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Posts Tagged ‘salvation’

Great commentary on our one source of Truth in this fallen world.  Grant does an excellent job asking the question and laying out the case.

The only thing I would add, is that if you are new in your faith or just starting to look into this “Christian” thing.  As Grant (and Paul) says the whole Bible is valuable for teaching & instruction but I would suggest you start with the Gospel of John (John), then move to Romans, followed by Matthew.  It will get you started in a very manageable way on your path to Salvation and/or a stronger faith based on Truth!

Remember, the darker it gets, the brighter and farther our little light shines!

Maranatha, Lord come quickly!

myblessedhope

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Is The Bible True Or Not? :: By Grant Phillips

Why is it so hard for some people to believe the Bible? The Bible is the Word of God delivered to mankind through men set apart by God to deliver His message. The Spirit of God spoke through these writers, using their own personalities, to deliver the divine message to mankind. Yet, so many people from all walks of life simply cannot believe its words are from God, but instead consider it to be composed of the opinions of the writers, fables and fairy tales. Few today consider the Bible, in its entirety to be the absolute inerrant (incapable of being wrong) Word from Almighty God (in the original languages). God informs mankind through the apostle Paul:

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16) [“Inspired” means literally “God-breathed.” Every word comes from God.]

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:12-16)

How does the true Christian “have the mind of Christ?” The true Christian has “the mind of Christ” by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit within us. He/she also “has the mind of Christ” in the Bible we hold in our hands. To the unbeliever it is just a book, but to the believer it is a book that contains the words of God.

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Matt Ward put together a great article on Rapture Ready about a trend he has been tracking over the last two years or so.  It is a lengthy article but worth ready till then end.  I have felt the same “Schism” forming as well as the new negative connotation of being a “fundamentalist” or “evangelical”.

It reminds me of one of the letters from Jesus to the churches in Revelations when he says “…for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”

Revelation 3:7-8 New King James Version (NKJV)

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

Which also reminds me of the next letter and a wording nuance within the NKJV to the “Church of the Laodiceans”, not the “Church in” but “of”, that is why later in verse 20 He says “I stand at the door and knock…” its not His church but theirs.

Revelation 3:14-15 New King James Version (NKJV)

14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.

Read his entire article, he really gets to the heart of the matter summarizing the true issue and how opposite it seems to the words our dying world needs to hear like:

The pertinent issues now are not salvation issues, or issues related to sin or repentance, and certainly not anything to do with eschatology or the imminent end times, but LGBTQ+ issues, immigration issues and family border-separation issues. It is about the “evils” of white-dominated evangelical Protestantism; it is about helping the poor. It is about social justice, the feel-good gospel of salvation through works, not faith. These are the issues that count – not sin, repentance, the love of God for a desperately lost world, or the quite obviously approaching time of His wrath.

Remember, the darker it gets, the brighter and farther our little light shines!

Maranatha, Lord come quickly!

myblessedhope

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Schism :: By Matt Ward

Modern-day Christianity seems to be approaching a point of no return. There appears to be a concerted effort, long since underway but now rapidly speeding up, which has the very specific aim of delegitimizing biblical Christianity. Much of these efforts are coming from within the church.

Men and women we once perceived as being Christian brothers and sisters, now seem to view themselves as traditional Christianity’s greatest enemy. Christianity, as we have known it, would seem to be on the brink of schism.

If you are a Christian who holds a literal view of the interpretation of scripture, and especially if you hold to a futurist, pre-tribulation view of eschatology, then you find yourself dead center in the crosshairs of a movement that is becoming increasingly vitriolic. You are also very much in the minority. The acrimony, the bitter and caustic attacks, are not even hidden or shrouded anymore; they are out in the open for all to see.

These are, I know, harsh words. Yet I have stood back and watched patiently over the last two years; and what I have seen has with equal measure surprised and shocked me. I waited and waited before writing this article, as I wanted to be absolutely sure that what I was witnessing was not just a momentary spasm of anger or frustration. I wanted to be sure that what was emerging was a new fixed pattern of behavior.

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It really brings into focus why prophecy is so important, it all points back to Jesus and our salvation as sinners.  Time is short.

Remember, the darker it gets, the brighter and farther our little light shines!

Maranatha, Lord come quickly!

myblessedhope

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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 The Gospel of Jesus Christ.  To learn more check out the following link.

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Might be old news to some but I came across this excellent video from Living Waters ministry.

Remember, the darker it gets, the brighter and farther our little light shines!

Maranatha, Lord come quickly!

myblessedhope

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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.

It is The Gospel of Jesus Christ.  To learn more check out the following link.

Read Full Post »

The boldness in these last days is simple stunning to watch.  Christ told us it was coming, he told us what to expect, but I must say that seeing it unfold like this over these last few years has simply been stunning to watch.

Equally stunning is the fact that so many of the people we come in contact with each day are completely oblivious to what is going on around them.  There really will be a lot of people caught off guard when events force themselves upon them.

There is something seriously wrong with the catholic church doctrine.  They seem to be to much of this world, hording their treasures up here on earth, praying to Mary instead of Jesus, the Son of God.  Having to confess through a priest instead of directly to God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  Keeping Jesus on the cross, the crucifix.  Having Mary crying, not rejoicing that “He has Risen!”  He overcame death!  It no longer has a hold on us, we are free.  Jesus is not still on the cross, He is seated at the right hand of God, and He is coming back very soon for His bride.

I have many Catholic friends, and I pray to God every day and night that they have a personal relationship with Jesus, that they have accepted His free gift of salvation through belief in the Son of God, Jesus Christ.  That is the “works” required for salvation, nothing more, so that none can boast.

