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Thursday, August 30, 2012

The Least The Greatest




                             Chandra Dangi (left) and Jyoti Amge (right)

Guinness World Records

It's official: Chandra Bahadur Dangi and Jyoti Amge are the world's shortest man and woman.

 The two individuals – 21½ inches and 2'7", respectively – have been inducted into the 2013 edition of Guinness World Records.


When I saw the image above, I made up my mind to be the least among Christians because my life’s goal is to be the greatest in Christ’s Kingdom.


Lord Jesus said to us in Luke 9:48;

“ Then He said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One Who sent Me. For he who is least among you all--he is the greatest.”

A little child is the emblem by which Christ teaches us simplicity and humility. What greater honor can any man attain to in this world, than to be received by men as a messenger of God and Christ.

In Luke 22:26;

“ But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves”.


Christ here takes occasion to explain the nature of His kingdom. He assures them that it is established on different principles from those of the world; that His subjects were not to expect titles, and power, and offices of pomp in His kingdom.

He that would be most advanced in "His" kingdom would be he that was most humble; and in order to show them this, He took a towel and girded himself after the manner of a servant, and washed their feet, to show them what ought to be their feelings toward each other.


Lord Jesus, make me the least among Your servant because I want to be the greatest in Your Kingdom. When You make me the greatest, make sure it’s for Your service, not for the position because I am Your eternal servant and You are the Greatest of us all. I love You Lord Jesus!

Lake of Fire


                     Nyiragongo volcano in Congo, the world greatest lava lake

 

We read in, Revelation 20:10-15;

10 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.

13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done.

14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.

15 If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

 

The Word of God shows us clearly who will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire, which is the second death (Verse 14).

  1. Verse 10 - The devil(Satan), the beast and false prophet (false church leaders today)
  2. Verse 15 – Anyone whose name was not found in the Lamb’s Book of Life.


Barnes’ Note on the Bible exegetes;

And whosoever - All persons, of all ranks, ages, and conditions. No word could be more comprehensive than this. The single condition here stated, as being what would save any from being cast into the lake of fire, is, that they are "found written in the book of life." All besides these, princes, kings, nobles, philosophers, statesmen, conquerors; rich men and poor men; the bond and the free; the young and the aged; the frivolous, the vain, the proud, and the sober; the modest and the humble, will be doomed to the lake of fire. Unlike in all other things, they will be alike in the only thing on which their eternal destiny will depend - that they have not so lived that their names have become recorded in the book of life. As they will also be destitute of true religion, there will be a propriety that they shall share the same doom in the future world.

Lord Jesus, I hate the devouring flame of fire itself except the warmth I feel in the cold night.

Thank You Lord for delivering us (you and me!) from the eternal damnation in the lake of fire and welcoming us into the Marvelous Light of Your Kingdom. Thank You Jesus!

 

River of Fire



                                                       HAWAII Lava River

An incandescent river of lava surges on the big across a landscape of black basalt during a nighttime eruption at Pu’u O’o, the active vent of Kilauea volcano, at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaii. Kilauea, once thought to be an extension of Mauna Loa, is now recognized as a distinct volcano, possibly the most active in the world. Photograph by Frans Lanting, www.lifethroughtime.com

I posted “A River of Fire was flowing from before Him” Tuesday, April 3, 2012 and write again on the topic because I felt that I needed to hear from God’s Word to consecrate myself to the calling of our Lord Jesus in preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God which will be followed by the judgment of the beasts - kingdoms of the earth ruled by the evil one, Satan.


We read in, Daniel 7:10-13;

10 A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before Him. Thousands upon thousands attended Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened. 11 "Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire.12 (The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time.) 13 "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence.


Clarke's Commentary on the Bible;

A fiery stream issued - This is not spoken of the final judgment; but of that which He was to execute upon this fourth beast, the Roman Empire; and the little boasting horn which is a part of the fourth beast, and must fall when the other falls.


Gill’s Exposition on the Bible;

Here the Judge is God the Father, the first Person in the Trinity, called the Ancient of days, distinguished from Christ, said to be like the Son of man; whereas the last and future judgment will be committed to the Son of God, the second Person, who is ordained Judge of quick and dead; and who will come a second time to judge the world in righteousness; and, though the description of the Ancient of days will agree well enough with him, he having the same glorious perfections his Father has, which qualify him for a Judge; see Revelation 1:14-18;

14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.

