"Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, as at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory." - 1 Corinthians 15:51-54
Yes, another article and video on the soon Rapture! This video you do NOT want to miss! You will really enjoy how informative this 29 minute video is - Pastor Billy Crone explains clearly here how the Old Testament (in Daniel,) talked about the The Great Tribulation as being, in reality, "Jacob's Trouble", meaning it was meant for the Jewish Nation and that a remnant of the Jews at that time would be saved during or at the end of the Tribulation (realizing Jesus as the true Messiah). The main point is, the Tribulation will be for the Jews primarily (some Gentiles left behind from missing the Rapture will be there, of course, during the Trib. and will be saved by faith in Jesus - said faith occurring during the Trib.) Please listen to Pastor Crone's explanation as to why that fact - that the 7 year Tribulation is for the Jews primarily - argues against the belief that any Christians alive today will be going through any part of the horrors of that 7 year period. (In other words, Jesus will rapture the Christians to heaven prior to the Tribulation!) Pastor Crone is always very informative yet very clear and easy to comprehend in his explanations. And very much in line with what the Bible tells us!! The following video is by prophecywatchers.com, and the host Gary Stearman's discussion with Pastor Crone.
Time is short!
Look around you today and witness Bible Prophecy coming true now !
Jesus loves you and wants to hear from you!
If you turn to Him in faith right now and believe that He only is the way, the truth, and the life -
Guess what?!
Jesus will welcome you with arms wide open and embrace you with love and forgiveness !!
Following are Salvation Scriptures for those not yet saved - that have not yet put their faith and belief in Jesus as the Savior. They must realize that Jesus paid their sin debt in full when He died and shed His precious blood - as the Lamb of God - so that He ransomed them, something only He could do, because none of us can save ourselves- our sin debt is too enormous and only the Sacrificial death of the Son of God can wipe the slate clean and pay our debt for us ! You must repent and pray for forgiveness, and believe with all of your very being that Jesus is the Savior !
"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
Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend - and Life !!
Many Bible scholars have written and lectured extensively for years regarding Babylon the Great as mentioned in the Bible. The most popular view - as to accuracy - has been challenged lately. Please watch the following 29 minute video from prophecywatchers.com, with Gary Stearman as host interviewing Doug Woodward concerning Woodward's insights and views on where Babylon (or "Babylon the Great's daughter" ) just might be located. Gary and Doug Woodward also discuss other scholars viewpoints as to the whereabouts of Babylon the Great ! A fascinating discussion !
More about the end times we are currently experiencing, and also about the identity of Babylon the Great may be found by going to the "Search box" in the upper right hand side of this page and entering such topics as "Babylon the Great, end times, the Rapture, last days signs, Mark of the beast, " and so on. You may also find articles concerning faith, hope, salvation, forgiveness, etc. Many of the articles will also have videos.
Did you realize that 80% of Christians today do not believe in a pre-tribulation Rapture? (So said in the above video). My personal opinion as to the "why" of that fact may lie in the unfortunate truth that many of today's professing Christians do not read their Bibles! Oh, many may open them while at church services, and some may read devotionals such as "Our Daily Bread" or Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost for His Highest", and the like. Which is all fine and good - even excellent - practice. But nothing compares to reading the actual Word of God daily and in depth - prayerfully and expectantly and reverently! All Scripture is God-breathed! 2 Timothy 3:16
Following is another 29 minute video by prophecywatchers.com, with Gary Stearman and his co-host Mondo Gonzales discussing the so-called "Rapture Wars" of today - meaning the different beliefs as to the timing of the Rapture (pre-trib, pre-wrath, etc.) and how Christians can get argumentive concerning their beliefs thereof. As brought out in the following video, "The gift of faith does not require you to know everything. If your faith is whole and true, you will be raptured!" (no matter what view you might have as to the timing of the Rapture - whether before the Tribulation or after the Trib. or whatever!)
Some time ago I read a quote by A.W. Pink which said, in effect, "If you do not understand all of Scripture (or it is not necessary to understand all of Scripture) - just Believe!" I am paraphrasing it because I could not find it again on the Internet today to quote it exactly, mainly because I did not want to spend time looking for it in my urge to hurry and get this article posted now. When you think about it, Pink's quote is a wonderful insight into what true faith is! If you don't understand all of Scripture, just believe it in faith because God cannot lie, and He certainly is telling us the truth in His Holy Word!
