Practically everyone has heard about some "civilization" that sacrificed children to their evil deity. The feeling of disgust it creates in us is nearly universal, and rightly so.
Thousands of years ago, the son of the greatest king ever, was destined to die a horrible death. The king's subjects had been told it was coming for quite some time, most of them discounted its importance.
Put this into the proper perspective... is there ANY WAY you'd agree to sacrifice YOUR child? I don't care what the benefit to ANYONE is! Under NO circumstances would I ever let any slimeball hurt my kid, nor any other child I care about, either! I'd proudly die to protect that child!
But, I'm talking here about Jesus, the Son of the living God.
The Father loved the Son much more than we are capable of loving... and yet, He loves each of us so much that he allowed the sacrifice of His Son to pay for all of our sins!
What does the Bible have to say?
"God is to us a God of deliverance. To Yahweh, the Lord, belongs escape from death." (Psalm 68:20) wev
"Death" here means eternal damnation.
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." (Rom 5:8-10) kjv
We do not deserve salvation. Nothing we can do by ourselves will pay for the sin we have committed. Only the death of Jesus can suffice, His sacrifice paid the cost!
"Have no feeling of shame, then, for the witness of our Lord or for me, his prisoner: but undergo all things for the good news in the measure of the power of God; Who gave us salvation, marking us out for his purpose, not on account of our works, but in the measure of his purpose and his grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal, But has now been made clear by the revelation of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who put an end to death and made life unending come to light through the good news." (2Tim 1:8-10) bev
Eternal life - that is the incredible gift, available to us only because of Christ's sacrifice!
"For Jesus during his earthly life offered up prayers and entreaties, crying aloud and weeping as He pleaded with Him who was able to bring Him in safety out of death, and He was delivered from the terror from which He shrank. Although He was God's Son, yet He learned obedience from the sufferings which He endured; and so, having been made perfect, He became to all who obey Him the source and giver of eternal salvation." (Heb 5:7-9) wnt
Jesus prayed, wept and begged God for safety and deliverance. He knew the terrible fate of those who will not accept salvation. He is God's Son! Yet He accepted the awful death he knew was coming. His obedience to the Father made Him the reason we can look forward to eternal life.
He was Born to Die!
...for us!
...in our place!
If you've never done so before, pray earnestly and accept His sacrifice! "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved." (Rom 10:13) drv
See you soon, in Paradise!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Was that an angel?
Someone very dear to me has trouble dealing with most people, but usually feels comfortable with dogs. Once, when she was forced to walk through a crime-ridden neighborhood in the middle of the night, she was escorted by a large, menacing-looking dog. It appeared mysteriously when she felt threatened, and vanished in the same manner, when her feelings of danger had passed.
Could that possibly have been an angel?
Would any of us even recognize an angel if we saw one?
Just what is an angel, anyway?
The Bible tells us, "See, I am sending an angel before you, to keep you on your way and to be your guide into the place which I have made ready for you." (Ex 23:20) bev
So, angels can be our guides.
"Then a spirit passed before my face; The hair of my flesh stood up. It stood still, but I couldn't discern the appearance of it; A form was before my eyes." (Job 4:15-16a) web
It also seems that, since angels are not of this world, they are not always easily discernable.
"For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." (Ps 91:11) drv
God's police force?
"Then again one having the form of a man put his hand on me and gave me strength. And he said to me, O man greatly loved, have no fear: peace be with you, be strong and let your heart be lifted up. And at his words I became strong, and said, Let my lord say on, for you have given me strength. Then he said, It is clear to you why I have come to you. And now I will give you an account of what is recorded in the true writings: But I am going back to make war with the angel of Persia, and when I am gone, the angel of Greece will come. And there is no one on my side against these, but Michael, your angel." (Dan 10:18-20) bev
- and -
"And the angel answered and said to him, 'I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.' " (Luke 1:19) mkj
OK, they can be messengers as well as God's Armed Forces!
We see they are also protectors of, and witnesses for, little children. I am sure this also includes all the innocent.
"And whoever gives honour to one such little child in my name, gives honour to me: But whoever is a cause of trouble to one of these little ones who have faith in me, it would be better for him to have a great stone fixed to his neck, and to come to his end in the deep sea." (Mat 18:5-6) bev
- and -
"Let it not seem to you that one of these little ones is of no value; for I say to you that in heaven their angels see at all times the face of my Father in heaven." (Mat 18:10) bev
Angels will have incredible responsibilities in the end times, too.
"At that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who stands for the children of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who shall be found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the expanse; and those who turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever. But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run back and forth, and knowledge shall be increased."
(Dan 12:1-4) web
- and -
"The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" (Mat 13:41-43) mkj
It is very important that we remember that angels do God's bidding... Like us, they are God's creations.
"I John heard and saw these things; and when I had heard and seen them, I fell at the feet of the angel who was showing me them--to worship him. But he said to me, 'Oh, do not do that. I am a fellow bondservant of yours, and a fellow bondservant of your brethren the Prophets and of those who are mindful of the teachings of this book. Worship God. Make no secret,' he added, 'of the meaning of the predictions contained in this book; for the time for their fulfillment is now close at hand.' " (Rev 22:8-10) wnt
The next time you think you may have seen a faint image of a pair of wings, hovering over an innocent, precious child, do not dismiss it as "just your imagination." Remember that, "Little children were brought for Jesus to lay his hands on them and pray. But the disciples scolded those who brought them. "Don't bother him,' they said. But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and don't prevent them. For of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.' "
(Mat 19:13-14) tlb
Guardians, guides, enforcers, messengers, and protectors of the innocent; angels are representatives of The Almighty! What an incredible God we serve!
See you all soon, in Paradise!
Could that possibly have been an angel?
Would any of us even recognize an angel if we saw one?
Just what is an angel, anyway?
The Bible tells us, "See, I am sending an angel before you, to keep you on your way and to be your guide into the place which I have made ready for you." (Ex 23:20) bev
So, angels can be our guides.
"Then a spirit passed before my face; The hair of my flesh stood up. It stood still, but I couldn't discern the appearance of it; A form was before my eyes." (Job 4:15-16a) web
It also seems that, since angels are not of this world, they are not always easily discernable.
"For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." (Ps 91:11) drv
God's police force?
"Then again one having the form of a man put his hand on me and gave me strength. And he said to me, O man greatly loved, have no fear: peace be with you, be strong and let your heart be lifted up. And at his words I became strong, and said, Let my lord say on, for you have given me strength. Then he said, It is clear to you why I have come to you. And now I will give you an account of what is recorded in the true writings: But I am going back to make war with the angel of Persia, and when I am gone, the angel of Greece will come. And there is no one on my side against these, but Michael, your angel." (Dan 10:18-20) bev
- and -
"And the angel answered and said to him, 'I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.' " (Luke 1:19) mkj
OK, they can be messengers as well as God's Armed Forces!
We see they are also protectors of, and witnesses for, little children. I am sure this also includes all the innocent.
"And whoever gives honour to one such little child in my name, gives honour to me: But whoever is a cause of trouble to one of these little ones who have faith in me, it would be better for him to have a great stone fixed to his neck, and to come to his end in the deep sea." (Mat 18:5-6) bev
- and -
"Let it not seem to you that one of these little ones is of no value; for I say to you that in heaven their angels see at all times the face of my Father in heaven." (Mat 18:10) bev
Angels will have incredible responsibilities in the end times, too.
"At that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who stands for the children of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who shall be found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the expanse; and those who turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever. But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run back and forth, and knowledge shall be increased."
(Dan 12:1-4) web
- and -
"The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" (Mat 13:41-43) mkj
It is very important that we remember that angels do God's bidding... Like us, they are God's creations.
"I John heard and saw these things; and when I had heard and seen them, I fell at the feet of the angel who was showing me them--to worship him. But he said to me, 'Oh, do not do that. I am a fellow bondservant of yours, and a fellow bondservant of your brethren the Prophets and of those who are mindful of the teachings of this book. Worship God. Make no secret,' he added, 'of the meaning of the predictions contained in this book; for the time for their fulfillment is now close at hand.' " (Rev 22:8-10) wnt
The next time you think you may have seen a faint image of a pair of wings, hovering over an innocent, precious child, do not dismiss it as "just your imagination." Remember that, "Little children were brought for Jesus to lay his hands on them and pray. But the disciples scolded those who brought them. "Don't bother him,' they said. But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and don't prevent them. For of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.' "
(Mat 19:13-14) tlb
Guardians, guides, enforcers, messengers, and protectors of the innocent; angels are representatives of The Almighty! What an incredible God we serve!
See you all soon, in Paradise!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Adam and Eve
...............(and Swiss cheese?)
The Bible is very clear on this subject... "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." (Gen 1:26) kjv
Chapter two of Genesis spells it out... "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed." (Gen 2:7-8) kjv
Now, at this point, Adam was the ONLY human. Knowing what the future holds, God then makes this decision... "It is not good for the man to be by himself: I will make one like himself as a help to him." (Gen 2:18) bev
If we had to make a guess, we'd probably say He just grabbed up another handful of dust to do the job, just like He did with Adam. But, NO! Our wonderful Father did something even more fantastic! "Then the Lord God cast a deep sleep upon Adam: and when he was fast asleep, he took one of his ribs, and filled up flesh for it. And the Lord God built the rib which he took from Adam into a woman: and brought her to Adam. And Adam said: This now is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man. Wherefore a man shall leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they shall be two in one flesh."
(Gen 2:21-24) drv
God then separated Adam into two unique individuals, one male, the other female! And note the beautiful example He shows us so clearly... Adam and Eve are ONE! Every married couple should also be as one!
Think of this from a different point of view... All of us have strengths and weaknesses. Imagine, if you will, that we are all somewhat like slices of Swiss cheese. Not the processed, sandwich cheese, but the natural variety. If you hold up a slice, you will notice that there are several holes in every slice. Some are large, others may be tiny, but they all have holes. People are like this, too. Everybody has skill, talents, strengths and weaknesses. The ideal "significant other" should have strengths where your weaknesses are most apparent, and vice versa. For example, if you hold up two slices of Swiss cheese, one in front of the other, you may not see the holes line up at all. The gaps in one slice may "cover-up" the gaps in the other.
In looking for your future spouse, this is very important. You will go through life depending upon the other's strengths to keep you going when you've "bottomed out." He or she will likewise depend on you in the same manner. Sharing the same interests (or strengths) sounds great, and it can be very exciting, but, sharing the same weaknesses may very well be a recipe for disaster!
Remember... strength is more than just physical, and supporting each other means a lot more than just giving in.
Way too many people look for a partner who excites them sexually, with no regard for that person's ability to strengthen a relationship. Especially when we're young, and raging hormones try to take charge, we need to slow down and examine the potential for a strong relationship. It isn't that sex isn't important, but it should be part of a loving marriage, and not the reason for getting married in the first place.
Remember... "In the day that God created man, he made him in God's likeness. He created them male and female, and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created."
(Gen 5:1b-2) wev
Think about Swiss cheese when you are looking for life's perfect companion. Together, you need to be as strong as Adam and Eve.
The Bible is very clear on this subject... "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." (Gen 1:26) kjv
Chapter two of Genesis spells it out... "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed." (Gen 2:7-8) kjv
Now, at this point, Adam was the ONLY human. Knowing what the future holds, God then makes this decision... "It is not good for the man to be by himself: I will make one like himself as a help to him." (Gen 2:18) bev
If we had to make a guess, we'd probably say He just grabbed up another handful of dust to do the job, just like He did with Adam. But, NO! Our wonderful Father did something even more fantastic! "Then the Lord God cast a deep sleep upon Adam: and when he was fast asleep, he took one of his ribs, and filled up flesh for it. And the Lord God built the rib which he took from Adam into a woman: and brought her to Adam. And Adam said: This now is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man. Wherefore a man shall leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they shall be two in one flesh."
(Gen 2:21-24) drv
God then separated Adam into two unique individuals, one male, the other female! And note the beautiful example He shows us so clearly... Adam and Eve are ONE! Every married couple should also be as one!
Think of this from a different point of view... All of us have strengths and weaknesses. Imagine, if you will, that we are all somewhat like slices of Swiss cheese. Not the processed, sandwich cheese, but the natural variety. If you hold up a slice, you will notice that there are several holes in every slice. Some are large, others may be tiny, but they all have holes. People are like this, too. Everybody has skill, talents, strengths and weaknesses. The ideal "significant other" should have strengths where your weaknesses are most apparent, and vice versa. For example, if you hold up two slices of Swiss cheese, one in front of the other, you may not see the holes line up at all. The gaps in one slice may "cover-up" the gaps in the other.
In looking for your future spouse, this is very important. You will go through life depending upon the other's strengths to keep you going when you've "bottomed out." He or she will likewise depend on you in the same manner. Sharing the same interests (or strengths) sounds great, and it can be very exciting, but, sharing the same weaknesses may very well be a recipe for disaster!
Remember... strength is more than just physical, and supporting each other means a lot more than just giving in.
