Want to Know the Future?

Want to Know the Future?

            After asking those of you who read my Bible teachings if you would be interested in a series on the “End Times’, your response was ‘Yes’.  After teaching on this subject for about 25 years, I am still awed as I see these prophecies come to pass day after day.  I fully believe that everything in the entire Bible is truth.  Even though translations vary, the truth of it is still there.

There are some who believe that the King James Bible is the only correct Bible.  Yet, when compared to the original Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament), you will find many errors in the King James Version.  One such example is in the book of Revelation 6:8 “And now I saw a pale horse, and its rider’s name was Death.”   In the original manuscripts, it actually read as “I saw a green horse”.  The truth is that King James wanted it changed, because he said there was no such thing as a green horse.  As we get into our end times study, you will see why this is important to read as much as we can as it was originally written.

           We can know the future of this world we live in if we study the Word of God.  One study shows there are 1,817 prophecies in the Bible. Another study says there are approximately 2500 prophecies in the Bible and that 2000 have already been fulfilled.  I’m not sure these numbers are correct, but the list is so great that it’s hard to imagine anyone doubting the Word of God.  I do know that there are 300 prophecies concerning Jesus Christ and every single one of them came to pass. 

Now, going on to what is happening in the world today that is fulfilling the prophecies from the Bible.  The Book of Revelation spoke of a time when there would be a one-world government.  Almost 2,000 years ago when John wrote Revelation, no one even knew the earth was round.  No one knew of distant places where many, many people, tribes and races lived.  John only wrote by the prompting of the Holy Spirit, yet here we are in 2013 and although we do not have a one-world government, we have been headed in that direction for many years.  Two months after the end of WWII, in 1945, the United Nations was established; a place where leaders and diplomats of all these countries could provide a place where leaders could exchange their views on world problems and to stop wars.

            The book of Revelation was written in approximately 96 AD, approximately 700 years after the book of Daniel. However, this passage in Revelation 13 uses the same symbols as the prophecy found in Daniel 7. Daniel 7 mentions four beasts, while in Revelation 13 there is only one beast. Beasts symbolize nations, and in this prophecy we see multiple nations joined together into one great government.

Today, most of the leaders of the world talk strongly about a New World Order, which is the same as a [One World Government].  This is how prophecy in the Bible; it can take many years to be fulfilled, or can happen suddenly.  You may be sure if God’s Word says it’s going to happen, it will!

Another prophecy in Revelation 13:1-15 shows us that in the end times a One World Religion will be established.  Revelation is filled with symbolism that makes it seem hard to understand. Why was it written that way?  The answer lay in the fact that thousands of years ago, the men who wrote the Bible, were inspired by the Holy Spirit to write it the way they understood it.  Not having seen the things which are so common to us, they described it the only way they could.  So reading about beasts and dragons may be confusing to some, but Bible scholars have spent years and years studying so we can understand it. 

            I have heard some people say it’s written like a fairy tale. In fact the opposite is true.  Many years ago when people wrote fairy tales with beasts and dragons in the story, they got the idea from the Bible.  Most fairy tales were quite scary, but usually ended well with, “and they lived happily ever after”.  This was also taken from the Bible because in reality only the true believer can live happily ever after when living in heaven. 

Therefore, as Revelation unfolds we can see it is symbolic for establishment of a One World Religion.  Obviously that hasn’t happened yet, but we see signs of it in the “World Council of Churches” and other organizations that are building up.  Most Bible-believing churches are not a part of these organizations because being “born again” is not on their agenda, nor is taking the Bible literally. To join in with these groups would mean to compromise what you believe.

            Many organized churches do not believe Jesus was born of a virgin mother.  They also don’t believe there is a literal Devil [Satan], or that Hell is a real place. Most believe in heaven, but they believe every person will go there.  Some believe that you are assured a place in heaven if you are confirmed. Just beware that all churches are not Biblically correct.  Personally, I would rather be Biblically correct than politically correct.

Next week we will be studying the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse in Revelation 6:1-2

 

 

 

 

 

Are You an Effective Christian?

Are You an Effective Christian?

       “You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.  For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right.” Hebrews 5:12-13 (NLT)

            At times we may question ourselves as to whether we are an effective Christian or not.  There are different ways to be effective and I will list them below.  Then mentally mark those which fit you.