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." - Hebrews 11:6
"And when He saw their faith, He said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee." - Luke 5:20
"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. Believeth 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
The last post on this blog (scroll down) was concerning God's faithfulness with a sermon by Pastor Chuck Smith based on Lamentations the third chapter, verses 21 to 24,which follow:
"This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him."
This post will continue with more about the good Lord's faithfulness. We need - during these chaotic and lawless times - to have something hopeful to hang on to, and what better hope than to dwell on God's faithfulness, and the fact that His promises will all come true! The hope that true believers in Jesus as the Savior have far better things on the horizon which are soon to transpire!
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of that 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
Part of the secret to endurance, besides the fact that God's promises will always come true - as they always have - (and to have faith that that is for sure), is to wait patiently with endurance for Him to ease our burdens and to comfort us with His presence (which He does right now to some degree), but also we have the blessed hope of Jesus' return for His "sheep" and the hope of eternal life in a much better place than what this present world offers.
Verses 25 and 26 of Lamentations 3 encourages us : "The LORD is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD."
Part of "seeking" the Lord, is not just the initial coming to salvation, but to continually seek Him after that - everyday - by frequent daily prayer and to pour over His Holy Word the Bible daily, as a continual feast to feed you spiritually. Someone has said, "A prayerless Christian is a Christ-less Christian."
This blog has stressed often that the good Lord wants to fellowship with His people. When we do that by much prayer and Bible reading and studying, we will grow to know the Lord better; to know His attributes and character; and thereby learn to love Him more and more, day by day. It is like with your friends and loved ones: the more time you spend with them, the better you know them and the more you love them and want to spend time with them. That is how we should feel about the LORD. You will find that a warm, loving, close, intimate, personal relationship will develop between you and God through His Son Jesus Christ - when you fellowship with the good Lord constantly. That is what it is all about, folks! Nothing is more important than your relationship with the Lord! Nothing!
Following is a 36 minute Christian video titled : "The Stage Is Set For the Second Coming." I highly encourage you to watch it because there are many spiritual gems to be found there... about your Christian walk, as well as the fact that our Savior could return at any time now.
Going back to the faithfulness of God: faithfulness is an attribute of God. But to obtain the fulness of the faithfulness of God, we must realize that it depends on our walking with God and yielding to the guidance of His Holy Spirit. We, too, therefore should be faithful to read and obey His Word and His Will. Think about it: we only have that faith and have our own faithfulness by God's grace anyway! When we receive Christ as our Lord, the Holy Spirit indwells us and brings the blessings of love, peace, joy, and faithfulness... Galations 5:22; Ephesians 1:13
"And the heavens shall praise Thy wonders, O LORD: Thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints." - Psalm 89:5
[Red Flowers of Cannonball Tree]
Another way to view God's faithfulness is to realize the fact that God will NOT fail you !! or abandon you!!
"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." - Hebrews 13:5
The basis of the above verse at Hebrews 13:5 is from the Old Testament: Joshua 1:5, which tells us:
"I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
Charles Haddon Spurgeon wrote a devotional about "He Never Fails" based on Joshua 1:5, a portion of that devotional follows:
"Beloved, a life of warfare is before us, but the LORD of Hosts is with us. ...... Have we to contend with cunning and powerful enemies? Here is strength and valor, prowess and victoryl Have we a vast heritage to win? By this sign we shall achieve our purpose: the LORD Himself is with us. .... When I meet death, who is called the last enemy, I pray that I may be at peace. Only let my great care be to please the LORD in all things. Oh, for faith and holiness, for these are a pleasure unto the Most High."
[Taro Fields, Overlook Near Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii]
Keep watching !
Keep looking up!
Your redemption is near!
Following are salvation Scriptures for those who may not yet have accepted and believed in Jesus as the Savior. These verses are also excellent for Christians to share with unsaved loved ones .
Here is a short 8 minute video by Dr. Charles Stanley on the subject of salvation; please watch!
