ENDTIMES PROPHECIES: THE IMMINENT RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST - Part V

ENDTIMES PROPHECIES: THE IMMINENT RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST - Part V

NEWS FLASH: JESUS CHRIST returns VERY soon!  Today, we commence our discussion of the seven-year Tribulation Period, highlighting the global economic system, the one world government, the one world church and the unholy trinity, which consists of Satan, the Antichrist and the False Prophet.  Please exercise patience since these events/personalities will not necessarily be presented in chronological order, and we will require a minimum of three lessons to complete this segment of the series.

First, let’s take a quick snapshot of the end-times condition of the institutional church (as opposed to the invisible church) and its significance.  The scriptures state emphatically that the “spirit of antichrist” is “already…in the world.” (I John 4:3)  This spirit is clearly exemplified by our society’s growing disdain of Christianity, of Christians and Christ.  Jesus clearly warned that true believers would be “hated of all men for my name’s sake.” (Luke 21:17)

Exhibit A: In certain nations, the Bible is totally banned, as is any public assembly for Christian worship.  And in the USA, we have witnessed a radical erosion of the ‘faith of our fathers.’  For example, the Constitution has been misconstrued and misapplied to ban Bible reading and praying in public schools altogether, along with prohibitions against displaying nativity scenes in town squares and posting The Ten Commandments in courthouses.  Even more tragic is this little known fact: More Christians have been martyred during the past century than in all previous centuries combined.  This vicious reaction against persons of faith will only intensify and worsen.

Exhibit B: False teachers have surfaced within the institutional church, misleading many with fleshly promises of ‘Bigger-and-Better’ in this present world, with little emphasis or regard for the world to come. (II Peter 2:1-2)  Whenever churches overly emphasize individual prosperity vis-à-vis our God-given mission of global evangelism, they have lost focus on the Kingdom of God, as taught by Jesus Christ, “the author and finisher of our faith.” (Colossians 3:1 and Hebrews 12:2)  Peter counsels that such false teachers will seek to “exploit” us due to their greedy and covetous spirits. (II Peter 2:3)  But not only will there be counterfeit leaders and prophets in the end-times, false messiahs will also be revealed, confusing many via deceptive signs and wonders. (Matthew 7:22-23 and Matthew 24:5;24)  A Word of Caution: Never pursue signs and the wonders; always hunger and thirst for The Living Christ. (Matthew 5:6)

Exhibit C: Since 2008, the world has experienced a momentous financial meltdown and recession, which yet threatens to devolve into global depression.  Many economists believe this trend is likely to continue, causing most of the so-called ‘first-world’ industrialized nations to lose financial footing.  Why is this relevant?  It is likely that these shaky fiscal conditions will be the precursor to the predicted takeover of the global economy by the Antichrist (the beast), in conjunction with the ten kingdoms (ten regional powers) that will support him financially, politically and militarily.  The apocalyptic writer, John, foresaw a global economic system that will be controlled exclusively by the Antichrist.  This end-times fiscal coup d'état is highly plausible due to 1) the development of global banking technologies, 2) the presence of central banks in most nations, and 3) the existence of international banking agencies such as The World Bank Group and the United Nations Development Group.

In the words of the apostle, John:

Revelation 13:16-18 (NKJV)
16 He [the Antichrist] causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.

Exhibit D: The Antichrist’s global financial control will be the key to his power and control over nations and individuals.  During the latter half of the 7-year Tribulation Period (called The Great Tribulation), the Antichrist will assert absolute financial, political and religious authority over our planet with the assistance of The False Prophet and Satan, himself.  Without one’s personal assent to the rule of the Antichrist (demonstrated via a decision to accept the mark of the beast and to worship him publicly), there will be absolutely NO participation in the global economy.  That is, there will be no ability (NONE) to sell or purchase anything of value, such as groceries, toiletry items, clothing, or any personal property whatsoever.  Consider this carefully.  Even access to individual bank accounts and investment funds will be closed to those who have not taken the mark of the beast.  Without this mark, it will be impossible to access your IRA, 401k, pension, social security benefits, or any personal funds and valuables housed in banking institutions.

WARNING: Be aware that the decision to accept the mark of the beast is a one-way ticket to hell!

Revelation 14:9-11 (NKJV)
9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

Two days hence, we will explore The Tribulation Period, the Antichrist and the mark of the beast in more detail.  However, tomorrow we will highlight the RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH (the God-ordained escape ramp for all believers), which will prove to be an informative and intriguing study.  Stay prayerfully attentive as our end-times series progresses…more to come!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

ENDTIMES PROPHECY: THE IMMINENT RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST - Part IV

ENDTIMES PROPHECIES: THE IMMINENT RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST - Part IV

JESUS CHRIST will return soon.  It is a matter of supreme urgency.  Today, we will address numerous generalized signs that are now apparent in these end-times.  Among these signs are unprecedented moral decay (both within society and the institutional church), earthquakes, widespread wars, chaotic weather conditions, rebellion in the youth culture, love of pleasure, heightened materialism, environmental damage, epidemic drug use and an escalating emphasis on the occult.