Way too many people look for a partner who excites them sexually, with no regard for that person's ability to strengthen a relationship. Especially when we're young, and raging hormones try to take charge, we need to slow down and examine the potential for a strong relationship. It isn't that sex isn't important, but it should be part of a loving marriage, and not the reason for getting married in the first place.
Remember... "In the day that God created man, he made him in God's likeness. He created them male and female, and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created."
(Gen 5:1b-2) wev
Think about Swiss cheese when you are looking for life's perfect companion. Together, you need to be as strong as Adam and Eve.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Going Alone to "Meet Your Maker"
In this country, we all seem to go through life with our "blinders" on. There are people here who actually feel that the world owes them a living. All these ridiculous occupy movements are making headlines everywhere. It doesn't really matter what it is they occupy, either. A street, town, park, beach or a government building, it doesn't make much difference. What these occupiers are really saying is...
"GIMME! GIMME! GIMME!"
I have visited parts of the world wherein it was the norm for parents to live in terror that their kids might starve near the end of every winter, simply because there was nothing left to eat. Those same children were considered lucky to find worn-out rags to wear. Many were simply forced to do without.
Do they have cars, cell-phones, computers, televisions or even a McBurgers restaurant in their neighborhood?
Nope, not a chance! And yet, God loves them, each and every one. How do we feel about them?
Is this even a "fair" question?
Let’s take an honest look at what we own... There are things we use and wear on a regular basis, and there are "special occasion" items, as well. But, what about the various things we've bought, just because they were on sale? Most of us also have "seasonal" clothes and jewelry we've never worn (and probably never will). A "spare" watch (now, where did I put it?), another portable videogame system, a (really neat) electronic gadget that hasn't even been turned on since the day after it was purchased. These are just examples of the "stuff" we use to pretend that we really are worth as much, as we like to think we are.
Whom is it we are trying to convince?
When the time comes for you to "Meet Your Maker," will He be impressed in any way with these trinkets? Somehow, I don't think so. You see, He's already made His position VERY clear.
..."Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.'
..."Then they also will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?'
..."Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'
..."And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Mt 25:41-46) mkj
-and-
..."Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, 'Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?'
..."So Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not bear false witness," "Do not defraud," "Honor your father and your mother." '
..."And he answered and said to Him, 'Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.'
..."Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, 'One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.'
..."But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
..."Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, 'How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!'
..."And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, 'Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! 'It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.'
..."And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, 'Who then can be saved?'
..."But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.' "
(Mk 10:17-27) mkj
Look at this from God's point of view... He gave each of us a basket of "stuff." How big that basket is (and what is in it) has NO bearing on our responsibilities, except insofar as what God expects us to do with it!
A perfect example is a little child. He or she has absolutely nothing to give anyone, but love! Most very little children love with an intensity that amazes adults, but it is often all they have to share. With the passage of time, they begin to learn the deplorable attitudes of adulthood. They will begin to crave "stuff" as badly as we do. Is this our definition of "maturity?" Then, why do we miss the childlike innocence so much, when it is gone?
We all need to take a closer look at our personal "basket of stuff." Can anything there help any other to become closer to God? Is there anything there that takes our own focus away from God? Could we possibly wish that Our Lord refer to us as "You wicked and lazy servant" as He did to the one who would not choose to invest in His behalf (in Mt 25:26)?
All you can take to "Meet Your Maker," is yourself!
See you soon, in Paradise!
"GIMME! GIMME! GIMME!"
I have visited parts of the world wherein it was the norm for parents to live in terror that their kids might starve near the end of every winter, simply because there was nothing left to eat. Those same children were considered lucky to find worn-out rags to wear. Many were simply forced to do without.
Do they have cars, cell-phones, computers, televisions or even a McBurgers restaurant in their neighborhood?
Nope, not a chance! And yet, God loves them, each and every one. How do we feel about them?
Is this even a "fair" question?
Let’s take an honest look at what we own... There are things we use and wear on a regular basis, and there are "special occasion" items, as well. But, what about the various things we've bought, just because they were on sale? Most of us also have "seasonal" clothes and jewelry we've never worn (and probably never will). A "spare" watch (now, where did I put it?), another portable videogame system, a (really neat) electronic gadget that hasn't even been turned on since the day after it was purchased. These are just examples of the "stuff" we use to pretend that we really are worth as much, as we like to think we are.
Whom is it we are trying to convince?
When the time comes for you to "Meet Your Maker," will He be impressed in any way with these trinkets? Somehow, I don't think so. You see, He's already made His position VERY clear.
..."Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.'
..."Then they also will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?'
..."Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'
..."And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Mt 25:41-46) mkj
-and-
..."Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, 'Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?'
..."So Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not bear false witness," "Do not defraud," "Honor your father and your mother." '
..."And he answered and said to Him, 'Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.'
..."Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, 'One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.'
..."But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
..."Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, 'How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!'
..."And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, 'Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! 'It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.'
..."And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, 'Who then can be saved?'
..."But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.' "
(Mk 10:17-27) mkj
Look at this from God's point of view... He gave each of us a basket of "stuff." How big that basket is (and what is in it) has NO bearing on our responsibilities, except insofar as what God expects us to do with it!
A perfect example is a little child. He or she has absolutely nothing to give anyone, but love! Most very little children love with an intensity that amazes adults, but it is often all they have to share. With the passage of time, they begin to learn the deplorable attitudes of adulthood. They will begin to crave "stuff" as badly as we do. Is this our definition of "maturity?" Then, why do we miss the childlike innocence so much, when it is gone?
We all need to take a closer look at our personal "basket of stuff." Can anything there help any other to become closer to God? Is there anything there that takes our own focus away from God? Could we possibly wish that Our Lord refer to us as "You wicked and lazy servant" as He did to the one who would not choose to invest in His behalf (in Mt 25:26)?
All you can take to "Meet Your Maker," is yourself!
See you soon, in Paradise!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Our Last Wake-Up Call
I never have liked alarm clocks very much. Most of you probably don't, either. Since we all have to get started in the morning, they are needed, but they sure are annoying.
You're asleep in your bed, probably dreaming peacefully, when...
BEEP-BEEP-BEEP-BEEP-BEEP
Being suddenly jarred awake just doesn't seem appropriate! If you have a tendency to hit the snooze button, you may have already moved the clock to the other side of the room some years ago.
"Aw, come on!" you may be thinking, "what would be wrong with just a few more minutes?"
If it were not for the alarm going off, a lot of us would never keep a job, get to school or get going with what needs to be done. That is just the way we are, right?
God knows this better than we do. This is why there are so many warnings in the Bible of what is to come. Mostly, we just hit the "snooze button" again, and keep doing what we do best...
- - - business as usual!
It may come as a surprise that our Creator has actually arranged for a last "Wake-Up Call" to get us all "out of bed" and back to the business He intends.
What is this "wake-up call" you may be wondering. Just what exactly is God's "alarm clock?" Look at the Lord's words, recorded by the prophet, Ezekiel...
..."And the word of the Lord came to me, saying,
...'Son of man, let your face be turned against Gog, of the land of Magog, the ruler of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and be a prophet against him,'
...And say, 'This is what the Lord has said: See, I am against you, O Gog, ruler of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal:
...And turning you round, I will put hooks in your mouth and make you come out with all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them in full war-dress, a great force with breastplate and body-cover, all of them armed with swords:
...Persia, Cush, and Put with them; all of them with body-cover and metal head-dress:
...Gomer and all her forces; the people of Togarmah in the inmost parts of the north, with all his forces: a great number of peoples with you.
...Be ready, make yourself ready, you and all the forces who are with you, and be ready for my orders.
...After a long time you will get your orders: in the last years you will come into the land which has been given back from the sword, which has been got together out of a great number of peoples, on the mountains of Israel which have ever been a waste: but it has been taken out from the peoples and they will be living, all of them, without fear of danger.
...And you will go up, you will come like a storm, you will be like a cloud covering the land, you and all your forces, and a great number of peoples with you.'
...This is what the Lord has said: 'In that day it will come about that things will come into your mind, and you will have thoughts of an evil design:
...And you will say, I will go up to the land of small unwalled towns; I will go to those who are quiet, living, all of them, without fear of danger, without walls or locks or doors:
...To take their property by force and go off with their goods; turning your hand against the waste places which now are peopled, and against the people who have been got together out of the nations, who have got cattle and goods for themselves, who are living in the middle of the earth.
...Sheba, and Dedan and her traders, Tarshish with all her traders, will say to you, Have you come to take our goods? have you got your armies together to take away our property by force? to take away silver and gold, cattle and goods, to go off with great wealth?'
...For this cause, son of man, be a prophet and say to Gog, These are the words of the Lord: 'In that day, when my people Israel are living without fear of danger, will you not be moved against them?
...And you will come from your place in the inmost parts of the north, you and a great number of peoples with you, all of them on horseback, a great force and a strong army:
...And you will come up against my people Israel, like a cloud covering the land; and it will come about, in the last days, that I will make you come against my land, so that the nations may have knowledge of me when I make myself holy in you, O Gog, before their eyes.'
...This is what the Lord has said: 'You are he of whom I gave them word in earlier times by my servants, the prophets of Israel, who in those days went on saying, year after year, that I would make you come up against them.
...And it will come about in that day, when Gog comes up against the land of Israel,' says the Lord, 'that my wrath will come up, and my passion and my bitter feeling.
...For in the fire of my wrath I have said, Truly, in that day there will be a great shaking in the land of Israel;
...So that the fish of the sea and the birds of heaven and the beasts of the field and everything moving on the earth, and all the men who are on the face of the earth, will be shaking before me, and the mountains will be overturned and the high places will come down, and every wall will come falling down to the earth.
...And I will send to all my mountains for a sword against him,' says the Lord: 'every man's sword will be against his brother.
...And I will take up my cause against him with disease and with blood; and I will send down on him and on his forces and on the peoples who are with him, an overflowing shower and great ice-drops, fire, and burning.
...And I will make my name great and make myself holy, and I will make myself clear to a number of nations; and they will be certain that I am the Lord.' " (Ezek 38) bev
So, what does this all mean?
It is critical, in my opinion, for us to remember that our modern names for people, places, technology, weapons and even modes of transportation did not exist in Ezekiel's time. We can NOT expect people then to have known our modern terms for these things, any more than it would have been logical for Genghis Khan to be expected to have known the names of the cities in England, today. People who insist that this prophecy is wrong, for these reasons, are doing Satan's work for him. So, lets look at the meaning of some of the terms used here...
Gog - means either a mountain, lofty height or supreme leader
Magog - the south/central part of Asia, used to be part of the Soviet Union (the Islamic Republics)
Rosh (also Ros or Rus) - is the name for a specific group of people dwelling in a specific area in Europe, now named for these same people - Russia
Meschech - a part of present-day Turkey
Tubal - also a part of present-day Turkey
Persia - now called Iran
Cush - now called Sudan
Put - current called Libya
Gomer - part of present-day Turkey
Togarmah (also Beth-Torgarmah) - southern Turkey
OK, so it looks like the leader of Russia and several Islamic nations will stage an attack upon Israel, in part, to forcibly take back the land that was given to the Jewish people peaceably, and by treaty. It appears that this will not come about until Israel feels itself to be somewhat more at peace, perhaps they will be fooled by a false treaty. The invaders plan to completely take over the country, steal everything, and probably kill the entire population. They will attack in overwhelming numbers, "like a cloud covering the land," making their intentions quite obvious.
The Lord will allow this attack so that He can make plain His power, "so that the nations may have knowledge of me." God has said that His "wrath will come up", and His "passion and bitter feeling."
Why, you may ask?
At this time, God is giving the world one last chance. He wants the Jewish people to recognize that His Son is the Messiah. He wants all of us to accept our salvation. Remember, "The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is longsuffering towards us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2Pet 3:9) wev
Some time after this occurs, there will come the Rapture. Sometime after that will come a seven-year treaty with Israel, which signals the start of the Tribulation, which will be something like a sentence to Misery and Suffering Prison.
We do NOT know when the alarm will go off, because God does NOT want us to think we can wait until the last minute to get our lives in order.
All we really know is that it will be soon...
...maybe today!
......maybe tomorrow!
.........Don't Oversleep!
See you soon (very soon?), in Paradise!
You're asleep in your bed, probably dreaming peacefully, when...
BEEP-BEEP-BEEP-BEEP-BEEP
Being suddenly jarred awake just doesn't seem appropriate! If you have a tendency to hit the snooze button, you may have already moved the clock to the other side of the room some years ago.
"Aw, come on!" you may be thinking, "what would be wrong with just a few more minutes?"
If it were not for the alarm going off, a lot of us would never keep a job, get to school or get going with what needs to be done. That is just the way we are, right?
God knows this better than we do. This is why there are so many warnings in the Bible of what is to come. Mostly, we just hit the "snooze button" again, and keep doing what we do best...
- - - business as usual!
It may come as a surprise that our Creator has actually arranged for a last "Wake-Up Call" to get us all "out of bed" and back to the business He intends.
What is this "wake-up call" you may be wondering. Just what exactly is God's "alarm clock?" Look at the Lord's words, recorded by the prophet, Ezekiel...
