THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Identifies Jesus - "And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon Him.  And I knew Him not: but He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, the same is He which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost" (Jn. 1:32-33).

Provides the new birth - "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit" (Jn. 3:5-8).

Helps believers worship - "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him.  God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth" (Jn. 4:23-24).

Fills to overflowing - "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.  He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.  But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified" (Jn. 7:37-39).

Indwells believers - "And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.  I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you" (Jn. 14:16-18).

Teaches believers - "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me" (Jn. 15:26).

Glorifies Jesus - "Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come.  He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.  All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you" (Jn. 16:13-15).

"...Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God,

whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption" (Eph. 4:30).

ENOCH AND ELIJAH: THE TWO WITNESSES

ALL MEN MUST EXPERIENCE DEATH

*     "All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again" (Eccl. 3:20).
*     "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Rom. 5:12).
*     "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Cor. 15:22).
*     "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Heb. 9:27).

TWO MEN DID NOT DIE YET!

 

ENOCH

*     "And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:  and Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him" (Gen. 5:23-24).
*     "By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God" (Heb. 11:5).
*     "And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him" (Jude 1:14-15).

ELIJAH

*     "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD" (Mal. 4:5).
*     "And His disciples asked Him, saying, Why then say the scribes that  (Elijah) must first come?  And Jesus answered and said unto them,  (Elijah) truly shall first come, and restore all things.  But I say unto you, that (Elijah) is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them" (Mt. 17:10-12).
*     "But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of (Elijah), when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land" (Lk. 4:25).

THE TWO WITNESSES OF REVELATION ELEVEN

*     "And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth" (Rev. 11:3).

*     "And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them" (Rev. 11:7).

*     "And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.  And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them" (Rev. 11:11-12).

 

IF ALL DIE, ENOCH AND ELIJAH HAVE TO BE THE TWO WITNESSES



THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES

1. SCOFFERS - 2 Peter 3:3-4
"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."
 
2. APOSTASY - 2 Thessalonians 2:3
"That day (the Day of the Lord) shall not come, except there come a 'falling away' first."

3. FALSE TEACHERS - 2 Peter 2:1-2; 2 Timothy 4:3-4
"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.  And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of."  
"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." 

4. SPIRITUALISM - 1 Timothy 4:1
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils."

 5. PERILOUS TIMES - 2 Timothy 3:1-3
"This know also, that in the last days, perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those who are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof

6. HEAPED UP TREASURE - James 5:1-3
"Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.  Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten.  Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire.  Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

7. A LAODICEAN CHURCH - Revelation 3:15-20
"I know thy works, that thou are neither cold nor hot:  I would that thou wert cold or hot.  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth.  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:  I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten:  be zealous therefore and repent.  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:  if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me."

THE DEVIL'S DISTRACTIONS

The Lord Jesus Christ gave His disciples instructions to do three things after they were filled with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Mt. 28:19-20; Acts 2:1-41): 

1)  First, Proclaim the Gospel so that others might be saved.  After all, it is the Gospel that has the power to save.  Romans 1:16 - "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." 

The Gospel is spelled out in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 - "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved . . . . For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures."

2)  THEN baptize all those who believe the Gospel, and do so "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Mt. 28:19).  By submitting themselves to be baptized, they are making a public confession that Jesus is now their Lord and Savior.  This is of the utmost importance according to Romans 10:9-10, which says, "That IF thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

3)  THEN, like Jesus, teach the new believers all the Scriptures.  Luke wrote:  "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself" (Lk. 24:27).  Paul wrote:  "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Unfortunately, most born again believers fail to study the Word of God, and as a result, they remain spiritual babes.  In 1 Peter 2:2, the Apostle writes:  "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby."  New Christians are not to remain "babes"; they are to grow in knowledge and wisdom.  Those who fail to grow spiritually, will get distracted by the things of this world.  In the Parable of the Sower (Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23), one group fails to produce fruit because of fear (v. 5, 21), and another group remains fruitless because they are carnal, that is, focused upon things that satisfy the flesh (v. 7, 22). 

He who wins souls, loves his brother, and he pleases his Father! 

BEHEADING: A FAVORITE OF ISLAMIC TERRORISTS AND THE FUTURE FALSE PROPHET

I am beginning to think that the False Prophet may very well be a Muslim.  In today's news, there are dozens of stories and photos of beheadings by Islamic terrorists.  These vile, demonic, Muslim jihadists also delight in rape and torture, before beheading, drowning, burning alive, and even crucifying Christians who will not renounce Christ!  They are determined to make Islam the world's only religion.

Similarly, during the Tribulation, the False Prophet will joins forces with the Antichrist, and he will attempt to establish a one-world religion; his goal is that all worship the Antichrist.  The False Prophet is revealed after the Antichrist declares himself to be god (Dan. 9:27; Mt. 24:15; Rev. 13:1-10), and he serves him as his enforcer.  The Antichrist is mentioned by that title in 1 John 2:18, 22.

