BEEN ILL AND OUT OF COMISSISSION...

 Been out of sorts for a couple of weeks; the race is on between me rising breathless to meet the lord, and His blessed hope of His blessed hope of the Rapture.  Either way, I win.  Pray for my wife as well as she is worse off than I am.  MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND GOD BLESS YOU EVERY ONE!

FAITH: TRUST AND BELIEF!

TRUST IN THE LORD JESUS

AND YOU SHALL BE SAVED!

2 Kings 22:18, 30 - But if ye say unto me, We trust in the LORD our God: is not that He, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath said to Judah and Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem . . . . Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

Psalm 4;5 - Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

Psalm 31:6 - I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.

Psalm 37:3 - Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Psalm 40:3 - And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Psalm 73:28 - But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare allThy works.

Psalm 115:10-11 O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD:  He is their help and their shield.  Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: He is their help and their shield.

Psalm 115:10-11 - O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: He is their help and their shield.  Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: He is their help and their shield.

Psalm 118: 9-10 - But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

Psalm 125:1 - They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct thy paths.

Proverb 28:25 -He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

Proverb 25;29 - The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Isaiah 36:7, 15 - But if thou say to me, We trust in the LORD our God: is it not he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and said to Judah and to Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar. . . . Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us: this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

AND YE SHALL BE SAVED!

THE PROPER RESPONSE TO TIME!

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 

[1] To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
[2] A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
[3] A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
[4] A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
[5] A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
[6] A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
[7] A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
[8] A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
[9] What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
[10] I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
[11] He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

WHAT TIME IS IT?  WE ARE IN THE LAST DAYS!

Luke 17:22-30

[22] And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.
[23] And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.
[24] For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.
[25] But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.
[26] And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.
[27] They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.
[28] Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;
[29] But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
[30] Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

SALVATION: D-O, OR D-O-N-E?

 SALVATION:  D-O, OR D-O-N-E?

"There is a wide difference between your religion and mine," said a Christian lady to one in whose spiritual condition she had long been interested. "Indeed," said he, "how is that?" "Your religion," she replied, "has only two letters in it, and mine has four."

It seems that this gentleman was one of that numerous class seeking to get to heaven by their doings, by attention to ordinances and ceremonies, by what the apostle, in the ninth of Hebrews, terms "dead works." But he did not understand about the "two letters" or the "four." His friend had often spoken to him, and on the occasion to which our anecdote refers she had called to take her leave of him for some time, as she was about to go from home.

"What do you mean," said he, "by two letters and four?"

"Why, your religion," said the lady, "is d-o DO; whereas mine is D-O-N-E." This was all that passed. The lady took her leave; but her words remained and did their work in the soul of her friend--a revolutionary work, verily. The entire current of his thoughts was changed. Do is one thing; done is quite another. The former is legalism; the latter is Christianity. It was a novel and very original mode of putting the gospel; but it was just the mode for a legalist, and the Spirit of God used it in the conversion of this gentleman. When he next met his friend, he said to her, "Well, I can now say with you that my religion is d-o-n-e, DONE.." He had learned to fling aside the deadly doings, and rest in the finished work of Christ. He was led to see that it was no longer what he could do for God, but what God had done for him.

This settled everything. The four golden letters shone under the gaze of his emancipated soul, "d-o-n-e." Precious letters! Precious word! Who can tell the relief to a burdened heart when it discovers that all is done? What joy to know that what I have been toiling for, it may be many a long year, was all done nearly 2000 years ago, on the cross! Christ has done all. He has put away sin; magnified the claims of divine justice; vanquished Satan; taken the sting from death and the victory from the grave; glorified God in the very scene in which He had been dishonored; brought in everlasting righteousness. All this is wrapped up in these four golden letters, "d-o-n-e." Oh, who would not give up the two for the four? Who would not exchange "do" for "done"?

