I don’t write or post for the “art of writing,” I write with one purpose: to inform, after reading you can decide what you do with the information. Recently, someone wisely said: “Knowledge is NOT power” – it’s what you do after you receive the knowledge that can be powerful!
Most of us are aware that using any drug or consuming alcohol usually starts out casual and for some it remains that way, but for others, it escalates to abuse, then to addiction. By the time addiction sets in, people believe they have lost the power to change, but they haven’t. The mind is powerful, because if we believe we can’t, we don’t fight it any longer. This picture of the elephant controlled by a rope is good image to remember. At a young age the elephant is tied by this rope and unable to break free, so by the time the elephant is large enough to break free, the elephant no longer believes the rope can be broken and the elephant can be set free.
Power comes from our belief and belief is a result of what we feed our mind.
There are many reasons people turn to drugs or alcohol, but unfortunately what starts out as a “helper” for something affecting our life turns into not helping any longer, so more is needed, then this can progress into full destruction of self, if we doesn’t break free. A feeling of helplessness and hopelessness can occur and anxiety, depression and even suicide can enter our mind. This is where the brakes need to be applied before the full accident and destruction occurs because this CAN be reversed, a good life CAN return!
I believe there is more to this and a significant reason why this downfall happens to people, I learned about it after reading the Bible. What affects us can be spiritual, of course we can’t blame everything on a spiritual force, and need to be accountable for taking that first step in the wrong direction- out of ignorance- more than likely. “People are destroyed from lack of knowledge” as the prophet Hosea said in scripture. If we don’t know about the spiritual realm and influence, we can be destroyed from this lack of knowledge. Scripture says:
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.
Once the stronghold is broken, it is extremely important for us to remain “in Christ”- meaning surrendering our will to God’s will so that we remain protected: here’s an article on Surrendering and in podcast format because of this verse found in the Bible:
“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”
Jesus (Matthew 12:43-45)
Luke, who was a doctor, documented this in Luke 11:24-26 also.
It doesn’t take much effort today to find stories of people struggling with these battles. Matthew Perry was one of those who fought that battle:
When I heard about the October 7th 2023 massacre in Israel, there was no other way to comprehend what happened other than demonic influence. But did you hear what was discovered? The terrorists were under the influence of a drug. (see video below)
Drugs appear to be a “open gate” “invitation” to the demonic realm where they can then influence us and many of us are completely unaware of this sadly. Here’s another article about this: click link.
What to remember despite all of this: God loves us and wants us with Him in eternity; Satan (and his evil spiritual forces) come only to steal andkillanddestroy; Jesus came that we may have life, andhave it to the full. Jesus said this, documented in John 10:10
Paul tells us that it all starts in our mind, redirecting our mind, just like that elephant example in the beginning, belief causes something very significant in the physical reality of our life.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of yourmind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Paul (Romans 12:2)
Jesus told us this about the will of God:
For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
Jesus (John 6:40)
If there are intrusive negative thoughts, we need to be reminded of God’s love for us: “Don’t give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table” by Louie Giglio is a good book to read, here’s a link to the book on Amazon.
God is waiting for each of us to turn to Him. He loves us more than anyone because He created us with a purpose in mind. Each of us has a purpose, has a reason why we are here, when we seek God, we realize our purpose.
ForIknowtheplansI have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
God (written by Jeremiah the prophet, Jeremiah 29:11)
After hearing about the future return of Jesus for the first time, just four years ago, following the reading the Bible, I wanted to understand “when” this happens and “what” the signs would be because I heard different opinions from people: Pre-Tribulation, Mid-Tribulation and Post-Tribulation and wondered: which one is correct?
After researching this in scripture and looking deeper into the actual Greek words used in the New Testament, I came away with a better understanding. To some degree, I think “all” are correct – if you misunderstand what Tribulation means. An understanding of Tribulation vs. Wrath is essential; these are two different events. The only way to prove this is to identify the words and let you read scripture for yourself. (This will follow)
This is not something to argue about though, as long as people are prepared to endure: The ONLY reason this matters is a concern for the people counting on the “pre-tribulation” rapture theory because that theory prepares people for “an escape,” it doesn’t build them up to withstand, persevere when trials come and therefore may lead to a “falling away” of faith in desperation and a lacking in trust of God when tribulation comes. Believers need to persevere, maintain faith, because God is trustworthy, faithful and has a proven track record throughout History. There is life after the Tribulation and our relationship with God and love towards others is more critical than the escape! As scripture says:
my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.
Hosea 4:6
Scripture indicates a “pre-wrath” protection of God’s children, not a “pre-tribulation” protection of God’s children. So it’s important to recognize the different words used. I see many people using “Tribulation” and “Wrath” interchangeably, but the words have different contextual meanings in scripture.