When one compares the False Prophet's description in Revelation 13:11-18, with Revelation 20:4 he finds that his chosen method of killing those who resist, will be by beheading them.  He is the person who forces people to worship the image of the Antichrist, the future prince of the people who killed Jesus, and the one who breaks his covenant with Israel (Dan. 9:26-27).  We know this by comparing the two passage below:

"And I beheld another beast (the False Prophet- Rev. 16:13; 19:20; 20:10) coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.  And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast (Antichrist - before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.  And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.  And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.  And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:  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.  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" (Rev. 13:11-18).

"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the Word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years" (Rev. 20:4).

Those of us who are born again believers in Jesus Christ, may never actually know the identity of the Antichrist or the False Prophet.  The Antichrist will not be revealed until he confirms the seven year covenant with Israel (Dan. 9:27), and the False Prophet will not be revealed until the mid-point of the seven year Tribulation (Rev. 13).  Believers will have been gone to be with the Lord before this in what is known as the Rapture (Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:50-55; 1 Th. 4:16-17)!

All who love the Jesus of the Bible, will He gather to Himself!  Praise the Lord!

JESUS DIED ON WEDNESDAY A.D. 30

Last night, at the end of our Bible study on the future biblical events (Eschatology), I asked if anyone had a question.  One of the participants said she had a question, but it had nothing to do with our topic.  I encouraged her to go ahead and ask.  She said, "How could Jesus have died on a Friday and risen from the grave the following Sunday?"  My answer:  "He didn't.  He died on a Wednesday!" 

I explained that, because every word of Scripture has to be true, the apparent contradiction must have a logical explanation.  Jesus' response to the request from the scribes and Pharisees, for a sign as to His identity, was that the only sign they would get from Him would be His Resurrection.  In Matthew 12:40, Jesus said, "For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."  This verse is the key to knowing when Jesus was crucified. 

We know for sure that He rose on Sunday, based upon all four Gospel accounts (Mt. 28:1; Mk. 16:1-2; Lk. 24:1; Jn. 20:1).  John 20:1 says, "The first day of the week (after sunset Saturday)cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulcher."  By the way, the stone was removed so that she could see He was risen, not so that Jesus could get out!  Note:  To the Gospel writers, all Jews, the first day of the week began at sunset of the weekly Sabbath, so Mary discovered Jesus had arisen prior to sunrise Sunday.

Another clue that the day of the crucifixion was not on a Friday, is found in John 19:31 which says, "The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away."  The "preparation day" was actually the day the Passover Lamb was to be slain, and prepared for consumption (see Ex. 12:6-8), and after sunset (which began the 15th of Nisan, or the first Sabbath of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread), it was to be consumed.  Below is a chart showing the Passover in the year A.D. 30 (Jesus was born before Herod died in 4 B.C.). 

April in the Year 30 AD

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
11 Nisan 3790	1 12 Nisan 3790	2 13 Nisan 3790	3 14 Nisan 3790 5:19 Ta'anit Bechorot CRUCIFIXION Erev Pesach	4 15 Nisan 3790 5:20 Pesach I	5 16 Nisan3790 5:21 Pesach II	6 17 Nisan 3790 Havdalah: 7:13 Pesach III RESURRECTION AT SUNSET, EXACTLY 72 HOURS LATER

OBEY GOD RATHER THAN DEMAND YOUR RIGHTS

Recently, because of the terrible attack on Black members of a Charleston, S.C. church, there has been a great deal of debate over the flying of the "Rebel Flag" (Stars & Bars; etc.).  Sincere born again believers appear to be divided on this issue, so I would like to suggest that both "camps" consider the following Scripture (Romans 14:13-23 - I have inserted this particular issue in parenthesis solely to make my point):

[13] Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

[14] I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself (the Rebel Flag, the Nazi Flag, the Rainbow Flag, etc., are simply pieces of cloth - they stand for different things to different people): but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean (in the case of the flags, instead of unclean, I believe the better word would be offensive).

[15] But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat (flag), now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat (flag), (thy brother) for whom Christ died.

[16] Let not then your good be evil spoken of:  (don't fly a flag that causes to offend).

[17] For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink (or flags); but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

[18] For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men (that which is acceptable by God, is that which does not offend one's brothers).

[19] Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

[20] For meat (for your right to display a flag) destroy not the work of God (unity of the brethren - Jn. 17:21-23). All things (flags) indeed are pure (to some); but it (that flag) is evil for that man who eateth (displays it) with offence.