Reader, what say you to this? What of your religion? Does it consist of two letters or four? Is it still "do" with you? or have you found your happy portion and rest in "done"? Do you think of it, dear friend--think deeply--think seriously--and may God's Spirit lead you, this moment, to cease from your own "do," and to rest in Christ's eternal "done." (by C.H.Mackintosh, 1820-1896)

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

When the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross He cried out, "It is finished" (John 19:30). The work of our salvation was FINISHED, DONE, ACCOMPLISHED and COMPLETED. We simply need to trust and rest in what the Savior has accomplished. Salvation is not working; it is RESTING on the WORK of Another, even the Lord Jesus Christ: But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness (Romans 4:5). Religion is man trying to bring himself to God by human effort, by good works, by ritualism, by traditionalism, by sacraments, etc. Salvation is Christ bringing us to God on the basis of what He did for us on the cross: "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God" (1 Peter 3:18). God's holiness utterly condemns the best man ("As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one"--Romans 3:10) and God's grace freely justifies the worst ("For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus"--Romans 3:23-24). The Gospel message brings to man not a work to do, but a word to believe about a work done: "But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the Gospel is preached unto you" (1 Peter 1:25). We are saved, not because of what we have done, but because of the MERCY OF GOD based upon what Christ has done on the cross: "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" (Titus 3:5). A person can never be saved by his own good works: "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" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Good works done by sinful man can never please a holy God. The greatest good work is GOD'S WORK accomplished by Jesus Christ who offered Himself on the cross as the sinner's Substitute. Thus we are not saved by good works but we are saved unto good works: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10). "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13). Are you resting fully in the finished work of Christ? Are you trusting in Jesus Christ, WHO HE IS, WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR YOU and WHAT HE HAS SAID IN HIS WORD? "Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else" (Isaiah 45:22).

THE RAPTURE: OUR BLESSED HOPE!

THE RAPTURE OF THE BODY OF CHRIST!

1 Corinthians 12:27 - Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

Ephesians 4:10-12 - He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.  And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ....

CHRIST'S PROMISE TO HIS BODY!

John 14:1-3 - Let not your heart be troubled:  you 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 you may be also. 

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that you 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 (precede) 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.

Revelation 3:10 - Because you have kept the Word of My patience, I also will keep you from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

JESUS IS COMING FOR US SOON;

TRUST HIM TODAY AS YOUR

LORD AND SAVIOR!  HE IS TRUSTWORTHY!

THE TIME-LINE FOR THE BOOK OF REVELATION!

THE KEY TO THE TIME LINE

OF BOOK OF REVELATION!

Revelation 1:18 -20 - I AM He Who lives, and was dead; and, behold, I AM alive for evermore,  Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.  Write the things which you have seen (the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus), and the things which are (the time following His Ascension), and the things which shall be hereafter (the Rapture, Tribulation, the Second Coming, and the Kingdom Age);  the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches:  and the seven candlesticks which you saw are the seven churches. 

Note:  John's vision reveals that he was living during the Church Age, and had seen all seven of the periods represented by the individual churches.  The last of the seventh church period was to be described as an apostate church operating without Jesus.  Notice He is standing outside knocking to be invited in (Ch. 3:20).  It is the church period in which we live today.  Chapters Two and Three are focused upon the churches, and are not mentioned during the description of seven-year Tribulation (Ch. 6 - 18) nor during the Second Coming and the 1000 year Millennial Kingdom of the Lord (Ch, 19 -20).  That is why many students of Bible Prophecy see John being called to "come up hither" (Ch. 4:1) as a picture of the Rapture of the true Church (See Ch. 3:10).

TIME IS RUNNING OUT;

PUT YOUR FAITH IN JESUS;

LIKE IN THE DAYS OF NOAH AND LOT,

HE HAS HAD ABOUT ENOUGH!

WHAT IT WILL BE LIKE BEFORE JESUS COMES!

 AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH!

Genesis 6:5-7 - 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.

AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF LOT!

Genesis 19:4-8 - But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: and they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.  And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him,  And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.  Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.  

SO SHALL IT BE IN THE LAST DAYS!

Romans 1:21-32 - 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, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible 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 forever.  Amen.  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 recompence of their error which was meet.  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, despiteful, 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.

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.

ACCEPT JESUS TODAY

BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!

AN APOLOGY FOR MY ABSENCE FROM MY BLOG!

 First, I want to apologize for failing to keep up with my daily blog.  Life in a home with two old crippled up earthly bodies being helped by a 55 year old daughter with MS is never easy, but when you add in Mom falling of her bed, me loosing my balance and bleeding from hitting the door frame; refinancing my home and trading in two cars for as older one with far fewer miles; etc. etc. ect.; life is tough!  I cannot wait for the Lord to come collect His children in the Rapture, and let the crazies have their anarchy and lawlessness.  But most of all, I want to see the face of Jesus so that I can be like Him!

1 John 3:1-2 - Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons (children) of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.  Beloved, now are we the sons (children) 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.

Just think about it:  no more sin; no more hate; no more fears; no more poverty; no more loneliness; no more cruelty; no more hunger or thirst; living is Spiritual glorified bodies!  Praising Him forever!  We will totally righteous and always pleasing to Him!  Glory to our Mighty God, His promotion from Prince of Peace to King of kings and Lyord of lords, and eternal Wonderful Counselor!  Come Lord Jesus so we can watch your Coronation!  Come for this world is not our home, and we want to come home!  I love you dear Savior and Lord!

THE MIND OF MAN VERSUS THE MIND OF CHRIST!

THE MIND OF GOD!

Isaiah 55:8-9 - For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 64:4 - For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside Thee, what He hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him.

1 Corinthians 2:9 - But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

THE MIND OF UNSAVED MAN!

Romans 1:22-32 - Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible 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 forever.  Amen.  

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 recompense of their error which was meet.  

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, back-biters, haters of God, despiteful, 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.

THEREFORE, WE SEE MAN TODAY:

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, trucebreakers, 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.

IT IS GOD'S JOB TO MAKE US LIKE HIM!

MAN WAS CREATED TO BE LIKE HIS CREATOR! 

Genesis 1:26-28 - And God said, Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.  So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.  And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.

DO NOT EAT FROM ONE TREE!

Genesis 2:15-17 - And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.  And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:  but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

GOD IS MISQUOTED!

Genesis 3:1-3 - Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?  And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:  but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die (the woman misquoted God).

MANKIND CEASED TO BE LIKE GOD!

Genesis 3:6-7 - And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof (she touched it and did not die; and she was emboldened ), and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.  And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

TODAY, MAN IS LIKE MAN; NOT LIKE GOD!

Genesis 5:1-3 - This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made He him;  Male and female created He them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.  And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:

BUT OUR FAITH CHANGES THAT!

Proverbs 17:6-8, 15 -  I have called upon Thee, for Thou wilt hear me, O God: incline Thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.  Show Thy marvellous lovingkindness, O Thou Who savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in Thee from those that rise up against them.  Keep me as the apple of Thy eye, hide me under the shadow of Thy wings . . . . As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness:  I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness.

1 John 3:1- 3 - Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons (children) of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.  Beloved, now are we the sons (children) 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.  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.

THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS TO KNOW GOD'S WORD AND FOLLOW IT TO THE LETTER!  IF YOU DO THAT, YOU CAN'T GO WRONG!

THANKFULNESS!

 HUMILITY IS BASED UPON GRATITUDE!

Psalm 100:1-5 - Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.  Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing.  Know ye that the LORD He is God:  it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves;  we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.  Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.  For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.

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.

Philippians 1:6 - Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ....

Hebrews 13:20-21 - Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to Whom be glory forever and ever.  Amen.

TRUE GRADITUDE

EXPRESSES ITSELF

IN THANKSGIVING!

