JOY!

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21

What would you do if you were offered your dream?  A dream vacation, a dream of millions in cash, a dream to have prime seats at a sports championship, all of us have dreams.  Again, what would you do if you were offered your dream?

Everyone wants some sort of reward in life.  Napoleon noticed this when he said, "A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon."  Each of us has a different idea as to what is really important to us, but whatever it is, we will often work diligently to get it whether it is good or bad.  However, what happens when the needs of another interfere with our plans?  Will we selfishly meet our own need first or consider the need of the other individual?  This was the very situation that we find the Apostle Paul in here in the Book of Philippians.

It is greatly evident that Paul lived a cross life.  His first concern was a vertical one.  He wanted ongoing and lasting fellowship with God.  However, Paul also had a horizontal concern.  He was constantly ministering to the needs of others.  This left Paul and his wants in last place.  He always put Christ and others first!  It is greatly evident that Paul lived a cross life!

Paul also wanted a reward.  Yet Jesus said, "...If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:24-26)"  Paul's idea of importance was to be with Jesus, and all of his effort was placed into reaching that goal in Christ.  However, the needs of the Philippians interfered with his plans.  Would he selfishly meet his own need or first consider their needs?  Paul's situation with the Philippians led to a great and sacrificial choice.

The apostle was offered his dream.  It was not a dream vacation, the dream of temporary pleasures from money, nor a dream of ringside seats at the Colosseum.  So what did he do when he was offered his dream?

Paul put Jesus first, Others second, and himself last.  It seems that the apostle could have saved himself more pain and problems with the choice of going on to his reward in Heaven.  Let his words sink in, "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better...(Philippians 1:23)."  In essence he is saying he had a choice of leaving the struggles of this life to be with Jesus (what close fellowship he must have had to be given this choice) or to stay and suffer more while ministering to the needs of the church at Philippi.  It was a painful choice.  For several more years he would be persecuted for his choice and ultimately face martyrdom in Rome.  He put himself on the cross and suffered after the example of his Savior.  "Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. (Philippians 1:24)"

As most do, I distinctly remember many of the songs I learned as a child.  One was about the true source of joy for a believer.  It went like this:

Put Jesus first,

and Others second,

and put Yourself at the end of the line.

Then you will find true joy and happiness through
J O Y!

Are you living the cross life so that when Jesus, who is Soon2Come, arrives, you will wear a crown?

Narrow Views

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

Psalm 2:2-5

There are many means and methods of Bible study that enhance our understanding of the Word of God and the person of God.  Yet, these same methods can also give us a rather narrow viewpoint of study if we are not careful.  For instance, many use topical studies--a very good method--to learn more about a given topic.  In this method one finds all of the references dealing with a topic of desired interest.  Let's say, for instance, that you are struggling with God's love for you personally.  This might be a good way to ensure that you are loved with an immeasurable love.  Take not of this post if you need to understand His love for you.  This is the most read post on this site. Jesus Loves You--Just A Reminder

What happens, however, when this method is our only means of study?  The sought topics can become limited in scope.  A friend once taught that we end up with a "canon in a canon" since our tendency will be to only study passages that encompass a felt need.  This can leave large portions of the God's revelation uninvestigated.   It reduces the Word of God in amplitude and grandeur.We can deny ourselves the amazement, awe, and healthy fear of the LORD when He speaks through His word in new ways.

Take the topic above for example.  Many today have a very narrow view of the love of God as a result.  Thank God for the grace of the cross that washed away sin through the atoning blood of Jesus!  Again, I say thank God for such love, grace, mercy, and truth.  Yet, in love, God must deal the final and permanent judgment on sin through the return of Jesus Christ.  Love for all requires Him to destroy the very thing that took Christ to Calvary--sin.  Daniel 9:24 even lists this, the final destruction of iniquity, as His first purpose.  "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins..."   A narrow view of God's love has produced a false view of God that sort of resembles a celestial Santa Claus who overlooks transgression and tolerates sin.  May I remind you that Jesus is not coming back for a group hug!  He is coming back to fulfill Daniel 9:24, Psalm 2, and other portions of scripture that reveal His love that forever crushes sinfulness.  

Psalm 2 points out that humanity, incited by its leaders, is in rebellion while attempting to cast the Lord's cords of righteousness from them at the time when Jesus returns.  In love, Jesus crushes this wicked rebellion and reigns for 1000 years.  There will be harshness that will forever quell the godlessness that caused mankind so much chaos and confusion.  He is said to "break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel (Psalm 2:9)."  That tough stance on wickedness is love!  As a result, the Holy Spirit speaks last and gives those who would forget His holiness to, "Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him."  Listen carefully as the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart today as Christ is Soon2Come!

