Category: bible prophecy

What is so Bad about Sex?!

According to the analysis, by age 44, 99% of respondents had had sex, and 95% had done so before marriage. Even among those who abstained from sex until age 20 or older, 81% had had premarital sex by age 44. “This is reality-check research.

2006- Guttmacher Institute

Many people justify sex without marriage by saying: as long as it’s two consenting adults, it’s a “committed relationship,” everyone does it, it’s not hurting anyone, we’re adults, we’re going to get married, so that’s okay, right? The “committed relationship” theory- really? You’re so committed, so ask: why are you not married? Apparently there is a reason you aren’t and that involves one, or both, NOT being committed enough for marriage!

Then there is the other side, religious people who condemn sex outside of marriage. But what’s the basis for this? Where did this “rule” come from? Why are religious people so strict about this rule? Most people who know about this religious rule will not be able to tell anyone why, but just know that’s what they’ve been taught, that’s what religion teaches. It becomes a weak reason for the rebellious who say I don’t agree with the religion about this! They may say this because they believe this teaching is “old-fashioned,” “out of date,” no longer relevant today because they were never told “WHY!” but only told DO NOT DO THIS! Most people don’t seek the answer to the “WHY” because they honestly don’t want to know, don’t care to know, don’t want to follow the rule anyway- so why bother?

The “Why” is the most important behind any “decision” or “rule”- people could list the physical risks involved, but read this and let me know what you think after you read this:

  • We lose our inheritance rights (eternity):“See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • We are cast outside of God’s kingdom: “Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • Inside a Marriage is the only place for sex: “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • We lose our inheritance (eternity with God): “For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • People who call themselves Christians/Believers: “But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • We lose our inheritance (eternity with God): “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • We will be cast into “the fiery lake of burning sulfur”- the second death, following our physical death: “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”” Revelation‬ ‭21‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • It affects us personally, it affects our destination, no one (except Jesus/repentance) can change this destination for us: “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • True Christians/Saved Christians don’t keep doing this: “But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • FEELINGS mislead us-seek the truth: Jesus said: “For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” Matthew‬ ‭15‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • By participating we are setting ourselves up for the punishment of eternal fire: “In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.” Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • Take action: ask for forgiveness, help from the Holy Spirit, then resist temptation and be a “new creation” in Christ/become saved:“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” James‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • Christians/Saved People: “For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • Call to repent if we want to be in God’s Kingdom- it’s time for change: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • Wake up, NO, “grace” doesn’t allow believers to keep on sinning! “For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • Paul, the one who emphasizes grace, also reminds people that repentance (turning away from sin) is required: “I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • We will not inherit the kingdom of God (if we don’t stop): “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭19‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • The day of Jesus’ return is getting close: “Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • Repentance (asking forgiveness from God, the Holy Spirit’s help, and stopping the sin) is required-this is describing those who survive the plague (God giving more time) but still: “Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.” Revelation‬ ‭9‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • We need the Holy Spirit, we can’t do it on our own: Jesus said: “For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder,” Mark‬ ‭7‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • When we have the Holy Spirit (once we truly surrender “our will” to “God’s will”), our lives will change: “As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭4‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬
  • God receives us with love and happiness when we truly repent (change, turn to God in obedience): “But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’” Luke‬ ‭15‬:‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

But never put a person to death on the testimony of only one witness. There must always be two or three witnesses.

Deuteronomy 17:6

We are warned by more than three witnesses: Jesus, Paul, James, Jude, Peter, John in the scripture references above showing us the Truth (“The Why”). All people need to know WHY, because it may make a difference to some, but it won’t to all (we also know that from scripture) and there are even more witnesses to this truth found in the Bible than are shown above.

This is meant for the 95% of people having sex outside of marriage- pretty much the majority of people. This is one of the greatest threats for people who are currently deceived by the world’s permissive culture. Everyone needs to know this and make a decision before it’s too late. Share this with others you care about.