[21] It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

[22] Hast thou faith? Have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

[23] And he that doubteth is damned if he eat (or flies a flag that offends), because he eateth not (flies it not) of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

25 REASONS FOR THE PRE-TRIB RAPTURE

1.  The Church is not mentioned in texts concerning the Tribulation.
2.  The Tribulation is a.k.a. "The Time of JACOB'S Trouble" (Israel's).
3.  The Tribulation is for Daniel's people (Dan. 9:24).
4.  The Church did not exist during Daniel's 69 wks.; will not be here during 70th.
5.  John's ascension in Rev. 4:1 is a type; it occurs before the Tribulation (Rev. 6-18).
6.  The Church is not mentioned between Rev. 6 and Rev. 18).
7.  The Church is exempt from the "Day of Wrath" (Zeph. 1:15; 1 Th. 1:10; 5:9).
8.  The Church is comforted by knowing it will be gone (1 Th. 4:13-18).
9.  The faithful Church has Christ's promise of being removed (Rev. 3:10).
10. The Church is wed to Christ in heaven during the Tribulation (Rev. 19:7).
11. The Church, like Noah, will be above the judgment below (Gen. 7:13; Mt. 24:37).
12. The Church, like Lot, will be above the judgment below (Gen. 19:17; Lk. 19:29).
13. The Church is to pray they will not be ashamed at His coming for them (Lk. 21:36).
14. The Church will be with Jesus (Jn. 14:1-3; Heb. 13:5).
15. The Church will be spared from God's wrath (Mal. 3:17-18).
16. Jesus comes for His Church (1 Th. 4:16-17); later with His Church (Rev. 19:14).
17. The Church would reveal the Antichrist, not just two witnesses (Rev. 11:3-12).
18. The Antichrist will not take control until after the Church is gone (2 Th. 2:6-8).
19. In the Rapture, the Church meets the Lord in the air (1 Th. 4:16-17).
20. At His Second Coming, he returns to the earth (Rev. 19:14-21).
21. The Rapture of the Church is consistent with the Age of Grace (Acts 2 - Rev. 3).
22. The Church is represented in heaven prior to the Tribulation (Rev. 4:1-4).
23. There are no signs before the Rapture; a sign marks the Tribulation (Dan. 9:27).
24. The 144,000 are Jews and are not part of the Church (Rev. 7:14).
25. The Church is longing for "that blessed hope"; not the Tribulation (Titus 2:13)! 

THE TIMING OF THE RAPTURE

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (Jn. 14:1-3).  Question:  Where is Jesus Christ during the Tribulation?  Answer:  He is seated in heaven at His Father's right hand (Acts 2:34; Eph. 1:20; Heb. 12:2; 1 Pet. 3:22; etc.).  It is after the seven year Tribulation that He returns with us, His saints (1 Th. 3:13; Jude 1:14; etc.). 

"Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Cor. 15:50-55).  Question:  What does Paul mean when he says living believers will be changed into "incorruption" and "immortality?"  Answer:  I believe the "change" takes place instantly for those who belong to the Lord by faith in Jesus Christ.  While we will not experience the "sting of death" because Jesus "tasted it" for us (Heb. 2:9), the text clearly states that it is "death" that is what leads to victory; it happens so quickly that we are not even aware of it.  This must be the case since the Word says God has appointed ALL to die (Heb. 9:27).  I know what you are thinking:  what about Enoch and Elijah?  I believe those two men are the two witnesses of Revelation 11:3-12.  Notice, they too, are raptured (v. 12)!

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.  For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words" (1 Th. 4:13-18).  Question:  In 1 Corinthians 15:52 , and in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 , Paul writes of the "last trump," and of the "trump of God"; both are described as single trumps; does this mean he is describing the "seventh" trump of Revelation 11:15?

The Church Age began on one of Israel's seven feast days (Pentecost - Acts 2:1-47).  The feast which follows Pentecost is the Feast of Trumpets (Lev. 23:24).  I believe the Church Age began and ends on the Feast of Trumpets.  We cannot know the day or the hour of His return, but that may well be because it is a world-wide event, crossing all time zones including the International Date Line!  As a result, the time will vary, as will the day of the instantaneous world-wide Rapture!

 

While I cannot be dogmatic about these things, I do believe them to be true. 

HONORING GOD AS OUR HEAVENLY FATHER

Matthew 6:9 - "...Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name."

Romans 1:7 - "To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."

1 Corinthians 1:3 - "Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."

2 Corinthians 1:2 - "Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."

Galatians 1:4 - "Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father."

Ephesians 1:2 - "Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."

Philippians 1:2 - "Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."

Philippians 4:20 - "Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

Colossians 1:2 - "...Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

1 Thessalonians 1:1 - "...Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."

1 Thessalonians 1:3 - "Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father."

2 Thessalonians 1:2 - "Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 - "Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."

1 Timothy 1:2 - "...Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord."

Philemon 1:3 - "Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

SO MANY HYPOCRITES

There are two things that usually unite people:  the first is having a common enemy.  For example, the 9/11 Terrorists attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, united Americans and U.S. flag sales soared!  The vast majority of the American people and those elected to Congress, forgot party-politics and supported the President's call for a military response. 

