I don’t want to write a quote, but I cannot figure out how to turn it off.
— Oscar Wilde.
My First Blog Post
This will be my first blog post, as the title states. I wanted something that sets the stage for what follows. Something that will explain my goals, my desires and explain where I’m coming from.
The first thing I want to do is help people. This world is a dark place, and I want to overcome evil with good. I am going to be a light for others. That is what each of us should be trying to do in our lives. To live with God, and to be a breath of life for others.
This blog will be many things. I am a jack of all trades, and always have been. I simply cannot stay focused on one thing for long. However, I love learning and I enjoy sharing what I have learned. Even though I have had trouble with focus, there are certain things that consistently permeate my life. Spiritual things of all kinds have always been there. Even when it was the farthest thing from my active mind, it was there. The Outdoors, Travel, and Adventure of all kinds, are peppered throughout. I have also been dealing with Recovery from the things of my past. The addictions to substances, drink and negative things in life. God is healing me, and I’m interested in real health, Spiritual, Mental and Physical. Health that permeates all aspects of life.
This blog will often use my life experiences, as a tool to teach, help and encourage others. I am going to talk about my travels, as limited as they might be at this time, and my adventures. I am going to talk about my life events. I’m going to talk about my growth from being a failed, violent, alcoholic, ex-con to something better. I am going to talk about healing, spiritual things and liberty. I will speak about the issues that effect us all at times, and freedom lots of freedom. But overall, I want to be real. I want to climb higher and bring others with me.
I hope as you read my writing you’ll realize that I’m just a normal working guy. Anything I do, you can do also. I’m not a superstar. I’m not one of those million dollar people who don’t know what the average person deals with.
I have been in the darkest places of the mind and soul. I have done terrible things. I have failed. I have been hurt. I’ve gone through many of life’s worst issues. Just like you. God has led me through and has grown me. I have overcome through Him. That leads me to want to awaken and lift up others, so they can restore their broken lives, and thrive in this fallen world.
I want to encourage others to turn to God, and let Him save you, grow you and guide you to be who He created you to be. I am just a servant. I want to help you in your journey. Have a great day.
“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day (The Day of The Lord) shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;”— 2 Thess. 2:3 (2 Thess 2:1-15)
It seems that this event is an obvious occurrence. It is not falling attendance in churches as some like to claim.
But, when the real falling away occurs, there will be no doubt as to what it is. Because every Christian will be tempted with it.
Let me explain.
The Great Falling Away will most likely occur because of terrible persecution of the church in every corner of the world. (No I do not believe in the PRE-TRIBULATION Rapture. We will meet Him in the clouds when He returns. These verses in 2nd Thessalonians tell us plainly that the Lord’s return, and our gathering together with Him (rapture at His return)will not occur until there is a falling away, and the Anti-Christ is revealed.) 2 Thess. 2: 1-15
Notice in the Gospels that Jesus cleansed His temple twice in His earthly ministry. At the beginning and at the end.
This is a picture of something.
Likewise, persecution from Rome came upon the first church and will come again in these latter days from the revived Roman Empire, also known as the New World Order Kingdom of The Anti-Christ. That is what the cleaning of His temple refers to. The removal of false brethren, who were never saved. They never put their faith in Jesus.
The Persecution weeds out the false believers. It chases out the money changers. This cleanses the temple, which is the body, which is the Church.
We see in Revelation that after the four horseman there is great persecution. ( Rev. 6:9-11, Rev 6:12, Matt. 24:29) In Daniel, it says the Anti-Christ will make war with the saints and overcome them. Daniel also shows that the Anti-Christ starts out behind the scenes. (Daniel 7: 21, Daniel 7:24-25, Rev. 13:7)
In Revelation the Anti-Christ and False Prophet do not publicly appear until chapter 13 (Revelation 13).
Despite the teaching that the White Horse of the Four Horseman is the Anti-Christ. It is not. The white horse is a deception. It might be caused by the Anti-Christ behind the scenes, but not openly.
What will probably occur, is that when the world is being devastated by fake or manufactured viruses like COVID, divisions and war, economic collapse, famine, deception, and the death that follows.(Rev.6)
The Anti-Christ behind the scenes will start blaming Christians for the devastation and war. This will stir up the persecution that comes after the Four horsemen have ridden the Earth. This persecution will probably be blowback from some action the Church is accused of doing. ( Rev. 6)
At the same time the False Prophet will appear with a new global religion, that answers all our questions, and satisfies every need for the lost, bringing false hope to people. But, it is a lie.
The falling away could also coincide with a discovery, of something that devastates Christian teachings. Possibly Aliens (Which are demons/fallen angels), or they could claim to have found the Body of Jesus in a hidden tomb.
In 1 John the scriptures speak of Christians leaving the Church because they were not of us. (1 John 2:18-19) (Preachers use this verse to condemn folks who leave their church. It is wrong to do that. This verse has nothing to do with that. It’s not about someone deciding to go to a different church.)
This falling away in 1 John, happens in conjunction with persecution. They left the church because they were not saved and feared persecution and death. The early Christians thought that the persecution coming upon them was from the Anti-Christ, and it was the end and Jesus was coming. But, they did not see that there were TWO cleanings of the temple, and that there are many anti-christs, till THE one true Anti-Christ comes. As John explained.
Likewise, in today’s world the church is full of non-believers who are money changers, benefiting from church membership, in business, politics, and life. But they do not really KNOW HIM.
So when the end times persecution comes, and the False religion and the waves tribulation rise upon them. They will fall away, because they never built their house on the True Rock of Jesus Christ.
They waited for the Pre-Trib Rapture, so they could escape tough times. But, it didn’t come. And now they are like foolish virgins with no faith in their lamp. They can’t trust God for the tough times because they never prepared. So, they fall away, because they never knew Him. They never trusted Him.
All those in the Church who never really knew Him fall away and become the Apostate Church who turn on real believers and sell them out to the Anti-Christ.
Children betraying parents unto death, because they were brainwashed in the schools. Pastors handing over trouble makers in their church unto death. Friends betraying friends, killing every true believer. (Matt. 10:17-22, Mark 13:12)
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints.”(Psalm 116:15)
This is the cleansing of the Temple in the latter days as all the False brethren and false teachers and deceived ones fall away. Because they never knew Him. They openly reject Him.
