In This End-times World -------------

 In This End-times World, We Are Increasingly Surrounded By People Who Devise And Delight In Evil – By Hal Lindsey - https://harbingersdaily.com/in-this-end-times-world-we-are-increasingly-surrounded-by-people-who-devise-and-delight-in-evil/ The price of eggs… a Mall of America security guard threatening the wearer of a “Jesus saves” t-shirt… attacks on the US power grid… a worldwide obsession with pornography… another wave of nuclear threats coming out of Russia… a universal weakening of democratic institutions… a global reshuffling of leaders… threats of “civil war” in Israel… corruption in the highest levels of government across the world… weaponized ArtificialIntelligence… deep fake audio and video enabling previously unimagined levels of deception… global economic chaos… and on and on. What do these and hundreds of other things like them have in common? They are signs of the soon coming of Jesus. Planet earth is in the throes of the birth of a new world.It’s difficult — even excruciating — but it is also thrilling. We are entering the days foreseen by the prophets. In this end-times world, we are increasingly surrounded by foolishness, rage against God, arrogance, and by people who devise and delight in evil. It’s important for us, ourloved ones, our churches, and our communities that Christians respond well. So, how does God say to respond? First, let’s look at how not to respond. Jesus taught us not to respond in kind. We are not to spew expletive-saturated vitriol at perceived enemies over social media. Weare not to become fearful or violent. Fear and rage go hand in hand. Extreme anger often comes as a result of feeling afraid or threatened. That’s why it is so important for Christians to walk in faith. How can you win people to Christ while living in fearof them and feeling unrelenting anger toward them? In Mark 11:22, Jesus gave us the answer in only four words — “Have faith in God.” If your faith is in your own strength or the strength of your political associations or in a particular leader, you will naturally be afraid. You will be outraged by everypotential threat. But faith in God allows you to exhibit and grow the fruit of the Spirit — “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23, NASB) Don’t pass over that list too quickly. Consider each word. Don’t you want that? Doesn’t the world need that? Those words represent light in an ever-darkening age — “love… joy… peace… patience… kindness… goodness… faithfulness… gentleness… self-control.” Proverbs 24:19 says, “Do not fret because of evildoers.” Social media and cable news networks teach us just the opposite. They want us to do nothing but fret over the actionsand attitudes of others. If your concern is only for your own worldly well-being, then you will be obsessed with what evildoers are up to. But if you take God’s perspective, you won’t agonize because of evildoers, but over the future of evildoers. The nextverse, Proverbs 24:20, says, “For there will be no future for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out.” For that reason, verse 19 and many other scriptures admonish us not to envy evil men. They may be flying in lush private jets to conferences about the terrors of climate change.They may have celebrity and power. But unless they turn to Christ, eternity will not be a happy place for them. Meanwhile, the lowliest (by the world’s standards) man or woman in Christ will live in an eternity full of love, joy, and peace. And we who have faith in God, can live in the same heavenly love, joy, and peace — now.