How Is Your Vision?

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Proverbs 29:18

Earlier today I went to a local grocery store and noticed a sign that is so much a sign of the times.  Posted near the entrance, it was informing shoppers that baby strollers needed to be left outside the store or they must be checked in at the office.  As I thought of a poor young mother struggling to put her infant into a store shopping cart, I also thought of the main reason that we have arrived at a time such as this.  People have lost their vision.  They simply cannot see clearly.  How many of you can remember a time when you were younger when a woman with a baby stroller could, for the most part, be trusted to shop without fear she would shoplift?  It seems the grocer cannot even risk trusting even a young mother.  Yes!  It is a sign of the times.

I wonder if this is a sign of the time too?  

What was he thinking?

The verse above from Proverbs is most often preached on out of context.  For instance, many of you have heard it used to pitch a pastor's latest "vision" for the church--usually an expensive one.  Don't get me wrong, we do need direction for ministry as we seek to fulfill the will of God.  However, sometimes the vision might just be anything but the will of God (Sorry!  Rambling--purposefully.)  This verse does not mean that the local church is about to be shut down should we not have some prophetic vision.  No! Read the verse in its entire context again.  Did you notice the attached thought after the conjunction "but"?  It has to do with keeping the Law.  How can these two thoughts--a vision and obedience--be linked?  

The root word for vision here does not just mean having a dream or a vision.  It can also mean that one has perception, wisdom, or understanding.  In other words law-keepers have a clear vision of the importance of the law or teachings of GOD and how they benefit society as a whole.  This is the reason that the idea of vision is linked to keeping the law (Torah--or teachings/instructions).  The idea behind the word "keepeth" also enhances the idea.  It can mean, "to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life."   

The opposite of clear vision is blindness caused by immorality.  People without a clear understanding of law and order will let loose of restraint causing the society to become degraded.  This in turn will bring destruction.  The people will perish. Such a simple sign disallowing a mother to adequately shop with her child could be a tell.  It might be an indicator that the world around us is loosing restraint.  Lawless seems to be the order of the day and even those (like young mothers) who once could be trusted are viewed with suspect eyes.  If we do not return to God and seek a proper view of His morality, direction, and teaching then this society will surely perish.  

Wickedness growing around us at such a frightening rate universally is but one of the many beacons pointing to the seriousness of the hour.  Make sure you guard your heart and relationship with Christ through prayer as things seemingly spin out of control.  Hear Jesus' warning from Matthew 24:12, "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."  Don't let the rise of immoral behavior taint you as you keep looking for Jesus.  Remember, He is Soon2Come!

Godlessness in the Last Days

Massive number of U.S. cities abandon Bible

UK Government Source: Teachers May Face Firing for Refusing to Teach Gay Marriage

The Atheistic Church: Teaching Morality, but Without God?

Believers and nonbelievers respond to widely read essay by 'Godless mom' | Deseret News

Staks Rosch: Godless America: The New Religious-less Reality

Why Washington's National Cathedral will start hosting same sex weddings – CNN Belief Blog - CNN.com Blogs

The Burdens of Egypt and Syria

The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.

Isaiah 17:1

The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it. And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom.

Isaiah 19:1

Isaiah's work is a collection of prophecies that were given over a lifetime of ministry.  As a result, whole sections of the book are devoted to specific situations that God wanted him to  address in his day.  For instance, Isaiah 7:1 to 9:7 refers specifically to what is often called the Syro-Epraimitic crisis.  Isaiah 5, proclaimed during a feast, addresses the backslidden condition of the people.  Another large section of the book of Isaiah reveals judgments on nations surrounding Israel for their ignoring God and their wicked treatment of the people of covenant, Israel.  While many of these prophecies have been partially fulfilled, some have not.  Therefore, they make up a body of work that speaks to the world before, during, and after the tribulation.  For instance, Isaiah 17:1 mentions that Damascus shall cease from being a city.  Since this has never happened and God is never wrong, we can conclude that this will soon come to pass before the Day of the Lord begins.  This same series of burdens hints about circumstances in the last days that seems to include current news.  Look at Isaiah 19 as an example.