..."And the word of the Lord came to me, saying,
...'Son of man, let your face be turned against Gog, of the land of Magog, the ruler of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and be a prophet against him,'
...And say, 'This is what the Lord has said: See, I am against you, O Gog, ruler of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal:
...And turning you round, I will put hooks in your mouth and make you come out with all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them in full war-dress, a great force with breastplate and body-cover, all of them armed with swords:
...Persia, Cush, and Put with them; all of them with body-cover and metal head-dress:
...Gomer and all her forces; the people of Togarmah in the inmost parts of the north, with all his forces: a great number of peoples with you.
...Be ready, make yourself ready, you and all the forces who are with you, and be ready for my orders.
...After a long time you will get your orders: in the last years you will come into the land which has been given back from the sword, which has been got together out of a great number of peoples, on the mountains of Israel which have ever been a waste: but it has been taken out from the peoples and they will be living, all of them, without fear of danger.
...And you will go up, you will come like a storm, you will be like a cloud covering the land, you and all your forces, and a great number of peoples with you.'
...This is what the Lord has said: 'In that day it will come about that things will come into your mind, and you will have thoughts of an evil design:
...And you will say, I will go up to the land of small unwalled towns; I will go to those who are quiet, living, all of them, without fear of danger, without walls or locks or doors:
...To take their property by force and go off with their goods; turning your hand against the waste places which now are peopled, and against the people who have been got together out of the nations, who have got cattle and goods for themselves, who are living in the middle of the earth.
...Sheba, and Dedan and her traders, Tarshish with all her traders, will say to you, Have you come to take our goods? have you got your armies together to take away our property by force? to take away silver and gold, cattle and goods, to go off with great wealth?'
...For this cause, son of man, be a prophet and say to Gog, These are the words of the Lord: 'In that day, when my people Israel are living without fear of danger, will you not be moved against them?
...And you will come from your place in the inmost parts of the north, you and a great number of peoples with you, all of them on horseback, a great force and a strong army:
...And you will come up against my people Israel, like a cloud covering the land; and it will come about, in the last days, that I will make you come against my land, so that the nations may have knowledge of me when I make myself holy in you, O Gog, before their eyes.'
...This is what the Lord has said: 'You are he of whom I gave them word in earlier times by my servants, the prophets of Israel, who in those days went on saying, year after year, that I would make you come up against them.
...And it will come about in that day, when Gog comes up against the land of Israel,' says the Lord, 'that my wrath will come up, and my passion and my bitter feeling.
...For in the fire of my wrath I have said, Truly, in that day there will be a great shaking in the land of Israel;
...So that the fish of the sea and the birds of heaven and the beasts of the field and everything moving on the earth, and all the men who are on the face of the earth, will be shaking before me, and the mountains will be overturned and the high places will come down, and every wall will come falling down to the earth.
...And I will send to all my mountains for a sword against him,' says the Lord: 'every man's sword will be against his brother.
...And I will take up my cause against him with disease and with blood; and I will send down on him and on his forces and on the peoples who are with him, an overflowing shower and great ice-drops, fire, and burning.
...And I will make my name great and make myself holy, and I will make myself clear to a number of nations; and they will be certain that I am the Lord.' " (Ezek 38) bev
So, what does this all mean?
It is critical, in my opinion, for us to remember that our modern names for people, places, technology, weapons and even modes of transportation did not exist in Ezekiel's time. We can NOT expect people then to have known our modern terms for these things, any more than it would have been logical for Genghis Khan to be expected to have known the names of the cities in England, today. People who insist that this prophecy is wrong, for these reasons, are doing Satan's work for him. So, lets look at the meaning of some of the terms used here...
Gog - means either a mountain, lofty height or supreme leader
Magog - the south/central part of Asia, used to be part of the Soviet Union (the Islamic Republics)
Rosh (also Ros or Rus) - is the name for a specific group of people dwelling in a specific area in Europe, now named for these same people - Russia
Meschech - a part of present-day Turkey
Tubal - also a part of present-day Turkey
Persia - now called Iran
Cush - now called Sudan
Put - current called Libya
Gomer - part of present-day Turkey
Togarmah (also Beth-Torgarmah) - southern Turkey
OK, so it looks like the leader of Russia and several Islamic nations will stage an attack upon Israel, in part, to forcibly take back the land that was given to the Jewish people peaceably, and by treaty. It appears that this will not come about until Israel feels itself to be somewhat more at peace, perhaps they will be fooled by a false treaty. The invaders plan to completely take over the country, steal everything, and probably kill the entire population. They will attack in overwhelming numbers, "like a cloud covering the land," making their intentions quite obvious.
The Lord will allow this attack so that He can make plain His power, "so that the nations may have knowledge of me." God has said that His "wrath will come up", and His "passion and bitter feeling."
Why, you may ask?
At this time, God is giving the world one last chance. He wants the Jewish people to recognize that His Son is the Messiah. He wants all of us to accept our salvation. Remember, "The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is longsuffering towards us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2Pet 3:9) wev
Some time after this occurs, there will come the Rapture. Sometime after that will come a seven-year treaty with Israel, which signals the start of the Tribulation, which will be something like a sentence to Misery and Suffering Prison.
We do NOT know when the alarm will go off, because God does NOT want us to think we can wait until the last minute to get our lives in order.
All we really know is that it will be soon...
...maybe today!
......maybe tomorrow!
.........Don't Oversleep!
See you soon (very soon?), in Paradise!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Power, Faith or Pixie Dust?
I am fairly sure that most of us have heard of the differences between the path to heaven and the one to hell.
..."You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it." (Mat 7:13-14) nlt
I think it may be easier to visualize this as struggling up the side of a steep mountain. Going down is a LOT easier than going up, we have to put a great deal more effort into the ascent than the descent. You are aware that many will spiritually give up and leap to their doom. Why don't we all? Because we've chosen to be with God in the next life.
Thanks to Jesus, we have that option. He gave up His life for us, and took the blame for all the foul, evil things that everyone has ever done, just so we could have the chance for salvation. Of course we still have to do our part. We have to recognize our misdeeds AND accept His sacrifice.
Tough, isn't it?
Sometimes, the hardest part (for us) is being able to put our trust in someone other than ourselves. That is exactly what faith is all about.
Growing up, we've all heard the expressions;
-"Give it your best shot!"
-"Put your back in it!"
-"A 110% effort is required!" &
-"We're all counting on you!"
Athletes and sportsmen hear these comments so regularly that they have nearly religious significance.
So, what's wrong with that?
They teach us to put our faith and trust into ourselves, alone. No matter how good any of us thinks he or she is, no matter how successful we may have been, and no matter if you or I have shown forth as something of a "superstar" in ANY field of endeavor... we just are not good enough! Remember, "for all alike have sinned, and all consciously come short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23) wnt
What are we supposed to do, instead?
Imagine this... you are standing in front of the judge in a court of law. All the evidence is clearly against you, and you know you'd committed the crime. Then, out of the blue, the judge's kid tells you he will take the blame, go to jail in your place, pay your fines, and completely clear your name. All you have to do is agree.
Would you do it?
It’s a trick question, right? Who wouldn't, you ask. Sadly, most of us will blow this opportunity. Get back to the steep mountainside, and your efforts to reach heaven up that narrow, difficult path. What would make the task easier?
If you've ever done any cliff or mountain climbing, you look for handholds and footholds. Whenever the going really gets rough, you need something you can bet your life on. Good, solid, rock... that is what you really wants to keep you from falling to your death.
Perhaps you remember this song...
..."On Christ, the solid Rock I stand,
......All other ground is sinking sand.
.........All other ground is sinking sand!"
It will never be an easy climb, up that narrow, rocky pathway! Faith in Jesus will help us find those solid rocks we need to make it. Here are two biblical examples of faith that I think should be an inspiration to us all.
-First-
..."Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am?
...Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.
...And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven.
...And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Mat 16:15-18) drv
-next-
..."A woman from Canaan who was living there came to him, pleading, 'Have mercy on me, O Lord, King David's Son! For my daughter has a demon within her, and it torments her constantly.'
...But Jesus gave her no reply - not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. 'Tell her to get going.' they said, 'for she is bothering us with all her begging.'
...Then he said to the woman, 'I was sent to help the Jews - the lost sheep of Israel - not the Gentiles.'
...But she came and worshiped him and pled again, 'Sir, help me!'
...'It doesn't seem right to take bread from the children and throw it to the dogs,' he said.
...'Yes it is!' she replied. 'For even the puppies beneath the table are permitted to eat the crumbs that fall.'
...'Woman,' Jesus told her, your faith is large, and your request is granted.' And her daughter was healed right then."
(Mat 15:22-28) tlb
Two examples of faith... both show us that we need to have an absolute trust in God. Money, land, possessions, luck & political power are not mentioned, nor even pixie dust!
Just faith...
The handholds and footholds we all need are already there! God wants us to be with Him! He knows how hard the journey will be. He sent His Son to show us the way, pay the price and be our inspiration!
Have a little faith!
Stretch out your hands and start climbing.
See you soon, in paradise!
..."You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it." (Mat 7:13-14) nlt
I think it may be easier to visualize this as struggling up the side of a steep mountain. Going down is a LOT easier than going up, we have to put a great deal more effort into the ascent than the descent. You are aware that many will spiritually give up and leap to their doom. Why don't we all? Because we've chosen to be with God in the next life.
Thanks to Jesus, we have that option. He gave up His life for us, and took the blame for all the foul, evil things that everyone has ever done, just so we could have the chance for salvation. Of course we still have to do our part. We have to recognize our misdeeds AND accept His sacrifice.
Tough, isn't it?
Sometimes, the hardest part (for us) is being able to put our trust in someone other than ourselves. That is exactly what faith is all about.
Growing up, we've all heard the expressions;
-"Give it your best shot!"
-"Put your back in it!"
-"A 110% effort is required!" &
-"We're all counting on you!"
Athletes and sportsmen hear these comments so regularly that they have nearly religious significance.
So, what's wrong with that?
They teach us to put our faith and trust into ourselves, alone. No matter how good any of us thinks he or she is, no matter how successful we may have been, and no matter if you or I have shown forth as something of a "superstar" in ANY field of endeavor... we just are not good enough! Remember, "for all alike have sinned, and all consciously come short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23) wnt
What are we supposed to do, instead?
Imagine this... you are standing in front of the judge in a court of law. All the evidence is clearly against you, and you know you'd committed the crime. Then, out of the blue, the judge's kid tells you he will take the blame, go to jail in your place, pay your fines, and completely clear your name. All you have to do is agree.
Would you do it?
It’s a trick question, right? Who wouldn't, you ask. Sadly, most of us will blow this opportunity. Get back to the steep mountainside, and your efforts to reach heaven up that narrow, difficult path. What would make the task easier?
If you've ever done any cliff or mountain climbing, you look for handholds and footholds. Whenever the going really gets rough, you need something you can bet your life on. Good, solid, rock... that is what you really wants to keep you from falling to your death.
Perhaps you remember this song...
..."On Christ, the solid Rock I stand,
......All other ground is sinking sand.
.........All other ground is sinking sand!"
It will never be an easy climb, up that narrow, rocky pathway! Faith in Jesus will help us find those solid rocks we need to make it. Here are two biblical examples of faith that I think should be an inspiration to us all.
-First-
..."Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am?
...Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.
...And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven.
...And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Mat 16:15-18) drv
-next-
..."A woman from Canaan who was living there came to him, pleading, 'Have mercy on me, O Lord, King David's Son! For my daughter has a demon within her, and it torments her constantly.'
...But Jesus gave her no reply - not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. 'Tell her to get going.' they said, 'for she is bothering us with all her begging.'
...Then he said to the woman, 'I was sent to help the Jews - the lost sheep of Israel - not the Gentiles.'
...But she came and worshiped him and pled again, 'Sir, help me!'
...'It doesn't seem right to take bread from the children and throw it to the dogs,' he said.
...'Yes it is!' she replied. 'For even the puppies beneath the table are permitted to eat the crumbs that fall.'
...'Woman,' Jesus told her, your faith is large, and your request is granted.' And her daughter was healed right then."
(Mat 15:22-28) tlb
Two examples of faith... both show us that we need to have an absolute trust in God. Money, land, possessions, luck & political power are not mentioned, nor even pixie dust!
Just faith...
The handholds and footholds we all need are already there! God wants us to be with Him! He knows how hard the journey will be. He sent His Son to show us the way, pay the price and be our inspiration!
Have a little faith!
Stretch out your hands and start climbing.
See you soon, in paradise!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The Man From S.A.T.A.N.
Back in the mid 60s, there was a popular television program called, "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." It was a humorous look at international spies, and their organizations. Its gave the viewer a chance to laugh, and relieve some of the tension created by the subversive activities of the superpowers and terrorist nations.
Today, organizations within our own country are the cause of dangers that far outreach anything even dreamed of when this show aired. A cursory reading of the Bible shows us that preparation is being made for the Antichrist to take the scene. Following the lead of the previously mentioned TV show, I feel we could simply call him, "The Man From S.A.T.A.N."
Resistance to the acceptance of the Bible's prophecy is widespread, and intensifying at a fearsome rate. Remember that biblical prophecy is history written in advance. Therefore, Jesus' words (here) are more than just historically accurate; He is there, now, while these things are happening.