Signs of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture

 Signs of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture - By Pastor Mike Taylor - https://pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com/2022/12/signs-of-pre-tribulation-rapture.html 19, “Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall castout the dead. 20, Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. 21, For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more coverher slain.” (Isaiah 26:19-21) “The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.” (Isaiah57:1) “And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the daythat Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstonefrom heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.” (Luke 17:26-30) “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come againand receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:2-3) There are many who have doubts about the above subject when speaking of the “catching away of the Church” the Body of Christ. Although not a salvation issue, they fail tounderstand biblical prophecy or refuse to look at it and have the Holy Spirit teach them, by revealing what Paul called a “mystery”. Why did Paul call it a “mystery”?...It was a well known subject about the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ throughout the Old Testamentprophets that spoke of the “Day of the Lord” coming in great wrath to deal with a rebellious God rejecting earth and it's nation dwellers, but the lesson that Paul preached was not revealed until Jesus our Lord revealed it to Him in a revelation when Paulwas taught personally by Jesus Christ. What are Paul's well known words? “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53, For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54, So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Deathis swallowed up in victory.” (1st Corinthians 15:51-54) Without knowing Jewish life and customs, one would make the mistake of linking the 7th trumpet blown by the angel in Revelation and think this is the trumpet Paul speaks of.One would fail to realize that Paul is making a reference in several passages to a well known “Feast of Trumpets” where trumpets are blown in succession until a “Last Trumpet” is blown and gives one reason to believe that the coming of our Lord Jesus Christwill be on a future Feast of Trumpets fulfilling that first festival in the autumn, just as the Feasts of the Lord has been fulfilled in the spring, on the very day of their observance. But you can speak of verses that point to a “catching away” of the body of Christ, and folks will not believe it, and even get angry and belligerent over something that wouldbe glorious for any Bible believing Christian. Why would not everybody embrace a teaching, searching if it be true and be elated and joyful in discovering that it is all over the Bible. I even have members in my own family when given the truth of the Biblewill not believe. Why does something so wonderful and mind boggling to the spiritual heart bring such feelings and displays of anger from “rapture deniers”? I would only pray that they would take the evidence presented, lay it beside their bible and do whatany good Berean would do and search the scriptures to see if these things be true. FALSE REASONS TO DISBELIEVE: #1.The Church never taught such a doctrine This is their first argument and then point to a Scottish girl's dream/vision, of Margaret McDonald, and taken up by one John Darby into a “new” doctrine referring to the “rapture of the church”. They argue that it is a new doctrine that came into being and taught as truth by a deceived young girl, and a preacher of heresy. But are they right? Was the concept of the “Harpazo” interpreted as the catching away of the Church,a new doctrine, or was it a resurrected doctrine that had it's roots even far back as the 1st Century of the Church? By doing a simple Google search, you can find the writings of early Church Fathers that support a belief, even from the time of St. John theApostle of the concept of a Pre-Tribulation removal of the church from God's coming wrath upon this earth. I won't go into great detail here, for lack of space and time, but the evidence is free for the seeker of the truth about something our Lord Jesus, Paulthe Apostle, John the Beloved taught and passed down to their disciples from the 1st century and even into the 3rd century under increasing Roman persecution and finally Roman Catholicism's attempt to eradicate the belief...you can read their writings onlineand a brief explanation of their teachings here: http://beginningandend.com/what-did-ancient-church-fathers-believe-about-the-rapture/ Understand, that their teachings and writings are not to be equal with Divine Truth as the Bible is, but it shows their understanding and discernment of what the Bible taught.It is my firm belief that the doctrine of the Pre-Tribulation rapture was squashed and hidden away for almost 1500 years because of the “Dark Ages” of the Roman Catholic Church and its rule as it interfered with their lust for power upon the earth. So thedoctrine was re-introduced by the likes of John Darby and many evangelicals down through the last 200 years speak of a doctrine that has it's roots even in early Christianity and it's Church Fathers, as it is not a new doctrine at all. #2The Bible doesn't speak of a rapture event. Oh, but it does.....just not in a verse that you can point to for definitive proof. No, the Bible has it sprinkled all over the OT and the New Testament and the wise readerof the Bible mines it like gold and silver searching for the truth as precious metals or diamonds. What does the Bible say we must do and what must we discern from it's pages? “Whom shall He teach knowledge? And whom shall He make to understand doctrine? Those who are weaned from the milk and drawn from the breasts, 10, For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, there a little; 11, For with stammering lips and foreign tongue He will speak to this people.” (Isaiah 28:9-11) All one has to do is take a cup of coffee, sit down in a comfortable chair and read where God has given us the puzzle picture of what His plan is for mankind. I want you togo and read verse after verse of Bible passages that speak of a time when God's people will be removed from this earth...go here:https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Bible-Verses-About-The-Rapture/ If I were to quote every scripture that points to a “mystery” that Paul spoke of in his epistles and spread out all over the Bible, I'd be doing part 1-4 on this subject.I've investigated, preached, and believed in everything I have written concerning the “Catching away” of God's Church and have asked God many times to correct me, if I speak anything but the Truth of His Word. I never have wanted to speak falsely about prophecyand have sought the Lord many times for His correction if I be in error. Only thing that has happened down through the years is God has NOT corrected me, He has re-enforced it in my spirit by His Holy Spirit and confirmation in His Holy Word that what I preach,is TRUTH and lines up with God's Word. #3.The Bible speaks of angels gathering His elect: Another reason for unbelief of my brethren is a passage found in the Gospel of Mark. It speaks of a time when Jesus said, He will come and send His angels to gather “His elect” from the four winds of the earth. This is at the end of the Tribulation. “And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.” (Mark 13:27) But notice that Jesus goes right into an explanation of the Parable of the fig tree...who are the subjects our Lord is speaking to and about in this passage? The answer isIsrael. In the Old Testament, God calls the Hebrew nation of Israel His elect, His chosen people. When Jesus came and died on a cross, the beginning of the Church Age began when Jesus sent God's Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost and the Church members werecalled “saints”. To be born again makes you a child of God and a saint by adoption into His Family. But notice in Revelation that the word “church” is not used, not one time after chapter 6 and never again until chapter 19 when those depicted as being clothedwith linen white and clean (a sign of the saints or the Church) come with Jesus riding on white horses. Those who are saved in the Tribulation will be gathered together who have died as martyrs for Christ and they are “the Elect” who the angels gather. Nowsome take issue that the angels are gathering only the living to bring them all to Zion in Jerusalem. That is probably part of it, but there may not be many Jewish people left, or people at all left, but a remnant to be gathered...what I believe is also gather,as we were gathered and changed into immortal beings at the rapture, these who have died in martyrdom will be changed into immortal beings as we were and this is also part of the end of the 1st resurrection. They have been under the altar of God waitingfor their brethren to be slain as they were...they were not given immortal bodies until this resurrection. Folks may not see it that way, and that's OK..because God will gather His elect either living or dead from the 4 winds. They will be in the majorityof Jewish birth and an Israelite. There will be Gentiles that will believe based on the 144, 000 Jewish evangelist and their preaching God's Word and many will be saved and they too, will be regarded as the “elect” at the coming of our Lord to set up His Kingdom.Now I can hear those who are scoffers, saying that the “church” is also the “elect”..and that would be true, but there is a distinction between those saved in the Church Age, and those who are saved in the Tribulation. Those saved in the Age of Grace will be Kings and Priest to God and our Lord Jesus Christ for His 1000 year reign on earth as King of kings, and Lord of lords. Those who aresaved in the Tribulation will be servants in the New Temple of God, but not Kings: “9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language,standing before the throne and beforethe Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne,and to the Lamb.” 11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” 13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” 14 I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore,“they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.” (Revelation7:9-15) Notice the difference? They are servants of God in His Temple, much like the Levitical priesthood. They have palm fronds in their hands, (I believe a symbol of the nationof Israel) and they came out of the Great Tribulation as martyrs and died for their faith, because they did not accept it by faith not seeing, but accepted when the evidence was plainly in front of their face and seeing it first hand. They do not receive thesame rewards as the Church Age saints and it's blessings. #4, Jesus does not come back till the 7th trumpet of God: I find this so sad, that a large portion of the denominations in this world, have followed the teachings of the Catholic Church, that there is no removal of the church, andthat everyone, saved or unsaved will be subject to the horror of the Tribulation, and it's even more horrific Great Tribulation. As briefly mentioned above, many in modern day Christian churches link what Paul said in 1st Corinthians about the “last trump” and automatically start looking for another “last trump” and logic tells them that the 7th trump that the angel blows to release the bowl judgments is the same trumpet that Paul speaks of. Notice the difference between the two events. The one Paul speaks of brings incredible and unspeakable joy to those who are looking for the return of their Lord God, JesusChrist. The 7th trumpet of Revelation brings unspeakable and horrifying death and destruction on all who have denied Jesus Christ and have taken the “mark of the beast”. I want to draw your attention what Jesus made clear by speaking to the Apostle John in Revelation 3, but many read right over it and don't understand the verse in Greek, theoriginal language of the New Testament and the prevailing language in John's day: 10Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. (Revelation 3:10-11) Many don't understand what Jesus was referring to here. Obviously, if you read the passage, Jesus is telling John about the coming Tribulation. But notice a phrase in verse10...”Keep thee from”? If you look at the original Greek, the word is “EK”..a short preposition that gives the passages it's meaning...let's looking it up. According to Strong’s concordance the Greek word ek is a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause);literal or figurative.” It can be translated “from” “out of” or “away from.” So if you take the Lord God Almighty at His Word, then He is telling John that He will remove those who have kept His Word, away from the coming event...that event is theTribulation. Where will He remove us from the time and the event? Read the opening verses that started this message. MORE clues that the Church is not on earth during the Tribulation::: Notice also, that the “saints” are not mentioned again until chapter 19 of the final book of the Bible. “6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotentreigneth. 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. (my emphasis) 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” (Revelation19:6-9) Notice verse 8 that “fine linen” is a symbol of the saints of God, the Church of the Living God. Thus we are ushered into a time of unspeakable glory and honor because ofour faith and trusting in the blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ. But that is not the end of the story... “11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothedin fine linen, white and clean. (Revelation 19:11-14) We, as His people, His Kings and Priest have been at a “marriage supper of the Lamb” to be joined spiritually with her betrothed, Jesus our King of kings. To be adopted as “children of God”. “16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Romans 8:16-17) And one of the most symbolic, but definitive example of the Church being in heaven with our Lord God, is the 24 elders spoken of in Revelation 4. “4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crownsof gold.” (Revelation 4:4) I've seen some labored reasoning of who these elders are...obviously, they are human, not angelic, as no angel has ever received a crowns of gold and a throne to sit upon.Notice the attributes of these who sit around the throne of God? They are the number 24, a multiplication of the number 12 which is a sign of government. They are representative the saints of God in the Old and the New Testament. They are clothed in whiteraiment, a sign of righteousness. They are seated, so they are at rest from their labor and are seated upon thrones. They have crowns and have been rewarded for their service to God by our Lord Jesus Christ, at the Bema Judgment seat for this service. It canbe no mistake to give these 24 elders the designation of the Church saints who have overcome the world and are seated around God's throne. And from this time, until chapter 19, you will see no mention of saints or church. Also note that there is an invitation from the Bride and the Bridegroom at the end of this powerful book of prophecy: “17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17) Who is the bride and her Bridegroom calling to? I believe they are calling to those who were not ready for the return of Jesus in the Age of Grace. They are calling to allwho have not given their heart and life to Jesus. They are both together and giving a call to join them. Obviously, in my mind, there is still time to join them in human time. That would give the belief that the Bride has gone on before those she and her Bridegroomare calling to. AS WAS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH Jesus made a point to compare our time with the days of Noah and of Lot. Jesus said things would be going on as normal, eating, drinking, giving in marriage...you know, livingyour life without worrying about the judgment of God coming upon you...that is until, as it was in Noah's day and in Lot's time, when Noah was in the ark, and Lot was removed from Sodom, judgment fell that very day. The world was destroyed by water and fireand brimstone fell upon Sodom and Gomorrah. To each that were caught up in this judgment, they had no idea that their destruction was at hand. In our time, the world continues on like there is nothing to worry about. They're not looking for Jesus to come. They are too busy being what Paul described would be thisworld that we live in: “2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2nd Timothy 3:2-7) If this warning by Jesus concerning our day would be like the days of Noah and of Lot, would it be a usual day at the end of the Tribulation? Would Jesus coming be as a thiefin the night, unaware of the population who wallow in sin and degradation? The coming of Jesus for His Church will be a complete surprise. Nobody but believers will be watching and living for God expectantly of the coming of their Lord Jesus. “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2, For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3, For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4, But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5, Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.” (1Thessalonians 5:1-5) Just as it was in the days of Noah, so shall those who are in darkness say “peace and safety” and then sudden destruction. Will it be without warning? Yes, without warning.But what of the coming of the Jesus to set up His kingdom..? Will it be a day, just like any other day? Will they be going about their usual daily routine, or will it be death and destruction, signs in the heavens, environmental disasters, and the death ofnearly ¾ of all living human beings and other living things? How could it be any happiness in a world like that? The world will just be trying to survive, until Jesus comes and destroys all rebellion on this earth and wipes it clean of it's sin. The explanationof what Jesus said can only be applied to his first coming in total surprise, like a thief who breaks into your house. You weren't expecting him either, until your belongings are missing and your back door caved in. “9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” (1st Thessalonians 5:9-11) “13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:13-14) Those who read and digest what I have written here, and read and compare scriptures that I've posted on other websites, if taken prayerfully and asking God for His Holy Spiritto reveal to them the truth, then I believe you will become a Pre-tribulation rapture believer as well. But you must put away your bias and your pre-conceived notions that you were taught even from an early age in your own denomination. But in the end, whydoes it matter? What it does do for those who are diligently looking for Jesus, is to get their life and actions before God, right in His eyes. They are not speaking “false Christianity” but putting their faith and their very lives into the hands of theirSavior, Jesus Christ. Those who are just playing around, thinking they are saved for every reason known to organized religion except in the One and the only One who can save their souls and deliver them from the wrath to come. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosover believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17, God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17) Reader, don't put it off another day. Jesus Christ return for His church is imminent...meaning at any given moment without warning. If you don't believe in your heart theabove verse found in John and repent of your sins, and follow Jesus Christ as Lord of your life, then you will experience the fear that will grip you, when you realize what I've written is true....if you scoff, and don't believe, can you take that chance?Believe on Jesus today. “For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.(2nd Corinthians 6:2)

