Does your pastor believe the word of God? There are many out there that preach every Sunday but they do not believe in God or they see Jesus as one of many ways to heaven. Statistics show that there are many who deny the truth of the word of God.
The following is a response I posted on another blog at the end of a discussion about believing pastors. I hope you enjoy it.
There are a few pastors who still believe the Bible. Here is one. I believe it as it says it including the first eleven chapters of Genesis. Only a Creator could redeem fallen man. Death before the fall of man is contrary to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. I wish I had time to tell you why they are searching the heavens for life. It is the only way to prop up the falling theory of evolution since all scientists know that cells are too complex and there has not been enough time on Earth for random chance spontaneous generation of life from inert chemicals.
As far as Jesus, He is the only begotten of the Father, the Second Person of the Trinity by whose blood alone atones, and without whom there is no salvation. He was virgin born for the sole purpose of facing death on a cross to save sinners like us. Again, there is no other path, plan, work, or religion that saves. There is salvation alone in Jesus Christ. He is soon to return and judge the living and the dead.
The problem started in Bible colleges and seminaries when unbelieving men such as Spong, Fosdick, Schleiermacher, Beecher, and Barth began to usurp the authority of the Bible and claim that men's science trumped scripture. The seeds of doubt were first sown by men like Immanuel Kant and Charles Lyell and strengthened by Darwin. Suddenly, Bible colleges vacated the premise that the Bible was authoritative on all matters including science and history. Let God be true and all men liars!
For nearly two hundred years the colleges have poured out godless men that deny scripture and preach a social gospel. It is now catching up in the pew as well. This fall, however, was predicted by Jude and 2 Peter 3. Notice Peter's emphasis on creation and the flood and that men willfully deny the two lest they have to be accountable. Unfortunately, wishing you were not accountable to God does not make it so! There is still a heaven to gain and a hell to shun.
Just wanted you to know that there are still a few who really believe the Bible is the only authority for faith and life.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Striking Saul
David had two separate opportunities to kill Saul. King Saul fully understood that David would someday replace him as King over Israel, and that his family would take a subordinate roll in affairs of state. As a result of this and the wretched sin of jealousy Saul had chased David throughout the countryside in an effort to kill David and to stop the plan of God. Even with all of this David felt it would be wrong to take Saul's life. He would wait on God and not curse himself by touching the Lord's anointed even though Saul was clearly a backslider.
In 2 Samuel 1 we read the story of the death of Saul. During the battle at Gilboa, Saul was wounded and left alive on the battlefield. An Amalekite happened upon Saul so Saul begged him to end his life so that the Philistines would not capture him alive. The Amalekite was very excited to tell David the good news. He took Saul's crown and his bracelet and found David at his home in Ziklag. However, David was less than thrilled with the man and he had him killed. "And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed? And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, [and] fall upon him. And he smote him that he died." 2 Samuel 1:14-15
When we gossip and slander each other, are we not as guilty as the Amalekite? God has called us to love one another and to encourage one another. He has also called us to battle and crucify this old flesh through obedience to the Holy Spirit and the word. If we kill each other with our words, how will we reach the world around us. Are we not setting ourselves up for destruction? "But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another." Galatians 5:15
In 2 Samuel 1 we read the story of the death of Saul. During the battle at Gilboa, Saul was wounded and left alive on the battlefield. An Amalekite happened upon Saul so Saul begged him to end his life so that the Philistines would not capture him alive. The Amalekite was very excited to tell David the good news. He took Saul's crown and his bracelet and found David at his home in Ziklag. However, David was less than thrilled with the man and he had him killed. "And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed? And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, [and] fall upon him. And he smote him that he died." 2 Samuel 1:14-15
When we gossip and slander each other, are we not as guilty as the Amalekite? God has called us to love one another and to encourage one another. He has also called us to battle and crucify this old flesh through obedience to the Holy Spirit and the word. If we kill each other with our words, how will we reach the world around us. Are we not setting ourselves up for destruction? "But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another." Galatians 5:15
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Strange Parallels--Part 2
There were a few items that were left out of this letter due to time constraints. One was that this pronouncement of judgment began and ended with a message of hope. In the first section of the message about Jerusalem found in Isaiah 2-4, the prophet gives keen insight about our growth as a believer.
Step one--God is exalted! Notice the mountain of the Lord's house being lifted high in Isaiah 2:2. Doesn't that remind you of Jesus statement in John 12:32, " And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me"? Notice Isaiah's statement that there will be an upward flow toward's God's throne. Isaiah saw Jesus exalted and the nations flowing to worship Him. Don't you think that is what we desperately need to do today--to lift Jesus higher so that those snared in sin can find the only available means of escape? Also, God always wants us to progress higher in Christ and not to stagnate in our relationship with Him. He wishes us to flow upward towards the express image of our Savior to the glory of Jesus alone!
