"Keep It Simple!" (With Videos - One by Pastor Chuck Smith) - Inspirational Weekend

 While viewing the following sermon video by Pastor Chuck Smith, it occurred to me that I have not always kept it "simple" on this blog.  In my enthusiasm to help others, I tend to include as much information as possible for your benefit because I know the times are urgent and also that Jesus will return soon and my wish is for many to come to a saving faith in Him so that they may be raptured to heaven to be with Him before the 7 year horrific Tribulation period begins.  

Pastor Chuck Smith's sermon is based upon 2 Corinthians 11:3 which follows:

"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."

Pastor Smith's sermon is 40 minutes long;  I pray that you watch all of it, as I feel it is one of his best!

Pastor Chuck says to "simply teach the Word of God simply."  He reminds us that the Pharisees of Jesus' day were mainly interested in all the minute details... and skipped mercy, and faith, and justice.

The posts on this blog tend to give a broad explanation of salvation, but only to edify and to make sure you understand what salvation is all about.  Much is said here about the power of Jesus' shed blood, and how He was the Sacrificial Lamb;  there  is no salvation without the shedding of His blood to pay our sin debt in full as He took our place on that Cross, so that by belief in Him and His atonement we may have everlasting life.   

I am reminded of how some people, at large assemblies by prominent evangelist, make a "decision" to follow Christ by coming forward, etc.  But statistics have proven that many of them - most of them, in fact -  fall away and don't last long.  My opinion is (and also the opinions of others that study such things) that they just don't understand that it is much more than a "decision"- more than a head knowledge of Jesus or that it is simply the right thing to do.  They need to be told salvation is a total, strong commitment to  follow in Christ's footsteps as best they can; a total surrender to the Lord, and giving up their will to always endeavor to do His will -  to obey Him.  Much more than that, it involves a love and devotion to Him that is truly heart-felt; an all consuming desire to please Him with all of your heart, mind, and soul !

 In other words, some people think they are saved when in actuality they are not. Saying a sinner's prayer one time and then going on about being totally living for worldly things and desires, does not mean you are necessarily a Christian.  Some professing Christians never read their Bible and hardly, if ever, pray.  Sanctification is  a process, it doesn't all happen overnight, that is true.

Having said all that, however, belief in Jesus as the Savior is what saves you.  Period!

Remember at Calvary, the thief on the cross near Jesus expressed faith in the Lord, and Jesus told him that he would be with Him in paradise. That thief had no opportunity to serve the Lord or do anything other than to express his belief in Jesus. ( Luke 23:39-43).  Also, when Paul and Silas were in prison and a miracle happened (an earthquake) that caused the prison doors to open and everyone's bands were loosed.  The jailer asked Paul and Silas what he must do to be saved,  and they said "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."  (Acts 16:25-34).

In 2017 here on this blog, a post was also made which shared this information and more.  Here is a link

A wonderful hymn that explains this truth of faith only in Jesus as the Savior is the old favorite titled "Just as I am"   Here it is for you who are not yet saved (and for us older saved ones to enjoy again)

"All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out."   Jesus at John 6:37

Another hymn to encourage unsaved souls is "Softly and Tenderly" found below:

Jesus will return soon!

Be Rapture Ready!

Jesus loves you and will welcome you with open arms in an embrace of  love and forgiveness!

 

Following are Salvation Scriptures !  If you are not saved, take these verses to heart, repent, and turn to the Lord and pray for forgiveness.  If you are sincere, God will answer that prayer and welcome you to His family!

 "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

"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

 

Just a short note:  Faith is number one!  Belief in Jesus as the Savior!

Although knowledge is important, a person can know all "about" Jesus and salvation, but that does not necessarily mean that he is truly saved.  

It is not "what" you know, but Who you know!

The important thing is to develop a close, intimate, loving, personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior!  We do that by much time in prayer and by much study and reading of God's Holy Word, the Bible.  The good Lord wants to fellowship with us!  You cannot get to know a person or be "friends" with Him if you never communicate with Him.  

