Here for the last few weeks, my Pastor, Kevin Brown, has been talking about the exchanged life versus the surrendered life. I found this similar to what I have been studying for the last while myself. In other words, the surrendered life is what most Christan's are living, but the exchanged life equals the radical. To be honest, there are very few radical Christians out there, and the world's condition is desperate for these radicals. Men as fathers need to step it up as Christians, not putting so much interest and devotion on how well your child does in sports and "extracurricular activities" and start focusing on training that child to stand strong in a world with seemingly no direction and quickly fading morals. Men who are not married and not fathers need to step it up with focusing on pure hearts and taking every thought captive and not worrying so much about the latest video game, guitar, or air soft rifle, or whatever the case may be. To all Christians, we need to step it up and take so much care out of magazines, romance novels, cells phones and computers and place our main priority on indulging ourselves in His Word. Our priorities as Christian men and Christians as a whole seem to be way out of proportion just at first glance of the world and society. How to we make a change and do a 180?
After Christmas, or a birthday or just anytime in general, have you ever taken it back to the store from which it came? What is the reason for taking it back? To exchange it...I'm sure we have all exchanged something. I was listening to Pastor Kevin's messages on the exchanged life and was thinking of a good way of grasping it in my own mind and I thought I would share.
When we exchange something, why do we make the exchange? For example, lets say we have a big glass vase that we just purchased. We open it and see that it has a tiny crack in the glass, but you know that crack will grow larger and larger. When we take it back to exchange it, we are getting the same glass vase, but we are getting one without blemish or crack.
When we exchange our current lives, we are giving up the life that we previously knew for one that God has a sole purpose for. We are willing to do whatever God tells us without question or even an answer as to why. When we fully exchange our lives, we do the thing that God tells us to do, even if we do not see the whole picture. I know I'm not married, but men I want you to think about something for just a moment..when you make a decision for your family that you know is right, don't you want your wife and children to trust you fully? Even if they can't see the outcome, or even know why that decision is being made? It is the SAME THING with God. God longs for us to trust Him because after all, He is fully trustworthy. God can instruct us to do something in our lives and He just wants our full trust. We must know for a fact that God will not steer you in the wrong direction, or send you without enough strength. That is just like a great father isn't it?
Something that I personally have to remember often is the fact that God does not need my help, He just needs my obedience. He doesn't need my help with taking my life and relationship with Him to the next level, He has that taken care of. All that He needs from me is my obedience, because He cannot bless the disobedient. Fathers, if you asked your child to take out the garbage and wash the dishes, and you came home to them watching TV with neither of the two done, would you bless them? ABSOLUTELY NOT!! Again, the same thing with God. Fathers if you want to understand the way that God works, just relate it to fatherhood. When we exchange our lives and make that profession, that is only the start. It is what you do after that that counts. When we hear instruction from Him, we must be obedient to do it. When we are obedient, we will be given what was promised. "And all these things shall be added to you." Words of Jesus
Here is something that I want you to think about, just to see how "radical" or "exchanged" you think you may be. If you were completely obedient and done everything He asked of you and never received a blessing, or experienced many trials, would you still do it? Because we should never exchange our lives just for what we may gain..we could follow His every command and never see much worldly gain. I want you to realize that is not promised. Your health, wealth and possessions are not promised...what is promised is His name being glorified above all other things through you if you exchange your life saying "Lord, whatever you want to do with me, here I am. Take it all if it be Your will. Because it is Your Name above all other things. Hallowed be Your name, Your will be done, in Jesus' name"
That is what it is all about. You are a representative of the King, will you make the exchange?
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Digging Deep
In my last post, I talked about seeking Gods will in our lives. I mentioned that we can often become selfish in doing that; asking....asking...asking...and asking more. So seldom do we take time and listen to what God has to say in return. Lets look at HOW to seek His will diligently. Before doing so, we must first realize that it is NOT about us....
I believe that seeking the face of God is something that takes the very utmost of dedication. This cannot be something like a hobby, which we think about periodically or seldom. Seeking after His will should be a lifestyle. Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other." that we cannot be a part of the world and Him. We must choose. Either we are all in, or all out. "Go big or go home", so to speak.
(This picture is a great example of what it looks like to indulge ourselves in seeking His will. Even Jesus did that in Gethsemene)
We must completely indulge ourselves in Him. In fact, what was Jesus doing when He was 12 years old? He was about His Fathers business. Do you want to go REALLY deep???? Lets look at John 6:53-57...Jesus says "Truly, truly I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in You. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in Him. As the living Father sent me, he also will live because of me." That's what I call indulgence. You see, it must be our highest priority. Our bread of life. I find it interesting that the more we do this, the more we realize that we don't really need that much to live. We have Him. I believe the less unnecessary things we have, the more we are equipped for our purpose.
God does not play hide and seek with His will. God has a desire that we know His will, in fact. Although, it goes against His grain to show us His will if we are not seeking, or even partially seeking. Think about it like this....I know that most of my readers do not have children but just imagine you do for a moment. If our child wants so badly to go outside and play, we say, "Sure, but you must clean your room first." Later on, they come back and say, " Okay mommy/daddy, I'm ready to go outside now!!!!!" "Have you cleaned your room yet?"..."No..." We could not bless that. It is the same way with our Father. If we are not seeking, He cannot bless..simple as that. "Lord!! I'm ready for Your will in my life now!!" "Have you sought me with your WHOLE HEART?"....you finish the rest. So..we know that our priorities must be set on Him and looking for His will.
Here is one of the most important point I will make in this post...when seeking for His will, do not put limits on Him. For example, if I am praying about which job to take, or which direction to go, what if it is neither? What if God has something totally different for you? Just keep that in mind.
So, in conclusion, seeking His face takes much dedication. More dedication than playing your instrument, more dedication than your job, more dedication than sports, and yes, more dedication than even your own life and family. I don't mean to not be dedicated to your family at all, but THAT is how much dedication it is going to take. We must consume ourselves in His word to know His absolute will. Remember, God so longs to be sought by us.
More on how to seek His will in my next post.
I believe that seeking the face of God is something that takes the very utmost of dedication. This cannot be something like a hobby, which we think about periodically or seldom. Seeking after His will should be a lifestyle. Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other." that we cannot be a part of the world and Him. We must choose. Either we are all in, or all out. "Go big or go home", so to speak.
(This picture is a great example of what it looks like to indulge ourselves in seeking His will. Even Jesus did that in Gethsemene)We must completely indulge ourselves in Him. In fact, what was Jesus doing when He was 12 years old? He was about His Fathers business. Do you want to go REALLY deep???? Lets look at John 6:53-57...Jesus says "Truly, truly I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in You. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in Him. As the living Father sent me, he also will live because of me." That's what I call indulgence. You see, it must be our highest priority. Our bread of life. I find it interesting that the more we do this, the more we realize that we don't really need that much to live. We have Him. I believe the less unnecessary things we have, the more we are equipped for our purpose.
God does not play hide and seek with His will. God has a desire that we know His will, in fact. Although, it goes against His grain to show us His will if we are not seeking, or even partially seeking. Think about it like this....I know that most of my readers do not have children but just imagine you do for a moment. If our child wants so badly to go outside and play, we say, "Sure, but you must clean your room first." Later on, they come back and say, " Okay mommy/daddy, I'm ready to go outside now!!!!!" "Have you cleaned your room yet?"..."No..." We could not bless that. It is the same way with our Father. If we are not seeking, He cannot bless..simple as that. "Lord!! I'm ready for Your will in my life now!!" "Have you sought me with your WHOLE HEART?"....you finish the rest. So..we know that our priorities must be set on Him and looking for His will.