No Generation Has Ever Been Exposed To What Is Culminating Before Us Today

 No Generation Has Ever Been Exposed To What Is Culminating Before Us Today – By Amir Tsarfati - https://harbingersdaily.com/no-generation-has-ever-been-exposed-to-what-is-culminating-before-us-today/ We are the greatest generation. There is no doubt about it. We are the generation that can see the Fig Tree blooming. We are the generation that can see the land of Israel,the people of Israel, the enemies of Israel. We are the generation that can see all the stage for the antichrist ready, all the stage for Ezekiel war to come to pass, all the stage for a third temple to be built right after that, all the stage for the technology,and the satanic brainwashing of the world. But we, we are different. We are not of this world. All of us, the Bible says in Philippians, are “to do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without faultin the midst of the crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as light in the world holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” The greatest hope is Jesus Christ and you will never be able to communicate the gospel with fear and anxiety, but with power, with love and with sound mind, and not with conspiracytheories. Laughing and mocking and sensationalizing and wasting time on idle things, all of which will fail to be a good witness. The greatest hope is Jesus Christ, for God has not given us the spirit of fear but power and love and of sound mind. “These things,” Jesus said, “I have spoken to you thatin me, you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome this world.” And allow me to ask you to stand up and to read together with me the following verse from Revelation 22. Let’s read it together. [Together] He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. “With great power comes great responsibility.” You’ve heard it. I’ve heard it. We’ve all heard it. This phrase has proceeded out of the mouths of many notable people – evenSpiderman’s uncle. While you won’t find this exact phrase in the Scriptures, there is a spiritual truth in the Bible that parallels this secular saying: 1 Corinthians 4:2 KJV – “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” What the apostle Paul was communicating in this verse is the reality that when God has called, equipped, and commissioned someone, it’s REQUIRED that they be found faithful.Not perfect – Faithful. In this particular context, Paul was referring to those entrusted with the mysteries of God. You see, there is no calling in life that comes with as much responsibility as a divine calling. Let’s broaden the scope a bit. What if I told you that every Christian is responsible to know what God has revealed in the Scriptures and live their life accordingly? Listen,God will hold the entire unsaved world accountable for its unbelief at the Great White Throne Judgment. You best believe that He has spoken, and He expects His children to listen. Not only do we proceed in ignorance when we fail to heed His words – we missout on the blessing of watching Him fulfill what He revealed thousands of years ago. The generation we’re living in today is nothing short of amazing concerning the prophecies of the Bible that are developing before our very eyes. We’re seeing a culminationof things spoken of by the prophets taking shape on a weekly basis. Tragically, the world maintains its course with the blind leading the blind. Adding insult to injury, much of the church blends right in, fitting into the description Jesus gave of the lastdays: Matthew 24:38-39 KJV – “For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into theark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Jesus ascended into heaven. Israel is back in the land. The prophecies of Ezekiel are alive and well. This is the greatest generation from a prophetical perspective. Apostasywithin the church is growing at an alarming rate. This means the hour is late and that our departure to be with the Lord is all the more imminent. Since this is true, how then should we live? Ephesians 5:15-16 KJV – “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” The fulfillment of God’s promises and fruition of the words of the prophets (spoken by God) reveals to us the times and the seasons in which we live. No generation has everbeen exposed to what is culminating before us today. Are you watching? Are you ready? As students of the Bible, and, therefore, stewards of what God has communicated, you and I are expected to be faithful in sharing the saving message of Jesus Christ withthe world before us. Revelation 22:20-21 KJV – “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.Amen.” Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Wake Up America!

 Wake Up America! Apocalyptic Scenarios Are Unfolding All Around Us, But Most People Are Still Asleep – Michael Snyder - http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/wake-up-america-apocalyptic-scenarios-are-unfolding-all-around-us-but-most-people-are-still-asleep/ How can you get people to wake up if they are determined to keep sleeping? For decades, global events have been moving us in a very ominous direction, and ever since thisdecade began the pace of change has accelerated dramatically. But even though we just keep getting hit by one major crisis after another, most people still do not get it. Almost everyone seems to be under the impression that the massive problems that we areexperiencing right now are “just temporary” and that everything will “return to normal” soon. Meanwhile, apocalyptic scenarios continue to unfold all around us at a breathtaking pace. Earlier today, I pulled up a USA Today article about the Doomsday Clock that boldly declared that “the world is closer to annihilation than it has ever been”… The world is closer to annihilation than it has ever been since the first nuclear bombs were released at the close of World War II, The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists saidTuesday. The time on the Doomsday Clock moved forward from 100 seconds to midnight to 90 seconds to midnight. It’s a reset of what has come to be known as the Doomsday Clock, a decades long project of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists featuring a clock face where midnight representsArmageddon. Yes, we really are on the brink of nuclear war, but the vast majority of the general population hasn’t gotten the memo. Instead, most of them are having a great time partying, spending money like there is no tomorrow, and getting into other sorts of trouble. But just because most Americans choose to ignore the war does not alter the reality of what is taking place. Sadly, both sides just continue to escalate the conflict. In fact, it appears that the Biden administration will soon be sending M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine for the very firsttime… The Biden administration is leaning toward sending “a significant number” of M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, two U.S. officials said, and an announcement could come as early asthis week. The development comes amid a public standoff with German officials, who are under pressure to send their own Leopard tanks and allow other European countries that operatethe German-made vehicles to do so as well. And it is being reported that the German government has reversed course and has now decided to send Leopard 2 tanks to the Ukrainians… German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has finally decided to send a battalion of sought-after Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, Der Spiegel reported on Tuesday, after weeks of pressurefrom Ukraine and European allies. On the other side, the Russians have chosen to send a warship armed with hypersonic missiles within shooting range of major east coast cities… A Russian warship armed with “unstoppable” hypersonic missiles is sailing towards the US coast in a show of strength, reports claim. The guided missile frigate Admiral Gorshkov has been closely monitored by Nato navies on its maiden voyage armed with 6,670mph Zircon weapons. An unconfirmed Russian Telegram channel report says it was “spotted on radar in neutral waters of the Atlantic Ocean – at an effective salvo launch distance from the US coast”. Both sides are playing a very dangerous game. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov just warned that we on the verge of seeing “a real war” between the western powers and Russia… ‘When we speak about what is happening in Ukraine – it is a war, not a hybrid one, almost a real war, that the West has been plotting for a long time against Russia,’ Lavrovsaid today. If our leaders were sane, they would be trying to find a peaceful solution to this crisis while it is still possible. Instead, we seem to be playing a very twisted game of “nuclear chicken” where we see how close we can come to the line without actually starting a nuclear war. So what happens if a “mistake” is made and the missiles start flying? You might want to start thinking about that. Meanwhile, it appears that the coming war between Israel and Iran is also getting closer. In fact, the U.S. and Israel are conducting “the most significant exercise between the United States and Israel to date”… The Israel Defense Forces and U.S. Central Command on Monday announced the launch of a large-scale drill, which a senior U.S. defense official called “the most significantexercise between the United States and Israel to date.” The unprecedented drill, dubbed “Juniper Oak 2023,” involves over 140 aircraft, 12 naval vessels, and artillery systems from both countries and will last until Friday, CENTCOMsaid in a statement. Once the war between Israel and Iran starts, our planet will never be the same again. Speaking of the planet, it is being reported that the inner core has apparently stopped moving… A new study published in Nature Geoscience by geophysicists Yi Yang and Xiadong Song of Peking University in Beijing explored the nature of movement of Earth’s inner core,largely made up of iron and molten liquids. They found the inner core’s movement recently reduced enough they consider it “paused,” all part of what “seems to be associated with a gradual turning back of the inner core as a part of an approximately seven-decadeoscillation.” But don’t worry, because scientists think that this is normal. Maybe it is. Probably it is. Hopefully it is. Because if it isn’t normal for the Earth’s inner core to “pause”, then there is a possibility that we are all in really big trouble. In other planetary news, an enormous asteroid that was “just discovered this past weekend” is about to zip past our world at an “extremely close” distance… An asteroid just discovered this past weekend is set for an extremely close encounter with Earth—and you can watch it live as it zooms past our planet. Most people assume that our scientists have a really good idea of what is going on up there, and that if a major threat was coming they would tell us about it. Unfortunately, the truth is that their ability to detect giant space rocks is still fairly limited, and this new space rock that was “just discovered this past weekend” willcome closer to us than we are to the center of our planet… At that point, the space rock will come “only” about 6,500 miles from the center of the Earth while traveling at roughly 33,300 miles per hour. Given that the average radiusof the Earth—the distance from the center to the surface—is considered to be roughly 4,000 miles, 2023 BU will zip past us at an altitude of around 2,500 miles above the ground. Let me try to explain this another way. This space rock will come more than 30 times closer to us than the moon is… The approach is so close that it is less than 3 percent of the average distance between the Earth and the moon. The asteroid will also pass within the orbits of geostationarysatellites, which circle the Earth above the equator at an altitude of 22,236 miles. In other words, a space rock that was “just discovered this past weekend” is going to come very close to hitting us. But it won’t hit us. Maybe. Probably. Hopefully. If everything else that I have shared so far is not enough, it is also being reported that “excess deaths” are soaring all over the globe… Healthcare spending is at record-high levels across the Western world, yet systems are struggling to cope. The combined effects of the pandemic and a rapidly ageing populationare stressing hospitals, ambulance crews and social care services to their limit. Excess deaths – those beyond usual numbers – are consequently soaring: the crisis is global. What this means is that far more people are dying than normal all over the world. In fact, we are being told that there were approximately 15 million “excess deaths” worldwide in 2020 and 2021… Nearly 15 million excess deaths from any cause are thought to have occurred during 2020 and 2021, according to new WHO research – nearly three times the 5.42 million coronavirusfatalities reported over the same period. Health statistician William Msemburi said the figure was also likely especially high due to people dying from delayed health screenings and medical procedures. More people will be dropping dead today, and more people will be dropping dead tomorrow. But at least you won’t be one of them. Maybe. Probably. Hopefully. I could go on and on, but this article is already getting way too long. We keep getting hit by one thing after another, and I really like how Hal Lindsey summarized the currentstate of affairs in his most recent article… The price of eggs… a Mall of America security guard threatening the wearer of a “Jesus saves” t-shirt… attacks on the US power grid… a worldwide obsession with pornography… another wave of nuclear threats coming out of Russia… a universal weakening of democratic institutions… a global reshuffling of leaders… threats of “civil war” in Israel… corruption in the highest levels of government across the world… weaponized ArtificialIntelligence… deep fake audio and video enabling previously unimagined levels of deception… global economic chaos… and on and on. What do these and hundreds of other things like them have in common? Needless to say, the answer to Hal’s question is quite obvious. The reason why so many apocalyptic things are happening is because we really are living in apocalyptic times. Hopefully the general population will wake up and realize what time it is, because the clock is ticking.