First of all, contemporary society is experiencing a proliferation of ‘PRACTICAL ATHEISTS.’  These are persons who profess faith in God, but live as if there is no God.  This tragic state of affairs was foreseen by Christ and the apostles.  Jesus describes them as unwatchful servants who suppose there is a delay in their lord’s arrival and therefore participate in ungodly activities. (Matthew 24:48-51)  The Apostle Paul characterizes it as “a falling away” from the faith. (II Thessalonians 2:3)  In his second letter to Timothy, the Apostle provides more detail:

II Timothy 3:1-5 (NKJV)
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,5 having a form of godliness but denying its power.

The primary focus of today is MATERIALISTIC PLEASURE, i.e. we have “lovers of pleasure” more than lovers of God.  The sin of IDOLATRY, which is typically ascribed to ancient times only, is all-pervasive today, both within and without the institutional church.  Idolatry is simply the propensity to assign a higher value to people, possessions, or ideas than we ascribe to Almighty God. (Romans 1:18-25)  Of course, the modern day church does not worship Baal, but we have created a plethora of ‘Sub-Baals’ within our ecclesiastical framework, including people, titles, positions or situations that we absolutely adore and completely covet.  In the USA, many churches continue to exalt an image of Jesus Christ (and thereby a form of Christianity) that is largely materialistic, humanistic, and fundamentally flawed since it is devoid of “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 1:3)

We so easily embrace NATIONALISM and PATRIOTISM, which have become governmental demigods.  However, more often than not, these twin emotions lead into international divisions and conflicts.  Contrary to the commonly held beliefs of many, Jesus Christ does not uphold any of our misconstrued ideas on either nationalism or warfare.  While I do love our nation dearly, I must speak boldly and prophetically.  Now hear this: There will be no American flags draped or displayed in Heaven!

SELF-LOVE is the order of the day.  Bookstores are flooded with volumes on self-reliance, self-esteem, self-determination and self-gratification, otherwise known as SELFISHNESS.

EPIDEMIC DRUG USE is growing by leaps and bounds. (Revelation 9:21).  In this particular scripture, the Greek word for sorceries is “pharmakeia,” which also refers to the use of mind-altering drugs.  Both the use of illegal drugs and the dispensing of mind-altering legal drugs have risen sharply.  And, we are rapidly moving forward to legalize drugs that have been considered illegal for generations.

BLASPHEMY is also a definitive sign of the end-times, as well as the profane spirit of rebellion that is so prevalent within our youth and unfortunately in many marital unions as well. (II Timothy 3:2)  Our televisions have become veritable cesspools of sin and shame.  Certain genres of music objectify and disrespect womanhood; many television commercials have the same effect.  In truth, the majority of these would have been censored in decades past.  PORNOGRAPHY is all-pervasive, whether on the Internet, cable TV, or in printed media.  ADULTERY is idealized on the silver screen and the ‘boob-tube’ as well. We are satanically manipulated in such subtle ways that we become unwitting sympathizers with murderers, blasphemers, cheaters and fornicators, e.g. on the highly acclaimed television show, “Scandal.”  And most (if not all) of this generation’s TV shows and entertainment specials are formatted to contain an obligatory nod to HOMOSEXUALITY.  Our collective consciences are becoming “seared with a hot iron” of media immorality. (I Timothy 4:2) Jesus prophesied that this tragic day would come, and it is surely upon us. (Luke 17:28-30)

THE ENTIRE CREATION IS NOW GROANING at this state of moral decay and anxiously awaiting the manifestation of the sons of God. (Romans 8:19-23)  GLOBAL EARTHQUAKES are increasing in frequency, intensity and location. (Isaiah 24:20 – Luke 21:11)  Unhappily, this generation has done more to ravage the ENVIRONMENT than any previous generation. (Revelation 11:18)  And our uncommon, CHAOTIC WEATHER CONDITIONS were actually prophesied by Jesus Christ. (Luke 21:25-26)  Who can deny the major weather and climate changes we are witnessing on a global scale?  WARFARE seems to be present everywhere.  According to Project Ploughshares, there are now 26 active armed conflicts worldwide.  Media outlets only pay attention to a few, those which center on our national or ethnic interests.  There can be no doubt – God’s creation is groaning!

Emphasis on THE OCCULT is manifested via escalating interest in magic, tattoos, psychics, yoga, channeling and witchcraft.  And our national tendency to adopt PLURALISM and POLITICAL CORRECTNESS is leading us away from reverencing the true and living GOD.  Case in Point: My alma mater, Yale University, founded in 1703 as a seminary for Christian ministers, now includes the non-Christian symbols of Taoism, Jainism, Sikhism, Hinduism, Baha’i, Zoroastrianism, Shintoism, Buddhism and Islam on the website of the Yale Chaplain; and, Wiccan practices are honored as well. Wow!

