WHEN YOUR VERY FOUNDATIONS ARE SHAKEN ! (With Videos - One A Sermon by Pastor Charles Lawson)

                                           [Above Diamond Head Beach - Oahu, Hawaii]

Somehow, my photograph above reminds me of how some people live only for pleasure (such as surfing and other water sports), not to mention the darker types of pleasure involving deep dark sinful practices and lewd conduct.  Don't get me wrong !  God wants us to take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of His creation;  in the many blessings He provides.  Go surf!  Go on adventure trips!  Enjoy life!  Just do not forget God!  Do not forget the One Who created you and Who loves you!   We should always put God first in our lives, as Christians are well aware of.  

An excellent example of putting the good Lord first and of obeying Him completely is Hosea. Hosea was a prophet of the Old Testament times who  put his wants and desires aside and did exactly as God told him.  In fact, in the following 48 minute sermon by Pastor Charles Lawson, the pastor clarifies  vividly and clearly how Hosea actually lived out the experiences of the prophecy he proclaimed and taught....His life was the message ! 

Please realize this sermon is relevant to you and me today!  Many spiritual gems are to be found and digested and savored in Pastor Lawson's excellent teaching on Hosea!  For instance, when Hosea paid money to get back his wife, Gomer, (giving her another chance), it was like Hosea - in a sense - "ransomed her"- and it is a picture  of the coming "Redeemer" ( meaning Jesus Christ).  God loves you, and there is no greater love than that!   Personally, that is what keeps many believers, and myself, hanging on for dear life to the blessed hope we have in God and Jesus.  (Titus 2:13-14).

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Amazing how recently I read a portion of a small book by D. L. Moody that fits in with our discussion on this post.  I have had that book for several years, but only very recently read this portion concerning the difference between the love of Jesus in contrast to other religions:  

Moody:  "Christianity alone will stand the test of raising man out of the pit.  And how does it propose to do it? Not by minimizing the danger and need.  It says: "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.  From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds and bruises and putrefying sores."  It demands as the first necessity  a new birth, regeneration by the Holy Spirit.  "Ye must be born again."  It does not place sanctification before justification, but having first  imparted life from above, it throws around the redeemed sinner the love of Christ and the fellowship and guidance of the Holy Spirit.    ...

"A converted Chinaman once said:  "I was down in a deep pit, half sunk in the mire, crying for someone to help me out.  As I looked up I saw a venerable, grayhaired man looking down at me.  

"My son,' he said, 'this is a dreadful place.'

"' Yes,' I answered, 'I fell into it: can't you help me out?'

" 'My son, ' was his reply, 'I am Confucius.  If you had read my books and followed what they taught, you would never have been here.'

" 'Yes, father,' I said, 'but can't you help me out?'

" As I looked, he was gone.  Soon I saw another form approaching, and another man bent over me, this time with with closed eyes and folded arms.  He seemed to be looking to some far-off place.

" 'My son,' Buddha said, 'just close your eyes and fold your arms, and forget all about yourself.  Get into a state of rest.  Don't think about anything that can disturb.  Get so still that nothing can move you.  Then, my child, you will be in such delicious rest as I am.'

" ' Yes, father, ' I answered, ' I will when I am above ground. Can't you help me out?'  But Buddah, too, was gone.

I was just beginning to sink into despair when I saw another figure above me, different from the others.  There were marks of suffering on His face.  I cried out to Him: 

" ' O, Father! can you help me?'

" 'My child,' He said, ' what is the matter?'

" Before I could answer Him, He was down in the mire by my side.  He folded His arms about me and lifted me up; the He fed me and rested me.  When I was well He did not say: ' Now don't do that again,' but He said:  'We will walk on together now'; and we have been walking together until this day. "

"This was a poor Chinaman's way of telling of the compassionate love and help of the Lord Jesus."      - end of Moody's quote.

The Chinaman's relating of how Jesus is so loving and compassionate and merciful, made me misty eyed.  And in the above sermon video by Pastor Lawson, he mentions that our attitude should be to "Look into the face of the devil and sing "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me."  What a wonderful hymn that is!  For a long time I would actually cry when it was sung in church services (not loud and audibly, but usually with tears flowing down my face) , because that beautiful hymn made me realize all the gratitude I should have for the Lord for saving a sinner so great as I ! And it also made me realize how greatly He loves His children - even me!  Here is a lovely version of that much loved hymn:

"The name of Jesus is greater than any of your problems and any of your pain.  When in the middle of a spiritual battle that you cannot explain - claim the name of Jesus !!"   - So the following encouraging video tells us !  Please watch the 12 minute video by the fantastic Christian You Tube Channel "Grace For Purpose".  It will encourage you and strengthen you with its message!

