Jesus, His Life

The History Channel has a series this Spring entitled, “Jesus, His Life.”  I was excited about it because I first heard about it on my favorite radio station, KLOVE.  The announcer stated that The History Channel financially supports (along with listeners who donate) KLOVE.

It was during the second episode where I found some assumptions made by the narrators that were not biblically accurate.  During Jesus’s baptism by John the Baptist, the claim was made that up until that time, Jesus didn’t really know who he was. Well, that is definitely not true!  Recall the account in the Bible when Jesus (age 12) was in the Temple (reading and commenting on the Torah – to the amazement of the listeners), and his parents were frantically looking for him?  What did Jesus say?

Luke 2:49 – And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me?  Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?

The historical information included in the series is interesting.  However, I wish that they had done more research in the Scriptures and/or gotten input from biblical scholars.

I recently ran across a new blog entitled Eye Of Prophecy…watch and wait.  Underneath, was a quote from Rev. 19:10 – For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.”

I found the post entitled, “Messiah’s Amazing Appearances Before He Was Born” quite fascinating and Biblically solid teaching!   I was reminded of my studies in Bible Study Fellowship years ago that covered Jesus’ pre-incarnate appearances in the Old Testament.  The post is very long, but worth reading!

Excerpt:

In one of several spectacular visions that John recorded in the book of Revelation, we read this bout Jesus Christ and his remarkable redemption for mankind that is truly universal in scope.

“…You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it.  For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.  And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God.  And they will reign on the earth.  Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels…And they sang in a mighty chorus:

‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered–to receive  power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing'” (Revelation 5:9-12)

This powerful passage is looking back with deep indebtedness to Messiah’s First Advent (appearance); and looking forward triumphantly to his Second Advent (return appearance).  Both Advents are the heart and soul of the Christian faith — a New (and better) Covenant birthed from a Judaic Old Testament heritage which also experienced appearances of the Messiah.

(Jesus came first as the sacrificial Lamb of God for redemption.  He will return as the Lion from the Tribe of Judah to rule and reign on the earth)

Read more at link above!

 

 

 

 

Prophetic update: Is the Great Deception here?

Some call it fake news. Jesus called it deception. When His disciples asked about the signs of the last days, Jesus began by giving His followers this warning: “Take heed that no one deceives you” (Matthew 24:4).

We live in an age of deception – fake news, false advertising, viral lies and click bait. The mainstream media perpetrate falsehoods regularly, as do various alternative media.

But one of the major sources of 21^st-century deception can be found in an unlikely place: our schools. For instance, the U.S. Department of Education urges all public schools to teach Islam.

It’s really just thinly veiled propaganda, though they would certainly not use that word. The DoE says schools should teach Islam “to create an anti-bias learning environment.”

Many regularly teach the religious doctrine that God and Allah are the same. Forget the “separation of church and state” arguments for the moment. This one teaching alone is a form of gross – and deadly – deception. And the deception is being inculcated in our malleable children, by order of the state!

In 2017, truth became even more subservient to political correctness. Isaiah 5:20 says, in part, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil …” Those words perfectly describe the pervasive spirit of deception that seems to have settled upon our world.

Another sign of the end times is an increase in the persecution of those who name the name of Jesus Christ.

Christianity Today reported, “For the third year in a row, the modern persecution of Christians worldwide has hit another record high.” Fox News said, “Nearly one in 12 Christians across the globe lives in an area where there is high-level persecution against members of the religion.”

A Yemeni man called “Sam” told CBN News: “Life for Christians in Yemen is very hard. For that matter, across the Middle East, there’s not a country where Christians are not suffering for their faith. This is our reality.”

But 2017 also found the persecution of Christians arise in unexpected places. Canada enacted Bill 89, which gives the state the power to take a child away from his or her parents if they do not agree that their child is transgender.

Jack Fonseca of Campaign Life Coalition warned: “[W]e’ve entered an era of totalitarian power by the state, such as never witnessed in Canada’s history. … Bill 89 is a grave threat to Christians and all people of faith.”

Even in America, it is becoming dangerous to be a Christian – especially one who is willing to take a stand for Judeo-Christian values. In 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court heard the case of Jack Phillips, the Colorado baker who declined to make a wedding cake for a homosexual couple. His story is a reminder that following Christ may soon harm a believer’s ability to hold a job or run his own business in a Western nation.

Over the last few decades, some Bible scholars have postulated that the “mark of the beast” might be a computer chip inserted under a person’s skin. The chip would serve as an identifier and repository of vast amounts of information about the individual.

From critical medical information to credit and banking information, the chip would guarantee security and convenience. It would also make possible an amazing Bible prophecy concerning the Antichrist’s partner, the False Prophet.

Revelation 13:16-17 foretells, “He causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand, or on their forehead, and he provides that no one should be able to buy or sell, except the one who has the mark.”

In July of 2017, a company in Wisconsin implanted tiny computer chips into the hands of about 50 employee volunteers. These chips only allow them to open doors and buy snacks from vending machines without money. In other words, they’re to make things more convenient for the busy employees. It sounds harmless enough, but it portends more ominous possibilities in the future.

Last year, the New York Times called certain toys “the cyber security nightmares of 2017.” The paper was referring to the fact that more and more toys contain cameras and microphones that connect to the internet – and constantly gather data.

Today, toys spy on us. Cell phones spy on us. Televisions, cars and even refrigerators spy on us.