The second, is having a common goal.  Natural disasters, such as a flood, a tsunami, a tornado, a hurricane, an earthquake, etc., also produce a joint effort, often by citizens of many nations, to help those whose lives are torn apart by the tragedy.

Unfortunately, there are far more things that divide people.  Today's headlines, and the media's top stories, are filled with reports that spark outrage and division.  White cops are being hunted by Black assassins, regardless of whether or not the individual officers are guilty of a racial crime.  To blame all White officers for the hateful actions of a few, is, in itself, racist!  Cops who act inappropriately, should be charged with criminal abuse of power by their very peers!  Cops need to hold other cops, accountable for their actions; if that were the case, there would not be a hostile Black response!

Religion is another source of division.  There is a major split in Islam between the majority Sunnis and the minority Shiites.  They hate one another, and even destroy each other's mosques.  However, when it comes to infidels (anyone who fails to acknowledge Allah as God), they are united; the ultimate honor is awarded to those who die in Islam's war against everyone else.  It is as though Christians from the Dark Ages, were reincarnated as Muslims living today. 

Speaking of Christians, they fight (although not to the death usually) over issues such as abortion, gay marriage, mode of baptism, women's role in the church, and even a motto printed on American currency.  Sadly, the tactics and dialogue used to defend "the truth," is often contrary to what Jesus taught His disciples.  Humility and love of neighbor go by the wayside, so that people holding "the wrong views," can be badgered into submission.  That tactic hasn't worked very well so far!

So, what is the solution?  Honestly, there is none!  Man is sinful, and even though born again believers are indwelt with the Holy Spirit, we are constantly quenching and grieving Him by our attitudes, our words, and our actions.  Yes, born again believers are still prone to sin (Rom. 7:14-25)!  The good news is, we won't always be!  The Word of God tells us that God is at work, changing us into the image of His dear Son!  The bad news is, it will not be complete during this lifetime!  We read in 1 John 3:2 (my favorite Bible verse for the hope it gives me), "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is."  

That glorious day cannot come soon enough for me!

I cannot wait until I am no longer a hypocrite!

   

DO WE REALLY KNOW WHO IS SAVED?

What will the world be like in the last days?  Will we be able to tell genuine believers from those who are unsaved?  The answer, unfortunately, is often NO!  In the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (Mt. 13:24-30, 36-43), Jesus told His disciples not to try to "weed out" those who are unbelievers, because it is often impossible to tell the difference between the two!  God's Word describes mankind living in the flesh during the last days, as either being in desperate need of salvation on the part of those who have yet to accept Jesus (Jn. 3:3-18; Acts 16:38; Rom. 10:9-13;etc.), or in desperate need of repentance on the part of those who are born again but living in the flesh (Rom. 7:14-25; 1 Cor. 3:1-3; 1 Jn. 1:8-10; etc.)!  The character of the unsaved, and that of the carnal Christian, is often identical.  It is described in 2 Timothy 3:2-4:

FOR MEN SHALL BE . . .

 

1.  Lovers of Themselves - seeking the best for themselves at the expense of others.

 

2.  Covetous - wanting that which belongs to someone else.

 

3.  Boasters - bragging and craving the admiration of men.

 

4.  Proud - forgetting that all the good they have is from God.

 

5.  Blasphemers - speaking against God and having no respect for His name.

 

6.  Disobedient to Parents - rebelling against the instruction of their parents.

 

7.  Unthankful - complaining rather than being grateful; never satisfied. 

 

8.  Unholy - hating all things the Word declares to be sacred.

 

9.  Without Natural Affection - lusting for unnatural pleasures.

 

10. Truce-breakers - failing to live up to ones promises.

 

11. False Accusers - lying to bring harm to others.

 

12. Incontinent - lacking in self-control.

 

13. Fierce - raging with hatred for others.

 

14. Despisers of All that is Good - loving evil and all that is unholy. 

 

15. Traitors - betraying those to whom you owe allegiance.

 

16. Heady - rushing into action without considering the consequences.

 

17. High-minded - thinking highly of oneself; prideful; arrogant.

 

18. Lovers of Pleasures More than Lovers of God - making pleasure an idol.

 

 

Turn to, or turn back to, God!  Let all who claim Christ, act like Christ!

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

MESSIAH, CHRIST, SAVIOR?

Christians frequently refer to Jesus as "the Messiah" or "the Christ," but what do those terms mean?  The Bible Hebrew and Greek words are:

*     Hebrew -  מָשִׁיחַ (mashiyach), which is translated "anointed" (37x - almost always referring to a priest or a king), and "Messiah" (2x - Dan. 9:25, 26 - refers to The Prince who awaits being made the King of kings and the Lord of lords - Rev. 19:16, and the believer's High Priest - Heb. 3:1);
*     Greek - Μεσσίας (Messias), "Messiah" 3x (Mt. 17:5; Jn. 1:41; 10:20);
*     Greek -  Χριστός (Christos), "Christ" (569x).