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 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

"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared.  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."   -  Titus 3:4-7

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  -   John 3:16

God loves you !

Have blessed day!

"HOW TO SPEND THE DAY WITH GOD!'' - (Matthew Henry Sermon Video) & Christian Quotes - INSPIRATIONAL WEEKEND

 

                                                       [Diamond Head Beach and Lighthouse - Oahu, Hawaii]

Since a lighthouse to Christians can be a symbol for the Lord Jesus, and likewise of God, I chose to use my photograph above to compliment the title of this post :"How To Spend The Day With God."  Actually, this post's title is also the title of a 35 minute sermon by Matthew Henry which follows:

Matthew Henry was a Puritan (or "non-conformist" - which was any English Protestant who did not conform to the doctrines or practices of the established Church of England during the 1600's).  Henry lived from 1662-1714.  He was in poor health physically and intellectually; but spiritually he was gifted.  As a child prodigy he was able to read out loud a chapter of the Bible when he was only 3 years old.   Just a note, many persons- including myself - refer to his Bible Commentaries for reference.

The main point to consider is the  content of the above sermon video.  It is very encouraging to all of us in today's stormy times. One point he made is: "Though a stormy day... yet we must hope and have patience.  Be joyful because Christ is in the ship and also at the helm."    And ...." To wait on God is to live a life of desire towards God, to wait on Him in faith and expectation.....Be entirely conformed to God's will.  ......Only the ones willing to do as they are taught by God will God continue to teach His ways. "    There are many more gems of insightful and of helpful nature for us in the above video!

Following is an almost 3 minute video trailer about Matthew Henry's life and times:

When Matthew Henry was about 13 years old, he wrote a short biography concerning the saving of his soul.  Quite insightful and impressive as to the knowledge and spiritual understanding of one so young!  For those who are interested, here is the link to that:   look for the portion titled " A Catalog of Mercies".       http://www.sounddoctrine.net/LIBRARY/Bible%20Studies/MHenry-biography.htm

In considering our troublesome times during these last days of the Church Age,  as well as the concerns and hardships and fears of many persons today as to what might lie ahead, here is a helpful quote - a short devotional by Charles Spurgeon, titled "Rain Without Clouds? Never!"   Spurgeon bases his comments on Ecclesiastes 11:3 : "If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth."

Spurgeon comments: "Why, then, do we dread the clouds which now darken our sky?  True, for a while they hide the sun, but the sun is not quenched; he will shine out again before long.  Meanwhile, those black clouds are filled with rain; and the blacker they are, the more likely they are to yield plentiful showers!  How can we have rain, without clouds?  Our troubles have always brought us blessings, and they always will.  They are the black chariots of bright grace.  These clouds will empty themselves before long, and every tender herb will be the gladder for the shower.  Our God may drench us with grief, but He will not drown us with wrath; nay, He will refresh us with mercy.  Our LORD's Love Letters often come to us in black-edged envelopes.    His wagons rumble but they are loaded with benefits.  His rod blossoms with sweet flowers and nourishing fruits.  Let us not worry about the clouds but sing because May flowers are brought to us through the April clouds and showers.

"O, LORD, the clouds are the dust of Thy feet!   How near Thou art in the cloudy and dark day!  Love beholds Thee and is glad.  Faith sees the clouds emptying themselves and making the little hills rejoice on every side."   -  end of quote

"The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.  The LORD hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet."      -    Nahum 1:3

"Men do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them." - unknown

"Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength."           -   Charles Spurgeon

"Tears clean the windows of your soul." -  Nick Vujicic (Life without Limbs.org)

"Thou art still the God of my salvation and Thou wilt bear me up, and carry me through, and lighten all my pressure, until Thou shalt bring me home to behold Thy glory and to dwell with Thee forever."     -  Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary.

