Harboring Suicidal Thoughts

“For if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living” (Romans 14:8-9).

On Friday (21/01/2022) I (Brother Glenn) had a vision from the Lord. It was about someone very dear to us as a family and ministry. This person has been battling with suicidal thoughts and even had some suicidal tendencies. The Lord gave us this vision to share with the person concerned and indeed this applies to everyone who harbors suicidal thoughts. In the vision, the Lord said, "Anyone who takes his or her own life will end up in Hell".

The above Scripture is saying that all people whether saved or unsaved belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ. He died and rose again so that in everything He might have the preeminence (Colossians 1:15-20). Therefore, living without regard for God as if we own our lives has eternal consequences. Furthermore, as people we may claim certain rights and privileges from other people, but this right can never be claimed from God just like the clay can’t claim from the potter (Romans 9:20-21). Often, we hear people saying "it is my life, so I can do as I please with it". Sure enough! That is only as far as exercising our will to execute a decision, but even that choice we make has limits, and since God is Supreme Judge He will bring it to account against the rules He set out in His word (Ecclesiastes 3:17). As it is, based on these Scriptures, does that give us any right to life as we please?  No! If we choose against God’s stated rules, then we will to answer to Him and face the consequences of our actions, just like Adam, Eve and the Devil did (Genesis 3:14-19). Christ is the supreme Head and Judge over all God’s creation, whether by wish or will we are all subjected to His Lordship (Acts 17:31).

Suicidal People in The Bible

In the Scriptures, I came across seven (7) or more people who directly or indirectly committed suicide. Directly being those people who inflicted death on themselves, and indirectly those who instructed others to inflict death on them. For brevity, we will not deal with each ones circumstances that drove them to those decisions. We have however included the Scriptures for you to examine each case.

While we might consider Samson’s act as suicidal, he did so by sacrificing his own life to full fill his God-ordained mission. His was therefore an act of martyrdom, and as such he was honored as a faith hero (Hebrews 11:32; Judges 16:29-31). Abimelech had his armor bearer end his life (Judges 9:54), and King Saul followed Abimelech’s example by having his armor bearer kill him with a sword (1 Samuel 31:3-6).

Furthermore, we see that Ahithophel was disgraced and decided to hang himself (2 Samuel 17:23).  Zimri, on the other hand and like many people today, avoided arrest, set the King’s palace on fire and died in the flames (1 Kings 16:18). In the New Testament, we have Judas Iscariot, who after betraying the Lord hung himself in shame.  Judas was overcome by remorse and guilt feelings; this was his admission of guilt and he could not bear living with himself so he ended his life (Matthew 27:5). We know for certain that Judas did not go to Heaven (Mark 14:21). As for the rest of the others except Samson, their act of committing suicide was rather out of desperation and in disgrace trying to get out of their distresses.  This is the unfortunate trend people are following today. If they can’t find their way, they go the easy way and end their lives. While it is easy to consider suicide to get relief from present pressing circumstances, what we must consider before committing suicide is that we will have to give account for that to God (Genesis 9:5). Like I eluded above, we might have lived our lives as we please, but NO ONE or NOTHING is able to escape from God and His Judgments (Isaiah 45:22-24; Hebrew 9:27). As hard as this may sound, I don’t know of another reality as a Christian, except to ignore it like the atheist and those who follow other religions. However, even their reality won’t offer any escape, because “and through Him (Jesus Christ) to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in Heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:20). By all sound judgment, the Holy Scriptures tell us peace and reconciliation with God came through Christ Jesus; so, why ignore Him and perish? (John 3:16-18; John 3:36).

Is Suicide Hell Punishable?
 

There are many people who say that suicide is not a sin.  However, I would rather follow the counsel of the Scriptures than listen to the advice of others, especially when it comes to a serious issue that involves the sanctity of life or death. We must respect the sanctity of life; suicide is also called self-murder, and that is forbidden (Exodus 20:13). In the past, I have engaged in countless debates regarding causes that drive people to suicide; the reasons provided sound all so convincing.  However, the underlying principle is still an act of murder, therefore “…his blood will be on himself. But had he taken warning, he would have delivered his life” (Ezekiel 33:5).  The Bible also says that "... the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death” (Revelation 21:8).

