“Obsession” With Bible Prophecy?

I don’t recall reading too many articles where the Christian author seems to discourage studying, writing about, and sharing Bible prophecy.  Well, that changed today when I read this:

Obsession With Bible Prophecy – The Devil Loves It

I will admit that I don’t know much about the author. His bio says this:

Chuck Baldwin – is a radio broadcaster, syndicated columnist, and pastor dedicated to preserving the historic principles upon which America was founded.

About Us “Chuck Baldwin Live” aired its first program on August 1, 1994. The broadcast originated as a Radio Talk Show and continued in that capacity for eight years. The current format of the show features a recording of Dr. Baldwin’s sermons and commentaries that are heard 30 times a week on 12 radio stations in 5 States, including Northwest Florida (from Destin, Florida to Mobile Alabama) and Southern Alabama (including Evergreen, Greenville, and Monroeville), parts of Central Florida (Deland area), Lynchburg and Martinsville, Virginia (including Roanoke, Virginia and into the Triad area of Winston/Salem, Greensboro, and High Point North Carolina), and in Utah (between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas). CBL is constitutionalist, Christian, pro-life, pro-traditional family, and patriotic. We support constitutional government and the Bill of Rights. We hold fast to the principles and values expressed by the Founding Fathers and the Declaration of Independence.

OK…he’s a pastor? Well, it’s often not surprising that some pastors choose to ignore the book of Revelation. I have been in a church where the pastor happened to refuse to include the study of Revelation in the sermons. I didn’t bother to ask why because I quickly left that congregation.

I found the link via a blog called, “Freedom Is Just Another Word.”

Since there was no section for comments at the original author’s site, I wrote the following at the linked blog:

christinewjc

August 18, 2016 at 10:59 am

Wow! Went to the author’s website and the article was quite harsh! If we aren’t supposed to look at, study, and share “the signs of the times” for the additional purposes of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the warnings with the lost, then why does Revelation 22:7 tell us – “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”???

BIBLE PROPHECY: Why Study Bible Prophecy?

I know of a “Christian” pastor who REFUSES to preach on the book of Revelation. Years ago, I attended a women’s Bible study at that church. One of the studies included Anne Graham Lotz’s book (and study) entitled “The Vision of His Glory.” It was a great study that focused on Jesus (after all, it is the Revelation of Jesus Christ!) without all of the “scary” imagery of what happens to the unsaved.

But that study was not discussed with the church congregation. Only those who chose to attend learned about it.

Why do some pastors choose to ignore biblical prophecy? I don’t really know the answer to that question. Could be many reasons why the prophetic books are ignored. Maybe there is the fear of scaring away those who attend the church? Perhaps there is the fear of “upsetting” the unsaved that might come to the church? Could it be because of ignorance on the topic so the pastor chooses to ignore it?

I didn’t stay in that church long enough to find out whether or not the pastor ever discussed any of the Old Testament prophetic books like Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel and the Psalms.

This is a great post Joe! I’m glad that you are doing this important series!
God bless you!
In Christ,
Christine

The Oil for Your Lamp

WHY STUDY PROPHECY?

When the non-believer reads prophecy, all they usually see is a bunch of fanciful, vaguely worded stories that can be interpreted to mean nearly anything.  Consequently, they dismiss prophecy as foolishness.  Sadly, many believers also dismiss prophecy.  To them, it simply isn’t important.  I even know pastors who say they are not concerned with prophecy.  Frankly, this troubles me more than non-believers who dismiss prophecy.  Nearly one third of the Bible is prophecy. If the Lord thinks prophecy is important enough that one third of His Word has been revealed in the form of prophecy, then I should think that, at the very least, believers should think it is important enough to study (let alone a pastor).  But more than this, the Scriptures actually tell us why we should study prophecy.  Here’s what I’ve found in studying this subject.

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Behold, I Make All Things New

While watching the Revelation Song music video,  I was reminded of the scene in the movie The Passion of the Christ where Mary, the mother of Jesus, came to him as He had fallen underneath the weight of the cross on the way to Calvary.  He looked at Mary and said, “Behold, I make all things new.”

That is a statement from the book of Revelation.

Rev 21:5

Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me,[fn] “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

When I think about the evil, sin, and death that all human beings (including me!) have put forth and are guilty of on this earth, it deeply grieves me. God’s Word tells us why:

Rom 8:22

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.

When Jesus started his earthly ministry, he said:

Mat 4:17

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

Those who refuse to repent:

Rev 21:8

“But the cowardly, unbelieving,[fn] abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Without Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross for our sins, His resurrection to life, and subsequent ascension into heaven to be seated at the right hand of the Father; all of us would deserve that punishment!

Because of the sin we all bear upon our own souls, we either die with such sin or we repent!

Jesus Christ took the sins of the whole world upon Himself in the greatest act of mercy ever known, in order that we would not have to pay the penalty of sin ourselves in eternity! No greater love is there than for a Man to give his life for his fellow man! That is what Jesus accomplished when he obeyed perfectly the will of the Father in order to achieve redemption for those who would believe in the Son of God, Jesus Christ, and follow him!

Recall what the prophet Jeremiah wrote:

Jer 17:9

“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?

None of us are exempt from that reality!  However, the very next verse tells us what the LORD searches for in each person who has ever lived!