"When in the hands of God, our regrets of yesterday turn to beautiful re-designs of tomorrow."      -   Janet Perez Eckles

"Christians, see your position, debtors to grace; show your gratitude by earnest, Christ-like lives, and as God has bidden you live, see to it that you live in earnest."  -  Charles Spurgeon

If Jesus were to return today or next week (no one knows the day or the hour - Matthew 24:36)  -  would you be Rapture Ready?

Perhaps, because of the turmoil and upheaval in the world today, maybe more people are considering their future and what might lie ahead.  But how many of them are concerned with their eternity?  That is the most important decision anyone can make!   Meaning, of course, salvation that is found only in belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior - that He is the only way to heaven and to eternal life!

Following are some salvation Scriptures for you to take to heart and to lead you to a vibrant faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus !   As you read these verses, if you are not yet saved and born again, think about the cruel and painful death Jesus suffered on the cross -  and He did it out of love for you!  He took your place and your sins upon Himself at Calvary; shed His precious blood (as the sacrificial Lamb of God); He paid your sin debt in full - a debt so enormous that none of us could pay it on our own (by our works).  

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."  -   John 3:36

"(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. ) -  2 Corinthians 6:2

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead,  yet shall he live.  And whosoever liveth, and believeth in Me shall never die.  Believest thou this?"  -  John 11:25-26

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."   -   John 14:6

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."   -  John 3:16

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and life !!

MORE ABOUT WHY GOD NEVER SAYS "OOPS!" (with videos)

 

[Cereus - Night Blooming Cactus]

As promised on the May 1, 2021 article on this blog (go here), here is more information concerning why God will never say "oops" and how he never makes mistakes or changes His mind, despite the fact that sometimes in Scripture it  "appears" that He does so.  The May  1,2021, article mentioned specifically the time that Moses interceded for the Israelites when God threatened to destroy the entire nation and then make a new nation by the descendants of Moses (Exodus 32:7-14).  Please read those verses to better comprehend what transpired there.  Verse 14 tells us: "And the LORD repented of the evil which He thought to do unto His people."

As promised, I did more research on those verses (and others) on a respected Bible Commentary and also on the website Gotquestions.org   I will quote some findings from both of those resources, but I recommend you visit the link for the entire article by gotquestions.org.  

In the Bible, there are passages of "anthropathism", which means, according to Gotquestions.org and other sources, "a  figure of speech in which the feelings or thought processes of finite humanity are ascribed to the infinite God.  It's a way to help us understand God's work from a human perspective. 

One Bible Commentary explains, concerning Exodus 32:14, that "changes of purpose are of course, attributed to God by an "economy" or accomodation of truth to human modes of speech and conception.  When God threatened to destroy Israel, He knew that He would spare them; but, as He communicated to Moses, first, His anger, and then, at a later period, His intention to spare, He is said to have "repented." (Again, anthropathism).

As Gotquestions.org tells us, Malachi 3:6, James 1:7, and Numbers 23:19 "prove that God does not change!  God is unchanging and unchangeable.  He is also all-wise.  So He cannot change His mind in the sense of realizing a mistake, backtracking, and trying a new tactic."

Remember the story of Jonah and how God instructed him to go to the sinful city of Nineveh and to tell the inhabitants there that He would destroy Nineveh.  But all of Nineveh repented !  In 3:10 of the book of Jonah it says:  "And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that He had said that He would do unto them; and He did it not."

When God said, "I will destroy Nineveh in forty days,"   He was speaking "conditionally" upon their response. God did not change His mind; rather His message to Nineveh was a warning  meant to provoke repentance, and His warning was successful.  (Thus explained plainly by GotQuestions.org.)

In both of the instances above (and more examples also given in the Gotquestions.org link), God was simply showing and staying true to His character, as gotquestions.org tells us. "God loves mercy and forgives the penitent. "

Aren't you glad that God will NOT change His mind where our salvation is concerned !  When we turn to Jesus in true repentance and complete belief in Him as the Savior, we become a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and in a figurative sense, God "changed His mind" about us previous unrepentant sinners and saw us through the cleansing salvation found in His Son, Jesus Christ the Savior.  God now views us through His Son, as His children, and He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).  Our change of heart to accept Jesus as the Savior does not mean that God actually changes.  If the heavenly Father does not save us for the sake of Christ, He would have acted contrary to His character, says the article at gotquestions.org .