From the following verses, we can better understand the significance of these titles.  His identity was to be revealed in due time.  Jesus is:

Matthew 16:16 - "And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Matthew 16:20 - "Then charged He His disciples that they should tell no man that He was Jesus the Christ."

Matthew 26:63 - "But Jesus held His peace. And the high priest answered and said unto Him, I adjure thee by the living God, that Thou tell us whether Thou be the Christ, the Son of God."

John 1:41 - "He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ."

John 4:42 - "And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world."

John 11:27 - "She saith unto Him, Yea, Lord: I believe that Thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world."

John 20:31 - "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name."

1 John 2:22 - "Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son."

1 John 5:1 - "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth Him that begat loveth Him also that is begotten of Him."

 

Jesus is The Messiah, The Christ, God's Son, Savior of the world!

THE LAST DAYS

People are always asking me about what the Bible says about "the last days."  Perhaps that is because I have taught Bible Prophecy on and off for the past several years.  I tell them I do not want to be dogmatic about the events that will occur, but that I am convinced within myself that the order of events will be: 
     1] The Rapture of the Church (Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:47-55; 1 Th. 4:13-18);
     2] The Tribulation of Israel (Dan. 9:24-27; Mt. 24:3-29; 2 Th. 2:1-14; Rev. Ch. 6-18);
     3] The Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Dozens of verses, especially Rev. 19:1-21);
     4] The Millennial Reign of Christ (Dozens of verses, especially Rev. 20:1-10);
     5] The Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11-15);
     6] The New Heaven and New Earth (Rev. 21:1-22:5);
     7] Eternity!

There are seven verses in the Bible which actually contain the phrase "the last days."  They are:

1.  "And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days."  (Gen. 49:1)

2.  "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it."  (Isa. 2:2)

3.  "But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it."  (Mic. 4:1)

4.  "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams."  (Acts 2:17)

5.  "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come."  (2 Tim. 3:1)

6.  "Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days."  (Jam. 5:3)

7.  "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts."  (2 Pet. 3:1-18)

When you read these, or any Bible verses, be sure to read the entire passage in order to understand the context of what the Lord is revealing in His Word.

 

Genuine born again will soon be "outta here!"

UNMERITED FAVOR THROUGHOUT THE AGES

When teaching a class on Biblical Prophecy, I always begin by showing how Dispensationalism is the foundation for a believer "rightly dividing the Word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15).  God's way of dealing with mankind has changed six times, with each change being a new level of "light," over which believers are commanded to be "...good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (1 Pet. 4:10).  Notice Peter emphasized that God's revealed "light" was, in fact, the "grace of God!"  Bible student have little difficulty comprehending that the six dispensation, the Church Age, is an age of grace, but few recognize all seven dispensations are "ages of grace."  Clearly, Adam and Eve received their lives and their environment by grace (unmerited favor).  But consider these verses from various dispensations:

Gen. 6:8 - "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD."

Gen. 18:3 - Abraham said, "...My Lord, if now I have found favor in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant" (the Hebrew חֵן (chen), which is translated "grace" 38 times and "favor" 26 times).

Zech. 12:10 - "And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him...."

Acts 2:47 - "Praising God, and having favor (the Greek χάρις (charis), which is translated "favor" 6 times, and "grace" 130 times!) with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."

1 Th. 5:28 - "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you (the Church). Amen."

Rev. 22:21 - "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."

Salvation, therefore, has always been based upon the grace of God, rather than on the works of man.  Abraham believed God and it was accounted unto him for righteousness (Rom. 4:3; Gal. 3:6; Jam. 2:23)!  Today, in this the Church Age, we simply must believe that Jesus "died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Cor. 15:3-4).  When we believe that, we will call upon Him to save us, that is, to be our Lord (Rom. 10:9-13)!

Time is short!  Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior NOW!

WE ARE SAVED TO STUDY, SUBMIT, AND SHARE!

It is true that the Bible is the revealed Word of God (Jn. 17:17; 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21).
It is true that we are all sinners, and in need of salvation (Rom. 3:10, 23).
It is true that we cannot earn our salvation by religious works (Gal. 2:16; Eph.2:9).
It is true that our salvation was bought and paid for by Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:8; 1 Jn. 2:2).
It is true that God offers the free gift of salvation to all who trust Him (Rom. 5:17; Eph. 2:8).

It is NOT TRUE that believers can do as they please; we are to:

Study God's Word

2 Timothy 2:15 - "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth."

Submit to God's Word

2 Timothy 2:19 - "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."

Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus (to do) good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

Galatians 5:13-14 - "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.  For all the Law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  not forsaking (to assemble) ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

Share God's Word

Matthew 28:19-20 - "Go ye therefore, and teach (present the Gospel to) all nations (the Gospel is the power of God that produces faith leading to salvation - Rom. 1:22; 1 Cor. 15:1-4), baptizing them (those who believe the Gospel and confess Jesus Christ as their Lord - Rom. 10:8-9, 13, 17) in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

Like the prophet said (Ezra 7:10):  Study, submit, and then share! 

