As you know in spite of difficulties here in America we have so much to be thankful for we are very blessed indeed. Lately I've been noticing disturbing trends developing in our society as you may have as well. It's really nothing new just more of the same. Much more. For example the social network facebook as you know is growing in popularity at a tremendous rate with no real end in sight. It seems we've become a society craving personal and public attention like never before. Many today are so addicted that they spend countless hours daily on the site apparently posting all the latest and greatest on their personal wall only to be seen by all. Many organizations as well as individuals at times actually requesting that others "like" them or their post which to me is truly on the verge of absurd. Do we actually think God somehow intended that our lives be some sort of popularity contest? Of course not he obviously has more in mind for us than just what others think of us. How about God what does he think about you and I? Anyone with any sense can see that in general today we've become desperate in our need for attention.
Please don't misunderstand at the risk of sounding hypocritical I myself also have a personal profile on facebook. It's just that lately I've been disturbed and frustrated by the apparent constant need for approval and attention we seem to have in our society today. Look at what Jesus himself said about popularity while he was here on earth, "WOE TO YOU WHEN EVERYONE SPEAKS WELL OF YOU FOR THAT IS HOW THEIR ANCESTORS TREATED THE FALSE PROPHETS (Luke 6:26)." What we should really be seeking is approval from God longing to please him. I've lost friends before and I realize now I may lose some more. I heard someone say recently that facebook is just a waste of time. I disagree with that but I do agree that it certainly for many may be. I personally believe it's more about our misuse of the network along with other vices like our inappropriate internet surfing and our excessive tv time. Whether you agree or not I still believe most of us are guilty to one degree or another if we're honest with ourselves and honest with God. It's time to get closer to him and farther from sin.
If you're a true believer then these are difficult albeit exciting days for you. If you're not yet then you can become one today and know for sure your salvation is secure (see our website HOME PAGE to learn how). We are now living in the days the prophet Daniel prophesied about long ago. As you know we are experiencing an explosion of technology so advanced that it's beyond description. Things of late continue accelerating at an alarming rate. Here's what God said about the end-times almost three-thousand years ago, "BUT THOU O DANIEL SHUT UP THE WORDS AND SEAL THE BOOK EVEN TO THE TIME OF THE END. MANY SHALL RUN TO AND FRO AND KNOWLEDGE SHALL BE INCREASED (Daniel 12:4)." I've unfortunately heard many false predictions lately that are simply untrue and possibly you have too. But only the predictions God's holy apostles and prophets make ever actually come true. The world today is full of knowledge but short on wisdom.
Look what the apostle John had to say about worldly ways, "LOVE NOT THE WORLD NOR THE THINGS IN THE WORLD. IF ANY MAN LOVE THE WORLD THE LOVE OF THE FATHER IS NOT IN HIM. FOR ALL THAT IS IN THE WORLD, THE LUST OF THE FLESH, THE LUST OF THE EYES, AND THE PRIDE OF LIFE IS NOT OF THE FATHER BUT IS OF THE WORLD. AND THE WORLD PASSETH AWAY AND THE LUST THEREOF BUT HE THAT DOETH THE WILL OF GOD ABIDETH FOREVER (1 John 1:15-17)." As his children we need to be about our Father's business. John goes on to say that we need to abide in him so that when he appears we will have confidence and not be ashamed at his coming. We need to spend more time in his word and less time in the world. As believers we live in this world but we're not of it. Or are we? Can the world see that we love him do they know and does it show? Only God knows for sure where we stand with him today. When we answer him one day I wonder just what will he say?
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Earthly Pain Heavenly Gain-Shawn Smith
Have you been in pain lately wondering just if and when it will ever end? Maybe your hurting in a way you can't fully describe and you wonder if God even cares. If you're a believer today then take courage your best days are still ahead no matter what you may be going through. If you're not then you're lost and your worst days unfortunately still await you since hell is a place where unbelievers ultimately go. In fact while here on earth Jesus himself spoke more on the subject of hell than on any other. Why do you suppose he did? Obviously he doesn't want you or anyone else to ever go there! Did you know that God made hell originally for the devil and angels who rebelled against him long ago? By so doing tragically they forfeited their original place in heaven forever. Incredibly for you and I however God gave his only Son to die on a tree so we could be eternally free! Make sure today you know where you'll spend eternity believe me hell's not the place you ever want to be.
When comparing our pain on earth here as believers to our eternal home in heaven the apostle Paul said our temporary "light" affliction is just for a moment when compared to eternity. God uses our trials and tribulations here to perfect us and conform us to his image. And as believers we always have eternal hope as an anchor for our soul however hard things are for us here. The writer of Hebrews said this, "CAST NOT AWAY THEREFORE YOUR CONFIDENCE WHICH HATH GREAT RECOMPENCE OF REWARD. FOR YOU HAVE NEED OF PATIENCE THAT AFTER YOU HAVE DONE THE WILL OF GOD YOU MIGHT RECEIVE THE PROMISE. FOR YET A LITTLE WHILE AND HE THAT SHALL COME WILL COME AND WILL NOT TARRY. NOW THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH BUT IF ANY MAN DRAW BACK MY SOUL SHALL HAVE NO PLEASURE IN HIM. BUT WE ARE NOT OF THEM WHO DRAW BACK UNTO PERDITION, BUT OF THEM THAT BELIEVE TO THE SAVING OF THE SOUL (Hebrews 10:35-39)." Because life is so difficult in our day many are living for temporary pleasure and not for eternal treasure! Sadly as predicted they're falling away and doing things their own way today.
He goes on to say that without faith it's impossible to please God but that he's a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. He wants all of his children to trust him through every storm in life and to keep on believing regardless of feeling. Feelings come and go but God remains the same. I'm not exactly sure why faith is so important to God I just know that it is. The apostle Peter said our faith is more precious to God than gold which perishes and when tried by fire it will bring glory to him. Most people today however live their lives by how they feel and not by what's actually real. You see faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things NOT seen. After Jesus was risen he appeared to his disciples and on one occasion Thomas believed he had risen only AFTER seeing his nail-scarred hands. Here's what Jesus said to him, "BECAUSE YOU HAVE SEEN ME YOU HAVE BELIEVED. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HAVE NOT SEEN AND YET HAVE BELIEVED (John 20:29)."
