Friday, September 10, 2010

They became fools!

" Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools," Romans 1:22

It's not often that I read something that really gives me a charge but after reading the article Hipster Faith, I couldn't help but comment. What I said is written below although not all got posted because of the 1000 characters limit.

"It is apparent from this article how far the "church" has moved from the Word of God. America is falling and many are too blind to see why. But the fault lies in the church and its backslidden ways! We have become so proud as a people that we can't even admit we're wrong. I'm just going to say it like it is: This whole thing is disgusting and a stanch in God's nostrils. When someone is saved, they repent which means change from their old ways. No wonder Paul said the following: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;" 2 Thessalonians 3:1-4 KJV It is evident that we are truly in the Laodicean era and fit the description that Jesus gave of them found in Revelation 3:17, "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:" These are blind to their own condition and others are rooting them on as the blind leading the blind. WAKE UP! Judgment will come to America then what will this "Hipster Faith" do them! All those who serve Christ in holiness and truth, be encouraged. You may think you're the only ones as Elijah thought, but you are not! Lift up your heads for your redemption cometh nigh!" Just to give you a little taste of this "new Hipster Christianity," it starts out like this. You can read the rest, if you can stand to read all of it. I couldn't.

"
Here's a riddle: A young man walks into a building. From the outside, it looks like a nondescript, run-down, abandoned warehouse. Inside he finds mood lighting, music with throbbing bass, and young people wearing skinny jeans and superfluous scarves. A bar off to the side offers drinks of some sort, and a frenetically lit stage is shrouded in fog. Jumbo screens display what appear to be music videos. Everywhere people text on their iPhones.

A young woman with a nose ring and a vaguely Middle Eastern tattoo comes up andintroduces herself. She makes awkward (but refreshingly earnest) small talk about her passion for community gardens and food co-ops. She asks him if he has heard Arcade Fire's new album, and compliments him on his bushy beard and lumberjack look. Beards like that are cool, she says. Eventually she asks him for his contact information.

Question: Is the man in a bar? Or is he in a church?

It could go either way." Well, you guessed it, they were talking about a church!! Is this not the new ecumenical church that will be alive and well in the tribulation period as nothing has any relevance but all will have their own little view of God. They've cast off the traditional church and the Word of God and suddenly, after 2000 years, they think they have a better way.

My friends, this trend is deeply entrenched in the church world, especially in America. They are not even "on the same page" as the true Bible believing Christian and many who are standing for the true faith will become more discouraged as they see their family and loved ones fall off into this cultic like "christianity" - small "c" for that one please. It's time to get back to the basics of the Word of God. The sad part of it is, these people think that they are right with God and OK but they are blind to their own condition. One may say, "you're judging." Call it what you will but I'm inspecting fruit. They'll brag about a few good deeds done but big deal! A good community service organization does that, so what makes them any different? Folks, don't get caught up in this mess but stay in the Bible and keep the faith! We are in the last days and it is apparent that we watch for his appearing! Romans 8:9 says, " But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Also, remember: " If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Galatians 5:25

 

Monday, August 30, 2010

Lukewarm State?

This post was published to Condition of the Church at 9:32:39 PM 8/30/2010
Lukewarm State?


"Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:" Revelation 3:17
I hesitate to write on this verse because I know I've addressed it before, but maybe it is needful, at least for myself if not for others. We are living in the Laodicean Church age, there's no doubt about that. The description that Jesus gives of them fits the general church it a tee.
" I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing:" While, in general, people will not say this, the actions betray themselves. When the church can get more excited about a sporting event, a sale, a dinner, or anything else that may amuse and excite the flesh than the things of God, the above statement is being said, only not outloud. When we seem to place the things of God such as reading his Word, prayer, doing his work, at the lower end of our list and important things to do, we are saying the above.
" knowest not that thou art wretched," Christ then goes on to say, "Don't you realize what shape you are in?" Wretched means " enduring toils and troubles" but in this sense, not in persecutions but in problems brought on by over involvement and entanglement in this world. Paul told Timothy, " No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." 2 Timothy 2:4 While we have to live and work in this world, we must keep our affections on things above as Paul stated, " Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2 Because of lukewarmness, the church is cumbered about details and problems that perhaps, in many ways, could be solved by Christ if the affections were on him instead of on our own ambitions.
He then says they were "miserable." How many people attend church today only to wait for the service to end. They set their timers and their watches and woe to the preacher who may preach a few minutes over his allotted timeframe! People do not enjoy church, or it becomes nothing but an entertainment center simply because there is no spirit, no Holy Ghost moving, and no unction from the preaching and singing. They leave the same way they came and are never stirred.
For a church to be "poor" as Christ describes it, is not that it lacks money. No, that's wasn't and still isn't the problem in most cases. It means that it has little to offer in the spiritual realm. Oh yes, it can offer a great deal of amenities and even do some good things in the community but there is no deliverance, no families restored, sin is not stopped and the love of Christ is not growing. This is what "poor" is.
To be "blind" does not mean to have poor vision, but to not be aware of one's own spiritual poverty and need. Today, much of the church simply cannot see their condition and cannot understand the scriptures. While we have some very brilliant people handling the Word of God, it is only in intellectual experience to the hearer but it takes Christ and the Holy Ghost to put it all together and apply it to our lives. This takes prayer, experience, and study. " But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." James 1:4
The last word to describe the church is to be "naked." With the immodest dress these days this could probably be taken literal but no doubt he means that to be "naked" implies that they were without defense. Another words, they could not defend themselves against Satan's attacks. Again, today, in many cases, the church as a whole seems to be defenseless against Satan. Yet, this should not be.
So, Jesus did not leave them or us hanging but told them as well as us what to do. He said in the following verse to " buy of me gold tried in the fire," This gold is faith that is tried and can only be purchased or gotten from Him, yet, he wants us to ask him for it. Remember what is written in Hebrews 11:6, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." He longs for us to ask and seek for that faith that will be like gold so he can use us in greater ways for him.
His next advise was to buy of him " white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear." This is holiness and separation from the world. Today, the general church is almost a laughing stock of the world. If you don't believe it, just look how it is treated in the media and Hollywood. When people become holy on the inside and out, then they may be scorned for being a Christian, but not laughed at for having a double standard. We may be the only Bible that some will read so let's make sure they get a good and accurate reading. I'll pray for you if you pray for me.
Finally, he advises them to " anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see" which would allow them to have spiritual enlightenment. It is one thing to intellectually understand the Word but another to apply it to one's life and heart. God would like to show the church greater truths but will not unless we are meeting his qualifications and have that gold that is tried, the white raiment, as well as that special spiritual eye salve that will help us see. So, in closing, let me just say, " If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31b Let's get out of the lukewarm state and get on fire for Christ!!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Be Alive!