The Lord expects and desires faith and belief from us! 

He expects and demands obedience from us, and to put His will first in our lives.  

All of which we will delight to do, and will want  to do, if we are truly saved, truly born again.

Believe in the Lord with all of your heart, mind, soul, strength !

"And Jesus answered and said unto 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, namely this, thou shalt  love thy neighbor as thyself.  There is none other commandment greater than these."    -  Mark 12:29-31

 Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and life!

 

 

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).

                                                                       *  *  *  *    *    *  

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!

It Won't Be Long Now ! Must Read Urgent Article And Videos About Current Events As Pertains to Bible Prophecy End Times

 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.

https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/

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.

                                                       [Torch Ginger]

"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

PROPHECY NEWS - GOG AND MAGOG WAR - ISRAEL'S NEW GOVERNMENT (With Videos)

 High and powerful surf as in my photograph above taken on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, has always been awe inspiring to me !  For that matter, all of the good Lord's creation leaves me in awe of His power and His majesty!  Not only the beauty of creation, but just the astounding fact that He in His majesty and sovereignty and wisdom -  and the list goes on! -  that our loving heavenly Father, Who can be so tender and merciful and loving towards us finite humans also has the power to create such awesomeness as found in nature -  and the universe, for that matter.

Recently I was amazed by God's power in another way --  that the nation of Israel is changing government -  a part Jewish and part Muslim government - which will lead to the entrance of the Antichrist soon !  Which means that   Ancient Bible Prophecy about the end times is coming true right now!!  The Jews will be deceived (not realizing he is the antichrist), however it has recently  been brought to my attention that the antichrist himself who will soon take over will also be part Jewish and part Muslim.  

Isaiah 10:5-6 says: "O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down" like the mire of the streets."

 

  Maybe more about that later. However, according to one scholar, the recent (under President Trump) Abraham Peace Accords are part Jewish and part Muslim.

Following is a recent 51 minute video by Amir Tsarfati concerning not only the new Israeli government, but also information on how close might be the Gog and Magog war ! Amir is a Christian Jew with a thriving ministry.  You will learn much from his video below!   

 Unfortunately, for some reason I cannot paste that video here.  Please go to You tube at Behold Israel and enter "Amir Tsarfati-  Middle East Update: how close are we to to Gog and Magog?  - posted on June 3, 2021

 

Here is another recent video by prophecywatchers.com with host Gary Stearman and his guest Billy Crone as they discuss the Tribulation, the Temple, and the Antichrist.  Of interest in this 29 minute video below is a short animated clip of what the coming new temple in Jerusalem will look like!  Pastor Crone thinks that perhaps part of the covenant with the antichrist will be to have the New 3rd Temple to be built.  

In the above video, Pastor Crone mentions that when, eventually, the Jewish people (during the 7 Year Tribulation) realize that the antichrist has "duped"  them, the antichrist will slaughter about 2/3 of the Jewish people.   

There is more information concerning that slaughter at   https://christinprophecy.org/articles/the-jews-in-end-time-bible-prophecy/      Check out paragraphs 8 and 9 in the article above.  Scriptures are given there for reference, including Zechariah 13:8-9 and Revelation 12:13-17.

Please, while at the above link  at Christinprophecy.org  , scroll down to the heading "Prophecies Concerning the Church".  It mentions that at the end of the millennium  (after the tribulation and armageddon) then the millennium which is the 1000 year reign of Christ on Earth)  then at the end of the millennium "we will be removed from this earth to the "New Jerusalem" which the Lord has been preparing for us, and from that vantage point, we will witness the greatest fireworks display in history as God envelopes this earth in fire, burning away the pollution of satan's last revolt  (2 Peter 3:10-13)." the article goes on to say, "out of that fiery inferno will come the New Heavens and the New Earth where we will live forever in the New Jerusalem in the presence of God and Jesus."   

I just felt like I must quote that part of the article above  because so many teach that it will not be a literal fire and a literal destruction -- but instead, a cleansing of some sort.  