In 2017, TSA began using facial scans at some airports. In October, the liberal Slate magazine reported on legislation pending before Congress. It said, “… an alarming section of the bill would give… a green light to begin using biometrics to identify people in airports nationwide… right now there’s only one technology fit for a biometric surveillance system: automated, real-time face scans

Read it all: WND: Prophetic Update: Is The Great Deception Here?

I wanted to copy and paste more of the article, but my computer is acting up and I keep getting the message: “WND is not responding.” I think that such a message, in and of itself, is a deception being done by g00gle in order to keep readers from that conservative website. Or, maybe it is just my computer? (I received a Mac laptop for Christmas and am anxious to learn how to use it so that I don’t have to deal with these “Internet Explorer” problems anymore!)

I have read that conservative sites are often targeted with difficulties, bans, and even undeserved blocking to make their readership go down. Need an example? Here’s one:

Right Wing News: How Conservatives Are Being Destroyed by Facebook, Twitter and Google Without Even Realizing It

My little ole’ Talk wisdom blog, with only 93 followers and usual readership of anywhere from 20 – 50 viewers each day, isn’t a big threat so g00gle likely ignores this site. [There have been times where certain posts got 100’s of viewers, and in the case of the Stephen Paddock Las Vegas shooting post, my stats rose to the highest level ever; over 2,300 views!]

Back to the topic. Hopefully readers here will go to WND and read the entire article. I would like to cite some of the better comments left there.

1. USPatriotOne • 14 minutes ago

The Bible is very clear on what needs to happen before Jesus’s return and the birth pains this world will go through before his return. There are several birth pains from earthquake’s to weather to signs from space to man’s deceptions and lies against their fellow man/woman to the mark of the beast and on and on it goes..!!! Nearly all these signs have either already come into being or are in the process of manifesting into our very lives whether we want this to happen or not..!!! I never found the Bible (the word of God/Jesus/Holy Spirit) to be wrong in any shape or form. Yes Satan and his NWO/Deep State/DemoRats/Rino’s and Islam lie daily to “We the People” and the World at large that the Bible is wrong, but it’s all part of the great deception engulfing our planet, and yes Jesus is about to return, I believe, all the piece’s to God’s grand puzzle are nearly in place! Satan and his demonic followers know this and their end is NEAR! Praise be to the Lord Jesus Christ! Please Lord Jesus protect Prez Trump and VP Pence along with all Christians and Jews in America, Israel and around the world, I pray this in you most holy name our Lord and Savior “Jesus Christ”…Amen!

2. Al-Franki “el-da dhimmi” • 2 hours ago

Hal’s right, we’re pretty fully ‘decepted’ by now. I do remember his book from the 60’s warning us about end times. That was a long time ago he was telling us this…just remember, God’s ‘time’ is not ‘our’ time. It’s up to us to ‘see’ and heed the warnings no matter the time period.

3.
allpan • 12 hours ago
Great article, right on target. America has a poor teaching problem. We are # 36 out of 75 countries taking the international testing (PITA). We teach everything except the basics. Truly, our nation and others are facing the Judgment of God. There is so much disunity in the USA, violence, hatred and rejection of the Bible, we are truly in the last times. The Tribulation spoken of in the Bible is going to be a shocker to this world.

 

4. Watcher • 11 hours ago

“Today, toys spy on us. Cell phones spy on us. Televisions, cars and even refrigerators spy on us. In 2017, TSA began using facial scans at some airports. In October, the liberal Slate magazine reported on legislation pending before Congress. It said, “… an alarming section of the bill would give… a green light to begin using biometrics to identify people in airports nationwide… right now there’s only one technology fit for a biometric surveillance system: automated, real-time face scans.””

“in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man” (Dan. 7:8)

Cameras have eyes like the eyes of man.

Google: “comparing the human eye and a camera”

That bit of prophecy in Daniel 7:8 is telling us that there won’t be many places to hide from the kingdom of the Anti-Messiah, for camera eyes shall be virtually everywhere. That’s one of many ways in which his kingdom shall as much as possible mimic the coming kingdom of the true Messiah. If people understood that, they wouldn’t be off on a wild-goose chase looking for a Muslim Antichrist…

[Note from Christine: The camera comparison from commenter “Watcher” might be a bit off because the verse continues with, “and a mouth speaking great things.”    However, with the technology of today (and cameras everywhere!), it’s true that “there won’t be many places to hide” from the rule of the Antichrist. Here’s a graphic with a better illustration:

Since “allah” is a false god, IMHO, the Antichrist could be (most likely, secretively) muslim. I did find the Daniel 7:8 verse fascinating in the context of this discussion.]

End of Hal Lindsey’s article:

Why are people so upset with President Trump? Sure, he rubs some people the wrong way. He says unexpected and, sometimes, inappropriate things. He speaks – or tweets – when maybe he should stay silent.

But when you look beyond his bluster and just look at his actions and record, he’s mostly a moderate, right-of-center politician – not at all out of the mainstream.

I think the real reason so many people are obsessed with destroying President Trump can be found in his resistance to the New World Order.

In 2017, he refused to recertify the Iran nuclear deal. He formally recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. He pulled the United States out of the Paris Climate Accord. He’s renegotiating NAFTA. He put an end to the Trans-Pacific Partnership. He demanded that NATO members pay their own way. He called the United Nations to account and cut some of its funding. He got tough with the Palestinian Authority. He put the Muslim nations on notice that it’s their responsibility to confront and curb Islamic terrorism. And more.