The persecution and killing of the true saints, along with the falling away of false brethren allows the rise of the Anti-Christ openly and He makes war upon the saints. Because the saints are being killed, the Holy Spirit in them who is the restrainer, is being removed and the Anti-Christ rises and has free reign.
If you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior for real, you cannot fall away. He won’t let you go and you would never deny that Jesus is the Lord, and curse Him. This denying and cursing, will probably be an aspect of falling away while joining the Apostate Church. False brethren will do this to avoid death, and will receive the Mark of the Beast. (1 Cor. 12:3, John 17:12)
Draw closer to the Lord. Get saved, because there will come a point when people will be too blind to find the door. Build faith for the tough times to come. Stop trusting in a Pre-Trib rapture, because if it’s wrong, you will be terribly shaken. That flood of fear will overwhelm you. Start trusting God to be able to carry you through tribulation. Jesus is coming soon.
It will happen in these last days “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day (The Day of The Lord) shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;”— 2 Thess. 2:3 (2 Thess 2:1-15) It seems that this event…
Have You Tested God? “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”—Luke 6: 38 First, I wanna say that this verse and all…
He rewards those who seek him. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11 If a son shall…
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”—Luke 6: 38
First, I wanna say that this verse and all verses are completely true.
I have given for years. I give a tithe regularly, and I try to give as the Holy Spirit leads me.
God has protected me, provided for me and has brought it back to me and then some. You can trust His Word.
I can tell you story after story of Him making this real in my life. It’s a fact. But, you start by believing His Word.
And that’s the point. If you can’t believe God will give to you, then how can you believe Jesus Christ rose from the dead? Do you trust God’s Word?
It’s about faith.
I have been in situations where I have been led by the Spirit to give help to others, and have watched God bring it back by the end of the day. And not only bring it back, but bring it back 10 fold.
That builds faith.
People say, “You shouldn’t give wanting to get back.”
Well first off, I don’t. But, why would God promise a return then? We give to help others, because we love them and love God, and the Lord blesses us.
It’s about Faith. He saves us by His Grace, through our Faith. So, our faith must be exercised and made strong. That is the oil of faith in our lamps. He wants us to Trust Him and His Word. Faith and trust is built, when you see that someone keeps their promises and are good to you. So, He promises and then keeps it. Our giving is a method God uses to build our faith, help others and build the Kingdom. We trust Him and serve, and He moves and we see it and faith grows.
We can literally watch it happen. He says “Prove me on this.” ( Malachi 3:10 )
This builds faith. You believe His Word. You take a step of Faith. And you see Him move. And that builds more faith. He wants us to trust Him.
I know it’s hard sometimes. We pray and see nothing happening. I have prayers, that get answered immediately. But, some prayers have been cooking for years, unanswered. I can’t hardly wait to see it explode on the scene in power as He moves like He promised, when the answer comes. It’s not a no. It’s a “Stand back and watch it explode!”
It’s about faith. We give cheerfully because we are giddy to see Him move. We are amazed by His power and love. Like He told the Israelites in the desert. “And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot.” (Deut. 29:5) God can keep things from wearing out.
He blesses us in many ways. But do not be deceived. Some will say, “Yes, He gives back, but it’s spiritual blessings.”
That’s not what the Word says. Jesus said “pressed down shaken together shall MEN give unto your bosom.” See the verse at the top of the page.
How can men give spiritual blessings? They can’t.
Let go of your expectations. Just trust His Word and watch Him move.
The bottom line is faith. Do we believe Him and trust Him.
Everything in reality screams it. From the fall in the Garden, where they didn’t trust Him or believe His Word. Till today, as we struggle through our lives constantly encountering situations where the question is asked. “Do you trust me? Do you believe me?”
Give as the Spirit leads, and watch Him move and your faith will grow.
When you feel that you should give, just do it. The Spirit is leading you. Of course you can exercise wisdom in the matter. But, beware of second guessing and doubting and talking yourself out of a blessing, or an opportunity to serve the Lord. God loves them, and wants us to love and give.
I know people who say “Yeah but they will just buy drugs or not use it right.”
That’s not our problem. Jesus said, ” Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.” (Matthew 5:42)
We do not know what God is doing. God could be working on this person and your helping them could be an answer to prayer. That answer could lead the person to turn to God and save a life and a soul. Trust God.
We are to be cheerful givers. ( 2 Cor. 9:7)
We cannot do that if we have doubt, fear, or second guessing.
Have faith in God and watch him move.
Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.
So, we know the seasons. The Bible is 30% prophecy, as some have stated. But, when you consider that the whole thing is about Jesus Christ, and that all the stories and pictures speak of Him, His First Coming and Second Coming, I think its more like 100%. God has called all believers to be…
God works to build the Kingdom through us. James 2:14-26 In this passage. The apostle James, speaks of works being an aspect of our faith. It ends with the famous phrase “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” In the verses James shows that God commanded…
Why does God let us struggle? When we get saved, we might notice that there are things that change in us immediately. But, there are other things that do not. It’s like God saves us and removes some things but leaves other things in our lives for us to struggle with. I mean if God…
And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?—Luke 11: 9-13
When we get saved the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us.
God does not send some other Spirit or trick us. If we ask Him to save us He does. If we turn to Him in faith hearing his call, He comes running to embrace us and save us. He washes us clean of ALL sin, and starts a relationship with us.
He gives us a hope and a purpose. He shows us what we can do for the kingdom. He helps us to change and grow out of things that are hurting us. He corrects us and places our feet on the solid rock of Jesus Christ.
Simply because we hear his call, turn to Him and ask.
He answers our prayers and teaches us. He leads us into ALL truth.
When you know Him and have a relationship with Him, He walks with you, and your prayers are prayed based upon what He tells you to pray. When you do this you see Him moving in your life, and the answer is never “No”, because He does not tell Himself No.
We pray what God wants, because we have given ourselves to Him and He is with us. When we do this we see Him move.
These verses above are promises from the Lord. We can trust them. We can speak these promises out loud to ourselves to remind us of His faithfulness.