15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters.

16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. Then he placed His right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.

18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.


Lord Jesus, let Your Kingdom come and Your Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven! Amen.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Standoff : Snake vs. Turkeys




When I saw this fun pic, I remembered the Word of God in Isaiah 11:6;

“The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them.”



"The fruit of righteousness is peace, which now reigns in humanity under the rule of the Prince of Peace, and even in the animal world, with nothing whatever to disturb it. "And the wolf dwells with the lamb, and the leopard lies down with the kid; and calf and lion and stalled ox together: a little boy drives them. And cow and bear go to the pasture; their young ones lie down together: and the lion eats shopped straw like the ox. And the suckling plays by the hole of the adder, and the weaned child stretches its hand to the pupil of the basilisk-viper. They will not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the land is filled with knowledge of Jehovah, like the waters covering the sea."


The following article was retrieved and shortened from http://www.spiritandtruthministries.org 08/29/2012

God's taking the Curse off Animals in the Messianic Age from Isaiah 11


The first thing God mentions in this passage is that animals will be more tame and gentle in the Messianic Age by mentioning some carnivorous animals lying down peacefully with plant eating animals that could now and before the Messianic Age be part of the prey and food of the carnivorous animals. The examples of the wolf and the lamb, the leopard and the kid (young goat) and the calf and the young lion and the fatling (older cow used for human food now) are given. It is also said a young child shall lead them.

This probably means that the animals will be tame and gentle and wouldn't attack a young child but that they also wouldn't be afraid of humans then either. This further strengthens the idea of harmonious co-existence of different animals with each other and with humans in the Messianic Age.

In verse 7 the scripture says the cow representing a plant eating animal and the bear representing a presently both plant and flesh eating animal will feed together. It is also mentioned that then the lion will eat flesh like an ox meaning that in the Messianic Age the lions and bears and other presently flesh eating or partly flesh eating animals will only be vegetarian eating in the Messianic Age.

It is also mentioned that a child will be able to play on the hole of the asp which is a type of poisonous snake or put his hand on the cockatrice's den - another type of poisonous snake and not be hurt. This is because these snakes like other animals in the Messianic Age will be more tame and gentle even ones that now are meat eating and quite vicious. This could also include the poisonous snakes not having their poisonous nature in the Messianic Age.


Reasons for Tameness or Gentleness of Animals in the Messianic Age in Isaiah 11

The main reason for the tameness or gentleness and harmoniousness of animals during the Messianic Age including presently vicious ones is that God will be more directly in control of the animals and will also lift the present curse on animals from man's sin in the Garden of Eden and before the flood.

God's peaceful, or kind or gracious nature when there isn't open or well-regarded sin will be fully applied and evident during the Messianic Age to His creation including the animals of the animal world including that they won't hurt or destroy in the Earth then.

God's way of saying that He will be in fuller control of Earth in His goodness and righteousness is that then the Earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.

Another reason there will be more tameness of animals even presently meat eating animals in the Messianic Age is that the devil and all the demons or evil spirits will be bound in the bottomless pit for a thousand years. During that period the devil and demons will be unable to affect what goes on Earth including the thoughts or behavior or animals.

Finally from this and other scriptures it is most likely part of the reason for the tameness of the animals especially towards the child due to God ordaining that humans will only be allowed to eat plants in the Messianic Age.

This also seemed to be the case in the Garden of Eden and before the flood as it was only after the flood in Genesis 9 that God said to Noah and his family and their descendants that they could eat the flesh of animals.

This has tended to make animals more afraid of humans as they might be afraid the humans want to get close to them to harm them or catch them to eat them. This will not be the case in the Messianic Age. This will probably also mean that the Earth will be able to support a much larger human population as the Earth will be much more fruitful over more of its area then and people and animals will rely just on plants for food. This reliance on plants for food ultimately doesn't take as much land or original plants to use for food as when animals are consumed for food and the less efficient nutrients from them and their eating plant food is consumed and relied on for food.