In other words, he stood up to and fought the globalist elites who were on the brink of cementing their supra-national control of the entire world. And, believe it or not, by doing that and by seeking to return autonomy and sovereignty to the United States – and bring Judeo-Christian values back to the public square – President Trump may have complicated the build-up to the Antichrist’s one-world government.

And doing that guarantees him some terribly powerful enemies – including Satan himself.

That’s why, as we enter 2018, it is so critical that all believers follow Paul’s admonition: “I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

I would go a step further. I urge you to pray earnestly and daily specifically for our president and vice president. Pray that God will encourage them, give them wisdom and determination, and protect them as they stand in the gap for the America we know and love.

Some people consider the Trump Presidency as a type of reprieve from what is eventually going to come as a result of end times prophecy.  Of course, that would depend upon one’s political, social, and religious beliefs.  Those that hate President Trump [for whatever reason(s)] will likely NEVER see the good that he has accomplished in the first year of his presidency.

No matter what, keep praying people!

Hat tip: WorldNetDaily

What is Stored Up In You?

As I witness the continual, never-ending calamity going on within our political system, I decided to find out the truth behind it all.   The reasons for my search include the following:

1. The horrible rhetoric that comes from certain individuals in Congress.
2. The pundits on TV who agree with such harmful words (and their motives behind it all).
3. The hatred spewed daily by the Hollyweird crowd.
4. The radical and dangerous groups that have chosen to do evil and plot schemes to cause disruption and outright harm to the Americans attending the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as our next President of the United States.What is the underlying cause?

   I decided to go to the Bible to help me figure out and understand why many persons on the far left choose to be so vicious against (and highly disparaging of) their opponents (especially Christians!) on the right.

Those words spoken by Jesus in John 16:33 are a continual comfort to me!  We are to expect trouble and tribulation in this temporal world, but Jesus has overcome the world!  As believers and followers of Him, what could be better than all of His promises to us?

When addressing the Pharisees in Matthew 12:22-37 (who accused Jesus of casting out demons through the power of Satan) in Matthew 12:22-37,  Jesus said, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.”  Matthew 12:35 NIV

 

Jesus was telling us that what we say reveals what is in our hearts.  What comes out of the mouth is an indication of what your heart is really like.

When Jesus began his ministry on earth, he said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17b

We know that well-known people (i.e. athletes, celebrities, politicians, even religious leaders) make public apologies.  However, it begs the question:  Are they truly sorry or sorry they were found out?

Only God knows, of course.  We could phrase it another way and say if people (including us) are sorry for sins, shouldn’t they (we) come forth on their (our) own before they (we) are called out?

In 2 Corinthians 7:9 we are shown the fruit of genuine sorrow.

“Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance.  For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing.”

We recognize that “godly sorrow produces repentance” (2 Corinthians 7:10).  That is, when we are truly sorry about something, it will be evidenced by our repentance–which includes confession, asking forgiveness, and restitution where it is needed.

The NIV version of 2 Corinthians 7:10 reads:

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

We could contrast the obvious godly sorrow that Peter felt when he denied Jesus three times (which Jesus predicted he would do even before it happened!) vs. the worldly sorrow that Judas felt when he tossed the 30 pieces of silver back to the Pharisees and then ended up hanging himself.

Compare Peter’s remorse and repentance with Judas’s bitterness and act of suicide.  Both disowned Christ.  One repented and was restored to faith and service, the other took his own life.  Worldly sorrow leads to death.  Not only death in this earthly life, but also eternal death.

Another example is the two thieves on either side of Christ as he hung on the cross.

Luk 23:39
¶
Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ,[fn] save Yourself and us.

Luk 23:40
¶
But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?

Luk 23:41

“And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.”

Luk 23:42

Then he said to Jesus, “Lord,[fn] remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

Luk 23:43
¶
And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

It is never too late to repent!  Right before the thief’s death, he acknowledged his sin and asked Jesus to remember him when He comes into His kingdom!

Paul told us that there is a false kind of sorrow–the “sorrow of the world.”  And that sorrow leads not to repentance but to “death.”  Yes, sins and errors of judgment are embarrassing and sometimes shameful.  But when their magnitude is truly realized, godly sorrow always leads to repentance–a change of mind and direction.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote:

“Christianity starts with repentance.”

Very true!  The term “repent” appears in the Bible 33 times in 32 verses.

John the Baptist, who was prophesied in Isaiah 40:3 urged people to repent:

Mat 3:1
¶
In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,

Mat 3:2

and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

Mat 3:3

For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the LORD;
Make His paths straight.’ ”[fn – Isaiah 40:3]

More prophecy fulfilled from (4:16)

Isaiah 9:1, 2

 

Mat 4:12
¶
Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee.

Mat 4:13

And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali,

Mat 4:14

that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:

Mat 4:15

“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles:

Mat 4:16

The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,
And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death
Light has dawned.”[fn]

Mat 4:17
¶
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

There is a Proverb that reads:

For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.  Proverbs 24:16

There is another Proverb that reads:

Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.   Proverbs 24:1-2

Since there is none who are righteous (see Isaiah 64:6 and Romans 3) God sent His Son to pay the penalty for our sins and reside in our hearts (through the Holy Spirit)  as His righteousness within us!

Jesus’ shed blood at the cross was the propitiation for our sins; and believing in Him, confessing and repenting of our sins, is the only way back to God.