The nations mentioned in these two chapters, Syria and Egypt,  are in the news nearly daily over the last few weeks and months.  This current news seems to suggest that parts of these prophecies are nearing their fulfillment.   Isaiah's prophecies also remind us of one other important point.  God is sovereign.  The LORD sent a Jewish prophet to give a word to nations other than Israel or Judah.  Not only are the saved under His power but all of those who refuse, reject, and rebel against GOD are also under His power.  These nation's, for the most part, follow ideologies that are at odd's with the Almighty, yet HE alone is God.  All creation must someday answer to the Creator.  


Syria's destruction is so swift that the land is destroyed in only a day.  Read Isaiah 17:14, "And behold at eveningtide trouble; and before the morning he is not. This is the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us."  Current media reports could give us a picture of why such a quick and decisive strike takes place.  Consider the following:

Israel Syria Strike: Chemical Weapons Transfer Could Bring Israeli Military Attack, Official WarnsIran threatens 'axis of resistance' if West attacks Syria | The Australian
Israel Threatens to Strike at Syrian Chemicals Weapons
Hizbullah Sets Up Bases Near Syrian WMDs - Middle East - News - Israel National News
US reluctant to step in vs. Syrian chemical threat, urges neighbors to cope
Iran actively weighs Syrian-Israeli clash. Iron Dome posted in N. Israel
Analysis: Israel on high alert over Syrian... JPost - Middle East


A WMD strike would definitely trigger such a response.  So would a preemptive strike. Lots to pray about and a reminder to share the love of Jesus while we can!

Add to this the tension in the nation of Egypt and one might think we were nearing the fulfillment of this section of scripture fulfilled with a coming regional war like the one outlined in Psalm 83, Zephaniah, Obadiah, and other places. It sure sounds like Egyptians are at the throat of Egyptians!

Egypt's Morsy declares curfew in 3 cities, vows 'justice' for those behind violence - CNN.com
Riots over Egyptian death sentences kill at least 32 | Reuters
Egypt's leader declares emergency after clashes - Yahoo! News

Keep looking up!  The King is Soon2Come!  Blessings

Counterfeit--The Antichrist

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

The ultimate counterfeit of the last days is the wicked one known as the Antichrist.  However, for the majority of humans he is not an evil ruler but a great savior.  How could anyone venerate a man who destroys the lives of countless millions.  Well if they see him as a god then maybe they will assume that his actions are just.  What is interesting is the teaching of philosophies and religious notions on the deity of each human are growing daily--even in some "Christian" circles.

The prefix "anti-" can be used in a variety of ways.  Most know that it means to be against, and the Antichrist will certainly be against the Lord Jesus Christ.  This modifier also can mean an opposite.  As Jesus is the light of men the Beast is absolute darkness.  However, the word can also represent an alternate or another.  In this sense, Jesus is set aside as an alternative is brought forward.  As the LORD Jesus is completely man and completely God in one, the antichrist will also claim to be god.  It may be this understanding that will allow us to see why he will be so appealing.  He makes us all out to be "gods".  Sound ridiculous?

In the last post, Counterfeit--The True Source, the story of Eve's temptation was examined.  Satan seduced the mother of all humans with the idea that she would be like God.  Here is Genesis 3:5 as proof, "For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil."   The thought of being a little god was very tempting to Eve.  She was soon eating the forbidden fruit.

The first great heresy that the early church faced was the lie of Gnosticism.  Many of the books of scripture deal with this false doctrine in its earliest forms. It was a combination of false Christianity, Jewish Mysticism, and Eastern Religion.  One of the core tenets is that there is a spark of divinity in us all.  This heresy has been propagated in many contemporary venues such as music, print, and film.  There are scores of movies that have Gnostic overtones such as:  The Matrix, Vanilla Sky, V for Vendetta, Equilibrium, The Da Vinci Code, The Truman Show, and more--many more.  In other words, it seems that our culture is purposefully being indoctrinated by the false notions of this ancient lie.  Add to this top named TV personalities teaching Eastern Religion and one just begins to see the seriousness of the threat.  It seems that the last great heresy the church might face will again be Gnosticism.


There are also many big name "Christian" teachers and preachers who promulgate the notion that we can order reality with our words like we are little gods or something.  If "Christian" leaders are also teaching this lie then one begins to wonder what it is that society is being prepared for?  Many of these Word of Faith teachers are directly influenced by EW Kenyon.  Their doctrines are his doctrines.  However, Kenyon had some seriously flawed influences.  One of those influences was none other than Mary Baker Eddy.  Eddy would found the Christian Science movement that directly teaches a form of Gnostic thought.