" And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead." Revelation 3:1

Christ was speaking to the seven churches and had addressed four already. When he got to the church of Sardis, he gave a chilling description saying that they had a name that seemed to indicate they were alive and well but in reality were dead in spirit. Sardis represents the dispensation that covers the historic time of the Reformation or what secular history refers as the Renaissance period. During this period of history, there were truly great men of God such as Luther, Knox, and others however when one looks at the period closely, it was a period that was, in most cases, the church being merged with the world. For instance, Samuel Wesley, father of John Wesley who was later a powerhouse for God, commented that the strongest witness of the Christian faith was that small inner witness. Of course, we know that out of this period, the great period of the Philadelphia church rose boasting such men as John Wesley, D. L. Moody, Jonathan Edwards just to name a few.

But what about the church today with all of it's offerings that t can offer - all of the amenities and activities? What about us who claim even to be Pentecostal yet haven't spoken in tongues for several days and even weeks? What about us if we haven't felt the power of the Holy Ghost in our services or our prayer closets? It's easy to look at another age or people and say, "Glad I'm not like that" but when we examine ourselves, we can bare that same description - that people think we are lively, full of power, lover of Christ, yet really dead in spirit.

We have to constantly keep up our prayer life. It's a battle. The devil will see to that. As one man put it, "He wouldn't be a good devil if he didn't." But we must not give up and we must strive forward in prayer. Not only that, but I believe that God wants us to enjoy his presence. This is not a drudgery but it should be a joy to serve him. In Psalm 37:4 we read, "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." The word "delight" means to be soft, delicate, be happy about, make merry over. It constitutes a pleasure that nothing in the world can replace but too often we rob ourselves of this pleasure, but it's delighting ourselves in him that can give us life. It gives us courage and strength to go on and joy when in every circumstance. This the life that Christ wants for us. Let him look at us and say, "They are alive and well."

Saturday, August 21, 2010

He Pleased God


"By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God." Hebrews 11:5


The church anxiously awaits what we refer to as the rapture or "catching away" of its members into heaven to be with Christ for eternity. When this will happen is not known because Jesus even said, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.": Matthew 24:36 It is therefore not wise to fix dates even though we are prone to try to place it in various scenarios and times. We do know, however, that the fig tree, which is Israel, has blossomed as it has again been restored as a nation so the signs point to Christ's coming as near. Most are in agreement about that.


What much of the church is having problem with is the question as to who will be taken and who will be left behind. It appears that during the middle of the tribulation, during the great flight of Israel, that some will be taken and others left, if that is what is ment but who will actually go int he rapture? I believe we can find the answer in Enoch. He had a testimony that he pleased God! We are going to have to have this same testimony if we expect to be taken up. In Hebrews 11:6 it says, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." We must have the faith to please him and to live for him. How can we expect to have the faith to go in the rapture when we don't seem to be abe to muster enough faith to make it our 100% effort to please him. Sadly, much of the church is lukewarm and Jesus said he would spew them out of his mouth. We must take care that we are not one of those rejected by Christ due to a lackluster, half-hearted Christian life.