..."As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, 'What is the sign of your coming, and of the end of the world?' Jesus answered them, 'Be careful that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, `I am the Christ,` and will lead many astray. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you aren't troubled, for all this must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are the beginning of birth pains.
...Then they will deliver you up to oppression, and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name's sake. Then will many stumble, and will deliver up one another, and will hate one another. Many false prophets will arise, and will lead many astray. Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end, the same will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.' " (Mat 24:3-14) wev
This "Man From S.A.T.A.N." is coming! Make no mistake about that! He is the Antichrist. His entire purpose is to lead as many humans as is possible AWAY from an eternal reward, to deprive our God of as many souls as he can. Remember, Satan is not stupid. He can read the Bible as well as any of us can. He knows that he will lose, in the end. His goal is keeping YOU out of heaven! Making fun of believers is just one of his many tools to convince us that we don't need God, His grace, or His Word. Read on...
..."Give no belief to false words: because there will first be a falling away from the faith, and the revelation of the man of sin, the son of destruction, Who puts himself against all authority, lifting himself up over all which is named God or is given worship; so that he takes his seat in the Temple of God, putting himself forward as God. Have you no memory of what I said when I was with you, giving you word of these things? And now it is clear to you what is keeping back his revelation till the time comes for him to be seen. For the secret of evil is even now at work: but there is one who is keeping back the evil till he is taken out of the way. And then will come the revelation of that evil one, whom the Lord Jesus will put to death with the breath of his mouth, and give to destruction by the revelation of his coming; Even the one whose coming is marked by the working of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, And with every deceit of wrongdoing among those whose fate is destruction; because they were quite without that love of the true faith by which they might have salvation. And for this cause, God will give them up to the power of deceit and they will put their faith in what is false: So that they all may be judged, who had no faith in what is true, but took pleasure in evil." (2 Thes 2:3-12) bev
"False words," we certainly hear enough of these, don't we? Sadly, people are already "falling away from the faith" in incredible numbers, and Satan is encouraging them to do so. All who claim to be able to "better determine" what is needed in today's society have already accepted the Devil's influence with open arms. Satan is, right now, awaiting the "catching up" that is mentioned in Thessalonians, often called the "rapture."
..."But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord."
(1 Thes 4:13-17) mkj
Why would Satan await this rapture of Christians? Because, at that time, he will have no opposition to his plans to steal as many souls as he can from God. In his efforts to thwart The Father, he does have many assistants. We call them "antichrists," with a lower-case "a." These followers of Satan are everywhere in our world today. Many are even active in churches across America and the world. If you ever hear a preacher, (priest, deacon, bishop, elder, or whatever) say something that just does not seem biblical, get out your Bible and check it out. If you discover that the Bible says something very different from that which was claimed by your preacher, there is a strong possibility that he IS a lower-case antichrist! Run! Do not just walk away. Try to show everyone your reasons why you have a problem with that "preacher," but remember that satanic influence is pervasive and far-reaching. Many will choose to NOT believe you. Others will dismiss it as nonsense. Keep reading...
..."Because a number of false teachers have gone out into the world, who do not give witness that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. Such a one is a false teacher and Antichrist. Keep watch over yourselves, so that you do not make our work of no effect, but may get your full reward. Anyone who goes on and does not keep to the teaching of Christ, has not God: he who keeps to the teaching has the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you not having this teaching, do not take him into your house or give him words of love: For he who gives him words of love has a part in his evil works."
(2 John 2:7-11) bev
Those who do "not keep to the teaching of Christ," are doing Satan's work, and are "antichrists," despite whatever they claim their position within any church might happen to be. Do not be deceived! There are MANY agents in the employ of "The Man From S.A.T.A.N." Their stated goal is pry you away from God by any means. Don't let them guide you to the wide, easy path to hell. Get dressed in the "armor of God." Protect yourself and give aid to those you care about. The spread the Word.
God is counting on YOU!
Today, organizations within our own country are the cause of dangers that far outreach anything even dreamed of when this show aired. A cursory reading of the Bible shows us that preparation is being made for the Antichrist to take the scene. Following the lead of the previously mentioned TV show, I feel we could simply call him, "The Man From S.A.T.A.N."
Resistance to the acceptance of the Bible's prophecy is widespread, and intensifying at a fearsome rate. Remember that biblical prophecy is history written in advance. Therefore, Jesus' words (here) are more than just historically accurate; He is there, now, while these things are happening.
..."As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, 'What is the sign of your coming, and of the end of the world?' Jesus answered them, 'Be careful that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, `I am the Christ,` and will lead many astray. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you aren't troubled, for all this must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are the beginning of birth pains.
...Then they will deliver you up to oppression, and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name's sake. Then will many stumble, and will deliver up one another, and will hate one another. Many false prophets will arise, and will lead many astray. Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end, the same will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.' " (Mat 24:3-14) wev
This "Man From S.A.T.A.N." is coming! Make no mistake about that! He is the Antichrist. His entire purpose is to lead as many humans as is possible AWAY from an eternal reward, to deprive our God of as many souls as he can. Remember, Satan is not stupid. He can read the Bible as well as any of us can. He knows that he will lose, in the end. His goal is keeping YOU out of heaven! Making fun of believers is just one of his many tools to convince us that we don't need God, His grace, or His Word. Read on...
..."Give no belief to false words: because there will first be a falling away from the faith, and the revelation of the man of sin, the son of destruction, Who puts himself against all authority, lifting himself up over all which is named God or is given worship; so that he takes his seat in the Temple of God, putting himself forward as God. Have you no memory of what I said when I was with you, giving you word of these things? And now it is clear to you what is keeping back his revelation till the time comes for him to be seen. For the secret of evil is even now at work: but there is one who is keeping back the evil till he is taken out of the way. And then will come the revelation of that evil one, whom the Lord Jesus will put to death with the breath of his mouth, and give to destruction by the revelation of his coming; Even the one whose coming is marked by the working of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, And with every deceit of wrongdoing among those whose fate is destruction; because they were quite without that love of the true faith by which they might have salvation. And for this cause, God will give them up to the power of deceit and they will put their faith in what is false: So that they all may be judged, who had no faith in what is true, but took pleasure in evil." (2 Thes 2:3-12) bev
"False words," we certainly hear enough of these, don't we? Sadly, people are already "falling away from the faith" in incredible numbers, and Satan is encouraging them to do so. All who claim to be able to "better determine" what is needed in today's society have already accepted the Devil's influence with open arms. Satan is, right now, awaiting the "catching up" that is mentioned in Thessalonians, often called the "rapture."
..."But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord."
(1 Thes 4:13-17) mkj
Why would Satan await this rapture of Christians? Because, at that time, he will have no opposition to his plans to steal as many souls as he can from God. In his efforts to thwart The Father, he does have many assistants. We call them "antichrists," with a lower-case "a." These followers of Satan are everywhere in our world today. Many are even active in churches across America and the world. If you ever hear a preacher, (priest, deacon, bishop, elder, or whatever) say something that just does not seem biblical, get out your Bible and check it out. If you discover that the Bible says something very different from that which was claimed by your preacher, there is a strong possibility that he IS a lower-case antichrist! Run! Do not just walk away. Try to show everyone your reasons why you have a problem with that "preacher," but remember that satanic influence is pervasive and far-reaching. Many will choose to NOT believe you. Others will dismiss it as nonsense. Keep reading...
..."Because a number of false teachers have gone out into the world, who do not give witness that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. Such a one is a false teacher and Antichrist. Keep watch over yourselves, so that you do not make our work of no effect, but may get your full reward. Anyone who goes on and does not keep to the teaching of Christ, has not God: he who keeps to the teaching has the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you not having this teaching, do not take him into your house or give him words of love: For he who gives him words of love has a part in his evil works."
(2 John 2:7-11) bev
Those who do "not keep to the teaching of Christ," are doing Satan's work, and are "antichrists," despite whatever they claim their position within any church might happen to be. Do not be deceived! There are MANY agents in the employ of "The Man From S.A.T.A.N." Their stated goal is pry you away from God by any means. Don't let them guide you to the wide, easy path to hell. Get dressed in the "armor of God." Protect yourself and give aid to those you care about. The spread the Word.
God is counting on YOU!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Joel - An Amazing Prophet!
Prophecy has always inspired and amazed me. We often see it as events that will happen in the distant future, but for God, all time is NOW! Past, present and future are definitions we apply to things that have occurred, are happening now, and are yet to come. Please understand, we are incredibly limited in our perspective, God is not.
Many people try to maintain that prophecy is merely speculation. Satan supports these misled individuals in their error. The devil hates God, hates us, and wants us all to be condemned to perdition. He wants you to NOT believe the prophets. He wants you to reject salvation. Why? Because you CAN go to heaven, to be with God, but Lucifer CANNOT!
These excepts are from the Living Bible. Feel free to compare them with your own preferred biblical version.
..."...I will pour out my Spirit upon all of you! Your sons and daughters will prophesy; your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. And I will pour out my Spirit even on your slaves, men and women alike, and put strange symbols in the earth and sky - blood and fires and pillars of smoke.
...The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the great and terrible Day of the Lord shall come.
...Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved; even in Jerusalem some will escape, just as the Lord has promised, for He has chosen some to survive." (Joel 2:28b-32) tlb
Think about it! Children and young adults will begin to prophesy. Older individuals will begin to have disturbing dreams. People will have visions that will probably scare everyone who hears of these things! Those who are in extreme bottom end, financially speaking, will hear the call of God! These are those who usually cannot even afford the time to attend church, and yet, they WILL become vocal in their efforts to spread God's Word!
Many strange and disturbing things will happen, and people will probably try to attribute these events to space aliens, global warming, etc.
But, notice what is said next, "Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved." It simply cannot get any easier than this! Try it on for size! "God, I know you sent your Son to die for me, and in my place! I could NEVER begin to deserve this! Thank-you for this awesome gift!" Then, get out and tell the world! Don't wait! Even a few seconds from now might be too late!
..."I will gather the armies of the world into the 'Valley Where Jehovah Judges' and punish them for harming my people, for scattering my inheritance among the nations and dividing up my land." (Joel 3:2) tlb
The Valley Where Jehovah Judges is also called the Valley of Jehoshaphat, and you've probably heard it that way before. This will occur at the end of the Tribulation, so you can guess what their "punishment" will be. Total opposition to God is NOT something that might look good on a resume or better your station in life!
..."Multitudes, multitudes waiting in the valley for the verdict of their doom! For the Day of the Lord is near, in the Valley of Judgement.
...The sun and the moon will be darkened and the stars withdraw their light. The Lord shouts from his temple in Jerusalem and the earth and the sky begin to shake. But to his people Israel, the Lord will be very gentle. He is their Refuge and Strength.
...Then you shall know at last that I am the Lord your God in Zion, my holy mountain. Jerusalem shall be mine forever; the time will come when no foreign armies will pass through her any more.
...Sweet wine will drip from the mountains, and the hills shall flow with milk. Water will fill the dry stream beds of Judah, and a fountain will burst forth from the temple of the Lord to water Acacia Valley.
...Egypt will be destroyed, and Edom too, because of their violence against the Jews, for they killed innocent people in those nations.
...But Israel will prosper forever, and Jerusalem will thrive as generations pass.
...For I will avenge the blood of my people; I will not clear their oppressors of guilt. for my home is in Jerusalem with my people." (Joel 3:14-21) tlb
God has already seen the future, and it SHALL be as He has said! We, who are Christians, have become a part of God's people by virtue of our having been "adopted" by our salvation, courtesy of Jesus Christ. We must do our part to get the Word spread to all people. Remember Peter's words, "But don't forget this, dear friends, that a day or a thousand years from now is like tomorrow to the Lord. He isn't really being slow about his promised return, even though it sometimes seems that way. But he is waiting, for the good reason that he is not willing that any should perish, and he is giving more time for sinners to repent." (2 Pet 3:8-9) tlb
Since God does NOT want any to perish, then who are we to NOT spread His Word? Do your part! Be a witness! You, too, can be a "lifesaver!" Make God proud!
Someday soon, we will all rejoice together, in Paradise!
Many people try to maintain that prophecy is merely speculation. Satan supports these misled individuals in their error. The devil hates God, hates us, and wants us all to be condemned to perdition. He wants you to NOT believe the prophets. He wants you to reject salvation. Why? Because you CAN go to heaven, to be with God, but Lucifer CANNOT!
These excepts are from the Living Bible. Feel free to compare them with your own preferred biblical version.
..."...I will pour out my Spirit upon all of you! Your sons and daughters will prophesy; your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. And I will pour out my Spirit even on your slaves, men and women alike, and put strange symbols in the earth and sky - blood and fires and pillars of smoke.
...The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the great and terrible Day of the Lord shall come.
...Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved; even in Jerusalem some will escape, just as the Lord has promised, for He has chosen some to survive." (Joel 2:28b-32) tlb
Think about it! Children and young adults will begin to prophesy. Older individuals will begin to have disturbing dreams. People will have visions that will probably scare everyone who hears of these things! Those who are in extreme bottom end, financially speaking, will hear the call of God! These are those who usually cannot even afford the time to attend church, and yet, they WILL become vocal in their efforts to spread God's Word!