Here is one of the most important point I will make in this post...when seeking for His will, do not put limits on Him. For example, if I am praying about which job to take, or which direction to go, what if it is neither? What if God has something totally different for you? Just keep that in mind.
So, in conclusion, seeking His face takes much dedication. More dedication than playing your instrument, more dedication than your job, more dedication than sports, and yes, more dedication than even your own life and family. I don't mean to not be dedicated to your family at all, but THAT is how much dedication it is going to take. We must consume ourselves in His word to know His absolute will. Remember, God so longs to be sought by us.
More on how to seek His will in my next post.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Mountain Climber
For a long time here lately, I have been thinking alot about my blog. I haven't posted a blog since April 4th! It isn't because I haven't had time, nor have I forgotten about it. I have just simply been blank about the subject of the condition of this world. I believe it is unquestionable that we are soon to see the last days. As a matter of fact, I believe that we are in the last days. This world in is such rough condition, I think, "where do I start?". While paying close attention to the world events taking place, thinks have bounced from Lybia, Israel, The Middle East, The United States and back around the circle again.
Here lately, the big focus has been on the United States and its dwindelling government. The obvious big issues are spending and borrowing of the US. The republicans are strong on their oppinions on how to fix this mess and the democrats are the same way. Now, you may ask me, am I a republican, or democrat? (Yes, I know this can get personal, depending on the person) The answer?...neither..I am a Christian. Why do I not stand for one party or the next? Becuase neither stand on the principals of the Word of the Living God. Do not get me wrong, dont think that I do not care, because I can assure you that I do. Although, I am not a politician at all, so we wont get to deep into that today. Maybe later.
To sum all that up, my every single blog will NOT be on the depressing news of America, it will NOT be all about the destruction of surrounding countries and nations. Although Israel is definitely the nation to watch today, my blogs will not even be on the events of Israel (even though I will keep you informed). Rather than just providing you with facts of our time, I want to supply the means to fix our own lives: seeking God with ALL YOUR HEART.
Something that I have thought much about in my own life in the last while is how I pray. I tend to do alot of asking and trying to figure things out for myself. I would even venture to say that most of you do too. We do this without realizing it. It is almost natural. But why? Why are we so focused on ourselves to ask for things for ourselves instead of seek what God wants? I hear so many peopke ask me and others "how do I know what Gods will for my life is?" That is a great question. Not so very long ago, I had that same question myself. I spent a lot of time searching and what I thought was seeking for that answer. Something that I had to realize is that Gods will is so much bigger than me. Do I know God's will for my every step in life? No. Not even close. When looking for that answer, one of the most important elements is loosing grip on yourself and realize that He has a plan that is more than your life. Now, does God have a will for your life? Absolutely. Nothing comes to us by chance. But, when we realize that we are servants for Him, looking at the bigger picture becomes easier; and after a while, we will tend to take the focus off ourself.
When I was wanting to know His will for my individual life, to be honest, I wasn't so concerned with the homeless man begging for just a bite of food. I wasn't worried about the people who weren't hearing the word of God. I was so concerned with trying to find what was right for my life, that I didn't even notice the bigger picture. The truth is, most Christians are looking for God's will in their own life, but, my theory is that if we all take focus off ourselves, and put it on each other, our needs will be met. But, more importantly, we can show Christ in our lives to reach those is desperate need. In fact, that is God's will for us as a people and Christian nation.
Matthew 28: 19-20
Next, we will look at HOW to seek His will and living a radical Christian life.
Here lately, the big focus has been on the United States and its dwindelling government. The obvious big issues are spending and borrowing of the US. The republicans are strong on their oppinions on how to fix this mess and the democrats are the same way. Now, you may ask me, am I a republican, or democrat? (Yes, I know this can get personal, depending on the person) The answer?...neither..I am a Christian. Why do I not stand for one party or the next? Becuase neither stand on the principals of the Word of the Living God. Do not get me wrong, dont think that I do not care, because I can assure you that I do. Although, I am not a politician at all, so we wont get to deep into that today. Maybe later.
To sum all that up, my every single blog will NOT be on the depressing news of America, it will NOT be all about the destruction of surrounding countries and nations. Although Israel is definitely the nation to watch today, my blogs will not even be on the events of Israel (even though I will keep you informed). Rather than just providing you with facts of our time, I want to supply the means to fix our own lives: seeking God with ALL YOUR HEART.
Something that I have thought much about in my own life in the last while is how I pray. I tend to do alot of asking and trying to figure things out for myself. I would even venture to say that most of you do too. We do this without realizing it. It is almost natural. But why? Why are we so focused on ourselves to ask for things for ourselves instead of seek what God wants? I hear so many peopke ask me and others "how do I know what Gods will for my life is?" That is a great question. Not so very long ago, I had that same question myself. I spent a lot of time searching and what I thought was seeking for that answer. Something that I had to realize is that Gods will is so much bigger than me. Do I know God's will for my every step in life? No. Not even close. When looking for that answer, one of the most important elements is loosing grip on yourself and realize that He has a plan that is more than your life. Now, does God have a will for your life? Absolutely. Nothing comes to us by chance. But, when we realize that we are servants for Him, looking at the bigger picture becomes easier; and after a while, we will tend to take the focus off ourself.
When I was wanting to know His will for my individual life, to be honest, I wasn't so concerned with the homeless man begging for just a bite of food. I wasn't worried about the people who weren't hearing the word of God. I was so concerned with trying to find what was right for my life, that I didn't even notice the bigger picture. The truth is, most Christians are looking for God's will in their own life, but, my theory is that if we all take focus off ourselves, and put it on each other, our needs will be met. But, more importantly, we can show Christ in our lives to reach those is desperate need. In fact, that is God's will for us as a people and Christian nation.
Matthew 28: 19-20
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Next, we will look at HOW to seek His will and living a radical Christian life.
Monday, April 4, 2011
John: Becoming A Real Disciple
I know...the title doesn't sound like one of my usual posts. That's because it isn't. Our Passion Play has just concluded and let me tell you; it changed my life! I had the wonderful privilege of playing Disciple John and it was so humbling. Not only was it humbling, but the Passion Play taught me so much about the Bible and the life of Jesus. My role brought me so much closer to Christ because I was able to feel what I believe the real John felt while following Jesus. Let me give you some examples. The first scene of the play where the disciples follow Jesus into the crowd, I feel that we still didn't know too much about Jesus Himself. So, as we see Him make the lame to walk, heal the blind, cast out demons and make the dead to live again, we are absolutely amazed. The only part that I didn't like about my role was the fact that I had to try to turn away children from seeing Jesus just after His sermon on the mount. I believe that John is secretly wondering about Jesus, and starting to really believe what He is saying...especially when He calms the storm and walks on the water. I believe that John was trying to comprehend and understand the love that Jesus had for others. Many times in His life, Jesus was silent. (I try to remember this as I live my life from day to day) for example, when the adulterous woman is about to be stoned, Jesus just neals down and writes in the sand. For a while, He doesn't say anything at all. Many people wonder what He writes because the Bible never specifies. Jesus says "alright stone her, but let he who is without sin cast the first stone." I hear many people say that He is writing the accusers sins, but I believe that Jesus is writing their names in the sand. You can form your own opinion as to why He may be writing their names, being that they were going to stone an adulteress woman...but anyway...back to my point. Again, when Jesus is being judged He is completely silent. He doesn't argue or try to fight, but He is silent before His accusers because He knows the truth. WOW!! talk about being meek! That is a great example of having power under control. In the play, I also get to experience the pleasure of sitting with Jesus at the last supper and partaking of His body, as well as the disappointment of falling asleep on Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. There are so many different emotions to this part; and I can only imagine what John was feeling. I get to experience the rage of seeing the one I follow being captured and falsely accused because Judas betrayed Him. I get to fight for my Jesus while He is being tried and sentenced to scourging and crucifition. I get to try to plead with the soldiers to stop beating Him and to let Him go because He is innocent. I feel so helpless when all others besides myself have turned their backs on Him, but yet I know the truth. John was a man who wasn't scared to stand up for what he believed in. He was right there with Jesus through every single thing that He death with, no matter how much the Roman soldiers placed threats on his life. I also understand to know how it feels when Jesus cries out, "My God! My God! Why have You forsaken Me?!" It feels that everything for John is absolutely falling apart and that Jesus really is gone. I feel the anguish of watching Him being lowered of the cross and placed in a tomb. Here comes my favorite part..I know how it feels to find out that Jesus has risen from from the dead and to see it first hand..I get to explain to my fellow Disciples that everything that Jesus taught was the truth! What an amazing experience.