The hour of unprecedented APOSTASY is now upon us. “The Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” (I Timothy 4:1)  It is time for THE CHURCH to awaken from our spiritual coma and to fully embrace our mission for these end-times. “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1, NKJV)

On tomorrow, we arrive at the heart of this series, commencing detailed discussion on THE TRIBULATION PERIOD, focusing on the GLOBAL ECONOMIC SYSTEM, the ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT, the ONE WORLD CHURCH and THE UNHOLY TRINITY, which consists of Satan, the Antichrist and the False Prophet.  Stay prayerfully attentive as our end-times series progresses…more to come!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

ENDTIMES PROPHECIES: THE IMMINENT RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST - Part III

ENDTIMES PROPHECIES: THE IMMINENT RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST - Part III

THE HOLY SPIRIT urgently proclaims the message that JESUS CHRIST will return soon…very soon.  Many key end-times signs pertain directly to the NATION OF ISRAEL.  We will explore a few of them today.

Isaiah prophesied that the nation of Israel would be “born in a day.” (Isaiah 66:8, NIV)  Interestingly, the book of Genesis reveals that there are approximately 1,948 years from “the first Adam” to the birth of the recognized patriarch of the Jewish faith, Abraham.  Similarly, there are approximately 1,948 years from “the second Adam,” Jesus Christ, to the 20th century birth of the sovereign state of Israel -- 1,948 years in both cases! (I Corinthians 15:45)  Is not our GOD awesomely omniscient and entirely fascinating?

Israel had been divided into two kingdoms since the time of Solomon (approximately 950 BC).  Thereafter, they had been globally disbursed.  However, on May 14, 1948, Israel was officially recognized by the United Nations and declared to be a nation by their first prime minister, Ben-Gurion, who spoke these inaugurating words in Tel Aviv: “We hereby proclaim the establishment of the Jewish state in Palestine, to be called Israel.”  Since then, Jews have been returning to their homeland in ever increasing numbers.

Indeed, Ezekiel had prophesied that the northern and southern kingdoms would be rejoined in the end-times, never to be divided again. [Read the entire passage below]. The king Ezekiel referred to is JESUS CHRIST, who will establish a theocratic state during His millennial reign (and afterwards), as clearly revealed by Hosea and other prophets as well. (Hosea 3:4-5 and Isaiah 9:6-7)  In the prophetic proclamation of the archangel, Gabriel, “HE shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:33)  Hear now the message of Ezekiel, the prophet:

Ezekiel 37:15-22 (NKJV)
15 Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 16 “As for you, son of man, take a stick for yourself and write on it: ‘For Judah and for the children of Israel, his companions.’ Then take another stick and write on it, ‘For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel, his companions.’ 17 Then join them one to another for yourself into one stick, and they will become one in your hand. 18 “And when the children of your people speak to you, saying, ‘Will you not show us what you mean by these?’— 19 say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Surely I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel, his companions; and I will join them with it, with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they will be one in My hand.”’ 20 And the sticks on which you write will be in your hand before their eyes. 21 “Then say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Surely I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, wherever they have gone, and will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land; 22 and I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king over them all; they shall no longer be two nations, nor shall they ever be divided into two kingdoms again.

The possibility for the end-times return of Jews to Israel was legally ratified by Israel’s parliament, The Knesset, on July 5, 1950 via The Law of Return, which grants the right to Jews everywhere to return to their homeland.  The return of the Jewish Diaspora (Jews displaced and dispersed) is prophesied in numerous scriptural passages, including Isaiah 11:11-12; Ezekiel 37:21-22; Ezekiel 38:8; Isaiah 43:5-6; and Jeremiah 31:7-10.  Since 1948, over five million globally dispersed Jews have returned to Israel, arriving from the north, south, east and west.

Furthermore, the prophet Zephaniah foretold the end-times restoration of “a pure language.” (Zephaniah 3:9)  Before Israel was established as a nation, the international Zionist movement brought about the revival of ancient Hebrew as a spoken language, and, in 1948, Hebrew became the official language of the citizens of Israel.  This is directly connected to the events surrounding the construction of the Tower of Babel.  Up to that time, “the whole earth had one language and one speech.” (Genesis 11:1)  According to the biblical record, God confounded their speech and dispersed them globally, due to their empire-building pride and folly.

Ezekiel prophesied that the end-times would bring about the economic flourishing of Israel. (Ezekiel 38:12-13)  Today, the tiny nation of Israel ranks as the 17th most competitive economy on the entire planet, even though it has only 8 million citizens, ranking it 97th in population, compared to other nations.  Think about it.  Israel’s economy ranks 17th worldwide, but its population is so small that it only ranks 97th.  Indeed, they are highly favored and blessed – and the Word of God so accurately predicts this current state of affairs!