Hat tips:

Blue Letter Bible
All Graphics links

Mary Did You Know?

One of the most beautiful songs ever written about Jesus Christ is “Mary Did You Know?”  It not only covers the birth of Christ but includes the future miracles done by our Messiah and the purpose for which he came to us in the form of a pure Child to save people from their sins.

 

If video doesn’t play here, please view on Youtube:

Mary Did You Know? by Pentatonix.

 

This video has been viewed over 57 million times!

Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Mary did you know that your baby boy will some day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you.

[Verse 2]
Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

Oh Mary did you know

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb

[Verse 3]
Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding is the great I Am!

What ever information Mary had, or did not have, we know what her two responses and one question was to the angel who came to her with the glorious news.

Luk 1:26

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,

Luk 1:27

to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.

Luk 1:28

And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” [fn]

Luk 1:29

But when she saw him, [fn] she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.

Luk 1:30

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

Luk 1:31

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.

Luk 1:32

“He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.

Luk 1:33

“And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

Luk 1:34

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

Luk 1:35

And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.

Mary’s response?

Luk 1:38

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Truly a woman of great faith! The end result would be that her Baby Boy that she delivered would one day deliver her – as well as all who believe in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ!

This is not only a beautiful Christmas song – it is a song that reminds us daily of our desperate need for Jesus who saves people from their sins.

Another woman (Elizabeth) of great faith (who was filled with the Holy Spirit) had the following verses to say to Mary when her baby (John the Baptist) leaped in her womb upon the greeting of Mary!

Luk 1:39

Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah,

Luk 1:40

and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.

Luk 1:41

And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Luk 1:42

Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

Luk 1:43

“But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Luk 1:44

“For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

Luk 1:45

“Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

It was after Elizabeth spoke with the guidance of the Holy Spirit that Mary understood much more!

Luk 1:46

And Mary said:

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

Luk 1:47

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

Luk 1:48

For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.

Luk 1:49

For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is His name.

Luk 1:50

And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation.

Luk 1:51

He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

Luk 1:52

He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
And exalted the lowly.

Luk 1:53

He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich He has sent away empty.

Luk 1:54

He has helped His servant Israel,
In remembrance of His mercy,

Luk 1:55

As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

One comment sums it all up quite well:

dotrocka1 Dec 30, 2014 at 8:38 pm

It has become increasingly clear to me that at the cross, every aspect of the character of God, His holiness, His righteousness, His justice, His wrath, His love, His mercy, His grace, all converged at one point in time, accomplishing our redemption. Between this awareness and the song, Mary Did You Know, This Christmas I was in a nearly constant state of worship. It’s too big to put into words, but thank you for this song that sums up the purpose of Christ’s coming so well.

Amen!

Could We Be Living in a 21st Century Babylon?

When I get into conversations with friends, family, and even some acquaintances, I find that people are highly disturbed about the wrong direction that our nation is heading!  The down-ward spiral of lawlessness, moral deviancy, murder, lies, sin, darkness, sadness, and desperate madness is certainly greatly alarming!  We see people here in America and many countries around the world in a state of  being in fear, having no genuine faith, no hope, no grace, and no light to show them the way to God!

Where do we need to go?

Answer:  God’s Word – the Bible!

For me, the book of John pointed towards my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ and the need to be born again.  Through confession and repentance of my sin at the foot of the Cross, I can then ask for forgiveness.  In faith, through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit came (as he promised – the Helper) to indwell my heart.  Through studying the Bible with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Scriptures came alive for me; leading me to the truth.

What’s more, the study of Bible prophecy both in the Old and New Testaments further reveals the truth of God’s Word and cements my decision to forever believe in and follow Jesus Christ!  I pray, dear reader, that you will do the same!

There are (unfortunately) Christian churches that have made the decision to not study end times Bible prophecy.  The reasons?  Might it have something to do with not “scaring” people away?  Or, the perception of some pastors that it’s just “too difficult” for laypersons in the church to read, study, and learn?  I’m sure there could be dozens of reasons, but my suggestion is to find another pastor who will share this vital biblical information with you!

One such pastor who is willing to share end times prophecy and the meaning of it all with both his church and the world via Turning Point ministries is Dr. David Jeremiah.

This Fall, Bible prophecy comes alive in the Dr. Jeremiah’s TV series and book entitled “Agents of Babylon.”

Most people have heard about the account in the Bible where the prophet Daniel was thrown into the lions den in order to be executed for not bowing down to the pagan king (who declared himself “god”).

But there is MUCH more to learn regarding Daniel, as well as other agents of Babylon. Please view the Hall of Prophecy: Babylon trailer.

At the end of the of the trailer is the question:

“Could we be living in a 21st century Babylon?”

My answer? It certainly appears that way!

The latest episode (which can be viewed online) is entitled, “The Lion King.”

But readers can catch up on all of the episodes at the Home Page for the series.

There are interactive studies Here.

All of the TV episodes are really good! But if I were to choose just two episodes, it would be the above link to “The Lion King” and episode 3 “The Colossus”.

“Nebuchadnezzar’s dream reveals an outline for all of world history, from Babylon all the way to the coming of Christ—but where do we appear on this prophetic timeline? “

It is amazing to realize that Daniel’s dream interpretation (given by God to Daniel) of Nebuchadnezzar’s frightening and disturbing dream was only prophecy at the time. But we have practically the entire history of the kingdoms of man (with one to come) to see how Daniel’s prophecies came true! [Note: Also see Got Questions: What is the meaning of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel 2?