THE MOMENTUM OF EVIL



God's Warning Concerning the Evolution of Evil

2 Timothy 3:1-5 - "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

"America's Cancer - Stage One" - Man needs the Savior 

Romans 1:16-20 - "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them.  For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse."

"America's Cancer - Stage Two" - Man rejects the Savior 

Romans 1:21-22 - "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools."

"America's Cancer - Stage Three" - Man worships everything BUT God

Romans 1:23-25 - "And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves:  who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen."

 

"America's Cancer - Stage Four" -   Man openly celebrates all forms of evil

Romans 1:26-32 - "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:  and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that (reward) of their error which was (fitting).  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, spiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:  who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."

Sin is like cancer; it will eventually take your life!

 

HIS RETURN IS ONE DAY CLOSER TODAY!

There are seven occurrences in the Book of Revelation, of the Lord's return being described as happening "quickly."  They are:
     *  Rev. 2:5 - "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."
     *  Rev. 2:16 - "Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth."
     *  Rev. 3:11 - "Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown."
     *  Rev. 11:14 - "The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly."
     *  Rev. 22:7 - "Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book."
     *  Rev. 22:16 - "Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth."
     *  Rev. 22:20 - "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly.  Amen.  Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

Quickly?  It has been over 1900 years since the Apostle John wrote the Apocalypse; is it any wonder why a lost world mocks modern day students of the Bible?  Even many born again believers struggle with doubts, thinking they may have misunderstood Christ's meaning.  Prior to the Lord's Ascension as recorded in Acts 1:1-9, His disciples clearly did not comprehend that there would be a delay before Jesus established His Kingdom (v. 6).  Jesus had hinted at there being a long period before His return (v. 8); with only word-of-mouth as the means of reaching the "uttermost part of the earth," it would have to be years, at least!  And, after all, He had taught them in parables that there would be a long delay (Mt. 21:33; 24:48; 25:14; Mk. 12:1; and especially Lk. 20:9).

The Apostle Peter described the mindset of today when he wrote: 
"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.... But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:3-4, 8-9)!

So, obviously the word "quickly" did not mean "soon," but when it does occur, it will be swift, and when man least expects it.  Jesus will come "as a thief in the night" (1 Th. 5:2; 2 Pet. 3:10).  John wrote:  "Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen" (Rev. 1:7).  The Apostle Matthew wrote:  "For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be" (Mt. 24:27).

It is going to happen, and we are one day closer with the passing of each day!

   

THE TALE OF TWO CHURCHES

PHILADELPHIA:  OBEDIENT AND OPTIMISTIC

[7] And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;  [8] I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast not denied My name.  [9] Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.  [10] Because thou hast kept the Word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.  [11] Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.  [12] Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from My God: and I will write upon him My new name.  [13] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

LAODICEA:  AN OBLIVIOUS ORGANIZATION

[14] And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God; [15] I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.  [16] So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth.  [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:  [18] I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.  [19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and REPENT.  [20] Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.  [21] To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.  [22] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

THE BEST FORM OF WORSHIP IS OBEDIENCE

Matthew 2:11 - "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."

Matthew 8:2 - "And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean."

Matthew 9:18 - "While He spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped Him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay Thy hand upon her, and she shall live."

Matthew 14:33 - "Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped Him, saying, Of a truth Thou art the Son of God."

Matthew 15:25 - "Then came she and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, help me."

Matthew 28:9 - "And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held Him by the feet, and worshipped Him."

Matthew 28:17 - "And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him: but some doubted."

Mark 5:6-7 - "But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped Him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of the most high God? I adjure Thee by God, that Thou torment me not."

Luke 24:52 - "And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy."

John 9:38 - "And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped Him."

Revelation 5:14 - "And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped Him that liveth for ever and ever."

Jesus knew that only God was to receive man's worship.  In Matthew 4:10 reads:  "Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve."  This verse teaches us two things:  1)  Jesus accepted the worship of mankind because He was, in fact, God; and 2) as God, He deserves to be served and obeyed!

 

I'm from Missouri - you say you love God?  Show me!

JOHN 3:5-8 - TWO BIRTHS

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (King James Version)

Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.  Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” (New Living Translation)

Jesus answered, `Verily, verily, I say to thee, If any one may not be born of water, and the Spirit, he is not able to enter into the reign of God; that which hath been born of the flesh is flesh, and that which hath been born of the Spirit is spirit.  `Thou mayest not wonder that I said to thee, It behoveth you to be born from above; the Spirit where he willeth doth blow, and his voice thou dost hear, but thou hast not known whence he cometh, and whither he goeth; thus is every one who hath been born of the Spirit.' (Young's Literal Translation)

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (Douay Rheims Version)

Jesus said, "You're not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation - the 'wind hovering over the water' creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life - it's not possible to enter God's kingdom.  When you look at a baby, it's just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can't see and touch - the Spirit - and becomes a living spirit.  "So don't be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be 'born from above' - out of this world, so to speak.  You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it's headed next. That's the way it is with everyone 'born from above' by the wind of God, the Spirit of God." (The Message Bible)                                

NOAH, LOT, AND BORN AGAIN BELIEVERS

The day of the Lord:  Luke 17:26-30 - "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.  Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; 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."