The Resurrected Nation Of Israel

 The Resurrected Nation Of Israel – By Tim Moore - https://harbingersdaily.com/most-dramatic-sign-of-the-times-the-resurrected-nation-of-israel/ Where were you on November 22nd, 1963? September 11th, 2001? Those dates mark events that stand out in America’s consciousness — events so impactful that they are indelibly stamped on our collective memory. What about May 14th, 1948? Or June 7th, 1967? Those dates are tied to events that occurred half a world away but reflect the resurrection of an ancient prophetic promise tothe Jewish people. God promised that even as He disciplined His chosen people, He would protect and preserve them. He promised that He would regather them back from the four corners of the earth to the land He gave them and that He would reestablish them asone nation on the mountains of Israel. All that happened within the past century. Does your heart resonate with praise for God that He has allowed us to witness prophecies coming to pass within our lifetimes? Jesus told His disciples, “Blessed are youreyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it” (Matthew 13:16-17). I wish to call your attention to what is arguably the most dramatic and exciting Sign of the Times pointing to Jesus’ soon return: the resurrected nation of Israel. As foreseenby Ezekiel, the dry bones made a great rattling sound as they gathered back together beginning at the turn of the 20th century. As muscle and flesh were added to the skeletal frames, they finally stood up and claimed their ancient homeland. In the decades since that pivotal moment, Israel has come under siege on multiple occasions. Wars, terrorist attacks, and hate-fueled intifadas have come and gone. Politicalpressure has waxed and waned. Allies and friends have been fickle and unreliable. But the Zionist nation — built around God’s own Mount Zion — remains. It will continue to remain because God has promised that it would. Dr. David Reagan once told of his account of meeting a man who stated that he wished he could have lived in biblical times. To quote Dave’s emphatic response: “You do! Youdo live in biblical times! Open your eyes and see!!” The Israeli national anthem is titled Hatikva — The Hope. God has kept hope alive in Jewish hearts and the fulfillment of His ancient promises in the modern era. I hope your eyes are opened to all God has been doing among the Jewish people. And, I hope that your ears will perk up, ready to hear the shout that our Bridegroom is coming!

Revelation 4: The 4 creatures before God's throne

 Revelation 4: The 4 creatures before God's throne - By Rev. MarkH. Creech - https://www.christianpost.com/voices/revelation-4-the-4-creatures-before-gods-throne.html The late Dr. Billy Graham, the worldwide renowned Christian evangelist, asked, “What is Heaven? It’s the home that God created, and He possesses. His throne room is his headquartersfrom which he issues his commands, directions, and prophecies.” In Revelation 4, the Apostle John is lifted on high to the throne room of God, where the Lord is about to show him what will happen during the earth’s last days. Around God’s throne, John sees otherworldly things: 24 elders with crowns on their heads, lightning and thundering and voices from the throne, an emerald rainbow, seven torchesburning, a sea of glass-like crystal, and four creatures. The Scripture reads: “In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was likean ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty— the One who always was, who is, and who is still to come.’ “Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the One who lives forever and ever), the twenty-four elders fall down and worshipthe one sitting on the throne (the One who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, ‘You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased” (Revelation 4:6-11). The four creatures around the throne remind us of characters from a Marvel Comic book, but they aren’t fictional or cartoonish. These beings are real and of great significanceand power. Otherwise, they would not be central to God’s place of government. In Reveling Through Revelation, the late Dr. J. Vernon McGee, radio Bible teacher extraordinaire, says: “These creatures, of the highest intelligence, are in God’s presence. They resemble the cherubim of Ezekiel 1:5-10; 10:20 and the seraphim of Isaiah 6:2. 3. Are they a neworder of creatures in heaven that have not been revealed before in Scripture?” It’s a bit difficult to nail down. However, their appearance suggests they function as witnesses to Christ’s fourfold ministry throughout eternity. One has the face of a lion, a symbol of divine majesty – the same portrait of Christ given in Matthew’s account as the lion of the tribe of Judah, the King of kings, the Messiahof the world. Another has the face of a young ox – a calf, the same picture presented in Mark’s account of Christ as Deity condescending to graciously serve humanity; the one who “camenot to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Still, another has the face of a man – indicating intelligence and purpose, the same image of Christ in Luke’s account, which traces our Lord’s ancestry back to Adam wheremankind fell. It also shows Jesus as the Second Adam who redeems all who believe. It speaks of his identifying perfectly with humanity. God has a human face in Jesus Christ. The fourth face is that of an eagle, which communicates Deity as seen in John’s account of Christ. Like an eagle, the Lord sees everything we do from on high. Like an eaglehaving six mighty wings with multiple eyes, he can move swiftly to execute judgment. Nothing is hidden from him. John recorded Christ saying God “has given him [Christ] authority to judge everyone…”(John 5:27). This redeemer is the Supreme Judge of the world. Revelation 4 says these heavenly beings with incomparable supernatural powers call out: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty — the One who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” John Phillips, in Exploring Revelation, has beautifully written: “These lofty ones employ the resources of their intellects, the deep emotions of their hearts, the ceaseless drive and dynamic of their powerful wills – and they worship.It is the one great, supreme, dominating activity of their lives. All else is counted worthless when compared with the supreme activity of worship. With all their heart, mind, soul, and strength, they worship him that sits upon the throne.” Who is it that sits upon the throne? It can be none other than Jesus because the one they worship is said to be “the creator of all things.” Isn’t this what Colossians 1:16-17reveal about him? Those verses of Scripture say: “For through him, God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see — such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers,and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.” This point is crucial because we live in a time when Christ is being rejected as God incarnate, that he was born of a virgin and sinless. Barna Research says most American adults believe Jesus did exist. However, “[m]ost adults— not quite six in 10 — believe Jesus was God (56%), while about one-quarter say hewas only a religious or spiritual leader like Mohammed or the Buddha (26%). The remaining one in six say they aren’t sure whether Jesus was divine (18%). Barna Research also says Americans are divided over Jesus’ sinlessness. “About half of Americans agree, either strongly or somewhat, that while he lived on earth, Jesus Christ was human and committed sins like other people (52%). Just less thanhalf disagree, either strongly or somewhat, that Jesus committed sins while on earth (46%), and 2 percent aren’t sure,” Barna reports. Words from H.A. Ironside are quite appropriate here: “In a day such as ours, when his [Christ’s] glory as the Eternal Son is so often denied, when his true Deity, his virgin birth, his sinless humanity are all alike floutedby apostate teachers as so much traditional lore to be rejected at will, how refreshing to the soul to turn from earth to heaven and contemplate the glory displayed there as his and the unhindered adoration of his own as they prostrate themselves before histhrone. If he [Christ] be not God, then heaven will be filled with idolaters….” When the four living creatures give the cue praising and worshipping, Revelation says the 24 elders also fall before the Lord worshipping and casting their crowns before thethrone. These crowns, which the elders have previously been rewarded for their faithfulness in service, they remove from their own heads and present to the Lord. They know their faithfulnesswas predicated on his faithfulness to them. All the glory belongs to God and God alone. After posting an article on Facebook titled, "Will There Be Gradations, Rank, a Higher Existence for Some in Heaven?" some readers said in the comments section that they disagreedwith my conclusion there would be places of position and rank in heaven based on rewards given at the Judgment Seat of Christ. I argued the 24 elders next to the throne of God wearing crowns is a good example. One lady commented, “If I have no rewards, I will be eternally grateful for the blood of Jesus.” Another person said, “I’ll be content just to be a door greeter, like at Walmart.” Still, another wrote, “My reward is heaven with him. That’s all I want. My obedience brings all the rewards I need.” I appreciate the sentiment, but such an approach to heavenly rewards is not biblical. If rewards aren’t important to the believer, then what will we present at Christ’s feetto the glory of God? God wants us to work diligently for Christ and to attain rewards so they might be presented to him as an act of worship when we get to heaven. The rewards are not so much for exalting us as they are for giving honor and praise to God.Shall we be empty-handed before his throne? Revelation chapter four underscores for us the necessity of worship. If the heavenly beings, the 24 elders, the saints, and the multitudes of angels bow down before Christin adoration, resignation, submission, and worship – so must we. All of life must become an act of worship. John A. Broadus, who was long recognized as the “Dean of American teachers of homiletics” and served at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky,once said: “When anything lifts us up, then we want God as the climax of our exalted thought, and our thought itself is imperfect without it. If you will look in the early morning light,upon the glory of the autumn woods, bright and so beautiful; if you gaze upon the splendor…the nightly skies; if you stand in awe before the great mountains, snow clad and towering…if you go and gaze in the silence of the night upon the rush of your own imperialriver, or stand by the seashore, and hear the mighty waters rolling evermore, there swells in the breast something that wants God for its crown and for its completeness. There are aspirations in these strange natures of ours that only God can satisfy. Ourthinking is mutilated fragments without God, and our hearts can never rest unless they rest in God.” Therefore, let us join in the chorus: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty — the One who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” Do you know the Lord personally? Do you have a relationship with him through Jesus Christ? Let your worship start with confessing your sins, turning to Christ for forgiveness,and receiving the free gift of eternal life.