What a loving and compassionate and patient Heavenly Father we have !!  And, of course, that means Jesus as well, for they are as one. We should show our love and gratitude to the good Lord by living a life of obedience, and that includes not only obeying His commands, but endeavoring to be as Christlike as is possible - actually, that is also a command.  

"Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."  -  Matthew 16:24

We cannot do this all on our own -  it is impossible to depend on our own strength and the Bible tells us instead to rely on the good Lord and His strength.  

"And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.   Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."  -    2 Corinthians 12:9

Your attitude has a lot to do with growing in the faith and becoming more Christlike.  That is why we need to constantly pray and be in God's Word daily.  That way we develop a close relationship with God through His Son Jesus -- a personal, loving, trusting, lasting, beautiful closeness with our awesome and loving Creator.  

Being thankful and grateful for our many blessings -  and the blessing of salvation through Jesus most of all - will not only please the good Lord , but benefit yourself as well.  Following is a wonderful 11 minute video concerning being thankful 

This world is rather upside down now and topsy turvy and chaotic.  What helps is a strong faith in the good Lord and to know that soon our Savior will return for us and take us out of this present mess into a glorious home above to be with him!

Don't despair!  We will be going home soon!

A wonderful song follows to remind us to count our blessings!

Following are salvation Scriptures for those who may not be saved.  Those who have not turned in faith and belief that Jesus is the Savior !  He died for you and me and paid our sin debt in full-  ransomed us!  What incredible love He has for us!   Won't you turn to Him in faith and love and gratitude ?!

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."  -   John 3:36

"Jesus saith unto him,  I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me."    -   John 14:6

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.  Believest thou this?"    -  John 11:25-26

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."   - John 3:16

Have a blessed day.  God loves you!

"ARE YOU ON YOUR WAY TO HEAVEN? - WHAT ABOUT THE MILLENNIUM LATER?" - (Videos: (1) All About Heaven; (2) The New Heavens & New Earth; and (3) A Fantastic Millennium Discourse by Chuck Missler) - Inspirational Weekend

 [Internet Image]

The above web image may not be an accurate rendition of heaven, but it is rather beautiful and hopefully enjoyable for you, as well as to grab your interest for the following videos and other sources which contain a ton of information about heaven, the New Earth, and the Millennium Reign on earth -- most of you realize that that is also called the 1000 Reign of Christ on earth.  Will you be there?

First is a 29 minute video by Prophecy Watchers (with Gary Stearman as host) and guest Larry Ollison, and they discuss "The Road To Heaven."  Larry Ollison tells us that "Everybody wants to go to heaven, but they don't want to today!  Partly because they don't realize how wonderful heaven will be."

Pastor Charles Lawson, in the following 31 minute sermon, has an information packed and hopeful message  concerning the New Heavens and the New Earth as prophesied in the Bible.  Pastor Lawson believes that 2 Peter 3:10-13 describes a literal fire, etc.,  that will destroy the earth to make way for the New Heavens and the New Earth. Many agree with Pastor Lawson's view on that.  Others have the opinion that it will not be a total destruction, but rather a "renovation and cleansing" of the earth.  You will find Pastor Lawson's sermon powerful.

By the way, I highly recommend that you visit Pastor Lawson's website.  It has his sermons, as well as links to valuable and helpful resources.    pastorcharleslawson.org

Following is 2 Peter 3:6-14 :  "Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.   But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.  Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless."

It has been quite awhile since I have watched any of Chuck Missler's teachings (he passed away in 2018).  You may find some of his lectures, etc. on You Tube just by entering his name, as well as by going to his website:  khouse.org.  The following 76 minute video is titled :  "Revelation Session 23 - The Milllennium".  Missler adds other tidbits of interesting information besides concerning the Millennium which are fantastic "gems" to take note of as well !  For instance, he gives his opinion (which is very logical and believable) as to where he thinks "the bottomless pit" is actually located (of Revelation 9:2).  He also uses visuals  (charts, etc.)in this teaching below.

In view of the fact of the current world conditions (many of which are Bible Prophecy coming true in these last moments of the end times) -  we must remain true and faithful to the good Lord and not go against our faith for any reason or to compromise in any way.  Stay in prayer frequently - several times a day, even -  and read your Bible daily.  It will not only give you strength and peace to do that, but it will draw you even closer to the good Lord.... and He will draw close to you!  Also, as you fellowship with Him, you will develop a close, intimate, personal, loving, enduring and lasting relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ !   It doesn't get any better than that !  Except when we are actually with Him, face to face, for all eternity!  

"Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you." -   James 4:8a

"And he that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him. And hereby we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us." -    1 John 3:24

"Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit."  -    1 John 4:13

"If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be: if any man serve Me, him will My Father honour."   -  Jesus at Luke 12:26

"If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love."    John 15:10

Mentioned previously on this blog, is a wonderful Christian You Tube Channel  called "Grace For Purpose" and its "Grace For Purpose Prayers" and it is very very encouraging and their videos are chock full of Scriptures.  Following is an 11 minute sample of one of their morning prayers:

If you are not saved- have not been "born again" by believing in Jesus Christ the Son of God as the Savior and the only way to heaven, then the following Salvation Scriptures are for you!  Jesus took our place on the cross - He died for us - ransomed us, and paid our sin debt in full by His shed blood -  He was the Sacrificial Lamb that died in our place.   All we need to do is first, to repent, and pray for forgiveness, sincerely and wholly heartfelt surrender to Jesus that is by belief in Him as the Savior, the only way to heaven !

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."  -  John 3:36

"(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.) -  2 Corinthians 6:2

"Jesus saith unto him,  I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."   -       John 14:6

"Jesus answered and said unto him,  Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."   -  John 3:3

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."      -  John 3:16

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and life !!

 

"Is This The End Of The World?" (Video by Pastor J D Farag and an Interview with Dr. Charles Stanley) - Inspirational Weekend

The title of this article "Is this the end of the world?" is a quote from one of the following videos.  Pastor J.D. Farag says that many unsaved people are asking that question right now.  If more people would read their Bibles, they would know the answer to that soul stirring question.  But actually, it takes the Holy Spirit living inside a person to give them understanding of Scriptures and the Spirit only indwells persons who have been saved; in those who believe with all their heart and soul and all their very being that Jesus is the Savior, and that His death at Calvary paved the way for all who believe in Him to be washed clean from their sins, as Jesus paid our sin debt in full when He died.

The world as we know it will end; meaning this age of grace is about to end.  Do some research and you will find that after the 7 year Tribulation, Jesus will return and set up His 1000 year kingdom on earth. And after that, eternity with the Lord.  

The following  32 minute video by Pastor Farag touches on the coronavirus and how it is an excellent subject for believers to witness to others about Jesus.  The Pastor also encourages believers by telling us that God will provide us with what we need.

There will be another video by Pastor Farag live-streamed tomorrow, 3-29-20, Sunday, at 9 a.m. Hawaii time.  I will not be posting it here on this blog, so I hope that you will tune in to it on your own initiative on You Tube.  Just enter "J D Farag " there and it will appear.

"But the Lord is faithful, Who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil."  -  2 Thessalonians 3:3

Charles Spurgeon wrote a devotional centered around the verse above in 2 Thessalonians.   I will only quote a portion of it below:

".... We are allowed to shelter ourselves in the Lord Jesus. 'Who is in truest sympathy with us.'  There is one true Heart, one Faithful Mind, one never changing Love;  there let us repose.  The Lord will fulfill the purpose of His grace to us, His servants, and we need  not allow a shadow of a fear to fatal upon our spirits.  Not all that men or devils can do can hinder us of the divine protection and provision .  This day let us pray the Lord to stablish and keep us."

In the past, before I knew better, every video sermon by Dr. Charles Stanley that I posted on this blog was deleted.   Following is a 25 minute recent audio interview with him which is focused on the coronavirus.   It is an encouraging message and I pray that it also does not get deleted (since it is an interview). If it does, then go to You Tube and enter intouchministries.org and look for it there.  Actually, it might be best to go to You Tube and enter:   Coronavirus: an interview with Dr. Charles Stanley.

Another sign of the approaching 7 year Tribulation period is found in a very recent article found here: https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/147691/ex-british-prime-minister-calls-on-world-leaders-to-form-one-world-government/

As many Bible scholars, pastors, and devout students of the Bible know, this One World Government occurs during the Tribulation period.   If the information in the article above is correct in saying that this call right now is "temporary"     ................ time will tell.