It is important to note that, during two millennia of the Jewish Diaspora, the land of Israel existed as a semiarid and desolate wasteland.  However, it was prophesied that in the latter days “the desert shall rejoice and blossom as a rose.” (Isaiah 35:1, NKJV)  It was foretold that “Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.” (Isaiah 27:9, NKJV)  Also, God said “the brooks of Judah shall be flooded with water.” (Joel 3:18, NKJV)  Furthermore, He said “I will plant in the wilderness the cedar and the acacia tree, the myrtle and the oil tree. I will set in the desert the cypress tree and the pine…that they may see and know…that the hand of the Lord has done this.” (Isaiah 41-18-20)  Finally, God said “I will bring back the captives of My people Israel…they shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; they shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them.” (Amos 9:14, NKJV)

In order to accomplish this phenomenal reconfiguration of what were once semi-arid desert lands, two important things have occurred.  First of all, there has been a significant increase in Israel’s rainfall, a fact that can only be attributed to divine intervention.  Secondly, Israel has developed what is arguably the finest irrigation technology on the planet.  As a result, Israel has become a major producer of sweet wine, produced in the Golan Heights.  And during the past century, more than one billion (1,000,000,000) trees have been planted in Israel.  Agriculturally, this nation totally flourishes!

Israel now harvests what is considered to be the most diverse range of crops in the world: wheat, sorghum, corn, oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, strawberries, persimmons, pomegranates, avocados, kiwifruit, guavas, mangoes, grapes, plums, prickly pears, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, zucchini, bananas, dates, apples, cherries, and even cotton.  As foreseen via Bible prophecy, Israel currently grows huge volumes of fresh produce; and, Israel is one of the world’s largest exporters of flowers.

‘God’s Rose’ (Israel) has truly been made to bloom in the desert!  It is one very clear, definitive sign of the end of the age and the imminent return of Jesus Christ.  Stay prayerfully attentive as our end-times series progresses…more to come!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

ENDTIMES PROPHECIES: THE IMMINENT RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST - Part II

ENDTIMES PROPHECIES: THE IMMINENT RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST - Part II

THE HOLY SPIRIT emphasizes the indisputable fact that JESUS CHRIST will return very soon.  Crystal-clear signs are clarion calls to the world and to the Church.  People of God must rediscover and reenergize our mandate to mobilize global evangelism to usher lost souls into the Kingdom of God.

The Apostle Peter highlighted a fundamental sign of our times, one that is now quite evident within and without the institutional church.  He predicted that people would mock or ignore concerns about Christ’s return due to their desire to maintain the status quo of individual and/or collective immorality.  It is an alarmingly apt and accurate description.

II Peter 3:3-4 (NKJV)
3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”

The scriptures declare that, in the end-times, “knowledge shall increase” exponentially. (Daniel 12:4)  The advent of the Internet has revolutionized our knowledge base.  That is, we have garnered more knowledge in the past twenty years than humankind has collectively achieved since the dawn of creation. It is now estimated that the sum total of human knowledge doubles every four to five years!  Wow!

This same scripture (Daniel 12:4) also implies unprecedented transportation mobility in the last days.  When my father was born in Georgia (1904), most people traveled via horse, foot or boat.  The past century has witnessed an awesome proliferation of transportation modalities: cars, buses, subways, trains, cruise ships, jet planes, spacecraft, etc.  These technology advances are foreshadowed by Daniel’s prediction, “Many shall run to and fro,” written over 2,500 years ago.

Additionally, the 20th century development of satellites, television and the Internet dramatically assists the fulfillment of The Great Commission, i.e. Christ’s prophetic requirement that “this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14 and Matthew 28:19-20)  Christian television networks such as Trinity Broadcasting Company and Daystar reach every continent and nation.  Also, the Holy Bible has been translated into more than 2,400 languages and dialects in order to saturate the globe with the printed message of the gospel.  During the Tribulation Period, even the angelic host of Heaven will participate in this gospel process. (Revelation 14:6)

Without the advent of global telecommunications, it would be utterly impossible for the whole world to simultaneously witness certain key events that will unfold during the Tribulation, e.g. the 42-month ministry of two special witnesses and their murder by the antichrist, followed by their resurrection and ascension into Heaven.  Because of modern technology, these end-times events will be heralded globally, at the speed of light!

Revelation 11:3-12 (NKJV)
3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lamp stands standing before the God of the earth. 5 And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. 6 These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire. 7 When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 9 Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves.10 And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth. 11 Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them.