This summary is meant to save people from condemnation at Judgement Day. Anyone reading this has time (right now) to Repent, which means: ask God for forgiveness of the past, ask Jesus to give the Holy Spirit, so that we can receive the help of the Holy Spirit to remain in Christ (ie. obedient to God’s commands), choose to do what is right (God’s will) heading into the future, next time- with the help of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ name. Jesus has provided us the opportunity to enter the Kingdom of God when he died on the cross for us (breaking the curse of death) for all who have sinned and rose from the dead. If you believe this and repent, as explained above, you will be saved and can be certain that you will be in God’s kingdom!

by Categories: bible prophecy, bible study, Face Fear, FAITH, FRIENDSHIP, God, Healing, Improvement, Letting Go, Love, Make It Count, Marriage, parenting, Parents, prayer, priorities, RELATIONSHIPS, Sex, WellnessTags: , , , , , Leave a comment

Video Recommendation

If you are a Christian, especially if you study scripture, you will be blown away by the information in this video, some of it I’ve noticed as I’ve studied scripture over the past 4 years, but there is so much more symbolic and metaphoric meaning in scripture that I didn’t even notice, but see it now after it’s pointed out. This is not a video that scares, it is beautiful and full of the hope that Christians have for our future. You will enjoy this!

Despite the title of the video “Messiah 2030“, the creator of the video is not saying this “theory” is absolute which I find being humble because none of us can say with certainty, but after you hear the scripture, notice the symbols, prophecies, patterns and traditions that point to this date, especially as I said if you are familiar with scripture, it is hard not to think this could be a strong possibility. We will ultimately know this only in hindsight.

The main reason for sharing this is for all of us to ask these questions: What if it’s true? Am I prepared to meet Jesus? Have I been “born again” (born of the water which is repentant and born of the spirit which is received the spirit from God)? Jesus said we cannot enter the kingdom of God unless we are “born again.” Read John Chapter 3 for more understanding of this. If it is this soon, or sooner, in fact we don’t know if we will personally be living tonight/tomorrow if some freak situation happens – so the time to prepare is now, not later. Turn away from “sinful” things and turn to God, live a changed godly life with the help of the Holy Spirit (this is called Repentance) and Believe what Jesus taught. Jesus took care of the rest and made it possible for us to be saved. If you seek him you will find him; he will reveal himself to you.

Here’s the video:

by Categories: bible prophecy, bible study, FAITH, God, Improvement, Love, Make It Count, prayer, priorities, RELATIONSHIPS, WellnessTags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

The “Day of the Lord” is approaching; What is Your Strategy? (Part 2)

If we seek success in anything; we typically create a strategy to achieve it. Agree? So I’m going to ask THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION OF YOUR EXISTENCE: The “Day of the Lord” is approaching; What is your Strategy?

First of all, what is “the Day of the Lord”? Here is a link summarizing the “the Day of the Lord” also read the 22 exact verses found in both Hebrew and Greek scripture from the Bible (click link here). The Day of the Lord is both a good day (for those prepared) and a bad day (for those unprepared). You have time, right now, to prepare.

Since The Day of the Lord hasn’t arrived yet: is your current strategy, I am prepared or I am unprepared (haven’t done anything about it yet)? Like everything else in life, we can say, I’ll do it after…(whatever excuse follows in the ….). That excuse/reason or delay may be okay for some decisions in life, but for this decision in life, remember, we have no guarantees on the time remaining in our life. That’s God’s decision. Our decision about preparing or remaining unprepared holds the highest possible risk and is THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION you will ever make because it will affect you ETERNALLY. If you haven’t prepared yet, be thankful to God that your life hasn’t ended and you can change where you reside eternally.

Some people are procrastinators, this probably applies to many of us: We procrastinate on decisions or things we don’t want to do. We make excuses about being “too busy,” but that is just an excuse making us sound important, in demand, etc. But the truth is, we make time for what is important, so being “too busy” means whatever we delay on, is simply not a priority, is not important to us. Again, this might not be critical when it comes to other people, but when it comes to us and God, it is critical. It is a matter of eternal placement.