It seems that the idea of man as some sort of deity is out there in many forms both subtle and blatant.  Time won't permit to look at its proliferation through humanistic thought.  The point is that there seems to be ample evidence that the world is slowly being brought to understand that a super-savior is needed, one who is showing himself, and the rest of humanity as well, that he is a god.  This age is clearly being programmed to accept the Antichrist.  This is a sign that we are nearing the Day of the LORD!

If you remember the post:  As For This Jesus...,  many universally are even praying for the Antichrist using the UN's Great Invocation.  Yes!  The Day of the LORD is very near--even at the door!

There has only been one man who was and is and always will be God!  "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever (Hebrews 13:8)."  More on this another day.  Keep looking up as He is certainly Soon2Come!  One last reminder, you need to run from anyone telling you to look within for answers to life.  We are to look unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith.  Are you looking unto Jesus?

Counterfeit--The True Source

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;...heresies..."

Galatians 5:19a & 5:20i

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.   And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

1John 2:16-17

Where does all false teaching come from?  Paul shared a wonderful insight to the church in Galatia which was being hammered by legalistic thought.  Heresies are simply works of the flesh.  This is why false teaching is so magnetic; in that, it meets a carnal need or desire all the while maintaining the appearance of being spiritual.  The enemy of all knows this and has used it effectively since the Garden of Eden.   Satan used the weakness of the flesh to lead Eve into his deceptive web.  He still does that today but with several thousand years of experience to perfect his tactics.  Heresy, then, can be categorized into one of the three categories above that the Apostle John mentions, and this is useful to combat error for those who are wary and prayerfully observant.


His first trick was to make the fruit something appealing to Eve's carnality.  Read carefully, "And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food...she took of the fruit thereof... (Genesis 3:6)."  Eve saw the forbidden fruit and was sure that it was good for her.  How did she know it was good?  She had never tasted it before.  Surely she was listening to the voice of the enemy over the voice of God in this!  This same temptation is still used effectively today and it still brings a loss of relationship with it as well.  There is no doubt that we are saved by the gracious act of Christ on the cross.  He was mercilessly beaten, ridiculed, mocked, and crucified cruelly for our salvation.  What love!  So then, what should our loving response be from a Savior so devoted to us that He took our suffering and shame?  Shouldn't such love cause us to deeply desire to attempt to please God with His assistance?  Too many, however, listen to men and women who excuse their sin and leave them compromised.  Sin is never "OK"!  God may well forgive the sin--but He does not always forgive the consequences!  Just ask King David.  Add to this those who teach that godlessness and immorality is acceptable and you can begin to see that this is a very effective demonic stratagem.  

What does the Word say on this?  "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:1-2)."  Did you notice what Paul said should be our incentive to offer ourselves wholly devoted?  The tender mercies of God!  In view of such love and grace and mercy we should reasonably give ourselves wholeheartedly to the LORD.  Where is that teaching today?  Repentance is more than a one time thing.  It is a lifestyle lived at the foot of the cross crying, "I need thee every hour."  

The next thing that the serpent used was the beauty of the fruit.  "And when the woman saw...that it was pleasant to the eyes...she took of the fruit thereof...(Genesis 3:6)."  Eve saw it and just had to have it.  Maybe that is why false teaching that promotes sating yourself with this worlds temporary goods is so popular today.  Don't get me wrong!  God does take care of His children.  However, He has better for us than anything this world has to offer.  What good will a fancy car, a big house, and a fat bank roll do you when your family needs Christ?  Will this world's trinkets survive judgement and end up in eternity with you?  Jesus said to lay up treasure in heaven not build castles here in the sand.  The only treasure you can take to heaven are the family, friends, and loved ones you win to Christ so get busy sharing the Gospel!

The last tool in the satanic arsenal was pride--the very hair of the dog that bit Lucifer, himself.  Eve saw the tree as "...a tree to be desired to make one wise, "  John called this the pride of life.  Maybe that is why so many today are teaching us that we are little gods whose words can alter reality?  That same thought was in the garden as well.  Did not Satan make Eve doubt God as he said, "For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:5)."  We may have to revisit this one again seeing it is a tenet of Gnosticism and also many in the Word of Faith movement.  Gnosticism, by the way, was the very teaching that the Apostle John called the spirit of antichrist in 1 John 2 and 4!  Maybe we need to carefully look at the revival of this ancient lie that we all have a spark of divinity a bit closer!  It does make one proud to know they are a "god"!