The days of Noah:  Genesis 6:5-8; 7:17 - "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.  And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart.  And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth Me that I have made them.  But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.  And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare UP the ark, and it was lift UP above the earth."

The days of Lot:  Genesis 19:13-17, 30 - "For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.  And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.  And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.  And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.  And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.  And Lot went UP out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain...."

The Rapture:  the believer's "ark" and "mountain":  John 14:1-3 - "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you (UP) unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."  1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  then we which are alive and remain shall be caught UP together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

 

Judgment will occur below, AFTER we have been lifted UP!

WARNING - TIME IS SHORT!

FIRST, I HAVE SOME REALLY BAD NEWS

John 3:36 - "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

Ephesians 5:6 - "Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience."

Colossians 3:6 - "For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience."

Romans 2:5-6 - "But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds."

BUT I ALSO HAVE SOME SUPER GOOD NEWS

Romans 5:6-10 - "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly....  But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."

1 Thessalonians 1:10 - "And to wait for His Son from heaven, Whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, (Who) delivered us from the wrath to come."

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 - "For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."


Jesus will soon return to remove His Church prior to God pouring out His judgment on the earth, just as He removed Noah before the flood, and Lot before raining down fire and brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 7:23; Gen. 19:29; Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Th. 4:16-17; etc.)!  Those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, have nothing to fear.  Those who have not, are hereby warned!  Jesus died for your sins according to the Scriptures, and after He was buried, His Father raised Him from the dead, also according to the Scriptures (1 Cor. 15:3-4).  Today may be your last chance to turn your life over to Him; He will certainly be back soon!

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

HEAR IT - TEST IT - PASS IT ON!

"And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.  Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few" (Acts 17:10-12).

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Phil. 4:6-8).

"Pray without ceasing.  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  Quench not the Spirit.  Despise not prophesyings.  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (1 Th. 5:17-21).

"Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.  That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us" (2 Tim. 1:13-14).

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God:  every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:  and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world" (1 Jn. 4:1-3).

"I have given them Thy Word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil.  They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  Sanctify them through Thy Truth: Thy Word is Truth.  As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.  And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the Truth.  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their Word" (Jn. 17:14-20).

It is our job to spread the Truth.  Period!

RELIGIOUS WORKS CANNOT SAVE YOU

Romans 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."

Romans 3:27-28 - "Where is boasting then?  It is excluded.  By what Law?  Of works?  Nay: but by the Law of faith.  Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the Law."

Romans 4:5-6 - "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.  Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works."

Romans 9:11 - "For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him that calleth."

Romans 11:6 - "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.  But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work."

Galatians 2:16 - "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law: for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified."

Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  not of works, lest any man should boast."

2 Timothy 1:9 - "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began."

Titus 3:4-7 - "But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

Salvation is as it always was:  by believing, by faith, by trusting God!

JESUS DIED TO REMOVE THE "UN"

God is righteous!  God is always correct in all of His judgments.

*     Psalms 7:9 - "Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just:  for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins."
*     Psalm 116:5 - "Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful."
*     Ezra 9:15 - "O LORD God of Israel, Thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before Thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before Thee because of this."
*     Daniel 9:14 - "Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all His works which He doeth: for we obeyed not His voice."

 

God is holy!  God is set apart from all those who are unrighteous.

*     Leviticus 11:45 - "For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy."
*     Joshua 24:19 - "And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for He is an holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins."
*     Psalm 71:22 - "I will also praise Thee with the psaltery, even Thy truth, O my God: unto Thee will I sing with the harp, O Thou Holy One of Israel."
*     Isaiah 48:17 - "Thus saith the LORD, Thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD Thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go."

Man is unrighteous!  Man is unholy!  Man is separated from God by sin!

 

*     Romans 3:10 - "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one."

*     Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."

*     Ephesians 4:18 - "Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart."

 

God's solution is offered to all who will accept the gift of salvation!

 

*     1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - "...Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures...He was buried, and...He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures."

*     Romans 10:13 - "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

*     Ephesians 2:8 - "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

*     2 Corinthians 5:20-21 - "...be ye reconciled to God.  For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him."

 





OUR HOPE - THEIR GREATEST FEAR

The Rapture of the Church - I Thessalonians 4:13-18

The blessed hope of the Church!

[13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
[14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.
[15] For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
[16] For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
[17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
[18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

The Second Coming of Christ - 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

That dreadful Day of the Lord for the unsaved!