After having examined the Scriptures relating to suicide, we conclude from a scriptural position that committing suicide is punishable by eternal damnation (Hell). Brethren, remember when committing suicide we go against the Word of God and every act of sin is punishable, especially when we do so by disregarding the counsel of the scriptures.

In the adultery article, which we posted on this blog, the Lord said us that every person who knows His teachings and disregards them will be severely punished. During March, 2014 we experienced a spate of suicides in our community and one of these includes a young man we ministered to. His depression through drug addictions led him to suicide. After learning from his parents about his depression the Lord assigned one of our sisters who lived nearby the young man to encouraging him in the word. Therefore, after several prayers and visits, he did not heed the Word's counsel and more than a year ago he decided to hang himself. We would like to seriously warn people who have suicidal tendencies that the Lord said, people who commits suicide have made NOT right with Him. As it is, the Lord told us that suicide is a demonic spirit that deceives people into committing suicide to escape their troubles, but their end is Hell.

Finally, on Wednesday 26 March 2014 the Lord showed Charis in a vision a young man (whose mother is an active and faithful member of this ministry) who went to hell while screaming for help for committing suicide. This vision was shown as a warning to him to abandon his suicidal thoughts and to lead him to repentance.

We are not being insensitive to people who are facing challenging circumstances. They feel hopeless and trapped by their circumstances and want a way out. However, if you commit suicide my brother or sister, consider where you will end up! You have no say in the termination of your life; “God gives and only God has the Power to take lives” (Job 1:21).

Is Suicide The Only Way Out?

The answer is "No!" Suicide is NOT the only way out.  The Lord Jesus Christ can restore hope, purpose, fulfillment, and true joy to your life. Jesus has promised us life, abundant life (John 10:10), and through a personal relationship with Him He can fill us with the fruit of the Holy Spirit, which provides comfort for every situation and includes love, joy, peace and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Additionally, the Word o God promises: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13). We should not give up but endure, no matter what circumstances we may face (2 Timothy 2:12).  The Lord, in His goodness and infinite wisdom, works all things for good, for those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

As an encouragement, stop complaining and stop your foul self-seeking moods; they are a danger to you and others.  "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33), and end your self-pity which sets you up against God and life. If you choose to end your life, in the end you will only have yourself to blame since the price for your life has already been paid by the Lord Jesus and it is your choice to accept (Romans 5:8). God shows no favoritism nor does He take any excuses (Acts 10:34); He has a rule for every sin in His book (Bible) and accordingly does He condemn or justify (Ecclesiastes 12:14). The Lord says pray and read His Word every day, obey His Word, praise and worship Him (Psalm 103:1-22).

In conclusion, hope is not lost when we are anchored on The Rock, the Lord Jesus Christ, but His grace abounds more (Romans 5:20).  Therefore, when faced with trials that may cause you to be tempted to commit suicide, don't give up. Instead, look to Christ to help you overcome (John 16:33) and surrender all to the Him and stand firm on the promises in the Word of God. Like Paul, boldly declare: "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength"(Philippians 4:12-13).  For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come (Hebrewss 13:14 NLT).

If you have not made a decision to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, or if you desire to renew your relationship with Him, simply pray this Prayer of Sincere Repentance to get you started in a new life and mean it in your heart. For any questions or comments on this article or our ministry, please contact us.

God bless you!

Brother Glenn.

PS: We'd like to share another vision given on March 28, 2014 posted here.

Christ Our Alpha And Omega

There is Eternity After This Life

“For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13 NIV).

Brethren, I have been battling to find a way on how to best present this week’s article to you and in obedience to the Lord, I have prayed that He help me. I intend being very brief with this article. Last week (14 November 2016) I promised to share a message from the Lord regarding my mother’s eternal destiny. Well, I have it ready for you and I pray that you learn and take caution.

