The recent tragedy that our nation faced last Friday 12/14/12 is so unfathomable from a Christian Father’s perspective. As I reflected on the issue and whirlwind of coverage, a devotional I had posted a couple of years back was brought to mind: God Knows What’s Best.
Those three words are probably equally as unfathomable to the non-believer. But to us as Christians, fully surrendered to Christ, we know God’s Love and his promises that in all things good will be done. I know that in the moment that is of little comfort at best but I am grateful and comforted knowing these gentle souls are in the arms of our Lord and his unending love.
My heart is heavy for their families and loved ones that remain with us but pray that God will be with them through the necessary grieving process. My heart is also heavy for the 20-year old that did this evil act. It is clear that he did not know God and since he took his own life is now forever tormented in His absence.
This is not the end but the beginning, we were not meant for this world but the next.
Trust in God, Jesus urges, and trust in me.
Fully surrender to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior!
The problem with this world is that it doesn’t fit. Oh, it will do for now, but it isn’t tailor-made. We were made to live with God, but on earth we live by faith. We were made to live forever, but on this earth we live but for a moment. . . .
We must trust God. We must trust not only that he does what is best but that he knows what is ahead. Ponder the words of Isaiah 57:1-2: “The good men perish; the godly die before their time and no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to realize that God is taking them away from the evil days ahead. For the godly who die shall rest in peace” (TLB).
My, what a thought. God is taking them away from the evil days ahead. Could death be God’s grace? Could the funeral wreath be God’s safety ring? As horrible as the grave may be, could it be God’s protection from the future?
I had not remembered reading that verse in Isaiah before. It is very comforting, I wish I would have discovered it earlier. It also as all of God’s wisdom, matches Jesus’ promise to keep us from the wrath, his faithful brothers and sisters of His church.
Click on the article title for a link to full original referenced article.
In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
Click on the article title for a link to full original referenced article.
In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
This is perhaps the most amazing testimony I’ve ever heard. It’s from Afshin Javid who was born a devout Shiite Muslim in Southern Iran in 1972, before the Iranian revolution. He grew up and later joined the Basij (Hezbollah), having committing his life to die for Islam. At some point later he recounts that his grandfather had told him he should bring Islam to North America, so he made his way here. Of course, all he had was phony immigration documents and passports, so he was arrested in Malaysia. I’m guessing this was the early 90s but I’m not sure. But this is where his life changed.
I’m telling you this is a testimony like you’ve never heard before. It’s very powerful and you may need a box of tissue nearby.
Click on the article title for a link to full original referenced article.
In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
I have been doing a lot of reading on this recently. I strongly believe it is part of the foundation that is being laid for control once the tribulation begins or the rapture occurs.
Those that do not believe in the rapture, I would think, would be even more concerned about this as I think this is the mechanism they will use to assume control following the disappearances and/or calamities that will follow. Either way it is something that should concern all of us.
There is a great book called Agenda 21 by Harriet Parke that was published recently by Glenn Beck that lays out what living under this could be like. It is fiction but that is based on Agenda 21 principles and at the end reveals what might not be so much fiction and more fact soon.
The video below is excellent and really does layout step by step where it came from, what it will do, and what it means to you.
I would highly recommend reading both Harriet’s book and listening to the article below. Afterwards you will be amazed at everywhere you see Agenda 21 encroaching into our lives day in and day out.
This is a video by John Anthony, an expert on Agenda 21 and government regulations, and he spends almost 90 minutes breaking down Agenda 21 in full. I’m about 51 minutes in and it’s quite interesting what he has to say about it.
In case you aren’t familiar with it, here is a broad definition of Agenda 21 (Agenda for the 21st Century):
Sustainable developers have designed a global movement coordinated through a global-to-local action plan to create world government in accordance with certain objectives. These objectives include:
An end to national sovereignty
Abolition of private property
Restructure of the family unit
Increasing limitations and restrictions on mobility and individual opportunity
This is a plan that’s been underway since the 80s and three presidents have signed off on it, starting with George H. W. Bush. It’s already at the local level in the U.S. – even my city has a sustainability council.
I highly encourage you to watch the video below and it’s an excellent breakdown of Agenda 21:
Click on the article title for a link to full original referenced article.
In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
Click on the article title for a link to full original referenced article.
In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
In a very popular video, Lee Doren from How the World Works dismantles the recent propaganda video by the CFT union called “Tax the Rich“, correcting their erroneous conclusions with fact:
Click on the article title for a link to full original referenced article.
In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
So things are moving so fast from a prophecy stage setting and fulfillment stand point that it is hard to keep up. I use to go and pull articles each day and post. I then moved to weekly. And then simply gave up on headlines as their were just so many. I decided today to take another shot at it to see if things were moving as fast as I thought they were. They are.
Below I pulled articles just from the last three days (Dec 4th-6th) and only for three categories and I came up with 75 articles at only one of my sources for headlines. Amazing.
The three topics I included:
Earthquakes / Volcanoes / Extreme Weather
Ezekiel 38 War / Psalm 83 War / Zechariah 12:3
Globalization (One World Government/One World Currency/One World Religion)
These are not minor articles either, these are major events that are currently or will soon occur.
Next year’s “brightest comet in modern times” to be “once in a civilization” event
But that hasn’t dampened enthusiasm for what Astronomy Now is awkwardly calling “a once-in-a-civilisation’s-lifetime” event. The comet expert John E. Bortle is already comparing ISON with the Great Comet of 1680, which, according to contemporary accounts, caused the people of New York’s Manhattan Island to be “overcome with terror at a sight in the heavens such as has seldom greeted human eyes…. In the province of New York a day of fasting and humiliation was appointed, in order that the wrath of God might be assuaged.”
Mystery tremors puzzle experts
Corsicana — Reports of earthquake-like tremors starting Tuesday afternoon and continuing until early Wednesday can’t be confirmed as true earthquakes, but experts can’t say what it is, either. “We started getting calls at 3:09 p.m. (Tuesday),” said Eric Meyers, Navarro County Emergency Coordinator. “The first calls were north of Corsicana in the Hickory Hollow area with two separate residents out there reporting unusual tremors being felt along with a rumbling type of noise.”
Philippines finds survivors after typhoon kills 332
Rescue workers found a 54-year-old man alive on Thursday who had survived on coconuts for two days after a powerful typhoon ravaged the south of the Philippines killing 332 people, with hundreds missing.
Scientists pinpoint great-earthquake hot spots
“We find that 87% of the 15 largest (8.6 magnitude or higher) and half of the 50 largest (8.4 magnitude or higher) earthquakes of the past century are associated with intersection regions between oceanic fracture zones and subduction zones,” says Dietmar Müller, researcher at the University of Sydney in Australia and lead author of the Solid Earth paper. The connection is less striking for smaller earthquakes. Powerful earthquakes related to these intersection regions include the destructive 2011 Tohoku-Oki and 2004 Sumatra events.
I had to re-read this several times. It is amazing the words used to describe the 1680 comet.
“…according to contemporary accounts, caused the people of New York’s Manhattan Island to be “overcome with terror at a sight in the heavens such as has seldom greeted human eyes…. In the province of New York a day of fasting and humiliation was appointed, in order that the wrath of God might be assuaged.””
And to term this a “once in a civilization” event is amazing indeed. Then to hear that the best view will be during the Christmas season 2013? Wow.
I loved the bloggers comments that usually the reason they label them as such is that the event usually ends the civilization. The simplicity and truth of that statement made me laugh out loud.