I may be wrong about all the simulataneous happening of all these following events, but my current understanding is that there will be 3.5 years of God’s wrath unfolding at the same time as the AntiChrist’s 3.5 years of great persecution of Jews and Christians with the appointed “Two Witnesses” who will be sharing the gospel during this 3.5 years also. The Two Witnesses I see as counterbalancing the persecution in an effort to save more people, until the two witnesses are finally killed by the AntiChrist’s Government. God provides protection for His children during this time. (Revelation 12:6) I believe the Woman is symbolically “Israel” (which includes those grafted in– both Jews -the 144,000 sealed by God with the Holy Spirit/the Remnant Revelation 7:2 and Gentiles- a great multitude from every nation Revelation 7:9– Believers in Jesus). After the war breaks out in Heaven, Satan and his fallen angels are cast to earth- this begins the 3.5 year period when the AntiChrist is revealed and “rules” for a short period. (Revelation 12:9 and Revelation 12:14 and Daniel 12:7) First, the AntiChrist is revealed (as Jesus told his followers– Matthew 24:15), and sometime afterthis Jesus gathers God’s Children to protect them during wrath (as Jesus told his followers Matthew 24:31). Jesus also said if those days of persecution hadn’t been “cut short” no one would survive, but for the “sake of the elect” (Matthew 24:22) those days will be shortened. I believe Jesus gathers God’s children during the breaking of the 6th seal in Revelation because the description found in Matthew 24:29 matches the one found in Revelation 6:12-13 and Jesus says “immediately after the distress of those days” people will see the “Son of Man” (Jesus) right before he gives the description of the sun, moon and stars. (For more detail on this see The Revelation Timeline Chart).
Will the gathering by Jesus occur before the “Mark of the Beast”? The Mark of the Beast is something that is forced on all people to receive the mark on their forehead or their right hand whereby ALL people are not be be able to buy or sell without the Mark. I’m not certain if people are gathered by Jesus before this mark; possibly. Some think that this Mark of the Beast is the “hour of trial/the time of testing” and those prepared in advance may not need to be tested and therefore are gathered. But it’s clear in scripture that there will be some Believers that refuse this “mark” – maybe they become Believers after they see Jesus and realize that wrath is immenient? (That’s another reason not to put this decision/commitment to God off!) John sees a great multitude in the presence of God and is told “the multitude” are the ones who came OUT of the TRIBULATION (Revelation 7:14) but it doesn’t mention here if they also REFUSED to take the Mark of the Beast, or they if they were simply removed/gathered by Jesus before this? This brings to mind the parable of the 10 Virgins (the prepared vs. the unprepared- Matthew 25) But then in Revelation 14:9-12, there is a warning given to people: anyone who takes the mark will suffer eternally. (There is no forgiveness remaining for those who take the Mark, an angel warns people before they take it.) But BEFORE THIS MARK HAPPENS, something else happens: “Babylon” is destroyed (which I understand is a symbolic representation of a spiritual influence. I don’t know who Babylon is- but it will be people under the control of that evil Spirit- definitely a possibility for anyone who does not have the Holy Spirit.) “Babylon” is also represents a major trading/merchant “city” and some people will see Babylon get destroyed from a far, in the water or seas and the people will be shocked when it happens. Since we don’t know for certain where this “city” is, it would be wise to take precautions now and get prepared because this appears to happen BEFORE (Revelation 14:8) the Mark of the Beast (The destruction could be a bomb perhaps and that means sudden destruction). Regarding the Mark of the Beast enforcement, scripture also says:
This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.
Revelation 14:12
Therefore, it seems to indicate there will be Believers present when the enforcement of the Mark occurs. Maybe this happens to those who are not affected by the destruction of “Babylon”? Remember the False Prophet (Religious Figure) is the one who forces all to receive the Mark, on behalf of the “Beast “( the Governing Leadership at the time, led by the AntiChrist). Revelation 14:16
Back to current events: The presence of persecution/tribulation seems to have escalated signficantly in October 2023 first with the Jews, next will be the Christians, however the AntiChrist hasn’t been revealed yet, just the spirit of the AntiChrist, which is already making itself known throughout the world. There is no other way to comprehend the terror, attrocities and the following reaction by people regarding the October 7, 2023 massacre in Israel, except that this is brought on by a deceptive spiritual demonic influence enabled by a godless deceived society (sadly). A people who will ultimately be destroyed from a lack of knowledge: the terrorists and people who don’t believe Jesus is the Messiah. By Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection thereafter, he made it possible for ALL mankind to have the opportunity (click the link for getting prepared) to be in God’s future kingdom (also known as eternity).
Israel is actively fighting a war today. Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, as proxies to Iran and including Iran all want the same thing: death to Israel and death to America. This is a spiritual war; it’s time for people to wake up, get prepared spiritually with the Holy Spirit!