I apologize for the links not working properly for this article.  Long story about computer issues!  Please make an effort to check out the important links given here!  Great info !

[Waikiki Beach at Dawn - Oahu, Hawaii]

Here is another video which explains in 44 minutes a general summary of prophetic truths.  It is by prophecy expert Don Stewart.... at educatingourworld.com.  But the video was for "hope for our times" channel by Pastor Tom Hughes.  This video is especially helpful for those "new" to the idea of Bible Prophecy coming true in these last days we find ourselves in at this time.  Don Stewart in the following video also talks about the Gog of Magog war.   At the end, he reminds us that the wicked will not understand what is actually taking place or the prophetic significance of it.   A must watch!  

Here is a devotional by Charles Spurgeon that rather fits in with this article's discussion.  It concerns us being glad of heart because of how wonderful our heavenly Father is to us, and because of His wonderful attributes that should lift our spirits to think on them, and of His many blessings.  Spurgeon bases his devotional on Psalm 149:2 which reads; "Let Israel rejoice in Him."

 

Spurgeon:   "Be glad of heart, O believer, but take care that thy gladness has its spring in the LORD.  Thou has much cause for gladness in thy God, for thou canst sing with David, "God, my exceeding joy."  Be glad that the LORD reigneth, that Jehovah is King!  Rejoice that HE sits upon the throne, and ruleth all things!  Every attribute of God should become a fresh ray in the sunlight of our gladness.  That HE is mighty should cause us to rejoice who tremble at our weakness.  That HE is everlasting, should always be a theme of joy when we know that we wither as the grass.  That HE is unchanging, should perpetually yield us a song, since we change every hour.   That HE is full of grace, that HE is overflowing with it, and that this grace in covenant HE has given to us; that it is ours to cleanse us, ours to keep us, ours to sanctify us, ours to perfect us, ours to bring us to Glory.

"All this should tend to make us glad in HIM.  This gladness in God is as a deep river; we have only as yet touched its brink; we know a little of its clear sweet heavenly streams, but onward the depth is greater and the current more impetuous in its joy.  The Christian feels that he may delight himself not only in what God IS , but also in ALL that  God has DONE in the past.  The Psalms show us that God's people in olden times were won't to think MUCH of God's actions,   and to have a song concerning each of them.  So let God's people NOW rehearse the deeds of the LORD!  Let them tell of HIS mighty acts, and "Sing unto the LORD, for HE hath triumphed gloriously."   Nor let them ever cease to sing, for as new mercies flow to them day by day, so should their gladness in the LORD's  loving acts in Providence and in Grace show itself in continued thanksgiving.  Be glad ye children of Zion and rejoice in the LORD your God.!"   - end of Spurgeon's quote.

Here is a short 11 minute sermon by the wonderful Christian channel on You Tube "Grace For Purpose."  It is titled: "God isn't asking you to be Perfect, He wants you to Trust Him in your Weakness"  .   

Take heart! Our Savior will return very soon!  Times are tough for many right now, but we true believers in the atoning shed blood of Jesus know that He has given us a hope which nothing can destroy.  We may face much difficulties of one sort or another, even have loved ones disappoint us... and the list goes on.  Not to mention the evil days in which we are now living.  I hope the above information and Scriptures encourage you to hang in there !

God loves you !  Have a blessed day!

"ARE YOU A SPIRITUAL MOURNER?" (Sermon Video By Pastor Chuck Smith) - (A.W. Tozer Devotional) - INSPIRATIONAL WEEKEND

 

                                       [Rainbow at Waimea Bay, North Shore - Oahu, Hawaii]

Rainbows are very special to me.  They remind me of God and His promises.  But not only that, if there are difficulties to face with uncertain consequences, viewing a rainbow cheers me and makes me feel that God is near.  Of course, when you are a true believer in the Savior Jesus Christ, you realize that the good Lord is always with you!   But we need to sometimes be reminded of that, and a rainbow does that for me.