Bible Prophecy says we will see signs in the heavens…
As it flares out of the distant Oort Cloud, the newly discovered comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) appears to be heading on a trajectory that could make for one of the most spectacular night-sky events in living memory. Why is this comet expected to be so unique? Two reasons:
Astronomers predict that the comet will pass just 1.16 million miles from the Sun as it swings around its perihelion, or closest approach. (This may seem like a lot, but remember – the Sun is big. If we were to scale the Sun down to the size of Earth, the comet would pass well within the orbits of dozens of satellites.) The close approach will melt enormous amounts of the comet’s ice, releasing dust and gas and forming what should be a magnificent tail.
After it loops around the Sun and forms this tail, the comet should then pass relatively close to Earth – not near enough to cause any worry, but close enough to put on a great show. Viewers in the Northern Hemisphere will get the best view as the comet blooms in the weeks approaching Christmas 2013. The comet could grow as bright as the full moon.
Comment: Not near enough to cause any worry? We’ll see about that! Check out the description below about how people were feeling the last time something so big came so close…
Of course, comets have a habit of not living up to expectations. This one could be sucked into the Sun during its close approach, or not grow as much of a tail as astronomers hope.
But that hasn’t dampened enthusiasm for what Astronomy Now is awkwardly calling “a once-in-a-civilisation’s-lifetime” event. The comet expert John E. Bortle is already comparing ISON with the Great Comet of 1680, which, according to contemporary accounts, caused the people of New York’s Manhattan Island to be “overcome with terror at a sight in the heavens such as has seldom greeted human eyes…. In the province of New York a day of fasting and humiliation was appointed, in order that the wrath of God might be assuaged.”
We can only hope for such a show.
Comment: The good news is that it looks like we are certainly going to get a great show… the bad news is that even if the comet body itself comes nowhere near us, it is only a matter of time before Earth interacts with the enormous quantity of debris it leaves in its wake. The wrath of the gods might once more need to be assuaged, portending a bad day for the Powers That Be.
Here is the full text of the 1680 comet description quoted above:
The Dutch and Quaker Colonies in America by John Fiske
Late in the autumn of 1680 the good people of Manhattan were overcome with terror at a sight in the heavens such as has seldom greeted human eyes. An enormous comet, perhaps the most magnificent one on record, suddenly made its appearance. At first it was tailless and dim, like a nebulous cloud, but at the end of a week the tail began to show itself and in a second week had attained a length of 30 degrees; in the third week it extended to 70 degrees, while the whole mass was growing brighter. After five weeks it seemed to be absorbed into the intense glare of the sun, but in four days more it reappeared like a blazing sun itself in the throes of some giant convulsion and threw out a tail in the opposite direction as far as the whole distance between the sun and the earth. Sir Isaac Newton, who was then at work upon the mighty problems soon to be published to the world in his Principia, welcomed this strange visitor as affording him a beautiful instance for testing the truth of his new theory of gravitation. But most people throughout the civilized world, the learned as well as the multitude, feared that the end of all things was at hand. Every church in Europe, from the grandest cathedral to the humblest chapel, resounded with supplications, and in the province of New York a day of fasting and humiliation was appointed,in order that the wrath of God might be assuaged.
Astronomy Now‘s choice of words is interesting… A re-examination of history in light of cyclic catastrophes reveals “once-in-a-civilization” events to be such because they are civilization ending events!
Click on the article title for a link to full original referenced article.
In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
In the recent past we noted the somewhat startling reality that “the single mom is better off earning gross income of $29,000 with $57,327 in net income & benefits than to earn gross income of $69,000 with net income and benefits of $57,045.” While mathematics is our tool – as opposed to the mathemagics of some of the more politically biased media who did not like our message – the painful reality in America is that: for increasingly more Americans it is now more lucrative – in the form of actual disposable income – to sit, do nothing, and collect various welfare entitlements, than to work. This is such an important topic that we felt it necessary to warrant a second look. The graphic below quite clearly, and very painfully, confirms that there is an earnings vacuum of around $40k in which US workers are perfectly ambivalent toward inputting more effort since it does not result in any additional incremental disposable income. With the ongoing ‘fiscal cliff’ battles over taxes and entitlements, this is a problematic finding, since – as a result – it is the US government that will have to keep funding indirectly this lost productivity and worker output (via wealth redistribution).
As we noted before (details below):
We realize that this is a painful topic in a country in which the issue of welfare benefits, and cutting (or not) the spending side of the fiscal cliff, have become the two most sensitive social topics. Alas, none of that changes the matrix of incentives for most Americans who find themselves in a comparable situation: either being on the left side of minimum US wage, and relying on benefits, or move to the right side at far greater personal investment of work, and energy, and… have the same disposable income at the end of the day.
Naturally, the topic of wealth redistribution is paramount one now that America is entering the terminal phase of its out of control spending, and whose response to hike taxes in a globalized, easily fungible world, will merely force more of the uber-wealthy to find offshore tax jurisdictions, avoid US taxation altogether, and thus result in even lower budget revenues for the US. It explains why the cluelessly incompetent but supposedly impartial Congressional Budget Office just released a key paper titled “Share of Returns Filed by Low- and Moderate-Income Workers, by Marginal Tax Rate, Under 2012 Law” which carries a chart of disposable income by net income comparable to the one above.
This is a good reminder that we should not be fearful or fret these days we live in, these last days. It is human nature to fret and be fearful but that is exactly the reason God revealed what these days would look like to us through prophecy in His word. He tells us not to worry that these thing must come to pass before the end can come.
Our attitude should instead be joyful and exhilarated. We can’t stop what is going to happen and neither can any force on earth. Only God can. His will will be done. That is what our prayers and thoughts should be focused on, God’s will! Not on specific events or things we want to occur. We need to be actively praying for God’s will to be done and asking what little part if any He would like us to play in advancing His will.
When you take that perspective, this world looks a whole lot different. God said it, so you can count on Him doing it! He is our Rock and His Son our Savior! God needs us to be calm as things get worst. You will be a beacon to the lost as they scatter to and fro. And hopefully we can plant the seed that will save them from the coming tribulation or more importantly the lake of fire.
I’m working, and not watching the UN speeches regarding the Palestinians’ bid for nation status. I am however monitoring social media, and the reactions from pro Israel folks who are rightly revolted over the unjust speeches, and in the growing discomfort with a legitimized Palestinian entity.
We should not worry, though.
A few weeks ago, while driving near the Golan Heights, I saw one of what I believe were 2-3 tanks Israel had at its disposal during the harrowing months following the declaration of statehood in 1948. No matter how you or any revisionist slices it, the young Jewish state faced overwhelming odds in struggling to survive. (Footnote: the aforementioned tank sits under some trees on a kibbutz, a cool reminder of those momentous days.)
I submit that we are looking at similar odds now, but our perceptions are skewed.
Certainly, the international community—cowardly and immoral as it is—not only will cave to bizarre and unjust Arab demands, but the community actually likes the inversion of the truth, since it participates in it. Global media, political operatives, and religionists fall over themselves in efforts to advance evil in our world.
That’s exactly what they’re supposed to do.
God told us a long time ago pretty much exactly what’s going to happen. Why are we shocked and saddened to see these days arrive? If the Word of the Lord is true, it had to be this way.