Remember, simply repeating "a sinner's prayer" does NOT, in itself, save you. It is good to have a model or example to help one to understand, but many have mindlessly repeated a formula type prayer and thought they were saved but by their lifestyle, etc., showed evidence that they were not truly born again. You are saved by faith and belief in Jesus as THE SAVIOR! Realize that His shed blood can wash you clean of your sins and save you for life eternal. You must repent - a complete change of mind in conformity to the Lord's will, and then turn your life around to be obedient to His commands (as best we frail finite humans are able to do). It would be best to say your own heartfelt and sincere prayer, and to ask for His forgiveness.
Think how Jesus suffered an agonizing death for you, bled for you, died for you, so that you might have life eternal! He paid your sin debt in full at His death. It was a debt so great that none of us could ever have paid it on our own. (Works do NOT save you!) Ephesians 2:8-9
What love !
What mercy!
The least we can do is follow Him as best we can and share the Gospel with lost souls! Out of our own love for Him and our gratitude to Him for all He has done for us.
Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend - and life !!
I had spent much time preparing for this post, but last night while laying in bed and praying, I felt led to focus on different Scriptures and a different topic. So, with the good Lord's help (as always) here goes !
Believe me, without praying in advance for the Holy Spirit's guidance, these blog posts would not be possible! Jesus tells us at John 15:5 = "I am the vine, ye are the branches; he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing."
That is something the world in general does not even understand; meaning people who are not spiritually minded and who concern themselves only with the material and secular view of life in this mixed up world. They may think that Christians who devote their time and thoughts on the good Lord and His will are fanatics or just crazy. But what matters is What God and Jesus think! How the good Lord views a person; not how the world judges a person.
"But the LORD said unto Samuel, look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance; but the LORD looketh on the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7
The sermon following is from the Bible book of Lamentations. But before that, here is a brief 7 minute very informative overview of Lamentations:
Before the sermon video by Pastor Chuck Smith, let us consider Lamentations 3:21-24 :
"This I recall in my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him."
What encouraging words for us today in this modern, topsy-turvy world ! Pastor Smith, who passed away in 2013, was the founder of the Calvary Chapel Churches. His 29 minute sermon is based on Lamentations 3:21-24.
God is a promise keeper! Pastor Smith, in the above video, tells us: "God will keep His promises to you - it all depends on where you stand with God."
Remember the old hymn, "Great is Thy Faithfulness"? It ties in with Pastor Chuck's sermon above and I felt it needed to be included here for you. Enjoy !
In the sermon here by Pastor Smith, he tells us (1) "It is good to be on God's side" - and (2) "Hope in God and wait for His salvation."
Many people today realize things are just in a turmoil in this world (and that is an understatement!) They see no way out - like no relief is ever going to be possible. The Bible prophesied about our day! We are in the end of this dispensation- the end of the Church age! Read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 concerning occurances proving these are now the end times !
Jesus tells us at Luke 21:25-26 : "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."
But then pay attention to what Luke 21:27 and 28 tells us ! "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh."
True believers in the good Lord realize all this chaos and upheaval occuring today is proof that Jesus' return will be very soon to rapture His Bride (The Church, true followers of Christ).
Will you be Rapture Ready?
Jesus loves you, and He is waiting to hear from you!
When you put your faith in Him and believe with all of your very soul - all of your very being- that He is the Savior and the only way to heaven; that His shed blood at Calvary can wash you clean from your sins because He paid your sin debt in full by His ransom death -- He died in your place and took on your sins so that you may have eternal life if you but believe in Him as the Redeemer- Just BELIEVE!!
"Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." - Romans 5:9
However, you do need to repent of your sins in all sincerity, as well as pray with all of your heart and soul for forgiveness ! At Matthew 4:17 it tells us: "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
This world is dying! In Jesus, we LIVE!
When you run to Jesus in faith, He will welcome you with open arms and embrace you with His love and His forgiveness!
Following are some "Salvation Scriptures" for those who may not yet have believed in Jesus Christ as the Savior. Also, the following verses are good for you who are already Christians to share with unbelieving relatives or friends to help bring them to salvation. We are only vessels - we do NOT save anyone - but we share the Gospel with others and God's Holy Spirit saves them !