Why We Decided to Write This article?

Now my intention regarding this article is not about seeking for public sympathy, nor is it to elevate my mother. Instead my prayer is that the Lord use this testimony and my mother’s broken life to save souls for eternity. Personally, it is always not a pleasant thing to write about one’s close family member without being emotional, however, if it involves God’s work then it is no longer about us and our feelings but about Him and what is important to Him (Leviticus 10:6). The Bible clearly declares that the Lord is no respecter of person’s (Romans 2:11), He judges each person according to their deeds (Romans 2:6). I would also like to add when the Lord tested Abraham’s it was not about his feelings regarding Isaac, but about what God required (Genesis 22:2). We also need to understand that through every experience good or bad, the Lord’s ultimate aim is to save lives and souls (Luke 19:10). Like we repeatedly shared on this website, we have given some brief accounts about our failures to draw attention to the unacceptable behaviors that displease the Lord with the aim of warning people and saving souls. Likewise, the Apostle Paul also pointed out that God used the mistakes and failures of the Israelites as an example to warn and teach us His ways (1 Corinthians 10:11). Similarly, the Lord has been using many of our testimonies to warn others and this week’s message falls into that same category.

Brief Insight Regarding My Mother

Since we are sharing a testimony about my (Brother Glenn) mother, it would be prudent to give a very summary of her life. My mother died on 15 August 2016 at the age of 77, from a long battle with a lung disease which gave her breathing problems. Born in poverty, and the daughter of illiterate parents. Physically, she had a very small frame, in fact, her bodily frame mirrored her heart fragile, peace-loving and just content with her own life. Although I spend most of my adult life away from my mother, she never changed from how I knew her since I was little. Some might argue and say ‘you are giving an appreciative message about your mother,' indeed I am! The qualities I will always remember my mother for was her quiet and non-confrontational spirit. She always overlooked offenses directed at her without retaliation. Being familiar with hardship and a life of sufferings, she endured the pain of losing my father, the disrespect from others and even from some of her own daughters and grandchildren, yet when we threaten or attempt to take action, she would intervene and plead for mercy for those who wronged her.

From my recollection, she had no experience of a normal family life where love and unity resides, but only a life of emotional pain and abuse, being counted and seen as a nobody in the eyes of those who offered her some food or a place to stay with some of her young children. Being illiterate and unable to count, she further endured the abuse and deprivation to her possessions. Therefore, to me, my mother was the face of suffering, and she seldom complained about her circumstances, being content with whatever the Lord provided. She preferred the simple life and minding her own business. Faith wise, she had a simple faith in God, I would say enough to say thank you to God for another day and to carry her through the day’s troubles.

Which Side of Eternity Did She GO?

Just before we reveal that my wife and I had a discussion before my mother passed away and she said that we should miss no opportunity to lead her to the Lord so that when she dies, she could go and rest because all she knew in this life was just hardship (Hebrews 4:1). Therefore, at every opportunity we had, we shared the gospel with her and encouraged her to pray and seek the Lord. Briefly, my stepfather died during October 2015 and three days before he died, I led him to the Lord, but the Lord did not reveal to us which side of eternity he went to, and neither did we seriously ask the Lord about him. My mother was still mourning his dead. However, earlier this year (2016) the Lord gave Charis a message for my mother encouraging her to seek God because my stepfather was in Heaven. The Lord also commanded Charis to go witness to my mother because her time of departure was near.