Step two, there was a strong desire to learn God's ways found in Isaiah 2:3. When Christ is preeminent in a church or home, all who come in contact with the glory revealed by those believers will become hungry and thirsty for the knowledge of the Lord. Why are many starving spiritually? Maybe because Jesus is not exalted in their midst?
Step three--when we learn the ways of the Lord we naturally want to walk with Him and in His paths as is also found in Isaiah 2:3. When our relationship deepens with God we begin to experience what He desired for Adam--to walk with God daily. Those who walk close to the Lord never trip nor stumble as He guides their every step. He leads them in paths that honor Christ continually.
Finally, step four is a given! If Christ is exalted in your life, if Christ's word and ways are the intense desire of your heart, if Christ's paths are sought and we are found walking in close fellowship with Him, then it is natural that there should be peace in our lives. Notice Isaiah 2:4. They knew that God is peace and the sole desire is to honor that peace. Don't we all know that Jesus wishes us to have a peace that passes all understanding? Exalt Him, learn of Him, walk with Him, and you will experience the benefit of His peace.
I guess I will have to point out His message of hope to the remnant in Isaiah 4:2-6 another time. God Bless!
I have not posted much news in a while, but it has been relatively quiet in relation to Israel. There have been some domestic issues of concern, however. I will post some articles today, but they will not be under any specific headings as usual due to the volume of stories.
Rivlin accuses Carter of supporting Hamas, spurring terror
FoxNews.com - NPR Fires Juan Williams After O'Reilly Appearance
Step one--God is exalted! Notice the mountain of the Lord's house being lifted high in Isaiah 2:2. Doesn't that remind you of Jesus statement in John 12:32, " And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me"? Notice Isaiah's statement that there will be an upward flow toward's God's throne. Isaiah saw Jesus exalted and the nations flowing to worship Him. Don't you think that is what we desperately need to do today--to lift Jesus higher so that those snared in sin can find the only available means of escape? Also, God always wants us to progress higher in Christ and not to stagnate in our relationship with Him. He wishes us to flow upward towards the express image of our Savior to the glory of Jesus alone!
Step two, there was a strong desire to learn God's ways found in Isaiah 2:3. When Christ is preeminent in a church or home, all who come in contact with the glory revealed by those believers will become hungry and thirsty for the knowledge of the Lord. Why are many starving spiritually? Maybe because Jesus is not exalted in their midst?
Step three--when we learn the ways of the Lord we naturally want to walk with Him and in His paths as is also found in Isaiah 2:3. When our relationship deepens with God we begin to experience what He desired for Adam--to walk with God daily. Those who walk close to the Lord never trip nor stumble as He guides their every step. He leads them in paths that honor Christ continually.
Finally, step four is a given! If Christ is exalted in your life, if Christ's word and ways are the intense desire of your heart, if Christ's paths are sought and we are found walking in close fellowship with Him, then it is natural that there should be peace in our lives. Notice Isaiah 2:4. They knew that God is peace and the sole desire is to honor that peace. Don't we all know that Jesus wishes us to have a peace that passes all understanding? Exalt Him, learn of Him, walk with Him, and you will experience the benefit of His peace.
I guess I will have to point out His message of hope to the remnant in Isaiah 4:2-6 another time. God Bless!
I have not posted much news in a while, but it has been relatively quiet in relation to Israel. There have been some domestic issues of concern, however. I will post some articles today, but they will not be under any specific headings as usual due to the volume of stories.
Rivlin accuses Carter of supporting Hamas, spurring terror
FoxNews.com - NPR Fires Juan Williams After O'Reilly Appearance
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Grapes of Wrath
Isaiah 5 continues with the theme of judgment. This chapter was a sermon delivered during one of Israel's religious feasts. Imagine being in attendance and enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of a fair like attitude. Everyone is happy and joyous, yet while they enjoy the "blessings" of God they are not following God with all their heart. Furthermore, their heart is far from God. Their service is based on keeping a few feasts and occasionally going to worship, but it is all an attempt to placate God. Into this feast steps the emboldened prophet loudly proclaiming the truth, the Word of Almighty God.
His sermon starts with a parable like story about a vineyard which is found in verses 1-7. His point is that they are the vineyard of God and that the fruit they bring forth is corrupt in the sight of the Lord of the Harvest. Fear and foreboding enter the hearts of the once happy feast attendees, but that emotion soon changes to anger as Isaiah declares that they will be destroyed by the Lord of Hosts, Himself for their failure to obey and love God with all their heart.