When the demons cause us to doubt or wonder or fear, we can say “No. God’s Word says “Ask and it shall be given unto you. Seek and ye shall find. Knock and it shall be opened. Its a fact. In Jesus name.”
Speaking God’s Word out loud is engaging in Spiritual Warfare. it is using the Sword of the Spirit and The Shield of Faith. (Eph 6;13-18)
“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” —Rom. 10:17
Speaking the Word out loud so we and others can hear it, drives the enemy away and helps build up our faith.
It is taking every thought captive. (2 Cor. 10:5)
It is renewing our mind so we have the mind of Christ. (Rom. 12:2)
Let’s say we have applied for jobs without an answer and the bills are coming due. Fear rises up in our hearts and we are getting desperate.
We can speak the Word.
“I have prayed. I have asked for a job. I have knocked on doors. I sought, and in Jesus name the doors are opening. It will be given. I will find. Ask and it shall be given unto me. God’s Word says and it is coming. In Jesus name.”
The Lord knows what you need before you even ask Him. (Matt. 6:8)
Trust Him.
Jesus said, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.“— John 14:13-14
That’s a promise! Ask in His name! Ask according to His will! You have the Holy Spirit, if you are saved. Ask Him what you should pray for in this situation.
He will show you.
Is someone sick? Ask the Lord what to pray for. Pray for healing. Pray for comfort. Pray for peace. Pray for the Lord’s will to be done, and to grant you grace to accept and grow in it.
Prayer is not really a yes, maybe , or no proposition. It is a relationship with your father. It is a conversation of life. Pray to Him unceasingly, and unapologetically. He knows you. He knows your heart. He understands your groaning and your tears.
Trust Him.
It might take time.
It might seem like He isn’t moving, but He is.
Keep speaking the Word. Keep driving away the doubts and fears.
He will teach you. He will comfort you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Heb. 13:5)
Trust Him. Speak the Word in faith and believe it. Use the Sword and Shield against the enemy who tries to beat you down.
We are corrupt at the very core. What I am going to present to you today is something different. A different way to look at the world, and humanity. Something different than the legalism around us. As Christians we are taught and have come to understand a view of God, Scripture and the World based…
We are tempted to reject Him. When we get saved, we confess Jesus as our Lord, and believe in Him alone for salvation. We are called to Walk in the Spirit, and to abide in Him. We get great joy in the Lord. Prayers answered. Life changing experiences, and we see Him working to protect…
It’s hard sometimes This time of year, around Christmas is a very hard time of year for many people. It is not a joyful festive time, no matter how much we try to dress it up with religious zeal, and bright lights. This is the time of year we often miss those who have gone…
The Bible is 30% prophecy, as some have stated. But, when you consider that the whole thing is about Jesus Christ, and that all the stories and pictures speak of Him, His First Coming and Second Coming, I think its more like 100%.
God has called all believers to be prepared, serve the Kingdom and occupy this world till His Second Coming. We follow the Great Commission telling others about Jesus, and the Gospel. We teach the things Jesus has said, and we love God and others in this work.
When we get saved, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us.
Jesus said,
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.“— John 16:13
That means the Holy Spirit in us will guide us into ALL truth regarding spiritual things, God’s Word and life. He is the voice of the Lord and will repeat the the things the Lord says. He will also shew us things to come. That means prophecy.
If you are saved you have the Holy Spirit and He will open your eyes to things. He will teach you and lead you to teachers. He will bring the Word to life.
He has gifted some saints to have the gift of prophecy. Now, this does not always mean that they give prophetic utterances. But, that they see things. They see what the Spirit is showing them, and are called to tell others.
Why?
Why does this matter? Why is it needed?
Because Satan is the deceiver.
We are in a spiritual war, and in war deception is dangerous. But, one of the methods of defeating deception is proper communication.
We communicate with God through prayer. We communicate with each other through preaching the Gospel, teaching the Word, keeping sound doctrine, and knowing what the mission is and where we are going. Which is prophecy.
Remember, prophecy is not prophecy to God. God is outside of time. His days are as a thousand years. So when He created everything it was only 6 days ago. Jesus died and rose two days ago, to God. He already knows how it ends and He knows everything that will happen. (2 Peter 3:8)
Prophecy is for our benefit. It let’s us see God’s Work. It lets us see the workings of the enemy. Because Satan has done the same things over and over since the Fall.
It helps us to encourage each other, with the promise of His coming.
It helps us to be prepared and not deceived.
It builds our faith as we see God’s Word coming to life and His promises being fulfilled.
It helps us to endure and abide in these last days of deception.
When we know what’s going to happen, we know the truth when Satan and his human slaves lie to us.
We know Satan, the spirit of antichrist, fallen angels, demons and unclean spirits are using their human slaves to build the New World Order Kingdom of the Anti-Christ.
So, when we see globalism spreading. When we see certain ideologies and technologies coming into being we can know that Jesus is coming soon. We can be encouraged.
There will come a time when things get harder and harder for the Saints. Prophecy will help be a source of encouragement. There will be a time when people in the church who have been on the fence; Wavering between two opinions, Double minded, will be tempted to leave Christ and join the Apostate Church of the False Prophet.
Prophecy will be a sign for them to know God’s Word is true, and to finally accept Jesus for real. They have seen signs of the Lord and tasted the good Word. They have been enlightened and seen the Holy Spirit working. But have never really confessed Jesus as their Lord. They just thought going to church was enough.
Seeing God’s Prophetic Word fulfilled will wake some up. But, will drive others into the arms of the enemy. They never knew the Lord. They have no oil of faith in their lamps. The light of the Spirit does not shine in them.
It is the great falling away. The tares and wheat. The scriptures speak in many places about these “False Brethren”. They will betray the saints unto death.
Prophecy is an attempt by the Lord to save them, and show the saints what season it is.
The time is drawing near. Satan uses all sides. Right wing. Left Wing. Churches. Ministries, Government, Non-profits, Protestors, everything. He uses all tragedies and victories to push his agenda. To build his kingdom.
His kingdom seeks to make him like God, with more and more control and power. He wants worshipers and followers. He twists the minds of his slaves. We are seeing some of this. With lies in the media, and leaders calling good evil, and evil good. With AI and deep fakes, the age of deception is upon us. The enemy will go to all lengths to build his kingdom.
