First, and of primary concern, is the fact and the truth that the Rapture of true believers could happen at any time - it is imminent! However, Jesus told us that no one knows the day or the hour:
"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only:" - Matthew 24:36
Following is an hour long video on what happens after the Rapture and how it affects those who are left behind. After the video will be given links to how you may purchase copies of a DVD of this video for you to give to family and others who are not now saved, or leave for unsaved family members to find in your home after you are raptured.
To obtain several copies of the above important and urgent video go here prophecyupdate.com /home
To obtain just one copy of the "left behind" video go to olivetreeviews.org/store
Time is short ! We need to warn our loved ones and other lost souls to the urgency to come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ right now!
In my previous post this week (scroll down) I mentioned a wonderful quote by A.W. Pink, only I had to paraphrase and guess at it by memory because I could not find the quote itself then. But God! Yesterday while going over my notes in a journal and while searching for something completely unrelated, I found the quote by Pink ! Here it is: "Our first duty is not to understand but to believe what God has said."
Thinking about the Rapture and Heaven, here is a warm and loving quote by Isaac Watts:
"How divinely full of glory and pleasure shall that hour be when all the millions of mankind that have been redeemed by the blood of the LAMB shall meet together and stand around HIM with every tongue and every heart full of joy and praise. How astonishing will be the glory and the joy of that day when all the saints shall join together in one common song of gratitude and of love and of everlasting thankfulness to the Redeemer! With what unknown delight and inexpressible satisfaction shall all that are saved from the ruins of sin and hell address the LAMB that was slain and rejoice in His presence."
About the fact that God never says "Ooops" : There are some instances in the Bible that make it "appear" as if God made a mistake.
In the future I may devote another article to the topics of how you are not a mistake (as some people have truly felt that way about themselves at times- that somehow they were a big mistake) and also those verses that "appear" that God made a mistake or changed His mind. Most true believers realize the awesome power of God, and His Sovereignty, and that He is incapable of making mistakes ! I intend to research various respected Bible Commentators of old on said verses - on those verses pertaining to how it appears the Heavenly Father changed His mind - such as when Moses interceded for the Israelites when God was angry and wanted to destroy them all and make a great nation instead from Moses. (Exodus 32:7-14) = verse 14 says: "And the LORD repented of the evil which He thought to do unto the people."
As Christians know, The Heavenly Father is Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient. Let us just concentrate on His omniscience, which means that He knows all things: the past, the present, and the future. One source tells us that He even knows your thoughts before you think them! God does not make mistakes!!
God also cannot lie! (Titus 1:2). All of His promises will come true! That is why we believers can have confidence in the soon Rapture of Christ's Bride (the Church). Times are urgent, folks! Most of you realize this!
Following are salvation scriptures for those of you who are not yet saved - have not given their life in surrender to Jesus in the belief that He is the Savior and the only way to eternal life. It has recently been brought to my attention that is best to always mention that not only does faith and belief in Jesus save us from hell, but it needs to also be stressed that Jesus saves us from sin ! Before we enter eternity, faith in Christ looses us from the bondage to/of sin! When you place your trust and belief in the Savior, you become a new creation! (2 Corinthians 5:17). Since we are still human and imperfect now, if we sin after becoming a true believer in Jesus, He paid our sin debt in full and is our Mediator now; so if we confess and repent of our sins after conversion, He wipes the slate clean; we are forgiven and still saved!
That reminds me of another quote by A.W. Pink: "It is not the absence of sin, but the grieving over it which distinguishes the child of God from empty professors [of faith]".
The following Scriptures are beneficial not only for unsaved persons themselves, but for Christians to share with family and others who are still lost and do not know Jesus as their Savior - as well as for believers to memorize 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
"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!
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!