[1] But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
[2] For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
[3] For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
[4] But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
[5] Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
[6] Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
[7] For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
[8] But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
[9] For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
[10] Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
[11] Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

GOOD NEWS FOR PLANET EARTH

Planet earth is filled with problems. What are some of the problems that man is facing today? Man is unable to solve these problems. Only God can get man out of the mess that man has made for himself.   There is good news for Planet Earth! The Lord Jesus Christ is coming back! He will take the wrong and make it right! He will take the crooked things and make them straight! He will be able to solve the problems that our world faces. What will the world be like after Christ returns? Will it be different from the world we know today? In the next chapter we will learn about what this world will be like when Christ is ruling on earth as KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORD.  A new world is coming!

 

This same Jesus Christ who can straighten out this world and all its problems is the same Jesus Christ who can straighten out your life and the problems you face. Will you let Him do it? Tomorrow He will rule on the throne of this world. Today will you let Him rule on the throne of your life? Someday the world will be different because Christ will rule there. Today your life can be changed and made different if you let Christ rule in your heart! Someday Jesus Christ is coming to this world. Today why not let Jesus Christ come to your heart and be your Saviour and King?  He wants to come in (see Revelation 3:20). What must you do (Revelation 3:20)? 

 

In his book Discover Yourself in the Psalms, Warren Wiersbe recalls a story told by an evangelist he heard many years ago. It went like this:

In a frontier town, a horse bolted and ran away with a wagon that had a little child in it. Seeing that the child was in danger, a young man risked his life to catch the horse and stop it. The child who was rescued grew up to become a lawless man, and one day he stood before a judge to be sentenced for a serious crime. The prisoner recognized the judge as the man who, years before, had saved his life, so he pled for mercy on the basis of that experience. But the words from the bench silenced all his pleas: "Young man, then I was your savior; today I am your judge, and I must sentence you to be hanged."

Do you see the parallel? Jesus stands before us today as our Savior, the Lamb slain for our sins. But if we do not turn to Him in faith, He will one day stand before us as our righteous Judge. He will say: "On earth I was your Savior, but you would not believe. Here I am your Judge; depart from Me to everlasting punishment. You don’t have to face the Lion in the judgment. The Lamb is waiting to save you. Believing on Him today!

 

In His First Coming, Christ came as Savior!

At His Second Coming, He will come as judge!

BELIEVERS IN CHRIST ARE ALREADY SAINTS

The word "saints," appears ninety-eight times in ninety- five verses of the King James Version of the Holy Bible.  Surprisingly, about a third are found in the Old Testament (thirty-two, with twenty of those in the Book of Psalms).  Today, when one hears the word "saint," it is usually in reference to someone who has been venerated by the Roman Catholic Church.  To Catholics, the only way a person can become a saint, is by a declaration from the Pope.  The criteria for sainthood, according to the Vatican, involves four steps:

First Step:  an investigation of the person's life.
Second Step:  proof that the candidate lived heroic virtues.
Third Step: two miracles acquired through the candidate’s intercession.
Fourth Step: the Pope declares the person a "Saint."

But what does God's Word teach about "saints?"  The first person called a "saint" in the Bible was Aaron (Ps. 106:16).  Obviously one need not be perfect to be so titled (Num. 12:1-16)!  God's people, Israel, were called "saints" (Ps. 149:1), which is confirmed by Jesus (Mt. 27:52; note:  Old Testament references to "saints," were written while the Church was still a mystery to the Jews).

The New Testament refers to all born again believers as "saints."  The Holy Spirit makes intercession for us (Rom. 8:27).  Paul thanked God for making us suitable to partake as "saints in Light" (Col. 1:12).  Jude encouraged believers to "contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3).  Luke writes of the persecution of the "saints" at the hand of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:13; 26:10).  In two passages of Paul's writings, the interpreters have added, in italics, the words "to be" between the words "called" and "saints" (Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2).  That was meant to be helpful, but it contradicts the rest of God's Word.  Unbelievers are called to faith; they are not called "to be" saints.  Believers, to which both Romans and 1 Corinthians were written, were already "saints!" 

The words translated as "saint" or "saints," have nothing to do with our worthiness, but have everything to do with the work of God in setting individuals apart for His service.  For example, in the two verses (Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2), the Greek is ἅγιος (hagios), which it translated  "holy" 161x; "saints" 61x; and "Holy One" (4x - all referring to Jesus - Mk. 1:24; Lk. 4:34; Acts 3:14; 1 Jn. 2:20).  It is closely related to the Greek ἁγιασμός (hagiasmos), which translates "sanctification" as found in five verses (1 Cor. 1:30; 1 Th. 4:3, 4; 2 Th. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:2).  The good news is, the work of our sanctification has been done for us (Jn. 17:19; Rom. 15:16; 1 Cor. 6:11; Heb. 2:11; 10:10)!

 

It is God who washes the "vessels" He intends to use (Heb. 2:11)!