Seeing what we see today and where we are going is why we study prophecy and learn of it. It keeps us from joining the forces of the enemy. It is impossible to avoid all occurrences of helping the enemy. We vote. We pay taxes. We sit back while evil occurs, or we get involved and create more evil.
All of it is used by the enemy to build his kingdom.
Except, the preaching of the Gospel.
The enemy will seek to stifle the free speech which allows the Gospel to be spread.
We wage war by loving others and telling them about Jesus. Even evil governments are not an enemy to the good works of helping others. Satan himself pretends to be an angel of light. Helping the masses and giving them things, in order to enslave them and keep them from turning to God.
But, we know and have been told of these things before hand. We know where we are headed and should be prepared.
A Look at Matthew 24 “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive…
It’s important to understand. In order to resist temptation, we must understand what is going on. If we miss an aspect of it, we cannot really resist it. We just shift it around or suffer through. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with…
What does that look like? It’s so simple anyone can do it. That is how God designed it. I’m going to avoid magical theological words and just give it straight. As we go through life things happen to us. Good things and bad. We have excitement over good things. We celebrate victories and enjoy time…
In this passage. The apostle James, speaks of works being an aspect of our faith. It ends with the famous phrase “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
In the verses James shows that God commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac and he went to obey. (James 2:21)
We also see that Abraham was made righteous when he first believed. And in another verse we see that he had faith that God could raise Isaac from the dead. (Rom. 4:3, Gal 3:6, James 2:23, Hebrews 11:17-19)
The point is to show that we are not saved by works. We are saved by God’s grace. We receive it through faith when we believe what God has told us. Our works are a reflection of our faith. That is what James is saying. Do we really believe? (Eph 2:8-10)
Faith must come first. He never disputes that, because this point of faith is when we are saved. Works come after, because we cannot do righteous works without the Holy Spirit. We receive the Holy Spirit at salvation. Therefore, in order to do good works, we must have the Holy Spirit and let Him work in us and through us. If we do works without salvation, it is just flesh, and means nothing.
Understand that lots of preachers will use these verses as a means to create guilt, shame and fear in people’s hearts. They will quote the verse and lead the saints to believe that because they sin, or don’t give enough or don’t go to church enough, then they really do not have faith and therefore are not saved. It’s a spirit of fear, guilt and shame.
But that is not the real purpose of this verse. It’s not for me to use it to condemn you. But, for me to use it to look at myself.
Am I saved? Do I have the Holy Spirit? How do I know?
I know because of the things the Spirit leads me to do. I confess that Jesus is the Lord. I confess that He came in the flesh. I let the Fruit of the Spirit flow in me and through me, so I can love God and my neighbor as myself. I use the gifts God has given me to serve and build the Kingdom. These are works. They help me to see that I am with God and He works through me.
Fleshly humans do not care about God or spiritual things. Not really. (Romans 3:10-18)
Remember that.
Since you are seeking God, or desiring to please Him or serve him. it is an indication that He is in you working. Examine yourself.
James said, “The demons also believe and tremble” (James 2:19)
This explains it. The Demons will not confess that Jesus is the Lord, because they are in rebellion. Paul says no one can confess Jesus is the Lord but by the Spirit of God. John says they cannot confess that Jesus came in the Flesh. (1 Cor. 12:3, 1 John 4:1-3)
Do you confess Jesus is the Lord? (Rom. 10:9-10)
Do you tell others about Jesus and how He saved you? (Matt 10:32)
These are the works, Confessing, Communion, Baptism, Abiding and being Spirit led, letting the Spirit work through us and grow us, helping and serving others, building the kingdom, leading people to Christ.
Ok?
Understand that, Satan is not going to preach the Gospel. Not the true Gospel. He will not tell you to turn to God, and confess Jesus is the Lord, and go tell others. He will tell you to quit sinning. He will tell you to be religious. But, if you are saved, Jesus has already taken care of your sins. Now walk in it.
Demons can create religions and get humans to avoid sin and do great things to help people and claim to know God. They can lead humans into being a good person, avoiding sin, and being religious. Demons are able to get people to come to church, sitting in pews and singing songs. Look at other religions. They teach good morals.
But, it’s all fake. Unsaved people do these things everyday. They are full of good morals. But, they will not confess that Jesus is the Lord. Good morals will not save you. (1 Cor 12:3)
So James is not talking about this stuff. He is not talking about resisting sin or going to church or other religious things.
He is talking about turning to God in faith. Confessing Jesus is the Lord, then serving God in love by following the Spirit. Grace. Faith and true works from the Lord.
It’s simple. James says these things for YOU to look at YOURSELF. Be honest between you and God. Are you really doing anything for the Kingdom? Step it up? Ask the Lord to show you or open doors for you to serve or give or tell others about Jesus.
Some preachers want to make it about your sins. They keep people beat down, trying to stop sinning, instead of lifting them up and leading them to know Christ and serve. God calls sinners to serve, not perfect people. He makes us perfect in Christ, not ourselves.
James said ,”For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all..” John said “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (James 2:10, 1 John 1:8-10)
So understand that you sin. Confess it to God and move forward. Love God and others.
We are saved. If you gave yourself to Christ. But, we still have a corrupted nature. The Holy Spirit works on that as long as we are trapped in this body. We will sin. God does not see our sin or hold it against us because we are IN Christ. But, we still commit sins. It’s a fact.
Realize that James is not talking about sin when he speaks of works. We are dead to sin. He is talking about love and service. Faith brings love and service.
Notice in Matthew 25, when Jesus returns and separates the sheep and the goats.(Matthew 25:31-46)
He does not mention obeying the law. He speaks of how we treat others.
Jesus in Matthew 25 talks about loving others, even the least of these. Even the poor and lowly.
That’s what James is saying. That’s the sort of works James is speaking of.
If you know Jesus. Then you do what Jesus would do.
And if we fail, we confess it. If we fail on one point, we are guilty of all. You do not sin a little. Your sins are equal to murder. This is how grave it is.
That’s why we need Jesus.