"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
"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 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
Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend - and life !!
We all have often heard how children, when on a road trip with parents, will impatiently and constantly repeat "Are we there yet?" We who are true children of the heavenly Father are, in today's perilous times, wondering the same thing in regards to the soon return of Jesus as to when our "flight 777 to heaven on Titus213 airlines" will occur? We ARE almost there! Trust the good Lord! Hold on Tight to faith in Jesus and in His promises!
A wonderful and comforting promise of Jesus is found at John 14:1-4 which follows:
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. 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 again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know."
That is our blessed hope! Titus 2:13, 14 tells us: "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."
Many Christians today are feeling "battle weary." But we must not lose hope! We must keep the faith! God's promises never fail! The fact that His Holy Word the Bible prophesied about these current last days and how those prophesies are now daily - even hourly, or by the minute - coming true right before our very eyes ; that should all the more increase our faith and hope that our "battle" on this earth will be over soon when we meet our beloved Jesus ! Yes, many have said our life on earth is but a "journey" or a "pilgrimage", and that is very true. But as for these last days we find ourselves caught up in - it is a true battle ! A spiritual battle!
Romans 8:35-39 informs us: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For Thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
When the apostle Paul in the above verses mentions angels, principalities, powers, he, for the most part, refers to spiritual forces such as fallen angels and evil entities and, yes, the devil. All of which wage war against true believers in the Lord. This battle ground, so to speak, is further discussed in Ephesians, which speaks of the "whole Armor of God." Please, please read all of Ephesians 6, as well as all of Romans 8 as well.
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." - Ephesians 6:10-13
Following is an excellent 13 minute video about the Armor Of God and what it means and entails:
As we all know, many during the past year have suffered extreme losses, such as the death of a loved one, loss of employment, and the list goes on. But God wants us to learn from what we are going through, so it says in the following 13 minute video. It says, "God isn't letting you down, He's letting you learn!"
Another excellent video which follows stresses for us to focus on God and not our battles!
One more wonderful video for you ! It is 13 minutes in length and tells us the ONLY THING we can take to heaven with us. A must watch for all Christians!
In view of the fact that these are the last moments of the last days, it is imperitive that all persons concern themselves where they will spend eternity. Remember, eternity is a long time to spend in the wrong place - the wrong place being hell!
For any unsaved persons reading this blog, and for any believers who have unsaved relatives that they might want to share the following Salvation Scriptures with, please take heed to the following:
"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
"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 !!
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 withHim, 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 !!
As stated previously on this blog, to live in Hawaii has been said to be like living in Paradise! But we all know where the very best dwelling-place is! HEAVEN! And, later, during the 1000 year reign of Christ, we will enjoy life again on this earth. More about the millennial reign on another post here in the future, perhaps.
We believers can enjoy a sense of dwelling with the good Lord right now. The following verse at Deuteronomy 33:27 gives an explanation of what is meant:
"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: " - Deut. 33:27 a
One commentator has given a wonderful explanation on the above Scripture: "God is the refuge or dwelling-place of His people, their protection amid the storms of life, and the unfailing source of comfort and blessing to them in their pilgrimage state. Over them is His sheltering protection, and underneath them the support of His everlasting arms."
On the subject of God's everlasting arms and the Eternal God, here follows an excellent 37 minute sermon by Pastor Chuck Smith (now deceased) who was the founder of the Calvary Chapel Churches.
Pastor Smith tells us that God's everlasting arms are to "hold us up, and to take care of us", and "When you hit bottom... great! Because underneath you are the everlasting arms." Also, Pastor Chuck reminds us "Don't fight tomorrow's battles with today's strength."
Miller was a 19th Century (1840-1912) American author and Pastor. You may check the Internet for more information about him.