What Do These Things Have in Common?

 WhatDo These Things Have in Common? By Hal Lindsey The price of eggs… a Mall of America security guard threatening the wearer of a “Jesus saves” t-shirt… attacks on the US power grid… a worldwide obsession with pornography… another wave of nuclear threats coming out of Russia… a universal weakening of democratic institutions… a global reshuffling of leaders… threats of “civil war” in Israel… corruption in the highest levels of government across the world… weaponized Artificial Intelligence… deep fake audio and video enabling previouslyunimagined levels of deception… global economic chaos… and on and on. What do these and hundreds of other things like them have in common? They are signs of the soon coming of Jesus. Planet earth is in the throes of the birth of a new world. It’s difficult — even excruciating — but it is alsothrilling. We are entering the days foreseen by the prophets. In this end-times world, we are increasingly surrounded by foolishness, rage against God, arrogance, and by people who devise and delight in evil. It’s important for us, our loved ones, our churches, and our communities thatChristians respond well. So, how does God say to respond? First, let’s look at how not to respond. Jesus taught us not to respond in kind. We are not to spew expletive-saturated vitriol at perceived enemies over social media. We are not to become fearful or violent. Fear and ragego hand in hand. Extreme anger often comes as a result of feeling afraid or threatened. That’s why it is so important for Christians to walk in faith. How can you win people to Christ while living in fear of them and feeling unrelenting anger toward them? In Mark 11:22, Jesus gave us the answer in only four words — “Have faith in God.” If your faith is in your own strength or the strength of your political associations or in a particular leader, you will naturally be afraid. You will be outraged by every potential threat. But faith in God allows you to exhibitand grow the fruit of the Spirit — “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23, NASB) Don’t pass over that list too quickly. Consider each word. Don’t you want that? Doesn’t the world need that? Those words represent light in an ever-darkening age — “love… joy… peace… patience… kindness… goodness… faithfulness… gentleness… self-control.” Proverbs 24:19 says, “Do not fret because of evildoers.” Social media and cable news networks teach us just the opposite. They want us to do nothing but fret over the actions and attitudes of others. If your concern is onlyfor your own worldly well-being, then you will be obsessed with what evildoers are up to. But if you take God’s perspective, you won’t agonize because of evildoers, but over the future of evildoers. The next verse, Proverbs 24:20, says, “For there will beno future for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out.” For that reason, verse 19 and many other scriptures admonish us not to envy evil men. They may be flying in lush private jets to conferences about the terrors of climate change. They may have celebrity and power. But unlessthey turn to Christ, eternity will not be a happy place for them. Meanwhile, the lowliest (by the world’s standards) man or woman in Christ will live in an eternity full of love, joy, and peace. And we who have faith in God, can live in the same heavenly love, joy, and peace — now.

Be Vigilant!

 Be Vigilant! JesusChrist says in Matthew 24:42-44: Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. How awake are we? Our Savior commands us to watch and to be ready. How are we doing? Those serving in the armed forces carry a great responsibility to be ready to act or react at a moment's notice to possible danger. They must be prepared to protect their homeland, fellow citizens and soldiers, and themselves from attack. Theirofficers train them to "have their heads on a swivel"—awake, alert, and aware of everything around them because their enemies could create terror, chaos, destruction, and death at any time. Soldiers cannot become complacent, remaining vigilant for the populacethey serve and protect. In his epistles, the apostle Paul calls God's elect "soldiers" (Philippians2:25; II Timothy 2:3). Our hymnal even contains a song, "Onward Christian Soldiers." A chief characteristic of soldiers is vigilance. Like physical soldiers, we are to be alert, aware, and on guard. A Christian must always be watching, cognizant of his circumstances,and prepared to withstand attacks from those influenced by the Evil One. But are we letting down, permitting wrong attitudes, perspectives, and beliefs into our lives that could compromise our hope of salvation? Are we letting things slip (Hebrews2:2-3)? Each individual needs to answer these questions for himself. It is a matter of self-evaluation. As Paul writes in (Philippians2:12), we must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. This need to stay vigilant has been a long-time teaching in God's church, but hearing it frequently and over a long period sometimes dulls its force. Have we let up? Have we become complacent? Have we lazily compromised our values? Have we progressedor regressed on our spiritual journey to God's Kingdom? We live in physically and spiritually dangerous times (IITimothy 3:1-4). Our society has degenerated considerably over our lifetimes, becoming more perverted and immoral, and Paul assures us it will only get worse (IITimothy 3:13). These are the days when people are bringing woe on themselves, calling evil good and good evil (Isaiah5:20). We cannot afford to ease off our vigilance because that is when we become vulnerable. It is challenging to stay awake and aware of all the false and anti-Godissues, big and small, that we face daily, but that is the job our Lord has given us. Vigilance is a top priority for every Christian. The apostle Peter warns, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (IPeter 5:8). Satan's influence over humanity seems to intensify every day. The prince of the power of the air broadcasts his wicked attitudes into the minds of millions (Ephesians2:1-3), and they wholeheartedly accept them, believing the lie (IIThessalonians 2:9-12). Evil rises, leaving carnage in its wake. Satanand his spiritual forces could attack us at any time or place. If we are not vigilant in keeping our guard up, staying in contact with God, obeying His commandments, and donning the whole armor of God, our weak, carnal minds can more easily tune into his wavelength. Once that happens, we will likely lose the encounter, heading down a path we should not take. So, Peter advises in I Peter 1:13, "Therefore gird up the loins of your mind [preparing your minds for action, ESV], be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." God has given us His Holy Spirit, which allows us to develop vigilance. By it, we can be prepared for action, having used it to keep in contact with Him, understand His truth, live righteously, do His will, and obey His commandments.In this way, we can win the encounter, resisting and overcoming the forces of evil around us. Jesus tells His disciples, "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew26:41). Along with staying vigilant, we must pray constantly (IThessalonians 5:17), keeping in touch with the great God. He is the Source of our strength to remain vigilant and to stand when the attack comes. Jesus is our prime example of vigilance. He fought battles similar to what we must fight in this world. We can see what He did in His skirmishes with the Adversary, the Devil (Matthew 4; Luke 4). Having experienced what we experience in the world, Jesus knows how we feel and what we go through daily. Hebrews 2:17-18 says of Him: Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. Every day, we are to walk down our respective paths in watchful readiness. We see this world rushing toward the end of this age, toward a crisis so extreme that none like it has ever happened before or ever will again (Matthew24:21-22). This coming calamity should motivate us to ask God for a clearer vision of where we stand before Him, ensuring we are not compromising our values. It should spur us to set Him and His way as our priorities and to overcome our human nature, thepulls of this world, and the Evil One. During this time of trouble, we must, in humility, think soberly and move forward in faith (Romans12:3). Jesus Christ, our High Priest and King, will be returning soon. As His disciples, brothers and sisters, and co-heirs, we must watch vigilantly in anticipation of His return. With only so much time remaining, we must diligently follow in Hisfootsteps. We should let nothing hinder our development of righteous, spiritual character, replacing ungodliness with goodness. So, as Paul writes in I Thessalonians 5:6, "Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober." Most people have wholeheartedly embraced the suggestions of the Evil One: self-concern, self-satisfaction, sensuality, and pride. Little do they know that theirwilling submission to him has blinded them to God and all the good He wants them to have. But God has called us to know better. We know Satan's broadcasts are lies, and we must not surrender to them. Instead, we must increase our vigilance—awake, alert, steady, and prepared—to keep our hearts and minds clean and focused on our walkto God's Kingdom. Only in this way can we avoid the dangers of the times and remain uncontaminated by this world. The glorified Jesus warns, "Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown" (Revelation3:11). Be vigilant! - Gary Montgomery