If you've never read the book of Hebrews or if it's been a while please do so. The believers referred to in chapter 11 as you may know are called by many today as the "heroes" of faith. True heroes that God says this world was not worthy of. In fact some were tortured not accepting deliverance so that they might obtain a "better" resurrection! I'm not sure what your pain is today or just how heavy the burden is you bear but I know God knows. I know he's there and that he truly cares. While on earth Jesus was moved with compassion for the hurting and the lost. He wept over Jerusalem and Isaiah the prophet once predicted he'd be a man of sorrows acquainted with grief despised and rejected of men. He's a faithful high priest who's touched with the feelings of our infirmities. He's the Lamb of God slain before the foundation of the world for your sins and mine. If your his child then know he's using your earthly pain for your heavenly gain. The heroes of faith kept their eyes on the prize, "THESE WERE ALL COMMENDED FOR THEIR FAITH YET NONE OF THEM RECEIVED WHAT HAD BEEN PROMISED. GOD HAD PLANNED SOMETHING BETTER FOR US SO THAT ONLY TOGETHER WITH US WOULD THEY BE MADE PERFECT (Hebrews 11:39-40)." You're surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who've gone before now looking on cheering you on. So never give up and never give in run your race to win! It will all be worth it once you too reach the end.
When comparing our pain on earth here as believers to our eternal home in heaven the apostle Paul said our temporary "light" affliction is just for a moment when compared to eternity. God uses our trials and tribulations here to perfect us and conform us to his image. And as believers we always have eternal hope as an anchor for our soul however hard things are for us here. The writer of Hebrews said this, "CAST NOT AWAY THEREFORE YOUR CONFIDENCE WHICH HATH GREAT RECOMPENCE OF REWARD. FOR YOU HAVE NEED OF PATIENCE THAT AFTER YOU HAVE DONE THE WILL OF GOD YOU MIGHT RECEIVE THE PROMISE. FOR YET A LITTLE WHILE AND HE THAT SHALL COME WILL COME AND WILL NOT TARRY. NOW THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH BUT IF ANY MAN DRAW BACK MY SOUL SHALL HAVE NO PLEASURE IN HIM. BUT WE ARE NOT OF THEM WHO DRAW BACK UNTO PERDITION, BUT OF THEM THAT BELIEVE TO THE SAVING OF THE SOUL (Hebrews 10:35-39)." Because life is so difficult in our day many are living for temporary pleasure and not for eternal treasure! Sadly as predicted they're falling away and doing things their own way today.
He goes on to say that without faith it's impossible to please God but that he's a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. He wants all of his children to trust him through every storm in life and to keep on believing regardless of feeling. Feelings come and go but God remains the same. I'm not exactly sure why faith is so important to God I just know that it is. The apostle Peter said our faith is more precious to God than gold which perishes and when tried by fire it will bring glory to him. Most people today however live their lives by how they feel and not by what's actually real. You see faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things NOT seen. After Jesus was risen he appeared to his disciples and on one occasion Thomas believed he had risen only AFTER seeing his nail-scarred hands. Here's what Jesus said to him, "BECAUSE YOU HAVE SEEN ME YOU HAVE BELIEVED. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HAVE NOT SEEN AND YET HAVE BELIEVED (John 20:29)."
If you've never read the book of Hebrews or if it's been a while please do so. The believers referred to in chapter 11 as you may know are called by many today as the "heroes" of faith. True heroes that God says this world was not worthy of. In fact some were tortured not accepting deliverance so that they might obtain a "better" resurrection! I'm not sure what your pain is today or just how heavy the burden is you bear but I know God knows. I know he's there and that he truly cares. While on earth Jesus was moved with compassion for the hurting and the lost. He wept over Jerusalem and Isaiah the prophet once predicted he'd be a man of sorrows acquainted with grief despised and rejected of men. He's a faithful high priest who's touched with the feelings of our infirmities. He's the Lamb of God slain before the foundation of the world for your sins and mine. If your his child then know he's using your earthly pain for your heavenly gain. The heroes of faith kept their eyes on the prize, "THESE WERE ALL COMMENDED FOR THEIR FAITH YET NONE OF THEM RECEIVED WHAT HAD BEEN PROMISED. GOD HAD PLANNED SOMETHING BETTER FOR US SO THAT ONLY TOGETHER WITH US WOULD THEY BE MADE PERFECT (Hebrews 11:39-40)." You're surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who've gone before now looking on cheering you on. So never give up and never give in run your race to win! It will all be worth it once you too reach the end.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Precious Blood Crimson Flood-Shawn Smith
In these end times we are all faced with fears, difficulties, and temptations. The apostle Peter under inspiration wrote the following passage to encourage us all as believers as we approach the end of our days here on earth, "WHEREFORE GIRD UP THE LOINS OF YOUR MIND AND HOPE TO THE END FOR THE GRACE THAT IS TO BE BROUGHT TO YOU AT THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST. AS OBEDIENT CHILDREN NOT FASHIONING YOURSELVES ACCORDING TO THE FORMER LUSTS IN YOUR IGNORANCE BUT AS HE WHICH HATH CALLED YOU IS HOLY SO BE YE HOLY IN ALL MANNER OF CONVERSATION BECAUSE IT IS WRITTEN, 'BE YE HOLY FOR I AM HOLY' (1 Peter 1:13-16)."
Peter was a man faced with overwhelming fears as he saw his Lord arrested, beaten and ultimately crucified. Today you and I face fears as well as we see things unfolding in the world exactly how the apostles and prophets predicted long ago. Things today are increasingly growing worse but as believers we've been redeemed from the corruption of this world by the precious blood of Jesus Christ! Look what Peter says about our redemption, "FORASMUCH AS YE KNOW THAT YE WERE NOT REDEEMED WITH CORRUPTIBLE THINGS AS SILVER AND GOLD FROM YOUR VAIN CONVERSATION RECEIVED BY YOUR FATHERS, BUT WITH THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST, AS OF A LAMB WITHOUT BLEMISH OR SPOT(1 Peter 1:18-19)." He shed his blood like a crimson flood.