It was said of Enoch in Genesis 5:21-24, "And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him." Notice Moses records that Enoch "walked with God" two times. The word walk in the Hebrew basically means "to go with, come, depart, die, live, and manner of life." This shows that he walked with God 24/7, doing as Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, "Pray without ceasing." While Enoch didn't have the Holy Ghost like we now have today, he still could walk with God. So how do we walk with him, the answer is that we strive to please him. We cannot do this alone, but we must have his help which can be obtained by living in the Spirit. In Galatians 5:16 the Apostle Paul writes, "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." This means we are continually "in tune" or in fellowship with Christ through the Holy Ghost. We obtain this, we are ready for the rapture. Can this be done? Of course, but there are times when we seem to get side tracked and things of the world drown this out. Do we give up and say, "I've lost my tender relationship with the Master so there's no use in trying to get it back." No way! We climb back up the mountain and partake of his blessings so we can continue to fight the battle against sin and see souls saved. We will always have hindrances and distractions but so did all the saints before us. We will always have responsibilities such as family, work, and other essentials of life but when walking in the spirit, God can help us bear fruit in these for his glory! Keep in there! Don't give up! God is on your side if you are on his and he'll help you even if you think you've failed. Remember what Paul said in 1 Timothy 6:12, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."


In closing, there is also a very good devotion regarding Enoch by David Wilkerson and I urge you to read that as well. Walking With God - David Wilkerson

Monday, July 26, 2010

God's Habitation

"In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." Ephesians 2:22

You may wonder what the church is really here for. It would be surprising to hear the answers from many Christians if I asked them why they thought the church existed in the first place. Now let's be clear first: When I speak of the church, I'm not talking about just a building with a bunch of people in it, but a whole group of people throughout the world. So I would get many answers and probably most of them would be correct for the most part. Some would say to win souls to God's kingdom, to provide a place of fellowship and strength and teaching for the believers in Christ, or to help those less fortunate then us just make their way in this life by providing to them the things they need. Yes, all of these answers are no doubt correct but the real reason God has his church is to have a place of habitation and an organism in which he can move through. Of course we know God is everywhere and knows everything. We know he is all-seeing, all-knowing, and all-powerful and can do what he wishes. But as he didn't assign the angels the task to take the gospel to the lost, so he didn't assign them to be the agents to which he could move through although they do engage in spiritual warfare but only at his command and that is done through the prayers of the church. God ordained that the church would be the organism to which he would move through. That's why Paul said that it is the habitation of the Spirit.

In verse 19 we read, " Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God." When someone really gets saved, they become members of the church. No, not from signing a church roll or a certificate, but from being truly born again with their sins washed away by the blood of Jesus Christ. Those who are really members of the church are not citizens of this world in that the world is only a temporary place where we can work for God, but our home is in heaven.

We learn that it is like a building that has been in progress since Christ rose from the dead for we read in verse 20, " And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone". It all begins with Christ as he is all and all.

So if the church is to be the instrument in which God moves through, it is a necessity that his people pray. The reason our country is in the condition it is in is because of the church! The reason we have killed about 50 million babies, see homosexual behavior on the rise, have continual corruption in our government, is because of the church. Hollywood runs rampant with filth, the cults including the Moslems are increasing and gaining influence, and our families are breaking up is due to the church and the lack of prayer in it.

The church is not for a gymnasium or a social club but a place for prayer and teaching God's Word. It's should be a place where people can get deliverance from sin, bad habits, and get healing. We will see revival in American when people pray, really pray. We will see wickedness less prominent and vctories won in the name of Christ when we pray! Will you pray? We will see revival in America! I hope you are in on it. I want to be! Pray church pray!

Monday, July 12, 2010

Church and the Home

"And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door." Exodus 33:10


 

This took place when the children of Israel were in the desert and had only been so for a couple of months. Many starring events had occurred even within this short time frame and I invite you to review these which are found, especially in chapter 32 and chapters 12 through 20, not to mention the first 11 which cover their history in Egypt and the plagues. Not Moses has interceded for them on the mount after they made the golden calf. They have the tabernacle where the holy of holies is located and which is the central point where God meets with them. We read that when Moses went to the tabernacle, the children of Israel stood. Then we see that the presence of God is with Moses in the tabernacle because his cloud is over it. But then we read another interesting thing. "and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door." They worshipped, not at the tabernacle but in their tent door. God is showing us that there are two mportant instructions and places for worship, the church and home. Yes, we can worship him everywhere in prayer as we are told to "Pray without ceasing," in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and that we should do. But the church and home are two places where we should be able to plray without hindrances, albeit Satan will hinder us everywhere but the church and home should be like sanctuaries away from the world.


 

Now, let's get to it. The church cannot be a sanctuary from the world when it brings the world in. Yet, the church is doing all of that and more. Instead of making itself more foreign to the world, it's using the world's tactics, methods, and providing the the amenities that a world class resort or country club would provide to entice membership. Yet, to put a religious ding to it, they still go on mission trips, try to feed the poor when it is convent, and even quote the sinners prayer with folks then baptizing them so they can gleefully boast of their converts and add them to their ever gloating numbers. Yet, for all of this, America's culture and the church's influence in it are less today then it was even ten years ago. Would you say that something is wrong?