"Thou art near, O LORD, and all Thy commandments are truth."  -  Psalm 119:151

"But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the LORD God, that I may declare all Thy works."  -  Psalm 73:28

So, what exactly is meant by spiritual mourning?  First, here is what Jesus had to say when He gave the Sermon on the Mount (the Beatitudes):

 "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."  -   Matthew 5:4

 

As stated above, it is a spiritual mourning, and not that of a melancholy disposition, nor sorrow over temporary distress, nor for destroyed hopes, and not even for the sorrow when we find ourselves in adversity of any type.  The main cause of this of this mourning Jesus spoke of is because of sin.    And for sin itself  rather than for the consequences of sin.  Even sorrow for secret sins; for sin as seen in the sight of our precious Lord Jesus.   Because as King David of old said: 

"Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight: that Thou mightest be justified when Thou speakest, and be clear when Thou judgest."    - Psalm 51:4

"Hide Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."  -  Psalm 51:9-10

King David sinned really big time during his life.  Psalm 51 deals with his repentance over his adultery with Bathsheba and of causing the murder of her husband.  How bad is that!  Yet David had true godly sorrow over his sins, and true repentance.   And God still felt about and called David "a man after His own heart"!

" .....  He raised up unto them David to be their king to whom also He gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all My will."   -  Acts 13:23

Also, remember how the apostle Peter denied Christ three times in one night, and when the Lord looked intently at him after his cruel denial, Peter wept bitterly.  Godly sorrow! Repentance!

 

 [ North Shore - Oahu, Hawaii]

Christians also mourn - and deeply - the sins of others.  This is especially true of family member's sins, but also of others - even to mourn the sins of one's nation and its leaders!  Jeremiah the prophet felt that way about his nation of Israel as seen in the following verses:

"Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!  On that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men."  -   Jeremiah 9:1,2

One Bible commentator has said:  "The mourning which will entitle a man to blessedness has these qualifications:  It is spontaneous and free: it must come as water out of a spring and not as fire from a flint.  The mourning is spiritual:  when we mourn for sin more than suffering.  We must mourn for sin as it is.  It is  (1) an act of hostility and enmity that affronts and resists the Holy Spirit. (2) sin is an ingratitude in its unkindness against God; (3)  A privation that keeps good things from us, and hinders our communion with God.

 

The same commentator tells us: "that  - with hope - believing that though our tears drop to the earth, our FAITH must reach heaven.    Our mourning must be joined with hatred of sin.  We must not only abstain from sin, but abhor it.   The dove hates the least feather of the hawk;  A true mourner hates the least motion to sin.   ....... Our mourning for sin must be constant.  ... A daily weeping, a daily mourning."

And concerning the mourner's being comforted:  "Spiritual comforts are pure:  they are not mudded with guilt, nor mixed with fear; they are the pure wine of the Spirit.  What the mourner feels is joy. The comforts God gives His mourners are sweet, for the love of God shed into the heart is said to be better than wine.  (Song of Solomon 1:2)   {The comforts from God} are Holy.  Divine comforts give the soul more acquaintance with God.  {These comforts} are satisfying as they fill the heart and make it run over; they are powerful; they strengthen for duty, and they support us under affliction.  ... The comforts of the Spirit are immortal and eternal.  Oh, how superlative are these comforts!"  (Comments from "The Biblical Illustrator")

Following is a 44 minute sermon on this subject and Matthew 5:4 by Pastor Chuck Smith, who was the founder of the Calvary Chapel Churches.  Pastor Smith passed away a few years ago.

Following is a quote from A.W. Tozer, who was an American preacher and author and he passed away in 1963.  

"What a strange paradox!  The atheistic free thinker rants and raves about the Bible being a "dangerous" book at the very same time that the Word Of God is speaking to my soul!  Strange indeed that some humans have the idea that the Word Of God can only be approached with shivering fears.  But that is true only of those who love their sin and hate their Savior.  The blessed truth is that if I hate my sin and love my Savior, the Word of God is a wonderful revelation, indeed, and a trustworthy guide.  We need to be aware always that if we do not keep the Word of God on our side, we will be miserable in our souls continually.  It is up to us.  What do we sincerely will to do with God and His revealed Word?   Years ago, the saintly George Mueller said he had read the Bible hundreds of times, and then he added, "with meditation."  Let us see to it that we read the Word.  More than that, we should actually explore it!"