Interesting enough, the Got Questions link above says the following about Daniel’s prophecy:

Many scholars have contrasted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel 2 with Daniel’s vision in chapter 7. Both passages reveal the coming world kingdoms, but the symbolism is strikingly different in each. The pagan king sees the kingdoms of this world as a towering work of art, impressive in size, value, and grandeur (albeit with feet of clay). God’s prophet sees the same kingdoms as bizarre, unnatural beasts, terrifying in aspect and behavior. It’s a difference of perspective: where man sees a stately, glittering tribute to himself, God sees a menagerie of aberrations. “Let us not be desirous of vain glory” (Galatians 5:26, KJV).

See this interactive study on Daniel 7 in order to understand the vision of the four beasts that are also described in the book of Revelation!

Speaking of Christ’s coming kingdom:

His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed.

Amen!!!

 

Hat tips to all links.

The Lord Is Gathering His People

Today, on Yom Kippur (the Jewish Day of Atonement), Joel C. Rosenberg has shared a remarkable phenomenon whereas many Jews are now seeking the Messiah.

A big, untold story: Since last Yom Kippur, millions of Jews have begun searching for the Messiah, and for atonement for their sins. The media isn’t reporting this. But it’s worth examining.

The final blood moon of the 2014/2015 tetrad of blood moons is going to occur on September 28, 2015. There is much speculation regarding what significance these events (occurring on Jewish holy and feast days) may have, and many prophecy experts are saying that it MIGHT be a signal in order to prepare us for the great day of the Lord.

Joel C. Rosenberg is one such Bible scholar and prophecy expert. You can read about him on his ABOUT page at his blog.

On that page you will notice several books that he has written (including Jerusalem Countdown) which are labeled as fictional accounts of what COULD happen in the future; based on prophecies in the Bible. It has been interesting to see that in several incidences, his fictional accounts have become reality years later.

For instance, here is a 2013 video interview with Martha McCallum of the Fox News Channel where Rosenberg discusses possible signs of prophecies of the Apocalypse.

Interestingly enough, there has been an even more recent exodus of refugees from the war-torn regions, seeking asylum in several European countries, as well as requests to come to the United States.

One great thing about Rosenberg is that he isn’t a “date setter” nor does he try to be a modern-day “prophet.” He just shares the prophecies in the Bible and what is currently happening around the world. At that video link, he specifically states that there are Bible prophecies that have already been fulfilled (e.g. the State of Israel in 1945) and also the fact that some prophecies that have yet to be fulfilled.  It is amazing how current events are leading up towards their fulfillment!

One example of such leading up via current events is his book entitled “Damascus Showdown,” which is a prophetic novel that depicts the changes in Syria as well as the Iran showdown. It was written back in 2013, and since then, we have seen the rise of ISIS vs. Assad in Syria. We have the controversial “Iran deal” (terribly misguided and awful – IMHO) which could possibly end up in a showdown between the USA and her Allies (especially Israel) and the fanatical mullah leaders who, most likely, would not hesitate exploding a nuclear bomb to hasten in their Islamic Caliphate.

There is a brief article about the novel from March 2013 at CBN.com.

Way back in 2010, Mr. Rosenberg wrote about the connections between blood moons and the Day of the Lord.

I have written about the Four Blood Moons here at Talk Wisdom, and here is a link to those posts.

One of the more fascinating articles is the one entitled, Breaking Israel News – Latest News, Biblical Perspective [Note: I can’t take any credit for the information, but the links shared there are well worth your time to read.]

I have viewed the Four Blood Moons docu-drama several times. Each time, I have gleaned even more information and connections shared by the various scholars in the movie.

One huge observation presented in the movie is that these blood moon tetrads have been signs from God and how He has intervened in history.   Often, the blood moons tetrads are signals given after the Jewish nation,  or Her people,  have suffered a setback or terrible tribulation (i.e. the Exodus from slavery in Egypt, the expelling of Jews from Spain during the Spanish Inquisition, the horrors of the Holocaust in Nazi Germany, the Six-Day War shortly after Israel became a nation again) and resulted in the Jewish people and the little (in size, not stature!) nation of Israel experiencing astounding victories in the face of very pressing odds where defeat might have been been considered the final outcome!

Today, on Yom Kippur (the Jewish Day of Atonement), Joel C. Rosenberg has shared a remarkable phenomenon whereas many Jews are now seeking the Messiah.

A big, untold story: Since last Yom Kippur, millions of Jews have begun searching for the Messiah, and for atonement for their sins. The media isn’t reporting this. But it’s worth examining.

Excerpt:

Since last Yom Kippur, millions of Jews have begun a quest to find the Messiah. For reasons I cannot fully explain, Jews are suddenly searching for answers to the deepest and most important questions concerning life and death and God and atonement and eternity, in numbers unprecedented in history. Some are searching through the Hebrew Scriptures for answers. A stunning number are actually reading the New Testament, most for the first time. They are searching on Google for information about the Messiah. They are even watching a new series of videos by Jews who claim to have found the answers. The videos — some of which have gone viral — were produced and posted on a new website called www.imetmessiah.com.

To me, these are fascinating developments. They certainly aren’t being reported by the media. But they are worth examining.

Well worth your time to read the entire post!!!

In a previous post written back in February, 2014, I shared portions of Fritz Ridenour’s book (published in 1967), “So What’s The Difference.” Go to that link, scroll down and read the paragraphs that I shared from the chapter describing the differences between Christians and Jews.