Remember what John the Baptist said about Jesus when he started his earthly ministry? He said, 'BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD WHO TAKES AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD!' Peter went on in his letter to say this about Yeshua and our faith in him and love for one another, "WHO VERILY WAS FOREORDAINED BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD BUT WAS MANIFEST IN THESE LAST TIMES FOR YOU. WHOM BY HIM DO BELIEVE IN GOD WHO RAISED HIM UP FROM THE DEAD AND GAVE HIM GLORY. SEEING YOU HAVE PURIFIED YOUR SOULS IN OBEYING THE TRUTH THROUGH THE SPIRIT UNTO UNFEIGNED LOVE OF THE BRETHREN, SEE THAT YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER WITH A PURE HEART FERVENTLY (1 Peter 1:20-22)."
In the gospel of John Jesus himself told Nicodemus in order to inherit the kingdom of heaven we must be born again. Peter understood the miracle of rebirth and the importance of God's word to us all because he also said this, "BEING BORN AGAIN NOT OF CORRUPTIBLE SEED, BUT OF INCORRUPTIBLE, BY THE WORD OF GOD WHICH LIVETH AND ABIDETH FOREVER. FOR ALL FLESH IS AS GRASS AND THE GLORY OF MAN AS THE FLOWER OF THE GRASS. THE GRASS WITHERETH AND THE FLOWER THEREOF FALLETH AWAY. BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURETH FOREVER. AND THIS IS THE WORD WHICH BY THE GOSPEL IS PREACHED UNTO YOU (1 Peter 1:23-25)." Jesus himself said that he is the way the truth and the life and that no one comes to the Father except through him! Are you born again today and living for him or still lost and alone in all of your sin? If so then please don't delay let Jesus be Lord of your life today.
Peter was a man faced with overwhelming fears as he saw his Lord arrested, beaten and ultimately crucified. Today you and I face fears as well as we see things unfolding in the world exactly how the apostles and prophets predicted long ago. Things today are increasingly growing worse but as believers we've been redeemed from the corruption of this world by the precious blood of Jesus Christ! Look what Peter says about our redemption, "FORASMUCH AS YE KNOW THAT YE WERE NOT REDEEMED WITH CORRUPTIBLE THINGS AS SILVER AND GOLD FROM YOUR VAIN CONVERSATION RECEIVED BY YOUR FATHERS, BUT WITH THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST, AS OF A LAMB WITHOUT BLEMISH OR SPOT(1 Peter 1:18-19)." He shed his blood like a crimson flood.
Remember what John the Baptist said about Jesus when he started his earthly ministry? He said, 'BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD WHO TAKES AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD!' Peter went on in his letter to say this about Yeshua and our faith in him and love for one another, "WHO VERILY WAS FOREORDAINED BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD BUT WAS MANIFEST IN THESE LAST TIMES FOR YOU. WHOM BY HIM DO BELIEVE IN GOD WHO RAISED HIM UP FROM THE DEAD AND GAVE HIM GLORY. SEEING YOU HAVE PURIFIED YOUR SOULS IN OBEYING THE TRUTH THROUGH THE SPIRIT UNTO UNFEIGNED LOVE OF THE BRETHREN, SEE THAT YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER WITH A PURE HEART FERVENTLY (1 Peter 1:20-22)."
In the gospel of John Jesus himself told Nicodemus in order to inherit the kingdom of heaven we must be born again. Peter understood the miracle of rebirth and the importance of God's word to us all because he also said this, "BEING BORN AGAIN NOT OF CORRUPTIBLE SEED, BUT OF INCORRUPTIBLE, BY THE WORD OF GOD WHICH LIVETH AND ABIDETH FOREVER. FOR ALL FLESH IS AS GRASS AND THE GLORY OF MAN AS THE FLOWER OF THE GRASS. THE GRASS WITHERETH AND THE FLOWER THEREOF FALLETH AWAY. BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURETH FOREVER. AND THIS IS THE WORD WHICH BY THE GOSPEL IS PREACHED UNTO YOU (1 Peter 1:23-25)." Jesus himself said that he is the way the truth and the life and that no one comes to the Father except through him! Are you born again today and living for him or still lost and alone in all of your sin? If so then please don't delay let Jesus be Lord of your life today.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Divine Plan Delivers Man-Ed Welch & Shawn Smith
Have you ever really stopped to consider the depth of God's love for you personally? Even as believers we tend to forget at times how much he truly loves us. Sadly millions today still don't believe that God even knows about them much less loves them. The fact is God is all knowing and even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Nothing escapes him or is ever hidden from him. God's plan all along for man was to redeem him from the curse of the law by sending his only Son to die on a tree. He then arose so you could be free! King David who God said was a man after his own heart once said this, "BLESS THE LORD OH MY SOUL AND ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME BLESS HIS HOLY NAME. WHO FORGIVETH ALL THINE INIQUITIES, WHO HEALETH ALL THY DISEASES, WHO REDEEMETH THY LIFE FROM DESTRUCTION, WHO CROWNETH THEE WITH LOVINGKINDNESS AND TENDER MERCIES (Psalm 103:1:3-4)."
So how can we know for sure that God truly loves us? Just look what the Apostle Paul said about God's love, "BUT GOD DEMONSTRATED HIS OWN LOVE FOR 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 5:8-9)." God not only loves you he is love. He proved it by sending his only Son to die on a cross for you. There's no need to ever doubt his love again. Any time you waver remember Jesus hanging in agony on that tree. Amazingly he did it all for you and for me. He who knew no sin became sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God. Let there be no doubt love is what God's all about.
You see God always knew you and I would need salvation. Long before Adam and Eve sinned in the garden he had a divine plan to deliver man. Remember what Jesus said on the cross just before he breathed his last? He said, "It is finished." He paid the ultimate price and knew exactly what he came to do. Never forget on the cross he was thinking of you. Feelings come and go but we live by faith and not by sight. The fact is God never changes no matter what you and I may be going through. GOD'S PLAN 4 MAN is posted on our website. Please visit our HOME PAGE at WWW.FULLASSURANCEMINISTRIES.COM today to assure your salvation is fully secure. The Apostle John once said we write these things so that you may "know" you have eternal life.
