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.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
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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