 

 

[Dawn -  Ala Moana Beach Park -  Oahu, Hawaii]

Has it dawned on you that we are now living in the last moments of the end of this dispensation- the Age of Grace: The Church Age?  Look around you and you see all the signs of the beginning of the New World Order!   The signs that "the season" of Jesus' return is now upon us!   No one knows the day or the hour (but only our heavenly Father knows) when our blessed Savior will return for His true believers. (Matthew 24:36).   But the Bible and Jesus clearly gives us "signs" that His return is near.  Read Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21.  Much written there pertains to the tribulation period which follows the Rapture, true, but we see some of those signs happening NOW which means we must be in the "season" of our Lord's imminent return to take us heaven before the 7 year Tribulation begins. 

If Jesus returns today, or next week, or soon.....

Are you Rapture Ready?

  

  The main requirement is to believe that Jesus is the Savior and the only way to heaven and eternal life!    Jesus took our place on the Cross and paid our sin debt in full by shedding His precious blood (as the sacrificial Lamb of God) that we might be ransomed from our sins and forgiven by Him and God if we only have faith and believe! We are washed clean in Jesus' blood and when we are born again, and God sees us as saved from His wrath because God sees us through Jesus - we are cleansed  by the blood of Jesus!

 

Following are Scriptures that explain what Salvation entails.  If you are not a believer now in the Savior, it is urgent that you do so soon!   Eternity is a long time to spend in the wrong place : Hell !

"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

"But God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom we have now received the atonement."  -   Romans 5:8-11

"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

 

"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

 

One thing to be sure to do,  is to repent  of your sins and to sincerely pray for forgiveness in order to receive the Lord's forgiveness and blessing.

 

Matthew 4:17  tells us:  "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say,  Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

 

 

 

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

 

NOT A SUGGESTION, BUT A COMMAND: " ON LOVING GOD AND NEIGHBOR" - (With Two Videos by Charles Spurgeon) - Inspirational Weekend

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 !

"He Is At The Door! Look Up!" Also "How To Overcome A Spiritual Attack" (Leonard Ravenhill video on Suffering, Video on The Whole Armor of God) - Inspirational Weekend

Flowers cheer me up, even when I do not need cheering up; when all is well with me.  Most women, and some men, will agree that flowers and their beauty soothe the soul as well as being a delight to behold.

Actually, only the good Lord can truly and completely soothe the soul and give you hope and encouragement and a reason to live; and give you everlasting life if you believe in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus on the cross; that His shed blood cleanses you from all sin when you put your whole faith and belief in Him as the Savior.

This reminds me of the hymn "In Christ Alone".  I posted a video of that hymn recently on this blog.  Two stanzas stood out for me in that hymn :  "And as He stands in victory, sin's curse has lost its grip on me."   And, "No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand; Till He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I'll stand."

Just a note, people you knew before you were saved, cannot believe the change in you is real once you become a child of God by belief in His Son Jesus.  That applies to unsaved acquaintances of your past.   Not knowing the Scripture at Romans 8:1(nor any other Scriptures as well), and being carnally minded, they cannot grasp the new spiritual birth concept.  Most of the time  they will not listen to you or anything you have to say about Jesus or salvation.  Many of you true followers of Jesus have experienced this from others.

"Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you."   -  1 Peter 4:4  (KJV)

The NLT Bible renders the above verse:  "Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do.  So they slander you."

The following verse in Romans 8:1 is good to make them (former  unsaved associates) aware of ; and it is also encouraging for us as believers to focus on:

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."  -   Romans 8:1



This means your past sins have been erased in God's sight as the Father now sees you as washed clean by Jesus' sacrifice and redemptive work on the Cross.  When God sees you now, (as you being saved by faith) He sees you through Jesus. You are a new creation!