Remember, the darker it gets, the brighter and farther our little light shines!

Maranatha, Lord come quickly!

myblessedhope

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The Shocking Message Pope Francis Preached At New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral

| September 25, 2015 | at nowtheendbegins.com

The Pope, the self-proclaimed “vicar of Christ”, preaching a message of the FAILURE OF JESUS on the cross.

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 (KJV)

Like many people, I missed the message that the Pope preached at St. Patrick’s Cathedral because it was not streamed live as far as I was aware. And honestly, I was much more interested from a prophecy perspective in what he was going to say to Washington and the United Nations. So I did not bother to take a peek and see what he preached at St. Patrick’s. When I did, I about fell off my chair.

First of all, Pope Francis gave a shout-out to his “Muslim brothers and sisters” when he said this – “I would like to express two sentiments for my Muslim brothers and sisters: Firstly, my greetings as they celebrate the feast of sacrifice.” In case he doesn’t know, Islam clearly teaches that their god, Allah, has no son. None at all. So for a Christian to be a spiritual brother or sister with a Muslim is impossible. The Qu’ran boldly declares that Allah has no son:

It is not [befitting] for Allah to take a son; exalted is He! When He decrees an affair, He only says to it, “Be,” and it is.”  Surah 19:35,36

Pope Francis has been wooing the Muslims into the Vatican tent for sometime now. In November of 2014, he prayed inside a Mosque in Istanbul, in December of 2014 Pope Francis defended Islam as a “religion of peace”, and just a few weeks ago issued the order for all Catholics in Europe to take in Muslim migrants to live with them in their homes.

But it didn’t stop there, not by a long shot. Pope Francis declared the work of Jesus on the cross to be a failure

Perhaps the most shocking, the most stunning words to ever come out of the Pope’s mouth had to do with him talking about the “failure of the Cross”. What?? It is because of Jesus on the cross, that we have salvation. It is because of the cross that we now have access to the Father and a FULL pardon for our sins. It is because of the cross that Heaven, and not Hell, is our destination. This is what he said:

“The cross shows us a different way of measuring success. Ours is to plant the seeds. God sees to the fruits of our labors. And if at times our efforts and works seem to fail and not produce fruit, we need to remember that we are followers of Jesus Christ and his life, humanly speaking, ended in failure, the failure of the cross.”

That was it, not another word. You would expect him to say something like “while it appeared to be a failure to His disciples, the cross was actually a victory…” or some such thing. I have heard that preached many times before in church. But the thing is, he didn’t say that. He just simply stated that the life of Jesus on the cross “ended in failure”, which is a complete and total lie. How he could just leave it there, in defeat, to declare the cross a FAILURE and not expound one, tiny bit more is beyond imagination. The Pope, the self-proclaimed “vicar of Christ”, preaching a message of the FAILURE OF JESUS on the cross. Honestly, words fail me at this moment. Truly.

What better way could Pope Francis end a “sermon” whose opening remarks call Christ-rejecting, Hell-bound Muslims our “brothers and sisters”, and whose main point is the “failure of Jesus on the cross”, than by praying to Mary and asking for her blessing:

“Dear brothers and sisters, in a few moments, we will sing the Magnificat. Let us commend to our lady the work we have been entrusted to do. Let us join her in thanking god for the great things he has done…”

You can click here to read the full transcript of this sermon from the pit of Hell, but honestly, why would you want to?

Pope Francis, as far I am concerned, still retains his title of The False Prophet…and then some.

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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 The Gospel of Jesus Christ.  To learn more check out the following link.

Read Full Post »

So often what we receive is a thin layer of Christian doctrine, history, and overall understanding of God’s word, but there is so much more.  As you dive into God’s word, it comes alive and I am constantly amazed at the depths of the wisdom and the foreshadowing that is on every page of the Bible when we take the time to explore it.

It really is true, “seek and ye shall find”.

Jack Kelly does a great job unpacking the Olivet Discourse as you may not have heard it before.

Remember, the darker it gets, the brighter and farther our little light shines!

Maranatha, Lord come quickly!

myblessedhope

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The Olivet Discourse…Luke’s Version

By Jack Kelley

Students of prophecy often pay more attention to Matthew’s version of the Olivet Discourse because of its greater length and detail. But when we bypass Luke’s account, we miss one third of the Lord’s message. That’s because the disciples asked the Lord three questions and in Matthew 24 He only answered the last two. Also, it’s Luke’s answer to their first question that confirms the whole message as it relates to the end times.

Here’s why: When a prophet revealed events that would take place beyond the lifetimes of the people he was speaking to, the Lord often provided a short term partial fulfillment to validate the distant prophecy. This is because He had told the people that if what a prophet said didn’t come true, then the people were not to fear him, for he hadn’t spoken for the Lord (Deut 18:21-22).

There are numerous partial fulfillments in Scripture that would serve as good examples of this, but perhaps the clearest one comes from John 5:43. Speaking to Israel, Jesus said, “I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him.” He was referring to the Antichrist, who many in Israel will believe to be the Messiah when he comes on the scene at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week.

But just before Jesus was handed over to be executed, Pilate offered to free Him as a sign of Roman mercy, traditionally expressed on Passover. He gave the people a choice, the innocent Jesus who came in His Father’s name or a convicted killer named, Barabbas, who came in his own name. The people chose Barabbas. It was the partial fulfillment that validated the Lord’s prophecy of Israel and the Antichrist in the 70th Week.

And as we’ll see, the destruction of Jerusalem in 69AD was the partial fulfillment that validated the Lord’s prophecy of the End Times. Let’s take a look.