SALVATION CANNOT BE ANY EASIER!

 THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST!

THE ONLY MESSAGE THAT HAS THE POWER TO SAVE THE LOST!

Romans 1:16-17 - For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ:  for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes it; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (non-Jew; Gentile).  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith:  as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

THE BIBLE MESSAGE KNOWN AS THE GOSPEL!

1 Corinthians 15:1-6 - Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also you have received, and wherein you stand; by which also you are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain.  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:  and that He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:  after that, He was seen by more than five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some have died.

SALVATION IS A GIFT; IT CANNOT BE EARNED!

Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  not of works, so that no man can boast.

TRUST IN OUR RESURRECTED LORD TODAY!

IT IS NOT JUST IN THE WORLD; IT IS IN OUR HOMES, IN OUR MIRRORS!

 THE END TIMES CHARACTER OF CHILDREN!

2 Timothy 3:1-5 - This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men (and the children of men) shall be lovers of themselves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent (lacking self-control), 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.

THEY SHOULD KNOW BETTER!

2 Timothy 3:14-17 - But continue in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom you have learned them; and that from a child you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  that the man (child) of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

WE ARE EITHER PART OF THE CHAOS, OR A SOURCE OF PEACE!

THE CHRISTIAN WALK SHOULD BE PEACEFUL!

Romans 12:18 - If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Romans 14:9 - Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Romans 15:13, 33 - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. . . . Now the God of peace be with you all.  Amen.

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

1 Corinthians 14:33 - For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

2 Corinthians 13:11 - Finally, brethren, farewell.  Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no Law.

Ephesians 4:2-3 - With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Colossians 1:19-20 - For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Hebrews 13:20-21 - Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

WHEN ALL AROUND YOU THERE IS CHAOS,

LET THE PEACE OF CHRIST CALM YOUR HEART!

IT IS PRETTY CLEAR!

 PSALM ONE

[1] Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.
[2] But his delight is in the Law (Will) of the LORD; and in His Law does he meditate day and night.
[3] And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever it does shall prosper.
[4] The ungodly are not so:  but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
[5] Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
[6] For the LORD knows the way of the righteous:  but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

AS THE WORLD SPINS OUT OF CONTROL, TRUST THE LORD!

 OUR CURRENT WORLD!

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, trucebreakers, 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.

PUT YOUR TRUST IN THE LORD!

Psalm 4:5 - . . . . put your trust in the LORD.

Psalm 40:3 - And He has put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God:  many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Psalm 115:11 - You that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD:  He is their help and their shield.

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 29:25 - . . . . but whosoever puts his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Philippians 2:19, 24 - But I trust in the Lord Jesus . . . . But I trust in the Lord....

WHY PUT YOUR TRUST IN HIM?  HE HAS EARNED IT!

Isaiah 55:8-9 - For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

John 3:16-17 - For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.

Romans 5:8-9 - But God demonstrated 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.

Romans 8:26-27 - Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities:  for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:  but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  And He that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

TRUST HIM TODAY FOR WHAT YOU SEE  IN THE WORLD, IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF THE WRATH OF GOD TO COME!

SAVED FROM SIN, WE ARE HIS CHILD BY FAITH!

 WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

The word "believe" appears 269 times in the KJV New Testament!  

Hear are a few clear examples!

John 3:14-18 - And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up (crucified):  that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.  For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.  He that believes on Him is not condemned:  but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the Only Begotten Son of God.

Acts 2:44-47 - And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people.  And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 16:31 - And they (Paul and Silas) said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved....

Romans 10:9-10 - That if you shall confess with your mouth (your faith in) the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

1 Corinthians 1:18-21 - For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.  Where is the wise?  Where is the scribe?  Where is the disputer of this world?  Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

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 1:12-13 - That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ.  In Whom you also trusted, after that you heard the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your salvation:  in Whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise....