Getting back to Tribulation vs. Wrath, please read these entries and maybe this will clarify the difference between wrath and tribulation contextually?
Tribulation: Greek word: thlipsis – verses found in scripture with this word: Click Link Here.
Wrath: Greek word: orgē – Verses found in scripture with this word: Click Link Here.
The difference between those words should be clear after reading those verses: Believers will go through Tribulation, but will be protected by God from Wrath. This requires perseverence, faith, endurance of Believers – which ironically are the characteristics of people after receiving the Holy Spirit! (Galations 5:22-23)
So again, this requires all of us to prepare now: Here’s a link to the “preparation” if you haven’t done so already. Please share this with all the people you care about!
Please pray for ALL people to turn to God for salvation in the name of Jesus!
I started writing about the book of Revelation in February 2022 but stopped after the first sentence, then woke up this morning thinking it’s time to complete this. If you found my podcast, on Spotify or Apple (episodes 201 – 215), you will know I just completed a chapter by chapter reading and discussion on the book of Revelation, so I won’t go chapter by chapter here. This will be a summarization of the events.
My interest in Bible Prophecy (eschatology) started in 2020 when we had that global “pandemic” event, I felt there was a greater signficance, maybe a wake up call, a warning perhaps, and I believe it was, three years later (2023) because of the continuation of global events such as lawlessness, floods, hail, earthquakes, fires, etc. While all these events have been present as long as we can remember, there has been an increase in the intensity of these events since I started paying attention to them, search for yourself. This thought aligns with “Climate Change” focus (which I believe as a focus distracts us from what this really is: a warning from God).
Why is God warning us? I believe He is warning all mankind: there is prophecy written about thousands of years ago which remains yet to be fulfilled, and I believe it’s coming sooner than most people think: the return of Jesus Christ, which will bring about judgement on mankind: believers and unbelievers. I noticed that God often repeats things 3 times, or multiple times, when He wants us to pay attention to something in scripture. I say “God” repeats because I believe that the spirit of God inspired the 40+ authors who wrote what we refer to as “the Bible” telling a consistent message over thousands of years through prophets (in dreams and visions) and through the symbolism of actual events in history giving us a preview of what is to come.
The fear of the LORD is the beginningofwisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
Psalm 111:10
The beginningofwisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginningofwisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginningof knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7
In 2020 when I started seeking to understand, it was so confusing, and I found so many opinions on the sequence, the timing of these events. While, I’m still not certain about the timing of events, I’ve prepared a “Timeline” based on what I found in scripture, but what I think is most important, is our preparation, becoming “Born Again,” (click this link to read more on what this means), I didn’t make a podcast of this post, but plan to soon. Jesus said:
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, noonecanenter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.
John 3:5
The “preparation” is the most important part and once we are prepared, “Born Again,” we will have no fear of the future events because we will have made an alliance, promise, commitment, covenant with God and He sees us as “His Children” whom He protects, shelters and works all things for the good of those who love Him and keep His commands.
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who lovehimandkeep his commandments.
Deuteronomy 7:9 (written by Moses)
Then I said: “LORD, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who lovehimandkeep his commandments,
Nehemiah 1:5 (written by Nehemiah the prophet)
I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who lovehimandkeep his commandments,
Daniel 9:4 (written by Daniel the prophet)
And before anyone claims, the commandments no longer apply , that was the Old Testament, please remember these quotes from the New Testament:
“Ifyouloveme, keep my commands.
John 14:15 (the words of Jesus as documented by John)
Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.
John 14:23 (the words of Jesus as documented by John)
Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
John 14: 24 (the words of Jesus as documented by John)
He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
Luke 11:28 (the words of Jesus as documented by Luke)
Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?
Romans 6:16 (Paul’s words: we are either obedient to evil spiritual forces or obedient to God)
For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
1 Peter 4:17 (Peter’s words)
So because of all this written above, especially for those who want to “wait until the last minute” to prepare- we may be “at the last minute”- seriously, take a look at what prophecy indicates, then compare this to world events. Knowing prophecy is for our benefit, it will happen, Jesus explains the sequence of events in the chapters of Matthew 24 (the signs) and Matthew 25 (preparation and judgement)
After studying the Book of Revelation, I put together this “End Time Timeline” dated 10/2023- no dates, just what I discovered while reading scripture and this is slightly different from what I’ve heard from other people, the events may not be in this order, but this is the best I could put together from my current understanding of scripture. (It will change, if scripture provides clear evidence that this order of events is not correct.) This is a timeline based on what I found in scripture only, not what others teach. I am seeking the truth, only found in scripture. When we have differing opinions, it’s because we are not fully understanding the word of God. So I welcome anyone who has scripture to support a variation of this timeline because I only want to know the truth, to understand. I’m providing a link to the PDF timeline document for you to reference, download, mark up as you read scripture. Please share any clarifications (with scripture references) that you find relative to the timeline after reviewing, if you find evidence for something different and I will update the document. Hopefully this document will be helpful in recognizing where we are today using this timeline as we watch and experience world events.