Luke 21:5-36

“Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God.  But Jesus said, ‘As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.’ ‘Teacher,’ they asked, ‘When will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?’” (Luke 21:5-7).

According to Mark 13:3, it was Peter, James, John and Andrew who asked. And in Matt. 24:3 we can read their complete question. “When will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

This is our first hint that things will be different in Luke’s account. He only has the disciples asking the first question, the one about their immediate future.

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Very good commentary on satanic roots that are growing throughout the world and another warning that we need to wake folks up to assure they have the chance to accept God’s free gift of Salvation for those who believe and commit their lives to Him.

Remember, the darker it gets, the brighter and farther our little light shines!

Maranatha, Lord come quickly!

myblessedhope

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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 The Gospel of Jesus Christ.  To learn more check out the following link.

Read Full Post »

Amazing collection of thoughts and reflection on God’s word to us during these last days…

Remember, the darker it gets, the brighter and farther our little light shines!

Maranatha, Lord come quickly!

myblessedhope

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God’s Final Message Applied to Today’s Churches

By Joe Southerland

In Revelation chapter fourteen while in the midst of Daniel’s Seventieth Week (the seven-year long Tribulation period), God sends forth an angel to deliver his final message to rebellious, god-denying Man, just prior to unleashing His final seven judgments.

God’s final message cuts to the point and blows through all the superfluous drivel most lost souls are enduring in today’s dying pulpits. We would do well to take heed and make God’s last message the central theme being preached in our churches today.

“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters” (Rev.14:6-7).

God will use an angel to supernaturally complete the church’s Great Commission, to preach His Good News to the ends of the earth (Matthew 24:13-14).   The angel’s good news that Man’s salvation is solely accomplished through faith in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection (John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8, John 14:6), is prefaced by God’s final message to mankind which focuses on three critical points concerning God’s relation to Man.

 

 

First, people must fear and glorify God. In our fallen world (and most modern churches), people have lost their fear of the Lord. There was a time in society when being called a God-fearer was a prized complement to strive for; now it is an archaic and often pejorative term.

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This is a pretty stark contrast drawn below.

I am always amazed at how people still see him as a Christian.  None of his actions or words would say he is.

Christ told us in Matthew, multiple times, that we should judge a person by their “fruit”, what they produce, do, say, and support.

Maybe it is because so many of “us” Christians are “of this world” more than “chosen out of this world” so we don’t want to condemn his beliefs and actions because it will point to our own actions as well.  But you can’t even go that far for our commander-in-chief because he is down right hostile toward Christians, true Christians that follow God’s word and believe in the whole Bible as inerrant.  Can you name one thing he has ever done to help God’s church?  I can’t.

I was at a Prophecy conference last weekend and one of the speakers stated something that really struck me, but seems so obvious now.

He asked the question, “Are you getting tired of saying to yourself, why don’t these people see what is happening?  Their actions or responses do not make any sense”  And he was right, we are all tired of saying it.  He went on to say, it is the strong delusion that God promised he would give non-believers over to in the last days, just like the days of Noah and Lot. We are watching it unfold.  Nothing makes sense anymore, our society and culture calls evil, good and good, evil.

So next time you ask yourself. “They can’t be that blind or stupid?” when something you think is common sense does not strike them as so.  Remember the times.  It is time that we all straighten up, and boldly proclaim God’s word, the Gospel, as He is our only hope, and the only hope for those that are lost.

Another point to ponder that I gleaned from the conference: If 100% of the prophecies to date have come true and have been fulfilled literally, what makes us think that the ones yet to come will not be fulfilled in the exact same manner, 100% and literally.

As Peter said, God gave us the more sure word of prophecy.  It’s study strengths our faith.

Remember, the darker it gets, the brighter and farther our little light shines!

Maranatha, Lord come quickly!

myblessedhope

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In his own words: Barack Obama on Islam and Christianity

from the therightscoop.com

An interesting batch of quotes put together and sourced by Now the End Begins that create a very distinct picture of our president that will likely surprise only a few of you, if that many. (h/t: The American Thinker)

OBAMA ON ISLAM:

1. “The future must not belong to those who slander the prophet of Islam”

2. “The sweetest sound I know is the Muslim call to prayer”

3. “We will convey our deep appreciation for the Islamic faith, which has done so much over the centuries to shape the world — including in my own country.”

4. “As a student of history, I also know civilization’s debt to Islam.”

5. “Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance.”

6. “Islam has always been part of America”

7. “we will encourage more Americans to study in Muslim communities”

8. “These rituals remind us of the principles that we hold in common, and Islam’s role in advancing justice, progress, tolerance, and the dignity of all human beings.”

9. “America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles of justice and progress, tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.”

10. “I made it clear that America is not – and will never be – at war with Islam.”

11. “Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism – it is an important part of promoting peace.”

12. “So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed”

13. “In ancient times and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education.”

14. “Throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality.”

15. “Ramadan is a celebration of a faith known for great diversity and racial equality”

16. “The Holy Koran tells us, ‘O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.’”

17. “I look forward to hosting an Iftar dinner celebrating Ramadan here at the White House later this week, and wish you a blessed month.”

18. “We’ve seen those results in generations of Muslim immigrants – farmers and factory workers, helping to lay the railroads and build our cities, the Muslim innovators who helped build some of our highest skyscrapers and who helped unlock the secrets of our universe.”

19. “That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn’t. And I consider it part of my responsibility as president of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.”

20. “I also know that Islam has always been a part of America’s story.”

 

OBAMA ON CHRISTIANITY:

1. “Whatever we once were, we are no longer a Christian nation”

2. “We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation.”