Hebrews 10:39 - But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

1 Peter 1:18-21 - Forasmuch as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation (worthless traditions and way of life) received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by Him do believe in God, Who raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

1 John 5:1, 5, 10, 13 - Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God:  and every one that loves Him Who begat loves Him also Who is begotten of Him. . . . Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God. . . . He that believes on the Son of God has the Witness in himself:  he that believes not God has made (declared) Him a liar; because he believes not the record that God gave of His Son. . . . These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may (continue to grow in faith) believe on the name of the Son of God.

GOD'S MESSAGE IS CLEAR; BELIEVE IN JESUS!

GOD'S MESSAGE TO TODAY'S CHURCH: REPENT!

 REVELATION CHAPTER TWO:  TO THE CHURCH!

[1] Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
[2] I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
[3] And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
[4] Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
[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.
[6] But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
[7] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
[8] And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
[9] I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
[10] Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
[11] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
[12] And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
[13] I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
[14] But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
[15] So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
[16] REPENT; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
[17] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
[18] And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
[19] I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
[20] Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
[21] And I gave her space to REPENT of her fornication; and she repented not.
[22] Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they REPENT of their deeds.
[23] And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
[24] But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
[25] But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
[26] And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
[27] And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
[28] And I will give him the morning star.
[29] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

REVELATION CHAPTER THREE:  TO THE CHURCH!

[1] And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
[2] Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
[3] Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and REPENT. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
[4] Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
[5] He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
[6] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
[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.
[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.

WE HAVE BEEN WARNED!

WE MUST BE LIKE GOD TO GO TO HEAVEN!

BELIEVERS ARE SINNERS WITH GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS!

Matthew 6:33 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Romans 1:16-17 - 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 (non-Jew; Gentile).  For therein is THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD revealed from faith to faith:  as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Romans 3:21-23, 26 - But now THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD without (apart from) the Law is manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets; even THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:  for there is no difference:  for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God . . . . To declare, I say, at this time HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS:  that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Romans 4:3-7 - For what saith the Scripture?  Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.  Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.  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 (God freely gives His) HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS without works, saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

Romans 5:17-18 - For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of THE GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS shall reign in life by One, Jesus Christ.  Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF ONE the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

2 Corinthians 5:21 - For He (the Father) hath made Him (His Son) to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD (by faith) in Him.

1 John 3:2 - Beloved, now are we the sons (children) 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.

THESE ARE BUT A FEW EXAMPLES THAT EXPLAIN

HOW ONE ATTAINS GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS:

BY FAITH IN OUR RESURRECTED LORD!

SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW GOD?

MANKIND IS IGNORANT OF THE THINGS OF GOD!

Nehemiah 9:17 - And refused to obey, neither were mindful of Thy wonders that Thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage:  but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsook them not.

Psalm 22:3, 9 - But Thou are holy, O Thou that inhabits the praises of Israel. . . . But Thou are He that took me out of the womb:  Thou did make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts.

Proverbs 16:2, 9 - All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weighs the spirits. . . . A man's heart devises his way:  but the LORD directs his steps.

Proverbs 17:3 - The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold:  but the LORD tries the hearts.

Proverbs 21:2 - Every way of a man is right in his own eyes:  but the LORD ponders the hearts.

Isaiah 55:8-9 - For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

- - - BUT - - -

Romans 8:26-39 - Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  And He that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.  For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestine to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn (Resurrected) among many brethren.  Moreover whom He did predestine, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.

What shall we then say to these things?  If God be for us, who can be against us?  He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect?  It is God that justifies.  Who is he that condemns? It is Christ Who died, yea rather, Who is risen again, Who is even at the right hand of God, Who also makes intercession for us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us.  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

THANK YOU LORD JESUS FOR FORGIVING OUR SINS, 

AND FOR CONTINUING TO TOLERATE OUR IGNORANCE!

MY PRAYER FOR ME AND YOU!