My future father in law talks alot about the Mexico mission trip and how much it changed his life. It is awesome to hear him talk about it because you can really tell that he was affected by it. I'm am the same way with the Passion play. It has so dramatically changed me that I will never be the same. I have made a promise to Jesus to fully and whole-heatedly seek Him with everything that I have until I am broken down. I want to train myself to think like Jesus did, to react to situations the way He did, and to teach and lead the way He did and is still doing. In beginning this transformation, I consider myself a REAL living Disciple and follower of Jesus Christ. This task will be very difficult, and will go on for the rest of my days, but the Love of Jesus compels me to do this.
May we seek Christ in the midst of this world.
My future father in law talks alot about the Mexico mission trip and how much it changed his life. It is awesome to hear him talk about it because you can really tell that he was affected by it. I'm am the same way with the Passion play. It has so dramatically changed me that I will never be the same. I have made a promise to Jesus to fully and whole-heatedly seek Him with everything that I have until I am broken down. I want to train myself to think like Jesus did, to react to situations the way He did, and to teach and lead the way He did and is still doing. In beginning this transformation, I consider myself a REAL living Disciple and follower of Jesus Christ. This task will be very difficult, and will go on for the rest of my days, but the Love of Jesus compels me to do this.
May we seek Christ in the midst of this world.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Dramatic Events Unfold
Here lately, I have been spending a lot of time in the Bible reading prophecy material and relating them to current events. I find myself in the book of Daniel very often. Daniel was a man who was shown visions about times such as these and he was very close to God. These studies have very much affected my prayer life, as I pray to be shown things as well. I must admit that I was praying with little faith, because I was thinking that God wouldn't show me things so vividly and so dramatic, but boy was I wrong. Just last night I was driving down 421 on my way to town and it was around 8:30 or 9:00. I gave my signal to switch lanes and when I checked my rear view mirror I saw what I believe that God had me to see that night just above my car. The sky looked just like an angel holding what looked like a lightning bolt directed towards the earth. Now I know that sounds so so crazy, but I'm telling the truth. The bolt of lightning and its wings were so vivid and clear, and I could see the shape of its upper body. The image was there for about 2 or 3 minutes then disappeared; just long enough for me to get the image in my head. Before really even praying about it, God spoke and told me that this was a sign that these events on the earth now are going to continue and begin to escalate. By "these events" I mean the events in Libya, Japan, Egypt, Israel, America and many others. After seeing this, I wasn't like Daniel, trembling and afraid. I was just at peace about it. It was very interesting. I just thought I would share what I got to experience.
I have much to talk about in this post, so here we go. First of all, a "No Fly Zone" has been issued over Libya. Everything has been going okay with it so far, but last night, I saw on the news that there has been bombings in Tripoli, which is on the coast of Libya.
In another live video, it was about 2:30 in the morning there, and the sky looked like a multitude of aircraft and missiles in the air. That seems so huge to me. There is still so much to learn on that story. The nation to watch is Israel. The nation of Israel is God's chosen people. The reason for the 1000 year reign of Christ is so that He will keep His promise to Abraham when He told him He would protect the nation. Some Americans, for some reason, think that Americans are Gods chosen people. I have news...we are NOT. God is all about keeping His promises and another promise that He made was that during the tribulation time, 144,000 Jews will come to Christ. Its amazing to me how God chooses such a small nation to be His chosen. All of Israel is about the size of New Jersey. Yet this nation is the nation to watch. It will be the focal point of the End Times. America has almost always been allies with Israel, which is a very good thing, being that Israel has such a strong army, but we are beginning to pull away from them for some reason, which is bad.
This is called the Dome of the Rock, which is in Jerusalem. This will be the site of the New Jerusalem, but first, during the tribulation period, the Antichrist will go inside the temple and set up an image of himself.
"He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God. "
2 Thessalonians 2:4
By the way, another indication of the last days is that the temple will be rebuilt and as we speak, the material is being prepared. The tends to put things into perspective doesn't it?
I know this a lot, but I have one more thing. Lets look at something the physician Luke wrote.
"There will be sings in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea."
Luke 21:25
On March 19th, the moon was closest to the earth that it has been in 18 years and possibly closer....lets take a look.
Check this out! How many times do we see a FULL MOON that close?! That is amazing. That definitely speaks to me. With God, nothing is just by chance. The moon was only an estimated 221,365 miles from the earth. Personally, I love astronomy. It is beautiful to see the planets and the moon and stars, so this interests me; much less the fact that it is in Gods word! At the moons normal distance from the earth, it has such a huge gravitational pull that it actually controls the tides of the oceans and seismic activity such as tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanoes. So at this close distance, imagine what kind of imbalance that can cause..its amazing.
Lets look at the second part of that verse. "on the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring of the sea." Does anything come to mind? How about the tsunami and earthquakes in Japan, which are the largest ever recorded in history.
These pictures are so devastating. I believe all that is going on is truly Gods "wake up call" if you will, to this world. Christians, lets us not forget our purpose:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:19-20
Every nation today is in need. Although they are in need of different things whether it be disaster relief, or types of freedom, they are all in need of the same thing, which is Jesus Christ. In the end, He is all that matters. "I am the way, the truth and the life" "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" -Jesus
May we seek Christ in the midst of this world.
I have much to talk about in this post, so here we go. First of all, a "No Fly Zone" has been issued over Libya. Everything has been going okay with it so far, but last night, I saw on the news that there has been bombings in Tripoli, which is on the coast of Libya.
In another live video, it was about 2:30 in the morning there, and the sky looked like a multitude of aircraft and missiles in the air. That seems so huge to me. There is still so much to learn on that story. The nation to watch is Israel. The nation of Israel is God's chosen people. The reason for the 1000 year reign of Christ is so that He will keep His promise to Abraham when He told him He would protect the nation. Some Americans, for some reason, think that Americans are Gods chosen people. I have news...we are NOT. God is all about keeping His promises and another promise that He made was that during the tribulation time, 144,000 Jews will come to Christ. Its amazing to me how God chooses such a small nation to be His chosen. All of Israel is about the size of New Jersey. Yet this nation is the nation to watch. It will be the focal point of the End Times. America has almost always been allies with Israel, which is a very good thing, being that Israel has such a strong army, but we are beginning to pull away from them for some reason, which is bad.
This is called the Dome of the Rock, which is in Jerusalem. This will be the site of the New Jerusalem, but first, during the tribulation period, the Antichrist will go inside the temple and set up an image of himself.
"He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God. "
2 Thessalonians 2:4
By the way, another indication of the last days is that the temple will be rebuilt and as we speak, the material is being prepared. The tends to put things into perspective doesn't it?
I know this a lot, but I have one more thing. Lets look at something the physician Luke wrote.
"There will be sings in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea."