In closing, the scriptures foretell the spread of deadly plagues and diseases during the final generation.  Within the last 30 years, the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control (USA) have documented the emergence of dreaded diseases, such as AIDS, Ebola virus, Hanta virus, Dengue fever, West Nile virus, SARS [severe acute respiratory syndrome], bird flu, etc.  Although modern medicine advances at astounding speeds, we cannot eradicate certain viruses, and there is grave concern that the overuse of antibiotics could produce super viruses that would be virtually impossible to treat.  In conjunction with this, the opening of the 4th Seal during the Tribulation Period will cause unprecedented death due to violence, hunger and dreaded diseases. (Matthew 24:7 and Revelation 6:8)

Question: Are YOU ready for the imminent return of Jesus Christ?  There is nothing – ABSOLUTELY NOTHING – of greater importance.  Sisters and brothers, stay prayerfully attentive as our end-times series progresses, and be continually blessed!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

ENDTIMES PROPHECIES: THE IMMINENT RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST - Part I

ENDTIMES PROPHECIES: THE IMMINENT RETURN OF CHRIST - Part I

THE HOLY SPIRIT is emphasizing (more than ever) the indisputable fact that JESUS CHRIST will return very soon.  It greatly grieves me that our world has fully embraced the exact conditions of spiritual and moral decay that existed immediately prior to The Great Flood of Noah’s day.

Genesis 6:5-7 (NKJV)
5 Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.”

Any and all future judgments of mankind would not be a duplication of the first.  No longer would there be a judgment by water, but by fire. (Luke 17:29 and Revelation 14:10)  Moreover, it is important to note that the world’s present (pre-Rapture) conditions were prophesied by Jesus Christ, Himself.

Luke 17:26-30 (NKJV)
26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.

Tragically, not only the world, but the church-at-large also seems to be shackled by the same mindset that was prevalent when Noah warned of impending global destruction.  That is, the institutional church seems to have closed its spiritual ears to the crystal-clear indicators of the imminent return of Jesus Christ.  We don’t really want to hear about it, or so it seems.  Nevertheless, the signs of the times are everywhere: “wars and rumors of wars,” along with “famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.” (Matthew 24:4-7)

The Word of God specifically predicts that temple sacrifices will be reinstituted in Israel during the last days. (Daniel 9:27; 12:11)  The Prophet Daniel foresaw the Antichrist ending daily sacrifices at the mid-point of the seven-year Tribulation Period. Therefore, the Jewish Temple sacrificial system must be restored during the last days.  Currently, there are several hundred young Jewish men in training for the Levitical priesthood.  The Temple Institute has already recreated all Temple furniture, vessels, priestly garments, and most recently the Ark of the Covenant.  Additionally, the architectural renderings (blueprints) for the building of the third Temple of Jerusalem have already been completed.  Indeed, time is winding up!

It is important to note that NO ADDITIONAL PROPHECIES need be fulfilled prior to the RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH.  Bible scholars believe it is entirely plausible that the third Temple will be constructed during the first half of the seven-year Tribulation Period, which commences the day a peace treaty is signed between Israelis and Palestinians.  It is called The Confirmation of the Abrahamic Covenant. (Genesis 12:1-7 and Daniel 9:27)  Further details are forthcoming in future postings, but be aware that the Bible makes no specific requirement that Temple construction must occur prior to the RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH.

Many in the institutional church seem reluctant to study or even hear about these impending global events.  Many excuses are offered for this passive hesitancy or blatant skepticism.   Some suggest that Bible prophecy is much too hard to understand.  Others believe that any mention of the end-times is unsettling and only produces ‘unnecessary’ anxiety or fear.  Also, there is a common tendency to emphasize matters which are NOW-ORIENTED – one reason why career advancement and prosperity teaching have become dominant themes in so many churches. (II Timothy 4:3-4)  But the Word of God issues a clear command on this issue: “Despise not prophesyings.” (I Thessalonians 5:20)  This mandate refers to both written and oral prophetic messages.  The Book of Revelation offers a special blessing to all those who read, learn and follow the teachings of end-times prophecies.

Revelation 1:1-3 (NKJV)
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 BLESSED IS HE WHO READS AND THOSE WHO HEAR THE WORDS OF THIS PROPHECY, AND KEEP THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN IT; for the time is near.

Whether we are comfortable with Heaven’s methodology, or not, we serve a GOD who specializes in THE PROPHETIC.  Even a superficial analysis of the Old Testament reveals scores of prophetic messages foretelling the birth, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  And the New Testament is replete with prophecies, both newly presented and/or miraculously fulfilled.  Approximately, 28% of the Bible contains prophetic writings.  And, we are forever grateful for these divine communiqués.