 

Then we go into the home. The home cannot be a sanctuary when Hollywood is blaring their goods in your living room from morning 'till night or the satanic rmusic is constantly pounding in your ears. How can that be a place where one can get alone with God and have fellowship with him? Our homes in America are being ravaged by Satan because of what is brought in and is constantly flowing in from outside. Sometimes, we just have to shut these things off or switch our listening. How about listening to some good, challenging preaching at night instead of the sensual programming that is on TV that will damn the soul? Even the talk shows are many times nothing but bickering and arguing with nothing resolved. Don't we have enough of this in our lives without inviting more? If the true believer would turn his attention to the things of God instead of the things that seems to flow into his home, we could see revival in America. Yes, the big churches of this world would still have their retainers, but we would see God change lives and the influence of the church would be felt in this falling nation of ours. May God send revival to my heart and yours!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Salvation Club

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." John 10:27-28

The thing that seems to be so troublesome today is that there are thousands and perhaps millions being told that they are saved when in fact, they are as lost as the devil himself. Much of this is happening by pastors and evangelists making an alter call, people come forward, they quote the sinners prayer, go forward to baptism, sign the required document for baptism, and go on their way being told they are now saved. Yes, they are now in the salvation club. They are told that all they have to do is say Jesus Christ is their Lord and savior, shake the preachers hand as an acknowledgment of that, and that's it. There in!! That does wonders for the numbers game but most go out the same way they came in, lost! Yes, the went forward and even quoted the sinners prayer after being led through the Romans' Road. They felt that was the cultural or intellectual thing to do, and even felt a little religious and perhaps a little repentant for a few minutes. But like the seed that was sown on the stony ground, they soon are scorched by the world, their besetting sins, and life's trials and they lose out. Many never had it in the first place but went forward just because it was the thing to do. I know, I did that myself when I was a teen. Yet, all of these are told they are saved and on their way to heaven even though they are still laden down with their sins and lust without any way to try to overcome them. Their life is a defeated life in that, while they know they shouldn't do some of the things they are doing, they still do them and bemoan the fact that they just can't overcome them. Yet, again, they are told they are saved because after all, no man shall pluck you out of his hand as says John 10:28. What a sad lot.

Those who tell them forget to read the previous verse that says "My sheep hear my voice and follow me." Yet, they are unable to really follow him because they are not his. Why? There was never true repentance or a hunger to please God, and if there was, it was snuffed out by someone who told them that that's all there is, no further, you're in the club - sort of speak.

Our God is not like that but will give us what we need to overcome sin in our bodies and minds. If we will truly follow him and listen to his voice through his Word and spirit, we can have victory over sin. Yes, we fight this flesh and will will continue to fight it but we can have victory through Jesus Christ. If you are one of those who bemoan your sin because you can't seem to get out of it and really don't seem to have any power in your life, make a fresh start and do the first works over again and come back to Christ, confessing your sins and asking him to come into your heart and life and give him your all. Yes, there are those who are in Christ who are struggling with some things yet, I'm sure as we are not changed in a day on this earth, but if you are one of those, as for new strength and a new desire to come clean of whatever sin that is besetting you. "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24

I can't help but to be reminded of the passage in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27: Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." Even the rugged Apostle Paul was fighting the flesh but fought it by keeping it under with the help of the Holy Ghost. Don't be just a statistic on someone's church role or attendance board for a few weeks but become a warrior for Christ against Satan and seek God and his righteousness. Let's pray for revival in our own hearts, our families, churches, and our nation. Be a powerhouse for God through the power of the Holy Ghost!! 24 ¶ Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

 

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Preaching for Hire

"The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us." Micah 3:11

Doesn't this sound familiar? It was then in Israel as it is today. The priests, or ministers preached as the people desired instead of from the Word of God and with the unction of the Holy Ghost. The people said then as the masses say today, "See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:" Isaiah 30:10. Large TV and radio ministries need lots of cash to keep running so preachers today must appeal to the crowds in an entertaining way and yet give them a bit of challenge so folks will think they've "been to church." Unfortunately, they are not getting to the root cause of America's downfall and looming judgment and the coming massive falling away of many in the church into a false, yet somewhat Christ-like church. Notice I said "Christ-like." "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;" 1 Timothy 4:3 This has been happening and will continue to happen more and more as many in the church wil harden their hearts toward the true gospel and believe a lie because they have pleasure in unrighteousness. "And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12. So because of this massive reach for the half-truth, men are providing for them and not addressing the root causes of their troubles and woe, which is sin.

Notice that Micah was speaking about a religious people, who thought that God would do nothing to them as we read, " yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us." They actually did not feel that God would intervene in any activity or that he had any more control over the events of the world and their local environment. They had the same attitude as the citizens of Jerusalem had a few years prior to its fall to Babylon. " Then said he unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The LORD hath forsaken the earth, and the LORD seeth not." Ezekiel 9:9 Doesn't this sound like modern humanism that has invaded the church as well? People with an attitude such as this have no fear of God. They feel that God really doesn't play a part in today's events or that he has control of the future. Unfortunately, they also don't understand his love toward them and how he would like to see them saved and delivered for their sins.