Being conscious of this, we made every effort to win her soul for the Lord, discouraging her from her smoking habit which was the very thing the Lord warned her about. I have on several occasions spoken to my mother about her smoking, and the addiction of this habit was so strong in her that she once declared that only death would separate her from it.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, during the early hours of November 6, 2016, I had a vision from the Lord after a few months of prayers on her ‘where about’. In the vision, I could not see her form, neither did I knew where I was, but I heard my mother’s usual voice out of the darkness saying, (I knew she was addressing one of my unsaved sisters) “S… you must not come to this place” (Luke 16:28) and in the vision, I Immediately felt a heavy sadness, and it was then that I realised that my mother died and went to hell. This revelation came as a complete shock to all of us because about four days before my mother’s passing I asked Charis to pray for her and to lead her to the Lord again through the prayer of repentance which she did. Since we expected my mother to be in Heaven, after receiving this vision, I enquired from my elders sister who looked after my mother regarding her final moments and she reported to us that my mother still desired smoking and her appetite for it was as strong as ever because she still desired for the last puff of smoking before dying. The Lord later revealed to me that my mother did not desire Him but her habit and this was idolatry (Colossians 3:5).

In conclusion, the Lord is warning many people including Christians that the pursuit and desire for earthly pleasures will only reap them eternal death. I have tearfully shared this experience, and I, therefore encourage you to learn from my mother’s experience and live your life free from evil desires. You can overcome the spirit of selfish desires by praying daily, and reading your Bible and living according to the Word of God and the Lord will deliver you (Matthew 11:28). Incidently, this was the same portion of scripture I had engraved on my mother’s tombstone, please obey it! Although my mother was warning one of my unsaved sisters in the vision, she is WARNING  YOU TOO! There is a real Hell on the other side of this life, the Lord has revealed about this place three times to me, fear the Lord and make Him your only desire!

We would like to extend an invitation to anyone who does not know the Lord Jesus Christ yet, or of you are not born again, to pray our suggested prayer on this link Prayer of Sincere Repentance
by faith and follow the Lord (Matthew 4:19). You may also contact us for any questions or comments about this article or our ministry.

Blessed peace in Jesus name

Brother Glenn

Salvation Received on Deathbed

Brethren, this week's article is a testimony the Lord commanded us to share with you.  This is an amazing testimony!  I urge you read the testimony first before going to the vision, because the testimony clarifies the vision.  Let us open with this Scripture, "We are confident I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord"(2 Corinthians 5:8; Luke 23:43)

This past Saturday (June 15, 2013), Charis and I attended my nephew's funeral in my home town.  I was asked by my aunt to go pray for one of her sick neighbours, a woman I last saw 30 or so years ago and affectionately call Aunt Lily.  I went to Aunt Lily’s house accompanied by my daughters Charis and Jaydeen, son Johnny and my neighbour’s daughter (age 8 years) who went with us to the funeral.  We knocked on Aunt Lily’s door and she replied by knocking on her bedroom window, indicating that we could enter.  She could not speak as she had a mask over her mouth.  We entered her room with greetings and I explained to her who I was.  She removed the mask and tried speaking to us but there was a problem as she was struggling to breathe.  She coughed profusely and put the mask back on.  I spoke a few encouraging words in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and I asked her if she needed to accept the Lord and receive healing.  She nodded in agreement and I asked the children who accompanied me to join me in prayer and faith for her healing.  I prayed for her and led her to the Lord in prayer.  Immediately after she accepted the Lord, she removed the mask and spoke with ease and without difficulty.  When we saw this miracle right in front of us we rejoiced with her.  I asked her if we could take a few pictures of her to share her and our joy with others, she heartily agreed.  As we left, I went to exchange my final greeting to her by her bedroom window.  While she was waving me goodbye, I took a final picture of her from the outside.  We have included pictures we took before we prayed for her and after prayer.

Briefly, Aunt Lily told us how she was diagnosed with cancer and had suffered severe pain as she underwent treatment.  She had not been saved (born again) and she had unforgiveness towards the doctors who treated her and caused her skin to burn.  She showed us on her chest/neck area the burning scars from the chemotherapy.  Soon after her explanation, we bid farewell to her and we all left rejoicing.