You may be joyful; smiles, helpful and kind

            You may be angry or sharp tongued and withdrawn

 You may witness to others about Jesus

            You may be a person who prays

You may be afraid to tell others about Jesus

            You may have the glow of love about you

You may be the kind people stay away from

            If you have worked with many people, or been in a friendship for a long time and one day someone says to you, “I didn’t know you were a Christian.” That is a very sad statement of your walk with the Lord. On the other side of the coin, you may proclaim to be a Christian, but if you act like the devil, you are a very poor testimony for Jesus.  An old saying says, “If you talk the talk – you better walk the walk”.  This is really true because no matter how holy you talk, how you act is what shows others who you really are in Christ.

     The above scripture says that someone who lives on milk is still a baby; a baby Christian.  This has nothing to do with your age, but a lot to do with your walk with the Lord.  Sadly, there are some Christians who don’t want to do anything; they want the pastor or Bible teacher to spoon feed them the Word of God.  They do not look for the deeper things of God.  They want someone else to do it for them.  This scripture says those kinds of Christians can’t eat solid food (some versions call it ‘meat’).  These babies don’t do anything for the kingdom of God.

     Our character and attitude as a Christian is going to be a testimony to those around us. If we don’t live a Godly example, we are completely in-effective. How many people have you told about Jesus this year?  Have you ever led anyone to the Lord?  Do you study the Bible to understand more about God?

      If you were out with a bunch of friends and they started drinking and telling dirty jokes, would you join in and do what they were doing, or would you not follow their example?  If you do what they do, you will be totally ineffective and a poor example of a Christian.  Maybe you should find some new friends to hang with. 

      One of the most effective things we can do as a Christian is pray.  Prayer Warriors are what God wants us all to be.  One thing I truly believe is that prayer can move the hand of God.  I can personally attest to this by the miracles I have seen happen through prayer. Our prayers are like incense rising up to God.  Revelation 5:8 (TLB) “..golden vials filled with incense—the prayers of God’s people.”

      In these days that we live in, Christians are mocked and looked down on by others, particularly by liberals. It wasn’t always that way.  Christians used to be respected and looked up to when they lived a Godly life. It was their way of living that was effective in changing other lives.  What happened from then until now?   God hasn’t changed, but people’s standard of moral living has changed and is on a downgrade. It is frightening to look into the future and see where this will eventually lead.

     We know that one day Jesus will return and take the Believers home with him to heaven.  Then we will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ.   “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”   2 Corinthians 5:10 (NKJV) If we have not been an effective Christian, what can we say about our life? 

      How serious is this?  I can only tell you in Matthew 7:22-23 (NLT), it says this:  “On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.”

     Let’s remember that when we asked Jesus into our heart that was not the end; we also need to follow the things Jesus asked us to do.  All together it means this:  Be an effective Christian!

 

 

 

           

TRUSTING GOD DOESN’T STOP WITH SUNDAY

TRUSTING GOD DOESN’T STOP WITH SUNDAY

“In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Psalm 56:11 (NKJV)

            There are 719 occurrences in the Bible that tell us to trust in God.  These verses give us a variety of reasons why we should trust Him, but to summarize them; we should trust God for ALL things.  We know that God is always there; he hears every prayer and sees everything that is happening to us. 

            Now, we know this is true and we hear about it in church on Sunday, but do we thing about it the rest of the week.  It’s easy to believe it when the preacher says it or when someone gives a heart-felt testimony, but when Monday rolls around; we seem to only trust ourselves.  Just because we don’t think about it the rest of the week doesn’t mean that God isn’t with us.

            Earlier this week I stopped in Dollar General (not advertising) and picked up a few things.  I had put my debit card in my pants pocket and when I checked out I put my bag in the car and headed out to meet my daughter-in-law at McDonalds (no advertising here either).  We went inside for a short visit.  As we were leaving I put my hand in my pocket and realized my card wasn’t there (sick feeling).  I quickly called the store while my daughter-in-law went through my bag of purchases.  There was no card; the store hadn’t seen it either.

            I jumped in my car and headed back down the street to the store.  I prayed a simple prayer, “Lord, please let me find my card.”  As I pulled in a parking space, I could see something bright orange lying on the cement.  I hurried to pick it up and it was my debit card just about a foot from the entrance.  A young couple was sitting in their truck with the windows down.  They watched me pick up the card and so I said to them that I had lost my card about 45 minutes earlier and here it was.  He looked at me and smiled and then said with emphasis, “Thank God!” 