We all anticipate this marvelous Messianic Kingdom Age when Jesus our Lord rules as King of kings and Lord of lords on earth for 1,000 years. Amen.

Trash the Dress


Maria Pantazopoulos, 30, married on June 9, died on Aug. 24 when her wedding dress became soaked during a photo shoot in the Oureau River in Rawdon, Quebec. The heavy, awkward garment eventually dragged its diminutive owner into the water and caused her to drown.

Dear readers, never try to do “trash the dress” photo shoots.

Beaches and bodies of water are popular locations for “trash the dress” photo shoots, a trend which began gaining popularity in 2008. Several mass “trash the dress” events took place in 2011, including one that featured hundreds of women storming a Netherlands beach in their gowns.

I wrote about ‘life-risking’ activities in my Wednesday, August 22, 2012 posting and I say again,

“Our lives are gifts from God and should be used to glorify God.”

And always remember what the Lord Jesus says in Mark 8:36;

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?”

I do believe you will do it - Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

666

                 You should read 'Sigma' in the image rather than 'Stigma.'


Revelation 13:18 reveals us;

“Here is wisdom, Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.”

Greek Texts:

Ὧδε ἡ σοφία ἐστίν, ὁ ἔχων νοῦν ψηφισάτω τὸν ἀριθμὸν τοῦ θηρίου, ἀριθμὸς γὰρ ἀνθρώπου ἐστιν, καὶ ὁ ἀριθμὸς αὐτοῦ ἑξακόσιοι ἑξήκοντα ἑξ.

Here is a Greek math.

   ἑξακόσιοι(heksakosioi)  600

+ ἑξήκοντα (heksekonta)    60

+ ἑξ (hex)                            6

_________________________

                                      =  666

 

I am quoting again from the writings of Pastor Gary J. Hall, an ex-Roman Catholic.

The Bible teaches that the antichrist will gain total economic and religious control of the entire world. All people will worship him and receive a mark on their hands or upon their foreheads in order to buy or sell. Those who refuse to take the mark will be hunted down and eliminated.

The number 666 is seen as an evil number. This is no doubt because of its appearance in occult films and upon the bodies of certain rock musicians. The number almost puts terror in the hearts and minds of some believers.

In this study we are going to discuss the facts surrounding the "the mark of the beast" but avoiding speculation. It is important to free ourselves from the myths that have grown up around this issue and to concentrate on what the Bible actually says. What we will present is no new revelation, we will simply accept only what the Bible actually says. Great care and attention must be taken when trying to understand or interpret prophecy (including this one). The key to all Biblical prophecy is: Interpret prophecy as literal unless it is obviously symbolic, but understand that there must be a literal meaning behind the symbolism. If we do not do this we will fall into the same trap as the cults and some Christian groups.

For instance, the Seventh-day Adventists believe that the mark of the beast is actually worshipping God on Sunday. I don’t think that those who worship on Sunday have any more boils as those who worship on Saturday (see Revelation 16:2). The interpretation is obviously foolish, but do you realize that some have been just as unbiblical in the past? It’s all Greek to me!

Please read the following verse carefully:

"And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name." (Revelation 13:17)

Did you notice the three things mentioned?

(1.) A mark (2.) A name (3.) A number.

The three are not the same. This is proven by the use of the word ‘or’. So the number 666 is not ‘the mark of the beast’. Scripture is informing us that the numerical value of his name will add up to six hundred and sixty six. The ‘mark’ that will appear on the antichrist will be a literal mark (emblem or insignia). He will not walk the earth with 666 on his forehead. So to recap what we’ve seen up until now: The ‘mark’ is not the ‘name’ or the ‘number’; the three are separate from each other. Therefore the ‘mark of the beast’ is not 666.

The ‘name’ of the antichrist is not revealed anywhere in Scripture, so this is why his ‘number’ is given. No one will know who the antichrist is prior to his revealing. Because of this we can safely assume that nobody can receive ‘mark of the beast’ until the beast arrives on the world scene. We do not know his ‘name’ because we do not yet have the wisdom and understanding of how to work out his ‘number’

It is the ‘number’ that has so intrigued believers throughout the centuries. Unfortunately this has resulted in many weird and wonderful revelations. Various numerical codes have been devised to calculate the ‘name’ of the antichrist. The following persons have been identified as the beast only to be proven wrong; Nero, popes, Luther, Calvin, Napoleon, Hitler, and even Henry Kissenger.