3. “Which passages of scripture should guide our public policy?  Should we go with Leviticus, which suggests slavery is OK and that eating shellfish is an abomination?  Or we could go with Deuteronomy, which suggests stoning your child if he strays from the faith?”

4. “Even those who claim the Bible’s inerrancy make distinctions between Scriptural edicts, sensing that some passages – the Ten Commandments, say, or a belief in Christ’s divinity – are central to Christian faith, while others are more culturally specific and may be modified to accommodate modern life.”

5. “The American people intuitively understand this, which is why the majority of Catholics practice birth control and some of those opposed to gay marriage nevertheless are opposed to a Constitutional amendment to ban it. Religious leadership need not accept such wisdom in counseling their flocks, but they should recognize this wisdom in their politics.”

6. From Obama’s book, The Audacity of Hope: “I am not willing to have the state deny American citizens a civil union that confers equivalent rights on such basic matters as hospital visitation or health insurance coverage simply because the people they love are of the same sex—nor am I willing to accept a reading of the Bible that considers an obscure line in Romans to be more defining of Christianity than the Sermon on the Mount.”

7. Obama’s response when asked what his definition of sin is: “Being out of alignment with my values.”

8. “If all it took was someone proclaiming I believe Jesus Christ and that he died for my sins, and that was all there was to it, people wouldn’t have to keep coming to church, would they.”

9. “This is something that I’m sure I’d have serious debates with my fellow Christians about. I think that the difficult thing about any religion, including Christianity, is that at some level there is a call to evangelize and prostelytize. There’s the belief, certainly in some quarters, that people haven’t embraced Jesus Christ as their personal savior that they’re going to hell.”

10. “I find it hard to believe that my God would consign four-fifths of the world to hell.  I can’t imagine that my God would allow some little Hindu kid in India who never interacts with the Christian faith to somehow burn for all eternity.  That’s just not part of my religious makeup.”

11. “I don’t presume to have knowledge of what happens after I die. But I feel very strongly that whether the reward is in the here and now or in the hereafter, the aligning myself to my faith and my values is a good thing.”

12. “I’ve said this before, and I know this raises questions in the minds of some evangelicals. I do not believe that my mother, who never formally embraced Christianity as far as I know … I do not believe she went to hell.”

13. “Those opposed to abortion cannot simply invoke God’s will–they have to explain why abortion violates some principle that is accessible to people of all faiths.”

14. On his support for civil unions for gay couples: “If people find that controversial then I would just refer them to the Sermon on the Mount.”

15. “You got into these small towns in Pennsylvania and, like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing’s replaced them. And they fell through the Clinton Administration, and the Bush Administration, and each successive administration has said that somehow these communities are gonna regenerate and they have not. And it’s not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren’t like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations.”

16. “In our household, the Bible, the Koran and the Bhagavad Gita sat on the shelf alongside books of Greek and Norse and African mythology”

17. “On Easter or Christmas Day, my mother might drag me to church, just as she dragged me to the Buddhist temple, the Chinese New Year celebration, the Shinto shrine, and ancient Hawaiian burial sites.”

18. “We have Jews, Muslims, Hindus, atheists, agnostics, Buddhists, and their own path to grace is one that we have to revere and respect as much as our own”

19. “All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of the three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra— (applause) — as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed, peace be upon them, joined in prayer.  (Applause.)”

20. “I believe that there are many paths to the same place, and that is a belief that there is a higher power, a belief that we are connected as a people.”

 

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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 The Gospel of Jesus Christ.  To learn more check out the following link.

Read Full Post »

Now here is an amazing movie you should go see and bring a friend.

It opened this weekend in the top three and surprised all the critics, imagine that!

God is Great!

Also, the Gospel message that the end is well work watching on through.

Remember, the darker it gets, the brighter and farther our little light shines!

Maranatha, Lord come quickly!

myblessedhope

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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 The Gospel of Jesus Christ.  To learn more check out the following link.

Read Full Post »

I was shown this video this week and it really hit home for me. 

I found it out on youtube so thought I would share it.

The true impact of the first Christmas…

Merry Christmas!!!!

myblessedhope

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Published on Jun 15, 2013  by TheezGuyz

I’m not generally the religious type but this was an excellent song that someone had given to me on a CD on my truck while I was at work. This is NOT mine and I refuse to take credit, I could not find this anywhere on YouTube so I decided to upload it. Enjoy 🙂

Lyrics: When it it comes to this season I am reminded of the past. Over 300 messianic prophesies came to pass, with the birth of a child, both god and man. Our deliverer of sin, born with a battle plan. Sin waged war in our lives since the day of our birth, but now the deliverer, our rescuer has come to break that curse. That which has separated the father on this earth is about to be defeated by our king and lord, oh Mary did you know.

Mary did you know, that your baby boy will one day walk on water.Mary did you know, that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters. Did you know, that your baby boy has come to make you new. This child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

The punishment that brought us peace was upon him and by his wounds we are healed. He made an appeal to the father, our judged by his death on our behalf. Satan never anticipating the aftermath. The chains are broken, the captives are set free. The oppressed to depress can lift their heads cause we are free indeed. Our redemption sealed by the blood through the sacrifice of the one. Born to die so that you and I can find the life he died for to ensure forever more the cure for death. Oh Mary did you know.

Mary did you know, that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man. Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand. Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels tried, and when you kiss your little baby you have kissed the face of God. Oh Mary did you know.