At any rate, we should realize that the Rapture of the true believers will occur soon, because it happens before the Tribulation.

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."   - Jesus at Luke 21:28

"Much more then, being justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him"  -  Romans 5:9

Romans 5:9 above is referring to those who are saved by belief in Jesus as the Savior.  They will not suffer the wrath poured out by God during the Tribulation because Jesus would have raptured them to heaven prior to that.

"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation [affliction]; continuing instant in prayer: "  -   Romans 12:12

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 tells us: (1) "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also you have received, and wherein ye stand:  (2) By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. (3) For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; (4) And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:"

Romans 10: 9,10,13 informs us: (9) "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."  -  John 14:6

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and life !!

"What Is The Work Of God?" (A.W. Tozer Sermon; Salvation Sermon By Charles Lawson) - Inspirational Weekend.

To find out what the work of God is, let us read John 6:28,29 which follows:

(28) "Then said they unto Him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?  (29) Jesus answered and said unto them,  This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent."

It is not works, but one work that is required, belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior.

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him......"  Hebrews 11:6 a

Believe in Jesus as the Savior, that is acceptable to God.  This you must do in order to be saved.  This is the work which sinners are to do. 

Following is a powerful 15 minute sermon clip by Pastor Charles Lawson on salvation.  He also discusses his own salvation experience. I urge you to watch this moving sermon, even if you are already saved; you may want to direct unsaved loved ones to listen to it.

Ephesians 2:8 and 9 tells us: (8) "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.  (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Nothing we can do of ourselves (works) can earn us salvation.  It is the gift of God.

A. W. Tozer tells us that many believers feel needing God [Jesus] plus something else is the trouble with us in the following 2 minute sermon clip:

The one thing we need to remember is that we should trust God and Jesus with everything.  Put them first in your life.

Much has been written on this blog about how we are living in the last moments of the last days.  Go to the search box in the upper right hand side of this page and enter such things as "Rapture", "end times", "7 year tribulation", "Gog Magog War of Ezekiel 38 and 39"and various other topics and several articles will pop up for you to read.

The point being, that Jesus will return very soon for His true believers and take them to be in Heaven with Him while the horrors of the 7 year Tribulation period will be suffered by those left behind; those who never believed in Jesus as the Savior.

Are you Rapture ready?

You must be truly born again from above, truly saved, to be Raptured to Heaven with Jesus.  

Do not delay!  

("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.)  -   2 Corinthians 6:2

Admit that you are a sinner and in need of a Savior. ( Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23)

Believe in your heart and your soul and all your very being that Jesus is the Savior and the only way to heaven  (John 14:6;  Romans 10: 9,10,13)

Call on Jesus and confess that He is the Savior, whose Redemptive work and shed blood at Calvary can wash all your sins away and make you a new creation in Him when you come to Him in faith (Romans 10:9, 10,13;  2 Corinthians 5:17)

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are past away; behold, all things are become new."     -  2 Corinthians 5:17

Time is running out !  

Turn to Jesus in faith now, before it is too late!

Jesus will welcome you with open arms of love and forgiveness.

Romans 10:9,10, 13 tells us (9)  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10)For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  (13) For whosoever  shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."  -  Acts 4:12

Hebrews 2:3, 4 tells us: (3) "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him; (4) God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will?"

"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed."  -  Romans 13:11

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me."   -   John 14:6

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."   -   John 3:16

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend.... and life !!

"God Will Carry You Through" (Sermon by Charles Lawson) - Inspirational Weekend

In the last post on this blog, we discussed how God understands us.  Following is a 39 minute sermon by Pastor Charles Lawson titled  "A God Who's For Us".  

It is an encouraging sermon. Pastor Lawson reminds us that we are complete in Christ.  

Hebrews 13:5 tells us, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have:  for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

One commentator has said, "Seek to be able to trust God's promises with simple and childlike faith.  Rest upon it....... Coming where it does, this promise is meant to reassure us in whatever position we are.....The words must mean that God will be in all our circumstances....... "I will not leave thee" must mean I will guide thee:  choose thy lot, appoint thy changes; where thou comest thou shalt be brought by Me."

What comforting and reassuring words from Hebrews 13:5 !!

"Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests  be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  -  Philippians 4:6-7

"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."                          1 Corinthians 2:5

What if you are not saved, not a believer in Jesus Christ as the Savior?   Following are some Scriptures for you:

Romans 10:9,10,13 tells us:  (9) "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  (13) For whosoever  shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."    -  John 14:6

"Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and every one that loveth Him that begat loveth Him also that is begotten of Him."  -    1 John 5:1

"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."        -          1 John 5:13

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."     -   John 3:16

Jesus loves you and is waiting for you with open arms to embrace you with love and forgiveness if you repent and believe in Him as the Savior with all of your very being.  

Surrender to Him now while there is still time!

"(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.)    - 2 Corinthians 6:2 

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend...... and life !!

"Encouragement And Fellowship" (And Important Video by Pastor Jack Hibbs) - Inspirational Weekend

659

[Makapu'u Lighthouse, Oahu, Hawaii]

The lighthouse is sometimes thought of by Christians as a symbol for our Savior, Jesus Christ, as most of you are very aware.  It has been mentioned on this blog previously.   The trail to this lighthouse is all uphill, but easy to hike for most.  It is about a 2 mile round trip.  

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I  am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."   -  John 8:12

The way of Salvation by belief in Jesus as the Savior, and belief in His Resurrection, is not difficult.  A young child can understand salvation.   

What is difficult at times is the uphill climb to reach Jesus, so to speak. And once we go through trials, temptations, hardships, and suffering, we must remain on the trail and path to Him and with Him in order to follow Him in faith and follow in His footsteps. 

"Order my steps in thy word: And let not any iniquity have dominion over me."  -  Psalm 119:133

"Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not."   - Psalm 17:8

As mentioned in the above Psalm 119, God's Holy Word, the Bible, will help us to understand what it means to be a follower of Jesus.  The Bible is God's love letter to us, as well as His instruction manual for us.  He speaks to us as we read His written Word and we will appreciate and be grateful to Him and Jesus for their love and guidance and tender mercies. Jesus showed His great love for us by dying in our place and paying our sin debt so that we may gain eternal life by faith in Him.

Talk about encouragement and fellowship:  The most important fellowship ever is to be found with our heavenly Father and with Jesus when we read the Bible and pray without ceasing.  When we have a close, personal, intimate love relationship with God through Jesus Christ, His Son, He will always be near us to comfort us, encourage us, strengthen us, and we will experience a love like none other.  God loves it when we draw near to Him, and He will never abandon us.  (Hebrews 13:5; Deuteronomy 31:6)

"He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me, and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."  -   Jesus speaking at John 14:21

What this article is leading up to now is the fact that we need to associate with and have fellowship with other believers. Most of us are familiar with Hebrews 10:24, 25 which follows:

(24) "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  (25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

The good Lord takes note of our trust and belief in Him , as well as our actions and our speech.

"Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened , and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon His name."  -  Malachi 3:16

When Malachi wrote the above, Israel, as usual, was in disobedience to God.  But there were these few that feared God who spoke often, no doubt, to each other about the Lord.  See how God treats such persons: He paid attention to their words and faith and their hearts and approved of their pure attitude and conversation and a book of remembrance was written.   

The good Lord must also be pleased when true believers gather together and speak of Him and Jesus in our church services today, as well as in other gatherings.

We were not meant to be an island, keeping to ourselves.  

Remember, when Jesus sent His disciples in His own lifetime to preach the gospel, He sent them out by twos.  What the apostles needed in their journeys as preachers, we need equally on our journey through life.  We today need the love and encouragement and spiritual support of other believers.  I thank the good Lord for my loving church family.

All true believers know all that is mentioned above, but there may be some reading this that never attend church, and need the encouragement to do so.  

It is urgent that we encourage one another today, as the world has gotten more evil and corrupt.   The good news is that soon Jesus will Rapture His Bride (the Church) to be in heaven with Him.

Most of you are familiar with signs of the end times in which we find ourselves today.  We do not know the day or the hour of the Lord's return, but Jesus gave us signs to watch for so that we would know the "season" of His return.   Read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 for these signs.

I wanted to share with you a recent video concerning Bible prophecy by Pastor Jack Hibbs and Don Stewart.  They cover current events as it relates to the prophecies in the Bible, and Pastor Jack gives a wonderful concluding prayer at the end.  They tell us not to be scared by prophecies, but rather that they are to help you to be prepared.  They tell us that Russia just recently has moved super-bombers to South Africa;  there is much valuable information in this 1 hour and 29 minute video.  I hope you will be able to watch the entire discourse.