But there are also those who are clinging to his Word and walking in the light of his Word. There is still a remnant in the true church that fear God and know that his Word is real. There is a people who are seeking after God and the fullness of his Spirit and there are still preachers who are fasting and praying that they will preach with an unction of the Holy Ghost and preaching from his Wird. There are still those who are praying for a great outpouring in these very last days and that a revival can come to America before the coming of the Lord. If you are one of those, may the Lord bless you! May God help you and encourage you by his Spirit. Let us pray for one another as we see the day approaching when we will meet him in the air. " But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief." 1 Thessalonians 5:4

Friday, May 07, 2010

How Do We Know We're In the Last Days?

"And ye shall hear of wars and rumours 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 divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." Mat. 24:
6-8


 

Are we at what Christ described is being at the beginning of sorrows? If the "beginning of sorrows" mean the beginning of the final judgment of this earth by God commonly known as the tribulation period, then I would say it is at the door. Likewise, if the church goes before this happens, the rapture of the church is even closer! So, are we in the final days before the tribulation period? I believe so. Now let me be very clear in that I'm not setting dates nor when I say "final" does that mean tomorrow for several years, such as ten or even fifteen, are few compared to the whole time of the dispensation of grace which has lasted over 2,000 years so far. So let's look at some basic reasons why I feel we are getting very near the end. This is by no means exhaustive but hopefully it will get you and I both set to thinking and praying, getting ready for Christ's return so we won't be left behind.


 

1948 is significant:

The year 1948 is a significant year for at least two reasons.

  • The first reason, and the one that really starts the clock ticking is that Israel became a nation. This happened officially on May 14, 1948 when the Knesset officially proclaimed Israel as a nation.
  • The World Council of Churches officially came into existence in August 14, 1948 in Amsterdam. While it had been in various forms prior to that, it became an official world movement then, which began the world ecumenical movement that will one day be the super church of the false prophet.


 

When we look at the following scripture in Luke, we see that the fig tree has blossomed and all the other trees are in bloom as well. Israel is considered the fig tree. Read Luke 21:29-32.

"

And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled."


 

Notice it said in the last verse that this generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. It didn't mean that it would just be a generation period which is usually defined as a twenty year period, but that "it would not pass away." So how long should that generation last? We can look into the Word of God and get a pretty good idea. See what Moses says in Psalm 90:10. "The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away." This is just a thought: Eighty years from 1948 would bring us to 2028.


 

How do we know we are living in the last days?

Let me give you a few basic things that may help. Again, there is much more that can be written about each but I try to keep these short so I'll list these and keept them as concise as I can.

1.    Israel is our clock. (see above)

    A.    The tremendous burden that nations have for Israel and it's destruction. The powerful nations of the world, including the United States, are in a constant state of concern as to what to do with the little nation of Israel. Zechariah 12:3 "And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it."

    B.    The constant attention that little nation gets on the world stage. This nation, that is about the size of New Jersey, is constantly ont he world stage and one can hardly read the news for a day without its being mentioned, many times on the front page. I remember back in 1976 that I was at a meeting and someone prophesied that the day would come when God would be in direct control of the headlines. The meaning of course was that his direct concerns regarding his plan would be in focus. That is happening now as we see the drama unfold in the Middle East.

    C.     The aligning of nations in preparation for the war outlined in Ezekiel 38-39. Whether you were for the Iraq war or not, one thing happened that needed to happen in order to make the war of Ezekiel 38-39 possible, and that was to neutralize Iraq. Iran, which is referred as Persia, as well as Gog and Magog, referring to Russia and other nations in the north are now in diplomacy. They are exchanging weapons and Russian is helping Iran.

    D.    The drilling for oil in Israel. While there has never been much oil drilling in Israel in the past, there has become a renewed interest in drilling for oil as it seems to be pointed out in the scripture.

Deut. 33:24 "And of Asher he said, Let Asher be blessed with children; let him be acceptable to his brethren, and let him dip his foot in oil."

Gen. 49:
25 "Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:" (Joseph) If oil is stuck in Israel by a greater quantity, it would change the whole playing field from an ecconomic standpoint on the world stage.

    E.    The nations of the world, including the U. S. turning against Israel which will eventually usher in war and an eventual false peace and covenant with the Antichrist. Unfortunately, the United States is turning its back on Israel which can only mean problems for America. See the scripture below.

Gen. 12:3 "And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."


 

2.    From the technological sense we are close:

    A.    Man has the ability to communicate around the world in a split second which will eventually be used by the one world ruler for communicating to the world. For almost twenty years it has been possible to literally watch what was happening across the world while it was happening. We really witnessed this first during the war in Kuwait in 1991.

    B.     The ability to provide a mark with a chip implanted. Again, companies have been able to produce this for several years.

Revelation 13:17 "And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."

    C.    Science has advanced to the point of man is trying to become his own god and change his own destiny as well as control life and genes. How much longer will God allow man to play with elements that he has no business playing with?