I have often thought about what do you leave behind for those that were left behind to endure the tribulation. I have never gone as far as Sandy below but have wondered if we will be aware of those we know that are still on earth. She does a great job summing up what I would have said and the split emotion we feel of overwhelming joy and sorrow for those left behind.
I am sorry that I am unable to respond to your email right now. I am currently out of my office without access to email, cell phone, landline phone, U.S. mail, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Post- It note, smoke signal, or personal contact of any kind. I have been: Raptured!
I do not have an exact date of return at this point. However, I will be returning in approximately seven years. I’ll be the one riding on a (I hope) paint horse (I used to own a paint horse whom I loved with all my heart). So, who knows, maybe he will be allowed to give me one last ride! I will be following behind the Savior Jesus, whom you can’t miss (seriously, EVERY eye will see Him). He will be riding on a white horse, bigger than life, and will be entering from above like a LION!
Ok, back to reality today. I sure wish I could put the above auto-reply in my email today, but alas, I have not heard the Continue Reading »
The signs are many but so are the distractions of this world. I know many who are asleep or deceived. It is heavy on my heart and weighs down the joy I have of Christ’s return, knowing that some I know may not make the trip. Still my heart cry’s out, Maranatha!
In the very near future there will be an evacuation (commonly known as the rapture) of all born again Christians from this planet. This evacuation will take place with no prior warning, its date and time will not be announced. You must therefore be ready at all times. Jesus in your heart is your ticket for this event. (Matthew 24:36, 1Thessalonians 4:13-18)
We are far into the period of time known as the beginnings of sorrows, or birth pangs. Signs of the coming tribulation period are multiplying exponentially. Since this evacuation must occur before the tribulation period can begin, it is even that much closer. As noted above, this evacuation will only affect born again Christians. If you have not received the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, when it comes you will be left behind to go through a time of trouble Jesus described as being like no other before it, or ever to follow it. You don’t want to be here when this comes to pass.
Some signs of the times:
Multiplying earthquakes. Magnitude 6 (strong) earthquakes are taking place almost daily all around the world now. Twice in the past 10 years magnitude 9 (devastating) earthquakes have caused horrific tsunamis, killing thousands.
Click on the article title for a link to full original referenced article.
In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
Click on the article title for a link to full original referenced article.
In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
Click on the article title for a link to full original referenced article.
In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
Click on the article title for a link to full original referenced article.
In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
So over the holiday weekend like probably at least half of you, I was away at a relatives house for the holiday weekend. While there enjoying the festivities and giving thanks, I had the opportunity to attend Sunday service. The minister was a young energetic minister that was a big fan of Christmas, he called it the “foundation of his faith” and he couldn’t wait for it to begin. He had his 14.9 days of Christmas music loaded on his iTunes and began decorating Friday. (I remember the day when I had this much energy.)
He chose to open his message on Luke 17:11-19 with a partial video clip from Charlie Brown’s Christmas special. I have always loved Charlie Brown. As I watched the characters run through their parts, I was amazed how much Christianity he was able to work into his cartoons (it was a different time then). As much as I love the cartoon, I began to wondered where he was going with this message and how it related to Luke 17. The short answer is being grateful, thankful and positive, not cynical. He was dead on, we have become Continue Reading »
Click on the article title for a link to full original referenced article.
In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
Over the last few months there has been a lot of activity within the Church to pray, fast, repent, cry’s for our nation to repent and turn back to God. It has always made me somewhat uneasy and when I participate, I feel worse.
Jack Kelly really sums up better than I could my gut feelings. When I found and read the article below and shouted out “Praise the Lord” and I think I shed a few tears.
Deep in my soul I knew that this is a personal deal, not collective in the least. I can not save you, you can not save me. It is something between you and God and me and God.
I think too much energy has been spent praying for our will for our nation instead of for God’s will to be done as Christ prayed. What ever that is, it is guaranteed to be better than anything we can come up with. He will give us what we need to “occupy” until he returns to rapture us home.
Now the glory of the God of Israel went up from above the cherubim, where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple. Then the Lord called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side and said to him, “Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it.”
As I listened, he said to the others, “Follow him through the city and kill, without showing pity or compassion. Slaughter old men, young men and maidens, women and children, but do not touch anyone who has the mark. Begin at my sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were in front of the temple. (Ezekiel 9:3-6)
The principle of marking those who would be protected from judgment was first mentioned in Genesis 4:15 when the Lord marked Cain as a warning to those who might try to kill him for murdering Abel.
It had also been hinted at when the Lord told Elijah He had reserved 7,000 faithful in Israel who had not succumbed to idol worship (1 Kings 19:18), but Ezekiel 9:4 stands as the clearest example in history of the Lord marking those who are His and protecting them from danger. In the spiritual world the mark is a sign that the marked person belongs to the Lord and is off limits to anyone else.
Have You Been Marked?
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory (Ephes 1:13-14).
Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come (2 Cor. 1:21-22).
In these two passages Paul revealed that all born again believers were marked at the time they believed to show that they belong to the Lord. It’s the spiritual equivalent of a rancher branding his cattle with his mark of ownership. The presence of this mark will protect us like it has protected others He has marked throughout history.
This is an amazing article that really went straight to my heart. He does an excellent job at removing the veil of deception from the emergent movement and showing how un-Christian their actions really are.
It is evil and makes me sick to my stomach when ever I read or hear it.
One wonders whether Wheaton College believes that such programs befit a respectable teaching institution…. Burge’s comparison of himself with Jesus is preposterous and absurd.
While most Evangelical Protestants are generally friendly to the Jewish people and the State of Israel, there is a small band of Evangelical pastors and professors who want to line up all Evangelicals unilaterally on the Palestinian side. The most egregious example may be Anglican vicar Stephen Sizer, whose has chummed up with the likes of Naturei Karta and Iranian President Ahmadinejad. But Gary Burge probably wields the greater influence.
As “Professor of New Testament” at Wheaton College, where he has taught since 1992, Burge has taken whole generations of Evangelical students to such places as the Bethlehem Bible College for one-sided indoctrination in the Palestinian “narrative.” That is, the students are bombarded with typical Palestinian complaints about Israel. Encouragement to investigate the veracity of those complaints is lacking, let alone the history of Palestinian aggression against Israelis and the corruption and misrule of the Palestinian Authority.
Will those unfortunate students be able to cause Israel much harm? Maybe not. The harm done to impressionable young minds is another question. One wonders whether Wheaton College believes that such programs befit a respectable Christian teaching institution.
In March 2012, Burge was back at the Bethlehem Bible College to lecture at the so-called “Christ at the Checkpoint” conference. The very title of the conference betrays its misleading agenda. The idea was to underline that today if Mary and Joseph tried to visit Continue Reading »
With the acceleration of end times events we are seeing the emergent church taking a bolder stance. No place can this be seen clearer than support for Israel, God’s chosen people.
Matthew 7:15-17
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
A Tree and Its Fruit
15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.
Now that the death cult Hamas has decided to go out Bonnie and Clyde-style, word comes that Israel’s leadership is preparing for a two-month engagement. Let us all fervently pray that they completely destroy the terror entity that has plagued the region (including the Palestinians) for a quarter-century.
Others are writing very good reports on the fighting thus far—hundreds of rockets have landed in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem! The Hamas stockpiles are such that until the IDF gathers its full strength, some damage will be done. I left one friend’s home in Jerusalem last week to travel to another in Efrat, and I passed the Gush Etzion turn.