In addition to GOD'S PLAN 4 MAN posted there Ed Welch, a founding FAM board member, also encourages three vital steps to walking with God. After receiving Jesus as Lord we need to then, "Walk in the light and confess our sins to God (1 John 1:7-9)." Secondly we must obey, "God's commandment to love God and man (Matt 22:37-39)." And thirdly we should develop an eternal perspective in life because eternity awaits so always remember, "God has prepared a place for you to dwell with him (John 14:2-3 & Revelation 21 & 22)." Incredibly all true believers will live with God forever some day! Make sure you're there open your heart and receive him today.
So how can we know for sure that God truly loves us? Just look what the Apostle Paul said about God's love, "BUT GOD DEMONSTRATED HIS OWN LOVE FOR 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 5:8-9)." God not only loves you he is love. He proved it by sending his only Son to die on a cross for you. There's no need to ever doubt his love again. Any time you waver remember Jesus hanging in agony on that tree. Amazingly he did it all for you and for me. He who knew no sin became sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God. Let there be no doubt love is what God's all about.
You see God always knew you and I would need salvation. Long before Adam and Eve sinned in the garden he had a divine plan to deliver man. Remember what Jesus said on the cross just before he breathed his last? He said, "It is finished." He paid the ultimate price and knew exactly what he came to do. Never forget on the cross he was thinking of you. Feelings come and go but we live by faith and not by sight. The fact is God never changes no matter what you and I may be going through. GOD'S PLAN 4 MAN is posted on our website. Please visit our HOME PAGE at WWW.FULLASSURANCEMINISTRIES.COM today to assure your salvation is fully secure. The Apostle John once said we write these things so that you may "know" you have eternal life.
In addition to GOD'S PLAN 4 MAN posted there Ed Welch, a founding FAM board member, also encourages three vital steps to walking with God. After receiving Jesus as Lord we need to then, "Walk in the light and confess our sins to God (1 John 1:7-9)." Secondly we must obey, "God's commandment to love God and man (Matt 22:37-39)." And thirdly we should develop an eternal perspective in life because eternity awaits so always remember, "God has prepared a place for you to dwell with him (John 14:2-3 & Revelation 21 & 22)." Incredibly all true believers will live with God forever some day! Make sure you're there open your heart and receive him today.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Difficult Days Wayward Ways-Shawn Smith
Have you ever wondered why things in life many times make no sense at all? Once again we learn of yet another senseless tragedy. As you know by now last Friday a deranged man in Norway went on a shooting rampage killing nearly 100 people saying afterward he was simply trying to save Europe then calmly pleaded not guilty. He now claims that two other groups of allies stand ready to join his murderous campaign. Once again we see someone acting out in a way that horribly defies any human logic or reason. How could someone ever do such a thing we wonder and ask ourselves will the madness ever end?
God has clearly revealed to us in his word that in the last days perilous times will come. The human condition will become so corrupt he will eventually have to bring judgment again to earth just as he did in the days of Noah. Here's what God revealed to us in the apostle Paul's second letter to young Timothy, "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 (2 Tim 3:1-3)." Does this sound familiar today?
As you know Noah was a prophet of God called in his day to warn the people of impending judgment. If they would listen to his message they would be saved but if not they would be destroyed. Look what God had to say about the condition of mankind in those days, "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 (Genesis 6:5-6)." The sin of Noah's day broke God's heart. Only Noah and his family were saved but the rest of mankind perished in the flood.
The people of Noah's day had become so sinful that they just wouldn't listen. He had provided a way of escape through one righteous man but they wouldn't hear. Many today continue ignoring the signs of the times in our day. And once again it is breaking God's heart. Look what Jesus himself had to say, "FOR AS WERE THE DAYS OF NOAH SO WILL BE THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN. FOR AS IN THOSE DAYS BEFORE THE FLOOD THEY WERE EATING AND DRINKING, MARRYING AND GIVING IN MARRIAGE, UNTIL THE DAY WHEN NOAH ENTERED THE ARK AND THEY WERE UNAWARE UNTIL THE FLOOD CAME AND SWEPT THEM ALL AWAY. SO WILL BE THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN (Matthew 24:37-39)." The King is coming again and he said to always watch and pray. Will we be ready that day or caught looking the other way?
God has clearly revealed to us in his word that in the last days perilous times will come. The human condition will become so corrupt he will eventually have to bring judgment again to earth just as he did in the days of Noah. Here's what God revealed to us in the apostle Paul's second letter to young Timothy, "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 (2 Tim 3:1-3)." Does this sound familiar today?
As you know Noah was a prophet of God called in his day to warn the people of impending judgment. If they would listen to his message they would be saved but if not they would be destroyed. Look what God had to say about the condition of mankind in those days, "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 (Genesis 6:5-6)." The sin of Noah's day broke God's heart. Only Noah and his family were saved but the rest of mankind perished in the flood.
The people of Noah's day had become so sinful that they just wouldn't listen. He had provided a way of escape through one righteous man but they wouldn't hear. Many today continue ignoring the signs of the times in our day. And once again it is breaking God's heart. Look what Jesus himself had to say, "FOR AS WERE THE DAYS OF NOAH SO WILL BE THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN. FOR AS IN THOSE DAYS BEFORE THE FLOOD THEY WERE EATING AND DRINKING, MARRYING AND GIVING IN MARRIAGE, UNTIL THE DAY WHEN NOAH ENTERED THE ARK AND THEY WERE UNAWARE UNTIL THE FLOOD CAME AND SWEPT THEM ALL AWAY. SO WILL BE THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN (Matthew 24:37-39)." The King is coming again and he said to always watch and pray. Will we be ready that day or caught looking the other way?
Monday, July 4, 2011
Flagrant Lies Lasting Prize-Shawn Smith
Recently I sat on my couch with my favorite remote flipping through a myriad of channels looking for something in vain to temporarily escape reality. Eventually joined by my son in my quest for relief we began discussing the true meaning of life and just how far we've fallen in recent years as a nation. Are the messages infiltrating our homes today ones our American patriots would be proud of when they won independence for us over 200 years ago? Is this really the type of freedom they envisioned and were fighting for? Was their dream for us somehow to enjoy anything and everything anytime we please on the world wide web?