Others have shown that the word ‘computer’ adds up to 666 using a special code. The fact is that names have been manipulated in the past to reveal a person as the antichrist. To arrive at 666 usually English is used. If that does not work out then they will use any other language. If is still does not calculate then a twisting of the spelling or an addition of a title may work. Such practices are ridiculous and unscriptural.

Daniel’s description of Nebuchadnezzar’s image has been used to illustrate 666. This is how it goes: The statue was 60 cubits high, and 6 cubit wide, and there were six kinds of instruments used in the ceremony (see Daniel 3:1,7). So there you have it, 60+6+6=666. That’s poor arithmetic according to anyone’s standards. I found that to come to 72 even without a calculator!

As an ex-Roman Catholic I believe that the religion of Rome is antichristian, and that her popes are antichrist. I believe that there is a great possibility that the antichrist or his false prophet will be a pope, but I object to the use of Latin (and its numerical value) to reveal the popes as antichrist. This last statement may surprise you, but read on.

Here’s a good question for you (you’ll get top marks if you get it right). What language was the New Testament written in? Yes, that’s correct, the New Testament (including Revelation 13:18) was written in Greek. Then why use English or Latin to calculate the ‘name’ of the antichrist? Greek has its own personal numerical value. Since the New Testament was written in Greek the number 666 must be decoded in Greek. The wisdom to calculate 666 must be according to the Greek language not any other. If we use English or Latin to work out the ‘number’ then it must also work out in every language. Since this is impossible (because each language has its own numerical values) is it not better to do things God’s way?

Simply put, if the antichrist is from Rome his ‘name’ must be first translated into Greek before the ‘number’ can be decoded. Therefore the Greek equivalent must add up to six hundred and sixty six.

What’s in a number?

Is the number of the beast six six six or six hundred and sixty six? The answer to that question is more than obvious, but many interpreters speak of 6-6-6 as the number of the antichrist. They say that since ‘6’ is the number of man, 6-6-6 must represent a false trinity. The number of the antichrist is not three sixes but a single number 666. Unless we see the number in hundreds, tens, and units we will not understand the prophecy correctly. If tomorrow you went to the bank to withdraw £111 you would not accept £3 instead. You know that £1+£1+£1 does not amount to £111. Yet this is what we are asked to accept regarding 666. This method of Bible interpretation is flawed at the outset.

While the number 6 may be the number of man it does not follow that 666 is the number of a false trinity even if we used the faulty understanding mentioned above. Six hundred and sixty six is not the number of any ‘man’ or even ‘three men’, "it is the number of the beast", meaning that it applies to one person in particular. Only the antichrist’s name will add up to 666.

The mark of the beast which will be placed upon all who worship the antichrist will more than likely be an adaptation of our DNA. Every man, woman, and child (in fact all living things) have their own personal DNA. This cannot be shared with anyone else. DNA can be reduced to a kind of line picture resembling the common barcode. It is not beyond our imagination to see that a series of numbers could be applied to these lines to represent the DNA lines. Such a number would be totally individual to ourselves.

This does not mean that the antichrist’s DNA will add up to 666 because it is his name that amounts to that figure.

Who then is the Beast?


If you have not noticed yet, this is the very point of the Revelation 13:18. I have not offered you any grids to work it out for yourself because I do not believe we have the wisdom or understanding to do so until the time is right. Yes, go ahead and keep watching what is going on in the world. If you must try to work out who 666 represents then make sure you use the Greek language.

No one can be sure who he is at this time. To speculate (and speculation is all it would be) can lead to foolishness. If you believe that John Paul II is the antichrist then be prepared to be 100% wrong.

The ‘wisdom’ to work out the number will be given to those (maybe us) living at the time of the rising of the beast. Suddenly what we have been reading will make sense. The mystery will be ended. The very fact that John writes "Here is wisdom, Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast..." shows that not everyone has such wisdom or understanding.