At least two rockets landed in Gush Etzion yesterday, with other reports that they landed in Jerusalem as well. You can’t imagine how small the country is if you haven’t been there. Imagine driving from Richardson, Texas, to Plano. Culver City, California, to Glendale. Washington D.C., to Silver Spring, Maryland.
What I want to spotlight this week at “Israel Watch” is the unfolding propaganda war, equally vicious and important. Within 48 hours of the terror war launched against Israeli civilians by Hamas, Israel’s tiny window of goodwill began to predictably shrink. Among those leading the charge—and I find this repulsive and ghastly in the extreme—are religious leaders in the West.
15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
A great number of those who name the name of Christ believe this season of presidential politics in America represents cumulative proof that satanic darkness is descending at a pace that makes coming judgment unstoppable. Every social issue involving morality that the born again hold dear has, they believe, observably been steamrolled by a juggernaut from the darkest regions forewarned of by the Bible. There seems little, if any, hope of culture as it has been known in this nation surviving the next four years.
Such is the general sense among those who were on the losing side in this election–not just among Christians. We can know this, because all fifty states have growing numbers of quite worried, unhappy citizens signing petitions to have their respective states secede from these United States.
While secession isn’t going to happen–and should not happen–the strong sentiment for doing so, rampant and growing, makes it clear that we are a nation divided. We remember that Abraham Lincoln–another president facing the United States’ split down the middle, Continue Reading »
The stunning reelection of President Obama has caused several of us in the field of Bible prophecy to question the possibility of him being the Antichrist. I still look for a leader to come out of the area that was once part of the Roman Empire. Since we don’t have a clear vision of the ten-horned confederation that will elect the Beast, it would be unwise to slam the door on any non-European leader.
I did a search on “Is Obama the Antichrist?” and found very little current information on this subject. One search pointed right back to Rapture Ready. So, I guess I need to provide my own answer the question.
There was once a time when you couldn’t be called a world leader unless there was some group identifying you as the Antichrist. Lately, pin the tail on the AC has become a dying art. Back in the nineties, every prophecy conference that I would visit had someone labeling a political leader as the AC. I remember attending an afternoon session at a God’s News Behind the News conference where four speakers in a row tagged Bill Clinton as the Beast.
Today, we’ve gone in the opposite direction. I was recently at a prophecy conference where Barack Obama’s name never came up once. Continue Reading »
…JD does a great job walking us through the steps of grieving and getting us back on the narrow path with our eyes fixed on God’s will and not our own desires.
Click on the article title for a link to full original referenced article.
In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
Over the last few months the verse “Not of this world but living in this world…” has been running through my head constantly. It has been somewhat may mantra these days and a reminder of my (our) calling.
John 15:19
If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Click on the article title for a link to full original referenced article.
In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
We had a clear choice this year via our US national election. I don’t think I have seen an election in my lifetime that the contrast was stronger. Our stunning choice should be a wake up call to just where we are on the prophetic timeline. Jesus warned us what the time period before his coming would look like.
Luke 17:26-30 (NKJV)
26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.
As I sat there listening to the results roll in, I felt scripture wash over me flooding my mind. It was surreal. It allowed me to zoom out and see the big picture, what had we as a nation just done. There is more links between what is happening now and end times prophecy than I can list here. Lets compare the scripture above to what we just voted in favor of as a nation.
We voted for abortion on demand, the killing of millions of children in their mother’s womb. This is much like the evil cults of Noah’s and Lot’s time that would sacrifice their own children, yearly, to their “gods”. We are sacrificing our unborn for a lustful lifestyle (much like these ancient cults) and unburdened existence. “We wouldn’t want our daughter to be burdened with a baby.”
We voted for free contraceptives and recreational marijuana use. Basically promoting drug use and free sex for all, especially our youth. We know that both Noah’s and Lot’s days were marked by extreme promiscuity and drug use. The men that showed up outside Lot’s door wanted to have sex with the “new” men in town.
We voted for a strong homosexual agenda with our commander-in-chief, for the first time in history, opening supporting this sinful lifestyle. This was something that marked both the days of Lot and Noah, with the latter being the only time in history (except for present day) that homosexual marriage was legal.
Pause a moment and let that sink in…
…the men outside Lot’s house also wanted to partake in these sinful acts as well.
We voted again for the least transparent administration we have ever had. Deceptive to the core. One that has blatantly lied to the American people and committed acts of treason on several occasions. What was their reaction when caught? They laughed it off and we as a nation laughed along with them and moved on. Treason!, not the definition of “is” but treason. Not only has there been a lack of transparency but the reverse, active deception, has been immense.
We voted for a man of lawlessness, that disregards our current laws of bankruptcy to give unions funds and leaves stock holders empty-handed. He has demolished our home loan laws by forcing forgiveness of loans and leaving investors, again, empty-handed. He has ignored our constitution at every possible turn. The highest law of the land and the foundation we built this nation on.
We voted for a man who says one thing and does the exact opposite, time and time again, with nothing said about it.
We voted for the political party that voted to remove God from their platform three times!
This was a huge sign for those that have their eyes open. And now things are accelerating, roadblocks have been removed.
It was said that “the church” must take a stand this election cycle to reclaim our nation, founded on God and His word.
Look that the result. We could not have had a clearer choice, two roads we could take, and which choice did our nation make? The road of Sodom. The road of Gomorrah. The road of depravity, anger, and hate. The road away from God.
No true born-again Christian could vote for this abomination and the path they are taking us down.
This was huge folks. We just passed the last exit. The harbingers have spoken. The protection of the Lord has been removed. We have not turned back to God in repentance, but have instead, stood in defiance of God and with the arrogance of man said “we don’t need God in our nation”.
We are hurling toward the tribulation, God’s judgement on this sinful world. For those of us that are awake, we must keep our eye fixed squarely at all times on Christ Jesus, our redeemer. Do not look back, do not look down, for the evil of this world is engulfing us. Time is… I almost said “Time is short.” but that does not express how close we are to Jesus Christ’s return for His bride.
The divided nation we see is biblical. It is the hardening of hearts and the strong delusion of the Lord.
Ephesians 4:17-19 (NIV1984)
Living as Children of Light
17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (NKJV)
9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Every man and woman have made their choice, look at where we stand. Which path do you stand on? What a stark contrast we are. Good and Evil. But today evil is said to be good and good said to be evil.
Isaiah 5:20-24
New King James Version (NKJV)
20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!
22 Woe to men mighty at drinking wine,
Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink, 23 Who justify the wicked for a bribe,
And take away justice from the righteous man!
24 Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble,
And the flame consumes the chaff, So their root will be as rottenness,
And their blossom will ascend like dust;
Because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts,
And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
We must put 100% of our hope and faith in Jesus Christ, and no longer in our own actions or those of man, not even 1%. We must focus on the will of God and not on our own. Pray, and look up and lift up your head for your redemption draws near.
Luke 21:28 (NKJV)
28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
Below is a great article on what we now face financially and a pretty good assessment of the choice we just made as a nation. She is a lot more positive than I am, I feel a lot of the time she says “maybe” it really should be a firm “yes”. Either way, it is well worth the read.
The banner statement that really rang true to me is when she stated:
A very slight majority—but a majority—of the American people KNOWINGLY chose four more years (at least) of high unemployment, anemic economic growth, break-the-bank spending, unsustainable and record-breaking deficits and debt, unpopular and bankrupting socialized medicine, and record numbers of people on food stamps and living in poverty. They KNOWINGLY chose four more years….of this.