Isaiah 46:9-10 (NIV)
9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I AM GOD, and there is no other; I AM GOD, and there is none like me. 10 I MAKE KNOWN THE END FROM THE BEGINNING, from ancient times, what is still to come…

God’s plans for His creation are clearly revealed through signs and signals in the heavens and on the earth.  God posts prophetic signs to warn us to “flee from the wrath to come.” (Luke 3:6-8)  Throughout this series, we will introduce a host of signs (in the heavens and in the earth), which are veritable harbingers of Christ’s imminent return.  To wit, a sobering choice is set before us.  We can opt to go about our everyday business and passively ignore what GOD is declaring (and what His signs are screaming) or we can pay much closer attention and proactively prepare for the second coming of Jesus Christ.  So stay prayerfully attentive as our end-times series continues tomorrow…much more to come!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

I WILL (Part IV)

I WILL (Part IV)

As we begin today, let’s reprise Kingdom Principle Number Four: Your will cannot remain aligned with God’s will if you dialogue with the devil.  The Bible describes Satan as “more subtle than any,” and this statement constitutes a sober warning against entering into communication with him. (Genesis 3:1)  Consider this.  Communication is the very heart of communion (intimate fellowship).  A friend of mine often points out the fact that long-term married couples have a tendency to physically resemble one another, eventually.  One day, he asked me “why?”  I responded with a smile and said, “They eat the same diet, they share the same living environment, they engage in the same conversations which results in an eventual alignment of thought processes and worldviews.  Why wouldn’t they wind up looking like one another?”  We laughed together in agreement.  There is an important life lesson embedded here.

In the memorable words of my high school health and physical education teacher, Mr. Arthur Feldman, “You are what you eat!”  While my teacher was speaking of natural health, the same principle pertains to spiritual health.  Our will is a powerful amalgamation (a potent blend) of every life experience that we “eat,” that is, whatever we continually digest and internalize.  Therefore, our will (which is the foundation for all our choices and decisions) is the primary determiner of emotional and spiritual health.  If we would be transparent enough to reveal what we have been ‘eating’ lately (intellectually, emotionally, spiritually), any discerning person could tell us how we will be ‘thinking’ and ‘deciding’ and ‘acting’ in the future.  Wow!  Our will is in a constant state of flux because it is the product of our personal interactions with life experiences and our unique responses (reactions) to them. 

Kingdom Principle Number Five: the human will CAN BE adjusted when we choose to transcend our circumstances via a close encounter with Jesus Christ.  Because we human beings are creatures of habit, we tend to follow familiar pathways that I term ‘life momentum’ – unless and until an outside force compels or empowers us to do otherwise.  First natural, then spiritual.  Newtonian law informs us that “for every action, there is a reaction, equal and opposite in direction.”  To wit, Jesus Christ is the ‘outside spiritual force’ that graciously seeds sufficient faith in order to change our thinking, to energize us, to mobilize us and to totally recreate our being. 

Spiritual case in point: It seems unfathomable to us that the man at the Pool of Bethesda had actually been laying there (paralyzed there…stuck there) for 38 long years!  But such was the case.  Periodically, an angel “troubled the water” and the first person to enter in would receive complete healing. (John 5:4)  This man’s will had been negatively altered by his associates and, indeed, by his environment.  According to John, he was surrounded by “a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered” individuals. (John 5:3)  However, these powerful impediments only constitute healing opportunities for the Living Lord!

Therefore, “when Jesus saw him…and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he said unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?” (John 5:6)  Christ’s question is pivotal to understanding our proactive participation in the healing process.  The healing of this man’s long-term handicap would be directly predicated upon his will to seek and embrace wholeness.  But instead of answering Jesus directly, this crippled man offered excuses: “Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another person steps down before me.” (John 5:7) 

Jesus graciously ignored his excuses and took authority over his will and his infirmity with these Words:  “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.” (John 5:8)  Kingdom Principle Number Six: The Word alters the will.  This fact should motivate all believers to become steadfast students of the Word for our daily attitude adjustments.  Perhaps, it will cause us to glean a deeper interpretation of Psalm 107:20, which declares “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”  THE WORD WORKS!

In the aftermath of that lame man’s personal deliverance, some took strong exception to the fact that Jesus Christ had healed him on the Sabbath.  They were more concerned with legalism than deliverance.  A word to the wise is sufficient: ‘Never ever allow anyone to define either your will or your personal experience with the transforming power of Jesus Christ.’  I love the fact that Jesus did not argue with the religious naysayers.  His response was simple: “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” (John 5:17)

Always maintain openness and allegiance to The Living Word.  He is the One and Only true attitude adjuster.  And that is why “I WILL…bless The Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1)  Amen!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

I WILL (Part III)

I WILL (Part III)

Let’s recap Kingdom Principle Number Two: Life presents challenging choices; we must navigate wisely through bends and forks in the road.  These key decision points constitute the privileges, pleasures, pressures and potential problems of life.  So we must first consider carefully and then choose wisely.  How well we navigate through life’s decision points is a product of THE will, which is mission critical both to our relationships with God and our personal productivity.  In “Hamlet,” William Shakespeare penned these memorable words: “To be, or not to be, that is the question.”  Permit me a paraphrase: ‘To will, or not to will…that is the question.’  That which we really desire (our will) is the engine that drives us and determines our future.  It’s reminiscent of an old sermon of mine: “Be Careful of What You really want [your will] Because You’ll Surely Get It!”