It is finished my debt is payed in full, can i ever fully grasp what it took to save their soul. But I will lift my head, and I will bare my cross, I have been sanctified by the blood so Satan can count his loss. The victory is mine by birthright, reborn in his name. Authority over evil because of the price that he payed. I see the heavens opened wide and seeded out the right hand of God. He’s the one and only son, the rescuer of the world. Seeding and glory and authority.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again. The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the pain that is his life. Did you know that your baby boy is heavens perfect lamb. Then sleep sweet child sleep. He is the perfect lamb. Oh Mary did you know.

All this is by ear so if some is incorrect my apologies ahead of time

:3

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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 The Gospel of Jesus Christ.  To learn more check out the following link.

Read Full Post »

Surprise double update this week on Syria, the hour we find ourselves in, and a great breakdown of Paul’s discussion of the Rapture in 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians.

At the end of the first video JD gives an amazing breakdown of what Communion should mean to us and what the Lord was really saying to the disciples and the church.  We take such a shallow look at things so many times and it is so refreshing to hear the truth and dig deep into the Lord’s word to us.  His blessed reassurance!

Maranatha, Lord come quickly!

myblessedhope

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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 The Gospel of Jesus Christ.  To learn more check out the following link.

Read Full Post »

Are you having any luck finding it?

This can be for believers and non-believers.  Even through we as believers do not ever lose the Holy Spirit, we can certainly ignore Him with the distractions of this world to the point of “hardening” our heart. 

If you are feeling distant from God, or have never felt close to God, maybe you need to focus on softening your heart and He will find you?

The Truth (God) will set you free.

The Truth is all around us everyday in His creation.

Maranatha, Lord come quickly!

myblessedhope

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Are You Searching For The Truth?

By Dan Payne


Over the years, I have read several stories about people who said they spent some great portion of their lives searching for the “truth”. Some of them searched in literal places, like Calcutta and the summit of Mt. Everest. Others searched in the texts of ancient Greek philosophers, like Socrates and Aristotle. Still others searched in various “holy” books like the Koran, the Book of Mormon, and yes, even the Holy Bible. I wonder what kind of heart these people were searching with, was it hard or soft?

A proud and hard heart says that it takes some great effort on your part to seek God and find “truth”. A soft and humble heart says it takes no effort on your part; all of the effort was taken on the part of Jesus Christ at the cross.

To compare hard vs. soft in this context, think of a sponge that is not completely dried out. It is soft and porous, able to receive any liquid poured onto to it, until it’s filled to capacity. Liquid that is poured onto the sponge becomes liquid that is poured into the sponge. Now (more…)

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The biggest problem in our life is how busy we have become.  I think a better word for it is “distracted”.  We are so “distracted” as a society that we literally have to carve out “minutes” for different required activities.

Have you ever “scheduled” or blocked time on your calendar for Lunch?  How about to read emails, call your spouse, your mom or dad?  How about being double booked or triple booked?  what does your time after work look like?  Kids activities?  Sports teams or events?  Hobbies?  Exercise & Fitness?  How many time-management books or video’s have you read or seen?  How about reading God’s word?  Not so much?  How about a devotional?  Maybe, the “one minute” devotions for active Christians?

What does it really mean to be “Not of this world” or to “not conform to this world:?  If you made two lists and on one side you placed all the things you do to advance your career, relationships, image, entertainment, finances or status in this world on one side and everything you do to grow you relationship with God and advance His kingdom on the other, what would it look like?  (Now jot the time spent on each next to each.)

With that sort of balance, which world do you think you “belong” to most?

We know we give our time to what we “value” most.  Where are you giving your time based on that list?  If your list is very lopsided to this world in both activities and time, you are definitely not alone.  If you step back and look around you will see that very few have stepped out of this-worldly race to occupy their time with things not of this world. This may be why when you look at the church these days, it doesn’t look much different from the secular world.  Unbelievers see that too and cry hypocrisy.

It takes a lot of work to unplug and separate from the chaos.  But it is so worth it.  The peace and fulfillment are at a whole new level.  Joy will return to your life slowly but surely.  You will need to guard it every day, it is a constant battle against Satan himself to “distract” us from God and His purpose for our lives.  We will get knocked off course, but we have to get back up and on course.

We desperately need to do this.  We need to slow down, quiet our lives, and be still.  Read God’s word, not a verse or two but chapters.  We need to ponder it, muse, pray for discernment and understanding.  God promises if you seek you will find and understand His purpose for you.  This is a daily activity.  Take up your cross daily!

We are called to “Be Still and know that I am God.”  We need to slow down, as this world is speeding up.

Maranatha, Lord come quickly!

myblessedhope

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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.

Read Full Post »

Amazing update this week from JD on Why we should believe Paul’s “Blessed Hope”, the Rapture of the Church.

Maranatha, Lord come quickly!

myblessedhope

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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.

Read Full Post »

This article is so wonderful.

It is like taking a meandering walk with the Lord on the long winding road through God’s word to the narrow gate.

Simply wonderful!

Maranatha, Lord come quickly!

myblessedhope

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On the Road to Heaven: Part 1

By Cynthia Nuara


The long and winding road that leads to your door will never disappear.

The road to heaven will never disappear if we walk in the LIGHT

[Jesus said,] “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life” (John 8:12).

“He will teach us His ways, so that we can walk in His paths” (Isaiah 2:3).

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

“Send forth Your light and Your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to the place where You dwell” (Psalm 43:3).

“I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:25b)

For ONLY if we have the Light will we be able to RECOGNIZE the darkness.

“There are those who rebel against the light; they do not know its ways nor abide in its paths” (Job 24:13).

“…For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14b).

 

When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, His Holy Spirit enters into our hearts and gives us the instruction that we need to fulfill His plan and His purpose for our lives and for the life of the kingdom.

“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” (Ephesians 1:12-14).

