Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Good News- Bad News

The bad news first. Events in the Middle East are leading to World War III. How do I know? Prophecies written thousands of years ago speak of it. Dan 11:40 And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.

The king of the South is Iran. It's nuclear program is perceived as a threat by a German led European Conglomerate (the King of the North). 2007/2/11 Merkel: Iran nuke program must be halted - By DAVID RISING, Associated Press Writer - MUNICH, Germany - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Saturday that the international community is determined to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. As it is written this King of the North will come against Iran in a blitz attack that will end the radical Muslim push. But things won't end there. Dan 11:41 He shall enter also into the glorious land,(modern day Israel) and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.
Dan 11:42 He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.
Dan 11:43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.
Then this war will escalate. Dan 11:44 But tidings out of the east and out of the north (China and Russia) shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.

It shall be the greatest time of trouble mankind has ever seen. Dan 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

Sunday, February 25, 2007

It Is A Fearful Thing

It is better to live one's life as though there is a God and find out there is none than to live ones life as though there is no God and find out that there is one. For as scripture says: Heb 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

The other day on the news I heard our President asking God to bless this nation. In keeping with a promise God made to Abraham this nation was blessed to the point of becoming the greatest nation upon the face of this earth. Our economic, industrial, military, and food producing might was second to none. All one has to do is listen to the world news to know that this is no longer so. If anything, our nation is being cursed by the Living God. Deu 28:15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee.
Deu 28:16 Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field.
Deu 28:17 Cursed shall be thy basket and thy kneadingtrough.
Deu 28:18 Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, the increase of thy kine, and the young of thy flock.
Deu 28:19 Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out.
Deu 28:20 The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, discomfiture, and rebuke, in all that thou puttest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the evil of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me.

I am certain that many will consider these scriptures not as prophecy but as the ranting and raving fiction of some ancient, ignorant, supersticious writer. Although if they watch current events in the light of these scriptures they may change their minds. After all as it says in Heb 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

The Gospel That Jesus Brought

There is a lot written about the Gospel. There is the Gospel according Luke and the Gospel according to Mark, John and Matthew. There are Gospels about Christ and then there is the Gospel of Christ.

The word Gospel simply means good news or glad tidings. Jesus came preaching the good news of the kingdom. Mat 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. Mat 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. Mar 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

Jesus preached a gospel of the kingdom of God not a gospel about himself. There are some who believe that this kingdom that Christ preached is in heaven. Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

The word "of" in the phrase kingdom of heaven denotes ownership not a place. It is God's kingdom. It is to be a world ruling government, a kingdom, with Jesus as King of kings. Rev 19:16 And he hath on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isa 9:7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with judgment and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts shall perform this.

Monday, February 19, 2007

Doing My Father's Will

This morning it came to me that it is only by seeking and doing my Father's will that life is worth living. There is great joy and accomplishment in doing so. Self seeking takes the joy out of life. It's like a drunk or drug addict you spend your days and your energies looking for your next fix. The aging process makes life a hopeless downward spiral. For most this life is one great struggle just to survive. If the Great God didn't have such a wonderful plan for us this life would be nothing more that one futile struggle to appease our lusts that ends in death.

Now that Satan has been cast down to this earth human life on this planet has become even more precarious. He is an angry wild beast just rampaging through people's lives tearing them apart.

Increasingly people are being motivated by fear and anger. There is no peace. Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe for the earth and for the sea: because the devil is gone down unto you, having great wrath, knowing that he hath but a short time.
Rev 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast down to the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

At best there is only the absence of war. Lives are cut short, wasted on either helping or preventing someone getting something that doesn't belong to them. Much of the planet's resources are use up making instruments of destruction. Many of us know where all this warring is taking the world but think that it won't happen if we don't talk about it.

The sad reality is that it is only a matter of time. Man denies that the cause of our problems is spiritual and is proving that he is unable to solve these problems. Our only hope is a strong hand from somewhere.