Many strange and disturbing things will happen, and people will probably try to attribute these events to space aliens, global warming, etc.
But, notice what is said next, "Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved." It simply cannot get any easier than this! Try it on for size! "God, I know you sent your Son to die for me, and in my place! I could NEVER begin to deserve this! Thank-you for this awesome gift!" Then, get out and tell the world! Don't wait! Even a few seconds from now might be too late!
..."I will gather the armies of the world into the 'Valley Where Jehovah Judges' and punish them for harming my people, for scattering my inheritance among the nations and dividing up my land." (Joel 3:2) tlb
The Valley Where Jehovah Judges is also called the Valley of Jehoshaphat, and you've probably heard it that way before. This will occur at the end of the Tribulation, so you can guess what their "punishment" will be. Total opposition to God is NOT something that might look good on a resume or better your station in life!
..."Multitudes, multitudes waiting in the valley for the verdict of their doom! For the Day of the Lord is near, in the Valley of Judgement.
...The sun and the moon will be darkened and the stars withdraw their light. The Lord shouts from his temple in Jerusalem and the earth and the sky begin to shake. But to his people Israel, the Lord will be very gentle. He is their Refuge and Strength.
...Then you shall know at last that I am the Lord your God in Zion, my holy mountain. Jerusalem shall be mine forever; the time will come when no foreign armies will pass through her any more.
...Sweet wine will drip from the mountains, and the hills shall flow with milk. Water will fill the dry stream beds of Judah, and a fountain will burst forth from the temple of the Lord to water Acacia Valley.
...Egypt will be destroyed, and Edom too, because of their violence against the Jews, for they killed innocent people in those nations.
...But Israel will prosper forever, and Jerusalem will thrive as generations pass.
...For I will avenge the blood of my people; I will not clear their oppressors of guilt. for my home is in Jerusalem with my people." (Joel 3:14-21) tlb
God has already seen the future, and it SHALL be as He has said! We, who are Christians, have become a part of God's people by virtue of our having been "adopted" by our salvation, courtesy of Jesus Christ. We must do our part to get the Word spread to all people. Remember Peter's words, "But don't forget this, dear friends, that a day or a thousand years from now is like tomorrow to the Lord. He isn't really being slow about his promised return, even though it sometimes seems that way. But he is waiting, for the good reason that he is not willing that any should perish, and he is giving more time for sinners to repent." (2 Pet 3:8-9) tlb
Since God does NOT want any to perish, then who are we to NOT spread His Word? Do your part! Be a witness! You, too, can be a "lifesaver!" Make God proud!
Someday soon, we will all rejoice together, in Paradise!
Monday, January 16, 2012
My Interview with Adam
[sound of a recorder turning on]
Mr. Adam, sir? May I have a few moments of your time?
- Sure, why not? Have we met? -
No sir. I'm Joseph Baille, a reporter for the New World Times. We'd like to publish a small historical documentary of your life as an article in our paper. You know that there is a very great interest in your life. All of our readers would love to hear your take on the events in the early days.
- Well, it is fine with me, I guess, but please understand it really doesn't cast either Eve or I in a very good light. Obviously, we messed up in a major way, what with doing exactly what God told us not to do. -
Sir, I'm sure you are aware that quite a few of our readers, probably most, believe that the blame should be mostly on Eve. After all, she was the one who first bit into the apple.
- This is a big part of what really bothers me, when God separated us into male and female, we were not made to be exactly the same. I was bigger and stronger than she, but she was much more curious and supportive. If the serpent had approached me first, I'm certain I'd have been suspicious, but probably would have tried it, eventually, anyway. I'm fairly sure that Eve just thought it was something she could try out for me, then let me know if it tasted good. Satan knew exactly how to play us... -
Just how did the apple taste?
- I still do not understand how it is that everybody still assumes it was an apple. It really wasn't, you know. It was somewhat pinkish in color, and sort of round, but with pointed edges. God told us it was the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and it was the only one of its type in the whole garden. Almost next to it, maybe fifteen or twenty steps away, was the tree of life. There was also only one of those in the garden. Its fruit was sort of like a small straight banana, with a smell like a cross between a rose and a pineapple. We never even tasted that one. -
Can you describe the garden for our readers?
- That is very hard to find the words to describe accurately. You see, it wasn't just on the earth. There was this one place where the corner of heaven actually touched the world that God created. Everything glowed with an amazing joy. I know that this sounds odd, but I still do not have the right words for it. God often walked with us, and our hearts were nearly filled to the bursting point with His grace. All animals loved God, and us. They would walk alongside us, making the happiest sounds you could ever imagine. Even the flowers all seemed to turn their blossoms toward the Father to give Him the glory He deserved. What could remotely be so wonderful? Then we blew it. Our sin felt as though we'd struck God physically. The awareness of what we'd done horrified us. We knew He should have destroyed every last vestige of us. I am so ashamed of what we did. Just thinking about it puts tears into my eyes once again. -
What happened then?
- Well, we were banished from the garden. There was no going back, not ever. What we took for granted in the garden was no longer to be. We had to work very hard, just to survive. When our first child was born, I really thought that Eve was going to die... so much pain she'd had to endure. We both realized we'd brought it on ourselves, but that didn't make it any easier, you know. I'll tell one thing about having children that really surprised us, though... belly-buttons! Neither Eve, nor I have one, because we'd never been born, and so had never needed an umbilical. After the third kid was born, we understood that navels were permanently a part of human beings, it just seemed weird, in the beginning. -
So, how long had you two lived in the garden?
- I'm not completely sure. It didn't seem like that long to us, but time just wasn't as important, then. I doubt it was much over eight to ten years, but it could as easily have been just five or six weeks. There never was any need to keep track of the passage of time, and God took care of everything we needed. -
Is there any way we can talk to Eve, just to get her take on all the events?
- Please don't, I beg you! She still thinks it was all her fault. It really wasn't, not at all! That serpent was trickier and more conniving than any of today's politicians. I'm sure he could have convinced me to eat that fruit first, instead of her. Maybe, if we'd have been together when Satan came calling... no, I think we'd still have failed God, just like we did then. Leave her out of this, okay? She's suffered a lot more than most people can ever begin to realize. She will always be my "other half." I will always love her with all that I am, and want to protect her, forever. -
Sure thing, Adam. This should be in tomorrow's paper. Thanks for your time.
[sound of recorder turning off]
Saturday, January 14, 2012
New Years Resolutions
Interesting term "resolution", isn't it?
It is a promise, or a vow, to yourself. This year is going to be better! Why? Because I am going to get my act together!
Every year it is basically the same. Every year I promise myself that "this is the year that..."
... I'm gonna lose weight!
... I'm will find the time to exercise!
... I'll stop smoking, quit drinking, relax, spend more time with the family, cut back on frivolous spending, study the Bible, give something to charity, be nice to people, help out at church, be more supportive to my spouse... etc. etc. etc.
There is an almost endless list of resolutions that we make every year, and the majority of them are the same ones we'd made last year and many years before!
Perhaps we should call these vows "revolutions" instead of resolutions, because, sooner or later, we will turn back around to the same old behavior traits that we've been trying to avoid.
A large part of the problem is that we are basing our promises upon ourselves. If we are being completely honest, we know we are flawed, sinful and not really trustworthy, not even each to his (or her) own self. God is very aware of this! Consider these words from the Bible.
"If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth." (Num 30:2) mkj
So, don't waste your time making more resolutions every year. Instead, pray to God, ask for His help in turning your life around. Tell Him you will do your best, accept His guidance and discipline, and don't give up your efforts.
And remember, you must not make promises to God lightly! The Bible also says, "But most of all, my brothers, do not take oaths, not by the heaven, or by the earth, or by any other thing: but let your Yes be Yes, and your No be No: so that you may not be judged."
(Jas 5:12) bev
God loves all of us, and loves us so much more than we are able to understand. You will find that trusting Him always works! "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4) drv
Then, when you feel the need of a joyful song to express your inner feelings, try these words of King David's; "May the Lord be praised, because he has given ear to the voice of my prayer. The Lord is my strength and my breastplate, my heart had faith in him and I am helped; for this cause my heart is full of rapture, and I will give him praise in my song." (Psalm 28:6-7) bev
Soon, my friends... very soon, in Paradise!
It is a promise, or a vow, to yourself. This year is going to be better! Why? Because I am going to get my act together!
Every year it is basically the same. Every year I promise myself that "this is the year that..."
... I'm gonna lose weight!
... I'm will find the time to exercise!
... I'll stop smoking, quit drinking, relax, spend more time with the family, cut back on frivolous spending, study the Bible, give something to charity, be nice to people, help out at church, be more supportive to my spouse... etc. etc. etc.
There is an almost endless list of resolutions that we make every year, and the majority of them are the same ones we'd made last year and many years before!
Perhaps we should call these vows "revolutions" instead of resolutions, because, sooner or later, we will turn back around to the same old behavior traits that we've been trying to avoid.
A large part of the problem is that we are basing our promises upon ourselves. If we are being completely honest, we know we are flawed, sinful and not really trustworthy, not even each to his (or her) own self. God is very aware of this! Consider these words from the Bible.
"If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth." (Num 30:2) mkj
So, don't waste your time making more resolutions every year. Instead, pray to God, ask for His help in turning your life around. Tell Him you will do your best, accept His guidance and discipline, and don't give up your efforts.
And remember, you must not make promises to God lightly! The Bible also says, "But most of all, my brothers, do not take oaths, not by the heaven, or by the earth, or by any other thing: but let your Yes be Yes, and your No be No: so that you may not be judged."
(Jas 5:12) bev
God loves all of us, and loves us so much more than we are able to understand. You will find that trusting Him always works! "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4) drv
Then, when you feel the need of a joyful song to express your inner feelings, try these words of King David's; "May the Lord be praised, because he has given ear to the voice of my prayer. The Lord is my strength and my breastplate, my heart had faith in him and I am helped; for this cause my heart is full of rapture, and I will give him praise in my song." (Psalm 28:6-7) bev
Soon, my friends... very soon, in Paradise!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Can You Read the Future?
No, this isn't a trick question.
If you eat a certain restaurants, you are presented with a "fortune cookie" as you leave. Most newspapers have a horoscope section (though I've often wondered if it should be called the horror-scope). As you drive around, you'll see fortune teller's shops, here and there, and also palm-readers. Sometimes even practitioners of black-magic advertise their services.
Sometimes, many of us get tempted.
But what's worse, it seems that every young person in the world today believes (or wants to believe) in voodoo, reincarnation, ghosts and spirit inhabitation. As much as it horrifies the rest of us, there is a possible explanation in the Bible.
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call." Joel 2:28-32) kjv
Does this mean that all this horror-film stuff is for real? Thank heavens this is not generally the case. We know, however, that Satan will stop at nothing to discredit the Word of God. The prince of darkness has our world by the nose, and is leading us all astray. He is constantly perverting the reality that God has decreed. If enough of us fall for the devil's lies and deceptions, we will ignore the warnings of those inspired by God.
So, what is the answer?
Study God's Word. Prepare yourself for the coming tribulation, for it is a sure and certain thing. Listen to those who seem to spouting nonsense, some of them may be divinely inspired. Obviously, quite a few are not, but even those are God's children, and they will need to understand what is happening, and what to prepare for. You may be their one chance to hear of God's love for them.
Don't waste that chance.
Our Father is counting on you. Make Him proud!
See you soon, in Paradise!
If you eat a certain restaurants, you are presented with a "fortune cookie" as you leave. Most newspapers have a horoscope section (though I've often wondered if it should be called the horror-scope). As you drive around, you'll see fortune teller's shops, here and there, and also palm-readers. Sometimes even practitioners of black-magic advertise their services.
Sometimes, many of us get tempted.
But what's worse, it seems that every young person in the world today believes (or wants to believe) in voodoo, reincarnation, ghosts and spirit inhabitation. As much as it horrifies the rest of us, there is a possible explanation in the Bible.
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call." Joel 2:28-32) kjv
Does this mean that all this horror-film stuff is for real? Thank heavens this is not generally the case. We know, however, that Satan will stop at nothing to discredit the Word of God. The prince of darkness has our world by the nose, and is leading us all astray. He is constantly perverting the reality that God has decreed. If enough of us fall for the devil's lies and deceptions, we will ignore the warnings of those inspired by God.
So, what is the answer?
Study God's Word. Prepare yourself for the coming tribulation, for it is a sure and certain thing. Listen to those who seem to spouting nonsense, some of them may be divinely inspired. Obviously, quite a few are not, but even those are God's children, and they will need to understand what is happening, and what to prepare for. You may be their one chance to hear of God's love for them.
Don't waste that chance.
Our Father is counting on you. Make Him proud!
See you soon, in Paradise!
Monday, December 26, 2011
The Armor of God
Are you able to be completely free of sin?
No, this isn't a "trick" question.
The truth of the matter is that we have all paved our own way into hell by every single sin we have ever committed. That easy pathway is the same one we follow every single time we give into temptation. Following it has become "second nature" to us.