I’ve seen that road before.

The Word of the Lord is the way to prepare for the trip, to travel the road, and to reach our destination.

(more…)

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Jan’s article this week really hit close to home.  (Excerpt below, full article below.)

Excuse me while I rant. I think Bible prophecy gets a bad rap.  I think that those of us who long for Jesus’ return are marginalized in the church today. I even think there is a war on Bible prophecy starting in our seminaries. The carnage is played out in our churches that across-the-board stay away from the subject. The fact that the King is coming is seen as bad news to many because the event is shrouded in the world’s bad news.

But my perplexity goes beyond this. As a ministry, we have asked ourselves just how we can get the under age 45 crowd out to our events. Todd Strandberg of Rapture Ready writes about this as well. He says, “Every time I go to a prophecy conference, I can’t help but notice the sea of gray hair in the main meeting room. A few years back, at a conference in South Carolina, there wasn’t a single person under age 50 — and we had over 500 people in attendance.”

As one of  the few in the younger segment, I can definitely relate to what the quotes listed below say about our generations.  I have pondered this quite a bit as I attend conferences.  I feel most of it is the falling away prophesied.  There is another more practical piece as well.  Most of those I know in that age group are very “busy” with life trying to survive, hold on to what they have, and provide for their families.  I think part of it could simply be a matter of time, or better put, lack of time.  Those that are on their second or third career, maybe in “retirement” with families grown, simply have more time to be vocal about their beliefs, do the studies needed, have radio shows, start websites, or attend conferences.  Shoot, even finding time to read a book can be challenging for those working 2-3 jobs, raising a family, and attending to their spousal duties, etc.

This “busy-ness” is too, I feel, prophetic and may be a tool used in the “falling away” we are experiencing.  God said in the latter days, knowledge will increase and many will run to and fro.  At some point the economy will also be so bad that a man would have to work all day for a single days worth of food.  Could we be starting to see this ramp up?  It seems like we have to stretch every dollar we have further each day and there is so much information (and dis-information) thrown at us everyday that it can take every waking hour to just filter through and digest it all.  There are more “distractions” streaming at us 24/7 than ever before in history.  It’s hard to imagine that even 50 years ago the expression “has time on his hands” was common and used often to describe a young person.  Could this just be another way the evil one distracts the young and less wise from God’s word and promises?

With the speed at which things have crescendo’ed, a person has to make a strong stand to actively seek God and study His word (which includes prophecy, especially) or be swept away in the current of life and leisure.  I am afraid that most do not chose to make that stand and fight daily upstream to wrestle with God’s word daily, opening their hearts to the Holy Spirit so that they can properly and more quickly discern the truth and filter through all the disinformation that is spewed constantly.  Could this “lack of time” or maybe better put lack of wisdom and priorities, be causing so many in this age group to miss God’s prophetic word?  I know it is a daily struggle, personally, and something I have had to sacrifice to maintain from a time stand point (No TV and little to no worldly entertainment), though the reward has been overwhelming.

Without God, how can we expect to keep up this insane pace and discern correctly.  Most roll over when nudged awake and go back to sleep, not wanting to bother with the effort required to resist this world’s distractions and fight upstream.  It is a sad state, but we should not dwell on it.  It is why Christ said “when we see these things begin (just start, not complete) we should look up, and lift up our heads because our redemption draws near.  Our Blessed Hope!

Luke 21:28

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

28 But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Maranatha, Lord come quickly!

myblessedhope

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Scoffers Abound

By Jan Markell

www.olivetreeviews.org


Excuse me while I rant. I think Bible prophecy gets a bad rap.  I think that those of us who long for Jesus’ return are marginalized in the church today. I even think there is a war on Bible prophecy starting in our seminaries. The carnage is played out in our churches that across-the-board stay away from the subject. The fact that the King is coming is seen as bad news to many because the event is shrouded in the world’s bad news.

But my perplexity goes beyond this. As a ministry, we have asked ourselves just how we can get the under age 45 crowd out to our events. Todd Strandberg of Rapture Ready writes about this as well. He says, “Every time I go to a prophecy conference, I can’t help but notice the sea of gray hair in the main meeting room. A few years back, at a conference in South Carolina, there wasn’t a single person under age 50 — and we had over 500 people in attendance.”

Strandberg concludes, “I’m very concerned about the state of leadership in the field of prophecy. I’m 47, and I am a spring chicken when compared to the ages of my peers.”

So I threw the dilemma out to my radio listeners this past weekend.  I asked that if they were of the “younger generation,” and loved the topic of eschatology (end-times), would you please send me a note? I cannot say that I am inundated! I’ve had less than a dozen replies thus far. Here are a few examples.

Nick is 27 and writes, “I’m very concerned with the young generation. We are moving into the ‘end times’ at such a rapid rate and this young generation is in a coma.” Those are his words, not mine! I am certain that not every young person is in that condition. /span>

Mike is 34 and writes, “You asked on your program today for young people to let you know if end-time prophecy is an issue. End-time prophecy is not AN issue, it is THE issue. You can look at it as I do as the blessed hope or you can look at it as frightening.”

Ashley writes, “I am completely enthralled about learning about end times and how events in our world are carrying us closer to the return of our King. It thrills me!! Most of my (young) friends know nothing about it and have little desire to learn. They say it scares them. Personally though, I am filled with hope that we could be caught up with Jesus and not have to taste death. I can’t wait to meet Jesus face to face!”

(more…)

Read Full Post »

The stark truth, we all need to face.

What are our false gods and idols in our lives?

What do we need to let go of and turn over to God?

Maranatha, Lord come quickly!

myblessedhope

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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.