To fully understand the human will, let’s revisit its origins.  Before creating Adam, “God said, Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness: and let them have dominion…” (Genesis 1:26)  When the Word declares that man was created in the image and likeness of God (with dominion), it implies that God voluntarily chose to abdicate control over His created being via the gift of free will, i.e. man’s ability to choose whether (or not) to live in harmony with the Creator’s perfect will.  Man was designed and created as a will-ing being, not a will-ful being.  There is a distinct difference.  Willful means being determined to have one’s own way, while willing suggests faithful openness to divine direction and order.  The former carries curses; the latter brings blessings.  “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” (Isaiah 1:19)

On the 6^th day, the dust that would be Adam was touched directly by the hands of God.  “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (Genesis 2:7)  Quite literally, ordinary dirt was infused with Pneuma, the breath of God, and Zoë, the life of God, and Adam stood up in the power and presence of his Creator.  Indeed, it was a creative miracle! 

Mankind was created with very few limitations.  The divine directive, “have dominion,” issues carte blanche authority and autonomy within the earth realm.  Nevertheless, Adam had a heart for God and the will to adhere to divine order.  So Adam lived freely and fully…without fear.  There were no fears or anxieties because the Creator had given him none. (II Timothy 1:7)  He lived fearlessly…until he was beguiled by satanic deception!

Kingdom Principle Number Three: Whenever we surrender our will to satanic suggestions, we open doorways to fear and failure.  GOD does not operate in fear; GOD operates in faith!  The Word declares “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.” (Hebrews 11:6)  Since God created us, and since God is not the author of confusion, logically, our fear issues originate elsewhere. (I Corinthians 14:33)  The Apostle Paul provides a clear clue.  “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”  (Romans 10:17)  Put simply, faith comes by hearing the Word of God.  Logically, the opposite of faith (fear) must come by hearing the words of Satan.  Adam and Eve were large and in charge in Eden…until they literally had a chat-and-chew with Satan!

It was Satan that interjected fear into human history.  Fear is Satan’s greatest tool because fear blocks faith, which ultimately blocks blessings.  Without fear, it is impossible to please Satan.  Because fear distorts the word and penetrates the will.  Please hear this with your spirit.  In actuality, all sin is connected to fear.  Allow me to explain.  When we disobey God’s Word and yield to fleshly temptations, it is based upon the fact that somewhere down deep, we have become fearful that what God is saying is not true.  Think about it.  If we really believe (down deep inside) that we will definitely go to hell because we are liars, it would be virtually impossible to convince us to tell a lie!  Our will becomes infected by doubt (unbelief) whenever we chat-and-chew with Satan and grant him intimate opportunities to distort our faith and fellowship with our Creator.  This is fairly easy to spot because Satan has only three strategies, “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.” (I John 2:16)  See if you can identify all three (below) in Satan’s first encounter with man.  For the record, Jesus Christ overcame all three in the wilderness temptation. (Matthew 4:1-11)

Genesis 3:1-6

¹ Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

² And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

³ But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

⁴ And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

⁵ For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

⁶ And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

Kingdom Principle Number Four: Your will cannot remain aligned with God’s will if you CONTINUALLY dialogue with the devil.  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

I WILL (Part II)

I WILL (Part II)

Let’s recap Kingdom Principle Number One: being too willful can get you into trouble, and having no will at all can have the same result.  Both conditions create difficulty since both could abort God-ordained destiny and cancel God-ordered benefits, which are designed exclusively for Word-Based and Right-Willing believers.  To illustrate this truth, consider the amusing story of “Toad and Frog.”

One fine day in August, Toad baked some delicious chocolate chip cookies.  “These cookies smell great,” Toad said aloud to himself.  “And they taste even better!” he proudly exclaimed.  So Toad hurried over to Frog’s house.  “Frog, Frog!” cried Toad, “Taste these amphibi-delicious cookies I baked just for us!”

Frog ate one right away.  “These are the best cookies I’ve ever eaten!” declared the hungry Frog.

Frog and Toad devoured those mouthwatering cookies, one after another.  “You know, Toad,” said Frog with his mouth quite full, “I think we better stop eating.  We’re gonna’ get sick!”

“You are right of course,” agreed Toad.  “Let’s eat one last cookie, and then we will stop.”  Frog and Toad ate one last cookie as agreed, but there were many delectable cookies left in the bowl.

“Hey Frog,” said Toad, “let’s eat one very last cookie, and then we will stop.”  So Frog and Toad ate one very last cookie as agreed, but there were many tasty cookies left in the bowl.

“We simply must stop eating!” cried Toad as he reached for one more desert delicacy.

“Yes,” said Frog as he chomped down yet another, “We need willpower!”

“What is willpower anyway?” asked Toad with a puzzled look.

“Willpower is trying hard not to do something you really want to do,” instructed Frog.

“You mean like trying hard not to eat all these scrumptious cookies?” asked Toad.