Just over two thousand years ago there was one who brought us the message that there will be a strong hand coming that will solve this world's problems. This message got the messenger killed. It seems that we are so caught up in our self destructive ways that we don't even want to hear the solution. Our time is running out. If someone doesn't stop us we will destroy human life from the planet. The good news is that we will not be allowed to do so although we will come close to it by the time we are through. Peace, prosperity, and health will be forced on this world. Mat 24:22 And except those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened

Thursday, February 15, 2007

What Is Truth and Who Decides?

We are bombarded by so-called scientific studies coming out on both sides of issues. One that comes to mind is coffee. One study shows that it is bad for you another shows it is good for you. The good or bad of coffee can change from week to week depending on who pays for the latest "scientific study".

In our technological and scientific advanced society truth has become very fluid. Today's lies will, with enough advertising and publicity, become tomorrow's truths. Truth has become whatever a large enough group says it is. Like situations ethics truth has become a matter of time and place. This making of truth out of lies and lies out of truth has permeated all aspects of our lives.

Our government institutes regulations condoning lies. The example that comes to mind is food product labels. A product can be labeled as all beef and contain a percentage of pork. Our courts have ruled that a political candidate can openly lie about the opposition and it is considered a free speech right. We are constantly bombarded by advertisements that proclaim half truths and out and out false claims. It seems that our whole society is based upon falsehoods, some of which we treasure and vehemently defend, Santa Claus for one.
All these deceits and out and out lies are making life painfully difficult and in some cases actually killing us. We have drifted so far from truth that we no longer have any clear idea of what it is and why it is important.

Many of us consider ourselves religious and worshipers of God yet give no real thought to what is truth. Scripture tells us that we must bring truth into our worship of God. Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

What is truth? God's word is truth. John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Truth is something to be obeyed. Rom 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, God's commandments are truth. Psa 119:151 Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth. God's law is truth. Psa 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.

We must decide, will we allow God's word instruct us in the truth of how to worship God or will we continue in our own traditions? Jesus tells us that following our own religious traditions will not do.

Mar 7:7 But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men.
Mar 7:8 Ye leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men.
Mar 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well do ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your tradition.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Proof Of God

There are those who dismiss the Holy Bible as nothing more than a collection of old wive's tales. The ramblings of an uneducated backward people. Many who do so also are seeking proof of God. There quest is hopeless since they cannot see evidence of a Creator in nature because of their belief in the now popular teachings of the theory of evolution. The proof of God is in the pages of the bible. It is the only writings that claim to be inspired by the Creator. 2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, This same God challenges us to prove His existence. 1 Thes 5:21 prove all things; hold fast that which is good;

Within the pages of this inspired book God reveals Himself.
Isa 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me;
Isa 46:10 declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

God declares that prophecy is proof of His existence. His existence will be revealed in a very dramatic way within our lifetime. The Israelite nations, Israel, and the other English speaking nations will experience a painful and rapid decline culminating in a terrible defeat at the hands of a Germany led European conglomerate. That's the bad news. Now the good news is that in just about three and a half years after this dreadful defeat God will once again establish us as a world power under the direct ruler ship of the returned Jesus Christ. So you see, undisputable proof of God's existence is coming soon.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

God Is Not A Co-Pilot

It has been my experience that while many claim to want God in their lives they do not want God to tell them how to live their lives. They are looking for more of a Co-pilot. One where they decide the course and call on God for help to get there. The thing is God doesn't work that way. He will not play second fiddle to anyone or any thing in our lives. He will not be a god of our creation. We are His creation. He decides what is write or what is wrong. He gives us the free will to decide whether we will do right or do wrong.