I grew up Catholic, so I want to mention this made up place of “Purgatory” – it DOES NOT EXIST according to the Bible! After we die, there are no second changes to make amends with God. Jesus clearly told his followers this, when he told the story of Lazarus as documented in the book of Luke Chapter 16 verses 19-31, once we die, our eternal placement is finalized. We will be in a “holding place” called Heaven or in Hades (two very different places). There is no way to cross over between the two places and no way to go back to earth to warn others. There is no way to change the outcome of your eternal destiny at that point. We are given a certain unknown number of opportunities by God (we don’t know how many, the number is up to God), but at a certain point, when God sees us reject Him over and over and not desire a change, He lets us have what we want and He turns us over to our decision. So we can’t blame God about this. We are responsible for this outcome- it was our choice. This is important to know, believe what Jesus said and if a “church”, religion or person ever contradicts what Jesus said, trust Jesus (the way the truth and life- John 14:16) and reject the other. Jesus came to save us, no one else can accomplish that for us nor do they care about us the way that Jesus does. The point is this decision (to be prepared) must be made before we pass away. There are no second chances! Don’t be deceived!

Because this question: “What Happens after Death?” is unclear for many of us, I will write a follow up article on what scripture tells us so people will no longer be confused. It’s unbelievable how many fables have been created to cause confusion and deception. Yes, I think it was intentional to cause confusion and deception – that’s what the enemy of God does: causes confusion and deception in an effort to steal, kill and destroy the people God created. (John 10:10)

I plan to write another follow up article to this one: “What are the signs the Day of the Lord is approaching?” supporting this statement with scripture.

If you want to prepare:

Learn about Jesus from the books of Matthew (one of Jesus’ followers), Mark (a friend of one of Jesus’ followers – Peter), Luke (a doctor who interviewed people who knew Jesus and documented what they said) and John (one of Jesus’ followers, who claimed to be a close friend of Jesus). Do you believe what Jesus said/taught? Can you see that Jesus came to bring eternal life to sinners? Do you understand that Jesus is the ONLY way that it is possible for us to live in eternity with God? (We can’t get there by being “good.” Jesus said: no one is good, but God. and He also said: “no one comes to the Father except through me“)

Ask God for forgiveness of sins and commit to changing (with the help of the Holy Spirit- ask Jesus for the Holy Spirit to help)- this is what scripture calls: “Repent”

Get Baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit– this is symbolic of the inner commitment you make to change, turn away from the sinful way of living. When our commitment is honest, God will give us His Spirit when we ask Jesus. This
indwelling of the Spirit is when we are prepared. From this point forward, we wait for the return of Jesus. Those who have died in the past will raise from the dead and be given immortal eternal bodies (1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17), those who are still alive when Jesus returns will be changed in an instant (1 Corinthians 15:52) and will be gathered by Jesus and angels to be sheltered and protected from the wrath of God (on the Day of the Lord),

Only you can prepare yourself for this, no one else can do it for you. This is your decision and your destiny as a result of your preparedness: Will you be Prepared or Unprepared?

by Categories: bible prophecy, bible study, Face Fear, FAITH, God, HAPPINESS, Healing, Improvement, Make It Count, priorities, RELATIONSHIPS, WellnessTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

The “Day of the Lord” is approaching; What is your Role? (Part 1)

This topic (“the day of the Lord”- search those words in a digital bible for understanding) came to mind after I woke up remembering a vision from a dream. I was in the middle of the woods, trees had no leaves, like on a trail, but there were no trails. I saw gentle, loving cute puppies and dogs that were infested with fleas. The puppies and dogs acted completely normal, greeting with wagging their tails, one was injured, without an eye, and shied away a little, but the fleas didn’t seem to make a difference regarding how they responded. I saw a person off in the distance, she was right in the middle of all the flea covered dogs, still loving them as they were, petting them, letting them sit on her lap, as if nothing needed to be done about their condition. It was a strange scene, but most dreams are strange, after praying then reflecting on this dream, I see some biblical applications.

The dogs are symbolic of people, there are many gentle, loving, attractive people who don’t realize they are “infested.” They don’t know what is in the bible, they are unaware of their condition in God’s eyes and their future according to what scripture tells us. People are injured (the dog without an eye and all with fleas), struggling, damaged from life experiences, (still acting normal, doing what we do every day, the same, with no change) yet completely unaware that something can be done to change the condition. The fleas are symbolic of what separates us from God (our actions which are contrary to God’s commands- aka “sin.”) The person in the vision is a loving person who accepts all people as they are (which is a good thing) HOWEVER that person is not doing anything to help the dogs get rid of the fleas and improve their condition, so that person could be doing something more than comforting the dogs.

So the question for all of us is: what part of the scene are you? The dog covered in fleas? The dog without an eye (injured)? The person comforting infested dogs (people)? The person observing all of this? Whatever role we see as ourselves, this shows us there is an action ahead for each of us.