“Right!” said Frog.  So Frog placed all remaining cookies in a beautiful box.

“There,” he said.  “Now we will not eat any more of these savory cookies.”

“But we can still open the box,” cautiously observed Toad.

“That is true,” agreed Frog.

So Frog tied some string around the box.  “There,” he said.  “Now we will certainly not eat any more cookies.”

“But we can still cut the string and open the box,” Toad whispered, though no one was nearby.

“That is true,” said Frog.  So Frog retrieved his ladder.  Putting the box up on a very high shelf, he proclaimed with a flourish, “There…now we will definitely not eat any more cookies!”

But Toad had his hand up, waiting to offer another insight.  “But Frog, we can climb the ladder, take down the box, cut the string, open the box…and it will be ‘cookie time’ up in here,” shouted Toad!

“This is true,” sadly conceded Frog.  Then he climbed the ladder, took down the box, cut the string, opened the box and raced out the door with it.  In his loudest voice Frog trumpeted, “Hey birds…free cookies!”  As you might imagine, birds flew in from everywhere!  After pecking and picking up cookie crumbs with their beaks, they flew off, quite happy and full.

“Now we have no more cookies to eat,” concluded Toad sadly, “not even one.”

“Yes,” said Frog with a smile, “but we do have lots and lots of willpower!”

“You may keep it all for yourself, Mr. Frog!” exclaimed Toad.  “I’m going home to bake a cake!”

Kingdom Principle Number Two: Life presents challenging choices; we must navigate wisely through bends and forks in the road.  These decision points constitute the privileges, pleasures and problems of life.  So consider carefully.  Which direction should the African woman travel today…her way or God’s way?  What should pilot the Scottish man’s ship…his pride or God’s compass?  How many cookies should a young Frog eat…the number his flesh cries for or the number his Creator knows is best?  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

I WILL (Part I)

I WILL (Part I)

A middle-aged African woman journeyed from house to house selling gorgeous fabrics, threads and buttons.  Because she was a Christian, it was her custom to consult the Lord each morning concerning the direction of her travels for that day.  This woman would pray in a most unusual manner; she would toss a stick into the air and then proceed in the direction in which the stick pointed after it landed on the ground.

However, one morning she was observed tossing her stick up into the air, not once, but several times.  “Why do you toss your stick more than once today?” a close friend asked.  “Because,” replied the woman, “it keeps on pointing to the left…and I want to take the road to the right.”  After making this explanation to her friend, the woman returned to the same spot and persistently tossed her stick into the air, again and again, until it pointed precisely in the direction she had the WILL to go.  All the while, in her mind at least, she had been seeking for the will of GOD!

Perhaps, that African woman had a ‘cousin’ of Scottish ancestry because her story reminds me of an old Scottish sailor who repeatedly got lost at sea.  In fact, he got lost so many times that his friend pitched in and bought him an expensive nautical compass.  They urged him to make use of it every day.  So the next time he got into his boat he dutifully carried the new and costly compass with him.  Nevertheless, as was the norm, he became hopelessly confused, lost and unable navigate back home.

Eventually, he was rescued (once again) by his dear friends.  Disgusted and impatient with him this time around, they asked “Why didn’t you use that exceptional compass we gave you?  You could have saved yourself and us a lot of trouble!”  The old sailor responded, “Oh, I had to stop using that useless thing.  I threw it into the sea.  Every time I wanted to head north, that stupid compass kept pointing south!”  This sailor was thoroughly convinced in his mind that he knew which way north actually was; he was so supremely certain that he stubbornly insisted on imposing his ‘wrong opinion’ on a ‘right compass.’  So he foolishly tossed an accurate compass aside, and was lost once again.

Kingdom Principle Number One: being too willful can get you into trouble, and having no will at all can have the same result.  Both of these conditions, 1) being too willful, or 2) having no will at all, can land you in deep and difficult waters.  Think about it.  Both conditions will potentially abort your God-ordained destiny and deny you of the God-ordered benefits that were designed exclusively for your life.  Consider this.  Whatever you allow to be written on that blank-sheet-of-life initially bestowed upon you by your Creator will have a huge impact, both in time and eternity.  So who is doing the writing…God…you…or others?

In our next devotional, we will illustrate this truth with the amusing story of “Toad and Frog.”  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

THE LORD IS MY LIGHT

THE LORD IS MY LIGHT

For today’s devotional, it’s on my heart to share my very favorite Psalm.  I hope that it blesses you as much as it has been a comfort and compass for my own life.

Psalm 27 (KJV)

¹ The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

² When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

³ Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

⁴ One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.

⁵ For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

⁶ And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.

⁷ Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

⁸ When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.

⁹ Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

¹⁰ When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.

¹¹ Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

¹² Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

¹³ I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

¹⁴ Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

When we “wait on the Lord,” that is, when we fully trust and depend upon Him, enlightenment, courage, strength, direction, provision and fulfillment are our promised portion.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!