"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

Here again is a video of the hymn "In Christ Alone" :

It is very true, as many men of God have stated, that when you give your life to Jesus and become a sincere and devoted believer, the devil will attack you with various trials (and even doubts about your faith) because you are a threat to that evil deceiver and he hates you as he fears God. The devil is also angry because he once had you in his grip, but when you came to faith in Jesus the evil one had no more power over you.  And the devil, the slanderer, will endeavor to turn people and events against you.  

In my previous post last weekend (scroll down to view) there was included a short 4 minute sermon clip by Pastor Jack Hibbs on the subject "We are in a spiritual battle".  You might want to go there and watch it. 

Leonard Ravenhill said, " If you stir hell up [by sharing the Gospel or by just living a holy life ] the devil will stir up everything he can against you:  you'll get misrepresented, misunderstood......"

Let's go ahead and include that sermon by Ravenhill now.  It is only 25 minutes long.  The sermon is titled :"Suffering - the marks of God's approval".

  

"These people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoreth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me."   -   Jesus at Matthew 15:85

That verse directly above, spoken by Christ, applies to many who are mere professors of Christianity, and that are not truly born again.

"God's will: nothing more; nothing less; nothing else; at any cost."   -  author unknown

Note: the devil is also known as the destroyer at Revelation 9:11; and he is called a murderer and the father of lies at John 8:44; satan is called "the god of  this world" at 2 Corinthians 4:4; and, again, he is called the deceiver at Revelation 12:9.

Be on guard !  Recognize satan's tactics when they occur!

1 John 4:4 says: "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world."       

Most Christians are familiar with the above Scripture at 1 John, but following is some commentary on that verse they may find helpful and, in addition, unbelievers who might read this article may also be encouraged to come to faith and/or see Jesus working in your life by the following explanations:

Adam Clarke's Commentary tells us:  (on "ye are of God"); "Ye are under the influence of the Divine Spirit, and have overcome them (false teachers). Your testimony, proceeding from the Spirit of Christ, has invalidated theirs which has  proceeded from the influence of satan; for greater is the Holy Spirit which is in you, than the spirit which is in the world."

Today there are still false teachers as you know, but this verse can also apply to worldly people as well (those who are not saved and who do not believe in Jesus).  Watch your associations !                                 (1 Corinthians 15:33; James 4:4)

Albert Barnes tells us in his commentary on 1 John 4:4;   "God/Jesus, Who dwells in your hearts, and by Whose strength and grace alone you have been enabled to achieve this victory, is more mighty than satan, who rules in the hearts of the people of this world.... the apostle meant to say that it was by no power of their own that they achieved this victory, but it was to be traced to the fact that God dwelt among them, and had preserved them by His grace.   What was true then is true now. He who dwells in the hearts of Christians by His Spirit, is infinitely more mighty than satan, "the ruler of the darkness of this world."  And victory, therefore, over all his arts and temptations may be SURE.   In his conflicts with sin, temptation, and error, the Christian should NEVER DESPAIR,  for his God will insure him the victory."

Focus on the good Lord and the things above; be filled with the Holy Spirit and have a strong faith in God/Jesus. Do NOT focus on the bad and the negative; if you begin to do that, go to God in prayer and He will help you to overcome the negativity.  Have faith!

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."    -       Colossians 3:1,2

This article focuses on the devil more than I ever think about him; it was with the aim to make people aware of his evil schemes and how we must remain in close fellowship with the good Lord in order to overcome the wickedness of this world of today.

Do NOT focus on the evil one !!  Keep your focus on the things above!

Pray often !  Read your Bible often!     

Just a few more words of caution about the evil devil, and then let us please move on to good, and lovely, and pure things.

To put it bluntly, satan is after your mind!  Your mind is the devil's top priority.  To ward off this evil deceiver's attacks, you need to feed your mind often with God's Word (the Bible) and thereby reprogram your mind. (Romans 12:1,2). And, of course, be often in prayer. This, and much more, is brought out in the following 13 minute video.  This video gives the best explanation EVER on what the Bible calls the whole armor of God!  (Ephesians 6:10-18)

When the devil attacks you with doubts or any form of torment he can think of, tell that accuser, "I'm not wearing my own righteousness, I am wearing the righteousness of Jesus Christ."  So says the narrator in the above video.  You can also say out loud to the accuser and the deceiver,  "I plead the blood of Jesus."  That will send the devil away from you fast!  The name of Jesus has power!  