Yesterday (Sunday, June 16, 2013) around 3:00pm I received a telephone call from my sister, informing me that Aunty Lily has just passed away.  Upon hearing this news, I REJOICED in the LORD and exclaimed, HALLELUYAH!  I rejoiced not because she died, but because she died in the LORD!  We wanted to share this testimony with you so I asked the Lord in prayer last night if He could show Charis whether Aunt Lily made it to Heaven.  Glory to JESUS CHRIST, HE SAVED her on her death-bed! We rejoiced when we saw her speaking by herself without the mouth mask, but we are EXCEEDINGLY JOYFUL that she accepted the Lord and died in Him.  The Lord Jesus Christ said, "SHE IS FREE!!!!” in a LOUD VOICE!  Rejoice therefore with us that Heaven received a soul (Luke 15:7).

Below are the pictures we took:

This picture was taken before we prayed for Aunty Lily. She tried speaking to us but choked due to too much air. Her voice was husky and frail.

I took this picture after praying for her. You can see the burning wounds inflicted by the chemotherapy on her neck. As I was witnessing to her, I noticed two Bibles by her bedside and I told her to never close the Bible. She immediately got hold of one Bible (the Afrikaans one) and while she opened it to read, I told her to start reading from Matthew and pray once we were gone.  In Heaven, Charis saw her completely healed!

This was the final picture I took of Aunt Lily before we left. As she was waving, she praised the Lord and she reached for my hand for a final greeting through the window.

I took this picture of my witnesses to this great testimony close to Aunt Lily's bedroom window.

Below is an account of the vision that the Lord showed Charis this morning (previous visions are documented here).

“SHE IS FREE”: A Vision of a Deceased Woman in Heaven

Vision given to Charis on June 17, 2013

I had a vision from the Lord this morning.  I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Go outside!"  As I went outside the house, the CLOUD of the Lord appeared in a dazzling white light with the Lord inside the cloud.  I was transported into the cloud and I had a small white umbrella to cover me from the glorious splendor of the Lord.  Immediately thereafter, I found myself in Heaven.  The Lord disappeared and the umbrella was taken from me.  I then saw Aunt Lily in Heaven sitting cross-legged on a wooden chair with glass-like pillars.  Aunt Lily waved to me come over to her and she smiled and said in Afrikaans: "Se jou pa ek se dankie dat hy vir my gebid het en my na die Here toe gely het.  Die Here wou my nie genees het nie, Hy wou my net huis toe [Heaven home] geneem het het soos jou pa gese het. Dit is baie lekker hier in die Hemel.”  I replied and said, “Ek sal so maak en dit is n plesier van my kant af.” Translation: “Go tell your father I say thank you that he prayed for me and led me to the Lord.  The Lord did not want to heal me, but He wanted to bring me home in Heaven as your father said before he prayed for me.  It is very nice up here in Heaven!”  I (Charis) replied and said “I will tell him and it is only a pleasure from my side.”  She then showed me that the burn scars that had been inflicted on her chest by the chemotherapy were gone.

Aunt Lily then got up from the chair and she started to turn around like a little girl rejoicing in a pure white dress with silky white bally-like shoes.  There were pure white lily flowers with her name on the side of the road.  I saw her picking these flowers and blowing them in the air.  She turned around and looked at me smiling, and she jump up with her hands in the air.  As she jumped, she was suspended in the air and I saw a BEAUTIFUL GOLDEN CROWN with the name “LILY” on it as it placed on her head.  I then saw a rainbow-shaped banner appearing on her right side in yellow ink: "SHE IS FREE"!!!!  I told her "Ek moet nou gaan" (“I have to go”).  She looked at me and smiled.  I returned the smile and turned around and the vision was over.

In conclusion: Do not undermine God and what He wants to do for other people.  Go out in obedience and pray for the sick and preach the gospel to populate HEAVEN!  Be blessed in Jesus name as you share this vision and testimony!

This is a suggested way of leading someone to the Lord after sharing the gospel with them, you may click Here. 

Grace to you in Christ's freedom,

Brother Glenn and Charis.