    D.     It is said that knowledge doubles every 72 hours. That is amazing but it is also the sign of the last days.

Daniel 12:4 "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."

    E.    Man has the ability to destroy himself and no doubt will unless God intervenes.

Mark 13:20 "And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days."


 

3.    From the economic standpoint:

    A.    There is now a world banking system, a world economy, and soon a world banking tax.

    B.    There is an ever increasing talk of switching to a one world monetary system. This, we are told, could be done in just a few weeks period of time.

    C.     The ability to transfer money from one country to another within seconds will allow funds to easily be transferred within the world market. Again, this has been the case for several years now.

    D.    The world financial base is gradually shifting from the Unites States to the revived Roman empire or the European Union (EU). While other nations may come into play, they are said to be in financial trouble themselves.


 

4.    The attitude of this culture and generally the who world is that there is a feeling of an impending crisis is coming.

    A.    If you are a movie goer (which I'm not), you will no doubt recall many of the movies that Hollywood has produced lately that seem to point to disaster or man's cruelty. Consider movies such as Avatar or 2012.

    B.    The global warming "crisis" as well as HINI which never materialized was bought by the public until it was discovered that the global warming crisis was really a scam. But, the public bought it hook, line, and sinker. Why? Again, there is a sense that something is coming.

    C.    Man's general outlook as calling evel good and good evil, even in the name of political correctness is characteristic of the last days. Theese are " perilous" or dangerous times as described below in 2 Timothy 3:1-5

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." incontinent incidentally means "without self control." See also Isaiah 5:20 "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"


 

5.    Look at the condition of the modern church.

    A.    Most of the true church believes that Christ's return is near. While many will disagree on particulars and points of doctrine, there seems to be a fundamental belief and sense that Christ's coming is near. In words of prophesy we have been reminded several times that he is "even at the door."

    B.    There is an acquiring of wisdom and opening of understanding of the end time prophesies. This is due to the fact that many events have actually unfolded where were noted by the Old Testament prophets as well as God giving us a greater sense of the times by his spirit.

    C.    Growing of the apostate church and that of lukewarmness is surely a sign of the end being near. We are at the final period of the dispensation of grace which is the Laodicean period where most are just lukewarm. This means they are not ready to give it up, but yet not willing to be on fire for God.

Here is what Christ said to the Laodicean Church and to this age as well.

Revelation 3:15-17 "
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:" This is the basic condition of the modern church. He advises them to do the following in verse 18. " I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see." Then, in the next verse, he gives a warning. "
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." Does this mean that he will chasten the lukewarm believers by taking them through the tribulation? I'll let you decide that but I don't believe that, when Christ comes back to take his church, he'll be taking up someone who is half hearted and has no faith. "
And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him." Genesis 5:24 If we want to go in the rapture, we are going to have to be like Enoch and walk with God. Truly this is a time of temptation and oppression with testing but we are going to have to be determined to get back up when we're knocked down by Satan. There is a remnant who are looking for his return and who will be ready. I want to be with that remant. I hope you do too.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Are We Limiting God?

"Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel." Psalm 78:41

I challenge you to read the entire Psalm 78, or at least from verse one through verse 42. When you do, you'll see the familiar pattern of Israel which is that of receiving God's blessings, forgetting him, getting into trouble, then calling on him for help. Being a merciful God, he obliges and brings them out of trouble. Doesn't that sound like us? We receive God's blessing, then we get a little lax or cold, we get into trouble, we call on God, and in his mercy brings us out. I can think of this happening through my Christian life several times. No, I didn't go out into sin, but just got cold and careless about my relationship with him and didn't care if I felt his love and spirit or not, so long as I was doing my duty. But, what we don't realize is, when we act like this, we are limiting God. We are keeping the power of God from moving through our lives and we are also allowing sin to grow in our communities and country. " Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." Ecclesiastes 8:11 Men are not judged today in "Christian" America because of lack of power in the church. God is unable to move through the church for deliverance of souls from hell, sickness, demon possession, because of our "limiting God." You may say, God can do anything he wants. Yes, he can but he has made the church and those who are a part of his church his tools for witnessing and vessels of the Holy Ghost for healing and the other gifts of the spirit, and demonic deliverance.

The first thing we see is that Israel "turned back." The backslid or looked back from where they came. They had their hearts set in Egypt which is the world. "We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:" Numbers 11:5 We turn back when we get our eyes on the world and forget the battle we are in. We get immersed in worldly things and turn back and lose sight of Christ. While we must work and live in this world, we must keep in Christ and know that he is first. " No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully." 1 Timothy 2:4


 

They then tempted God. They once asked, "Is God among us or not?" Usually, coldness sets in then lack of trust. " I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." Galatians 2:21 The Galatians were turning back and began to turn again to the works of the law instead of grace. When we get cold, we get ritualistic and tend to do things just for duty's sake. Don't get me wrong, sometimes there is an oppression and we don't always feel the Holy Ghost so there are times that we just go forward, not on feelings but just because we know we need to. However, after a while victory should come and we should be able to break through that oppression by the power of his spirit.