Understand that we are dead to Sin. If you are saved. You are washed. You are clean. Confess your sins and move on. We are not called by God to focus on our sins and spend our life trying to overcome them. He already did it. But we were saved and made right, so we can serve without fear.
When James says faith without works is dead, he is saying that when we get saved we listen to the Holy Spirit and follow Him in our works and service to God and others. He is not beating us down with our sins and fears, like some preachers do.
You are saved. Now go help and save others. Let the Holy Spirit guide you and work through you.
A Deeper Meaning “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”—1 Tim. 6:10 People often misquote it as “money” is the root of all evil. But it’s not. Money is a tool. Like a…
What is it? Let us rightly divide 2 Thessalonians 2, and come to some conclusions about the near future. This book was written by the Apostle Paul. He is speaking of the last days, which we are in. I’m using the KJV. “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,…
He is there and will answer. We live our lives in this world, where we seem to have no control. Where we look every where for answers. Everything seems hard and we have sorrow, working our selves to death. We seek answers from gods, idols and wisemen. We seek answers from deep within ourselves. We…
When we get saved, we might notice that there are things that change in us immediately. But, there are other things that do not. It’s like God saves us and removes some things but leaves other things in our lives for us to struggle with. I mean if God wants us to be good, then why not just take it all away?
I really had a problem with this, so I prayed about it and the answer was revealed to me in Deuteronomy Chapter 7.
But, first let’s do some clarifying. If you have spiritual questions, the first place you should turn is the Lord. James says God will give you wisdom if you ask. Jesus says in John, that the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth. (James 1:5, John 16:13, 1 John 2:27)
Second, Paul said that The things that happened in the Old Testament was done to teach us things today. ( 1 Cor. 10:11)
So, when you read Deuteronomy chapter 7 you will see that the chapter is about God giving instructions and encouraging Israel in their battle against the wicked people who were now occupying the promised land which God was bringing Israel into. He is telling them that He will help them to overcome these people.
BUT….
He then says this “And the Lord thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little: thou mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee.”
When I read this it struck me.
The entire Exodus story is a picture of our salvation. God brings us out of the World (Egypt) by His mighty power, not by ours.
He parts the Red Sea (sin) and brings us through to where He sets us down to teach us.
He brings us to the abundant life he promised.(The Promised Land) If we fail to trust Him, then He lets us wander in the wilderness till our faith builds and our old selves die out.
That’s what happened with Israel, and that is what happens with us in our salvation experience and relationship with him.
See it?
So, imagine that the nations in the promised land are not people groups. Imagine them as sinful behaviors or demons in our life. Yes, They were literal people groups, but God did this to teach us a spiritual truth, as Paul explains in 1 Corinthians Chapter 10.
So, we enter into the abundant life He promised. An abundant life comes through salvation and a relationship with Him. When we are saved, God has washed us and removed us from the Kingdom of Sin, Satan and Death, and placed us in His kingdom. This is a spiritual act, which will become increasingly more real over time, and be fulfilled when we leave this life. Abundance is not what we think it is. But, our mind will change to see the abundance. Our abundance is in Him and His presence and provision. As He chooses. (John 10:10, Romans 12:1-2)
As we live and grow in Him, these demons (wild beasts) are driven out and we no longer do the things we once did. This is spiritual growth. God drives out the Sinful behaviors or Demonic entities from our lives.
See it?
He does this as we grow ready to receive it. When we get saved we are washed and cleaned. But there are still battles. As we grow we overcome through Him, and the battle grows us and prepares us for the next battle. All this is done by Him and through Him. Not our works. The Fruits of the Spirit are developed in us as we listen to His Spirit and follow Him.
If God just took it all away, then we would not be prepared to hold on to it. More demons and sinful behaviors would come because we were not ready to stand against it. We could not occupy our life, the abundance would lead to our destruction. Like a poor person winning the Lottery and they are ruined in a year. They did not have what was needed to excel.
Like Jesus said, ” When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.” (Matt. 12:43-45)
So what do we learn from this?
Well, we learn that God is in control He is fighting the battles and we just move in and occupy. Sometimes its tough waiting, but that is teaching us patience and trust.
Sometimes we grow frustrated and think God is not there or He doesn’t care about how we are suffering. But, that is not true. That is the enemy trying to get you to step out of God’s will or take matters into your own hands. The Lord will tell you what to do. Trust Him. He is working. (I’m not telling you to stay in really bad situations. pray and seek Him, listen to the Spirit. He knows the truth.)
So, the point is that you are saved. You know you are saved, because you care about spiritual growth and the relationship with God. So, relax. God’s got this. Do not think that the dirty little things you do are destroying your relationship with God. Just confess them, and watch Him work. Your confessing to Him, is bringing it up so it can be removed and you can grow. No matter how many times you fail. Keep confessing it.
He has left things in your life to help you grow and to keep you in relationship with Him. He is not worried about it. You should not be either. You are not ready to hold on yet.
Read Deuteronomy 7. Think of it in terms of your struggles. Be encouraged. God saved you cause He loves you. He did not go through all that pain and effort, just to let you die in the wilderness. Trust Him.
Who really rules? Let’s talk about some conspiracy and spiritual truth for a moment. Because you must understand that there is only ONE conspiracy. And that’s the spiritual battle behind the scenes, that we all can see parts of, and have a feeling about, but cannot completely prove. The people who rule this world are…
It is a demon. Cast it out. Jesus said, “Fear Not” (Matt. 10:31) He said it many times. Actually, it’s a theme throughout scripture. Fear at its most basic level, is a lack of trust in God and His promises. That is a harsh saying, especially when we are dealing with anxiety. Because, often times…
A picture of us all The thief on the cross, spoken of in the Gospels of our Lord Jesus, stands as an extreme view of salvation in the eyes of some. The man who did what appears to be absolutely nothing, yet Jesus himself saved him declaring, “Today you shall be with me in…
What I am going to present to you today is something different. A different way to look at the world, and humanity. Something different than the legalism around us.
As Christians we are taught and have come to understand a view of God, Scripture and the World based upon a legalistic view point.
God is a judge. We are guilty. We break God’s Law. We face punishment. God paid the price for us.
We see this in scripture and it is true. It cannot be denied that this is the way things are.