If you are the dog, are you covered in fleas? Do you know what separates you from God? Are you reading, studying the Bible (scripture), asking questions to find out?

If you are the person comforting others or if you are the person observing this, there is more for you to do. Help the dogs (people) get rid of the fleas (sin that separates us from God). Lead people to Jesus through the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the bible, through becoming an active participant in a Bible Study, keep doing good things for others, but “step up your game,” there is more to be done. Get active in preparing people for God’s kingdom. That is the kindest, most loving, most comforting thing we can share with others.

Preparation for God’s kingdom is this:

First: knowing Jesus, not knowing of him (as in a “fact”), but knowing him personally (his character, the meaning of the stories he told, the wisdom of God’s kingdom that he shared). Jesus said he was the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father, except through him.

Second: knowing what separates us from God (as described by Jesus and every author of the books found in the Bible).

Third: Commit to changing whatever separates you (personally) from God. Surrender your life to Jesus, (when you decide you want to change and live life better, live life as God wants us to.) This is what is meant by “Repent.” As a symbol of this decision, get baptized. Luke 3:3- verse study link From the time Jesus began preaching he said to repent for the kingdom of God is near. (Matthew 4:17) Jesus showed us what surrender means. Jesus did this when he prayed “Not my will but yours be done.” This surrender to God’s will is also found in the one prayer that Jesus taught his followers:

6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

9 “This, then, is how you should pray:

“ ‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

10 your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us today our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one. ’

14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Matthew 6: 6-14

Fouth: Ask Jesus for the Advocate (the Holy Spirit) after you decide to repent, change because you want to be with God in eternity. The Holy Spirit will work with you, help you, begin to change you into a more godly person. We won’t be perfect, not until Jesus returns when we are given new immortal supernatural bodies, but we will begin to change into better people and will then be prepared for when Jesus returns. On our own this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)

Fifth: Stay connected to God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit through daily prayer, reading scripture. John 15

Then help others do the same. This is the most loving thing we can do for others: sharing God’s kingdom, eternity with others so they can prepare themselves with the help of the Holy Spirt, then REST and ENJOY all that God has planned for us. Revelation 21 and Revelation 22.

This article is Part 1 of a multipart series focusing on “the Day of the Lord” and advance preparation. Follow this podcast or website to continue in the series.

by Categories: bible prophecy, bible study, FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP, God, HAPPINESS, Healing, Letting Go, Love, Make It Count, prayer, priorities, RELATIONSHIPS, WellnessTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Obedience Struggles

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

John 10:27

This is a follow up to my prior post yesterday, titled “Trust and Obey.” I think many of us struggle with obedience at different times in life, just think back to the days of being a toddler, a teenager and it continues into adulthood!

CHOOSING OBEDIENCE

The “obedience” subject I’m referring to is a situation of CHOOSING to be obedient, NOT being FORCED to be obedient. Forced obedience is NOT God’s way; God gives us freewill; obedience is our choice. But even if we choose to be obedient, there will be times when our selfish desires or selfish gain are “at war” with the choice of “obedience”: we know what the right thing to do is, but we are tempted when there is something beneficial for us in not choosing what we know is right. This is where scriptural wisdom is clear: we “can’t serve two Masters” as Jesus stated. He was referring to God or Money being the “Masters,” but Jesus also said a house divided will not stand – this is applicable, because we (as a symbolic house) will make a choice at some point, it’s impossible to choose “both,” we can’t be divided. If we are divided, we “will not stand” or in other words “fall.” So what does “fall” mean? In scripture, to “fall” is negative and often indicates a separation from God. Ultimately “the fall” involves having a Master over our lifes; someone or something other than God.

THE POWER OF EVIL AND SIN OVER US

There is something else to consider here, and this will not be well received to say it, but it is truth. Until we choose God, we are under the influence of the evil spiritual realm. Think about it, someone is our Master, people may say, “I’m my own Master”- well that’s a comforting thought to tell ourselves, but it’s not true unfortunately, Jesus states this to Saul/Paul. (Read Acts 26:15-18)

to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

Acts 26:18

Don’t be misled, as Deuteromy 29:19-20 indicates, people are not “safe” or “saved” when they persist in going their own way and not God’s way.