We believe in something that theologians call "progressive revelation." This means that certain Bible truths regarding last day events are revealed more fully as the events approach. For instance, few people spoke of the ‘rapture of the church’ before the 1800s. Even though it was always there in the Bible few understood it or thought about it. It was only at the beginning of this century that light was shed more intensely upon this subject. Now we understand what Luther, Tyndale, Wesley and others did not grasp. The same is true regarding the number six hundred and sixty six.

In conclusion


The Bible says that whoever takes the mark, the name of the beast, or worships him will be damned for eternity. That ‘mark’ will probably be the insignia of the antichrist, but we can be certain that the ‘mark’ is not the ‘name’ which adds up to 666. Therefore the ‘mark of the beast’ is not 666. The ‘number’ is the count of his ‘name’.

I do not believe that we should look for a man wearing 666 on his head. Nor do I believe that such a number is going to be inscribed on people’s bodies. If you receive a Income Tax form that has the number 666 on it will you believe that it comes from antichrist? Would you be as quick to cast away a £50 note that has the number 666 on it somewhere?

As I stated earlier, correct Bible interpretation is vital in understanding Scripture, especially prophecy. We do not need to twist Scripture to make it fit. God has spoken to us in His word; let’s just allow Him to speak.

Royal Party


Prince Harry made a splash in Las Vegas where his late night partying involved racing Ryan Lochte at a late night pool party and a game of “strip billiards.” Photos of the 27-year-old surfaced soon after. The royal family tried to ban the pics from the British press, but it didn’t work.


Luke 17:26-30 introduces us about the condition of society in general when Jesus Christ returns;

Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.  

It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed.


I am quoting from Pastor Gary J. Hall in England below (with minor alteration in spelling);


As it was in the days of Noah


“And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all” (Luke:26-27).

Some have suggested that there is certain normality in this description and that there is nothing sinful in the illustration. They claim that the text simply refers to the everyday carelessness of mankind as he ignores the coming judgment. Though there is some truth in this idea, we cannot fail to recognize the fact that the people of Noah’s day were not destroyed simply because they ate, drank and married. These people were destroyed in the Flood because of their sinfulness - “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5).

The apostle Peter writes that Noah was a preacher of righteousness in a godless society, “And spared not the old world, but saved Noah with seven others, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly” (2 Peter 2:5). Therefore, as well as rejecting God’s Word, there must have been increased immorality in the areas mentioned by Jesus.

Life will go on as normal until the Lord comes again, but such normality will become increasingly depraved to the point that people only think about pleasure - hedonism (eating, drinking, and parties). They will plan ahead (marrying and giving in marriage). Those who live for themselves with no thought for God will reject any idea that judgment is on its way. This was true in Noah’s day.

Peter tells us that it will be true in the Last Days also, “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men” (2 Peter 3:3-7).

To the unsaved, lost in their unbelief, carelessness and depravity, life will look as though it will go on forever that nothing has really changed. Sad as it is to say, the same attitude exists within the Church today also. The Church has been invaded by preachers of unrighteousness who spread the idea that worldliness and compromise are acceptable to God. But those, like Noah, who preach God’s Word of salvation, they will see society and standards becoming worse each day.

 

As it was in the days of Lot

 

“Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed” (Luke: 28-30).

This illustration should not be seen as separate but intertwined with that of Noah’s day. Jesus is here revealing that the conditions that existed in Lot’s day will go hand in hand with that of Noah’s day in the Last Times.

Again, there appears to be a certain normality and legitimacy about the conditions in Sodom (and Gomorrah). For what can be sinful about eating, drinking, buying, selling, building and planting? The fact is, God did not destroy them for these things but because they had rejected His righteous ways and become totally immoral. They refused to listen to anything that even suggested that their lifestyle was wrong.

Peter describes the reasons why God poured out fire and brimstone upon them, “And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; and delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)” (2 Peter 2:6-8).

Here we see that their ‘alternative lifestyle’ was considered filthy and ungodly. We only need to read through Genesis 29 to find that what both Jesus and Peter had in mind was Sodom’s homosexuality. It appears that this perversion was in all areas of society (from the Government down so that God could not find even ten righteous people amongst them), “Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude: 7).