Since we are looking for deception as a sign of Christ's soon return  we might also need to look for a concept that will also point to the rise of the Antichrist since he comes first.  The key is in the Word!  He thinks he is god!  "Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (2 Timothy 2:4)."  There is much deception and false teaching out there.  Stay in the Word and keep looking up.  Jesus Christ our Blessed King is certainly Soon2Come!

Counterfeit

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;...heresies..."

Galatians 5:19a & 5:20i

Deception is the single greatest sign of the last days in scripture.  Most who dwell on prophetic events miss this sign while looking for wars, earthquakes, and events in Israel.  Jesus, however, started and finished each of His discourses on His second coming with a warning about the rise of heretical teaching and deceit.  Add to these the  warnings from the Epistles and we should begin to see the seriousness of this great sign.  Yet, most Christians can't seem to detect men's concepts taught as Bible truth.  Why?  Because deception does not effectively work if it is detected easily now does it?  Furthermore, deception works best when it seems to be the very thing one desires. 

For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

Mark 13:22

Most know that the Antichrist will be a master deceiver.  However, most do not consider that there are many in the church sowing false doctrine in an effective campaign to neutralize the truth and conceal Christ.  Deceivers were at work in the early church sowing false doctrine and they caused much grief. Yet, the teaching of false doctrine is happening at an even greater degree today and few clamor against it.  Furthermore, some are actually caught up in the very same heresies that the early church worked so hard to expose. The sad thing is that many will not listen when they are shown that a man or woman is teaching lies in the name of Christ.  Those who do try to uncover the false teachers make themselves a target of ridicule and scorn by the very people they are trying to protect.  Isaiah points out that when truth fails those who would depart from evil often make themselves a target (Isaiah 59:15).  Again, why is heresy not seen for the falseness it is?

Counterfeiters work countless hours perfecting their craft of printing false money.  The more it looks and feels like the real thing, the better the ruse.  The governments of nations worldwide also spend millions of dollars devising means and methods to counter the damage to their economies that comes with counterfeiting.  It is the same with spiritual things.  In order to make them work their damage, they have to appear spiritual though they are not.  The more it looks and sounds like a genuine teaching the better the demonic results will be.  Also, the Holy Spirit worked hundreds of years authoring the Bible so we could discern the truth from fables.  

Hunters don't kill turkeys with a moose call, nor do fishermen catch fish with deer calls.  Hunters kill turkey with calls that mimic a turkey so effectively that the prey thinks that it is a turkey.  Fishermen use lures that flash and act like the food that a fish craves most.  This is why Paul's warning above is so important.  False doctrine--heresy--appeals to the flesh while aping the things of the spirit.  This is the very reason that it is so deadly, subtle, and effective.  Heresy is appealing simply because it is packed with appeal that seems spiritual.

False doctrines are so common today that most cannot detect what is true and what is false anymore.  It is a sure sign that the times Christ and the Apostles warned us about are here. In some circles all one has to do is run and shout and whoop and holler and most think that he is walking in the Spirit.  It doesn't matter what is taught since only the appearance of an "anointing" is all that is needed.  All one has to do is deliver a lie with a tear in the eye and some will believe it is true.  In other circles we just need busyness in the house and God is involved.  Each night is jam packed with events for the whole family.  "Surely God is in this!", they reason.  For some we just need teaching that strengthens them in their lack of humility, commitment, and service.  "Just leave me with a compromised walk and don't speak against the vices (sin) that is in my life preacher," they say.

Who wrote the Bible?  Was it just the priests, prophets, and men of GOD whose names appear on a given book?  Was it not also the Holy Spirit?  True anointing follows the Word because a true anointing comes from the one who authored the Word.  It doesn't matter how passionately the message is delivered if it is not Bible based.  Emotion is great when that emotion is balanced by truth.  When it is not we tend to follow feelings and not walk in faith.  Busyness for the sake of doing something is not the overall mission of the church.  Many of the events that churches are using to keep people in their pews are actually destroying the people by leading them into deception.

The mission of the true Spirit filled church is to be the loving hands and feet of Christ the King reaching out to a lost and dying world.  One who is truly guided by the things of the spirit is working overtime with God guided by the word and is allowing the Holy Spirit to conform them to the image of Christ so that Christ alone is always seen.

Be careful!  We are in the last days and there is a lot that is counterfeit out there.  This is yet another sure sign that Jesus Christ is Soon2Come!!

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2 Peter 2:1