Part two of the message specifically names the sins in which they were involved with. First, there is a sinful desire for earthly gain over spiritual gain which is found in verses 8-10. Their violation of God's covenant with the land would lead to their being overthrown in verses 9-10. Next, they are judged for their inordinate lust for pleasure manifested in their drinking and partying. Even "church" was more about personal entertainment than heartfelt service to the Lord. This sin carries a pronouncement of slavery. It will go beyond the slavery of alcohol addiction or today's drug addiction. The nation will be sold into captivity.
Can you begin to see the parallels to the US again? It is like Isaiah preached this sermon last Sunday! God help us! Help us to turn our hearts towards you!
His sermon starts with a parable like story about a vineyard which is found in verses 1-7. His point is that they are the vineyard of God and that the fruit they bring forth is corrupt in the sight of the Lord of the Harvest. Fear and foreboding enter the hearts of the once happy feast attendees, but that emotion soon changes to anger as Isaiah declares that they will be destroyed by the Lord of Hosts, Himself for their failure to obey and love God with all their heart.
Part two of the message specifically names the sins in which they were involved with. First, there is a sinful desire for earthly gain over spiritual gain which is found in verses 8-10. Their violation of God's covenant with the land would lead to their being overthrown in verses 9-10. Next, they are judged for their inordinate lust for pleasure manifested in their drinking and partying. Even "church" was more about personal entertainment than heartfelt service to the Lord. This sin carries a pronouncement of slavery. It will go beyond the slavery of alcohol addiction or today's drug addiction. The nation will be sold into captivity.
Can you begin to see the parallels to the US again? It is like Isaiah preached this sermon last Sunday! God help us! Help us to turn our hearts towards you!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Strange Parallels
Whew! I have been battling a bad double ear infection. Also, we are so excited about our new (and 1st) granddaughter. We now have a grandson and granddaughter.
While I was at the hospital for her delivery, I spent time reviewing chapters 2-4 of Isaiah. These three chapters are one oratory about Jerusalem. It breaks down into three sections. Chapter 2:2-4 speaks of what God wanted Israel to be and what it will be soon. It is a backward/forward look that only God, who dwells outside of time and space, could give. From Chapter 2:5 to 4:1 we see the sad reality of what Jerusalem had become due to sin and selfishness. It reveals that God will send strong judgement to purge the land of sin. The section ends with chapter 4:2-6. Here, we are given a glimpse into the millennial reign of Jesus. It is a great section and wonderful study.
In the midst of this section, we read these verses in 2:6-8. "Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers. Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots: Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made:"
Religious Israel was rebuked for several reasons in these verses. First, they were accepting of foreign practices and customs that were not part of the covenant established between them and God. Look at verse 6b in the NASB, " Because they are filled with influences from the east, And they are soothsayers like the Philistines, And they strike bargains with the children of foreigners." Next, Isaiah indicts them for making political pacts with foreign powers rather than trust God through the calamitous political times in the region. He went on to make a point of their sin in trusting in riches and wealth while holding that this was a sign of God's blessing though they were not following close. Israel was rebuked for trusting in their military power and might rather than relying on their Almighty God. Finally, they are upbraided for gross idolatry. This idolatry was the base of all of the above sins mentioned.
Go back through those same sins and compare America to each of them. While you are at it, compare it to the American church which has began to incorporate elements of Eastern religions into practice. Look at the church making political pacts with unbelievers to make sure their darling political party wins. Should not the people of God trust in the power of God? What is the majority of the preaching about in America today? Wealth, luxury, pleasure! Maybe we are falling into the same idolatry that the Israelites were judged for many years ago? Just a thought!
News will follow tomorrow.
While I was at the hospital for her delivery, I spent time reviewing chapters 2-4 of Isaiah. These three chapters are one oratory about Jerusalem. It breaks down into three sections. Chapter 2:2-4 speaks of what God wanted Israel to be and what it will be soon. It is a backward/forward look that only God, who dwells outside of time and space, could give. From Chapter 2:5 to 4:1 we see the sad reality of what Jerusalem had become due to sin and selfishness. It reveals that God will send strong judgement to purge the land of sin. The section ends with chapter 4:2-6. Here, we are given a glimpse into the millennial reign of Jesus. It is a great section and wonderful study.