There has to be a reason why whole nations give themselves over to depraved living. In our day we see militant homosexuality in religion, government, army, civil service etc. The explanation offered in God’s word is the real reason why there is so much immorality and corruption today. In Ezekiel 16:49-50 we read, “Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good”. The same conditions existing in Sodom are plain to see in our time and suggest that this world is ripe for judgment.

Today we have not only the fact that man is too proud to admit he is a sinner, but is proud of his sin. The same “Gay Pride” was obvious in Lot’s day also. They rejected the words of Lot therefore refusing to hear God’s word. Today we have in Canada the banning of the first chapter of Romans for public reading by law because it offends homosexuals. When a nation bypasses legitimate recreation for immoral pleasure, leisure, and treasure; when luxury takes the place of godliness, then idleness gives the devil a foothold. When a nation cannot provide for its poor and sick because so much money is tied up for homosexual, feminist, and abortion issues then that nation itself is diseased and ready for judgment.

The apostle Paul tells us that when nations reject God’s word they give themselves over unto perversion, idolatry and other ungodly practices (Romans 1). As in Lot’s day people today are “haughty” and commit all kinds of abominations, even to the point of saying that God made them that way. They believe that wickedness is their God-given right. Yet, just as in Lot’s day our society (and the world) will be judged.

The Lord Jesus indicates that the world which exists before His return will be given over to pleasure-seeking, immorality, perversion, idleness, and a rejection of the things of God. All godly standards that made many nations great will be forgotten in favor of licentiousness, “The wicked shall be turned into hell and all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17).

 

Monday, August 27, 2012

GPS



         A driver ended up with his vehicle in the water when misdirected by GPS

 
Misleading or deceptive conduct is a doctrine of Australian law. The doctrine aims primarily to provide consumer protection by preventing businesses from misleading their customers. However, it extends to all situations in the course of trade or commerce.  A range of remedies are available in the event of misleading or deceptive conduct.

I am not sure whether he was compensated for the loss by GPS device manufacturer, but pretty much sure he can recover the damage from his insurance company.

What if this misleading or deception happens to you spiritually? If then, can you recover the damage you suffered?  Not at all!

The Bible sternly warns us of the danger of spiritual deception and its irrevocable consequences for eternity.

(Friendly Warning: It’s a kind of long reading.)

 

Spiritual deception is the result of not following or obeying the Word of God. When a believer adopts any thought, doctrine, or practice which is contrary to God’s written word then he enters into the spiritual darkness of heresy and deception.

This is especially true in relation to the Last Days. It seems that spiritual deception and a departure from the true “faith once delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) will increase as we approach the final days.

This is because Satan and his hordes know that their “time is short” (Revelation 12:12) to win as many souls as possible. These souls include believers in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “For there shall arise false christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Matthew 24:24). If it were not possible to deceive the very elect then Jesus would have not bothered to state this. The apostle Paul tells us that the last day Church will be invaded by teachings originating in Hell, “Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1).

Not only has Satan sent false christs into the world to capture the hearts of those who do not know the true God and Savior, but he has also commissioned deceivers, false brethren (Galatians 2:4) to promote a form of Christianity to seduce believers who do not abide in God’s written word. We live in an age when “false prophets” have arisen and are showing many “great signs and wonders”.

Those, of the modern Pentecostal and Charismatic movements are being duped by signs, wonders, and false miracles performed by the latest superstar to come onto the scene. They fail to acknowledge Paul’s warning about this very thing when he said, “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).

 They fail to be Bereans who “searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11), and so allow “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15) to minister a corrupted gospel to them. These teachers are really “ravening” and “grievous wolves” who do not care for the people in the least, but instead speak “perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30). At the root of the deception is “mammon” (Matthew 6:24) for they “through covetousness shall with feigned words make merchandise” of their followers (2 Peter 2:3). This is a perfect description of the Wealth and Health preachers of today.

The Lord Jesus asks, “When the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). The devil’s work of deception operating within the Church is so fashioned to destroy the faith of many through false prophets, false teachers, false brethren, and false bibles. He desires to destroy a person’s faith in the eternal word of God. Many of our Churches no longer want to “endure sound doctrine” but would rather listen to foolish stories and receive “pep-talks” on various carnal subjects.

The apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables”. Few want to hear a preacher of righteousness speaking about true faith, against sin, and about Hell.

It seems that we live in a day when fabulous tales and exaggerated experiences are more to the liking of Christians than the pure word of the Lord. These people think that they no longer need to be rebuked and exhorted “with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2).

In general today’s churchgoer wants sermons that do not demand anything from them or causes them to consider their own souls. They will not accept a call to repentance, obedience, or commitment. They love their false teachers. Jeremiah explains, “The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?” (5:31). Preachers that make them feel uncomfortable in their sin and compromise are usually labeled ‘legalistic’ or ‘doom and gloom’. This willful ignorance of God’s word has caused them to open both their churches and their hearts to “lying spirits, and doctrines of devils” that have seduced them from Christ so that now their minds and consciences are “seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:1-2). No wonder Jesus asks if He will find true faith when He returns!

We can see that the “falling away” (2 Thessalonians 2:3) or departure “from the faith” is not that there will be less people attending church, but that fewer of them will be able to distinguish between what is true and what is false. The greatest spiritual battle for the souls of men is taking place within the church not outside of it. The Last Days are clearly here when we see such personal and denominational apostasy at an all time high because of the infiltration of perverted and distorted gospels promoted by compromising preachers and pastors. Nevertheless, there will always be God’s faithful remnant who will never bow their knee alongside the prophets of Baal.

The believer has protection from such deception. This involves being totally loyal and faithful to God and His inspired word. Added to this we must realize that deception can enter at any level, so that even a sound preacher can become deceived and promote a mixture of truth and error. Such awareness has to be united with a desire to obey only that which is contained in God’s written word and to have our lives sanctified through it, “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth” (John 17:17), and to walk in righteousness.

Throughout the Bible the Holy Spirit warns us to stay faithful to God’s word, even if it means being persecuted for doing so, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them” (2 Timothy 3:12-14). It is our duty to stand firm with the “Sword of the Spirit” in our hand (Ephesians 6:17).

Loyalty to Scripture and seeking out faithful ministers is needful for the days we are living in. By doing so, prayerfully and watchfully, we can be assured of close fellowship with Christ. This calls for abiding in the word of God every day of our lives and neither looking to the left or the right of it. It means “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).

We do not need new doctrines, practices, or experiences. What will cause us to “endure to the end” (Matthew 24:13) is a solid Scriptural foundation and an undivided commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28). Our safeguard against false doctrine and apostasy is found in obedience to the Scriptures, by taking it alone as our firm foundation and standard for faith and practice.

The final authority must always be God’s written word. If it is not clearly in the Bible then the teaching must not be entertained for a moment. The Lord said, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

If a man abides not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:3-7). We will protect ourselves therefore by keeping our lives (both physical and spiritual) within the confines of the word of God, by yielding to His direction and guidance, and by being in a constant state of watchfulness and prayerfulness because we know that our “adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Retrieved and shortened from  http://www.lwbc.co.uk/Second%20Coming%20of%20Christ/spiritual_deception.htm 08/27/2012

Friday, August 24, 2012

Many Mansions There




A Nevada desert mansion complete with a backyard water park can be yours for only $3 million. The Nevada mansion is located in the Boulder City area nestled between the mountains and the desert. The mansion water park includes a lazy river which winds around the backyard of the Nevada desert luxury home and past a cobblestone-lined water slide and a 20-foot diving pool. The foreclosed upon mansion also includes a secluded grotto behind a waterfall and an Old West style saloon.


I can not afford to live in this kind of luxury home like above worth $3,000,000, but I do believe Jesus is preparing a mansion for me in our Father’s house in Heaven.

We read in John 14:2;

“In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

‘Mansions’ (μοναὶ monai) - Only here and John 14:23. From μένω (meno) ‘to stay or abide’. Originally a staying or abiding or delay.
 

Gill’s Exposition on this verse;

This expresses the certainty of it, that His Father had a house, and in it were many mansions, room enough for all His people, or He would have informed them otherwise, who must needs know the truth of these things, since He came from thence; and who never deceives with vain hopes of glory; and whatever He says is truth, and to be depended on; everything He here delivers; both what He said before, and also what follows: "I go to prepare a place for you".