Trust God’s Timing

 Trust God’s Timing: Soon, The Prophetic Words of Our Departure Will Be Past Tense – By Jonathan Brentner - https://harbingersdaily.com/trust-gods-timing-soon-the-prophetic-words-of-our-departure-will-be-past-tense/ I love the words of Scripture. They form the basis of my hope for eternal life, provide needed assurance in times of trouble, and calm my soul during the turbulent times inwhich we live. Sometimes a passage, or a phrase, speaks to me in a new way. Such was the case with Exodus 2:23-25: Exodus 2:23-25 KJV – “And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, andtheir cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.” I love the phrase at the end of verse 25 in the ESV, “and God knew.” In the Hebrew text, the word is yada, which in its basic form simply means “to know.” It appears 947 timesin the Hebrew text of the Old Testament. In Exodus 2, yada reveals God’s awareness of the plight of the Israelites in Egyptian bondage just before He tasked Moses with the job of delivering His people. Yada appearsagain in Exodus 3:7: Exodus 3:7 KJV – “And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I knowtheir sorrows;” God saw the distress of His people and acted to deliver them. After forty years tending sheep in the wilderness, Moses was fully prepared to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. The longsuffering slaves were ready to accept freedomand follow the leader God would send to them. The Lord knew the time was right. He doesn’t explain why this time was better than twenty years earlier. He doesn’t need to fill in all the blanks for us. We trust His sovereignty and wisdom. GOD HEARS OUR GROANING Members of the body of Christ suffer from afflictions of a wide variety. Some face martyrdom for their faith, others lose their freedoms, and many endure severe oppositionto their faith. We all fight off the relentless attacks of our enemy. I know several saints who are hurting because of cancer, other ailments, and grief. The afflictions of this life, along with aging, have a way of catching up to all of us. And like the ancient Israelites, we groan. I love how the Apostle Paul connects our anticipation of the Rapture with our signing amid the many hardships of life: Romans 8:23-25 KJV – “And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption,to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” The Lord hears the cry of our hearts as we long for Him to appear and take us to glory. And someday soon, our faith will be sight. The Lord is not distant as some imagine Him to be; He sees; He hears; He feels all our grief; and He will surely deliver us. Someday soon, the prophetic words of 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 will be past tense, and we will rejoice with our Savior in glory: 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 KJV – “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them whichare asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds,to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” There are days when it seems as though the perfect time for the Rapture has long since passed. We see the tears of loved ones and watch as violence, wickedness, deception,and lawlessness explode in our world. We often wonder, “How much longer, Lord?” In the meantime, we rest in the fact that God sees everything with eyes full of love for each and every one of us. Is it not encouraging to know that the Lord knows all aboutour distressing circumstances and has our rescue in sight? The One who has “called us to glory” (1 Peter 5:10) is ever so close to taking us there (Colossians 3:4). A GLORIOUS RESTORATION FOR ISRAEL The forty years that Moses tended sheep in the wilderness must have felt like an eternity for Israelites in Egypt. It’s likely most knew about God’s covenant with Abraham,Isaac, and Jacob and looked for a deliverer to take them to the Land promised to their forefathers. During the last half of the seven-year Tribulation, a much more frightening scenario will exist for the Hebrew people. Once the antichrist defiles their temple, they willface the darkest time in their history. In the end, only one-third of them will remain alive. The prophet Zechariah, speaking for God, wrote these words about this future time of peril: Zechariah 13:9 KJV – “And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on myname, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.” Zechariah 14:1-8 describes the arrival of Israel’s future deliverer, the Lord Jesus. He will fight for Israel as a mighty warrior, destroy all the armies that will have comeagainst Jerusalem, and establish His worldwide kingdom over which He will rule from Jerusalem. Is it not fitting that Moses referred to Jesus as a “prophet like me” in Deuteronomy 18:15-18? The greater Moses will deliver the Israelites at His Second Coming. It will be a glorious time of restoration for the kingdom Israel. God will forever protect the Jewish people with His presence in Jerusalem (Zephaniah 3:14-20). WE TRUST GOD’S TIMING We often groan because of personal pain or that of those close to us. At other times, it’s because of a world descending into lawlessness and wickedness, the likes of whichwe once thought impossible. In the midst of the distress we feel, the words, “And God knew,” bring welcome relief. We know our Deliverer is surely coming to catch us up to meet Him in the air. As we wait, we remain confident that: 1.God is aware of the plight of all those who belong to Him. He sees; He hears, and He loves us more than we can imagine. 2.Jesus remains ever mindful of the promises we hold dear to our hearts. He’s preparing a place for us in heaven (John 14:2-3). 3.The Lord will surely come for us before the judgments of the day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:1-10). 4.Although God’s timing often mystifies us, we trust His purposes knowing Jesus will arrive at the perfect time. 5.The words “And God knew” seem so simple, yet they breathe hope into the most distressing of circumstances. Our Deliverer stands ready to rescue us and will surely do so. In the meantime, we pray for Him to come soon.