Remember; "You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it." (Mat 7:13-14) nlt
Keeping away from sin is a war. It really is you against the bad guys. Lots of folks think there can be no way to win this war, seeing all that the opposition has stacked up against us, but God has told us differently!
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Eph 6:10-13) mkj
The "whole armor of God" is mentioned twice in these three verses... and I can almost hear somebody thinking out loud, "Aww, great! I can't memorize ALL the bible!" Most of us can't... but, we all need a "seatbelt" to make us feel a bit more secure when the forces of evil come calling. Pick a bible verse. It doesn't really matter which one, so long as it is one that gives you a feeling of safety. Repeat it a few times until it becomes a part of you. It is now a piece of your "whole armor of God."
If it happens that no one verse seems quite right, feel free to use this one. It was my first...
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1) kjv
Listen!
That metallic "ping" you just heard was sin bouncing off your brand new armor!
No, this isn't a "trick" question.
The truth of the matter is that we have all paved our own way into hell by every single sin we have ever committed. That easy pathway is the same one we follow every single time we give into temptation. Following it has become "second nature" to us.
Remember; "You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it." (Mat 7:13-14) nlt
Keeping away from sin is a war. It really is you against the bad guys. Lots of folks think there can be no way to win this war, seeing all that the opposition has stacked up against us, but God has told us differently!
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Eph 6:10-13) mkj
The "whole armor of God" is mentioned twice in these three verses... and I can almost hear somebody thinking out loud, "Aww, great! I can't memorize ALL the bible!" Most of us can't... but, we all need a "seatbelt" to make us feel a bit more secure when the forces of evil come calling. Pick a bible verse. It doesn't really matter which one, so long as it is one that gives you a feeling of safety. Repeat it a few times until it becomes a part of you. It is now a piece of your "whole armor of God."
If it happens that no one verse seems quite right, feel free to use this one. It was my first...
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1) kjv
Listen!
That metallic "ping" you just heard was sin bouncing off your brand new armor!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Were You There?
Were you there, when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there, when they crucified my Lord?
Sometimes, it causes me to tremble... tremble.
Were you there, when they crucified my Lord?
Imagine, if you can, being THERE on the day Christ died for us.
God's anger would truly been of "Biblical" proportions! Only His love for us kept Him from destroying the entire earth, but I would still be willing to bet that He had to restrain Himself from doing so.
Some people ask why it is that we do not see God being as active in our world, as they did back in Old Testament times... perhaps Jesus' death is the reason. Seriously, if somebody killed YOUR kid, would you REALLY want to hang out with his/her family?
This Christmas season, celebrate the birth of Christ, enjoy the happiness you see in your kids' faces and have fun passing out gifts. Just remember the most important thing...
Jesus was born to die in our place, so that we could get to heaven.
Sobering, isn't it?
See all of you soon, in paradise,
and have a Merry Christmas!
Were you there, when they crucified my Lord?
Sometimes, it causes me to tremble... tremble.
Were you there, when they crucified my Lord?
Imagine, if you can, being THERE on the day Christ died for us.
God's anger would truly been of "Biblical" proportions! Only His love for us kept Him from destroying the entire earth, but I would still be willing to bet that He had to restrain Himself from doing so.
Some people ask why it is that we do not see God being as active in our world, as they did back in Old Testament times... perhaps Jesus' death is the reason. Seriously, if somebody killed YOUR kid, would you REALLY want to hang out with his/her family?
This Christmas season, celebrate the birth of Christ, enjoy the happiness you see in your kids' faces and have fun passing out gifts. Just remember the most important thing...
Jesus was born to die in our place, so that we could get to heaven.
Sobering, isn't it?
See all of you soon, in paradise,
and have a Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
God's Choice - Love!
So, where does "love" actually begin?
What causes us to start loving?
Must "love" always fade with time, and if so, why?
What does this have to do with our relationship with God?
Every one who has ever had children, and loved them, has experienced the heartache that goes with seeing them begin to change, losing their child-like innocence and trust. Something has started an alteration that scares parents badly. Growing up ALWAYS brings about changes in our kids. I know I've spent a lot of time in prayer, begging and pleading with God that some way be found to keep these characteristics in the kids I love, and let them grow up without losing these traits. Please, God! Oh, please!
The bible tells us, "Behold now the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burthensome unto you. For I seek not the things that are yours, but you. For neither ought the children to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children." (2 Cor 12:14) drv
"Parents for the children." Hmmm... We also know that the Bible tells us to raise up our kids in the way we want them to go, and they will not depart from it.
But, we are also aware that children always change... always.
There are many kids I care a lot about. Some of them have "adopted" me as uncle or grandfather, one as a "best friend." I love each of them quite a lot. I worry about every one, and pray a lot for all of them.
They cannot just "stay kids." God never intended it to be that way. He has given them freedom of choice, just as He gave it to all of us. In the same manner that you and I have veered from God's chosen path, so also will our kids as they grow older, and it will always hurt us because of our love for them.
But, what started this love that we share with our children? Why does it hurt so much when these inevitable changes start to happen?
What is "love," anyway? Where does it start, and why?
A lot of men will find this to be disquieting, but a child's love begins with its trust in its mother. Knowing that mom will take care of them, no matter what, makes the infant learn to love. It takes a little longer with dad, but the process of developing a love for him starts in much the same way.
Our love for God is also based on trust. "As for God, his way is perfect; The word of Jehovah is tried: He is a shield to all that trust in him." (2 Sam 22:31) dar
"But let all those who take refuge in you rejoice, Let them always shout for joy, because you defend them. Let them also who love your name be joyful in you." (Psalm 5:11) web
Kids can only love those whom they trust. As the world erodes their trust, they begin to change. It is inevitable, and it is extremely heart-wrenching...
God feels about us in much the same way. His love for us is boundless. Good or bad, old or young, it makes no difference. He loves us all. He has proven, over and over again, that He is worthy of our trust, and our love. He hurts because of each and every one who has ever rejected Him. But, still He loves us, and always will... eternally.
"But you, O man of God, keep yourself from these things, and go after righteousness, religion, faith, love, a quiet mind, gentle behaviour." (1 Tim 6:11) bev
God doesn't want us to change, any more than we want our kids to do so. Trust Him, and love Him as your little child loves you. When worries seem overpowering, when life seems to be handing you more than you can deal with, when it all feels hopeless, turn to the only One who truly can make it all right again.
Oh, and make sure your children know beyond all doubt that they can ALWAYS trust you. You exemplify God's love to them.
Until we all meet again, in paradise.
What causes us to start loving?
Must "love" always fade with time, and if so, why?
What does this have to do with our relationship with God?
Every one who has ever had children, and loved them, has experienced the heartache that goes with seeing them begin to change, losing their child-like innocence and trust. Something has started an alteration that scares parents badly. Growing up ALWAYS brings about changes in our kids. I know I've spent a lot of time in prayer, begging and pleading with God that some way be found to keep these characteristics in the kids I love, and let them grow up without losing these traits. Please, God! Oh, please!
The bible tells us, "Behold now the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burthensome unto you. For I seek not the things that are yours, but you. For neither ought the children to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children." (2 Cor 12:14) drv
"Parents for the children." Hmmm... We also know that the Bible tells us to raise up our kids in the way we want them to go, and they will not depart from it.
But, we are also aware that children always change... always.
There are many kids I care a lot about. Some of them have "adopted" me as uncle or grandfather, one as a "best friend." I love each of them quite a lot. I worry about every one, and pray a lot for all of them.
They cannot just "stay kids." God never intended it to be that way. He has given them freedom of choice, just as He gave it to all of us. In the same manner that you and I have veered from God's chosen path, so also will our kids as they grow older, and it will always hurt us because of our love for them.
But, what started this love that we share with our children? Why does it hurt so much when these inevitable changes start to happen?
What is "love," anyway? Where does it start, and why?
A lot of men will find this to be disquieting, but a child's love begins with its trust in its mother. Knowing that mom will take care of them, no matter what, makes the infant learn to love. It takes a little longer with dad, but the process of developing a love for him starts in much the same way.
Our love for God is also based on trust. "As for God, his way is perfect; The word of Jehovah is tried: He is a shield to all that trust in him." (2 Sam 22:31) dar
"But let all those who take refuge in you rejoice, Let them always shout for joy, because you defend them. Let them also who love your name be joyful in you." (Psalm 5:11) web
Kids can only love those whom they trust. As the world erodes their trust, they begin to change. It is inevitable, and it is extremely heart-wrenching...
God feels about us in much the same way. His love for us is boundless. Good or bad, old or young, it makes no difference. He loves us all. He has proven, over and over again, that He is worthy of our trust, and our love. He hurts because of each and every one who has ever rejected Him. But, still He loves us, and always will... eternally.
"But you, O man of God, keep yourself from these things, and go after righteousness, religion, faith, love, a quiet mind, gentle behaviour." (1 Tim 6:11) bev
God doesn't want us to change, any more than we want our kids to do so. Trust Him, and love Him as your little child loves you. When worries seem overpowering, when life seems to be handing you more than you can deal with, when it all feels hopeless, turn to the only One who truly can make it all right again.
Oh, and make sure your children know beyond all doubt that they can ALWAYS trust you. You exemplify God's love to them.
Until we all meet again, in paradise.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Living in a hog-wallow?
Are you going to heaven?
Are you really sure?
Most, who consider themselves to be Christian, would respond like this... "I go to church when I can, I try to behave myself, and I think I look pretty good, well... compared to most people, anyway. I'm convinced I'm good enough to get into heaven."
This belief is fairly commonplace, and totally wrong!
"And now apart from law hath the righteousness of God been manifested, testified to by the law and the prophets, and the righteousness of God [is] through the faith of Jesus Christ to all, and upon all those believing, -- for there is no difference, for all did sin, and are come short of the glory of God." (Rom 3:21-23) ylt
Not one of us is anywhere good enough to get to heaven on our own; we're not even close.
Think of it like this...
Living in our world is a lot like hanging out in a hog-wallow. If you roll around in the filth you WILL get covered in it! The problem is that even tiptoeing through the sludge will NOT keep you clean! No amount of being careful will keep you clean. It cannot be done!
Worst of all, any amount of this world's foulness will keep you away from God, and out of heaven! Sin is NOT allowed in God's presence! Even the slightest trace of sin, no matter how small, will forever prevent you from entering heaven.
So, how can any of us get there?
God loves us enough that He made a way for us to get clean again! A way to get into heaven despite our sin... but how could this be possible? He sent His Son, His only Son, to pay the price on our heads, to redeem us, just so we could join him in heaven!
Look at it from your own perspective. How many people do you know, who've done terrible things to you... for how many of them would you be willing to sacrifice your own child's life?
Yeah, I know! I feel the same way! Yet, God thinks we are worth it! So, what do you need to do?
First of all, you must admit you are a sinner. Shouldn't be too hard, not if you are honest with yourself (and think about the hog-wallow).
Second, you must believe in your heart that Jesus' death on the cross was for your benefit. Even if you were the only one that He'd died for, He'd still have sacrificed Himself, just for you.
Lastly, you must tell others about it. God's gift of His Son's life for all of us is the most important news anyone could ever hear. Spread the word. Confess your faith!
These three steps are often called the "A-B-Cs of salvation."
Sometimes people wonder why it is that God placed us in a situation wherein we'd need salvation. The truth is, we did it to ourselves...
Imagine a beautiful place where heaven and earth came together, a wondrous place where the joy of being in the presence of God co-existed with the happiness of life among the incredible beauty of His creation. Such a place would be a garden of infinite delight, right? We call it the "Garden of Eden." Heaven on earth might also be a good description, don't you think?
Humans fouled it up, and brought sin into the garden. Remember that sin cannot be in the presence of God, so humanity had to be banished. We've never been back.
We brought it upon ourselves. We've all sinned, and we know it. God has offered us a way back into His grace, and yet He loves us so much that He will not even force us to take the necessary steps. He leaves that up to us.
Nobody has ever loved you so much!
Nobody!
Take the steps! Remember...
A - B - C
See you soon, in paradise!
Are you really sure?
Most, who consider themselves to be Christian, would respond like this... "I go to church when I can, I try to behave myself, and I think I look pretty good, well... compared to most people, anyway. I'm convinced I'm good enough to get into heaven."
This belief is fairly commonplace, and totally wrong!
"And now apart from law hath the righteousness of God been manifested, testified to by the law and the prophets, and the righteousness of God [is] through the faith of Jesus Christ to all, and upon all those believing, -- for there is no difference, for all did sin, and are come short of the glory of God." (Rom 3:21-23) ylt
Not one of us is anywhere good enough to get to heaven on our own; we're not even close.
Think of it like this...
Living in our world is a lot like hanging out in a hog-wallow. If you roll around in the filth you WILL get covered in it! The problem is that even tiptoeing through the sludge will NOT keep you clean! No amount of being careful will keep you clean. It cannot be done!
Worst of all, any amount of this world's foulness will keep you away from God, and out of heaven! Sin is NOT allowed in God's presence! Even the slightest trace of sin, no matter how small, will forever prevent you from entering heaven.
So, how can any of us get there?
God loves us enough that He made a way for us to get clean again! A way to get into heaven despite our sin... but how could this be possible? He sent His Son, His only Son, to pay the price on our heads, to redeem us, just so we could join him in heaven!
