The above parrots I photographed in Waikiki ! Their owner was nearby. Just felt like sharing this today.... maybe because we Christians should be "parroting" to others about the signs of the end times - which we are most definitely experiencing now - and, most importantly: sharing about the hope and salvation and eternal life found only by believing in Jesus Christ as the only way to heaven, the only way to the Father.
"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
The post here on September 17, 2020, was concerned mostly with the proper fear and reverence of God. While doing my Bible Study this morning, part of it was focused on Psalm 130: 3-7. I hope you will take the time to read all of that Psalm. Following are verses 3 and 4:
"If Thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O LORD, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with Thee, that Thou mayest be feared."
If God were not a forgiving God (to those who are truly repentant and are sorrowful for sinning and disobeying the good Lord) - we would be toast if He were cruel and unforgiving towards us. We would fear to approach a God who was harsh and "out to get us"! We would run the other way. But knowing that the Lord is forgiving and merciful, we sinners may come to Him in faith and can be assured of His mercy and forgiveness. One commentator says on Psalm 130:4 "Not a fear of bondage, but of LOVE, fearing to offend."
Love for God will make you want to spend time with Him. This and more is brought out in the following 6 minute sermon clip by Pastor David Wilkerson.
Here is a link to the latest report from prophecynewswatch.com. There is more than one article you might find interesting (and shocking) concerning current events as relates to Bible Prophecy. For one, China is on the way to becoming a superpower; for another, the recent peace treaty (Abraham Accord), is it preparation for the antichrist? Check it out, as there is more information pertinent to our very lives.
Some of you may be familiar with Mark Hitchcock, a prominent pastor and author of today. Here below is a 10 minute video concerning the Mark of the Beast, Armageddon , and the Great Tribulation, and more. Those who regularly keep themselves updated on these things may already be familiar with what Mark Hitchcock has to say, but it is still beneficial to watch, especially for newcomers to Bible Prophecy and how what the Bible told us in times past is coming true today at a fast and furious rate ! Which proves we are now experiencing the last moments of the last days and that Jesus will return soon for His followers before the Tribulation begins.
Pastor Hitchcock has his own You Tube channel, which I discovered today. Check it out !
Also, for end times signs, please read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. We do not know the day or the hour, but Jesus told us we would recognize the "season" of His return. We are now in that season!
You may, as well, go to the search box on the top, right hand side of this page and enter such things as : "signs of last days, convergence of prophetic signs, Rapture, 7 year Tribulation, the Mark of the Beast" and so on. And there are articles on Forgiveness, Endurance, Peace, and the like. Some of these other articles also have videos.
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure." - 1 John 3:2-3
In verse 3 above, let us consider what it means to "purify ourselves."
No way does it mean that we have the power on our own to purify or cleanse ourselves. We should put forth some effort to become more like Jesus, however; we do that when we read our Bibles and note the Savior's graces and attributes to learn how we also should behave as His true followers. When we are truly born again by sincere faith in Jesus as the Savior, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). Also, remember what the Lord said at John 14:23, which follows:
"If a man love Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."
You will have the Lord's spirit living within you, and that will enable you to be "pure" in the sense that He will be transforming you into His own image. We all realize that we will never be totally pure or perfect until we are in glory ! But we should make it our top priority to live for Christ and we should reflect His attributes as much as we possibly can. But it can only be done with His Spirit enabling us. And remember, the various trials and sufferings we endure, and (as one commentator says) :"by a thousand tests..... by infinitely varied images of mercy.....by the martyrs fortitude and the missionary's sacrifice....proved itself in many a patient and suffering life.... these are among its constituent arts..." As you endure trials, you will turn more and more to the good Lord in prayer for help and strength and guidance, and that in turn will draw you closer to Him as well as increase your faith and trust in Him; especially when He answers your prayers!
"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." - Jesus at John 15:5
The words of Jesus in the above verse says it all ! In order to bear fruit (and to become more Christ- like) we need Him to help us.
So do not be fearful when all these "strange new world" affairs occur; they were prophesied in the Bible to happen in these end times. Instead, realize that soon we true followers of Jesus will be in heaven with the Lord; before the evil 7 year Tribulation occurs. We are out of here soon, believers! Now that is something to look forward to with great joy !
"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." - Luke 21:28