Read Full Post »

If you ever wondered how you could increase your discernment, JD lays it out very well this week as he explores why we believe what we believe.

By studying the Truth, Gods word, you get so familiar with the Truth that any deception placed before you, leaps out at you as untrue.

On the flip side, I think this is why so many are deceived today.  No one reads their Bibles, God’s word.  Or they read these watered down interpretations of God’s word.  Versions that have been made “PC” and hip with today’s culture.  Supposedly covered with sugar to help the medicine go down.

Studying God’s word is medicine for what ails us, but it shouldn’t need sugar to take it, it will turn our lives right side up and free us from our captivity.  The Truth will set you free!

God’s word keeps our minds sharp and on guard against the overwhelming deception we are surrounded and taken captive by today.  You must know the Truth, to know when your being fed the counterfeit.

In the second half of JD’s sermon on getting back to the basics, he puts forth Revelations as the place to start.  Some would call this odd but after listening to his sermon, I am in 100% agreement, I believe that is exactly what God wants us to do, and why this world tries to make Revelations seem so scary and forbidden.

God spoke to John and told him to write about what he had seen (past), what was currently (present), and what will come (future).

Revelation 1:1-3

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.

JD breaks out the book of Revelations brilliantly as follows:

Past          Ch1     Christ Crucified, Buried, Resurrected

Present    Ch 2-3     Church History

Future      Ch 4-5     Rapture

Ch 6-19     Seven Year Tribulation

Ch 20     Millennium

Ch 21-22     New Heaven and New Earth

Maranatha, Lord come quickly!

myblessedhope

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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.

Read Full Post »

I am really taken a back at how many are still asleep given all the signs we are seeing daily.  You really would need to be blind to not put two and two together.

In thinking about how I could better wake them up, God placed on my heart that it is probably due to one or multiples of three things:

1. They do not know God’s word through either not reading it or they read it, but it is the watered down interpretation of God’s Word (i.e. Message bible or others).

2. They are so distracted by things of this world: entertainment, new technologies, pursuit of money, etc.  That they are unaware of what is going on around this world.

3. Lastly, I think there are some that fall into Paul’s description in Romans 1:21-32.  They know what God asks of us but purposely do the opposite and take great pleasure in it.

People that fall into #1 or #2, I think we may be able to awaken, but I am fearful the majority left may fall into #3.  With everything going on in the world, it is hard to believe that they haven’t seen something that would shake or nudge them awake.

The real question is once they awaken where do they turn?  Is there a clear path to someone who can ramp them up?  Or do they go back to sleep?  Both sides are feverishly battling for these souls.

I just haven’t had many souls recently come back to me wanting to know more about what is going on.  Instead I am getting a strange sense of distance growing between me and those of this world that have yet to awaken.

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Jan 28, 2013

The Real Crisis

Crises and potential crises surround us during every waking moment. Except for those who are oblivious to what is going on in this nation and world today, the cultural and societal pathway ahead disappears into the anxiety-laden darkness of the unknown. Rather than take on the entire world and its problems in this regard, I will, for our purposes in this commentary, stick to analyzing the fearful future of this nation I love.

Most in America–and sadly, in the church (born-again believers)–falls into that category of the oblivious. Therefore, the crises, from their perspective, don’t exist. All the forewarnings of coming disaster seem issued to ears that will never hear and presented to eyes that will never see. Yet, at the same time, the crises, themselves, do create undercurrents of worry. Even the otherwise diverted masses notice, at least for fleeting moments, when societal dangers disrupt their world of shopping and entertainment–for example, the murder of the children at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Then, it is back to buying, selling, building, marrying, and giving in marriage, and the thousand and one other things that matter most to them.

Crises dominate the horizon politically, economically, and morally. As a matter of fact, they intertwine in such convolution as (more…)

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I read a statistic recently that really jumped out at me.  Americans on average spend about 140 hours each month in front of the TV.  Now I knew it was high but had no idea it was that high.  (There are 168 hours in a week!)

My heart really sunk when a couple of days later I read another article about how much time do we spend in God’s word.  Can it even be counted in hours for the week? or month?  We are jammed packed with one minute devotionals.  But do we spend anytime reading Gods actual word, and pondering it, studying it.

It hit me last week how far we have strayed from God’s actual word.  On Sunday our worship leader read the scripture from “The Message” translation (interpretation) of the Bible.  My wife turned to me and stated: “why do we need to recite an interpretation of God’s word when we have God’s actual word!”  I must say it was a brilliant observation, one I think we quite often overlook.  We spend so much time and money on interpretations, and none in God’s literal word.

So getting back on track, you have totaled up your hours for the week, how many of those are from God’s literal word?  (I (more…)

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Amazing sermon.  It really rings true, both in the Glorification of God and the conviction I feel in my heart.  I actually jumped in my seat when around the 11:50 min mark he talks about our reaction to God’s commandments in our life.  It rang so true.

Another quote by Paul that stood out is when talking about the shocking truth about Christianity and the Bible.

“There really is a God and this book really is true.”

That’s only a few of many great truths and plainly spoken.

He really explains why we believe the Gospel.

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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.

Read Full Post »

God created us all equal, yes, we are all equally born into sin and can only be saved by accepting the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, where he bore God’s wrath for us to pay the price for our sin.

Homosexuality is a sin, pornography is a sin, adultery is a sin, murder is a sin, hatred is a sin…

None of us can escape sin, we are human, which is why we need a savior.

This is deception and many have been lead astray into believing the lie.