Look at it from your own perspective. How many people do you know, who've done terrible things to you... for how many of them would you be willing to sacrifice your own child's life?
Yeah, I know! I feel the same way! Yet, God thinks we are worth it! So, what do you need to do?
First of all, you must admit you are a sinner. Shouldn't be too hard, not if you are honest with yourself (and think about the hog-wallow).
Second, you must believe in your heart that Jesus' death on the cross was for your benefit. Even if you were the only one that He'd died for, He'd still have sacrificed Himself, just for you.
Lastly, you must tell others about it. God's gift of His Son's life for all of us is the most important news anyone could ever hear. Spread the word. Confess your faith!
These three steps are often called the "A-B-Cs of salvation."
Sometimes people wonder why it is that God placed us in a situation wherein we'd need salvation. The truth is, we did it to ourselves...
Imagine a beautiful place where heaven and earth came together, a wondrous place where the joy of being in the presence of God co-existed with the happiness of life among the incredible beauty of His creation. Such a place would be a garden of infinite delight, right? We call it the "Garden of Eden." Heaven on earth might also be a good description, don't you think?
Humans fouled it up, and brought sin into the garden. Remember that sin cannot be in the presence of God, so humanity had to be banished. We've never been back.
We brought it upon ourselves. We've all sinned, and we know it. God has offered us a way back into His grace, and yet He loves us so much that He will not even force us to take the necessary steps. He leaves that up to us.
Nobody has ever loved you so much!
Nobody!
Take the steps! Remember...
A - B - C
See you soon, in paradise!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
The greatest of these is love!
Paul showed an amazing understanding of Our Lord's intent. God inspired him to write about many subjects that directly strengthen us and our faith. The following is from a letter of Paul's to the people of Corinth. I am quoting from the New Living Translation because I feel it better conveys the original meaning.
..."If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn't love others, I would be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it, but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.
...Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
...Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages will all disappear. Now we know only a little, and even the gift of prophecy reveals little! But when the end comes, those special gifts will all disappear.
...Its like this: When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now.
...There are three things that will endure - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love." (1 Cor 13) nlt
Amazing, isn't it? Every last thing we hold to be important in this life is useless without love.
"What kind of love?" you may be wondering. Jesus expressed it like this... "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. I assure you, anyone who doesn't have their kind of faith will never get into the kingdom of God." (Mark 16b-17) nlt Is this, in any way, contradictory to what Paul says? Not at all! He is saying we should stop behaving like spoiled children. Put away the "gimme, gimme, gimme," and the selfish, self-centeredness, but never lose the simple love!
Love with the innocence of a child, and with the same kind of trust. Learn from your kids. They trust you to take care of them. Trust God the same way. He is Our Father!
"...and the greatest of these is love."
..."If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn't love others, I would be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it, but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.
...Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
...Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages will all disappear. Now we know only a little, and even the gift of prophecy reveals little! But when the end comes, those special gifts will all disappear.
...Its like this: When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now.
...There are three things that will endure - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love." (1 Cor 13) nlt
Amazing, isn't it? Every last thing we hold to be important in this life is useless without love.
"What kind of love?" you may be wondering. Jesus expressed it like this... "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. I assure you, anyone who doesn't have their kind of faith will never get into the kingdom of God." (Mark 16b-17) nlt Is this, in any way, contradictory to what Paul says? Not at all! He is saying we should stop behaving like spoiled children. Put away the "gimme, gimme, gimme," and the selfish, self-centeredness, but never lose the simple love!
Love with the innocence of a child, and with the same kind of trust. Learn from your kids. They trust you to take care of them. Trust God the same way. He is Our Father!
"...and the greatest of these is love."
Friday, October 21, 2011
Insights...
A good friend lent me her copy of Todd Burpo's book, "Heaven is for Real." I was initially very reluctant to read it. You see, I'd always thought I'd read in the Bible that there was no return to life for those who've died, except for God's direct intervention. Good examples of this are Mary and Martha's brother, Lazarus, and the restoration of the dead for the final judgment. Speaking of Lazarus, here is the scriptural excerpt I thought I remembered as refuting the return of those who'd passed on...
"And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and seeing Abraham far off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they who would pass from here to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from there. Then he said, I pray you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house: For I have five brothers; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham said unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." (Luke 16:22-31) kjv 2000
Note, please, that it actually only says there can be no travel between heaven and hell. It is interesting to see that this passage merely says that the living will not be persuaded by such a return, it does NOT say that such a return is impossible.
However, the Bible DOES say the following...
"It will happen afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; And your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions. And also on the servants and on the handmaids in those days, I will pour out my Spirit." (Joel 2:28-29) bev
I profoundly believe that the reference to "men" here means "humans," not males per se. Why do I feel this way? The original man (or human) was Adam. Remember that God said, "It is not good for man to be alone: let us make him a help like unto himself."
(Gen 2:18) drv
Next, we read, "And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man."
(Gen 2:21-23) kjv
So you see, both Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, were both made from the very first human. It is, therefore, quite logical and entirely probable that God does mean "humans" every time the Bible says "men."
This would likely have no bearing whatsoever on my message, except that Todd Burpo's book mentions a young artist named "Akiane Kramarik." She suffered a near-death experience at a very early age, similar in some ways to Mr. Burpo's son, Colton. It caused her to become profoundly interested in art. Today, she is one of the most exceptional artists on the planet. Her work, entitled "Prince of Peace" represents Jesus, and was recognized by young Colton as looking like the Son of God that he (Colton) saw during his own brush with death.
I will not post an image of her work here, as I'm sure it is copyrighted. I do, however, recommend you look it up on your own. Akiane has published a remarkable book, entitled; "akiane her life, her art, her poetry." And, yes, the title is all lower case.
Both of these books are very moving. I feel they both represent young people with dreams and visions. I also feel that the time remaining prior to the Tribulation is very short, and these two books will help those who are undecided AND will strengthen the faith of those who believe. Please read them both, and use them to help you feel closer to Our Lord. But, whatever you do, do NOT allow the painting of Jesus become an object of your prayer. It is not to be a "graven image." Akiane has created an aid to help us feel closer to Our Lord, to feel we can identify with Him.
These young people have had some wonderful visions.
Thank Him who is responsible.
"And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and seeing Abraham far off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they who would pass from here to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from there. Then he said, I pray you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house: For I have five brothers; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham said unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." (Luke 16:22-31) kjv 2000
Note, please, that it actually only says there can be no travel between heaven and hell. It is interesting to see that this passage merely says that the living will not be persuaded by such a return, it does NOT say that such a return is impossible.
However, the Bible DOES say the following...
"It will happen afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; And your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions. And also on the servants and on the handmaids in those days, I will pour out my Spirit." (Joel 2:28-29) bev
I profoundly believe that the reference to "men" here means "humans," not males per se. Why do I feel this way? The original man (or human) was Adam. Remember that God said, "It is not good for man to be alone: let us make him a help like unto himself."
(Gen 2:18) drv
Next, we read, "And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man."
(Gen 2:21-23) kjv
So you see, both Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, were both made from the very first human. It is, therefore, quite logical and entirely probable that God does mean "humans" every time the Bible says "men."
This would likely have no bearing whatsoever on my message, except that Todd Burpo's book mentions a young artist named "Akiane Kramarik." She suffered a near-death experience at a very early age, similar in some ways to Mr. Burpo's son, Colton. It caused her to become profoundly interested in art. Today, she is one of the most exceptional artists on the planet. Her work, entitled "Prince of Peace" represents Jesus, and was recognized by young Colton as looking like the Son of God that he (Colton) saw during his own brush with death.
I will not post an image of her work here, as I'm sure it is copyrighted. I do, however, recommend you look it up on your own. Akiane has published a remarkable book, entitled; "akiane her life, her art, her poetry." And, yes, the title is all lower case.
Both of these books are very moving. I feel they both represent young people with dreams and visions. I also feel that the time remaining prior to the Tribulation is very short, and these two books will help those who are undecided AND will strengthen the faith of those who believe. Please read them both, and use them to help you feel closer to Our Lord. But, whatever you do, do NOT allow the painting of Jesus become an object of your prayer. It is not to be a "graven image." Akiane has created an aid to help us feel closer to Our Lord, to feel we can identify with Him.
These young people have had some wonderful visions.
Thank Him who is responsible.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
God's Advice Column
Pick up a local paper, skip to the second or third section, you'll probably find an advice column or two. They remain popular, no matter the condition of the economy, the political situation or even the age of the reader. I've never really understood why. And yet, almost everybody likes to give (and sometimes get) advice. Whether we're qualified to do so makes little or no difference. It makes us feel important to have something to say that others pay attention to...
Why is it that we feel inclined to place value upon something that other fallible humans say, rather than the wisdom relayed to us from God?
Take a look at some of God's gems;
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Prov 1:7) kjv
-Don't think of it as "fear," simply give God the respect He deserves!
"My son, forget not my law, and let thy heart keep my commandments. For they shall add to thee length of days, and years of life and peace." (Prov 3:1-2) drv
-Obey God's rules, pure and simple.
"Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil." (Prov 4:26-27) kjv
-Don't veer away from God's plan.
"Go to the ant, you hater of work; give thought to her ways and be wise: Having no chief, overseer, or ruler, She gets her meat in the summer, storing up food at the time of the grain-cutting." (Prov 6:6-8) bev
-Do the Lord's work now, while you are able! Tomorrow may be too late!
"The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance are the way of evil and perverted speech I hate."
(Prov 8:13) rsv
-God hates evil, and those who practice it. Sincerely give your all to Him.
"Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight." (Prov 12:22) kjv
-Satan is the prince of lies, avoid his foul influence.
"There is a glad dawn for the upright man, but the light of the sinner will be put out." (Prov 13:9) bev
-At the last judgment, those who choose evil will be condemned forever.
"The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death." (Prov 14:27) kjv
-Respect God. He alone will keep you from eternal death.
"A mild answer breaketh wrath: but a harsh word stirreth up fury. The tongue of the wise adorneth knowledge: but the mouth of fools bubbleth out folly." (Prov 15:1-2) drv
-Keep a civil tongue in your mouth.
"The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow." (Prov 15:25) kjv
- Pride brings about a fall, remember?
"Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice." (Prov 16:8) web
-Goodness in poverty is great, foulness with wealth is deplorable.
"Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD." (Prov 18:22) kjv
-If you've found the perfect wife (like I did), this is patently obvious.
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Prov 22:6) wet
-Kids need discipline, otherwise they turn to evil.
"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." (Prov 31:30) kjv
-Don't put much importance on appearance, but rather on a person's relationship with God.
There is a LOT more where all this comes from! The book of Proverbs is very much God's advice column. Read it with a willingness to accept His recommendations, especially if your heart is telling you differently. The evil one will pressure you to make the wrong choices, and give you what seem to be logical reasons for doing so. God will never force you to choose His way, but the reward is eternal.
Choose wisely, take God's advise.
Why is it that we feel inclined to place value upon something that other fallible humans say, rather than the wisdom relayed to us from God?
Take a look at some of God's gems;
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Prov 1:7) kjv
-Don't think of it as "fear," simply give God the respect He deserves!
"My son, forget not my law, and let thy heart keep my commandments. For they shall add to thee length of days, and years of life and peace." (Prov 3:1-2) drv
-Obey God's rules, pure and simple.
"Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil." (Prov 4:26-27) kjv
-Don't veer away from God's plan.
"Go to the ant, you hater of work; give thought to her ways and be wise: Having no chief, overseer, or ruler, She gets her meat in the summer, storing up food at the time of the grain-cutting." (Prov 6:6-8) bev
-Do the Lord's work now, while you are able! Tomorrow may be too late!
"The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance are the way of evil and perverted speech I hate."
(Prov 8:13) rsv
-God hates evil, and those who practice it. Sincerely give your all to Him.
"Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight." (Prov 12:22) kjv
-Satan is the prince of lies, avoid his foul influence.
"There is a glad dawn for the upright man, but the light of the sinner will be put out." (Prov 13:9) bev
-At the last judgment, those who choose evil will be condemned forever.
"The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death." (Prov 14:27) kjv
-Respect God. He alone will keep you from eternal death.
"A mild answer breaketh wrath: but a harsh word stirreth up fury. The tongue of the wise adorneth knowledge: but the mouth of fools bubbleth out folly." (Prov 15:1-2) drv
-Keep a civil tongue in your mouth.
"The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow." (Prov 15:25) kjv
- Pride brings about a fall, remember?
"Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice." (Prov 16:8) web
-Goodness in poverty is great, foulness with wealth is deplorable.
"Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD." (Prov 18:22) kjv
-If you've found the perfect wife (like I did), this is patently obvious.
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Prov 22:6) wet
-Kids need discipline, otherwise they turn to evil.
"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." (Prov 31:30) kjv
-Don't put much importance on appearance, but rather on a person's relationship with God.
There is a LOT more where all this comes from! The book of Proverbs is very much God's advice column. Read it with a willingness to accept His recommendations, especially if your heart is telling you differently. The evil one will pressure you to make the wrong choices, and give you what seem to be logical reasons for doing so. God will never force you to choose His way, but the reward is eternal.