Sadly what were both once considered a positive source of information have increasingly become a smorgasbord of corruption and deceit. As we celebrate our independence today all across America I can't help but ask are we truly free? It seems we're now enslaved by an unseen enemy dressed in disguise and we've fallen for lies. We've been asleep in the light. It's time to arise and get our eyes on the prize. As believers we've been freely forgiven but do we really appreciate all we've been given?
Look what the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, "BRETHREN I COUNT NOT MYSELF TO HAVE APPREHENDED BUT THIS ONE THING I DO, FORGETTING THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEHIND, AND REACHING FORTH UNTO THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEFORE. I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK FOR THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS (Philippians 3:13-14)." In his day Paul overcame all the lies by eyeing an eternal prize! You and I today are facing an onslaught of deception and misinformation. Do we see our demise just where are our eyes?
Our freedoms here are now seriously at stake both as a nation and individually as well. Godliness is on the decline and only the truth will set us free. Look what Jesus himself had to say to the church in Laodicea one day and quite possibly to you and I and the church in America today, "I KNOW THY WORKS THAT THOU ART NEITHER COLD NOR HOT, I WOULD THOU WERE COLD OR HOT (Revelation 3:15). In his message he also counsels us to buy from him gold tried in the fire so we'll truly be rich! He then tells us to be zealous and repent. Deception today is clearly on the rise will we fight to win an everlasting prize?
Sadly what were both once considered a positive source of information have increasingly become a smorgasbord of corruption and deceit. As we celebrate our independence today all across America I can't help but ask are we truly free? It seems we're now enslaved by an unseen enemy dressed in disguise and we've fallen for lies. We've been asleep in the light. It's time to arise and get our eyes on the prize. As believers we've been freely forgiven but do we really appreciate all we've been given?
Look what the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, "BRETHREN I COUNT NOT MYSELF TO HAVE APPREHENDED BUT THIS ONE THING I DO, FORGETTING THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEHIND, AND REACHING FORTH UNTO THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEFORE. I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK FOR THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS (Philippians 3:13-14)." In his day Paul overcame all the lies by eyeing an eternal prize! You and I today are facing an onslaught of deception and misinformation. Do we see our demise just where are our eyes?
Our freedoms here are now seriously at stake both as a nation and individually as well. Godliness is on the decline and only the truth will set us free. Look what Jesus himself had to say to the church in Laodicea one day and quite possibly to you and I and the church in America today, "I KNOW THY WORKS THAT THOU ART NEITHER COLD NOR HOT, I WOULD THOU WERE COLD OR HOT (Revelation 3:15). In his message he also counsels us to buy from him gold tried in the fire so we'll truly be rich! He then tells us to be zealous and repent. Deception today is clearly on the rise will we fight to win an everlasting prize?
Monday, June 13, 2011
Comforting Shower Supernatural Power-Shawn Smith
Have you noticed lately that God's moving on the earth and in his people? Hopefully you've experienced him moving in your life personally lately in deep and powerful ways. That is my prayer for you. Recently after dropping my wife and daughter off at the airport I experienced that very thing. Usually for me it begins with a worship song and that's how it began this time as well. When I arrived home I felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness knowing how I'd miss them until the day when they would finally return. I also feel a similar pain and longing within often for family and friends who have moved on in life. I long to be reunited with them all one day in person as well.
Isn't that the way it is often for you and I as believers? If we really love the Lord we miss him dearly and long for his return. The closer we get to him the more we miss him and want to see him. He's done it all for us and we want to thank him and worship him in person at his feet. I eventually ended up that morning on my knees sobbing simply overwhelmed realizing just how much I would really miss them. It was through those tears I felt God's presence and comfort in a very powerful and wonderful way. He made himself real to me once again like only he can do!
I love what the apostle Paul wrote about the comfort God gives us in all our suffering in his second letter to the church in Corinth when he said this, "ALL PRAISE TO GOD THE FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. GOD IS OUR MERCIFUL FATHER AND THE SOURCE OF ALL COMFORT. HE COMFORTS US IN ALL OUR TROUBLES SO THAT WE CAN COMFORT OTHERS. WHEN THEY ARE TROUBLED, WE WILL BE ABLE TO GIVE THEM THE SAME COMFORT THAT GOD GIVES US. FOR THE MORE WE SUFFER FOR CHRIST, THE MORE GOD WILL SHOWER US WITH HIS COMFORT THROUGH CHRIST (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)." Paul goes on to say how that as a result of the overwhelming trouble he faced in Asia Minor he learned to patiently endure by relying totally on God who raises the dead!
I recently heard a powerful and humbling message by Ray Bentley. He's the Pastor of Maranatha Chapel in San Diego, CA. He was teaching on the suffering of the church in Smyrna. He shared with us how today in Tehran, Iran young Pastors there ministering in Evin Prison are suffering great persecution. They are risking their very lives for the sake of the gospel as are many others there in the region and around the world. Look what Jesus said in his letter to the church in Smyrna, "I KNOW ABOUT YOUR SUFFERING AND YOUR POVERTY BUT YOU ARE RICH. I KNOW THE BLASPHEMY OF THOSE OPPOSING YOU. THEY SAY THEY ARE JEWS BUT THEY ARE NOT BECAUSE THEIR SYNAGOGUE BELONGS TO SATAN (Revelation 2:9)." Please pray for the believers in Iran and those around the world as well being persecuted today for their faith. And whatever you're personally suffering today know he's there for you too! Trust in Jesus he loves you he'll see you through.
Isn't that the way it is often for you and I as believers? If we really love the Lord we miss him dearly and long for his return. The closer we get to him the more we miss him and want to see him. He's done it all for us and we want to thank him and worship him in person at his feet. I eventually ended up that morning on my knees sobbing simply overwhelmed realizing just how much I would really miss them. It was through those tears I felt God's presence and comfort in a very powerful and wonderful way. He made himself real to me once again like only he can do!