Suffering, therefore, according to Ravenhill, is the mark of a true believer, because he has the marks of God's approval.  Not all believers suffer as greatly as did Job or the apostle Paul, for example, but none of us are exempt from trials and hardships in this life.  As the Bible encourages us, trials will send you flying to the good Lord and on your knees in prayer, and you will therefore learn to rely on Him more and more as He molds and shapes you -  thereby producing a close, intimate, loving, and personal relationship that you will have with Him. And hardships and problems that seem insurmountable will help you to become more Christlike as you seek help and guidance and direction from God; and His answers to your prayers will build your faith, as well.

"Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets."   -  Jesus at Luke 6:26

That verse above can well apply to some of the "celebrity preachers" of today.

The secret of endurance?  Walk with God!

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"   -  Micah 6:8

Following is a daily devotional (published May 28 ) of Charles Stanley on the topic "The Storms of Life".  Please watch it; it takes only almost 3 minutes to view it.

The verses quoted in the above video are from 1 Peter 4:12-19.  After the verses above are read there is a brief commentary on them.  It would be beneficial for all of you to go to Dr. Stanley's devotions every day.  

[Cannonball Tree Blossoms]

The world we now live in is very different from when I was young.  It is very different also from even about 10 years ago.  As stated before on this blog, we are now seeing the beginning stages of the New World Order, or the One World Government; which will include the One World Economy and the One World (false) Religion.   There is much chatter on the Web about the soon to be cryptocurrency -  meaning the world will go "cashless."  That will set the stage for the future "Mark of the Beast (antichrist)" during the Tribulation which follows the Rapture of the Church, Jesus' Bride.  (Go to the "search box" in the upper right hand side of this page and enter such information as "cryptocurrency, ID 2020 Alliance, ID 2020 vaccine, New world order" and so on for more information.  Many other topics you may also enter such as "Faith, hope, salvation, forgiveness, the Rapture," etc.  )

Also, please check on the web concerning prophecies of these end times we are currently experiencing. But better yet, read your Bible daily and pray to the heavenly Father to guide you, and to help you know His will for you in all matters.

It is so very important to be in God's Word daily.  The Holy Spirit will give you understanding if you are a born again believer in Jesus as the Savior.

If you are a saved and true believer in the Redemptive work  of Jesus on the Cross, and you believe that He is the Savior and the only way to heaven; that His shed blood washes our sins away when we put our faith and trust in Him and when we believe with all of our very being that He alone is the way to heaven because He is the Savior...... then you will NOT be here for the soon to be 7 year Tribulation period.  Those 7 years will be hell on earth, full of horrific judgments and the wrath of God on the ungodly persons left on earth then.  There will be plagues and destruction such as we cannot even begin to fathom.  Read the Bible book of Revelation to find out more about the judgments and plagues and horrors of the Tribulation .  Actually, the 7 year Tribulation is also God's way to bring the Jewish people to come to acknowledge that Jesus is the true Messiah.

As stated above, true followers of Jesus will be raptured to heaven before the 7 year Tribulation when He returns soon - very soon - to take believers (the Church) to glory with Him.

There is a ton of information in this article !  The reason is, it could possibly be the last blog post I write.  I am hopefully waiting for Jesus' soon return!

Time is short!

Turn to Jesus in faith before it is too late!

Jesus will welcome you with love and forgiveness and hold you tight and secure forever in His safe and protective embrace !

"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

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."

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

 Time is running out!

If you are already a believer, remember what Jesus said concerning these end times we are experiencing.  In particular the signs that are occurring now that He told us would happen in the "season" of His return ( the signs found at Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21).  He said when these end times signs begin to happen:

"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


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