Deu 5:32 Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.
Deu 5:33 Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live,

Thursday, February 8, 2007

Coming - The End Of War

Our society exerts many forms of pressure to keep us in line. Peer pressure in one of the strongest. It forces us to conform and chastises us when we don't. Another is economic, it pressures us to live within the confines of the money or credit available to us. I am painfully aware that this economic system of ours is the taskmaster of our enslavement. There is no true freedom in our present world system. It presses down heavily on people crushing them under it's weight. Our chains of bondage are built with links of fear. We don't do because we are afraid to and we do because we are afraid not to. We are puppets with invisible strings which gives us the illusion that we are free. We are aided in this by our education, religion and entertainment systems. We are blinded to any alternative and there is only two ways out. One is death and the other is by an act of our Creator when He calls us to take part in the preparation for the new way of life that is coming. One that is going to replace six thousand years of systems created by man under the influence of Satan, the god of this world who has blinded men's minds. 2Cor 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ

The way of life that man has established is filled with pain and suffering. War and disease kills and maim's us. We must fight for what we want or to keep what we have. Oh, it's not always called war. It is most often call competition. We are forced to compete for almost everything. We compete for the affection of those we are attracted to. We compete for jobs and promotions. We even have to compete to get the education we need to compete. We are told that competition is a trait of a free society. Competition is a form of war. A war to acquire or achieve what we want. In this war we are led around by our lustful and greedy desires like a carrot on a stick drives a donkey forward. Because we lack any alternative we believe that this is good and that it is true freedom. It is not the freedom that Jesus spoke of when he said that "you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free".

Happily the days are coming when a new system will govern this world. Isa 2:4 And he shall judge between the nations, and shall reprove many peoples: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Who Will Save Us?

Who will save us from ourselves? We are on a course that is leading to self-destruction. The values that hold our society together are being abandoned. It is only a matter of time before we degenerate into anarchy where everyone does what is right in his own eyes. The rule of law is now used by the powerful and the unscrupulous for gain rather than to provide justice. We have become the society spoken of in scripture. Isa 1:4 Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.
Isa 1:5 Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.
Isa 1:6 From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

We like to think that we are a good and prosperous people. We are self deceived. Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
The time is approaching when our enemies will over run this nation. Already they are pushing at us and draining away our God given wealth and resources.

The time is approaching when the following prophecy will come to past.
Isa 1:7 Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers.

History will show that every society that has degenerated into immorality ends in ruins. What's to stop it from happening to us?

Sunday, February 4, 2007

More On The Commandments

Is the law only binding on the Jews?
Rom 2:11 for there is no respect of persons with God.
Rom 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned under law shall be judged by law;

What did the Apostle Paul have to say about the commandments?
Rom 2:13 for not the hearers of a law are just before God, but the doers of a law shall be justified:

The Law gives us knowledge of what sin is.
1Jo 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Rom 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

Law not voided by faith
Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Is the Law evil?
Rom 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
The law is spiritual. Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

A Royal Law:
Jam 2:8 If ye fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well:
Jam 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
Jam 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Jam 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

To know Christ we must keep the commandments.
1Jo 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1Jo 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Grace is not a license to sin.
Heb 10:26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Thursday, February 1, 2007

Doing Away With The Law Of God

There are some Christian denominations that teach that Christ came to do away with the law of God. The commandments they say were nailed to the cross. They teach that the commandments are a burden and some even go as far as saying that the law is evil. Others teach that we are to keep the commandments. Who is right?

What did Christ say about the law? Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.
Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
If I am to take Christ at His word. Heaven and earth are still here so not one dotting of an I or crossing of a T has passed from the law.

If He came to do away with His Father's commandments why did he tell one who asked Him directly what one had to do to gain eternal life? Mat 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
Mat 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
Here was the perfect opportunity to say all you have to do is believe in me.

As near as I can see He didn't say anything about doing away with the commandments in fact He expanded them. Mat 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:20 For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
Mat 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Christ even went as far as saying that those who teach that the law of God is done away with are actually worshipping Him in vain.
Mar 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Mar 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
Mar 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

If I am to believe Christ and not men He did not come to do away with the commandments.