 

The last thing is that, after looking back and getting cold and tempting God, they limited his power and work. This is what is happening in the church today and in many lives of professing Christians. But this is not the time to back up on God. Our nation is in trouble and the world is reeling. Christ's return is soon and we know not the day or hour. Now is the time for revival in the church that we can have revival in America! Let's not limit God but let him use us as willing vessels!



 

Sunday, April 04, 2010

Why Seek Ye The Living Among The Dead?

"And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?"

As they did then, they do now, try to find the living Christ where dead men were. The women who came to the grave in order to finish the work that they had begun before the Sabbath did not fully understand that he was to rise again, or if they did understand it, they were like Martha was with Lazarus in that his resurrection would be sometime afar off. Or, they may have even been like most of his followers, including his disciples who thought that he would immediately establish his kingdom upon the earth and that the prophesies regarding him as reigning king with Jerusalem being the capitol would be fulfilled immediately. But somehow things didn't work out that way and now they were trying to find him so they could finish their work. Can anyone really blame them for their actions as they hadn't read the book so they didn't know the outcome yet.


 

But do we have an excuse today? Do we still seek Jesus among the dead? Christ is alive but how can we find him amongst a dead congregation and preacher who has no life, no unction, no fire, and no zeal for God. How can we find him among a group of people who do not hold up his Living Word as the word of life and take it as his literal word to mankind yet have replaced it with fables and cunning socialistic dogma and rhetoric. How can we find him when we look for him gospel groups that play, act, and look so much like the world that one can neither understand what they are singing or saying, nor can anyone, without some effort, identify that they are supposed to be "Christian." How can we find him when we look for him in places that we know he deplores.

It is recorded in the scripture that Christ appeared at least ten times after his resurrection. Here they are:

(1) To the women at the grave -Matthew 28:9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.


 

(2) To Mary Magdalene - John 20:16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.


 

(3) To Simon Peter - Luke 24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.


 

(4) To the two going to Emmaus; in Luke 24: 30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.


 

(5) To the apostles, except Thomas; in Luke, John [and Mark].--These five appearances were on the day of the resurrection, and at or near Jerusalem.


 

(6) To the apostles, including Thomas, a week later at Jerusalem - John 20: 26 ¶ And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.


 

(7) To seven disciples at the Sea of Galilee - John 21


 

(8) To the apostles, and probably at the same time to above five hundred brethren, on a mountain in Galilee - Matthew 28: 16 ¶ Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 1Cor. 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.


 

(9) To James - 1Cor. 15: 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.


 

(10) To the apostles, just before the ascension; in Luke and Acts 1: 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:


 

So, since we know without a shadow of a doubt that he is the God of the living and not of the dead, shouldn't we seek him among the living? It's time to come alive and live for Him! Get truly saved and be born again and then filled with the Holy Ghost! This is not the day to back off but to go forward for him. He's soon coming back and when he does, will he find faith on the earth? "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8b

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Does The Bible Teach Redistribution of Wealth?

"As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack." 2 Corinthians 8:15

I heard a preacher say this week that socialism is scripture and according to the gospel. I shouldn't be surprised as I met a man in Haiti one time who claimed he was a Christian communist. I deal with this in another blog entitled, "Does The Bible Teach Socialism." Please read that as well as we deal with many of the scriptures that prove that it DOES NOT teach socialism or the redistribution of wealth. However, after I heard him say that the redistribution of wealth or socialism is from the gospels, I was reminded of the above versees so let's deal with those.

First, Paul is talking about those who are willing to give. We see that in verse 12. "For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not." He wanted the people in Corinth to be willing to give. He also said earlier in 2 Corinthians 9:7, "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." That is not the case with socialism. It is not voluntary but mandatory! Also, this was within the church and did not have anything to do with the Roman government. When we continue to read this passage, we'll find that the idea here is not to make everyone poorer, but to help those who are in need so that they may one day help others. This does not breed laziness nor does it put a small group of people in charge of the rest as socialism does.

The fact that preachers feel that socialism and redistribution of wealth is Biblical causes them to miss the whole spirit of the gospel and Christianity. Christ does not force himself on anyone but it is always by invitation. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 It does not set a few men over many but there is one Lord and God, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. The rest are servants and even the greatest among us should be the least. "And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve." Luke 22:25-26 This type of teaching and action has never, nor will never, be a part of the government socialism that is supposed to make all happy and supply to all.

So in conclusion, yes, giving and maybe even a voluntary distribution of wealth is mentioned in the Bible, but not in the world, only in the church. It is voluntary, blessed, and done with love. This is not socialism or the world's redistribution!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

What Lack Ye Yet?