I love what the apostle Paul wrote about the comfort God gives us in all our suffering in his second letter to the church in Corinth when he said this, "ALL PRAISE TO GOD THE FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. GOD IS OUR MERCIFUL FATHER AND THE SOURCE OF ALL COMFORT. HE COMFORTS US IN ALL OUR TROUBLES SO THAT WE CAN COMFORT OTHERS. WHEN THEY ARE TROUBLED, WE WILL BE ABLE TO GIVE THEM THE SAME COMFORT THAT GOD GIVES US. FOR THE MORE WE SUFFER FOR CHRIST, THE MORE GOD WILL SHOWER US WITH HIS COMFORT THROUGH CHRIST (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)." Paul goes on to say how that as a result of the overwhelming trouble he faced in Asia Minor he learned to patiently endure by relying totally on God who raises the dead!
I recently heard a powerful and humbling message by Ray Bentley. He's the Pastor of Maranatha Chapel in San Diego, CA. He was teaching on the suffering of the church in Smyrna. He shared with us how today in Tehran, Iran young Pastors there ministering in Evin Prison are suffering great persecution. They are risking their very lives for the sake of the gospel as are many others there in the region and around the world. Look what Jesus said in his letter to the church in Smyrna, "I KNOW ABOUT YOUR SUFFERING AND YOUR POVERTY BUT YOU ARE RICH. I KNOW THE BLASPHEMY OF THOSE OPPOSING YOU. THEY SAY THEY ARE JEWS BUT THEY ARE NOT BECAUSE THEIR SYNAGOGUE BELONGS TO SATAN (Revelation 2:9)." Please pray for the believers in Iran and those around the world as well being persecuted today for their faith. And whatever you're personally suffering today know he's there for you too! Trust in Jesus he loves you he'll see you through.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Thank You For Visiting!
Greetings to you here in the US and to you in the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Poland, Russia, Canada, France, Iran, Germany, Sweden, Hungary, Denmark, Austria and the Netherlands! We're so glad you found us from wherever you are today. God loves you and he sent his one and only Son to prove it. We're saved by grace through faith in Christ alone not by works lest any man should boast. We're praying for you and for those nearest and dearest to you. Please visit our website to learn more about us and about God's love and plan for your life. We encourage you to read all of our recent blogs posted here at your leisure and we pray you are truly blessed by them. Thank you for visiting us may the LORD bless you and keep you and cause his face to shine upon you!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Truly Risen Totally Forgiven-Shawn Smith
As believers we celebrate Easter Sunday this month all around the world rejoicing in all that God has done for us through His Son Jesus Christ. But before we can truly appreciate all he accomplished for us Easter morning we need to again seriously ponder the depth of his love while suffering for us all on good Friday. Nothing was good at all however about that day two-thousand years ago for Jesus as he willingly hung there in agony all day for you and for me. To appreciate his divinity we need to also understand his humanity. Jesus came to earth the first time as a sacrificial lamb fulfilling his Father's will completely totally surrendering his life. Jesus will return to earth a second time soon but this time he will appear as conquering King!
Because Jesus became sin for us we are now completely forgiven by putting our faith in him. Many today want to try and add to what he's already fully accomplished for us by his death on the cross. When he hung there for us God was demonstrating his love for the whole world to see through his Son hanging up on a tree! Nothing else was or is ever needed to fulfill God's requirement for salvation and so boasting is never allowed. Other religions require rigid fleshly sacrifices and legalistic observances. Thankfully and wonderfully not so for all true believers who know that they're totally forgiven because he's truly risen. There's nothing you or I or anyone can ever do to add to what Jesus has already done for us. Incredibly just before his last breath on the cross he said, "IT IS FINISHED (JOHN 19:30)." He died and rose again paying the penalty himself for all of our sin!
Did you know the apostle Paul said that there is a "crown" awaiting those who eagerly look for the appearing of Jesus Christ (2 TIMOTHY 4:8)? It's obvious then that those who don't believe that he rose from the dead sadly won't be watching for him. In fact Jesus wondered if he would find faith on the earth when he returned (LUKE 18:8). Many today are ignoring the many signs pointing to his return and are not preparing themselves to welcome him. Many also continue dismissing what Paul called a "mystery" in his first letter to the believers in Corinth. And to the church in Thessalonica where referring to believers who had died and also to those who will be alive Paul said this, "THEN TOGETHER WITH THEM, WE WHO ARE STILL ALIVE AND REMAIN WILL BE CAUGHT UP IN THE CLOUDS TO MEET THE LORD IN THE AIR. THEN WE WILL BE WITH THE LORD FOREVER (1 THESSALONIANS 4:17)."
Many today are distracted and deceived and they simply don't believe. Here's what Jesus himself had to say about his appearing one coming day, "BE DRESSED FOR SERVICE AND KEEP YOUR LAMPS BURNING, AS THOUGH YOU WERE WAITING FOR YOUR MASTER TO RETURN FROM THE WEDDING FEAST. THEN YOU WILL BE READY TO OPEN THE DOOR AND LET HIM IN THE MOMENT HE ARRIVES AND KNOCKS. THE SERVANTS WHO ARE READY AND WAITING FOR HIS RETURN WILL BE REWARDED. I TELL YOU THE TRUTH HE HIMSELF WILL SEAT THEM, PUT ON AN APRON, AND SERVE THEM AS THEY SIT AND EAT. HE MAY COME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT OR JUST BEFORE DAWN. BUT WHENEVER HE COMES HE WILL REWARD THE SERVANTS WHO ARE READY (LUKE 12:35-38)." Will we be ready that day or distracted caught looking the other way?
Because Jesus became sin for us we are now completely forgiven by putting our faith in him. Many today want to try and add to what he's already fully accomplished for us by his death on the cross. When he hung there for us God was demonstrating his love for the whole world to see through his Son hanging up on a tree! Nothing else was or is ever needed to fulfill God's requirement for salvation and so boasting is never allowed. Other religions require rigid fleshly sacrifices and legalistic observances. Thankfully and wonderfully not so for all true believers who know that they're totally forgiven because he's truly risen. There's nothing you or I or anyone can ever do to add to what Jesus has already done for us. Incredibly just before his last breath on the cross he said, "IT IS FINISHED (JOHN 19:30)." He died and rose again paying the penalty himself for all of our sin!