As I read the Bible, I found many references to “End Times” throughout scripture, and while many scholars often quote from various places in the Bible, I didn’t have a consolidated reference, so I’m going to do that for you: reference various parts of scripture that you will want to familiarize yourself with if you want more detail. Scripture interprets scripture, gives clarity, and provides detail. There is something that scholars also know: while some events occurred in the past, they were not a complete fulfillment of scripture, but they were a “preview” or a “foreshadowing” of future events, please keep this in mind and pray, asking God for wisdom, discernment and clarification if it is not clear and I believe He will give it to “His Children” who ask for this.
PLEASE SCROLL PAST THESE REFERENCE LINKS FOR AN IMPORTANT FINAL SUMMARY/ACTION PLAN
The only preparation we need is to be “born again” as Jesus said in John Chapter 3. The normal reaction after hearing of the events described in the Book of Revelation is fear, but the spirit of fear this isn’t the spirit God wants us to keep, this is what we have when we DON’T have God’s spirit. If we have the Holy Spirit (we are born again, born of the spirit, a new creation), then we have nothing to fear because God provides EVERYTHING we will need- have faith and trust in Him. Faith comes from reading scripture (the Bible) seeing the repeated history of God’s character, His personality, who He is. Then when we KNOW God personally, from what is written in the bible and from our communication with Him, talking to Him through our prayers. Receiving the Holy Spirit isn’t some long drawn out process, the moment we are sincere in belief, wanting to change our ungodly ways, asking God for forgiveness, with a sincere “surrender” of my will to God’s will (obedience to God), asking Jesus for the Holy Spirit, we will receive the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit will begin to work in our life, we will begin to change (this part is a slower, more gradual process) but when we are sincere and our “hearts turn towards God”- God is merciful, loving, forgiving and restores us.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
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
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!
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
Romans 10:17
I found this statement to be true -personally. I knew of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit since I was a child, emphasizing the word knew “of” because I didn’t “personally know God”- just was taught about Him, but that all changed as I studied the Bible. No longer was God some mysterious being, Jesus some historical figure of the past or the Holy Spirit (a “mystery” to me) but I started to understand God’s character, thoughts (in more detail than “love your neighbor”), things He hates, what He loves, and what His will is for all of us: to be with Him in eternity. Thankfully, He went through extraordinary means for us (meaning Jesus on the cross) and for me personally that my “eyes finally opened” as a result of studing scripture, I finally know God personally. It didn’t happen from anyone “teaching” me anything, it happened when I started seeking to know Him to understand what’s in the Bible and studying scripture. There are several true statements about seeking too, some are:
Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
Isaiah 55:6
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33 (Jesus said this)
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7 (Jesus said this)
My way of thinking drastically changed (in a positive way) as I studied and I realized “truths” about many questions I had. My faith grew and I believed deeper. I have a solid faith now. Before I had some questions, but those were answered by studying scripture. Due to the impact scripture had on me, I began to share what I was learning on this website, on Instagram, and in a podcast.
Spotify Podcast Link
I’m currently working on a Bible Study Podcast covering the Book of John, reading and discussing a chapter per day (when I can). I chose this one because John was one of the first disciples and he expressed in his writings that he thought he was closest to Jesus (like a best friend), so I’m interested in his insight. He was also the one who wrote the book of Revelation, which I’ve learned so much from; he expands on what the prophets of Israel: Daniel, Zechariah and Ezekiel taught. If you want to grow your faith, try listening to this podcast and see if studying scripture affects you the way it did me?
When we know the Truth and accept it, the truth will set us free. This is the truth:
We were planned, not an accident, not by chance, but intentionally created by God out of His love. God controls all life.
We have a purpose to fulfill on earth given to us by God.
There is a future kingdom coming. A new earth. We are on the testing grounds right now.
Our actions will be judged by Jesus, son of God who will be given this authority to judge and rule the earth.
Circumventing Jesus won’t turn out well.
Our actions matter at judgement but won’t get us into eternity. Obedience to God’s commands is the basis for judgement.
Repentance is significantly important – there are actions that will prevent us from being in God’s kingdom if we don’t change our ways.
Jesus bridges the gap, made the way for us.
We need the Holy Spirit indwelling to have immortal eternal life and be a part of God’s new Kingdom which is coming. The Holy Spirit comes from God through Jesus.
God loves us and wants us with Him in His future Kingdom.
S.A.I.L. 