" For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; 10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?" 2 Thessalonians 2:8-10


 

Paul was writing to the church in Thessalonica after having to leave it quickly because of persecution. He was not able to spend as much time with them as he liked and felt that there were still some things that were lacking in their faith. We may ask ourselves, are we lacking in our faith? We know that God wants perfection as we find in Colossians 4:12, " Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." "No one is perfect," you say. Well, it depends on what you mean by "perfect." When we see a new born baby that is without disease or blemish, we say it is perfect even though it can only lay there and coo and cry. When we see a five year old child who is still learning his alphabet and cannot yet write full words after only being in school a month, we say he/she is doing well and is making perfect grades if he/she performs the learning tasks assigned without fail or error. But, if that child turns fifteen and still cannot write full words or spell, we would not call that perfect but know there is a problem. So is a Christian. There is a growth and God judges us, not compared to someone else, but where we are in the Christian life.


 

One of the areas we must grow in is in Sanctification or separation from this world and more of godliness. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, " And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." We must grow in spirit, the seat of our worship toward God, our soul, the seat of our appetites, and our body, our dedication and modesty toward God.


 

Another area of growth is in Love. This is one of the hardest. " And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;" Philippians 1:9 We are told in Luke 10:27, " And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself." In this we must grow.


 

One more area that we must grow as Christians is in Knowledge. " But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." 2 Peter 3:18 We should know more about God's word now then we did a year ago and we should gain more knowledge about his ways through experiences each day. While we must examine our hearts and lives from time to time in the mirror of his Word and check our progress with him. If we are truthful with ourselves, that is those of us who have been in Christ for several years, we will no doubt find areas in our walk that we are not growing in and maybe even have transgressed. So, at the end of this all, I ask myself as well as you, What lack ye yet?


 

Sunday, March 07, 2010

The Passing Days of Man

"As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth." Psalm 103:15


 

Our days are few on this earth. They flee away as the dew in the morning and when we look at our life span compared to time, it is nothing. That's why Moses said in Psalm 90:10, "The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away." Now compare eighty years to 6,000 and you have nothing. That's why Moses wrote before this in Psalm 90:9, "For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told." So then Moses gives further advise in Psalm 90:12 saying, " So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." So, we are advised to apply our hearts unto wisdom. Yes, we need to go about our daily tasks and academics, but the chief concern in this short life is to apply our hearts unto wisdom. What is wisdom? We find the answer in Psalm 111:10, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever." Learning and having the fear of God is the most important thing we can do in this life because that will continue forever if it is done with Christ as the center of our life and soul.


 

Also in Psalm 103:15 we read, "As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth." So what is the flower of man? We find in Isaiah 40:6 that it is man's goodness: "The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field." So all the glory that we seem to get on this earth in this life is only a fleeing experience that will be cut off quickly. We read more in Isaiah 40: 7-8 about the flower of man: "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." So man's glory will pass but there is one thing that will never pass, and that's the Word of God for we read, "For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." Psalm 119:89 That's why we must read, study, learn, and memorize his Word: It will teach us the fear of God as well as live forever. It is so easy for us to get our priorities turned around as the "god of this world" (2Cor. 4:4) and deceiver of the nations (Rev. 12:9) works overtime to convince us that the world and all of it's splendor should be our love, even if we are a Christian. Remember what Jesus did when confronted by the glamour of the world. We read this in Matthew 4:8-10: "Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." The same is for us, Christ is our only object of worship and affection so let's leave the world alone and use it as we need but make our priority as following Christ and spreading the gospel!!


 


 


 

Monday, January 25, 2010

The Offended


 

"Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?" Matthew 15:12


 

We live in a day of "political correctness." I remember it starting in the 1990's and it has mushroomed into something that is now causing huge problems for our country, especially our defense and those who try to protect us against that ever present enemy who would like to destroy us from within. THis "political correctness" has taken over int he workplace and one is never quite sure just what to call whom anymore because, like all things else that are devised by many, they change almost on a daily basis. This has krept into our churches and it is nothing new that we are becoming so afraid of offending someone that we find ourselves holding back on things that need to be preached and brought out in the open.


 

As our freedom of speech is slowly being squeezed out of us, not only in the workplace but everywhere including the church, it takes the Holy Ghost to give us the boldness to cry against sin and preach the Word of God as it should be preached. We need a revival in America and it will only come through prayer and through preaching the uncompromising Word of God. The Pharisees were like a lot of people today, just waiting to be offended. It's like a dare; "Come on! Offend me so I can complain!" And while we should be considerate for others as this is a part of the teaching of Christ, the one we really need to wory about offending is God. Remember who controls the storms and the weather; who holds our very being in the palm of his hand; who can raise up an enemy against us and/or help us conquer it through his Son Jesus Christ. He is the one we need to be concerned about offending.


 

I can't help of thing of the scripture found in Psalm 119:165, " Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." The word "offend" here can also mean to cause to stumble or to stumble. Therefore, we as believers, should have enough love not to be offended at the offended. That's hard and can only be done through Christ, but we can also take heed that we are not the offended. Expect the world not to be a lover of grace - it isn't.

It's true that as this world heads towards it's final judgment, there are more voices of evil causing many to stumble and lose out with Christ but this should not be. But remember, whatever can be shaken will be shaken in these last days. We can continue to stand for him and watch unto prayer. Jesus is coming soon! Be ready!