Did you know the apostle Paul said that there is a "crown" awaiting those who eagerly look for the appearing of Jesus Christ (2 TIMOTHY 4:8)? It's obvious then that those who don't believe that he rose from the dead sadly won't be watching for him. In fact Jesus wondered if he would find faith on the earth when he returned (LUKE 18:8). Many today are ignoring the many signs pointing to his return and are not preparing themselves to welcome him. Many also continue dismissing what Paul called a "mystery" in his first letter to the believers in Corinth. And to the church in Thessalonica where referring to believers who had died and also to those who will be alive Paul said this, "THEN TOGETHER WITH THEM, WE WHO ARE STILL ALIVE AND REMAIN WILL BE CAUGHT UP IN THE CLOUDS TO MEET THE LORD IN THE AIR. THEN WE WILL BE WITH THE LORD FOREVER (1 THESSALONIANS 4:17)."
Many today are distracted and deceived and they simply don't believe. Here's what Jesus himself had to say about his appearing one coming day, "BE DRESSED FOR SERVICE AND KEEP YOUR LAMPS BURNING, AS THOUGH YOU WERE WAITING FOR YOUR MASTER TO RETURN FROM THE WEDDING FEAST. THEN YOU WILL BE READY TO OPEN THE DOOR AND LET HIM IN THE MOMENT HE ARRIVES AND KNOCKS. THE SERVANTS WHO ARE READY AND WAITING FOR HIS RETURN WILL BE REWARDED. I TELL YOU THE TRUTH HE HIMSELF WILL SEAT THEM, PUT ON AN APRON, AND SERVE THEM AS THEY SIT AND EAT. HE MAY COME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT OR JUST BEFORE DAWN. BUT WHENEVER HE COMES HE WILL REWARD THE SERVANTS WHO ARE READY (LUKE 12:35-38)." Will we be ready that day or distracted caught looking the other way?
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Fervent Prayer Always There-Shawn Smith
Have you ever had one of those mornings when you woke up real early and had the quiet all to yourself? I recently did and after reading my Bible the silence was eventually replaced by the sound of groaning for the people of Japan as the reality of their disaster finally hit me. Maybe you're experiencing the same thing too lately. The apostle Paul wrote about this once long ago and here's what he had to say, "IN THE SAME WAY THE SPIRIT HELPS US IN OUR WEAKNESS. WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT WE OUGHT TO PRAY FOR BUT THE SPIRIT HIMSELF INTERCEDES FOR US WITH GROANS THAT WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS (Romans 8:26)." Often in prayer we just don't know what to say but he's always there to help us pray.
As a pregnant mother nears her delivery due date she experiences intense labor pains causing her suffering that's simply beyond description. With each birth pang the intensity increases so she knows she's closer and closer to finally delivering her baby. The latest earthquake and tsunami in Japan is clearly another wake-up call to us all. The earth is groaning and travailing and we need to take heed. The apostle also said that the "whole creation" has been groaning in the pains of childbirth up to the present time. With numerous natural disasters around the world in recent years it's clear the end is near. Not to mention sadly all the corruption and evil of our day.
Many today are trying to predict exactly when Jesus will return. One thing we know for sure is that he's coming soon. But Jesus himself said that no one knows the day or the hour. In the gospel of Luke he warns, "THERE WILL BE SIGNS IN THE SUN, MOON AND STARS. ON THE EARTH NATIONS WILL BE IN ANGUISH AND PERPLEXITY AT THE ROARING AND TOSSING OF THE SEA. MEN WILL FAINT FROM TERROR APPREHENSIVE AT WHAT IS COMING ON THE WORLD, FOR THE HEAVENLY BODIES WILL BE SHAKEN. AT THAT TIME THEY WILL SEE THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD WITH POWER AND GREAT GLORY. WHEN THESE THINGS BEGIN TO HAPPEN LIFT UP YOUR HEADS, FOR YOUR REDEMPTION IS DRAWING NEAR (Luke 21:25-28)." Did you notice there that he said when these things "BEGIN" to happen?
Many today are also speculating on the rapture of the church as well trying to prove whether it's before, during, or after the great tribulation. We should really spend our time preparing ourselves to meet him not predicting when we will! One way or another we'll all answer to God one day. Jesus tells us to always be ready here's also what he had to say, "BE CAREFUL OR YOUR HEARTS WILL BE WEIGHED DOWN WITH DISSIPATION, DRUNKENNESS AND THE CARES OF LIFE. DON'T LET THAT DAY CATCH YOU UNAWARE LIKE A TRAP FOR THAT DAY WILL COME ON THE FACE OF THE WHOLE EARTH. ALWAYS WATCH AND PRAY THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO ESCAPE ALL THAT IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN, AND THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO STAND BEFORE THE SON OF MAN (Luke 21:34-36)." Are we watching and do we still pray when we stand before him one day just what will he say?
Monday, March 14, 2011
Call On The Lord-Ed Welch
Here's what Jesus himself said concerning end-time events in the gospel of Matthew. His warnings are pertinent to those of us living today. The Lord Jesus Christ warns us not to be deceived, not to let our love for God and man grow cold, and finally to endure unto the end. Prayerful study of the Word of God helps us from being deceived.
Prayer and Holy Spirit lead action helps us to keep our love for God and man growing even in difficult times. This keeps our love from growing cold. Both the apostle Paul in ROMANS 12 and the apostle James in JAMES 1 give us godly advice on how to conduct our lives. If we do so, we do well and should grow in our love for God and for man thus pleasing our Lord.
"AND JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO THEM 'TAKE HEED THAT NO MAN DECEIVE YOU. FOR MANY WILL COME IN MY NAME SAYING I AM CHRIST AND SHALL DECEIVE MANY. AND YOU SHALL HEAR OF WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS SEE THAT YE BE NOT TROUBLED: FOR ALL THESE THINGS MUST COME TO PASS BUT THE END IS NOT YET. FOR NATION SHALL RISE AGAINST NATION AND KINGDOM AGAINST KINGDOM: AND THERE SHALL BE FAMINES, AND PESTILENCES AND EARTHQUAKES IN DIVERSE PLACES. ALL THESE ARE THE BEGINNING OF SORROWS.