Luke 21:25
On March 19th, the moon was closest to the earth that it has been in 18 years and possibly closer....lets take a look.
Check this out! How many times do we see a FULL MOON that close?! That is amazing. That definitely speaks to me. With God, nothing is just by chance. The moon was only an estimated 221,365 miles from the earth. Personally, I love astronomy. It is beautiful to see the planets and the moon and stars, so this interests me; much less the fact that it is in Gods word! At the moons normal distance from the earth, it has such a huge gravitational pull that it actually controls the tides of the oceans and seismic activity such as tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanoes. So at this close distance, imagine what kind of imbalance that can cause..its amazing.
Lets look at the second part of that verse. "on the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring of the sea." Does anything come to mind? How about the tsunami and earthquakes in Japan, which are the largest ever recorded in history.
These pictures are so devastating. I believe all that is going on is truly Gods "wake up call" if you will, to this world. Christians, lets us not forget our purpose:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:19-20
Every nation today is in need. Although they are in need of different things whether it be disaster relief, or types of freedom, they are all in need of the same thing, which is Jesus Christ. In the end, He is all that matters. "I am the way, the truth and the life" "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" -Jesus
May we seek Christ in the midst of this world.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Time For A New Revelation
I want us to look at something real quick. Something I was thinking about last night. When Jesus was carrying His cross, a man helped Him and said "I am an innocent man forced to carry a condemned mans cross". Isn't this the other way around?? Jesus had to carry our cross because we couldnt have done it oursleves. Just let that sit..
On another note....Im sure we have all heard about the disaster in Japan that has killed at least 10,000 people. This, to me is almost like a scene from a movie! Who would have thought this sort of thing could have happened so unpredicted?? But will not the same be for the return of the Son of Man? The thing that caught my attention was the fact that the quake moved the coast line in Japan 8 feet. It also moved the ENITRE EARTHS AXIS 18cm, and we lost 2 millionths of a second on each day. An earthquake that can change time...thats huge. Check this out. I want us to think about some things through out this post..
"I watched as he opened the sixth seal, There was an earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as late figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by strong wind. The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place."
Revelation 6:12-14
No earthquake in history has ever moved the physical being of the earth...much less 8 feet! And changed time!! Thats major.
So is the Japanese earthquake the one that marks the beginning of the end? Maybe. Personally...I believe so. Here are my reasons for thinking so. I hear alot of people say that things have always been happening and people have always been expecting the end. But let us look around. Yes, things like this used to happen, but not nearly this often. There is still protesting all over the world now...even in America, and now a massive earthquake hit Japan which triggered one of the largest tsunamis ever recorded. Not to even mention all the nuclear meldowns and blasts. Also, people have always expected Christs return..but not anymore. The population of Christians is rapidly declining and people are so wrapped up in their own little world that it takes something such as this to even get their attention. So no...people arent at all expecting it anymore. The Bible says that He will come like a theif in the night.
"For as lightining that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man."
Matthew 24:27
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him"
Matthew 24:42-44
See? Jesus Himself tells us to be watchful. For me, that says enough.
Matthew 24 is a great passage of scirpture. Jesus was leaving the temple when His disciples got His attention and came to Him privately, asking what the signs of the end of age are. He mentions to them that there will be those who claim to be Christ, wars and rumors of wars. Nations will turn against nations and kingdoms against kingdoms. There will be earthquakes in various places. Jesus says that all these things must happen before He returns.
So here is my theory. I believe the events in Japan, Lybia, Egypt and other events in America are a wake up call from God. We aren't by any means in the tribulation period now...because Christians are still here. In the tribulation period, things will be so much worse than they are now. For example, the Bible says that it will take an entire days wages just to buy a loaf of bread! The people will then pretty much get fed up with the Antichrist and rebel against him. This will be what we know as the battle of armageddon. The events during the tribulation time will be far worse than what we are seeing now. Much more catastrophic. Think of it...tornadoes, asteroids, hurricanes, floods, lightning, fires, etc on a regular basis. Theres more...$65 for a loaf of bread and $100 for a gallon of gasoline. These times will be impossible for the non-believer and very difficult for those who come to Christ during that time, if not, harder.
But like I said, what we are seeing now is just a wake up call for what is to come. Soon, when the last person accepts Christ, He will come back for us. Imagine the confusion. Wow. So as far as watching the days and events of this current age, I think the real place to watch in Israel. Israel is where everything will take place and take a shape. I believe that we can look for the Antichrist to be of the Muslim faith, because he will have access to the temple, where he will set up the image of himself to worship, much like king Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel. I believe that these things will unfold day by day. But, we must remember our most important duty as Christians
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:19-20
In the past weeks, my Pastor has been doing a sermon series on Heaven, and I must say, I look forward to Heaven way more than I ever have. We must take every thought captive, and our hearts must be on things above.
May we seek Christ in the midst of this world.
On another note....Im sure we have all heard about the disaster in Japan that has killed at least 10,000 people. This, to me is almost like a scene from a movie! Who would have thought this sort of thing could have happened so unpredicted?? But will not the same be for the return of the Son of Man? The thing that caught my attention was the fact that the quake moved the coast line in Japan 8 feet. It also moved the ENITRE EARTHS AXIS 18cm, and we lost 2 millionths of a second on each day. An earthquake that can change time...thats huge. Check this out. I want us to think about some things through out this post..
"I watched as he opened the sixth seal, There was an earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as late figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by strong wind. The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place."
Revelation 6:12-14
No earthquake in history has ever moved the physical being of the earth...much less 8 feet! And changed time!! Thats major.
So is the Japanese earthquake the one that marks the beginning of the end? Maybe. Personally...I believe so. Here are my reasons for thinking so. I hear alot of people say that things have always been happening and people have always been expecting the end. But let us look around. Yes, things like this used to happen, but not nearly this often. There is still protesting all over the world now...even in America, and now a massive earthquake hit Japan which triggered one of the largest tsunamis ever recorded. Not to even mention all the nuclear meldowns and blasts. Also, people have always expected Christs return..but not anymore. The population of Christians is rapidly declining and people are so wrapped up in their own little world that it takes something such as this to even get their attention. So no...people arent at all expecting it anymore. The Bible says that He will come like a theif in the night.
"For as lightining that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man."
Matthew 24:27
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him"
Matthew 24:42-44
See? Jesus Himself tells us to be watchful. For me, that says enough.
Matthew 24 is a great passage of scirpture. Jesus was leaving the temple when His disciples got His attention and came to Him privately, asking what the signs of the end of age are. He mentions to them that there will be those who claim to be Christ, wars and rumors of wars. Nations will turn against nations and kingdoms against kingdoms. There will be earthquakes in various places. Jesus says that all these things must happen before He returns.
So here is my theory. I believe the events in Japan, Lybia, Egypt and other events in America are a wake up call from God. We aren't by any means in the tribulation period now...because Christians are still here. In the tribulation period, things will be so much worse than they are now. For example, the Bible says that it will take an entire days wages just to buy a loaf of bread! The people will then pretty much get fed up with the Antichrist and rebel against him. This will be what we know as the battle of armageddon. The events during the tribulation time will be far worse than what we are seeing now. Much more catastrophic. Think of it...tornadoes, asteroids, hurricanes, floods, lightning, fires, etc on a regular basis. Theres more...$65 for a loaf of bread and $100 for a gallon of gasoline. These times will be impossible for the non-believer and very difficult for those who come to Christ during that time, if not, harder.