God Was Not Wrong

 God Was Not Wrong - By Daymond Duck - https://www.raptureready.com/2023/01/21/god-was-not-wrong-by-daymond-duck/ I was recently speaking on current events related to Bible prophecy, and it occurred to me to ask the congregation if God is wrong to tell us bad things are going to happen. Was God wrong to tell people, •He intended to destroy the world with a flood? •He intended to send 10 plagues in Egypt? •He intended to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah? •He intended to use Babylon to destroy Judah? •He would allow the Messiah to be killed. •He intends to send the Tribulation Period? •He intends to destroy the world with fire? God was not wrong. He does not make mistakes, and He does not lie. He told us to watch for all the bad things that we see shaping up today because He wants us to know that He has not been caught by surprise, to trust Him, to not worry, toknow that He is in control, to know where all these bad things are headed, to be sure we are saved, and to reach as many of the lost as we can. Jesus said, “fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28). God is going to take care of His people, and even if some of us are killed, He will receive our soul and spirit into heaven and raise us from the dead in the Rapture. To be honest about it, some prophecy teachers believe our generation is blessed to see end-of-the-age prophecies shaping up because it means the Rapture is close. Here are some recent events that seem to confirm that this is true: One, concerning world government: according to Dr. Francis Boyle(J.D., Ph.D., Professor of Law at the Univ. of Ill., a man who has argued cases before the International Court of Justice), every nation on earth could lose their national sovereignty at the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) World Health Assembly on May21-30 of this year. The details (that everyone needs to know) are in an article written by Michael Nevradakis (PhD), published by The Defender, and then published by Life Site News on Jan. 16,2023. It is too long for me to cover in detail, but here is a link: https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/who-proposals-could-strip-nations-of-their-sovereignty-create-worldwide-totalitarian-state-expert-warns/?utm_source=digest-world-2023-01-17&utm_medium=email As I understand it, two documents will be presented to the WHO for a vote in May “that critics say will significantly strip nations of their sovereignty.” •The proposed International Pandemic Treaty (drafted in Dec. 2022; to be voted on at WHO meeting in May 2023; to be reviewed and finalized at a WHO meeting in May 2024). •Recommendations from the International Health Regulations (IHR) that come from secretive discussions on Jan. 9-16, 2023. The article says, “According to author and researcher James Roguski, these two proposals would transform the WHO from an advisory organization to a global governing body whosepolicies would be legally binding.” Boyle, who has read through both documents, said, “Either one or both will set up a worldwide totalitarian medical and scientific police state under the control of Tedros(Director-General of the WHO) and the WHO, which are basically a front organization for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Tony Fauci, Bill Gates, Big Pharma, the biowarfare industry and the Chinese Communist government that pays a goodchunk of their bills. Either they’ll get the regulations, or they’ll get the treaty, but both are existentially dangerous. These are truly dangerous, existentially dangerous and insidious documents.” Other things that Boyle said include the following: •“Both the IHR regulations and the WHO treaty, as far as I can tell from reading them, are specifically designed to circumvent national, state and local government authoritieswhen it comes to pandemics, the treatment for pandemics and also including in there, vaccines.” •“The WHO, which is a rotten, corrupt, criminal, despicable organization, will be able to issue orders going down the pike to your primary care physician on how you shouldbe treated in the event they proclaim a pandemic.” •“It’s clear to me they are preparing both the regulations and the treaty for adoption by the World Health Assembly in May of 2023.” •“If you read the WHO Treaty, at the very end, it says quite clearly that it will come into effect immediately upon signature.” •“Assuming the World Health Assembly adopts the treaty in May, Biden can just order Fauci or whoever his representative is there to sign the treaty, and it will immediatelycome into effect on a provisional basis.” According to the article, Roguski said: •“The proposed amendments (to the IHR) would seek to remove 3 very important aspects of the existing regulations,” including “removing respect for dignity, human rights andfundamental freedoms” from the text of the IHR, changing the IHR from “non-binding” to “legally binding” and obligating nations to “assist” other nations. •“The WHO will no longer need to consult any sovereign nation in which an event may or may not be occurring within that nation before declaring that there is a Public HealthEmergency of International Concern within the borders of that nation.” •During such real or “potential” (public health) emergencies, the amendments would empower the WHO to mandate a variety of policies globally, which would be legally bindingon member nations. Readers need to understand that God is not wrong: An Antichrist world government is coming, and it is on the horizon now. (Note:As a prophecy teacher and writer, I am often asked if Christians will go through hard times before the Rapture. I cannot predict what anyone will go through before the Rapture – some people are going through hard times now – but it is my unwavering opinionthat the Rapture will occur before the rise of the Antichrist.) Two, concerning the Ten Kings, world religion, and world government:I believe the Bible teaches that: •There will be ten regions in the world at the end of the age. •There will be a leader over each region, and it calls them the Ten Kings. •The Ten Kings will appear before the Antichrist and surrender their power to the Antichrist after he rises and forces three of them to submit to him. •The Ten Kings and the Antichrist will be against Jehovah, Jesus, the Bible, etc. I have long taught that one of the ten regions would be the North American Union (NAU) that Pres. George W. Bush talked about and is now called the U.S., Mexico, Canada (USMCA)region. On Jan. 10, 2023, U.S. Pres. Biden, Mexico’s Pres. Obrador, and Canada’s Prime Minister Trudeau met for the Tenth North American Leader’s Summit (NALS). John-Henry Westen (LifeSiteNews) said: •Christ-centered values are the new security threat for these globalists, and they have declared a war on the one True God.’ •“They outlined joint commitments for a WOKE new North America to be imposed on its citizens.” According to the article, Pres. Biden talked about fundamental change in the world, something Pres. Obama talked about: “The fundamental transformation of America” and somethingthe UN has approved: The “Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” goals. Why are the leaders of the U.S., Mexico, and Canada agreeing to establish common goals in a WOKE new North America if they are not planning on merging the three nations intoa region called the USMCA? God said Ten Kings are coming, and it does not look like He was wrong. In a different article, it was reported that highly respected author and journalist, Leo Hohmann, said: •The three leaders signed onto a document that looks like a prelude to a North American Union. •It looks like the push toward a merger of the U.S., Canada and Mexico may be back on the front burner if this document is any indication. In a video on Jan. 17, 2023, Dave Hodges said on The Commonsense Show: •The old North American Union is not dead. •Why do you think that Biden doesn’t care that last month 200,000 people came through Laredo and were just given papers and told to march on? •It’s globalism. •It’s the erasure of national borders. •Now Biden is talking about a digital currency, executive order 14067. •It’s not going to just be here. •Are we going to see a revisiting of the North American Union? •I believe we are already seeing it. Three, concerning the Abraham Accords and a normalization agreementbetween Saudi Arabia and Israel: in last week’s article, I wrote that on Jan. 10, 2023, Joel Rosenberg, well-known author and editor-in-chief of All Israel News and All Arab News, said he believes there is just one thing preventing a normalization agreementbetween the two nations: Saudi Arabia wants Pres. Biden and the U.S. to treat the Saudis better, but they don’t trust the U.S. anymore. It is the opinion of the Saudis that the U.S. is not doing enough to help them in their struggle against Iran and its nation’s radical terrorist proxies and allies. The next day, Rosenberg reported that the U.S. doesn’t need to broker a deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel because the Saudis want an agreement with Israel. According to Rosenberg, Netanyahu needs to broker a deal between the Saudis and the U.S. with security guarantees in writing that the Saudis think they can trust. It is a sad day in American history when major nations have concluded that the U.S. can no longer be trusted. (More:On Jan. 16, 2023, it was reported that the U.S. State Dept. said it is unacceptable for Jews to pray on the Temple Mount. Judging by this and other actions of the Biden administration, Israel can no longer trust the U.S. either. Sen. Ted Cruz said Biden hasa “pathological obsession with undermining Israel and is endangering the National Security of America and our allies.” If I understand the Bible, those that harm Israel at the end of the age will be harmed by God. Nations that oppose Israel will be opposedby God.) Four, concerning the growing movement toward peace in the MiddleEast (know that it will be a false peace): on Jan. 11, 2023, Azerbaijan appointed its first-ever ambassador to Israel and announced that it will open an Embassy in Tel Aviv. Five, concerning the Temple Mount: on Jan. 10, 2023, it was reportedthat Dr. Jonathan Schanzer (author, editor, expert on the Middle East, and more) said in a recent speech at the Washington-based Jewish Policy Center that Jordan’s relationship with Israel has deteriorated significantly in the last 10 years, and “if Jordan’santagonism against Israel regarding the Mount becomes too great, Israel may ultimately find another ‘custodian’ for the holy site and could offer Saudi Arabia that role.” Those that believe Psa. 83 refers to a war between Israel and her neighbors before the Battle of Gog and Magog know that Jordan is one of those nations (Vs. 6-8). Six, concerning Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria: on Jan.13, 2023, it was reported that the U.S. Ambassador to Israel visited the Jewish nation to demand that Israel stop building settlements in Judea and Samaria and to stop expanding its sovereignty over those settlements. He was told that Jewish construction in Judea and Samaria will continue. Seven, concerning wars and rumors of wars: the Jerusalem Postreported that retired U.S. Army Brig-Gen. Kevin Ryan said on Jan. 10, 2023, that he believes Russia’s war with Ukraine will end in a stalemate this year. Ryan also said he believes that there are only two reasons why Putin would carry out his threat to use nuclear weapons: •If it looks like the Ukrainian military will defeat Russia, and •If it looks like the Ukrainian military is about to retake Crimea. Ryan estimated that both sides have lost more than 100,000 forces each. (Note:Several NATO nations are still sending weapons and money to Ukraine to prevent Russia from winning the war.) (Note:On Jan. 16, 2023, Amir Tsarfati reported that Putin has announced that he is putting stealth, underwater, unmanned vehicles with a nuclear warhead on one of Russia’s intercontinental submarines. These vehicles carry warheads that are 3,300 times more powerfulthan the bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima. Tsarfati believes Putin is warning NATO, the EU, the U.S., and others about helping Ukraine. It is my opinion that God revealed that nuclear weapons will be used during the Tribulation Period, and He is not wrong;Zech. 14:12.) Eight, concerning God causing the Jews to return to Israel andprosper at the end of the age: on Jan. 15, 2023, Israeli Prime Min. Netanyahu told the Israeli cabinet: •Israel will have a massive return of Jews from Western nations, including the U.S., in the future. •Israel’s economy is getting stronger: it has outpaced Europe and will outpace the U.S. Believe this: God is never wrong. Nine, concerning famine: here is a link to a list of at least98 food plants in the U.S. that have been destroyed, damaged, or impacted by “accidental fires,” disease, or other causes since the beginning of 2021. https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2022/06/updated-list-us-based-food-manufacturing-plants-destroyed-biden-administration/ Ten, concerning famine at the end of the age: on Jan. 16, 2023,it was reported that a French biotech company called Ynsect has set up a pilot plant to determine ideal growing conditions (food, temperature, humidity, etc.) and is planning a global network of plants that will produce Beetleburgers from insect larvae (mealworms). Ynsect’s plans include nurseries and slaughterhouses for raising and killing the worms. Researchers say Beetleburgers will taste like real beef, and in the future, the company may be able to produce products to replace sausage and chicken nuggets. A larger plant that can produce about 200,000 tons of insect-based foods per year will open later this year. Jesus (God) was not wrong when He said the Great Tribulation will be unlike anything that has ever happened or ever will happen on earth, and except those days be shortened,no flesh shall be saved (Matt. 24:21-22). Comfort one another with the message of the Rapture (I Thess. 4:18). Finally, are you Rapture Ready? If you want to be rapture ready and go to heaven, you must be born again (John 3:3). God loves you, and if you have not done so, sincerely admit that you are a sinner; believethat Jesus is the virgin-born, sinless Son of God who died for the sins of the world, was buried, and raised from the dead; ask Him to forgive your sins, cleanse you, come into your heart and be your Saviour; then tell someone that you have done this.