In the midst of this section, we read these verses in 2:6-8. "Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers. Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots: Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made:"
Religious Israel was rebuked for several reasons in these verses. First, they were accepting of foreign practices and customs that were not part of the covenant established between them and God. Look at verse 6b in the NASB, " Because they are filled with influences from the east, And they are soothsayers like the Philistines, And they strike bargains with the children of foreigners." Next, Isaiah indicts them for making political pacts with foreign powers rather than trust God through the calamitous political times in the region. He went on to make a point of their sin in trusting in riches and wealth while holding that this was a sign of God's blessing though they were not following close. Israel was rebuked for trusting in their military power and might rather than relying on their Almighty God. Finally, they are upbraided for gross idolatry. This idolatry was the base of all of the above sins mentioned.
Go back through those same sins and compare America to each of them. While you are at it, compare it to the American church which has began to incorporate elements of Eastern religions into practice. Look at the church making political pacts with unbelievers to make sure their darling political party wins. Should not the people of God trust in the power of God? What is the majority of the preaching about in America today? Wealth, luxury, pleasure! Maybe we are falling into the same idolatry that the Israelites were judged for many years ago? Just a thought!
News will follow tomorrow.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Placating God!
I have been away for too long, but I have had a double ear infection. It has been terribly painful. However, I am much better now.
One of the great features in the mind of modern man is that he is smart--too smart. He is so smart that God, in comparison, is dumb--or so man thinks. How so? Well think of how God is treated in society. Surely the Lord was not smart enough to weigh in on morality, so let's set His rules aside and make up our own. Surely God knows that the idea of sin is antiquated, so He must have missed it there. God surely didn't know what He was talking about in Genesis; especially chapters 1-11. God created? What a joke! A global flood? Are you kidding me? Maybe some of you need to return to geology class and question your professor about the thousands of feet of sedimentary layers with many of them extending worldwide and filled with what you would expect to see with a deluge of such magnitude--thousands upon thousand of fossilized animals. I mean some of these fossil beds contain animals giving birth, fish eating other fish, and even fragile creatures like a jelly fish. How long does a jelly fish last on a beach anyway? Before he tells you a bunch of hooey about "the present is the key to the past"--uniformitarianism--ask him why many of these layers have knife edge marks delineating them. If it took millions of years for them to be laid down, surely there would be some sign of weathering and erosion. Instead we have what appears to be foot after foot of sediments laid worldwide in some sort of global catastrophe. Oh well! Let me get to the topic at hand.
The greatest prize for calling God stupid goes to the religious who have denied the power of an almighty God. They feel that they can go to the church, jump, shout, sing, and worship thereby doing God a favor for even being there while they continue to live self-centered, fleshly, sinful lives. Surely God is not smart enough to see past the religious charade and see the wickedness and contempt for Him that they hold in their unregenerate heart? I guess then, you need to reread the first chapter of Isaiah. Maybe, for good measure, throw in Amos and Malachi. You see God is God! As God He is utterly all knowing! That is why we call Him the Omniscient One. Just because the government ran school system made Him out to be a dumby--don't you believe it for a minute! (I am sure, though, that we all know that the government is all-knowing and all-wise all the time anyway. Right?)
"Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow." Isaiah 1:10-17
One of the great features in the mind of modern man is that he is smart--too smart. He is so smart that God, in comparison, is dumb--or so man thinks. How so? Well think of how God is treated in society. Surely the Lord was not smart enough to weigh in on morality, so let's set His rules aside and make up our own. Surely God knows that the idea of sin is antiquated, so He must have missed it there. God surely didn't know what He was talking about in Genesis; especially chapters 1-11. God created? What a joke! A global flood? Are you kidding me? Maybe some of you need to return to geology class and question your professor about the thousands of feet of sedimentary layers with many of them extending worldwide and filled with what you would expect to see with a deluge of such magnitude--thousands upon thousand of fossilized animals. I mean some of these fossil beds contain animals giving birth, fish eating other fish, and even fragile creatures like a jelly fish. How long does a jelly fish last on a beach anyway? Before he tells you a bunch of hooey about "the present is the key to the past"--uniformitarianism--ask him why many of these layers have knife edge marks delineating them. If it took millions of years for them to be laid down, surely there would be some sign of weathering and erosion. Instead we have what appears to be foot after foot of sediments laid worldwide in some sort of global catastrophe. Oh well! Let me get to the topic at hand.