But…
There is another view which comes from the Bible that is equally true and does not contradict the legal view. But, brings balance.
That is a medical or health view.
We are all infected with a spiritual plague.
It’s that simple.
Let’s go back in time.
God created everything and called it “Good” (Gen. 1)
That implies that there was an evil present.
God Himself says that he created evil (Isa 45:7)
It was a by-product of the creation. God made everything “Good” and then contained Evil, elsewhere.
Evil remained contained as long as creation stayed with God.
God created everything out of Love. He wanted His creation to love him back. But forced love is not true love. So He gave His creation free will.
Free will requires a choice. No choice, no freedom. So, He planted the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in His Garden. That was the choice for Man.
But, what about the Angels? They obviously had free will also or else how did Satan fall? He wanted to be as the most high God. He wanted to usurp the throne. He thought he could do better than God. (Isa 14:12-15)
The moment Satan believed this, the evil contained elsewhere came upon Him and he became corrupt.
A plague.
A spiritual plague which corrupted him to the utter core.
He then went to corrupt other spiritual beings in God’s Kingdom, leading to a rebellion and a fall.
This led to Satan trying to corrupt Adam and Eve, and succeeding.
This led to a corruption of all humans throughout time. A spreading plague. It spreads in the world and in us.
Our sins we commit are symptoms of this plague.
What does the Bible say?
First, we are taught by Paul that we have a corrupted nature. That God gave us His Law to show us that we cannot obey and that something is wrong with us and we need a savior. (Romans)
Anyone alive who has ever tried to follow God’s Law, and has read the Bible, knows we have a corrupted nature. We sin because of it. We are tempted by Satan in our flesh and we sin because of it. (James 1:13-14)
We can look in the Old Testament and see that there is a pre- occupation with leprosy. (Lev. 13 and 14)
It is a terrible disease. But there are many bad diseases in the world. Why is this one so condemned and warned about?
Lepers were forced to live away from others crying “Unclean” to keep people away. They could not enter the Temple. They dwelt in the garbage dump outside the city. This is a picture of Hell and the fallen who are there. (Gehenna)
So lepers and leprosy play a major role in showing us what hell is and who dwells there.
But, why? Why pick on these poor sick people?
Because leprosy is a picture of the spiritual plague which infects all of us. It is a picture of our corrupted fallen state and the sins which come from it. It shows that we are walking dead, full of rotting flesh, stinking and waiting to die.
When Satan fell, it came upon him. When Adam and Eve fell it came upon them and all of us.
The scriptures speak more of it when we see that the plague is compared to mold. (Lev. 13-14)
We are given instructions on dealing with the plague or mold in a house or garments.
Wash them and set them aside. Then, if the plague returns, burn the garment. (Lev. 13:51-52)
A perfect picture of God washing this world with water in the Flood, and setting it aside prepared for fire if the plague returns. Which it definitely has. (2 Peter 3:6-13)
We are corrupt and do what we do because of this corrupting spiritual plague which infects us.
The Pharisees will say “But. you are just giving people an excuse to sin and not feel shame. They are “sick”, not guilty of wrong doing.”
No. I’m not creating a heresy. It’s what the Bible teaches. Our guilt comes from rejecting Christ. Our guilt comes from continuing in Satan’s rebellion despite God’s attempts to save us from it.
But, our corrupted nature and the sin which comes from it is definitely the result of a spiritual plague of some sort.
Jesus Christ plainly states that he came to heal us. His whole mission is based upon healing us from this corruption and our sins which come from it. He seeks to set us free from Satan’s power, if we choose. He seeks to make things right. (Luke 4:16-21)
His miracles were often about healing people of ailments which spoke of spiritual things. Leprosy, blindness, demon possession.
Even His Blood shed for us is shown to be a cleansing force against sin and the corruption which plagues us. (Rom 5:9, 1 John 1:7)
He spoke against the religious leaders who made life harder on people instead of teaching the truth of love and compassion. They taught a legalistic “God is the Judge, Obey the Law” view.
Their doctrine was false and corrupt according to the Lord. A leaven or yeast which corrupts doctrine. Legalism. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. (Matt. 16:5-12, Gal. 5:9)
He did not come to condemn the World, but that through Him we might be saved. (John 3:17)
Saved from what?
Our Sin, Satan and Hell/the Lake of Fire.
Which brings us full circle.
Why Hell/ The Lake of Fire?
Because it is the holding place for the spiritual plague. It is the holding place for evil. Just like in the beginning. It is prepared for Satan and his angels. (Matt. 25:41)
It’s a quarantine.
God cannot let Satan and all of those who have followed him and who are infected with the corruption into eternity. Or else all of eternity will be corrupted like our present reality.
The Creation must be completely burned with fire and all those filled with the corruption, who refused to be washed clean in the Blood of the Lamb; must be contained in the Lake of Fire. (Rev. 20:15)
God’s Judgement does not come upon the sick and plagued. It comes upon those who have joined in Satan’s rebellion and refused to be washed or cleansed and saved. (Rev. 19:20)
Those who refuse to confess that Jesus is the Lord. The true King. (Romans 10:9-10)
I realize that this view is hard for those who choose to follow the doctrine of the Pharisees, of today and in Jesus time.
But, it helps us with compassion when we view people as sick instead of guilty. When we see a plague which manifests in sins and evil insanity, instead of seeing wicked sinners worthy of death and damnation.
Imagine what this view would have done to Western Civilization. Our legal system, and punishments. Our prisons and how we treat people. Our kings and how they run their kingdoms. Our bosses and how they treat the workers. How does a legalistic Pharisee type view impact them?
Satan is the God of this world, and Jesus called the Pharisees the children of the devil, because of their doctrine. Doesn’t a legalistic view with zero compassion match the view Satan and his angels and demons would have of God? Because that is their future. Legalism is the doctrine of devils. (2 Cor. 4:4, John 8:44-47)
But, that is not the future of humans who turn to the Lord.
Why would Pharisees and those who think like them and follow them teach this legalistic doctrine of devils?
Because they want to think ill of their neighbors and brethren. They want to lay judgement on the sinners and the poor, while they sit in the best seats in their churches. They want to control others and torment them. They want to grow rich, on the backs of their brothers. Just as the demons teach them.