It is profoundly disturbing to watch a once-great power commit suicide in real time.
There will be a lot of argument made about why Mitt Romney (and so many other Republicans) lost last night: he ran a poor campaign, he played it too safe, President Obama ran a more effective campaign, the Democrats’ bogus “war on women” worked, Republicans have to find a way to “talk” to women and Latinos and black voters…And on and on. All background noise and not particularly relevant right now.
A very slight majority—but a majority—of the American people KNOWINGLY chose four more years (at least) of high unemployment, anemic economic growth, break-the-bank spending, unsustainable and record-breaking deficits and debt, unpopular and bankrupting socialized medicine, and record numbers of people on food stamps and living in poverty. They KNOWINGLY chose four more years….of this.
A lot of folks are attributing Obama’s win more to his hypnotic hold on so many people than his actual policies, but I think that’s too simplistic a view. While Obama IS a uniquely seductive figure—and while many still feel a deep emotional investment in the first black president—it IS his policies which are—paradoxically—responsible for his win.
Great message from Grant, as I ponder his words, I can definitely see a pattern in my life. As I drift in and out of my fellowship with the Lord, due to distractions and/or sin, I am always unsatisfied until I realize what I am truly missing. How dense are we as man, that we keep making the same mistakes over and over. What patience the Lord must have with us.
“Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man.” (Proverbs 27:20 NIV)
“I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10 NIV)
Are you satisfied with your life? Thousands upon multiplied thousands of people today are not satisfied with their lives. Some are restless. Some are in abject turmoil.
Proverbs 27:20 above tells us that death is never satisfied. The open grave will always yearn for more. Even though about 140.4 million people are born each year, 56.7 million die each year (2010 statistics).
The same verse speaks of destruction, and destruction comes in many forms. War brings destruction. A wandering eye brings destruction to a family. Greed and murder bring destruction, and we could go on. Destruction is all around us, as is death. So too, destruction is never satisfied.
Where does all this originate? It comes from the human heart, for the heart of man, apart from Jesus Christ, is never satisfied.
Adam and Eve were not satisfied to have everything the Garden of Eden had to offer, but decided to disobey God and eat of the one lone tree He specifically told them to not eat from. Sin blanketed the world as a result.
Judas Iscariot was not satisfied to enjoy the fellowship of God, in the flesh, but preferred power and wealth instead. Suicidal death was his reward.
From the Garden of Eden to today, mankind has never been satisfied. He always wants more, even at the expense of others. Why can’t we be satisfied? Why do we always want more and more?
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
This insatiable desire comes from a wicked heart, a heart that does not know God. The heart without God is an empty hole that longs to be filled, but only God can fill the vacuum that exists.
Some will come to God through His Son Jesus and find rest, while most will continue their vain attempts to fill the vacuum and satisfy the wicked heart. However, it is never filled. It is never satisfied. It keeps longing for more, and each demand gets greater with time.
The Lord had the Apostle Paul write the following words to his protégé Timothy:
“1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV)
Are we in the last days? Yes we are, the last days of the Church Age, and the heart of man isn’t getting any better. It’s getting worse.
Think about this.
When Hollywood first produced movies depicting murder, there were no “blood and guts” scenes, but in order to continue drawing the crowds, the scenes had to become more and more real. Today murder has left the silver screen and found its way into the neighborhoods of America, and they keep getting more gruesome. Why? The evil heart needs more to satisfy its desires.
The scary movies I watched as a child would be boring today. Yet, as a child, my heart would race as I watched them. Today, people are chopped up like lettuce for a salad, and the watchers crave more.
Sex used to be kept in the bedroom, a private issue between your parents. Now it’s taught in schools and practiced wherever the urge hits. Any sexual act imaginable can be found in not just sleazy dark places, but in your own living room. Yet the evil heart is not satisfied. It wants more.
Sexual acts of perversion are commonplace. Sex with animals, children, male/male, female/female, and even objects, they are all out in the open. And each depravity just becomes more shocking than the one before.
The most depraved acts one could imagine are committed on the streets of some of our large cities, and they keep getting worse.
There seems to be some kind of “law of nature” that says, “Each action must top the one before.”
Greed is like that too. The general attitude with most people is the more they have, the more they want. There is never enough money, or things. The evil heart always wants more. It is never satisfied.
An old saying goes like this, “Give them an inch, and they’ll take a mile.” That is exactly where we are today, always hungry for more. “My house isn’t big enough, I need a bigger one. My neighbor got a new car. Mine is three years old. I need a new one. My clothes are not in style. I need to go shopping. So I have ten of these, I want that one too.”
As we have seen, a heart that is not satisfied will long for more. Some things will produce destruction while others may just produce clutter, but they all depict a heart that is restless for God. The very soul of man needs God to satisfy the hunger of his heart. The sad thing is, most just don’t recognize what their soul really needs to be at rest.
In Isaiah 61:10 above, it is clear that our delight should be in the Lord. Only this will make our soul rejoice, because then we are clothed in salvation and righteousness, both from the throne room of God.
Food tastes good, but its consumption is only temporary. Drugs only mask the real problem and create others.
I ask again. Are you satisfied with your life? Has someone flushed the toilet, and you’re in it? Are you going down for the last count?
Maybe things aren’t quite that bad in your life, but you’re just not happy. You’ve tried hobbies, read books and even smelled the roses, but something is missing.
Jesus Christ is what is missing. No human being on this earth will ever be at peace until they come to Jesus to be born again (John 3:3). Jesus will give you a new spirit that will be filled with His own Spirit. Only then can you say with David:
“…My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.” (Psalms 62:1NIV)
“Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.” (Psalms 116:7 NIV)
But you say, “I’m a Christian, but I don’t feel satisfied. What is wrong with me?” You need to come to your Savior and Lord and ask of God the same thing David asked Him.
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Psalms 51:12 NIV)
Accept the council of John in this verse.
“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)
Then follow David’s advice.
“I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.” (Psalms 119:7 NIV)
Click on the article title for a link to full original referenced article.
In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” (Matt. 3:1-2)
Prophecies of a Messianic King appear throughout the Old Testament and many in the Jewish leadership saw John’s arrival on the scene as their fulfillment. They sent representatives to the place where John was baptizing to see if he was the promised Messiah. He said he wasn’t, but that the one they had been expecting was even then in their midst (John 1:19-28).
750 years earlier Isaiah had said when the Messiah came He would reign on David’s throne forever (Isaiah 9:6-7) but the throne of David had been vacant for 600 years. John had come to tell them the time was finally at hand and they had better get ready for Him.
When Jesus began His ministry, John introduced Him as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:8) and publicly testified that Jesus was the Son of God (John 1:34). Right from the beginning Jesus began teaching that the Kingdom of Heaven was near (Matt. 4:17), and sent His disciples through out the land to alert the people to this fact as well (Matt. 10:7-8).
But even with Isaiah’s prophecies, John’s testimony, and the Lord’s teaching, the Jewish leaders refused to accept that Jesus was the Messiah. They questioned His claims, His doctrine, and His miracles in spite of the fact that all were clearly foretold in their prophecies.
Isaiah had also said when He came the Messiah would have no beauty or majesty that would attract them to Him and that nothing about His appearance would make them desire Him (Isaiah 53:2). The fact that Jesus was not like they expected Him to be was a big problem for them.
Just before John was executed, He had sent a delegation of his disciples to confirm for themselves that Jesus was who He claimed to be.