"While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light...."      -     Jesus at John 12:36 a

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." -    2 Corinthians 4:6

"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin."  -     1 John 1:7

Romans 10:9,10,13 tells us, (9) "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend.... and life !!

"The God Of Miracles" - Inspirational Weekend

The Bible contains many examples of the miracles of God, in the Old Testament as well as in the New Testament.  These miracles amaze us and sometimes we wonder why we do not see evidences of God's miracles today like there were back in Biblical times.   

Could be you are not looking with the wonderment of a child at all of the beauty and order of Creation;  the instinct of the birds and the industrious ant which stores its food (Proverbs 30:25 and Proverbs 6:6-8).    All of this and more should wake us up to the amazing God we serve, and to His great love and mercy toward mankind.

Following is a beautiful song that praises God for His miracles, and tells us that to even be alive and living is a miracle:

One miracle was the Savior who bore our sins, who took our place on the cross and paid our sin debt in full when he died in our place at calvary and made salvation possible for all who would put their faith in Him and believe in His resurrection.

Not to mention How Jesus always existed in heaven before the miracle of the virgin birth.   How He was God and became a man out of His great love to redeem mankind.  

Another miracle is the time the sun stood still at Joshua's command to enable him to fight a victorious battle with an enemy.  (Joshua 10:12-14).

The Resurrection of Jesus was another miracle (Luke 24:1-7).  And Jesus and His disciples raised others back to life, as well as did the prophets in the Old Testament.  

There were miracles over nature, such as the parting of the Red Sea. (Exodus 14). 

There are many, many more miracles shared in the Bible that can truly make us to be in awe of our Creator when we dwell on His care for us, and for which we can be grateful for His provisions and for the Savior, Jesus Christ.  What I want to share now is the good Lord's miracles of healing.  

I recently had been diagnosed with a serious health issue and needed an operation.  Right before surgery I underwent a physical exam to insure that I was healthy enough to go through with the operation.  I failed the EKG and the surgery was postponed until I underwent a "stress test" for my heart.  In the meantime, one more image was taken of the affected area of my body.  Also, for some time my pastor and my church family had been praying for my health, and for a healing.   When the results came in from the latest image, there was no abnormality, nothing at all showed up on the image !!   God had healed me !   No surgery for me, as the Great Physician had done all the work -  the miracle.  Praise the Lord!  All the glory belongs to Him.

I praise and give glory to God for His tender mercies.   I am grateful to my pastor for his prayers, and grateful to the caring and loving church family who had also been praying for me. 

Yes, God/Jesus are still causing miracles to happen in our day and age.   One of the greatest miracles is the gift of salvation to rebellious sinners.  The good Lord does this miracle everyday, by granting forgiveness to a repentant sinner and by granting him life and sealing him as a child of God.  Praise the Lord !

Often I tell you friends of how close we are to the return of Jesus and the Rapture of the church.....the true believers in Jesus Christ, the Savior.  When He comes to take us to heaven, will you be ready?  You will be if you have been born again and surrendered your life and your will to the good Lord !  We have a blessed hope!

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."  -  Titus 2:13

What if you are not saved?  Then the blessed hope does not apply to you and you will spend all of eternity in hell.

But it is not too late for you to repent and to turn to Jesus in faith!

Admit you are a sinner and in need of a Savior.

Believe in Jesus and in His redemptive work at Calvary.  Believe also in His resurrection.

Call on the name of the Lord....commit your life to Jesus and confess your sins.

You are then a child of God!All this must come from your heart and not be a mere intellectual acknowledgement of Jesus as the Savior.  If you are born again and have true faith in Christ, you are a new creation....a brand new person and sealed with the Holy Spirit. 

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are past away; behold, all things are become new."    -     2 Corinthians 5:17

Romans 10:9,10,13 tells us (9) "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Let us praise God every day for His many miracles.   Let us come to Him in a spirit of love and gratitude for all He has done for us.  I constantly thank Him for the recent healing in my body, and for all of His many blessings . 

Following is a hymn that I listen to every morning and which many of you are familiar with.  It is a praise for how great God is.

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend..... and life !