Heaven is a kingdom prepared by the Father for His saints, from the foundation of the world; and again, by the presence and intercession of Christ, who is gone before, and is as a forerunner entered into it, and has took possession of it in the name of His people; and by His own appearance there for them with His blood, righteousness, and sacrifice, He is, as it were, fitting up these mansions for their reception, whilst they are by His Spirit and grace fitting and preparing for the enjoyment of them.


Lord Jesus, thank You for the home to live in and family to live with here on earth. We beseech You to let us take possession of ‘mansions’ in Heaven that You promised to give us when we get there. Amen.

Consuming Fire - Part VI




THE FIRE THAT IS COMING - The Second Coming of Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)


We read in these verses, (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9);


 “The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, IN FLAMING FIRE taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the lord, and from the glory of His power”.


This sin laden, Christ rejecting world is hasting on to God’s judgment. This future judgment will take place, no matter how great the unbelief in society. Let society today, and each Christ rejecting sinner that has turned away from God and the gospel, take heed. Someone has well said, “The avalanche of unbelief that has rolled remorselessly on will not stay the hand of God.” Notice who it is that is coming. It is “The Lord Jesus”. Jesus is coming back as Lord. Notice from where He is coming. He is coming from “heaven”. Notice that He shall be “revealed”. It will be the unveiling, the uncovering, the revealing of the Lord Jesus Christ in power and great glory.


We read in, (Revelation 1:7)


 “Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindred’s of the earth shall wail because of Him”.


Notice, He will come “with His mighty angels or “with the angels of His might”. It will be the Lord’s power and His angels will be the instruments of it. There is a FIRE THAT IS COMING UPON THE WORLD. Jesus Christ is coming back in flaming fire. This fire may be the awesome glory of His appearing, as mentioned in (verse 7) or it may be the fire of His judgment referring to the terrible punishment to be inflicted upon the unsaved, mentioned in (verse 8). It says in, (Psalm 50:3) “Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him”.


The One who came the first time in humbleness and humility, and the One whom sinners rejected and hung in agony and shame upon a wooden cross, this is the same One who is coming back in power and great glory. He is coming back as the dispenser of the righteous judgment of God. He will be taking, giving, or awarding vengeance or revenge upon the unsaved. It will be the fiery indignation of a holy God against evil. God’s longsuffering of mercy and grace (for 2000 years since the cross) will come to an end. God will “balance the scales” by His righteous judgment. Men will reap what they have sown. Notice the two-fold description of the unsaved who are subject to the judgment of God in (verse 8);


1.      “They know not God”. Judgment will fall upon those who through willful neglect and willful ignorance know not God as God. Ignorance of God has its origin in disobedience to God. They may not believe in God and/or they know not God by the absence of any personal relationship with God. They have never had a personal meeting with God as we described above. They have gone through life without regard for God and have lived in rebellion against God their Creator.
 

2.      “They obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ”. Judgment will fall upon all whom, having heard the gospel, refused to submit to the claims of God therein. The gospel message not only has to be received it has to be obeyed. The “old, old story of Jesus and His love” found no place in the hearts of rebel sinners. They have heard and rejected the truth. Many people in our land have heard the story of Jesus Christ and His death on the cross at Calvary but have rejected His love and grace. We read in (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) the unsaved will be deceived by the “man of sin” who is to be revealed (verse 3), and they will, “perish, because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned (judged) who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness”. The gospel message is the truth of God. These must face the judgment of God who “received not the love of the truth” and “who believed not the truth”.


In closing, I urge YOU to take advantage of this present time while you can and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as YOUR personal Savior. YOU are traveling the “highway of life”, passing through time on the way to eternity. There are only two destinations. It is either heaven or hell. Now that you have read this message you have come to the “crossroads”. Which way will you go? You can remain on the “broad way” to eternal destruction and hell by doing absolutely nothing. Heaven can be your eternal destiny by believing the gospel message and by a definite act of faith, receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as your own personal Savior. Please give this matter your most serious attention. Your eternal destiny depends on your decision.


An excerpt from http://www.christianmessenger.org/godisaconsumingfire.htm retrieved 08/24/2012