In reply Jesus said, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.” (Matt. 11:4-6)
Jesus fed the multitudes, walked on water, healed the sick and raised the dead and still they asked for a miraculous sign. Finally in frustration He responded, “A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matt. 12:38-40). They would get their sign, but only after they had executed Him.
Later, just a few days before His execution, He warned them again. “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit (Matt. 21:43). He was speaking of the coming Church.
The title in itself is an oxymoron. Yet, that appears to be the position of the Christian today. Surrounded by a faceless world in this dark, unfamiliar tunnel we move one day closer to the glowing light on the other end.
“For now we see through a glass, darkly but then face to face. Now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).
Though it should be so, it seems there is no longer a driving desire to minister to the lost in expectation of a clueless reaction. It is more of a fight to survive the race and press forward. People are angry for no reason. People are hurtful without cause. Doing the “right thing” has escaped even the elder generation, the one generation that you thought you could count on.
There are loud voices everywhere haunting you with their perspective version of how all things evil are acceptable and in the same attempt trying to somehow justify it. God is love? Yes, He is. But I am pretty sure that he is not a happy God.
The old theory was to look for the best in people. However, today, we see more of the worst right up front and when you meet a genuine person you are pleasantly surprised. Although somewhat overshadowed, this in no way means that we are not amongst a multitude of Christians in this world.
God has not changed. Genuine Christians have not wavered. Jesus is still coming back.
So where do we go from here? As believers we have nothing to fear: Our future is secure. Every, thread of our existence is still right in the palm of His hand. If God did not know what is going to happen tomorrow, how could we trust our God today? Our lives are filled with what ifs and daily losing control of things that were once just, “routine.” Yet while we may be surrounded “alone,” our faith still holds.
”For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face. Now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).
All that remains for us is to daily ask Him, “What do you need me to do or where do you want me to go today?” For every soul that the Spirit is calling to Christ, there is someone in their path with the convincing message of amazing grace and salvation.
Click on the article title for a link to full original referenced article.
In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
It is said to be Good News, but to me that seems to be the understatement of the century.
Sin entered the world through Adam and produced a divide between God and man. Christ came into the world to pay for our punishment for sin through His death on the cross. There by bridging the gap between God and man for all who accept and believe in Him.
Paul gives the best most succinct explanation of the Gospel that I have ever heard. In 12 minutes he lays out the core of what we believe as Christians and most importantly the why. Why is this so critical? This is the most important 12 minutes you will ever spend.
Click on the article title for a link to full original referenced article.
In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
This is such a common question that I believe we have all struggled with at some point in time of our lives or if not yet will at some point. The answer is so reassuring and strengthening of our faith. Studying prophecy has a similar effect. I wish more understood how powerful it is. God laid out for us what will happen before it happened so we could strengthen our faith in Him and with assurance put our trust in Him. He knew we would struggle like Thomas with doubts and would need some reassurance. Prophecy is that reassurance and yet largely as a church, Christ’s Bride, we ignore it or worse scoff at God’s predictions that He put in place to reassure us of His power and authority.
There’s a theory, only hinted at in Scripture, that Planet Earth had been the domain of Satan prior to his rebellion. Although he was only a created being, Satan was an enormously powerful dignitary in God’s Universe (Jude 1:9). He was the overseer of the Cherubim (the guardians of God’s Throne) and a leader of the angelic host. He was God’s most impressive creation (Ezekiel 28:12-15). Because of his position, his power, and his beauty he became proud and rebelled (Ezekiel 28:17, Isaiah 14:13-14), bringing about a judgment that destroyed planet Earth.
All this seems to have happened between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2. Hints of this in Scripture are
1) an alternate (and some say more literal) rendering of Genesis 1:2 reads, “But the Earth became formless and void”, rather than “and the Earth was formless and void.”
2) In Isaiah 45:18 the Lord said He didn’t create the Earth that way, using the same Hebrew word that’s translated formless in Genesis 1:2, but formed it to be inhabited. Putting these two points together hints at a judgment sometime after Earth’s original creation.
3) The angels already existed at the time of the Genesis creation account. They shouted and sang for joy when the Lord laid the foundations of Earth (Job 38:4-7) so they must have been created earlier. If so, then Satan must have been created earlier was as well.
4) The serpent seems to appear out of nowhere in Genesis 3:1 although there’s no mention of him in the creation account. Also the Hebrew word translated serpent comes from a root meaning enchanter, which could mean it was not an ordinary animal. And Eve didn’t seem to be reluctant to converse with him, indicating she might have recognized him for who he really was.
Let me hasten to add that I don’t believe in a pre-Adamite civilization. The Bible clearly calls Adam the first man (1 Cor. 15:45). It also says the animals were created on the same day as Adam (Genesis 1:24-26) so I don’t believe dinosaurs or any other animals preceded Adam’s creation.
After Earth sat submerged in ruin and darkness for who knows how long, God said “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3) and the six day Genesis creation process began. It helps to remember that the Bible is not a book about eternity, it’s about the age of man. As such it begins with the creation of the first man and ends when the Millennium ends seven thousand years later. It gives only vague hints about what happened before the Age of Man began and what will come after it ends. All we really know is that there was an eternity past and there will be an eternity future.
God’s first instruction to Adam and Eve was to give them dominion over Planet Earth, telling them to subdue it and populate it Continue Reading »
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In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
Martin was right. There are others out there struggling with these passages and the flesh – My will vs. the Lord’s will. I for one struggle with this daily, this is a great article and worth the read and contemplation through prayer. It will bring an immediate, Amen, from those that do struggle with it daily and for those of you that don’t my question is why aren’t you. Hopefully, it is because you have cracked the code on death of self and are doing the Lord’s will freely in your life, but if that is not the case, may this article plant the seed in your mind that the Holy Spirit can make grow…
“A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready. ‘But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’
And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’ Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.’
And the servant said, ‘Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.’ Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.’” ─Luke 14:16-24 NKJV
There is a problem I have been struggling with and since the Bible says that there is no temptation that we have experienced except that which is common to man (1 Corinthians 10:13), then I think it is a safe bet to say that there are others who struggle with it too. The struggle that I am talking about has to do with the inner fight to lay down our own desires, hopes, and dreams; and to deny ourselves, pick up our cross daily, and follow Jesus.
Let’s be honest for a minute, and just admit that it is not an easy thing to die to self. The Bible says in Romans chapter twelve that we are to present ourselves as a living sacrifice to God, but someone once said that the problem with living sacrifices is that they tend to crawl off the altar. Humorous as that may be, it is also a true and sobering fact that we must continually offer up our lives and be diligent to remain in a state of submission to our sovereign Lord on a daily basis. Let me see if I can bring this closer to home and illustrate it from my own life.
In January of 2011, I met this beautiful, spirited, and loving lady whom I fell in love with and she with me. Between the time that we met and were married, I started to have the Scripture verse above run through my head, or more accurately just a portion of it. The part that kept coming to mind was, “I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.” But what it was going through my head about differed from the words of Jesus; for I did not seem to be declining to come to the Master’s banquet, but rather I was making an excuse as to why I could not obey His command to labor in His field for harvest time.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matt. 7:13-14)
This passage is often quoted in reference to the different roads traveled by unbelievers as opposed to believers. Unbelievers are said to be on a broad road with many fellow travelers, all on the way to their destruction. Believers on the other hand are a small segment of humanity and are on a narrow road to salvation. This difference is further defined by some as pertaining to our behavior. The unbeliever’s gate is wide and his road is broad, supposedly indicating that there’s room for all kinds of sinful behavior, while for the believer it’s a small gate and a narrow road suggesting that there’s very little latitude for misbehaving. A careless step or two and you may find yourself being rerouted onto the broad road.
