Are you registered? Census, taxes, insurance?

Whenever we turn on the news, we hear the newest updates...good or bad...about the upcoming insurance plans. People having trouble registering or costs challenges. 

Some folks are already talking to their tax accountants, as the end of the year approaches, trying to take care of business before this year closes out. 

What if...just what if, we had to return to our family's hometown and register for the census? What if it was required, not just suggested? It would cause even more hardship on families, because we are such a migrating and moving people.

But remember this: Luke 2:

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.

  

Every generation has to deal with governments and laws. Am I saying I agree with each one, absolutely not! But there have been decrees through the ages that have changed who we are, whether good or bad.  

As this Christmas season approaches, we hear about the birth of Jesus in the small town of Bethlehem.  We know the story. But it brings about the question "Do you know Jesus?" Is your name written (registered) in the Book of Life? This is the only registration that will make a difference for eternity.  

Revelation 20:15 declares, “If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” The Book of Life is the set of names of those who will live with God forever in heaven. It is the roll of those who are saved. This Book of Life is also mentioned in Revelation 3:5; 20:12; and Philippians 4:3. The same book is also called the Lamb’s Book of Life because it contains the names of those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lord Jesus (Revelation 13:8; 21:27).

How can you be sure your name is written in the Book of Life? Be sure you’re saved. Repent of sin and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5). Once your name is written in the Book of Life, it is never erased (Revelation 3:5; Romans 8:37-39). No true believer should doubt his eternal security in Christ (John 10:28-30).

Think about the Christmas celebration throughout eternity! It  can happen! Praising Him who was born in a manger, in a little town called Bethlehem, forever. Make sure your name is registered! What a reason to celebrate!

Merry CHRISTmas,
gs