            I replied, “Thank God indeed”.  I knew beyond a shadow of doubt that my heavenly father had blinded the eyes of those many people who went in and out of that store.  I must trust God for everything in my life because He always comes through for me.  I don’t always see it, but I know he is there beside me in all situations.

            God’s answers aren’t’ always what I want, but he knows what’s best for me.  “I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”  (Psalm 91:2)  Your faith may be stronger on Sunday and your trust may be weaker the rest of the week, but he is still there.  Trusting in yourself is a sure downer.  If you think nothing will happen if you don’t take care of it, is surely headed for failure. 

            Yes, we must do all we can to get through things, but without trusting God for help and direction is losing sight of who you are as a believer.  God is with you everyday and even every night because, as the Bible tells us, “Indeed, God who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.” Psalm 121:4 (NLT)

            Don’t leave your faith and trust at church on Sunday; carry it with you all week, then you won’t get stressed, or worn out.  You can say with King David who wrote Psalm 20:7, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.”

 

 

The Good Sinner

The Good Sinner

             I once knew a wonderful woman; she was kind, generous and loving.  She was one of the best people I have ever known; her goodness was spoken of by everyone who knew her.  Yet, to my knowledge, she never asked Jesus into her heart.  She was not a believer; therefore she was living the life of a sinner.

            The Bible tells us we all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God, but when Christ comes to dwell in our hearts, we are forgiven and our life changes.  When I was young, I was worried about where I would go when I died.  I was told that I was a good person and good people go to heaven.  Even though I trusted that person who told me that, it didn’t ease the fear of death for me.

            The day that I was saved [born again], God set me free from those fears.  I read in Psalm 34:5      “I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”  I will never forget the day I read this verse; I was totally set free from the fears that plagued me all my life.  My life changed so much since that day, that people who knew me before wouldn’t recognize me.  My desires changed from being selfish and all about me, to one main goal; following Jesus and wanting to live my life for him. 

            If you stopped people out on the street and asked them why they should go to heaven when they die, many will tell you, “Because I’m a good person.  I never killed anyone or stole anything.”  Some will tell you they go to church almost every Sunday.  Some will say they give to missions and work wherever they can help in their church.  Ask people if they are a sinner and they will quickly say, “No”.  Others may tell you that they do sin, but it doesn’t matter because God is love and that means they will go to heaven anyway.

            In spite of all the troubles in the world, there are a lot of good people out there.  Do all of those good people believe that Jesus is their Savior?  Probably not.  I have found that almost everyone is religious in one way or another.  Those who claim to be religious are probably good sinners.  They have missed the point that having a religion and being a true Christian are two different things.  Anyone can have a religion, but only those who have received Jesus as their Savior are Christians.  Going to church does not make you a Christian; neither does being baptized.  You become saved first and then baptized.

            The news is filled with comments about Christians.  Ask our President if he is a Christian and he most definitely will say yes, because he has already stated that.  Yet, he doesn’t show any signs of a believer; doesn’t attend any church, never openly prays, believes in promoting several things that are against the Word of God.   I do know he tends to promote Islam above Christianity.  I do think he’s a good husband and a good father to his girls, but is he a good sinner?  I can’t answer that question.

            I am not judging or being critical about others.  I honestly don’t know who is saved and who isn’t, but the Bible says we will know them by their fruit.  The Bible says it the best, “Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.”  [Matthew 7:20] As far as doing good works, yes, we certainly should.  It must be the works that we do in God’s name and under his direction.   

            There is one big difference between the ‘good’ and the ‘sinner’; one verse in the Bible tells it all. Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3 (NKJV)  I have often heard it said about people who have died, “He/she was such a wonderful person.”  The truth of the matter is that no matter how ‘wonderful’ that person was, even if they accepted Jesus as their Savior at some time in their life, but lived for the devil the rest of the time, they were probably not saved. 

It is so easy to say the words, “Jesus, come into my heart”, but not so easy to live the life of a Christian.  There must be a change in the person’s life.  “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”  2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)  Are any of us perfect?  Absolutely no!  However, as Christians, our desires must be to strive towards being all that God wants us to be.  Will we ever reach perfection?  Not until we leave this earth and live in heaven.

           As for me, I thank God I am not the good sinner I was, but follow what the apostle Paul said in  Philippians 3:13-14 (TLB)  “No, dear brothers, I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven, because of what Christ Jesus did for us.”