Weeks ago, I ordered several copies of Ridenour’s updated book, and in this new version (published in 2001), he shares how (starting in 1967) “Messianic Jews break the mold” regarding these differences.

Excerpt:

For more than 1,200 years it has been assumed on the part of Jewish and Christian communities that a Jewish person simply couldn’t believe in Jesus and stay Jewish.

[In] spite of these cultural barriers, throughout Church history there have always been some Jewish people who came to believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. But something really unanticipated and new began in 1967. At the end of the Six Day War, Jerusalem suddenly came back into Jewish hands after nearly 2,000 years under Gentile domination. Tens of thousands of Jewish people suddenly accepted Yeshua as their Messiah. Citing biblical prophecy (see Deut. 30:1-3; Hos. 3:4,5; Joel 2:28,29; Luke 21:24), some Messianic leaders suggest that the movement of Jewish people embracing Jesus as Messiah and forming Messianic synagogues may be an important fulfillment and indicator of end-time restoration of Israel as a nation. 4

[4 Note: David Chernoff, Messianic Judaism: Questions and Answers (Havertown, PA: MMI Publishing Co., 1990), p.8.]

Notice that the excerpt shares that this “sudden acceptance of Yeshua (Jesus) happened during the period and a tetrad of blood moons and after the 1967 Six Day War!

Joel Rosenberg’s post shares how since the last Yom Kippur, millions of Jews have been searching for the Messiah!. This is during the period of the current tetrad of blood moons! Coincidence? I don’t think so!

Mr. Ridenour continues:

Today it is estimated that there are over 350 Messianic Jewish congregations worldwide, with dozens in Israel. More Jewish people have put their trust in Jesus as their Messiah in the last 20 years than in the past 20 centuries.5

These Messianic congregations worship Yeshua and graciously welcome Gentiles, yet retain Jewish forms of worship, feasts, festivals, songs, customs and even humor. They are fond of reminding both Gentiles and Jews of the first-century Jewish origins of Christianity and that, after all, according to the New Testament, believing in Jesus is a very Jewish thing to do.

[5 note: Gary Thomas, “The Lord Is Gathering His People,” Charisma Magazine (April 1997, p. 54.]

[Note from Christine: As I was growing up, it was considered “impolite,” or “politically incorrect,” if not downright “offensive” to even attempt to witness to Jews who follow Judaism! Also, the divide between Judaism and Christianity back then was so great that even “associating” with one another could be a grave issue. Being raised in the Catholic Church by my mother (I am now a born-again, Bible-based Christian), she nearly “flipped out” (to use a term from the 70’s) when she found out that a young, handsome, teenage Jewish boy walked me home from a dance!! Ironically, the dance was held at a Catholic high school!!!]

Mr. Ridenour continues:

Gentile Christians should rejoice in the messianic Jewish movement as a possible indicator of the return of Jesus to the earth and (no less important) as an opportunity to put into practice what the apostles had in mind in Acts 15 and what the apostle Paul had in mind in Ephesians 2. Both of these passages speak of a Church in which the barriers of religious and cultural hostility between Gentile and Jew are boken down through the blood of the Messiah, a witness to all the earth that Yeshua is Lord. As the Messiah of prophecy, He stands ready to receive all who believe in Him. “For there is not difference between Jew and Gentile–the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him” (Rom. 10:12).

Hat tips to all links and excerpts.

Headlines Cause Us to Eagerly Await Christ’s Return for His Own

My blogging friend Black3Actual has two posts up that every person who happens to come to this blog should read today!

Oil For Your Lamp: UNDERSTANDING SCRIPTURE: God’s Love Will NOT Save You From Hell!

Within the post, Rob Bell is described as an “ex-pastor” who now falls more in line with those teaching heresy because this ex-pastor does not adhere to the full Gospel of Jesus Christ. As our author at the link excellently points out, Bell is more of an “itching ears” type of preacher. [See 2 Timothy 4:3-4]

Myths like Bell’s views do not save ANYONE. In fact, he is guilty of turning people to the wayside where they will miss the true totality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and thus end up lost for all eternity. It REALLY MATTERS who you listen to in this day and age of deception!

Next, Black3Actual wrote a post entitled News Headlines Affirm OYL Posts: Islam Working Toward End Of Days!.

Excerpt:

I have written about the importance of the black flags of Islam and how the Obama/Iran deal is setting the stage for Christ’s return.  I am fully aware that those who do not believe the Bible do not believe what I have been trying to explain, but I cannot help them.  They have chosen to remain willfully ignorant.  For those who wish to see and understand, the signs are coming more often and more clearly every day.  Just this week the news has started to affirm and support everything I have been trying to explain.  This story is just one such example:

Islamic State recruitment document seeks to provoke ‘end of the world’

Whether you believe in Bible or Islamic prophecy or not, ISIS does and it is working to bring about the fulfillment of their prophecies.  Ignoring them is no different from the Allies ignoring the clear declarations by Hitler of what he intended to do.

Read the rest: News Headlines Affirm OYL Posts: Islam Working Toward End Of Days!.

Oil For Your Lamp is a blog that I highly recommend as a daily read! Add the link to your favorites so that visitors to your own blogs will find this Holy Spirit led writer’s posts!

The Gospel of Christ can be revealed and understood by a child!