 HEBREWS 13:20-21

Now the God of peace, Who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to Whom be glory forever and ever.  Amen.

MY VERSION OF A ROMANS MESSAGE!

 ROMANS 10:8-13 (PMV)

But what does God say?  He says, My Word is near you, even in your mouth as you speak it, and in your heart when you believe it; that is, the Word that produces faith, the Word which My followers share; that if you openly confess your faith in Christ with your mouth and truly believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart a man believes and is declared by God to be righteous; and as a result, with his mouth, he boldly tells others of his salvation.  For the Scripture says, Whosoever believes in Jesus. will not be ashamed.  And there is no difference between the Jew and the Gentile (non-Jew):  for the Lord is rich in His mercy and His grace to all who trust in Him.  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

I CAN'T WAIT!

WHEN THE ROLL IS CALLED UP YONDER!

When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more,
And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;
When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,
And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there!

When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll is called up yonder I'll be there!

On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise,
And the glory of His resurrection share;
When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies,
And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there!

When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll is called up yonder I'll be there

Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun,
Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;
Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there!

When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll, is called up yon-der,
When the roll is called up yonder I'll be there!

A VETERAN'S TESTIMONY!

JULY 8, 1959 - First two of nearly 60,000 U.S. Military Casualties of Viet Nam!

Major Dale R. Buis and Master Sergeant Chester M. Ovnand became the first Americans killed in the American Phase of the Vietnam War, when guerrillas struck a Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) command in Bien Hoa twenty miles northeast of Saigon.  Military advisors had been assisting the Vietnamese since November 1, 1955.  Nearly twenty years and 60,000 American deaths later, the United States signed a "peace treaty" on January 27, 1973 with the North Vietnamese Viet Cong, and abandoned its effort to stop "the Communist dominoes" from falling in Southeast Asia.  The "peace treaty," basically a surrender, allowed for a "peaceful withdrawal" of American Troops, and yet, 507 Americans died from 1973 - 1975, the year the last name was added to "The Wall" Monument!  That name is U.S.A.F. Second Lieutenant Richard Vandegeer, who was killed in action on May 15, 1975. 

My "twenty-year" career in the United States Navy!

At the age of sixteen, my father drove me to the U. S. Navy Recruiting Office in Columbus, Ohio.  Although I did not have a choice, it was perhaps the best thing he could have done for his son!  I had my physical, and took the four mental/aptitude tests on which I surprisingly scored an exact average of 60 points (apparently that was good for a high school dropout)!  I later discovered I was obsessive - compulsive and the structure helped by stay out of jail or the grave! 

By the age of eighteen, I was an Draftsman Illustrator Third Class (strange field for a color-blind sailor), and in love with my wife of fifty-eight years and counting.  That was the same year my God-mother told me that I had been baptized as a Roman Catholic, and after taking Catechism classes, was confirmed in the church.  That turned out to be fortunate because my wife-to-be was also a Catholic.  We were married following Judy's graduation, and eighteen months later, had our first daughter.  Then, two years later, we had our second girl.  Within five years, I had left the Catholic Church over an argument with a priest, had entered and college, declared myself an atheist, and on January 31st, 1971, "got saved" (recognized Jesus as my Lord and Savior).  By this time, I was stationed with the Blue Angels, my last assignment before finishing my career with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon.

The Lord used the Navy to provide me with stability, with an education (Master's Degree in Theology), medical benefits for my family, and a pension that keeps us from starving on Social Security.  God has been so good to us, Now, I am longing to see Him so that I can, not only quit sinning, but so that I can thank Him to His face for all He has done for me and those He entrusted to my far less than perfect care!  

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY TO ALL THOSE WHO SIGNED "THE BLANK CHECK" TO UNCLE SAM, PAYABLE UP TO AND INCLUDING OUR LIVES.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE "JAR HEADS" WHO GUARDED US "PROTECTORS OF THE SEAS!"