Please read all of this article above if you possibly can. It is very encouraging, and a very tender and loving message. Following are portions of Miller's article:
"We are not fighting our own battles unaided. We are not alone, unsheltered, unprotected, in this great world of danger. We are kept by the power of God. God's omnipotence encircles us and enfolds us. The things that are too strong for us we need not fear - for Almighty Arms are encircling us. .... Our part, then, is simple TRUST ! ...... This picture of God embracing His children with His arm, tells of His love for them. It tells also of intimacy, closeness of relation. .... God draws us nearest when we are in trouble or we are in pain! The "arm" is also the symbol of strength. A mother's arm may be physically frail - but love makes it strong. The arm of God is strong. It is omnipotent. It supports the worlds! When that Divine arm encircles one of His feeble children - all the power of the universe cannot tear it away! .... Then, when death comes, and every earthly thing is gone from beneath us, and every hand unclasps from ours, and every face of love fades from our eyes, and we sink away into what seems darkness and the shadow of death, it will be only into the Everlasting Arms....." (end of quote.)
You will enjoy the following hymn "Leaning on the everlasting arms".
Jeremiah 32:27 :"Behold, I Am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for Me?"
Jeremiah 17:7 : "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is."
Isaiah 26:3,4: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength."
Hebrews 10:37: "For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry."
As I uploaded my photograph of the butterfly, I thought "metamorphosis" in my mind immediately. We all know that particularly applies to insects such as a butterfly. It was first a worm - a caterpillar- when it was in the chrysalis state, before it changed and developed into a beautiful creature as above. So the word metamorphosis means any change of form or shape; a transformation. Not only where insects are concerned: it can mean ANY change of form or shape! (So explains Webster's 1828 dictionary.)
That is true of a sinner when he sincerely repents and turns in faith and belief in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Did you realize that the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, refers to man as a "worm"? Check out Job 25:6, Psalm 22:6, and Micah 7:17. And God Himself refers to Israel (Jacob) also as a worm in Isaiah 41:14 which follows:
"Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel."
The point is, the same can be said today of when a sinner, a "worm" in a sense (who is not a Christian) is transformed into a new creature when he becomes a true believer in Jesus Christ as the Savior. If he is truly saved and born again, he will change and become more Christlike and he will learn to rid his life of anything that hinders his walk with the Lord.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17
If Jesus were to return today or next week, or in the following months (no one knows the day or the hour, the Bible tells us) - if the Savior would return soon for His true believers, would you be raptured to heaven to be with Him?
Are you Rapture Ready?
If you are not saved by faith and belief that Jesus' shed blood at the cross can save you - by wiping the slate clean, so to speak- because He died in our place - He ransomed us - He paid our sin debt for us, in full ! Just believe in Him and in His resurrection; repent and pray for forgiveness - in all sincerity and with all of your very being and soul !
Following are Salvation Scriptures :
"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 saith 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
The above will occur stronger over time after you have been saved; you may not understand much about reformation and restitution and sanctification when you are first born again. After all, you are a "babe in Christ" at first; but saved indeed (!!) if you have a faith and belief in Jesus as the Savior - a true repentance and salvation. Other things (such as restitution and giving up certain habits and the like) will take time to realize and also to learn to know what it is to follow in Christ's footsteps. What saves you is NOT WORKS but Faith! However, if you are "born again", works will naturally follow.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2: 8-10
Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend - and life!
The red rose especially is symbolic of love - a gift to give to your sweetheart or wife. At least that is very true in America. This article will concern itself with the subject of LOVE - specifically love for God and neighbor.
"And Jesus answered him: The first of all the commandments is, Hear O Israel, the LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." - Mark 12:29-31
The first thought that popped into my mind as I typed the above words of Jesus was : There is so little love in the world today! I remember when I was young and as an adult, how people were more loving and friendly. Driving down country roads, perfect strangers would wave at you in your car from their car as you drove past them, and people on their front porches - again, perfect strangers - would wave at you as well as you drove past their house ! This was in the deep south, true, and Southerners tend to be friendlier than other parts of the U.S.A. - not always, but as a rule.
Today, well, what can I say. We now have "social distancing" and people are on edge with all the drastic changes of late - such as lockdowns, etc. But let's not linger on all of this, except first to share another scripture which is found at 2 Timothy 3:1-5 :
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good. Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
Wow! That certainly describes things and people in these last moments of the end times which we are now experiencing ! Even Christians are affected in that they are more cautious and less trusting of others like they once were. Those verses above at 2 Timothy 3:1-5 are not alone in predicting the end times' signs, etc. By the way, please read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 for more end times signs.