AND MANY FALSE PROPHETS SHALL RISE AND SHALL DECEIVE MANY. AND BECAUSE INIQUITY SHALL ABOUND, THE LOVE OF MANY SHALL WAX COLD. BUT HE THAT SHALL ENDURE TO THE END, THE SAME SHALL BE SAVED'(Matthew 24:4-8 & 11-13)."
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee. The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace (Numbers 6:24-26).
Prayer and Holy Spirit lead action helps us to keep our love for God and man growing even in difficult times. This keeps our love from growing cold. Both the apostle Paul in ROMANS 12 and the apostle James in JAMES 1 give us godly advice on how to conduct our lives. If we do so, we do well and should grow in our love for God and for man thus pleasing our Lord.
"AND JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO THEM 'TAKE HEED THAT NO MAN DECEIVE YOU. FOR MANY WILL COME IN MY NAME SAYING I AM CHRIST AND SHALL DECEIVE MANY. AND YOU SHALL HEAR OF WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS SEE THAT YE BE NOT TROUBLED: FOR ALL THESE THINGS MUST COME TO PASS BUT THE END IS NOT YET. FOR NATION SHALL RISE AGAINST NATION AND KINGDOM AGAINST KINGDOM: AND THERE SHALL BE FAMINES, AND PESTILENCES AND EARTHQUAKES IN DIVERSE PLACES. ALL THESE ARE THE BEGINNING OF SORROWS.
AND MANY FALSE PROPHETS SHALL RISE AND SHALL DECEIVE MANY. AND BECAUSE INIQUITY SHALL ABOUND, THE LOVE OF MANY SHALL WAX COLD. BUT HE THAT SHALL ENDURE TO THE END, THE SAME SHALL BE SAVED'(Matthew 24:4-8 & 11-13)."
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee. The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace (Numbers 6:24-26).
Monday, March 7, 2011
Fulfilling Predictions Personal Convictions-Shawn Smith
These are definitely difficult days we live in wouldn't you agree? If you're a believer today however you have a hope that never fades away. And if you're a student of Bible prophecy or have at least looked into the scriptures concerning the end of this age you may also have a new found excitement mixed with great concern for those who sadly dismiss the predictions made by God's holy apostles and prophets and by Jesus Christ himself. However many are deceived and in denial today not listening to what God has to say. The devil is doing his best to lead the whole world astray.
What so many don't realize is because of great deception on earth in the last days they are being lulled into a spiritual slumber and sleep. The signs of the times are all around us but many refuse to acknowledge them since that may mean personal accountability to God in life. Just because they don't believe God doesn't mean it all won't come true just like he says it will. Just ask Noah. The apostle Peter said that in the last days scoffers would come scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say where is this "coming" he promised (See 2 Peter 3). What they don't realize is that God's patience with mankind means salvation for thousands more each day.
It really boils down to faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. It's time we wake up! Look what Daniel the prophet wrote when God spoke to him concerning the end of this age, "BUT YOU DANIEL KEEP THIS PROPHECY A SECRET, SEAL UP THE BOOK UNTIL THE TIME OF THE END WHEN MANY WILL RUN TO AND FRO AND KNOWLEDGE WILL INCREASE (Daniel 12:4)." With the advance of technology lately it's hard to imagine anyone ignoring Daniel's prediction here since it's very clear. Sadly though many choose to dismiss this prophecy and many others quickly fulfilling right before our very eyes today. You would think we would draw closer to God in our day and not drift farther away.
Consider what Jesus said about his personal return to earth, "AND WILL NOT GOD BRING ABOUT JUSTICE FOR HIS CHOSEN ONES WHO CRY OUT TO HIM DAY AND NIGHT? WILL HE KEEP PUTTING THEM OFF? I TELL YOU HE WILL SEE THAT THEY GET JUSTICE, AND QUICKLY. HOWEVER, WHEN THE SON OF MAN COMES WILL HE FIND FAITH ON THE EARTH (Luke 18:7-8)?" I believe according to this passage it will continue getting worse for us all here on earth before Jesus returns. In fact it's clear from many other OT and NT prophecies as well things will continue worsening as we near the end. Why would Jesus ask this question if it were not so? He also said the love of many will grow cold and many will fall away. It's only those who truly believe that will find their way. The time is short his return is at hand do we really believe just where do we stand?
What so many don't realize is because of great deception on earth in the last days they are being lulled into a spiritual slumber and sleep. The signs of the times are all around us but many refuse to acknowledge them since that may mean personal accountability to God in life. Just because they don't believe God doesn't mean it all won't come true just like he says it will. Just ask Noah. The apostle Peter said that in the last days scoffers would come scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say where is this "coming" he promised (See 2 Peter 3). What they don't realize is that God's patience with mankind means salvation for thousands more each day.
It really boils down to faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. It's time we wake up! Look what Daniel the prophet wrote when God spoke to him concerning the end of this age, "BUT YOU DANIEL KEEP THIS PROPHECY A SECRET, SEAL UP THE BOOK UNTIL THE TIME OF THE END WHEN MANY WILL RUN TO AND FRO AND KNOWLEDGE WILL INCREASE (Daniel 12:4)." With the advance of technology lately it's hard to imagine anyone ignoring Daniel's prediction here since it's very clear. Sadly though many choose to dismiss this prophecy and many others quickly fulfilling right before our very eyes today. You would think we would draw closer to God in our day and not drift farther away.
Consider what Jesus said about his personal return to earth, "AND WILL NOT GOD BRING ABOUT JUSTICE FOR HIS CHOSEN ONES WHO CRY OUT TO HIM DAY AND NIGHT? WILL HE KEEP PUTTING THEM OFF? I TELL YOU HE WILL SEE THAT THEY GET JUSTICE, AND QUICKLY. HOWEVER, WHEN THE SON OF MAN COMES WILL HE FIND FAITH ON THE EARTH (Luke 18:7-8)?" I believe according to this passage it will continue getting worse for us all here on earth before Jesus returns. In fact it's clear from many other OT and NT prophecies as well things will continue worsening as we near the end. Why would Jesus ask this question if it were not so? He also said the love of many will grow cold and many will fall away. It's only those who truly believe that will find their way. The time is short his return is at hand do we really believe just where do we stand?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
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