JESUS, OUR BLESSED HOPE!

JESUS PROMISED TO COME FOR US!

John 14:1-3 - Let not your heart be troubled:  you 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 you may be also.

1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 50-54 - But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.  For since by man came death, by Man came also the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  But every man in his own order:  Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at His coming. . . . 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.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:9-11 - But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that you 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 (precede) 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. . . . 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 you (already) do.

BELIEVERS ARE LOOKING FOR OUR BLESSED HOPE;

UNBELIEVERS HAVE NO SUCH HOPE!

THE RAPTURE - THE TRIBULATION - THE SECOND COMING!

 

TWO DISTINCT PHASES OF THE

SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

A Comparison Between the Rapture (Pre-tribulational Coming) and the Second Advent (Post-tribulational Coming)

1. TIME

1. RAPTURE--before the tribulation (Revelation 3:10). The church will be kept out of that hour or time of testing which will come upon the whole world. See our booklet, Will the Church Go Through the Tribulation? (50¢).
2. SECOND ADVENT--after the tribulation (Matthew 24:29-30; Revelation 19:11-16).

2. QUICKNESS

1. RAPTURE--in a "moment" (Greek-"atom," a split-second, literally "uncut, indivisible," we divide and cut time into years and months and days and hours and minutes and seconds, but the smallest measure of time is an "atom" of time which we might call a split-second), in the blinking on an eye (1 Cor. 15:52). It is very sudden. It will happen before people will realize it is happening (even as it was with Enoch, see Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5). An example of a man being raptured away suddenly so as to be seen no more is found in Acts 8:39 (where the Greek word for rapture, harpazo, is used).
2. SECOND ADVENT--slow enough for people to realize and see what is happening (Matthew 24:27; Rev. 1:7; Psalm 2:2; Rev. 19:19). The second coming of Christ to the earth will be visible and obvious to all. No one will miss it.

3. DATE (THE DAY ON WHICH IT WILL TAKE PLACE)

1. RAPTURE--UNKNOWN DAY. The Lord Jesus will surely come for His Church (John 14:3) but we do not know when (compare 1 John 2:28 and 3:2 where the subjunctive mood is used indicating that while the fact of His coming is sure, the time of His coming is unsure). The rapture is imminent which means that He may come at any time. See Allen Beechick's discussion of the UNKNOWN DAY in the book The Pretribulation Rapture).
2. SECOND ADVENT--KNOWN DAY. The date of the second coming can be calculated to the very day. It will occur 2520 days (7 years, or 84 months, each month made up of 30 days) from the time that Antichrist makes a treaty with Israel (Daniel 9:27) and it will occur 1260 days (3½ years) from the time of the abomination of desolation (Matt. 24:15). See Revelation 11:2,3; 12:6,14; 13:5; 2 Thess. 2:8 (Antichrist destroyed at 2nd coming). Of course, this "known day" cannot be known or calculated by anyone until the treaty is signed (Dan. 9:27).

4. PRECEDING SIGNS

1. RAPTURE--NONE (Tit. 2:13; Rev. 22:20; etc.). He may come for His Church at any time and nothing needs to be fulfilled before He comes. The only thing we are waiting for is the completion of the church (Matt. 16:18; Rom. 11:25), and only God knows when this will be.
2. SECOND ADVENT--MANY (Matthew 24:3-28). There is much that must be fulfilled before Christ returns to the earth (such as all the events in Revelation 6-18).

ILLUSTRATION: The rapture can be likened to Thanksgiving (a holiday without signs) and the second advent can be likened to Christmas (which is preceded by all kinds of signs). When you see the signs of Christmas (decorations, lights, trees, etc.) then you can be sure that Thanksgiving will take place at any time. If Christmas is near then Thanksgiving must be even nearer!

5. VISIBILITY

1. RAPTURE--Christ seen only by the church (1 Thess. 4:17; 1 John 3:2).
2. SECOND ADVENT--Christ seen by every eye (Rev. 1:7; Matthew 24:24-27).