Maranatha, Lord come quickly!

myblessedhope

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Obama’s Inaugural: If God ‘Truly’ Created Us Equal, Homosexual ‘Love’ is Equal as Well

(CNSNews.com) – President Barack Obama opened his second inaugural address by quoting the statement from the preamble to the Declaration of Independence that all men “are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights.”

He then went on to say that if men were in fact created equal, then homosexual “love” must be equal as well.

“What makes us exceptional, what makes us American,” said Obama, “is our allegiance to an idea articulated in a declaration made more than two centuries ago: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’”

“Today we continue a never-ending journey to bridge the meaning of those words with the realities of our time,” said Obama. “For history tells us that while these truths may be self-evident, they’ve never been self-executing; that while freedom is a gift from God, it must be secured by His people here on Earth.”

A bit later in his speech, Obama returned to the theme of God creating all men equal, and this time tied it directly to his belief that the “law” should extend equal treatment to “the love” of homosexuals.

(more…)

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Powerful.  Praise be to God!

This will stoke your fire to live for the Lord unashamed of the Gospel!

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Something we need to be reminded of daily in our walk with the Lord!

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Amazing must see video this week!

We are not of this world but in this world… and I feel like JD, we have overstayed our welcome.

God’s word is amazing, just amazing…

Maranatha Lord, come quickly!

myblessedhope

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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.

Read Full Post »

I have no words…

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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.

Read Full Post »

It always amazes me how the same themes and models of Christ , the Trinity, and the God Head are worked throughout the Bible, Old and New Testament.  I have never understood people who say the New Testament is the only book for Christians.  It does layout our “history” as a church and the covenant we have with God through Christ Jesus, but it certainly does not stand alone.  There is so much pointing going on between the books through prophecy and direct reference that we would miss so much if we only studies one or the other.

It is through these prophetic references that we gain so much reassurance of how solid the Rock is that we found our faith on.  Jack Kelly does such a great job systematically stepping us through verse by verse how the different prophecies connect, how the translations impact our interpretation, and How the context/audience impacts that interpretation.

Enjoy!

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The Man From Eternity

by Jack Kelly


But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times (Micah 5:2).

Everyone who has ever received a Christmas card is familiar with Micah 5:2.  But here’s something you might not know about it.

Beyond the common understanding that it’s a prophecy of the Messiah’s birth place, the way Micah described Him is unique, to say the least, and contradicts the Jewish thought prevalent at the time of His birth that he would be an ordinary man.  The English phrase “whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” is remarkable in itself but only tells part of the story.  A literal translation from the Hebrew shows that the  promised ruler of Israel existed before time began, and would continue to exist forever. He wouldn’t just be a human descendant of King David with a human life span, but would be a man like no other.  A man from eternity.

Later John would say the following about Jesus. Calling Him “The Word” He wrote,

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1).

So we wouldn’t misunderstand who “The Word” is, John followed up with,

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

And Jesus Himself made the point that if the Messiah was just a son (descendant) of David’s why did David, speaking through the Holy Spirit, call Him Lord? For David said,

The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under under your feet” (Matt. 22:43-44)

In our English translation the meaning isn’t clear, and even if you look up the Greek text of Matt. 22:43-44 you can miss it.  (more…)

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Another great short movie on Salvation from livingwater ministries…

Christ said I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father accept through me.

We are all sinners in need of a Savior, not one good.  And we can not save ourselves…

Only Christ Jesus!

John 14:6

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

Maranatha Lore, come quickly!

-myblessedhope

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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.

Read Full Post »

Amazing video testimony, I got goose bumps several times and teared up at one point.

Very powerful!

Maranatha Lord, come quickly!

-myblessedhope

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Must Watch: Iranian Muslim in prison meets Jesus face to face

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.

Watch:

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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.

Read Full Post »

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.

Maranatha Lord, come quickly!

-myblessedhope

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OUT OF OFFICE………Raptured

By Sandy Howard


Thank you for your email.

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 (more…)

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We sang this song in worship today.  I had heard it a few times in the past and loved it but finally wrote down the name.

Very powerful lyrics that speak right to our relationship with God.

So powerful, Enjoy!

Maranatha Lord, Come Quickly!

-myblessedhope

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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.

Read Full Post »

We are seeing Isaiah 19 play out in Egypt as we ate turkey and spent money we didn’t have.

Great update last week!

Maranatha Lord, come quickly!

-myblessedhope

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

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.

Read Full Post »

This is a great run down of the extremely fast moving string of prophetic events unfolding over the last week.

It is breath-taking how fast things are moving now!  Absolutely amazing, praise be to God!

Maranatha Lord, come quickly!

-myblessedhope

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_________________________________________________________________

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.

Read Full Post »

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.

Maranatha Lord, come quickly!

-myblessedhope

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Repenting On Behalf Of Our Country?

by Jack Kelly


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.

(more…)

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Terry hits the nail on the head this week…

Joshua 24:15

New King James Version (NKJV)

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.

Maranatha Lord, come quickly!

-myblessedhope

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Nov 19, 2012

The Gates of Hell

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, (more…)

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This is a MUST SEE video.

…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.

I know this is the reminder I needed.

Maranatha Lord, come quickly!

-myblessedhope

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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.

Read Full Post »

Amazing message.

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.

Maranatha Lord, come quickly!

-myblessedhope

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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.

Read Full Post »

What is the gospel?

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.

Maranatha, Lord Jesus come quickly!

-myblessedhope

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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.

Read Full Post »

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.

Maranatha, Lord Jesus come quickly!

-myblessedhope

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Is God In Total Control Of Everything?

by Jack Kelly


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 (more…)

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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…

Maranatha Lord, come quickly!

-myblessedhope

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“What Time Is It?”

By Martin Irish


“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.

(more…)

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