But like I said, what we are seeing now is just a wake up call for what is to come. Soon, when the last person accepts Christ, He will come back for us. Imagine the confusion. Wow. So as far as watching the days and events of this current age, I think the real place to watch in Israel. Israel is where everything will take place and take a shape. I believe that we can look for the Antichrist to be of the Muslim faith, because he will have access to the temple, where he will set up the image of himself to worship, much like king Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel. I believe that these things will unfold day by day. But, we must remember our most important duty as Christians
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:19-20
In the past weeks, my Pastor has been doing a sermon series on Heaven, and I must say, I look forward to Heaven way more than I ever have. We must take every thought captive, and our hearts must be on things above.
May we seek Christ in the midst of this world.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Daniel's Visions and Today's World
(The preparation for this post has took a lot of time and studying, but I think you will enjoy it.)
Since my last post, I have been studying about the end of age, tribulation time, the Antichrist and so much more. A question of mine that came to mind was "Who in the Bible knew about these subjects very well?" The first person that came to mind was not John (the author of Revelation) but Daniel, who wrote his book to the Jewish exiles in Babylonia anywhere from 605-530 B.C.
What I am about to say has really nothing to do with what is going on in our world today....or does it? Seemingly, it doesn't have much to do with anything the world is experiencing, but if you pay close attention, it has almost everything to do with our world today. Just remember that as you read.
I began my study in Daniel chapter 7. Daniels first personal experience of visions takes place in Chapter 7; just after adventure in the lions den in Chapter 6. As I go into the text, I am going to try to supply you with all of the historical, sociological and geological information that goes along with it.
Daniel 7:1 - In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he was lying on his bed. He wrote down the substance of his dream.
The first year of king Belshazzar, or his first year as king, was around 553 B.C.
Daniel 7:2 - Daniel said: "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me were the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea.
The great sea in Daniels vision refers to the world of nations and peoples. What is the four winds of heaven? Ill get to that in just a second.
Daniel 7:3 - Four great beasts, each different from the others, came up out of the sea.
Daniel 7:4 - The first was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted from the ground so that it stood on two feet like a man, and the heart of a man was given to it.
Daniel 7:5 - And there before me was a second beast, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, 'Get up and eat your fill of flesh!'
Daniel 7:6 - After that, I looked, and there before me was another beast, one that looked like a leopard. And on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.
Daniel 7:7 - After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.
Daniel 7:8 - While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth that spoke boastfully.
Here is a picture to give you an idea. If you re like me, seeing things helps put the concept into perspective.
Verse 4: The lion with eagles wings symbolizes the Neo-Babylonian empire. I believe the rest of verse 4 (wings torn of, given the heart of a man) refers to the humbling of King Nebuchadnezzar in chapter 4.
Verse 5: The bear raised up on one of its sides refers to the superior status of the Persians in the Medo-Persian alliance. The three ribs could represent its three principal conquests: Lydia (546 B.C.) Babylon (539) and Egypt (525).
Verse 6: The leopard with four wings symbolizes the fast conquest of Alexander the Great. (334-330). The four heads correspond to the four main divisions into which his empire fell after he died in 323. Which is Macedon and Greece, Thrace and Asia Minor, Syria, the Holy Land and Egypt.
Verse 7: The fourth beast, with its irresistible power represents, you guessed it...the Roman Empire. The ten horns simply represent its authority.
Verse 8: The other small horn that the beast has is the Antichrist or a world power sharing the characteristics of the Antichrist. That also points to the "mouth that spoke boastfully" as the Antichrist will do very well.
This passage of scripture represents historical events that were dead on the money with Daniels vision, (that an angel, whom I believe was Gabriel, interpreted),
The four great beasts are indeed four great kingdoms that will rise in the world. The interpretation says that the small horn (the Antichrist) on the fourth beast will wage war with the saints and defeat them until the Ancient of Days (God) steps in and pronounces the judgement in favor of the saints.
For me, the most interesting thing about this whole chapter is that the angel tells Daniel that it will be a very long time before these things come to pass. That was in Daniels time, roughly 530 B.C. Its been a long time don't you think? At that time, Daniel would have been around the age of 80 years old just after his experience in the lions den, so he was no young man.
So, the fourth beast is a fourth Kingdom that will rise form the earth that will be much different from any other kingdom, and will devour all other nations. Do any nations come to mind? How about Rome? its a pretty big empire wouldn't you say? Or even China, whom America is in great dept to and they have the upper hand. Im not certain of this nation, or the king that will rise from this nation...but im just trying to get you to imagine and do a little bit of homework because this stuff really is amazing to watch play out. The ten horns are ten kings that will rise from this kingdom. After them, another king will appear, different from all the rest. The Bible says that this king will speak against the Most High and oppress His saints and try to change times and laws. But ultimately, the court will sit, and every knee bow and every tongue confess how great is our God! :)
May we seek Christ in the midst of this world
Since my last post, I have been studying about the end of age, tribulation time, the Antichrist and so much more. A question of mine that came to mind was "Who in the Bible knew about these subjects very well?" The first person that came to mind was not John (the author of Revelation) but Daniel, who wrote his book to the Jewish exiles in Babylonia anywhere from 605-530 B.C.
What I am about to say has really nothing to do with what is going on in our world today....or does it? Seemingly, it doesn't have much to do with anything the world is experiencing, but if you pay close attention, it has almost everything to do with our world today. Just remember that as you read.
I began my study in Daniel chapter 7. Daniels first personal experience of visions takes place in Chapter 7; just after adventure in the lions den in Chapter 6. As I go into the text, I am going to try to supply you with all of the historical, sociological and geological information that goes along with it.
Daniel 7:1 - In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he was lying on his bed. He wrote down the substance of his dream.
The first year of king Belshazzar, or his first year as king, was around 553 B.C.
Daniel 7:2 - Daniel said: "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me were the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea.
The great sea in Daniels vision refers to the world of nations and peoples. What is the four winds of heaven? Ill get to that in just a second.
Daniel 7:3 - Four great beasts, each different from the others, came up out of the sea.
Daniel 7:4 - The first was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted from the ground so that it stood on two feet like a man, and the heart of a man was given to it.
Daniel 7:5 - And there before me was a second beast, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, 'Get up and eat your fill of flesh!'
Daniel 7:6 - After that, I looked, and there before me was another beast, one that looked like a leopard. And on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.
Daniel 7:7 - After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.
Daniel 7:8 - While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth that spoke boastfully.
Here is a picture to give you an idea. If you re like me, seeing things helps put the concept into perspective.
Verse 4: The lion with eagles wings symbolizes the Neo-Babylonian empire. I believe the rest of verse 4 (wings torn of, given the heart of a man) refers to the humbling of King Nebuchadnezzar in chapter 4.
Verse 5: The bear raised up on one of its sides refers to the superior status of the Persians in the Medo-Persian alliance. The three ribs could represent its three principal conquests: Lydia (546 B.C.) Babylon (539) and Egypt (525).
Verse 6: The leopard with four wings symbolizes the fast conquest of Alexander the Great. (334-330). The four heads correspond to the four main divisions into which his empire fell after he died in 323. Which is Macedon and Greece, Thrace and Asia Minor, Syria, the Holy Land and Egypt.
Verse 7: The fourth beast, with its irresistible power represents, you guessed it...the Roman Empire. The ten horns simply represent its authority.
Verse 8: The other small horn that the beast has is the Antichrist or a world power sharing the characteristics of the Antichrist. That also points to the "mouth that spoke boastfully" as the Antichrist will do very well.
This passage of scripture represents historical events that were dead on the money with Daniels vision, (that an angel, whom I believe was Gabriel, interpreted),
The four great beasts are indeed four great kingdoms that will rise in the world. The interpretation says that the small horn (the Antichrist) on the fourth beast will wage war with the saints and defeat them until the Ancient of Days (God) steps in and pronounces the judgement in favor of the saints.