More information will follow here on the two commandments - to love God and neighbor - but first follows two wonderful sermons on that subject by Charles Spurgeon. Briefly, Charles Spurgeon was a famous and much loved Baptist minister in England who lived from 1834 to 1892. You may find out more about him from searching the Internet.
The first sermon titled "The Secret of Loving God", which is 44 minutes long, follows:
In the above audio video, Spurgeon tells us that our love for Christ is based on a great mystery! Love in itself is hard to explain as it is. True love of God/Jesus, explains Spurgeon, over powers us, and is not because of effort or out of duty; we simply love God as God, by knowledge and faith. One thing Spurgeon brings out, which I have found to be true in my own walk with the Lord, is that if you just meditate and think with love and gratitude on all that God has done for you and how He has shown His love for you in so many ways, then your love for Him will grow and grow the more you dwell on His love and grace and tender mercies towards you!
The following 51 minute audio sermon by Charles Spurgeon is about loving your neighbor. He brings out that we should treat everyone well. Just an interesting note: The sermon here on loving God received over 400,000 more views than the sermon here on loving your neighbor! and they were published in the same year within a month of each other on You Tube !
Obviously, if your neighbor does you harm in any way and proves to be your enemy, sometimes it is best to avoid all contact with them or as much as possible. However, Jesus tells us that we should still love our enemies and we are to pray for them!
"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. " - Matthew 5:41-45
Following is a commentary by G. Petter on "The Properties of Love":
"Because many deceive themselves in thinking that they love God, when they do not, it is needful to set down the marks of the true love of God, by which we may ascertain whether it be in us or not. The principal are these:
1. A deliberate preferring and esteeming of God above all things in the world, though never so excellent or dear to us.
2. A desire to be united and joined to God in most near communion with Him, both in this life and the next.
3. A high estimation of the special tokens and pledges of God's love to us: the Bible, sacraments, etc.
4. A conscientious care to obey God's will, and to serve and humor Him in our calling.
5. Joy and delight in the duties of God's service and worship.
6. Zeal for God's glory, causing in us a holy grief and indignation when we see or hear that God is dishonored by sin.
7. Love is bountiful, making us willing and ready to give and bestow much upon the person we love.
8. True love to the saints and children of God. "
On "The Nature of our love to Christ", Charles Spurgeon comments:
1. It must be sincere, with all the heart.
2. Intelligent, with all the mind.
3. Emotional, with all the soul.
4. Intense and energetic, with all the strength."
"Dear God, please make my days useful, my nights restful, my home peaceful, and my efforts fruitful." - comment on You Tube
"The more sorrowful you are to God, the more He will use you." - Pastor Jack Hibbs
"No matter your circumstances, if you are in the will of God, God is responsible for getting you through it." - Dr. Charles Stanley
"Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the ONE Who is leading." - Oswald Chambers
"In every trouble, we should first seek to realize God's presence with us. Only : let us enjoy His smile, and we can bear our daily cross with a willing heart for His dear sake." - Charles Spurgeon
Here is a lovely hymn by Maranatha Music titled "I Love You Lord" :
Much has been written on this blog about how we are now living in the last moments of the end times, as prophesied in the Bible. Many theologians and Bible Scholars are convinced that this is so. If you go to the "Search Box" in the upper right hand side of this page and enter such topics as " end times, Rapture, signs of last days, Bible prophecy fulfilled, convergence of end time signs, 7 year Tribulation, " etc. you will find much information on these subjects, some articles with videos.
"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." - Proverbs 29:2
If Jesus were to return tonight or tomorrow or soon thereafter, would you be Rapture ready? Only those who are true believers in Jesus as the Savior will be taken to heaven to be with the Lord. That means that you have put your faith in Jesus as the promised Savior: He is the only way to heaven! He paid our sin debt in full at the Cross; He took our place and died for us; His shed blood, as the Sacrificial Lamb of God, washes our sins away (wipes the slate clean) when we surrender in complete faith and belief in Him as the Savior. We must sincerely and totally repent of our sins, pray for forgiveness, and totally commit ourselves to Jesus as His servants. Mean it with all of our very being! Not a mere head knowledge only, but bursting within ourselves and overflowing in faith and gratitude to the Savior of our souls!