The greatest prize for calling God stupid goes to the religious who have denied the power of an almighty God. They feel that they can go to the church, jump, shout, sing, and worship thereby doing God a favor for even being there while they continue to live self-centered, fleshly, sinful lives. Surely God is not smart enough to see past the religious charade and see the wickedness and contempt for Him that they hold in their unregenerate heart? I guess then, you need to reread the first chapter of Isaiah. Maybe, for good measure, throw in Amos and Malachi. You see God is God! As God He is utterly all knowing! That is why we call Him the Omniscient One. Just because the government ran school system made Him out to be a dumby--don't you believe it for a minute! (I am sure, though, that we all know that the government is all-knowing and all-wise all the time anyway. Right?)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Back Tomorrow!
Sorry!!! I have been very busy with a funeral and other responsibilities the last few days. Be back tomorrow!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Only A Spoon
"One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense:"
Numbers 7:14
For twelve days the children of Israel presented their gifts to the Lord. Each day the gifts were exactly the same, but God inspired them to be repeated for 76 verses in this chapter. God took the space to review the freewill offering of each tribe over and over again. Do you realize how important your contribution to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ is? He makes sure that even the tiniest details of your service are recorded in heaven. All that you do in and for Christ is important. Twelve times we are told about the same gifts--there are no unimportant contributions for Christ. Twelve times God records that they were devoted to the temple. He wants us to be equally devoted. In God's economy there are no big "I's" and little "U's". All are equally loved and respected in Jesus. Even if you feel that your little contribution is nothing more significant than the little spoon recorded in each offering, it is important to our Savior. Don't you sometimes feel like a little spoon in the service of Christ? So many of us feel unimportant--we all sometimes feel like the little spoon offered in the Lord's service.
How many times have I visited someone who compares themselves with others and then bemoans the small contribution they made? I have heard people say, "All I can do anymore is pray!" They say this as if prayer is unneeded or as if prayer were unimportant. Look again at the verse above. What did the little spoon contain? It was full of incense! Oh! That God's people would see the overwhelming power of prayer once again! Oh! That we would realize the need of prayer warriors for churches, pastors, unsaved loved ones and a lost and dying world. What would the ministry of the church in America be if those who could "just" pray were filling heaven with the incense of prayer? What would it be like if we would embrace the ministry Daniel Nash had with Charles Finney? Finney said of Nash that he prayed as if he would do violence in heaven. Maybe that is why Finney's revivals changed the spiritual temperature of New York during the early 1800s? If all you can do is pray--then pray with the heart of a lion!
Think of all the uses of a spoon! They are used as a standard measure. Let your life show the standard of Jesus Christ to those who are in need of salvation. Let your life be a standard for the youth to follow or the new convert to emulate. Spoons are used to add spice. Are you not the salt of the earth? Spoons are used as musical instruments. Let your life be a song of praise in Christ that brightens the hardest of hearts. Spoons are used to feed others. Let your life be one that feeds the starving and wounded of this world. Spoons are used to stir things up. Let your life stir other believers into greater service for their Savior. Spoons are used as decorations. Let your life be a decoration of honor in the house of Christ. Spoons are used a souvenirs. May you live such a way that you bring others in remembrance of Jesus! So you are only a spoon? You sound pretty important to me. You are a golden spoon. One that is precious to the Lamb that died for you.
Israel and the Middle East
Ahmadinejad: Iran will never recognize 'Zionist regime'
IDF Chief Warns of Possible Clash as Flotillas Head to Gaza - Defense/Middle East - Israel News - Israel National News
israel today | Obama attends church to hear pro-Palestinian message
Lebanese Gunfire at IDF on Northern Border - Defense/Middle East - Israel News - Israel National News
Fayyad storms out of New York meeting with Ayalon
Violent riots erupt in Jerusalem's Temple Mount
Israel Police storm Al-Aqsa Mosque following bloody clashes in Jerusalem - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News
Weird News! Really weird!!
UFOs Visited Nuclear Weapons Sites, Former Air Force Officers Say
FOXNews.com - Pope's Astronomer Would Baptize Aliens The Bible says that people will be given over to strong delusion. I wonder if that is what is being set up! You would have to be deluded to believe some of this.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Joining The False Prophet-
"And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty."
Revelation 16:13-14
How could a "religious" leader join all Christ-less religions together with atheists and agnostics? Simple! Everyone is looking for a savior today. Many Muslims are awaiting the arrival of the Mahdi. The Hindus and many other Eastern Religions are awaiting the next incarnation of their god/guru. Atheists are even looking for a man or system that will rely on human reasoning to correct and control the world. Coupled with many scientific and technological advances, this leader can adequately control all that is done on Earth. I heard a "Christian" whose teaching has been mixed with mysticism longing for the coming of the Christ consciousness. Everybody is looking for somebody to fix the world's problems. All religions have a core teaching that is the same--man can work his way to God's heaven. Like Babel, they will try to build a tower to heaven, and like Babel, God will cast it to the ground. They will willingly unite agaist the Lordship of God in Christ. But this rebellion is short lived--King Jesus destroys it with the brightness of His return.
Into this search for a savior comes the Anti-Christ and the False Prophet promising peace, safety and prosperity. It will seem that he has all the answers and meets the needs of all. The verses above from Revelation give us a lot of insight as to how they will lead the world into great delusion and captivate the hearts of unbelievers. They have the assistance of evil spirits like as frogs. Doesn't that sound peculiar--frogs? Who is scared of a frog? When you consider the many attributes of frogs it is easy to see why they are an adequate symbol. First, they are amphibians which are often born in water but move to land as adults. That makes them denizens of two domains--so the Beast and False Prophet will control the physical and the spiritual. They will be able to marshal all of the unclean and wicked spirits to join men in rebellion to God Almighty. Frogs are denizens of the dark and these frogs thrive on the darkness of sin.
Frogs are also cold blooded. What will begin as a peaceful reign by the Anti-Christ with the False Prophet leading the promotion/propaganda campaign, will end in the world's greatest bloodbath. Look at what Goebbels did for Hitler as an example of the role that the False Prophet will play. Ultimately, their power is from Satan himself. There is none more wicked and cold blooded as the father of all lies and murder. Frogs are also voracious predators. They capture their pray with the power of the tongue. They will use great swelling words to capture the hearts of men. They will eat anything that they capture. These frogs feed off of the lost souls of men--it is their mission to deceive the lost and send them into destruction. They are also masters of camouflage. Again, many will accept the mark and worship the Beast without giving it a second thought as the true intentions of the false Prophet are hidden from their eyes. They will use technology and ideology to blind men to their true intentions. One of the deadliest poisons in the world comes from a frog and many species of amphibians are poisonous. In the same way, they will poison people with their wickedness and they will even be given power to prevail against the tribulation saints.
The greatest poison today is hate. Look at how those who hate God are easily willing to join together to have their own ends met. Look at the article that I am going to repost below about "Justice" Breyer willing to protect the koran but unwilling to protect the US Flag or the Bible. Hard left liberals are assisting in the building of the Ground Zero Mosque. What is driving these to polar opposite groups together for a common cause? Hatred of Christ--pure and simple. Each day that passes points to the rise of the False Prophet. Will you be here when he is revealed? There is a way of escape--His name is Jesus Christ. Won't you accept the world's ONLY savior today?
The Rise Of The False Prophet and the Rise of Apostasy
Justice Breyer Suggests That Burning a Quran Could be Like Shouting 'Fire' in a Crowded Theatre--Thus Not Protected by 1st Amendment | CNSnews.com
New TLC Series Aims to End 'Discrimination' against Polygamy When you accept sin--any sin--more sinfulness will follow. Jesus said that a little leaven leavens the whole lump! The False Prophet will also redefine morality!
ELCA Receives 3 Lesbian Ministers | Christianpost.com
Muslim Leaders Propose 'Week of Dialogue' - WNYC
Obama calls for religious tolerance - Los Angeles Times
Local faith leaders call for religious tolerance | ajc.com
End Time Technology
EU funding 'Orwellian' artificial intelligence plan to monitor public for "abnormal behaviour" - Telegraph
India Launches Universal ID System with Biometrics | Singularity Hub
In the Debate Over RFID Tracking, Children are The Testing Ground | Singularity Hub
Sweden Considers Cashless Society
Every click you take, they'll be watching you
Israel and the Middle East
Russia to supply missiles to Syria, despite Israel protest
Syria to Get Advanced Anti-Ship Missiles from Russia - Defense/Middle East - Israel News - Israel National News
Fear of Hamas Attack Sparks Egyptian Alert; Top Terrorist Nabbed - Defense/Middle East - Israel News - Israel National News
Report: Egypt warns of immediate terror threat from Sinai - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News
Iron Dome defense system could be deployed first in North, IDF chief hints - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News
Ehud Barak: History Will Judge Obama on Nuclear Iran - Politics & Gov't - Israel News - Israel National News
Fayyad Dunning for Funds at UN, Says PA 'Ready for Statehood' - Defense/Middle East - Israel News - Israel National News
Ashkenazi: Resistance on flotillas could cause casualties
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Preparations For The False Prophet
"And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live."