For me, the most interesting thing about this whole chapter is that the angel tells Daniel that it will be a very long time before these things come to pass. That was in Daniels time, roughly 530 B.C. Its been a long time don't you think? At that time, Daniel would have been around the age of 80 years old just after his experience in the lions den, so he was no young man.
So, the fourth beast is a fourth Kingdom that will rise form the earth that will be much different from any other kingdom, and will devour all other nations. Do any nations come to mind? How about Rome? its a pretty big empire wouldn't you say? Or even China, whom America is in great dept to and they have the upper hand. Im not certain of this nation, or the king that will rise from this nation...but im just trying to get you to imagine and do a little bit of homework because this stuff really is amazing to watch play out. The ten horns are ten kings that will rise from this kingdom. After them, another king will appear, different from all the rest. The Bible says that this king will speak against the Most High and oppress His saints and try to change times and laws. But ultimately, the court will sit, and every knee bow and every tongue confess how great is our God! :)
May we seek Christ in the midst of this world
Sunday, February 20, 2011
A New Twist...
I know what I'm getting ready to talk about isn't what I usually post...but its a revelation in my own life. For the last few weeks, my Pastor has been teaching about Heaven and what it will be like. I have grown so much in just these last weeks that I am seeing life through a whole new set of lenses. I now long for heaven so much more than I ever have. 2 weeks ago on Sunday, I was in church and got so broken down that I was just being drawn to pray. But, when I did begin to pray, I had absolutely no words to offer. It was because my God had something for me. In my quiet time in the midst of all the music and prayer, God spoke to me and said "If you will live this life, and break yourself down for me...give it your all...come back to me with no breath left in your lungs...not even able to speak or stand...weary. I will make sure that you will stand tall!" The Lord of Heaven and Earth said that to me!! I know that I am to be used. (Just wanted to share that)
So now with my subject. Have you noticed lately how much we are seeing abortion in our society today? Did you know that 22% of all pregnancies end in abortion? How about homosexuality? There are 8.8 million people in America that claim to be homosexual. What about different religions? There are now 22 major religions in America today, with Scientology on the rise and Christianity on the downfall. Please don't get me wrong...to me..Christianity to me is not at all a "religion". Religion is merely man-made. Christianity is having that personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, letting Him be Lord of your life. But back to my point, why is this happening? It seems to me that Christians today are just so afraid of stirring things up. They think that Christians are just supposed to be such passive, meek creatures. NO! absolutely not! Was Jesus hesitant about shaking things up? Not at all. He says in His word that He has overcome this world. Don't you think that by doing that took some stirring up? Also, He was not about to let anyone make a mockery of His house. Jesus was so much more than just a passive man.
So why are we so passive and calm? I believe its because we don't want to stir things up, or cause a scene. Jesus caused many scenes. Think of all the protests that I have been talking about lately...just think...what if Christians did that and actually fought for what we believe in, rather than just talking about it.
Lets look at some history vs. today's society. All the people today that are getting abortions, and claiming homosexuality, and claiming false religions; do you think people would have been doing that even 15 or 20 years ago? Absolutely not. What has caused this? many many things...way too much to mention in one short blog. Poor parenting, worldly ideas and Satan instilling thoughts into weak minds. But today, people are not trying to hide sin at all...they don't even recognize it.
My Scripture?
2 Kings 17:16 - They forsook all the commands of the LORD their God and made for themselves two idols cast in the shape of calves, and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the starry hosts, and they worshiped Baal.
2 Kings 17:17 - They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sorcery and sold themselves to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, provoking him to anger.
People in this scripture were doing the things that many are doing today: worshiping other gods, partaking in things that are clearly against the will of God. So...what was the consequence and Gods punishment? (because He is sovereign)
2 Kings 17:18 - So the LORD was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence. Only the tribe of Judah was left,
God removed them from His presence....wow...what would it feel like to be completely away from God? Terrifying.. Notice where the scripture says "only the tribe of Judah was left" The tribe of Judah was the only Christian nation in the middle east at that time, and they were right in the center of everyone else.
I see the exact same thing happening in our world today as what was happening in those days in the middle east. Like I said before...history can tell us so much about our future...it will make you think, won't it?
May we seek Christ in the midst of our world.
So now with my subject. Have you noticed lately how much we are seeing abortion in our society today? Did you know that 22% of all pregnancies end in abortion? How about homosexuality? There are 8.8 million people in America that claim to be homosexual. What about different religions? There are now 22 major religions in America today, with Scientology on the rise and Christianity on the downfall. Please don't get me wrong...to me..Christianity to me is not at all a "religion". Religion is merely man-made. Christianity is having that personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, letting Him be Lord of your life. But back to my point, why is this happening? It seems to me that Christians today are just so afraid of stirring things up. They think that Christians are just supposed to be such passive, meek creatures. NO! absolutely not! Was Jesus hesitant about shaking things up? Not at all. He says in His word that He has overcome this world. Don't you think that by doing that took some stirring up? Also, He was not about to let anyone make a mockery of His house. Jesus was so much more than just a passive man.
So why are we so passive and calm? I believe its because we don't want to stir things up, or cause a scene. Jesus caused many scenes. Think of all the protests that I have been talking about lately...just think...what if Christians did that and actually fought for what we believe in, rather than just talking about it.
Lets look at some history vs. today's society. All the people today that are getting abortions, and claiming homosexuality, and claiming false religions; do you think people would have been doing that even 15 or 20 years ago? Absolutely not. What has caused this? many many things...way too much to mention in one short blog. Poor parenting, worldly ideas and Satan instilling thoughts into weak minds. But today, people are not trying to hide sin at all...they don't even recognize it.
My Scripture?
2 Kings 17:16 - They forsook all the commands of the LORD their God and made for themselves two idols cast in the shape of calves, and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the starry hosts, and they worshiped Baal.
2 Kings 17:17 - They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sorcery and sold themselves to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, provoking him to anger.
People in this scripture were doing the things that many are doing today: worshiping other gods, partaking in things that are clearly against the will of God. So...what was the consequence and Gods punishment? (because He is sovereign)
2 Kings 17:18 - So the LORD was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence. Only the tribe of Judah was left,
God removed them from His presence....wow...what would it feel like to be completely away from God? Terrifying.. Notice where the scripture says "only the tribe of Judah was left" The tribe of Judah was the only Christian nation in the middle east at that time, and they were right in the center of everyone else.
I see the exact same thing happening in our world today as what was happening in those days in the middle east. Like I said before...history can tell us so much about our future...it will make you think, won't it?
May we seek Christ in the midst of our world.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Things Are Quickly Changing..
First of all, I want to appologize for not posting a new blog in a few days, but the crisis in Egypt seem that nothing was changing day by day, but they have changed! Im sure that we have all heard that Mubarak has stepped down, so I dont think I need to elaborate too much on that. Im here to talk about something very different....something that I never even thought about before yesterday!
I want us to look at some different things we use today.....
These are just stracthing the surface of what I would like to mention...
The Apple iPad.....you can get on the internet...any website you want...talk to anyone you want to with just the touch of a finger..
Global Positioning System (GPS) this tiny screen can tell you exactly where in the world you are to the exact longitude and latitude points. This picks up a signal from a global satalite to tell you where you are...AND...how to get to where you want to go with turn by turn directions, vehicle speed, and surrounding objects.
The blackberry cell phone (I think we all know what these can do)
So why am I talking about all these gadgets?? No big deal, right? we all use them. That we may, but what does the bible say? You mean the bible talks about this stuff? OH YES! lets take a look.
But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge."
Daniel 12:4
The bible states here that man will have a great increase of knowledge just before the end of time...and wouldnt you say thats what is happening now? Look at our world just 15 years ago...I was 3 years old. There was no internet, no GPS, no iPad or iPhone.