In choosing to become obedient to God, we will be under attack by our own internal desires and by evil spiritual forces in the heavenly realms.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12

WHY DO THIS?

So why would I want to go through all this? If life was easier before I choose to become obedient to God, why would I want to bring on trouble or attacks of the spiritual realm?

Because God has greater plans for those who choose Him as our Master. Yes, we have to become humble, we are not our own Master, we have a Creator- God made us and we must choose Him as our Master, if we want what God offers us. As God often revealed in scripture, He is the Potter, we are the clay that was formed by His own hands. It’s insightful reading the references to “potter” in scripture, just search that key word in a digital bible.

GOD’S PLAN AND PROMISE

Getting back to what God has planned for us, in His physical presence ON EARTH: immortality, peace, joy, abundance, healing, no more tears, pure love and gentleness, a physical place to live forever, more beautiful than we can envision, music, celebration, comfort, strength, and more. We will “soar on wings” like eagles, we “will run and not grow weary”, “walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31) Read Revelation 21 and Revelation 22 for a glimpse of what God has planned for those who choose Him. Who doesn’t want to live in this future Kingdom of God? Is it worth going through the “trouble or attacks”? When we are in those times it is challenging, but if we keep our mind focused on the end result, we can endure and persevere because the end result in God’s future Kingdom on earth WILL BE WORTH IT!

OBTAINING THE REWARD OF GOD’S KINGDOM

To be in God’s Kingdom, we turn to God (repent) ask for forgiveness of the things we do wrong then commit to become obedient to God going forward, knowing we won’t be perfect, so we ASK Jesus for the Holy Spirit to HELP us follow through with obedience and to give us wisdom. When God sees our heart is set on doing this, He gives us this help, when we ask. The point is many people don’t know to ask for this but it is available to ALL who’s heart is turned towards God. Jesus said, No one can enter the Kingdom of God unless they are “born again”: born of the water (repentance/ie. baptism) and of the Spirit (receiving God’s Spirit- becoming a new creation as a result of receiving God’s spirit). (John 3) After this, we stay connected to God for strength, protection and wisdom through reading scripture and prayers. Obedience does matter because God gives the Spirit to those who are intent on being obedient and having the Spirit indwelling is necessary to be changed into the perfected immortal person who God originally intended for us to be when Jesus returns. Having the Spirit indwelling (being prepared) is what is talked about in parable of the 10 Virgins in Matthew 25.

STAY CONNECTED TO GOD EVEN WHEN WE MESS UP

Here is another “unpopular” truth: Revelation 3:5 says names can be blotted out from the book of Life by God, to be blotted out means the names were once written in the Book of Life! And God’s spirit can depart (1 Samuel 16:14) if we continually choose “sin” when given a choice to choose “obedience” or “sin” as Saul did when he kept choosing his own way/sin not God’s commands. (Search Spirit of the Lord in scripture) for more understanding of this. Why do you think it says “the Fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom?” Fear of the Lord is referenced 453 times in scripture! This isn’t to put us in constant fear, but it is there to tell us the importance of REMAINING focused on God, in a good relationship with God, (sin separates us from God) we can’t be casual about our ongoing relationship with God. Scripture tells us this is true. If we remain focused on God, we have NOTHING to fear! Remember that too!

GRACE ISN’T A “FREE LICENSE” TO CONTINUE IN SIN

Don’t let people give you false information about the concept of Grace we have been given for our salvation (read Jude Chapter 1):