If you look at these 2 verses alone it’s easy to understand why so many see them this way. But in the context of the chapter a different picture emerges.
In Matthew 7 the people in focus all claim to be believers, and the emphasis is on their fruit. The Lord began by admonishing us against judging others,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matt. 7:1-2)
Paul Washer is one of my top five favorite pastors. I just feel the truth rings true and he cuts right to the bone of the matter. Yes, it can be kind of harsh but I would rather have someone preach the harsh truth to me than smooth over the truth trying to soften it with the chance that I may miss it. What a tragedy that would be, especially with time drawing so short.
Two of the passages that he preaches on in the video below are ones that have been ringing in my head for the last eight to nine years. I find that the more I study them and contemplate them, asking God for wisdom and discernment the more alive and real they become. There is so much truth locked up in these two verses it is astounding to my meek human mind. God is Great!
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In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
I came across this list of 25 prophecies that have been or are being fulfilled today. I found it in a great book called “Queen of All” by Jim Tetlow. I have been researching the Marion apparitions and their link to end times prophecy.
Toward the beginning of the book the author uses the 25 prophecies below to prove we can trust what the Bible says literally. It really was an amazing list of which none were new to me but the list was so well laid out and in a concise format that I wanted to share it.
The Bible, God’s word, predicted these events and thousands of others over 2000 years ago. Not one prophecy from the Bible has ever been wrong. 100% accurate and correct, I can’t think of many things these days that have a batting average of perfection, we all stumble at some point. Only God is perfect as is His word, inerrant. You can trust Him and His word till the end of this age of man.
Note: I added in the text of the referenced Bible verses for each prophecy that show the prophecy clearly as well as some additional comments.
I hope this strengthens your faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His word!
1. False Bible teachers would be money hungry. They would be smooth talkers, have many followers and slur the Christian faith (2 Peter 2:1-3).
2 Peter 2:1-3 – (NKJV) – Destructive Doctrines – 2 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does[a] not slumber.
A growing number of TV evangelists epitomize this as well as many in the ecumenical movement.
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2. Mankind would be capable of destroying all life (Matthew 24:21-22).
Matthew 24:21-22 – (NKJV) – 21 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. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.
Consider that when Jesus made this prediction the armaments of His day were swords and spears. But today, with nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, it is possible to wipe out all flesh on planet earth.
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3. The use of nuclear weapons anticipated (Zechariah 14:12).
Zechariah 14:12 – (NKJV) – 12 And this shall be the plague with which the Lord will strike all the people who fought against Jerusalem:
Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet, Their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets, And their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths.
The neutron bomb melts (dissolves) its victims – just as Zechariah predicted 2,500 years ago. This was unimaginable in Zechariah’s day.
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4. There would be a global cry for peace (1 Thessalonians 5:3).
1 Thessalonians 5:3 – (NKJV) – 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.
Never has there been such a concerted, global effort to bring about peace at any cost as there is in our day.
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5. Global communication foreseen (Revelation 11:9-10;17:8).
Revelation 11:9-10 -(NKJV) – 9 Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. 10 And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.
Revelation 17:8 – (NKJV) – 8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
The Bible prophesies that the entire world will “see” certain events unfold. The invention of the television and the deployment of global satellite networks during the 20th century allow news to travel the world at the speed of light for the first time ever. Yet in John’s day, news traveled at the speed of horseback.
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6. The Christian gospel would be preached as a witness to all nations (Matthew 24:14, Mark 13:10; Revelation 14:6).
Matthew 24:14 – (NKJV) –14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Mark 13:10 – (NKJV) – 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.
Revelation 14:6 – (NKJV) – The Proclamations of Three Angels – 6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—
Today, portions or all of the Bible have been translated into over 2,300 languages and dialects covering well over 90% of the world’s population.
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7. The possession of Jerusalem would be at the center of international turmoil (Zechariah 12:3).
Zechariah 12:3 – (NKJV) – 3 And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.
Almost daily the world news reports on the conflict over Jerusalem.
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8. The fact that God once flooded the earth (the Noahic Flood) would be denied (2 Peter 3:5-6).
2 Peter 3:5-6 – (NKJV) – 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water.
There is a mass of fossil evidence to prove this fact, yet it is flatly ignored by most of the scientific world because it was judgment form God on man’s wickedness.
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9. Russia (Magog) would rise as a military power in the last days (Ezekiel 38).
Ezekiel 38:1-6 – (NKJV) – Gog and Allies Attack Israel – 38 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, 3 and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. 4 I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords. 5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; 6 Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops—many people are with you.
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10. The nation of Israel would be born in one day (Isaiah 66:8).
Isaiah 66:8 – (NKJV)
8 Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, She gave birth to her children.
On May 14, 1948 Israel became a nation. Never in recorded history has a nation been dispersed for hundreds of years and then regathered. Yet, God said it and God has done it before our very eyes!
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11. The Jews would begin to regather in Israel (Jeremiah 31:7-10; Ezekiel 37:21-22; 38:8).
Jeremiah 31:7-10 – (NKJV)
7 For thus says the Lord:
“Sing with gladness for Jacob, And shout among the chief of the nations; Proclaim, give praise, and say, ‘O Lord, save Your people, The remnant of Israel!’ 8 Behold, I will bring them from the north country, And gather them from the ends of the earth, Among them the blind and the lame, The woman with child And the one who labors with child, together; A great throng shall return there. 9 They shall come with weeping, And with supplications I will lead them. I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters, In a straight way in which they shall not stumble; For I am a Father to Israel, And Ephraim is My firstborn.
10 “Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, And declare it in the isles afar off, and say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, And keep him as a shepherd does his flock.’
Ezekiel 37:21-22 – (NKJV)
21 “Then say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Surely I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, wherever they have gone, and will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land; 22 and I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king over them all; they shall no longer be two nations, nor shall they ever be divided into two kingdoms again.
Ezekiel 38:8 – (NKJV)
8 After many days you will be visited. In the latter years you will come into the land of those brought back from the sword and gathered from many people on the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate; they were brought out of the nations, and now all of them dwell safely.
Over five million Jews have returned to Israel in recent times! This unlikely prophecy alone is unmistakable evidence of the Scriptures’ Divine inspiration.
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12. The Jews would regain control of biblical Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:6; Luke 21:24).
Zechariah 12:6 – (NKJV)
6 In that day I will make the governors of Judah like a firepan in the woodpile, and like a fiery torch in the sheaves; they shall devour all the surrounding peoples on the right hand and on the left, but Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place—Jerusalem.
Luke 21:24 – (NKJV)
24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
This happened in 1967! As a result of the 6 day war.
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13. Asia (the kings of the east) would be capable of deploying a 200-million-man army during earth’s final days (Revelation 9:14-16; 16:12).
Revelation 9:14-16 – (NKJV)
14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them.
Revelation 16:12 – (NKJV) – Sixth Bowl: Euphrates Dried Up
12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared.
Bear in mind, when John penned this prophecy 2,000 years ago, there were only an estimated 170-400 million people on the entire planet. Yet today, according to the CIA, China alone has 281 million men fit for military service!