Lets look at some more things in our world.
What you see here is a nuclear warhead. This one bombshell could easily take North Carolina off the map! The part that scares me is that this is something that most countries do have..but anyways....
Remember the verichip? Let me refresh your memory.
Like I said in a previous post, this device keeps track of everything about you...criminal background, SSN, and anything and everything financial. With the VeriChip, you are just a number.
You may be saying "yes, this is all great stuff, but man is just getting smartet.." Well...how much smarter?
Think back in your history class. Was anything much different in 1700 and 1900? Not really at all. Electricity was discovered by Thomas Eddison in 1880, but thats about it. Thats one major discovery in 200 years...one! The invention of vehicles came about around 1920. Now, lets take a look at the year 1995 and 2011 and whats happened in between. In 1995, cell phones were just being made, and the internet wasnt really going yet.
Here is a brand new cell phone in 1995
what about a new cell phone in 2011?
Big difference in just 16 years..
How about vehicles?
the same car in 2011...
Its came a long way hasnt it?
So I challenge you...look around and see what you can find..
History can tell us so much about our future..
May we seek Christ in the midst of this world
I want us to look at some different things we use today.....
These are just stracthing the surface of what I would like to mention...
The Apple iPad.....you can get on the internet...any website you want...talk to anyone you want to with just the touch of a finger..
Global Positioning System (GPS) this tiny screen can tell you exactly where in the world you are to the exact longitude and latitude points. This picks up a signal from a global satalite to tell you where you are...AND...how to get to where you want to go with turn by turn directions, vehicle speed, and surrounding objects.
The blackberry cell phone (I think we all know what these can do)
So why am I talking about all these gadgets?? No big deal, right? we all use them. That we may, but what does the bible say? You mean the bible talks about this stuff? OH YES! lets take a look.
But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge."
Daniel 12:4
The bible states here that man will have a great increase of knowledge just before the end of time...and wouldnt you say thats what is happening now? Look at our world just 15 years ago...I was 3 years old. There was no internet, no GPS, no iPad or iPhone.
Lets look at some more things in our world.
What you see here is a nuclear warhead. This one bombshell could easily take North Carolina off the map! The part that scares me is that this is something that most countries do have..but anyways....
Remember the verichip? Let me refresh your memory.
Like I said in a previous post, this device keeps track of everything about you...criminal background, SSN, and anything and everything financial. With the VeriChip, you are just a number.
You may be saying "yes, this is all great stuff, but man is just getting smartet.." Well...how much smarter?
Think back in your history class. Was anything much different in 1700 and 1900? Not really at all. Electricity was discovered by Thomas Eddison in 1880, but thats about it. Thats one major discovery in 200 years...one! The invention of vehicles came about around 1920. Now, lets take a look at the year 1995 and 2011 and whats happened in between. In 1995, cell phones were just being made, and the internet wasnt really going yet.
Here is a brand new cell phone in 1995
what about a new cell phone in 2011?
Big difference in just 16 years..
How about vehicles?
the same car in 2011...
Its came a long way hasnt it?
So I challenge you...look around and see what you can find..
History can tell us so much about our future..
May we seek Christ in the midst of this world
Friday, February 4, 2011
Egyptian Protests Ripple Across the World...and...Does the Mark of the Beast exist today?
The north African nation of 11 million has issued an arrest warrant for its president, Zine el Abidine Ben Ali, as well as his wife and several relatives. They face charges including maintaining and exporting foreign currency illegally, carrying weapons and ammunition without licenses and inciting armed violence among Tunisians. The ex-leader fled to Saudi Arabia last month after mass protests that left more than 100 people dead. Also, Jordanian Islamists meet with the king, but they are saying the protests there will continue. The middle east is getting to be in the worst condition its ever been in. Whats new in what is now the Middle Eastern protest? Today, The president of Egypt, Hosni Mubarak, says that he believes if he immediately resigns as president, it will cause the protests to become even more violent. You can make your own opinion about that; but I believe since the majority of the people want him gone anyways, his immediate resignation would be the best thing possible. However, there are now "pro-Mubarak" protests, wanting him to remain in power. So...besides increasing violence, not too much has changed in Egypt.
Whats going on in the rest of the world? The protests in Egypt have quickly spread throughout the middle east and now, even Africa. There was also an uprising in Tunisia, forcing almost 1/4 of the country to flee to Saudi Arabia. Similar demonstrations have taken place in Lebanon, Yemen and Algeria.
So get this....
This brings me back to my original point. I said all that to say this agian: the peace of this world is crumbling, which is perfect situations for the Antichrist's appearance.
Now, for the second part of this post. What I promised to talk about in my last post. The mark of the beast. There has been a very new invention called the "VeriChip". Here is a picture.
This device you see here is just a little bigger than a grain of rice and is implanted under the skin by needle in the back of the arm or in the top of the hand. The VeriChip is something that governments have developed over a period of time. It can and will hold all financial information, social secutiry number, credit score, buying history, and so on, about that person that it is in. Think of it as your debit or credit card. It even has a barcode that is scanned through the skin by the scanners that are already used in stores today. Who gets it first? The highest government officials, the president, ect. Then, it will trickle down to state employees like police officers, Paramedics, so forth. Here's the scary part. It is required. Without it, you cannot buy, sell or trade. Wanna know what the bible says?
Rev 16:2 The first angel went and poured out his bowl on the land, and ugly and painful sores broke out on the people who had the mark of the beast and worshiped his image.
Rev 19:20 But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.
Rev 13:17 so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.
Rev 14:11 And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name."
Rev 20:4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Please note Revelation 13:17 in reference to what I said before.
Is the VeriChip the mark of the beast? Maybe, maybe not. I cant say for sure, but I do want you to know that this technology is out there and waiting to be used.
My point is that Im certain that we are in the last days, and that my generation, and the generation before me, will see the end of time and ultimately, Christs return.
Lets make sure that we do not forget our main goal and purpose: Matthew 28:19-20
May we seek Christ in the midst of this world.
Whats going on in the rest of the world? The protests in Egypt have quickly spread throughout the middle east and now, even Africa. There was also an uprising in Tunisia, forcing almost 1/4 of the country to flee to Saudi Arabia. Similar demonstrations have taken place in Lebanon, Yemen and Algeria.
So get this....
This brings me back to my original point. I said all that to say this agian: the peace of this world is crumbling, which is perfect situations for the Antichrist's appearance.
Now, for the second part of this post. What I promised to talk about in my last post. The mark of the beast. There has been a very new invention called the "VeriChip". Here is a picture.
This device you see here is just a little bigger than a grain of rice and is implanted under the skin by needle in the back of the arm or in the top of the hand. The VeriChip is something that governments have developed over a period of time. It can and will hold all financial information, social secutiry number, credit score, buying history, and so on, about that person that it is in. Think of it as your debit or credit card. It even has a barcode that is scanned through the skin by the scanners that are already used in stores today. Who gets it first? The highest government officials, the president, ect. Then, it will trickle down to state employees like police officers, Paramedics, so forth. Here's the scary part. It is required. Without it, you cannot buy, sell or trade. Wanna know what the bible says?
Rev 16:2 The first angel went and poured out his bowl on the land, and ugly and painful sores broke out on the people who had the mark of the beast and worshiped his image.
Rev 19:20 But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.
Rev 13:17 so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.
Rev 14:11 And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name."
Rev 20:4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Please note Revelation 13:17 in reference to what I said before.
Is the VeriChip the mark of the beast? Maybe, maybe not. I cant say for sure, but I do want you to know that this technology is out there and waiting to be used.