6. LOCATION

1. RAPTURE--in the air (1 Thess. 4:17).
2. SECOND ADVENT--on the earth (Zech. 14:4; Acts 1:11).

7. ASSOCIATED JUDGEMENT

1. RAPTURE--the judgment seat of Christ (2 Tim. 4:1,8; 1 Pet. 1:7).
2. SECOND ADVENT--destruction of the wicked armies (Rev. 19:17-19) and the judgment of living nations (Matthew 25:31-46).

8. IDENTITY OF THOSE REMOVED FROM THE EARTH AND THOSE REMAINING ON THE EARTH

1. RAPTURE--Believers are removed; unbelievers remain (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:51-53; John 14:3).
2. SECOND ADVENT--Unbelievers are removed; believers remain (Matthew 24:37-41 and Luke 17:34-37). See Matthew 24:38 where the unbelieving world in Noah's day was taken away in judgment.

9. PURPOSE OF CHRIST'S COMING

1. RAPTURE--to receive His bride (John 14:3; 1 Thess. 4:17).
2. SECOND ADVENT--to receive His kingdom (Luke 19:22; Rev. chapters 19-20)

10. THE BODIES OF LIVING BELIEVERS

1. RAPTURE--church age believers are raised (those who have died) and are translated and "changed" (those who are living) with the result that they have immortal, resurrection bodies (1 Cor. 15:52-53; 1 Thess. 4:17).
2. SECOND ADVENT--believers who survive the tribulation enter the kingdom in natural bodies (Matthew 25:23), and these believers will eventually bear children and re-populate the earth.

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   The Middletown Bible Church 349 East Street Middletown, CT 06457 (860) 346-0907

GOD'S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE!

GOD WANTS US ALL TO BE LIKE HIM!

Genesis 1:26-27 - And God said, Let us make man (mankind) in Our image, after Our likeness:  and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.  So God created man (mankind) in His own image, in the image of God created He him (them); male and female created He them.

Note:  While Genesis 1:27 does say God created Adam in His image, this Scripture does not say he was created in His likeness!  However, in Genesis 5:1, we see that Adam was created in God's likeness:  but I believe when Adam sinned, he ceased to be like God.  I believe this is supported by the fact that Cain, Abel, and Seth were conceived after Adam sinned, and Genesis 5:3 specifically states that Seth had Adam's likeness, not God's. 

BEING BORN AGAIN DOES NOT MAKE US LIKE HIM!

John 3:3-7 - Jesus said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  Nicodemus said unto Him, How can a man be born when he is old?  Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born (can he be physically born twice)?  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born of water (a physical birth) and of the Spirit (a spiritual birth), 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 you, You must be born again.

Note:  If being born again meant one was made like God, the follow verses would not make sense:

Romans 12:1-2 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world:  but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove (put to the test) what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Ephesians 4:20-24 - But you have not so learned Christ; if so be that you have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:  that you put off concerning the former conversation (lifestyle of) the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that you put on the new man, which after God, is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Philippians 1:6 - Being confident of this very thing, that He Who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ....

1 Thessalonians 4:1-7 - Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more.  For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.  For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication:  that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; not in the lust of concupiscence (lust), even as the Gentiles who know not God:  that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.  For God has not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

WE WON'T BE LIKE GOD UNTIL WE SEE JESUS!

Psalm 17:15 - As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

Philippians 3:20-21 - For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ:  Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself.

1 John 3:1-2 - Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons (children) of God:  therefore the world knows us not, because it knew Him not.  Beloved, now are we the sons (children) of God, and it does 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.

GOD'S WILL WILL FINALLY BE A REALITY IN BORN AGAIN BELIEVERS!

WHY NOT ALLOW HIM TO BEGIN HIS WORK IN YOU TODAY, WHILE THERE IS STILL TIME?