For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

Jude 1:4

ONLY THROUGH JESUS IS THIS POSSIBLE

Jesus also said: “No one can come to the Father, except through me.” Jesus is the only one who made it possible for us to have the opportunity to be in God’s Kingdom. There is no way we could be “good enough” or do enough “good things” through out life to get into God’s Kingdom (it is far more holy than that), even if we are obedient, if we don’t accept, acknowledge or understand what Jesus did on the cross to literally save us- it is meaningless. Jesus, who was sinless, was the only one who could be the acceptable sacrifice according to God’s Law that could be the substitute death for all mankind. Jesus essentially “purchased us” back from death by his action on the cross and resurrection thereafter. Think about this: a scroll was the form of a contract long ago. In Revelation 5, Jesus (the lamb) is the only one worthy to open the scroll (contract) and Jesus break the seals (Revelation 6) securing the contract- this is the “re-purchasing of us” from death. Yes there are some awful things that happen when the seals break but they are necessary according to God’s law as revealed in scripture. Those events have to happen and will happen in accordance with scripture, to refine some, to have some turn towards God, and to ultimately separate those who choose evil from those who choose God. When “the fall of mankind” happened in the Garden of Eden, when humanity (through Adam and Eve) chose to listen/and obey the serpent (Satan)- that’s where mankind came under the influence and power of evil. Jesus’ action broke this evil hold on mankind, but if we don’t understand this and accept what Jesus said, we remain in the dark. And if we deny Jesus, he will deny us before the Father and we will be subject to the Laws we have broken when it’s time for our judgement. Jesus’ action is a gift to those who accept the gift.

SUMMARY

So considering all these things, this is why I want/choose to become obedient to God. Speaking the truth is not easy because it makes us uncomfortable knowing these things, but the way I look at it, I would rather know the truth in advance, so that I can prepare and take this seriously, than be caught by surprise at an untimely point (my physical death) when there is no turning back possible. Remember, God gave us this warning because He LOVES us and does not want us to perish!

REMEMBER GOD’S LOVE!

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9
by Categories: bible prophecy, bible study, Face Fear, FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP, God, HAPPINESS, Healing, Improvement, Letting Go, Love, Make It Count, Marriage, parenting, Parents, prayer, priorities, RELATIONSHIPS, WellnessTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Discernment vs. Deception: Good vs. Evil

We are in a deception transition period from what I see happening in the world where good and evil are mixed up, creating confusion about right and wrong. Our warning about this came almost 2,000 years ago, if we don’t express and support the truth, soon the younger generations will have a difficult time identifying good from evil. This is what we were told:

Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

Romans 1:32 (Paul)

Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.

Romans 1:28 (Paul)

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God–having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people….They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected.

2 Timothy 3:1-9

We are seeing truth distorted on a continuous basis and anyone speaking against the lies is called “the enemy” and is publicly “shamed”. There is a tremendous pressure for all to “comply” with this new “untruth/lie” deceivingly packaged as “compassion and love” – a strong deception, but “marketed” as something opposite, completely confusing many. There are many opinions, but there will only be Truth remaining in the end.

HOW TO AVOID DECEPTION- WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Know the messenger! Don’t trust anyone you don’t know very well. Find out who they truly are. They may be charming, convincing, appealing, etc. BUT:

Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts.

Proverbs 26:25

So what are 7 abominations? Possibly the 7 things God hates:

There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty (proud) eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood (murder), a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

Proverbs 6:16-19

If the following surrounds their life, do NOT trust them:

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery (intoxication), idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galations 5:19-21

WHO TO TRUST – WHAT TO LOOK FOR

For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Galations 5:14

God is love. When a person has God’s spirit (Love) residing within them, you will notice the following surrounding their life:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Galatians 5:22-23

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Knowing this information, we can “test” the messenger and know if this is a trustworthy or untrustworthy source of information, despite the delivery of the message.

If we want to be known as “good” we should remember that Jesus said there is no one “good” but God, however, God is kind and compassionate and with our “surrender” to Him, Jesus said if we ask, he will send the Advocate (the Holy Spirit) who, once we are open to receiving the Holy Spirit, will begin to work within us. The Holy Spirit provides wisdom, guidance, protection, understanding of truth, peace, gifts (Romans 12:6-8) (1 Corinthians 12:7-11), power, love, discipline, and God’s eternal seal placed on us for our resurrection, redemption at the time of Jesus’ return.

11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of[a] his Spirit who lives in you.

Romans 8:11

USE IT OR LOSE IT!

So remember these verses and use them to evaluate people better knowing who is trustworthy, use it to make future critical decisions in life, and most importantly, get to know Jesus through scripture (read the Gospel of John) If you believe what John writes about Jesus, what Jesus said, pray and ask Jesus for the Holy Spirit to come to you; we all need the Holy Spirit for all the reasons mentioned above.

by Categories: bible prophecy, bible study, FAITH, FRIENDSHIP, God, HAPPINESS, Improvement, Love, Make It Count, priorities, RELATIONSHIPS, WellnessTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment