "Reminds me of the Parable of the Talents, I learned in Sunday school."

Valerie summerizes, "Yeah, a wealthy man gives workers bags of silver to reinvest while he goes out of town.  His first worker he gave five bags of silver, second worker he gave two bags of silver, and third only had one bag to reinvest.  One Talent is one 75lbs bag of silver coins or bars."

Marco smiles, "I wish I had ten bags of silver."

Rosa smirks, "Maybe five bags."

Valerie continues, "When the master returned he wanted to check on his investment.  The first worker doubled his silver to ten bags.  

He was rewarded with the position over 10 towns.  The second worker doubled his silver to four bags.  He was rewarded with the position over 4 towns.  And the worker who was lazy and afraid of his master and buried the silver, had his reward taken from him.  His reward was given to the worker who had ten bags."

Gloria adds, "God has given us gifts, talents and resources to accomplish His works.  Whether we feed the poor, teach Sunday school, pray for the sick, help our neighbor, or preach the gospel, Jesus wants us to be His hands and feet.  Jesus ascended to Heaven, and when He returns and you approach the Bema Seat, will you receive any rewards?

What are your motives for doing good works?

Will your works burn up like wood, hay and stubble; or will your works remain like gold, silver and precious stones?"

Marco says, "My life is too busy...I'm still trying to do good works to earn my salvation."

Valerie reads, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,  not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:8-10  ESV - English Standard Version)

Jack asks, "Are you Born Again?  You cannot see or enter the kingdom of God unless you are Born of the Spirit."

Ana speaks up first, "I love Jesus and want to be Born Again."  Marco's entire family desires a relationship with the Son of God."

Jack says, "Repent from your sins and follow Jesus!"   Jack leads them in a pray of salvation, then says, "Go and be baptized, and make a public proclaiminon of your new faith in Christ Jesus."

Marco being filled with God's Holy Spirit, jumps around, saying, "I am a new man in Jesus Christ!  I'm a new man!"

Rosa smiles, "I'm filled with bubbling Joy!"

Jack concludes, "Now that you are Born Again, the Holy Spirit will give you power to accomplish your good works, to show the world that God lives in you!  Are you going to reach your new mountain top?"

IS GREAT TRIBULATION DIFFERENT THAN 7 YEAR TRIBULATION?

 END TIMES MYSTERY?

 KABOB LUNCH

Four pastors enjoy lunch eating kabobs at a Mediterranean restaurant to discuss different topics and share their points of view.

Pastor Dave asks, "There seems to be a lot of confusion and debate about the '7 year Tribulation' and the 'Great Tribulation'.  Are they different or are we talking about the same thing?"

Pastor Frank remarks, "Could the things written in Daniel and Revelation all ready have been fulfilled in 70 AD, by the destruction of Jerusalem?"

Pastor Dave reads, "Seventy weeks are decreed upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy."  (Daniel 9:24 ASV - American Standard Bible)

Pastor Jun De talks,  "69 weeks in Daniel have been fulfilled, but God paused the 70th week to finish later."

Pastor Manuel adds, "OK, does everyone believe Daniel's 7 weeks refers to 7 years of Tribulation?"

Pastor Jun De continues, "But there is a distinction.  The 'Great Tribulation' refers to the last 3 1/2 years!  After the Antichrist is revealed defiling the third temple in Jerusalem, then God will pour out His wrath upon the Earth."

Pastor Manuel questions, "Pastor Jun De, can you explain, I'm confused."

Pastor Jun De explains, Jesus said, " For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be."  (Matthew 24:21 NKJV)  This happens after the antichrist is revealed in the abomination of desolation."  

Pastor Frank smiles, "Where are you getting that from?  Isn't 'GREAT' an adjective describing intensity?"

Pastor Jun De continues, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

(Matthew 24:29-30  NKJV)  You see, 3 1/2 years after the antichrist was revealed, will be the second coming of Jesus Christ."

Pastor Manuel questions, "The last passage you read says 'Tribulation,' not 'Great Tribulation.'  What is the full context of Matthew 24?"

Pastor Dave says, "So when you see the abomination of desolation—spoken about by Daniel the prophet—standing in the holy place” (let the reader understand), “then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. The one on the roof must not come down to take anything out of his house, and the one in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing their babies in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.  (Matthew 24:15-21  NET - New English Translation)

Pastor Frank states, "Jesus is warning the people living in Israel to flee to the mountains and wilderness, because there will be Great Tribulation to the people living in Israel?"

Pastor Jun De continues, "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book."  (Daniel 12:1 KJV)

Pastor Dave remarks, "I believe the 7 year Tribulation involves a war against God's people, by the unholy trinity...Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet, trying to prevent the second coming of the Messiah."

Pastor Manuel speaks, "It's like the feud with Moses and Pharaoh.  Every time the Pharaoh did something bad, God poured out His wrath."

Pastor Jun De remarks, "Look at all the tribulation in the world today.  People are dying and being persecuted.  Look at all the suffering from earthquakes, famines and disasters.  Why does God allow these things to happen?"

Pastor Frank ask,  "Is God pouring out His tribulation and judgement on the righteous? 

Pastor Dave continues,  "The first harvest is the Barley grain, that doesn't need a threshing sled.  Barley can be seperated from its husk and stalk by hand using household tools.

I believe, righteous believers in Jesus Christ will be raptured and spared from going through the 7 year tribulation on Earth.  This is the first harvest."

Pastor Manuel reads, "But God also rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him.  Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day.  So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. (2 Peter 2:7-9  NLT ~ New Living Translation)

Pastor Dave continues, "The second harvest is hard Wheat grain that needs a threshing sledge to seperate the grain from the chaff through pressure and friction.  The latin name for this sledge is "Tribulum, where we get the word Tribulation."  

Pastor Manuel adds, "Like grains of wheat, 

people will have hard hearts.  Some will be broken down by the Tribulum, while others will blow away like the chaff."

Pastor Jun De remarks, "I still believe the Great Tribulation begins at the middle of the 7 years, after the antichrist is revealed by defiling the holy temple in Jerusalem."

Pastor Dave continues, "Christ's church will be in Heaven to witness the Lamb opening up the first seal, revealing the White Horseman."

Pastor Manuel says, "Imagine if all the good Christians suddenly were raptured, would this be a good time for the Antichrist to appear on the world scene?  Would there be any opposition for him to come to power?"

Pastor Frank adds, "When the Lamb opens the first seal, the Antichrist will be riding a white horse, wearing a victory crown, and carrying a bow."

Pastor Manuel states, "Some people believe he will make a peace covenant and allow the Jews to build their third temple on the temple mount."

Everyone is silent for one moment.

Pastor Manuel adds, "In heaven the Lamb opens one seal at a time.  White horseman is the Antichrist, Red horseman brings war,  Black horseman causes worldwide famine, Pale Green horseman brings pestillence.  After the six seals 1/4 of the world's population will be deceased."  

Pastor Dave adds, "Pastor Jun De, would you consider this part of the Tribulation?"

Pastor Jun De questions, "You don't get my point, what about the Great Tribulation after the first 3 1/2 years?"

Pastor Dave continues, I believe Daniel said there is one 7 year Tribulation, before the return of Jesus Christ.  When it begins, God's righteous will be raptured?  God is omniscient and knows the future.  Only the Lamb of God is worthy to peel the Seals.

Pastor Manuel adds, "There will be wars, rumor of wars, people groups fighting each other, famines and pestilence."  

Pastor Dave continues, "God is slow to anger. But he will pour our his wrath in the Trumpet and Bowl Judgments."

Pastor Manuel adds, "I don't know how anyone can split the 7 year Tribulation in two."

Pastor Jun De smiles, "I'm beginning to see the light.  I'm glad we can talk about these things."

Pastor Dave concludes, "On the Day of the Lord, Jesus will return to the Mount of Olives, to establish His kingdom on Earth.  Satan will be thrown into a pit and locked up for 1,000 years.  And we will be living in a world of peace!"

Pastor Manuel reads,  "Because you have kept My command to endure, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come over the whole world to test those who live on the earth.  I am coming quickly. Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown."  (Revelation 3:10-11  HCSB - Holman Christian Standard Bible)

CASE OF THE LOST PERSONS

  THREE DETECTIVES HOT TOPIC

GOBLIN VALLEY INVESTIGATION

On a hot summer afternoon, Jason with red hair, is with his girl friend Olivia, in a shaded pavilion overlooking Goblin Valley.  Jason says, "This is so amazing!"  Olivia adds, "It's like a valley of large mushrooms."  

Holly, Jason's sister blurts out, "Can we go down and see all the creatures below.  Please!"

Jason replies, "No, you have to wait here for mom and dad, or they'll worry.  

Holly replies, "Don't leave me here alone."

Olivia smiles, "It's too hot for you to wander in the desert.  Ask permission from your mom and dad to go hiking in the evening when it's cooler."

Jason adds, "Don't worry, we'll be back in one hour.  Just relax and wait here Holly."

Jason & Olivia starts hiking down the trail. They hear Jason's little sister cry out, "Hey, you forgot something? Where's your water!"

One hour later, the three detectives speak to Holly sitting in the shaded pavilion.  Jack says to Holly, "Welcome to Mars!"  

Gloria writes notes, "Are you here alone?"  

Valerie uses her cell phone to shoot video of the conversation, saying, "Honey, it's too hot for anyone to be out there, even in the shade it's 98 degrees.  Are you waiting for your parents?"

Holly has a worried face, saying, "My brother Jason and his girl friend Olivia are down there without any water.  They promised to be back in one hour and I've been waiting two hours.  Mom and dad went to town to pick up some food."

Jack states, "There's 9,915 acres in Goblin Valley."

Gloria adds, "Most likely they're somewhere among the goblins.  Let's grab some extra water and search for the lost persons."

The three detectives walk down the trail into the sandstone mushroom forest.  They see weird shapes walking around each large rock formation."

Gloria speaks, "This rock looks like a Turtle."

Valerie says, "I see a Monkey face rock.  Jack, how are we going to find them?"

Jack replies, "My plan is to circle around the Goblins.  I don't think anyone else is out here, baking in 105 degree afternoon sun."  

Gloria, looks at shaded areas where they might be taking a break & resting."

Valerie says, "Be quiet!  JASON, OLIVIA CAN YOU HEAR ME!"  

Waiting in silence, they hear no reply; only the sound of sand blowing in the wind.

Gloria adds, "It's so quiet here, I hear ringing in my ears, from noise inside my body."

Valerie states, "What if they went to the Goblin's Lair, or have returned to the pavilion.  There is no cell phone coverage here.  

Gloria adds, "It's so miserable, it feels like my hair dryer is blowing hot air constantly in my face."

The three detectives perched on a hill, scan

the valley for hikers, spotting nobody moving, then gaze at the covered pavilion in the distance."

Jack says, "Let's climb down here and search this area, before we head back."

Behind a rock formation, Olivia hears voices coming down a hill.  She says, "Jason, I'm feeling faint and have a severe headache.  Shhh!  I hear voices of angels coming for me."

Behold, Jack, Gloria, and Valerie appear from behind a rock surprising them!

Gloria speaks, "You must be Olivia and Jason."

Olivia replies, "Yes, how do you know our names?  What do you want with us?"

Jack looks at Jason's fair skin, smiling, "UV is 12 this afternoon. You can get a sunburn in 5 minutes.  Are you using sunscreen?"

Valerie talks, "Olivia, your slurring your speech.  Are you hydrated?  Did you drink any water before hiking?"

Jason answers, "Olivia guzzled down more than 1 liter of water before we started."

Jack states, "Olivia may have  hyponatremia from guzzling down water too fast.  This is an electrolyte imbalance where blood sodium levels are abnormally low."

Gloria adds, "Drinking too fast washes away the salts in your body."

Valerie adds, "You need to replentish your electrolytes and eat salty snacks when hiking in deserts."

Jack hands bottles of water to Jason and Olivia.  

Valerie gives some electrolyte gummies to Olivia and Jason to chew."

Jason smiles, "The three of you came all the way out here just to give us water?  Why?  Are you park rangers?   Who told you we were out here?"

Gloria reads, "Jesus said, " And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.”  (Matthew 10:42 LSB - Legacy Standard Bible)

Valerie adds, "We get a reward in heaven for giving water to the thirsty."

Both Jason and Olivia enjoy drinking cold water.  "Thanks!  I would still would like to know who sent you."

Jack speaks, "Jesus said to a Samaritan woman, 'Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”  (John 4:10 NLT - New Living Translation)

Olivia smiles, "What is living water?"

Jack continues, "Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”  (John 4:13-14  NLT)

Gloria says, "Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit."

(John 3:5  NIV - New International Version)

Olivia smiles, "How do I receive living water from God?"

Valerie states, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  (John 3:16 NIV)

Jack continues, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."                (1 John 1:9 NIV)

Gloria adds, "You need to believe and trust in Jesus, making Him Lord of your life.  Would you like to receive some living water today?"

Valerie speaks, "Jesus died on the cross for our sins.  If you're willing to follow Him, he will give you His Holy Spirit to guide and comfort you."

Jason grins, "Olivia, I am a terrible guide.  I'm willing to change my life and follow Jesus and receive His living water."

Olivia smiles, "Me too!  I'm real thirsty for living water."

Jack speaks to Jason and Olivia saying, "Would you like to pray with me?"

Afterwards, both Jason and Olivia were filled with God's spirit and were energized to hike back.

Olivia states, "I feel like a brand new woman!"

The three detectives guide the couple back walking toward the pavilion through the maze of the goblins.

Jason speaks, "You never told us how you knew our names, and why you were looking for us."

Gloria smiles, "Holly told us you were lost out here without water and we brought you God's living water too!"

CASE OF THE DOG RACE

THREE DETECTIVES SUMMER FUN

DOG PARK INVESTIGATION

On a Saturday morning the three detectives are on a Bark Adventure, investigating a doggy mystery.  Lead investigator Jack interviews, Gloria takes notes, while Valerie shoots a video to document the evidence.

Jack asks Diego with the Black Lab first, saying, "Does your dog know any good tricks?"

Diego replies, "She's an escape artist finding a way to jump over any fence or digging under.  That's why we have to keep her on a chain."

Gloria adds, "What about training your dog?"

Diego states, "She's a stupid mutt!"

Valerie asks Ram, the owner of the Golden Retriever, saying, "Does your golden know any tricks?"  

Ram replies, "Sit, stay, rollover, fetch, and shake.  If I say 'Park,' she knows we are going to a park."

Jack asks Billy, holding the white Poodle, "Is your dog smart?" 

 

Billy replies, "Poodles are fast learners and exceptionally smart and ranked among the top 3 intelligent dogs."

Jack adds, "Do you believe in evolution?"

Nodding their heads 'YES,' all three dog owners non-verbally state their belief.

Jack speaks, "We're investigating the different dog races." 

 

Ram speaks, "My dog is not able to compete with Greyhounds."  

Diego adds, "My mutt is too stupid to run around an obstacle course."

Valerie says, "Would you believe a teacher that said, 'Dogs with black fur were evolved from Gorillas, Brown fur dogs were evolved from Orangutans, and White fur dogs were evolved from intelligent Chimpanzees?"

  

Diego replies, "That's sick!"

Jack speaks, "Did Bears evolve into Whales?"

Gloria says, "Are the Black fur, Brown fur and White fur dogs different races?"

Diego grins, "There are Black, Yellow and Chocolate Labs."

Rams speaks, "Golden Retrievers are one breed with cream, gold and red fur."

Billy smiles, "It's just genetics.  In the same litter I got my white Poodle, there were black ones too."

Gloria smiles, "If your white Poodle has one white parent and one black parent, is your dog considered white or black?" 

 

Billy replies, "Race is not determined by the color of a dog's fur.  All dogs are one race!"

Jack smiles, "You're right, there is only one race of dogs and about 360 breeds of dogs."

Gloria stares at the dog owners, "How many human races are there?  Do we determine race by skin, facial features or eye color?"

The three dog owners were puzzled and remained silent.

Valerie speaks, "God created Adam and Eve.  From their DNA, we get all the variety of human features."

Jack adds, "God only created one human race."

Gloria states, "From the original dogs that God created, we have 360 breeds today.  And from Adam and Eve and Noah's family with have over 17,000 people groups living on Earth."

Ram speaks,  "I think it's evil to think someone is better or worse because of their skin color.

That's were we get racism from."

Jack concludes, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."  (John 3:16 LSB - Legacy Standard Bible)  

Gloria adds, "It doesn't matter what color of fur you have, God loves you the same."

Valerie speaks, "Repent from your sins, trust in Jesus as your Lord, and receive His Holy Spirit, and you'll have everlasting life."

CASE OF THE NATURAL LAW OF GOD

 PARABLE OF CORONA ARCH

THREE DETECTIVES ON VACATION

The Three Detectives are doing undercover work in Moab, Utah.  Lead detective Jack holds a glass jar, Gloria takes down notes, and Valerie shoots videos of everything that is said.

Near the Arch, Jack comments, "Some people call Corona Arch the Little Rainbow Bridge."  

A young couple overhearing him meets the detectives.  

Tom says, "I have seen people climb on top of the arch and rappel down.  His wife, Robin adds, "I can't even watch that kind of stuff."

Jack speaks, "We're here investigating the Natural Law of God."

Robin replies, "My husband Tom has a masters in Physics, and know all about the laws of nature."

Tom adds, "First law is Inertia, second law is Force and Acceleration, and third law is Action-Reaction."

Gloria speaks, "What if I climbed up on top of the arch and did a handstand during a windy afternoon?"

Robin answers, "You might fall off!"

Tom adds, "If you fall from 105 feet at 56 mph, it would only take 3 seconds to reach the bottom.  Shall we talk about Newton's law of Gravity?"

Valeria smiles, "Were all the laws we observe in nature created by intelligent design, or random chance during billions of years?"

The couple is silent, contemplating an answer.

Gloria says,  "Is there an unseen spiritual world?  Could there be spiritual laws in the universe as important as the law of gravity?  Could there be an intelligent creator of the universe?"

Jack adds, "We are investigating the Natural Law of God.  Can you guess what it is?"

Robin replies, "Sorry, we're not religious."

Valerie reads, Jesus said, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."  

(Matthew 23:12  ESV - English Standard Version)

Jack comments, "This law is about Pride and Humility and  the consequences.  Tom, if you had to choose between modeling your life after Jesus or Lucifer, which one would you choose?"

Robin smirks, "Sometimes he's the devil."

Tom remarks, "Isn't there good and bad in everyone?"

Valerie reads, Lucifer, "Your pride and the music of your harps have been brought down to Sheol; Maggots are spread out as your bed beneath you and worms are your covering.’

How you have fallen from heaven,
You star of the morning, son of the dawn!
You have been cut down to the earth,
You who defeated the nations!
But you said in your heart,
‘I will ascend to heaven;
I will raise my throne above the stars of God,
And I will sit on the mount of assembly
In the recesses of the north.
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.’
Nevertheless you will be brought down to Sheol, to the recesses of the pit.  (Isaiah 14:11-15  NASB - New American Standard Bible)

Gloria adds, "Lucifer is the example of Pride, wanting to exalt himself as the most high.  God humbled him by throwing him the pit."

Valerie smiles, "Jesus is the example of Humility!"

Jack reads, "You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.  Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross."  (Philippians 2:5-8 NLT - New Living Translation) 

Robin says, "I never heard that before."

Jack says, "What happened when Jesus humbled himself?"

Valerie reads, "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  (Philippians 2:9-11  NIV - New International Version)

Tom speaks, "How does this apply to me and Robin?"

Valerie reads, "At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  And He called a child to Himself and set him before them,  and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever therefore will humble himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 18:1-4  LSV - Legacy Standard Version)

Gloria adds, "If I was prideful, showing off on top of the arch, God might send a gust of wind and bring me down to earth."

Jack speaks, "If let loose of the jar, will the law of gravity be responsible for breaking it?

Robin speaks, "I think it's too hard to be humble all the time."

Jack smiles, "You're right, you can't be humble unless God helps you.  You have a choice to follow Jesus or Lucifer."

Tom speaks, "How do we follow Jesus?"

Jack speaks, "You need to turn away from your sins, have faith, trust in Jesus, and follow him."

Gloria adds, "You'll receive the Holy Spirit and become a new person in Christ."

Robin looks at Tom, "I don't want you to live like the devil anymore."

Jack concludes, "Would you like to pray and receive Jesus into your life?  Would you like to have everlasting life with Jesus?"

Robin and Tom reply, "Yes!"