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14. Egypt would exist in the last days – but only as a lowly third world nation (Ezekiel 29:14-16).
Ezekiel 29:14-16 – (NKJV)
14 I will bring back the captives of Egypt and cause them to return to the land of Pathros, to the land of their origin, and there they shall be a lowly kingdom. 15 It shall be the lowliest of kingdoms; it shall never again exalt itself above the nations, for I will diminish them so that they will not rule over the nations anymore. 16 No longer shall it be the confidence of the house of Israel, but will remind them of their iniquity when they turned to follow them. Then they shall know that I am the Lord God.”’”
Egypt was on of the world’s greatest ancient civilizations. Yet today, as prophesied, Egypt remains, but only as an impoverished nation. To show how amazing this prophecy is, compare modern Egypt to the tiny nation of Austria. Egypt has ten times more land area, and a population eight times greater than Austria. Yet, Egypt’s Grow Domestic Product is only one-fifth of Austria’s GDP.
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15. Your would become increasingly rebellious (2 Timothy 3:2-3; Mark 13:12; Isaiah 3:4-5, 12)
2 Timothy 3:2-3 – (NKJV) – 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
Mark 13:12 – (NKJV) – 12 Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.
Isaiah 3:4-5 – (NKJV)
4 “I will give children to be their princes, And babes shall rule over them. 5 The people will be oppressed, Every one by another and every one by his neighbor; The child will be insolent toward the elder, And the base toward the honorable.”
Isaiah 3:12 – (NKJV)
12 As for My people, children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths.”
No comment necessary.
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16. Homosexuality would be flaunted at the end of the age. Jesus warned that the last days would be like the days of Lot – who lived in wicket Sodom (Luke 17:28-30).
Luke 17:28-30 – (NKJV) – 28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.
We know that the root of Sodom’s sin was pride and complacency (Ezekiel 16:49) – as it is today.
Ezekiel 16:49 – (NKJV) – 49 Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
However, Sodom’s lasting infamy stemmed from their aggressive homosexual sin (Genesis 19; Jude 1:7).
Genesis 19:4-9 – (NKJV)
4 Now before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both old and young, all the people from every quarter, surrounded the house. 5 And they called to Lot and said to him, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may know them carnally.”
6 So Lot went out to them through the doorway, shut the door behind him, 7 and said, “Please, my brethren, do not do so wickedly! 8 See now, I have two daughters who have not known a man; please, let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them as you wish; only do nothing to these men, since this is the reason they have come under the shadow of my roof.”
9 And they said, “Stand back!” Then they said, “This one came in to stay here, and he keeps acting as a judge; now we will deal worse with you than with them.” So they pressed hard against the man Lot, and came near to break down the door.
Jude 1:7 – (NKJV)
7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Today the homosexual agenda is flaunted and forced upon our entire society.
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17. Epidemic drug use predicted (Revelation 9:21).
Revelation 9:21 – (NKJV)
21 And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries[a] or their sexual immorality or their thefts.
The Greek word translated sorceries is pharmakeia which can also refer to drug use, both illegal drugs and mind-altering drugs. The use of illegal drugs and the dispensing of mind-altering drugs has risen sharply during our current generations.
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18. Sorceries – referring to witchcraft, magic, or occult practices used to enchant and deceive – are also anticipated in the last days (Revelation 9:21; 18:23; Isaiah 47:9-15; Micah 5:10-15).
Micah 5:10-15 – (NKJV)
10 “And it shall be in that day,” says the Lord, “That I will cut off your horses from your midst And destroy your chariots. 11 I will cut off the cities of your land And throw down all your strongholds. 12 I will cut off sorceries from your hand, And you shall have no soothsayers. 13 Your carved images I will also cut off, And your sacred pillars from your midst; You shall no more worship the work of your hands; 14 I will pluck your wooden images from your midst; Thus I will destroy your cities. 15 And I will execute vengeance in anger and fury On the nations that have not heard.”
Today, interest in the occult is flourishing.
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19. Financial systems would depend on numbers not cash (Revelation 13:17-18).
Revelation 13:17-18 – (NKJV)
17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.
Remember, this prophecy was made 2,000 years before our computer-driven society.
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20. Many would call themselves the Christ (Matthew 24:5).
Matthew 24:5 – (NKJV)
5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.
Jesus was an itinerate preacher who never traveled outside the tiny nation of Israel and He had the audacity to say that many would come in His name, claiming to be the Christ. And yet today, as foretold, multitudes within the New Age Movement, Eastern religions, and the cults call themselves the Christ.
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21. The final generation would be open to receiving a mark on their right hand or on their forehead (Revelation 13:16).
Revelation 13:16 – (NKJV)
16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads,
Consider how the up and coming generation is tattooed, pierced and marked with all kinds of insignia.
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22. People would reject the sound doctrine of the Word of God and follow the doctrines of men that appeal to their own lusts (2 Timothy 4:3-4; Acts 20:29-30).
2 Timothy 4:3-4 – (NKJV)
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
Acts 20:29-30 – (NKJV)
29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.
Jesus also predicted that there would be many hypocrites within the church (Matthew 24:48-51; Matthew 7:22-23).
Matthew 24:48-51 – (NKJV)
48 But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, 51 and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 7:22-23 – (NKJV)
22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
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23. Blasphemy would be common (2 Timothy 3:2; Revelation 16:9, 11, 21).
2 Timothy 3:2 – (NKJV) – 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Revelation 16:9 – (NKJV) – 9 And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.
Revelation 16:11 – (NKJV) – 11 They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds.
Revelation 16:21 – (NKJV) – 21 And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great.
Consider how often people use their Creator’s name (God, Lord, or Jesus Christ) as a curse word. Fifty years ago, Hollywood seldom used God’s name in vain. Today, nearly every movie contains blasphemy.
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24. Sexual immorality would be rampant (Jude 1:18; Revelation 9:21).
Jude 1:18 – (NKJV) – 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts.
Keep in mind, Jesus said whoever looks to lust has already committed adultery in his heart (Matthew 5:28).
Matthew 5:28 – (NKJV) – 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Today lust is marketed in every conceivable venue.
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25. Men would mock the warning signs of the end of the age saying that these signs have always been around (2 Peter 3:3-4).
2 Peter 3:3-4 – (NKJV) – 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”
The Bible even reveals their motivation, they love lust.
In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
Click on the article title for a link to full original referenced article.
In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
It is just stunning to me how out of touch we have become as a people. We have so many distractions these days that we don’t pay attention to real current events, let alone put them all together and take the time to step back and look at the big picture.
That is what prophecy is. It is a puzzle left for us by God. If we study His word as he commanded us to, we will not be caught like a thief in the night. Events and outcomes of certain actions will not surprise us. We understand the bigger picture and how the puzzle is coming together generally. We were meant to study prophecy.
If these folks don’t even know this major event has taken place, how can we imagine they can assemble the prophecy puzzle God has left for us in his word. How do we get them to wake up?
Click on the article title for a link to full original referenced article.
In Romans 10 Paul lays out how salvation is open to all, Jew and Gentile. He writes:
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4-5
What he is saying is now it is not about works or how closely to a “T” you follow the law. But that it is through God’s gift of grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is really that simple, and yet a hard step for some of us.
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Christ is the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14), through faith in Him you will be saved. It is the only “works” that God requires for eternal salvation.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." -- Ephesians 2:8-10
myBlessedHope 