My point is that Im certain that we are in the last days, and that my generation, and the generation before me, will see the end of time and ultimately, Christs return.
Lets make sure that we do not forget our main goal and purpose: Matthew 28:19-20
May we seek Christ in the midst of this world.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Where Does Israel Stand In The Crisis In Egypt?
Believe it or not...but Israel is becoming involved with the continuing protesting in Egypt...and so is the rest of the Middle East!! Officials in Israel are saying that they are "anxiously watching" the protest events as they continue to grow and become more of a problem for the Egyptians. Why is Israel seem to be such a huge factor in anything to do with foriegn affairs? Because Israel, as we know, are the chosen ones...not America! To me, for the chosen nation to say that they are getting anxious, seems like a pretty big concern. Ezekiel 38 even talks about how Israel is protected.
16 You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, O Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.
17 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Are you not the one I spoke of in former days by my servants the prophets of Israel? At that time they prophesied for years that I would bring you against them
18 This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign LORD.
Ezekiel 38:16-18
So who is represented as Gog? Is it Egypt? The Middle East? or anyone who attacks? The bible makes itself clear that Israel is not "a", but THE protected nation. When you tell people that this protected nation is not America, they tremble just because they think we are protected beacuse we are "the most prosperous nation in the world" But...we are not protected.
What is new with the affairs in Egypt? Violence erupted today in Egypt due to Mubarak announcing that he will NOT give up his power until his term is finished. That is not good enough for what the people want. Remember how I talked about the March of Millions? This silent, peaceful, family protest has become complete violence and chaos in Cairo leaving 3 dead and 639 people injured and journalists being attacked. Now, there are actually people who are protesting FOR Mubarak! So, of course, the U.S. government is trying to step in and say that the president of Egypt has to step down now.
Today, protesting actually began in other parts of the middle east and the rest of the world such as Yemen, Jordan, Germany and Britian. The Prime Ministers of those countries have already stepped in and said they will not seek re-election. Those countries are now seeing the same effects of that; for example, in Jordan, gas, oil and food have just risen very sharply. As we already know, the United States is also involved.
Do you remember what I said about the Antichrist being a peace-maker in my first post? And how world events such as this would trigger his coming to power? It is happening now. I personally believe that the Antichrist is alive and well today and is in some sort of power or position now.
So the important thing for Christians to remember is that our main focus and our main concern should be to bring others to Christ; to show the same love and grace to our fellow man that has been shown to us through Christ. In the days we are living in, that fact is beoming more and more crucial every moment.
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the VERY END OF AGE.
Matthew 28:19-20
Is the mark of the beast in our near future or in our society today? Find out in my next post! and always, Ill keep updating you with world situations and how they relate to the bible.
May we seek Christ in the midst of this world.
16 You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, O Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.
17 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Are you not the one I spoke of in former days by my servants the prophets of Israel? At that time they prophesied for years that I would bring you against them
18 This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign LORD.
Ezekiel 38:16-18
So who is represented as Gog? Is it Egypt? The Middle East? or anyone who attacks? The bible makes itself clear that Israel is not "a", but THE protected nation. When you tell people that this protected nation is not America, they tremble just because they think we are protected beacuse we are "the most prosperous nation in the world" But...we are not protected.
What is new with the affairs in Egypt? Violence erupted today in Egypt due to Mubarak announcing that he will NOT give up his power until his term is finished. That is not good enough for what the people want. Remember how I talked about the March of Millions? This silent, peaceful, family protest has become complete violence and chaos in Cairo leaving 3 dead and 639 people injured and journalists being attacked. Now, there are actually people who are protesting FOR Mubarak! So, of course, the U.S. government is trying to step in and say that the president of Egypt has to step down now.
Today, protesting actually began in other parts of the middle east and the rest of the world such as Yemen, Jordan, Germany and Britian. The Prime Ministers of those countries have already stepped in and said they will not seek re-election. Those countries are now seeing the same effects of that; for example, in Jordan, gas, oil and food have just risen very sharply. As we already know, the United States is also involved.
Do you remember what I said about the Antichrist being a peace-maker in my first post? And how world events such as this would trigger his coming to power? It is happening now. I personally believe that the Antichrist is alive and well today and is in some sort of power or position now.
So the important thing for Christians to remember is that our main focus and our main concern should be to bring others to Christ; to show the same love and grace to our fellow man that has been shown to us through Christ. In the days we are living in, that fact is beoming more and more crucial every moment.
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the VERY END OF AGE.
Matthew 28:19-20
Is the mark of the beast in our near future or in our society today? Find out in my next post! and always, Ill keep updating you with world situations and how they relate to the bible.
May we seek Christ in the midst of this world.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The Egyptian Crisis Has Nothing To Do With Us....Or Does It?
I'm sure what is going on in Egypt is no strange topic in most households by now. This has been a concern for a week or so now and the matter keeps growing literally by the hour. Just last night the Egyptian people created what is called the "March of Millions" that is continuing at this second. So what is the deal in Egypt..or the entire Middle East for that matter? Many people are wondering what caused the chaos in the first place. The Egyptians are quite unhappy with their President, Hosni Mubarak. You must understand that Egypt isn't a country like the U.S. They do not vote in their government officials; the officials come to their own power. Mubarak has been in power now for some 30 years and has violated the people's human rights for the majority of the time. The state of Human Rights in Egypt is poor because of repressive government policy huge government crackdowns. For example, in the last week the Egyptian people have lost use of Internet, cellular networks, and train use in that order. In result, Mubarak booted out all of his cabinet members, thinking that would solve the growing problem. In a way, it only made the situation worse. It wasn't the cabinet members the people wanted gone...it is the President.
So this brings me to my ultimate question....what does this have to do with us? The United States? Even the Christians? Most U.S. citizens are looking at this matter as something that is far away but it is very close to home. Look around. What is happening to our gas prices and oil prices? Yesterday I look at some gas prices and the cheapest place I found was $2.95, which is good considering the last week or so. This morning, just after the "March of Million", gas prices at the same place was $3.05. Oil prices also went up to 99 dollars a barrel at the same time. Considering what happens in the near future in Egypt, this trend of rising prices could continue.
What is the biblical standpoint of this situation? Is this very event predicted in the bible? Yes and no. No because the bible does not mention this event in Egypt in the end times. BUT, this particular thing could be a huge doorway for the Antichrist. Why? because the Antichrist will be a peace-maker and bring people together, having a one world government, one world currency, and no religion. So, these kinds of riots are good grounds for him to make his appearance. Check this out....
Daniel 9:27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. "
So why am I so big on world affairs? I think that Christians should be more aware of what is going on throughout the world due to its significance with the Bible and in our lives.
So this brings me to my ultimate question....what does this have to do with us? The United States? Even the Christians? Most U.S. citizens are looking at this matter as something that is far away but it is very close to home. Look around. What is happening to our gas prices and oil prices? Yesterday I look at some gas prices and the cheapest place I found was $2.95, which is good considering the last week or so. This morning, just after the "March of Million", gas prices at the same place was $3.05. Oil prices also went up to 99 dollars a barrel at the same time. Considering what happens in the near future in Egypt, this trend of rising prices could continue.
What is the biblical standpoint of this situation? Is this very event predicted in the bible? Yes and no. No because the bible does not mention this event in Egypt in the end times. BUT, this particular thing could be a huge doorway for the Antichrist. Why? because the Antichrist will be a peace-maker and bring people together, having a one world government, one world currency, and no religion. So, these kinds of riots are good grounds for him to make his appearance. Check this out....
Daniel 9:27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. "
So why am I so big on world affairs? I think that Christians should be more aware of what is going on throughout the world due to its significance with the Bible and in our lives.
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