I’m sure the Pharisees will run to their Hebrew and Greek dictionaries and their commentaries on ancient culture, in order to prove me wrong.
How dare I speak of plagues. How dare I speak of compassion.
It must be heresy!
It’s the difference between a God who wants to kill us and punish us. Or a God who wants to save us and heal us.
It’s the difference between legalism and love. Between Grace and faith or a works based system.
Jesus is coming soon, and when he comes He does not ask if you obeyed God’s law.
He asks what you did to the least of these thy brethren. (Matthew 25)
Make sure. What does it mean to follow the real Jesus? Well, let’s look and see. Jesus’s ministry was a ministry of healing. This should tell us something about what we believe in regards to the Gospel and how we are to serve God. Because we want to be like Him. That is real godliness.…
You are never too far gone. In the books of Luke, Mark, and Matthew we see the story of the Gadarene Demoniac. (Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39, Matt. 8:28-34) He had an unclean spirit, which called itself “Legion” because there were many of the demons inhabiting this man. He lived in the tombs, crying out and…
The saints will be overcome. The scriptures are clear that the Anti-Christ will make war with the saints and overcome them. (Dan. 7:25, Rev. 13:7) I want to point out how this is likely to occur and how it is already started. I am not giving a prophecy here. I’m just pointing out some things.…
When we get saved, we confess Jesus as our Lord, and believe in Him alone for salvation.
We are called to Walk in the Spirit, and to abide in Him.
We get great joy in the Lord. Prayers answered. Life changing experiences, and we see Him working to protect and grow us.
But, times of trouble do come.
There are many reasons, and we can debate each one. But the end answer is always the same.
Draw closer to the Lord. Lean on Him. Trust His goodness and His promises. Believe and abide.
I can tell you that when trouble comes, the first thing the devil does is whisper into our mind that God is far from us. That He is not listening. That He doesn’t care. That He has made up His mind.
The devil says that God is all powerful, and would take the trouble away in a heart beat if He really wanted to. He says that God is punishing us. That God is going to destroy us.
This is what happened with Eve. The enemy got her to doubt God’s goodness and promises. It’s the tactic the demons always use.
We see in Job, that he lost everything; even his own health. All to get him to blame God and cast Him aside. Satan even used Job’s wife to torment him. The devil uses people and things to get you turn from God, also.
Job questioned. But he did not curse God. He continued to trust and abide.
Even Jesus when He was taken by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted, like we are. He refused to turn in to himself. He continued to rely on the father and trust the father.
When Eve turned from God, destruction came. When the Israelites turned from God, the enemy had reign to destroy them.
There is suffering in Christ, but joy comes in the morning, when we abide.
I’m not talking about sinning. Our sins are forgiven and washed. We are dead to sins. I’m talking about abiding through suffering.
The devil tempts us to turn away, back to our old life. Back to our old way of doing things. He tempts us to get angry at God and cast Him aside. Like the Israelites in the desert wanting to return to Egypt.
We do not lose our salvation. If we are saved, we are saved forever. But if we turn from God, things will not get better. We have opened ourselves up for worse. And have rejected the only real friend we have.
But God is faithful. He will keep trying to draw us to Him, regardless of our rejection. Like Peter, He comes to see if we will confess Him and turn to Him.
When we suffer, and abide in Christ. He is with us and comes with us through the other side of our trouble. Then we can see the truth. That He was with us the whole time, and our faith in Him grows.
As these last days get closer, things will get worse. The temptation will be to reject Him and join the Apostate Church of the False Prophet to come.
But stay with Him. He will see you through. It might be as if by fire, or by the skin of your teeth, but He is there. Trust Him.
Those who truly know Him will remain.
Like Job said “though He slay me, still will I trust in Him.” (Job 13:15)
What is the truth? I want to start with the ultimate truth, then talk about the current times, and prophecy. If you want to know God’s will on any subject you can probably find it in the Garden at Creation. There was no evil or death present. Nothing killed anything else. The humans and animals…
God is with us “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” –Luke 12:32 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”— 2 Tim. 1:7 “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is…
It’s important to know. Death on its most basic level means separation. It is not an end, as some suppose. The Bible teaches that we are triune, like God. We are made in His image. We have a body, a soul and a spirit. When God created everything He created it good. Evil was contained…
This time of year, around Christmas is a very hard time of year for many people.
It is not a joyful festive time, no matter how much we try to dress it up with religious zeal, and bright lights.
This is the time of year we often miss those who have gone before us. Family members and friends we have loved, and long to see again.
This is the time of year when the darkness grows around us like death and we cannot find the joy of the sunshine.
That is the symbolism of winter. It is the picture of a long frozen dark death, until springtime comes and the world springs back to life.
A picture of the resurrection God has planned for us, if we know Him.
This darkness we feel as we miss loved ones or seek to find meaning in our own loneliness and despair, can be made brighter through Him.
He came in the midst of darkness to save us from death and the forces of evil. He is the light of the world.
We can have hope to see our loved ones again.
We can have hope to see the clouds in our life part, and some purpose blaze through.
That hope is in Him.
Not some religious ceremonial thing, where we jump through hoops to find Him and hope we might catch a glimpse.
But, a real relationship that He died to establish.
A real relationship that He brings us everyday, when the sun comes up and reminds us that we are born again, and will be raised again.
The holidays are so hard for many people, but know that God is there. He is reaching out to be with you, and if you ask He will reveal Himself. He is not a long way off. He is not hidden. He is ever present and ready to be with you.
He promises us in His Word that we can trust Him.
Do not let the darkness or the forces of evil get you to believe there is no hope, or point.
Are we prepared for His return? Matthew Chapter 25 is a chapter in the New Testament that describes what will happen when Christ returns. It states that He will separate the sheep from the goats. It appears that this judgment is not the Great White Throne judgment, where the lost are judged. This judgment is…
Always more. More, More, More. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”— Heb.…
We Are Being Sanctified “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s…
“Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.
And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
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 unto the end, the same shall be saved.“—Matt. 24:9-13
The Lord tells us here that there will be great persecution of the Saints, at some point in the last days before His return.