Revelation 13:11-14
It seems that it is getting easier to see many aspects of the Tribulation period upon us. Jerusalem is quickly turning into a burdensome stone. Israel is back in its land as predicted. The economy appears to be on the brink of a meltdown that will lead to a universal monetary system. Even the world governments and politicians seemingly are hinting to a one world amalgamated government. We can certainly see the rise of the Beast and his government. Furthermore, we can see the technology leaning towards a universal mark controlling the free trade. However, there is one aspect of the Beast's takeover that many are not as focused on. We are beginning to see the preeminence and proliferation of a one world religious system. It is the whore of Revelation--the man can do it without God religious system--that will dominate in the last days. It is the rise of the False Prophet!
The False Prophet, the other beast, will lead men and women to worship the anti-Christ and ultimately Satan. He has the power of a lamb--a meek religious leader. He also has the mouth of a dragon--always an emblem of the devil. He will lead men from the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and join them to one last great heresy that will destroy the souls of millions. Like all that is of deception, his teaching will make sense, it will appear right, many will assure that it is true and right, and ,sadly, it will be backed by false miracles. Many will be deceived. Will you?
His task is not an easy one. He will need to join atheists and agnostics together with Islam, Hinduism, reprobate Christianity and a host of myths, legends, and false religions and ideologies. If you look hard, you can see that happening now. Look at this article.
Doves, roses mark blessing of Quran at downtown Cathedral
Here are a few quotes from the article. "Representatives of Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, B'hai, Mormon, Sikh, Vedic Druid and Muslim beliefs read scriptures from the great religious texts - including six verses from the Quran calling for all faiths to live in harmony." Peace, harmony, love--such attractive words. However, the scripture is very clear. There is no love outside of the cross of Christ. Peace is a gift of the presence of the Holy Spirit! Only Jesus Christ can ever bring peace and harmony as He is the Prince of Peace! There is no salvation outside of Jesus Christ!!!!!
"Instead of the image of burning Qurans suggested by Florida Pastor Terry Jones, "Today we saw the great faiths of the world and they blessed to the Quran ... Indeed, blessed are the peacemakers," said Haq, who read a prayer from St. Francis of Assisi: "Oh God make me an instrument of your peace ... Where there is hatred let me sow love!"" Now, I do not agree with the pastor's method of addressing the lies of Islam, but reactions to his plan to burn the Quran will give us a foretaste of the absolute tyranny of the upcoming system. Under the guise of "let's all get along" there will be a call to crush any and all beliefs that are exclusive (like the teachings of Jesus where He clearly says that He is the one and only way to heaven!). Those not in line with this syncretic system will be humiliated publicly and eventually killed for their "rebellion" to the established spiritual authority. We will have much, much more to say on this later. God Bless you and pray daily for discernment! (...And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.)
Rise of the False Prophet
Justice Breyer Suggests That Burning a Quran Could be Like Shouting 'Fire' in a Crowded Theatre--Thus Not Protected by 1st Amendment | CNSnews.com This is a major sign. the courts have been anti-Christian for years, but now appear to want to change policy towards Islam!
Where’s Waldorf? « Liveshots It is illegal to teach Christ in schools! Yet, we can use the methods of cults to enhance education! Having studied the history of the American education system for years, I can assure you that things were much better off when Christian ethics and a personal relationship with Christ was encouraged!
Here is what Islam teaches children! 100,000 children attend radical Hamas summer camps
PA: Jewish Worship 'Sin and Filth' at Western Wall - Defense/Middle East - Israel News - Israel National News Here is the part about crushing those who do not agree with you!
Israel and the Middle East--War on the Horizon
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Back To The Altar
"For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?"
1 Peter 4:17
Which church with an epistle named after it was in the most wretched city? Without a doubt it was the letter to the church in Corinth. This city was a very corrupt seaside trade center with every imaginable sin and vice. The local brothel was also a pagan temple with over 1000 male and female prostitutes. (This is what Paul is addressing in 1 Corinthinans 6:12-20--can you imagine?) No wonder Paul took the time to write, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 The stress here is that some of the Corinthians used to live like this but Paul didn't want them to think that it was suddenly acceptable to live in outright sin.
Paul exhorted and rebuked this single church more than any other that we know of. That is not to say he did not give negative comments to the others; however, the church at Corinth had so many problems that there was little to praise in them. They were gifted, but they used their gifts to gain notoriety for themselves and not Christ. They had the best preachers preach in their pulpit, but they did not hear the message. They were too busy comparing the preachers as if they were entertainers. They did not hear what the Spirit of the Lord wanted them to understand. They were proud of their ability to accept the most sinful in their ranks, but they did not disciple and encourage them to accept the power of Christ to save and deliver from sin. Instead, they left the new converts to wallow in sin while sending the world a confusing message. This church had so many problems that it would take the rest of this post to list them all. The underlying single sin that caused all of their problems was division. This church lacked unity and fostered a divisive spirit in a sinful community that was equally divided. They let the community change them rather than live as over-comers changing the community. Sound familiar?