Jesus loves you!
He is waiting to hear from you!
He will welcome you into His loving arms in a secure embrace of love and forgiveness !
Following are Salvation Scriptures for you:
"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 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
"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 !
The yellow flowers in my photograph above rather remind one of "sunshine", or at least are a joyful expression of beauty from God. Actually, all of creation is a testimony to God's love and His majesty and His love for humankind. Yet, sometimes we humans suffer much adversity, some of our own making, and some from people, and - yes - some adversity from the heavenly Father Himself. This post will dwell mostly on the good aspects of the "Why" we sometimes suffer trials and the like.
Remember - some of you older folks - that movie made in 1955 starring Susan Hayward titled: "I'll Cry Tomorrow?" The movie was about the life of a popular Broadway star and singer named Lillian Roth, who later fell on hard times. You can look more info up about her and the movie on the Web. Even years later, I found myself thinking about that saying "I'll Cry Tomorrow" when I had trouble or hardship. My point, however, is to here stress the attitudes we have - the choice to either be sorrowful or to be happy. And, more importantly, God's purpose behind any suffering we might experience.
Now sometimes we just cannot avoid being sorrowful! Such times as the death of a loved one, or the betrayal of a friend, or extreme physical pain or some type of illness; and just plain being heartbroken! We all recognize that to be a fact.
The good Lord knew we would have troubles in this evil world, and told us:
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me." - John 14:1
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." - John 14:27
The apostle Peter tells us at 1 Peter 5:7, "Casting all your care upon HIM, for He careth for you."
"For HIS anger endureth but a moment; in His favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." - Psalm 30:5
One commentator on the above verse has said : "The return of God's favor to an afflicted soul is like life from the dead - nothing so reviving. All our bliss is bound up in God's favor; and if we have that, we have an infinite treasure, whatever else we may want."
The above quote is especially true when we have sinned and/or have a tender conscience. And maybe one has "backslidden", or for some other reason feels as if God has withdrawn His presence from him. Another commentator has observed that, when God seems distant, "this loneliness of soul, this desolation of spirit, shall be removed, and the light shall again shine." [then joy in the morning will return].
Remember that God is love. 1 John 4:7, 8 makes that clear in these verses shown below:
"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
Psalm 30:5 above tells us that God's anger endureth for a moment. One commentator says that not only is God's divine anger consistent with His divine love, but that anger is absolutely essential to righteous love. "Because God is righteous, He is also angry with the wicked, with corruption... falsehood, envy, hatred, strife..." and God will punish accordingly as a parent does his rebellious child.
A commentator at the "Biblical Illustrator" explains..." I do not say weeping is the messenger of God's anger, and that joy, on the other hand, is the messenger of His love. They are both messengers of His will; they both subserve His redemptive purposes; both of them alike may be messengers of His anger, as both of them alike may be messengers of His love. ..... when the house is hushed and low with grief, when the heart is low, followed - as blessed be God! -they are followed - by days of gladness, by giving "the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness" ....... Through weeping and through joy, through this strangely mingled experience of human life, God is slowly working out that great purpose and toward that great end, the eternal good of all His creatures."
What a wonderful and beautiful explanation above of why we sometimes (or often) suffer! Many who are Christians already know much about this fact, but some may be reading who are not believers who would benefit from the above comments.
Considering the fact that we are living in the last moments of the end times as prophesied by the Bible, here is a wake up sermon by Pastor Charles Lawson. Not about prophecy itself, but about the certainty of death and the choice people must make!
Following is a hymn that has been posted here previously, but here it is once more:
As brought out in Pastor Lawson's sermon above and many times on this blog, in order to have eternal life, we need to put our faith and belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior, and the only way to find true happiness and eternal life! Following are some Scriptures for those of you who are not saved and have not believed in the shed blood of Jesus at the Cross to save you -- He paid your sin debt in full by dying in your place at Calvary -- He was the sacrificial Lamb who redeemed you, if you but put your faith in Him. It is not a head knowledge, not intellectual knowledge. You will know with all of your being that He is the only way, the truth, and the life! (John 14:6) -- if you are truly born again ( a spiritual birth from above.)
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 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