I do not use the term, “believers” or “Christians” here. I use “Saints” to separate those who are saved and know the Lord, from those who are not. I do this because it seems that scripture teaches that there are many who claim to be Christians or think they are believers, but find out they are not. They betray the saints. They sell their fellow Christians into bondage.
The saints are really saved and know Him. They will stay with Him till the end, despite everything the devil throws at them. Not because of their own will or power, but because God will protect them, strengthen them and keep them.
I want you to understand that I am not giving you a prophecy. I am just pointing out what the scriptures seem to teach on this subject.
It appears that there will be tough times to come, and that the persecutions will begin after that tough time.
It seems that the tough times, will be the four horsemen of the seal judgements. (Rev. 6)
Jesus says:
“For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.“— Matt. 24:7-8
This matches the four horsemen, who bring deception, conflict, economic collapse, and wide spread death.
Many teach that the white horse, is the Anti-Christ. I do not believe that to be the case. COVID showed me that the white horse could be some kind of deception. It might even be another alleged “Global Pandemic”, which leads to nations and kingdoms fighting. This leads to economic collapse and vast levels of death.
The first time nations submitted. The second time, many will not.
That is just an example of a possibility.
But after this comes the persecution. In Revelation it is the 5th seal. After the four horsemen has created havoc. It is quite possible that Christians are blamed for what occurs during the ride of the horsemen (Matt. 24: 9-13, Rev. 6:9-11)
When we read Matthew 24, we see that this persecution leads to the greatest preaching of the Gospel in the history of the World.
Persecution has always worked to spread the Gospel. (Matt. 24:14, Rev. 7)
This persecution and killing of the saints will also lead to the great falling away as false brethren leave the church and reject Christ, in order to avoid persecution.
This persecution will also lead to the rise of the Anti-Christ, as the saints are overcome, and the Holy Spirit or restrainer in them is taken out of the way through this persecution. (2 Thess. 2, Rev. 13:7, Daniel 7:21, 25)
According to the scriptures, the Abomination of Desolation will occur at this time. Which is the Anti-Christ sitting in God’s temple in Jerusalem and declaring Himself God. (Matt 24:15, Dan. 9:24-27, 2 Thess. 2)
This is when all hell breaks lose.
My focus is on the coming persecution, because it is what will impact the Saints during these last days.
Revelation, Daniel, and many other places give more details of what will occur. We can see that there will be a temple built in Jerusalem, which the Anti-Christ will sit in. We see that the Anti-Christ will make war with the Saints and over come them. We see that the saints will be removed, giving freedom to the Anti-Christ to do his work. We know he will institute the Mark of the Beast and control all buying and selling.
We do not know the exact timing of these things or the exact order. But, we do know it will happen.
My purpose is to prepare the Saints for the persecution to come. The second cleansing of the temple.
When Jesus was on the Earth the first time He chased out the money changers twice. Once at the beginning of his ministry in the Gospel of John and once at the end, after the triumphal entry in Matthew. (John 2:13-17, Matt. 21:12-13)
I think this is showing the persecutions at the beginning of the church and in these last days.
This coming persecution will drive out all those who are not really saved. Those who use the church for money or power or position. Those who have never really known Him or had a relationship with Him. Those who have not grown. They have no oil of faith in their lamps, because they never really believed.
Turn to the Lord. Do not trust the pre-tribulation rapture lie. There will come a time when the deception, will be so bad that it will be impossible to turn to Him. There will be strong delusion. There will be persecution and death.
If you cannot turn to the Lord in the good times, how will you do it in the bad? (Luke 23:29-31)
There will be a global religion from the false prophet which the entire world will flock to. It will be perfect and answer every question, even science will agree. Christians will join this church in droves to escape persecution and tribulation. This is the Great Falling Away and they will reject Jesus Christ as the Lord. (2 Thess. 2)
Jesus said,
“Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.“— Matt 24:32-36
Do not believe false teachers or prophets who try to claim when the Lord is coming or tell you He is in the desert or He is over there. This includes people who teach pre-tribulation rapture.
The Lord will come when He comes, and it will be quick and a surprise. But, there is no indication that He will come twice. Once to get His Church and once to set up His Kingdom. He only returns once, and that is in glory, and all eyes shall see Him. (Rev. 1:7, Matthew 24:29-31, Matthew 25,)
The false teaching of the pre-trib rapture will lead to many falling away, when the Anti-Christ rises and the persecutions begin.
“But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
Why would a Christian say “My Lord delays His coming?” Because they never really knew the Lord and believed the Lord would come and get them before tribulation and the Anti-Christ. So, the only answer for them will be that He is “Delaying”.
And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
This will lead them to betray the saints and to turn them in to the authorities, delivering them to death.
The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.“–Math 24:48-51 (compare to the parable of the foolish virgins and all the parables of Matthew 25)
The coming persecution will weed out the people who do not know Him. The people who do not have the Holy Spirit.
There are those who will claim that these verses refer to believers who will rise up after the pre-trib rapture. Do not trust this view. Do not let anyone trust this view.
There is a time coming when strong delusion and deception will keep people from being saved. There will come a time when as in the days of Noah, and Lot, the door will be shut and those outside, will be struck blind. They will not be able to find the door or get saved.
Do not wait. Turn to the Lord now.
The coming persecution will be the time when the Gospel will be spread, greater than any time. It will be a last chance to receive the Lord. But, it will also be a witness. A final witness to those who have rejected. (Matt. 24:14)
Jesus speaks of it,
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.“–Math. 10:16-22
The Saint’s own children, educated in Luciferian controlled schools and colleges; taught to hate Christ and all things Christian will turn their own parents in to be killed during the persecution to come.
Your own family will betray you. Your pastor, and even your friends, will turn you in to be killed.
The Saints will move from place to place to survive, spreading the Gospel and worshiping in hiding. Destitute; unable to buy or sell because of the Mark of the Beast. (Matthew 10)
Those who abide to the end shall be saved.
This persecution is coming. Look at the hate of this present day. It will only grow until the forces of hate and murder are unleashed. Satan and his demons are building the system, and preparing their slaves.
Do not be deceived. Do not wait. Turn to the Lord today, and let Him grow you and build your faith.
You can know for sure. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that…
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