Jesus said, "And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand." Mark 3:25. (Huh! I wonder if that is why this church no longer exists?) Paul left this church a stunning example of how to overcome division. It was to set self aside and place the Gospel of Jesus Christ above any and all competitors! Paul taught them to begin with judging self through the direction of the Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. they had to allow God to direct this because a self exam without God's eyes might result in an, "I'm OK", when the truth is that things are far from OK. (The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel. Proverbs 12:15. Every man's way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts. Proverbs 21:2) This Spirit/Word examination was to assist them in conforming to the image of Christ. Then they could allow the changes that God had poured out in their lives to affect others. His easy formula reminds me of a chorus we used to sing as children, "Put Jesus first, and Others second, and put Yourself at the end of the line, and you will find true joy and happiness through J-O-Y." Jesus-Others-Yourelf!
Take a look, briefly, at Paul's example. Most of this comes from 1 Corinthians 9 if you would like to read it. Paul had the right to be married, but he set it aside for the work of Christ. He had the right to be paid by the Corinthian church, but since it was a money first society he did not want them to be suspect of his work. Therefore, he worked a job as a witness to them. He did not demand the respect of being an apostle among them even though he had started the church by God's guidance. He was willing to fore go eating meat lest it offend a weaker brother. He put them above himself.
The only cure to heal division is to put self last. It is to reverse the little song as a means of repentance. Crucify self and its lusts. Prefer my brothers and sisters while overlooking their failures. Put Jesus back at the helm of my life. After we do this personally then we move to the corporate church. We repent of anything that has caused us to be divisive and we covenant with Christ afresh and anew. We allow Jesus to lead his church and not follow fleshly opinions. We put the Word back as the chief source of faith and practice in the church. When we judge ourselves first as the body of Christ, then we will be the needed witness to a divided world. Peter understood the importance of this concept in the opening verse. If we are all messed up fighting one another while living a duplicitous Christian life, thousands we could have reached will be judged as lost because we spent to much time not sharing the only prescription for salvation.
End Time Technology
U.S. soldiers to be subjected to 'mind control'
Privacy concerns grow with the use of RFID tags
FOXNews.com - UPDATE: New Drug-Resistant Superbugs Found in 3 States
Scientists teach robots to deceive humans | Weird | News | Toronto Sun
FOXNews.com - Are Chinese Close to Allowing Scottie to Beam 'Em Up?
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Indicators Of A Healthy Relationship With Christ
Here is an article that I found under resources on the website http://praycog.org/ that I loved and thought I would share. It was written by Doug Small and it is thought provoking. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I will share more on division soon so come back.
INDICATORS OF A HEALTHY PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST
Here are some indicators of a personal relationship with Christ:
- You talk with Him daily. You pray. You live in his presence.
- You are conscious of His presence and your conscious desire to please him, to do his will. (II Corinthians 5:9; John 8:29) He rarely leaves your mind. You are preoccupied with Him. You are “walking in the Spirit.”
- You are in love! You are not merely doing religious things, keeping traditions, living by rules, honoring religious customs. No, you are in love! You know God is real. And you would do anything for Him.
- You delight in the Lord, and therefore you embrace disciplines and duties that are not always delightful. You do so, out of love. “If you love me, keep my commandments!” In the Old Testament, duty demanded that one keep the law. In the New Testament, love constraints us to do right. Our motivation has changed. Holiness, the end result has not changed.
- You want to serve. You are ready to be a bond-slave. Prayer makes us available. Prayer is the intentional and daily check-in experience. In prayer, we punch the divine clock and notify God that we are on-duty and ready to serve.
- There is an overflow of your life, outward to others. The evidence of the inward love for God is read by others. They see it. You can’t hide it. Prayer explodes outwardly in some manifestation of God’s glory. His presence marks a life. This is “the glory!” How can you be silent? The love of God is shed abroad in your heart.
- The speech of an overflowing Christian is marked by thanksgiving and praise. The inner flood spills out onto others around you. They are the benefactors of our satisfied hearts. The inner happiness becomes a river of joy tasted by others.
Source: Prayer – the Heartbeat of the Church Resource Guide: P. Douglas Small (Pathway Press: Cleveland, TN; 2008), p. 21-22.
Israel and the Middle East
Godlessness in the Last Days
Manual on How to Molest Children Is Legal, Cops Say
Christian Persecution--Please Pray!
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