A Real Reason to Panic

 A Real Reason to Panic - By Steve Schmutzer - https://www.raptureready.com/2023/01/21/a-real-reason-to-panic-by-steve-schmutzer-2/ An awful lot of God-fearing, Constitution-supporting, and law-abiding people in America are deeply frustrated and concerned watching the obvious fraud that is now our nation’selections. A sizeable portion of THOSE folks are pretty sure the libs as a whole – and much of the “Republicrat” leadership – now routinely endorse lawless behavior to make it seem asthough their candidates-of-choice “win” the vote. A part of THAT second group is convinced this is all orchestrated by a corrupt justice system, globalist resources, covert tactics, and very dark agendas. And finally – a smaller subset of that last bunch remains sure that God is STILL in control. Put me in that very last category. I’m watching a lot of people who call themselves Christians punch the panic button these days. “How could God allow this?” “We must be entering the Tribulation now.” “Is JoeBiden the antichrist?” “Obviously, this means the Rapture is about to happen.” The constant display of foolishness in much of the church today is distressing to see and hear. It is self-evident that Christ’s bride knows very little about the plans ofher Groom. Here are just a few points to keep in proper perspective during these turbulent times: Number one. Insofar far as Bible prophecy is concerned – and its primary developments and signs – things pivot around the nation of Israel. As Dr. John MacArthur said, “Ifyou get Israel right, you get your eschatology right.” If you take your eyes off God’s timepiece, you cannot properly understand these days we live in. Assessing sweeping prophetic matters through the lens of America’s affairs is mostly a show of ignoranceand a waste of time. Number two. It’s a herculean stretch to suggest the debacle of our nation’s elections – or any other national dynamic – signals the Rapture is about to happen. Our ‘blessedhope’ (Titus 2:13) is not linked to any specific event this way. It is an imminent and signless wonder. It will come without warning. The apostle Paul anticipated it in his time. We should be looking for it with equal anticipation each and every day that Godgives us breath and life. Number three. Apart from the fact that we can indeed see a choreography of Tribulation-era elements beginning to take shape – global pandemics, surging lawlessness, specificalliances in the Middle East, and appeals for a one-world governance among those – nothing about these developments mean believers will endure the Tribulation. The FULL counsel of Scriptures makes it clear believers will leave this planet before Daniel’s 70thWeek starts. True saints here and now are “not appointed to wrath” (1 Thess. 5:9). And lastly, and most importantly, make sure your “ticket to heaven” is in order. Matthew 7:21-23 makes it very clear a lot of people will find out too late they really weren’tsaved. This is one of the most frightening portions of God’s Word, and if you want to understand real panic, read this passage carefully. Bluntly put, there are a lot of folks regularly in the pews these days that are not in a right relationship with Jesus Christ. They certainly think they are – but for variousreasons, they’ve become seduced by ‘Christian culture’ instead. They’re invested in a list of rituals, performances, ideas, and credentials that impress man rather than God. It’s a matter of eternal importance to get this issue right,and if it’s not – then believe me, that’s a REAL reason to panic. All that said, a challenging but vital question to ponder is, “What is my eternal condition?” (2 Cor. 13:5). Well, let me ask you something. Do you really see the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s control in your life? It’s an issue worthy of your most concerted and humble self-evaluation.David modeled the right posture when he prayed, “Search me, God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalms 139:23-24). Coming full circle to the deceptions and challenges of our times – according to James chapter 1, it’s the trying circumstances that prove out the integrity of our faith. It’swhen we’re smack dab in the middle of crushing trials, pains, distress, and despair that our faith is expected to show up and make a difference. How do you know if your faith is genuine if it’s not tested? Can you be sure you’ve got the real deal if you habitually react to tough situations just like those “who haveno hope” do (1 Thess. 4:13)? No. You really can’t. A faith that’s real gently brushes out the cobwebs of panic, fear, anger, resentment, and self-entitlement from the darkest corners of your heart. A faith that’s real permitseyes and minds to perceive with a calm serenity. A faith that’s real is grieved when sinful temptations win some daily battles. A faith that’s real counts every trial as a conscious ‘joy’ because it’s another opportunity to stand strong and be assured of aright relationship with our only Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Are you feeling some anxiety and distress about the failing world you see around you? Then take that opportunity to focus on the real joy that is yours if these things confirmto you that you are indeed walking on the narrow path. Trust me; there is no greater urgency these days than to make sure your heart is right before God.

Righteousness Through Christ

 Righteousness Through Christ - Nathele Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” Romans 3:10. It’s so easy to see the sins and shortcomings of other people. If someone who professes to be a Christiandoesn’t live up to our standards, we question their commitment to Christ. All the while we go along, judging others and falling short of perfection in our own lives. Make no mistake, as Christians we are to strive to rise above sin, but as Christians we areassured forgiveness through Christ when we earnestly repent and ask Jesus for forgiveness. We need to listen to the urging of the Holy Spirit and recognize sin in our life, and repent before pointing fingers at others. If we spend too much time judging thefailures of others, we can become so filled with pride, that we feel qualified to judge others. How do we know what is and isn’t sin. We can start in the Old Testament and look at the Law of Moses. “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, thatwe might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” Galatians 3:24-25. The Law was a schoolmaster and shows us how God feels about how we live. Christians need to study it to understand sin and see just howblessed we are that Jesus took our punishment. By human standards we are pretty good people, but the Law exposes us as lost sinners in need of God’s grace. Through faith in Christ our sins are forgiven. That doesn’t mean we are to continue in our sins so Godhas the privilege to forgive us more. A beautiful example of the Law vs. Grace, is found in John chapter 8. The Scribes and Pharisees were continually trying to trap Jesus. One day they brought a woman to Him who had committed a crime punishable by death underthe Law. “And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, they say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should bestoned: but what sayest thou?” John 8:3-5. The Law did say she should be stoned, but it also said the man was to be stoned too. These Scribes and Pharisees seem to have had selective morals. How many who read this are guilty of such a sin? God has very strongfeelings against sexual sin. Homosexuality is also punishable by stoning, and Jesus taught us that if a man looks upon a woman with lust, he has committed a sin. The only acceptable sexual relations is within a one man/one woman marriage. The woman who wasbrought to Jesus for condemnation must have been very repentant; she knew the Law condemned her, and she had been caught in sin and was worthy of death. What did Jesus do? Did He condemn her? He bent down and wrote with is finger on the ground. “So when theycontinued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” John 8:7. The next time you gossip with a friend about someone, remember Jesus’ words. Gossip is a sin, and so you aren’tworthy to condemn others. Everybody sins, so we become numb to our own sin. By human standards, our own sin isn’t so bad. Use Jesus as your standard of behavior rather than sinners who are imperfect. Look at how Jesus handled the situation. Instead of condemningher for her sin, Jesus showed love, compassion, and forgiveness. Her accusers were convicted of their own imperfect sin nature and left the scene. “When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thineaccusers? Hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” John 8:10-11. Jesus’ love is amazing. Her sin was worthy of death according to the Law, but Jesus is greater than the Law.You also need to look at the last words He said to her. “…: go, and sin no more.”. He forgave her, but didn’t say it was okay to continue sinning. She was saved by grace, but had to change her lifestyle. Right at that moment she was probably the most thankfuland repentant person on earth…her life had been spared. I often wonder if later she harbored some hateful thoughts towards the men who had trapped and betrayed her. Jesus said even thinking hateful thoughts is the same as murder. I’m sure she had sin in herlife until the day she died, but she could always remember the day she was saved by grace. The same man who recorded the account of this woman, would later write “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us fromall unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. Confess the sin to Jesus, then leave that sin behind. The fear of being judgmental is also a problem. Scripture cautions us that if we judge others we will be judged accordingly, but we need to study Scripture and use it asour guide for our own actions, and to judge the actions of others. “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” John 7:24. Jesus said that, so we can trust it to be true. Fear of being judgmental can cause us to be so open mindedand accepting of all sin that we no longer serve Christ. Paul addressed this problem when he wrote to the very liberal Corinthian Christians. “It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named amongthe Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:1-2. How many congregations today are proudly accepting sin withinthe congregation and in the pulpit? Pastors seldom talk about sin and, indeed, today one of the vilest of sins is being promoted. Men dressed as women are invited to speak and even encouraged to speak with the children. That’s pure wickedness straight fromSatan. Christian congregations need to be a place where sinners are led to repentance with love, but not encouraged to continue in sin. What did Paul tell the Corinthian congregation to do about the vile sin they accepted? “To deliver such an one unto Satanfor the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened.For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” 1 Corinthians 5:5-8. Leaven is used symbolicallyfor sin. When a little leaven is put into bread dough, it puffs up the entire loaf. When a little sin is put into a congregation, it spreads to everyone. Paul told them not to let the sin of malice and wickedness motivate them in putting the man out of thecongregation, but with sincerity and truth, expel him. When we confront sin, we must do it in love. Paul went on to list other sins that a Christian is not to associate with. When we profess Christ for salvation, we are to “…go and sin no more.” Non-Christiansare simply lost and have no moral guide, so they don’t understand their sin. We do need to witness to them and lead them to repentance and eternal life only found through Jesus. Brothers and sisters, remember to get the splinter out of your own eye before judging other sins, and then use righteousness only found in Christ. Jesus loves sinners andwants everyone to come to salvation. “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though Goddid beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21. We are His ambassadors, not His judge andjury. We must turn from our sin and encourage fellow believers to leave their sin behind. We need to be careful when we point fingers at other people and accuse them of being less than Christian in their actions. “Even the righteousness of God which is by faithof Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:22-23. I can think of times in my life that someone could misinterpret something I’ve done, and wronglytaken me to task for it. On the other hand, there were other times when it would have been good if a Christian friend would have kindly had a word with me. Time is running out. The Rapture will take all Christians Home to be with our Lord and Saviour and theage of Grace will come to an end. The truth is, you may die before the Rapture. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be notconformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2. Repent from the sin in our own life, encourage fellow Christians in their walk, and witnessto the lost. Jesus is ready to forgive all sin and each new day brings the opportunity to serve Him. Stop judging and condemning others, and pay attention to your own walk. Jesus loves you and has forgiven you of your own sins. Forgive yourself and forgiveothers. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” Romans 3:13. Our righteousness is only through Christ. God bless you all, Nathele Graham