Choose wisely, take God's advise.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Who needs health or wealth?
David probably said it best;
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." (Psalm 23) kjv
We complain a lot about everything. Face it, it's true. Money, family, health, opportunity, looks or home, we've all wished for something to be different. Most of these wishes likely fall into the classification of "covet," as in "Thou shalt not..."
Everything we are (and have) is a gift from God. What counts is what we do with these things we were given, not how much we complain about feeling we've been short-changed. Give God credit for His endless blessings, He didn't have to give it to you.
Father, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.
Amen!
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." (Psalm 23) kjv
We complain a lot about everything. Face it, it's true. Money, family, health, opportunity, looks or home, we've all wished for something to be different. Most of these wishes likely fall into the classification of "covet," as in "Thou shalt not..."
Everything we are (and have) is a gift from God. What counts is what we do with these things we were given, not how much we complain about feeling we've been short-changed. Give God credit for His endless blessings, He didn't have to give it to you.
Father, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.
Amen!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Beast - What Beast?
"Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which Jehovah God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of any tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, Of the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat: but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil." (Gen 3:1-5)asv
The serpent here is Satan. "Any beast of the field" means animals, but it is interesting that the term "beast" will have a completely different meaning in Revelation.
"And they said one to another, Behold, there comes that dreamer! And now come and let us kill him, and cast him into one of the pits, and we will say, An evil beast has devoured him; and we will see what becomes of his dreams." (Gen 37:19-20)dar
In this reference, the term beast is conjectural, as Joseph's brothers plan to murder him, and try to pin the blame on wild animals.
There are many Old Testament references to "beast," but they still mean animals. Later we will see possible inferences of what is yet to come.
"And when Paul had gathered together a bundle of sticks, and had laid them on the fire, a viper coming out of the heat, fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the beast hanging on his hand, they said one to another: Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, who though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance doth not suffer him to live. And he indeed shaking off the beast into the fire, suffered no harm. But they supposed that he would begin to swell up, and that he would suddenly fall down and die. But expecting long, and seeing that there came no harm to him, changing their minds, they said, that he was a god."
(Acts 28:3-6)drv
The word "beast" here continues to mean animal, but note that merely the presence of this "beast" causes people to begin expecting a false god. The forces of Satan are already looking toward the future! Worse is yet to come.
"It is for discipline that you endure. God deals with you as with sons, for what son is there whom his father doesn't discipline? But if you are without discipline, whereof all have been made partakers, then are you illegitimate, and not sons. Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live? For they indeed, for a few days, punished us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been exercised thereby. Therefore, lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, that that which is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord, looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby the many be defiled; lest there be any sexually immoral person, or profane person, as Esau, who sold his birthright for one meal. For you know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for a change of mind though he sought it diligently with tears. For you have not come to a mountain that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and to blackness, darkness, tempest, the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which those who heard it begged that not one more word should be spoken to them, for they could not stand that which was enjoined, 'If even a animal touch the mountain, it will be stoned;' and so fearful was the appearance, that Moses said, 'I am terrified and trembling.' But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels, to the general assembly and assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better than that of Abel. See that you don't refuse him who speaks. For if they didn't escape when they refused him who warned on the Earth, how much more will we not escape who turn away from him who warns from heaven, whose voice shook the earth, then, but now he has promised, saying, 'Yet once more will I shake not only the earth, but also the heavens.' " (Heb 12:7-26)web
Who needs a mediator? Only one charged with a crime. Is there any one among us who is without blame? Please notice that God says it is important for us to be disciplined as His children because those without discipline are illegitimate, and are NOT His children! Being punished for our misdeeds does NOT give Him joy, but returning to His way does!
We are warned; Do not be bitter, immoral or profane.
Today's world does not seem to pay heed to this warning at all! Look around you. Outside of Christian society, foulness, wanton sexuality and general meanness of spirit prevail everywhere.
So, who is the "animal" (or beast) who will attempt to touch and conquer Mount Zion?
"But the court, which is without the temple, cast out, and measure it not: because it is given unto the Gentiles, and the holy city they shall tread under foot two and forty months: And I will give unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks, that stand before the Lord of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire shall come out of their mouths, and shall devour their enemies. And if any man will hurt them, in this manner must he be slain. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and they have power over waters to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast, that ascendeth out of the abyss, shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them." (Rev 11:2-7)drv
Okay, there will be two "preachers" who will give testimony and prophecy for forty-two months. They cannot be harmed until that time has passed, the "beast" will kill them. But, who is this "beast" who comes up out of the abyss?
"Then I stood on the sand of the sea. I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads. On his horns were ten crowns, and on his heads, blasphemous names. The beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. One of his heads looked like it had been wounded fatally. His fatal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled at the beast. They worshipped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast, and they worshipped the beast, saying, 'Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?' A mouth speaking great things and blasphemy was given to him. Authority to continue for forty-two months was given to him. He opened his mouth for blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tent, those who dwell in heaven. It was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to him. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been killed. If anyone has an ear, let him hear." (Rev 13:1-9)web
It seems this "beast" will be killed mid-way through the Tribulation, but will be restored to life. Then, for the next forty-two months, he will declare war upon all who follow Christ. He will be in charge of everyone who is not Christian. We are reminded to pay attention to what God has spoken.
"And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name." (Rev 13:11-17)kjv
This "second beast" is the dead beast, currently indwelt by Satan! He will fool many into thinking he is divine. All will be made to suffer.
"A mysterious caption was written on her forehead: 'Babylon the Great, Mother of Prostitutes and Idol Worship Everywhere around the World.' I could see that she was drunk - drunk with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus she had killed. I stared at her in horror. 'Why are you so surprised?' the angel asked. 'I'll tell you who she is and what the animal she is riding represents. He was alive but isn't now. And yet, soon he will come up out of the bottomless pit and go to eternal destruction; and the people of the earth, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life before the world began, will be dumbfounded at his reappearance after being dead.' " (Rev 17:5-8)tlb
Babylon the Great is the home, and center of government for, the "beast." Have you figured out just who he is, yet?
"These have one design: and their strength and power they shall deliver to the beast. These shall fight with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, because he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and they that are with him are called, and elect, and faithful. And he said to me: The waters which thou sawest, where the harlot sitteth, are peoples, and nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which thou sawest in the beast: these shall hate the harlot, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and shall burn her with fire. For God hath given into their hearts to do that which pleaseth him: that they give their kingdom to the beast, till the words of God be fulfilled. And the woman which thou sawest, is the great city, which hath kingdom over the kings of the earth."
(Rev 17:13-18)drv
A lot of Revelation is confusing, at least it is to us now. Basically, what is said here is that the forces of evil (Satan's armies) will array themselves against the Lamb of God (Jesus), and lose everything. What is incredible is that these satanic armies are doing God's will, to fulfill all that has be foretold.
Final score - God wins, Satan loses!
So, who is this "beast," anyway? We call him the Antichrist. The probability is very large that he is alive today, working to establish himself into a position of power. From that point, he will be ready to jump into action for his master, Satan, when the opportunity arises.
Where's the beast?
He's out there, waiting, watching, planning...
Stay alert and be ready!
The serpent here is Satan. "Any beast of the field" means animals, but it is interesting that the term "beast" will have a completely different meaning in Revelation.
"And they said one to another, Behold, there comes that dreamer! And now come and let us kill him, and cast him into one of the pits, and we will say, An evil beast has devoured him; and we will see what becomes of his dreams." (Gen 37:19-20)dar
In this reference, the term beast is conjectural, as Joseph's brothers plan to murder him, and try to pin the blame on wild animals.
There are many Old Testament references to "beast," but they still mean animals. Later we will see possible inferences of what is yet to come.
"And when Paul had gathered together a bundle of sticks, and had laid them on the fire, a viper coming out of the heat, fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the beast hanging on his hand, they said one to another: Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, who though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance doth not suffer him to live. And he indeed shaking off the beast into the fire, suffered no harm. But they supposed that he would begin to swell up, and that he would suddenly fall down and die. But expecting long, and seeing that there came no harm to him, changing their minds, they said, that he was a god."
(Acts 28:3-6)drv
The word "beast" here continues to mean animal, but note that merely the presence of this "beast" causes people to begin expecting a false god. The forces of Satan are already looking toward the future! Worse is yet to come.
"It is for discipline that you endure. God deals with you as with sons, for what son is there whom his father doesn't discipline? But if you are without discipline, whereof all have been made partakers, then are you illegitimate, and not sons. Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live? For they indeed, for a few days, punished us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been exercised thereby. Therefore, lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, that that which is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord, looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby the many be defiled; lest there be any sexually immoral person, or profane person, as Esau, who sold his birthright for one meal. For you know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for a change of mind though he sought it diligently with tears. For you have not come to a mountain that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and to blackness, darkness, tempest, the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which those who heard it begged that not one more word should be spoken to them, for they could not stand that which was enjoined, 'If even a animal touch the mountain, it will be stoned;' and so fearful was the appearance, that Moses said, 'I am terrified and trembling.' But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels, to the general assembly and assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better than that of Abel. See that you don't refuse him who speaks. For if they didn't escape when they refused him who warned on the Earth, how much more will we not escape who turn away from him who warns from heaven, whose voice shook the earth, then, but now he has promised, saying, 'Yet once more will I shake not only the earth, but also the heavens.' " (Heb 12:7-26)web
Who needs a mediator? Only one charged with a crime. Is there any one among us who is without blame? Please notice that God says it is important for us to be disciplined as His children because those without discipline are illegitimate, and are NOT His children! Being punished for our misdeeds does NOT give Him joy, but returning to His way does!
We are warned; Do not be bitter, immoral or profane.
Today's world does not seem to pay heed to this warning at all! Look around you. Outside of Christian society, foulness, wanton sexuality and general meanness of spirit prevail everywhere.
So, who is the "animal" (or beast) who will attempt to touch and conquer Mount Zion?
"But the court, which is without the temple, cast out, and measure it not: because it is given unto the Gentiles, and the holy city they shall tread under foot two and forty months: And I will give unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks, that stand before the Lord of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire shall come out of their mouths, and shall devour their enemies. And if any man will hurt them, in this manner must he be slain. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and they have power over waters to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast, that ascendeth out of the abyss, shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them." (Rev 11:2-7)drv
Okay, there will be two "preachers" who will give testimony and prophecy for forty-two months. They cannot be harmed until that time has passed, the "beast" will kill them. But, who is this "beast" who comes up out of the abyss?
"Then I stood on the sand of the sea. I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads. On his horns were ten crowns, and on his heads, blasphemous names. The beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. One of his heads looked like it had been wounded fatally. His fatal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled at the beast. They worshipped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast, and they worshipped the beast, saying, 'Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?' A mouth speaking great things and blasphemy was given to him. Authority to continue for forty-two months was given to him. He opened his mouth for blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tent, those who dwell in heaven. It was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to him. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been killed. If anyone has an ear, let him hear." (Rev 13:1-9)web
It seems this "beast" will be killed mid-way through the Tribulation, but will be restored to life. Then, for the next forty-two months, he will declare war upon all who follow Christ. He will be in charge of everyone who is not Christian. We are reminded to pay attention to what God has spoken.
"And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name." (Rev 13:11-17)kjv
This "second beast" is the dead beast, currently indwelt by Satan! He will fool many into thinking he is divine. All will be made to suffer.
"A mysterious caption was written on her forehead: 'Babylon the Great, Mother of Prostitutes and Idol Worship Everywhere around the World.' I could see that she was drunk - drunk with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus she had killed. I stared at her in horror. 'Why are you so surprised?' the angel asked. 'I'll tell you who she is and what the animal she is riding represents. He was alive but isn't now. And yet, soon he will come up out of the bottomless pit and go to eternal destruction; and the people of the earth, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life before the world began, will be dumbfounded at his reappearance after being dead.' " (Rev 17:5-8)tlb
Babylon the Great is the home, and center of government for, the "beast." Have you figured out just who he is, yet?
"These have one design: and their strength and power they shall deliver to the beast. These shall fight with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, because he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and they that are with him are called, and elect, and faithful. And he said to me: The waters which thou sawest, where the harlot sitteth, are peoples, and nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which thou sawest in the beast: these shall hate the harlot, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and shall burn her with fire. For God hath given into their hearts to do that which pleaseth him: that they give their kingdom to the beast, till the words of God be fulfilled. And the woman which thou sawest, is the great city, which hath kingdom over the kings of the earth."
(Rev 17:13-18)drv
A lot of Revelation is confusing, at least it is to us now. Basically, what is said here is that the forces of evil (Satan's armies) will array themselves against the Lamb of God (Jesus), and lose everything. What is incredible is that these satanic armies are doing God's will, to fulfill all that has be foretold.
Final score - God wins, Satan loses!
So, who is this "beast," anyway? We call him the Antichrist. The probability is very large that he is alive today, working to establish himself into a position of power. From that point, he will be ready to jump into action for his master, Satan, when the opportunity arises.
Where's the beast?
He's out there, waiting, watching, planning...
Stay alert and be ready!
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