Mat 11:25

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

Mat 19:14

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Mat 18:3

And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

However, once a person trusts in Christ and is saved, the next step is the study of Scripture (including knowing about end times prophecy) for it is a life-long endeavor!  We have “never arrived” while here on this earth regarding the Wisdom, Knowledge, Mercy, Grace, Forgiveness and the All Encompassing Love of God!  However, the Bible tells us that one day we will know!

1Jo 3:2

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

There are certain individuals who will not heed the warnings that Christians are sharing. However, we know that there will be (and are, right now!) a remnant who are born-again in Christ.  We also can celebrate the fact that there are Christians who are well-informed regarding Bible prophecy. We are heeding what Jesus told us regarding “the signs of the times” and sharing this information with the lost.

My hope is that there will be many more who are quickened by the Holy Spirit of God, knocking on the door of their hearts,  to come to repentance at the cross of Christ. Only His shed blood can… not just “cover” sins temporarily as was the purpose of the shed blood of unblemished animals in the Old Testament… but permanently take away our sins!  Belief in Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life;  for only He provides the mercy and grace in order to be reconciled back unto God.

Jesus Christ was the final sacrifice for sins, and His resurrection back unto life proves His claim that He is the Son of God, the Messiah who was long awaited throughout biblical history. Jesus Christ brings us back unto God for the “it is finished” forgiveness that we all so desperately need!

As we eagerly await Christ’s return for His own (the Rapture), we need to preach the true Gospel, watch for the signs of the times, work for His kingdom, and evangelize those who do not know Him. All that we can do is share the Gospel, as Jesus instructed us to do just before His ascension into heaven.

It is God, through the work of the Holy Spirit, who ultimately does the saving!  He will be with us ALWAYS – even unto the end of the world!

Hat tip:
Oil For Your Lamp

Please see:

How To Know God Personally.

Morality, Time, Technology, Truth and Israel at a Tipping Point

Yesterday at church, my dear friend Ciria mentioned that she has been enjoying my posts here at Talk Wisdom, especially those that discuss the signs of the end times.  Thank you Ciria!  Knowing that a Christian sister is out there reading my blog, studying the Scriptures for the signs that indicate “the days of the Son of Man,” and then sharing additional great messages on the topic is so gratifying, uplifting, and wonderful!

As Christian believers, this is how we lift each other up in the knowledge of the Word of God so that we will be prepared for good works before the Rapture, and we will be encouraged to continue to share the Gospel of Christ with those who need to know the redemption available to them through repentance at the foot of the cross of Christ!

Ciria was kind enough to share a link to Gateway People.com where Pastor Jimmy Evans shares a series of messages that line up with the state of our current world and compare them with the signs of the times that Jesus told us to watch for regarding his return. Our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, told us to look for these signs as an indication that the time is near, closer than ever before in the history of our world, for his return to take away his Bride.  There is nothing else that needs to be fulfilled before the Rapture, so it could happen at any time!

So far, I have listened to the Morality at a Tipping Point message, and I plan to listen to the rest of them as well.

Paul describes what man will be like in this fallen world the closer we get to the return of Jesus Christ for his Bride (The Church – all believers) (see verses 2Ti 3:1-11).

2Ti 3:1

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:

2Ti 3:2

For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

2Ti 3:3

unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,

2Ti 3:4

traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

2Ti 3:5

having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

2Ti 3:6

For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,

2Ti 3:7

always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

All we need to do is open a newspaper, read the news online, watch the news on TV, and then compare what you read and see to what Scripture says! Those verses above describe today PERFECTLY, so we know what we are up against!

2 Timothy 3

Yes! The above verses are very sobering! We need to realize that we will suffer persecution for our beliefs; and it’s happening at a much greater rate today than ever before in my lifetime! But Paul comforts us in the fact that “from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

2Ti 3:12

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

2Ti 3:13

But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

2Ti 3:14

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,

2Ti 3:15

and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

2Ti 3:16

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

2Ti 3:17

that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Luke 21

Luk 21:24

“And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

Luk 21:25

“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring;

Luk 21:26

“men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

Luk 21:27

“Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

Luk 21:28

“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

Luk 21:29

Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.

Luk 21:30

“When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near.

Luk 21:31

“So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.

Luk 21:32

“Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place.

Luk 21:33

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

Luk 21:34

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.

Luk 21:35

“For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.

Luk 21:36

“Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy [fn] to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

*******

 

Special thanks to my friend Ciria for sharing the Gateway People.com  link with me!

 

Hat tips:
Gateway People.com: Tipping Point Series with Pastor Jimmy Evans.

Blue Letter Bible

“Weep no more, I see the coming of the Lord” – Canton Junction

As a true believer in Jesus Christ, our Savior, Lord and King, the prophecies already fulfilled by Him as well as the promises in His Word that will eventually come to fruition, give me the greatest hope, comfort, joy, and peace. One day, Christ will come back and right all the wrongs that have been suffered here in this fallen world.

All believers across the centuries are called the Bride – the Lamb’s wife. He will take His own back to heaven and we will all partake in, and enjoy, the wonderful celebration called the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

Because Christ has overcome the consequences of evil, sin and death, we can claim that He has overcome the world.

Jhn 16:33

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will [fn] have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

1Jo 4:4

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

1Jo 5:4

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our [fn] faith.

Unredeemed man’s inclination is to fear God. Some may claim to hate God. Others, just claim that He doesn’t even exist. Because we have been given free will, to those who reject God’s provision for redemption, He says, “so be it.”

One day, each of us will come face to face with Jesus Christ. The Book of Life will be opened, and each of us will appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ (for believers whose sin has been covered by the blood of Christ and where rewards are given) or at The Great White Throne Judgment (where non-believers not saved by the blood of Christ at the cross will discover their eternal fate.)

People often scoff at the notion that Christ will one day return. They wonder why over 2 thousand years have passed, and still He has not returned. Well, it might be because to God, a thousand years is as a day, and a day is as a thousand years. God’s timing is not our own. There are reasons why Christ’s return appears eminent, but it is not going to happen until all that has been prophesied comes to fruition. The signs of the times certainly tell us that we are ever closer to His return.

2Pe 3:9

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, [fn] not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

Rev 20:4

And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a [fn] thousand years.

 

Last evening, I finally convinced my husband to watch the docudrama “Four Blood Moons.” He loved it! In fact, he wants to view it again!

He now understands why I wanted to see it over and over again. There is so much to take in that additional viewings of the movie help one to better understand the history, Scripture, and science behind the phenomenon of the appearance of four blood moons (called a tetrad) during Jewish feast days.  The fact that remarkable scientific events concerning the people and nation of Israel throughout history,  as well as the fulfillment  of prophecy in Scripture, all combine to indicate that these are signs we should be aware of and pay attention to during the current tetrad that will be completed on September 28th – the date of the Jewish feast of Sukkot.

We have seen huge changes in our nation and across the world (especially when it comes to Israel and the threats she faces)  over the course of the current blood moon tetrad.  Is that just a coincidence?  I don’t think so.

Last night was my fourth viewing of this film.   Each time I see it, I pick up additional information that is not only educational, but also fascinating!

My previous posts on this subject can be found at this link:

Talk Wisdom: Four Blood Moons.

Hopefully, the theme song, “Weep No More” (which is the theme song for the movie)  performed by Canton Junction will play on this site.  If not, go to the YouTube link to view it.

Canton Junction: Weep No More

Weep No More lyrics:

Wring your hands in the dead of night
When the moon is black and the stars don’t shine
Pace the floor when the wind blows cold
You feel it piercing your weary soul
Go on and cry your tears
But when the morning sun appears

Don’t weep no more
Gabriel’s standing up to sound his horn
Don’t weep no more
I see the coming of the Lord

Like a thief at night, the Lord will come
And He’ll set right all the wrong been done
The lonely widow, the orphaned child
Will find their rest in a little while
More than blessed are the weak
For you will get what you seek

Don’t weep no more
Gabriel’s standing up to sound his horn
Don’t weep no more
I see the coming of the Lord

On a white horse
With a sharp sword
I see the coming of the Lord
Where the Lion’s roar
Opened heaven’s door
I see the coming of the Lord

Don’t weep no more
Cause Gabriel’s standing up to sound his horn
Don’t weep no more
I see the coming of the Lord

Like a thief at night, the Lord will come
And He’ll set right all the wrong been done

I see the coming of the Lord
The lonely widow, the orphaned child
Will find their rest in a little while

I see the coming of the Lord
I said I see the coming of the Lord.
I see the coming of the Lord.

Special dedication to my friend Steve at Cry and Howl.

Jesus – Our Forever Cornerstone, the Bible – Our Forever Guide

Recently, there was a report out that made the claim that Christians are abandoning their churches.  While this might be true regarding certain denominations, we still have the promises of God intact; no matter what is going on here in America and around the world.  In fact, Christians who have studied end times prophecy and are able to recognize the signs of the times (as Jesus told us it would be – as in the days of Noah and as in the days of Lot) are not surprised by all that is being done to undermine the church (the context here is not meant to be a building or certain denomination, but meant as all followers) of Jesus Christ!

This morning I found a blog that has a very encouraging post! Romans 122life: 4 Reasons I Have Immense Hope for American Christianity.

The entire essay is great, but I loved this portion:

God’s Will Cannot be Thwarted:

God has promised to build His church. We see this in Matthew 16 when Jesus says, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” No matter what our government may try to do, even it is under God’s authority. Christianity is still spreading in places like China and North Korea. While our culture and government may try to change the church, the true church will survive and thrive. Denominations may die. Church attendance may drop, but the true church will go on and grow. It cannot be stopped. Now that is hope.

My comment there (may still be in moderation):

Wow! I’m so glad that I found your blog and read this uplifting, truth-filled and genuinely hope-filled post! With all the recent rancor about Christianity being demoralized, criticized, and accused of bigotry and hatred; it is important to understand that Jesus warned us of such things happening at an even greater pace the closer we get to the end times.

Churches are led by pastors, and pastors can sometimes be led astray for various reasons. That is why we must always be on guard to recognize heresy or apostasy creeping into certain denominations. We are to remain in the true gospel of Jesus Christ and continue to follow what is written in the Bible. Jesus is our forever Cornerstone, and God’s Word is our forever Guide unto all truth – no matter what this fallen world (which includes aberrant churches and/or groups) tries to throw at us in order to lead us away through sin, error, immorality, false gods or any other type of evil that ultimately brings spiritual death.

1Pe 2:4

Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious,

1Pe 2:5

you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ

1Pe 2:6

Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,

“Behold, I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” [fn]

1Pe 2:7

Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, [fn]

“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone,” [fn]

1Pe 2:8

and

“A stone of stumbling
And a rock of offense.” [fn]
They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.

1Pe 2:9

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

1Pe 2:10

who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

Hat tip: Romans 122life