Jer 17:10

I, the LORD, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings.

This verse gives us the hope of the coming Messiah:

Jer 17:7

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
And whose hope is the LORD.

Revelation informs us of Who Jesus is!

Rev 22:13

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”[fn]

Rev 22:14

Blessed are those who do His commandments,[fn] that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

 

Who Am I?  by Casting Crowns reiterates this truth:

 

We are still given warnings in the book of Revelation:

Rev 22:15

But[fn] outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.

John identifies Who is speaking to him:

Rev 22:16

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”

And those whose names are in the Book of Life are given eternal life with God!

Rev 22:17

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

Back to Jeremiah:

Jer 17:13

O LORD, the hope of Israel,
All who forsake You shall be ashamed.

“Those who depart from Me
Shall be written in the earth,
Because they have forsaken the LORD,
The fountain of living waters.”

Jer 17:14

Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed;
Save me, and I shall be saved,
For You are my praise.

The cries of hope, healing, and salvation in Jeremiah are realized in Revelation:

Rev 22:20

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Rev 22:21

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.[fn] Amen.

Commenter suggests: I should “apologize to all the people [I’ve] lied to over the years, and then shut down this blog.”

A commenter here at this blog took issue with what was written in this post and then proceeded to suggest that I “apologize to all the people [I’ve] lied to over the years, and then shut down this blog.”

Since this person has been commenting at several sites I have had over the course of ten years, I asked him:

But then…if I did as you requested…what would you do with yourself when you no longer have me here to give you the opportunity to rail against the True God of the Bible?

Luk 10:16

“He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.”

When Jesus was asked “who is my neighbor?”

See Luke 10:29-37

Back to my comment:

I was awoken last night at 11:30 p.m. because one of our dogs was agitated and barking. He most likely heard a coyote howling in a nearby yard. I turned on the outside lights, waited a bit, looked around the yard with my flashlight and then let the dogs out to do their business. Sometimes it’s difficult to go back to sleep after that, so while I made myself a cup of tea, I checked my email and saw his comment.

[Note: Visitors can scroll down and read the entire comment HERE.]

This is what I thought about saying to him while I was drinking my tea last night:

Wow…for someone who holds equal hatred towards the True God of the Bible (and rejects His Son, Jesus Christ for salvation) as well as the false god of Islam, how could you know what true, genuine, agape love is and what is required of us in return?

Jeremiah 17:9 – The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?

Jeremiahs 17:10 – I, the LORD search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.

About the love issue.  The Bible tells us:

Jhn 15:13
 
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

 

Continuing with what I wrote in answer to that comment:

 

Rejection of this greater love puts you and all who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in the same boat.

As for the likes of Zuckerberg? I would never trust a person like him who labels his so-called “followers” on FB as “dumb f***s” and plays “god” over them by manipulating them in various ways via the site; as well as his blatantly evil use of employees to be told to spy on FB users and misuse his “authority” in order to control their free speech as well as dismissing their privacy concerns.

The pride of life is the oldest sin in the world. It is especially egregious when it’s used against God and used as a weapon against His redeemed.

I would suggest that you also read Jeremiah 17:11-13.

Jeremiah 17:14 has some advice for both you and him.

This morning, I watched the final sermon in an awesome series about “The Seven Churches of the Revelation” by Dr. David Jeremiah entitled, A Look Into Heaven.

I am often amazed that the Lord provides for me the right answers to situations that I encounter.  I am humbled when He graciously leads me to His Word to counter statements that non-believers might say or write against me.

In this instance where you would accuse me of “going off the rails” and tell me “to apologize and shut this blog down,” I’d have to say that the look into heaven that I heard this morning gave me an even better perspective (and answer) than the one that I just shared above. God has a great way of doing that for His own!

Now, I’m sure that you would not take the time to watch the entire segment. But I place a link to it here for anyone who reads this thread and would like to view and hear the sermon. Dear readers! If you do take the time – you will be truly blessed today!!!

I came away from hearing and listening to that particular sermon and the following verses came to my mind.  They certainly compliment the Scriptures that have already been shared and add far more wisdom than my initial response.   I praise my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for enabling the Holy Spirit to lead my mind to them!

Pro 1:7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Psa 111:10

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.

Pro 9:10

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Hat tips to all links.

The Significance of Jesus on Palm Sunday, in Prophecy and in Revelation.

Tomorrow is Palm Sunday.  It is the day when we celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey.

True Discernment has a great post up describing this event. I suggest reading it all.

There are several paragraphs in that essay that I would like to highlight; particularly because in a similar manner as back then, there is currently such a heightened and frenzied political atmosphere today here in America!  People are looking for some sort of “savior” who will get us out of the political, social, cultural, and financial mess we find ourselves in.

Excerpt:

On that first Palm Sunday, the people also honored Jesus verbally: “The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ / ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ / ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!’” (Matthew 21:9).

In their praise of Jesus, the Jewish crowds were quoting Psalm 118:25–26, an acknowledged prophecy of the Christ. The allusion to a Messianic psalm drew resentment from the religious leaders present: “Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’” (Luke 19:39). However, Jesus saw no need to rebuke those who told the truth. He replied, “I tell you . . . if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out” (Luke 19:40).

Some 450 to 500 years prior to Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, the prophet Zechariah had prophesied the event we now call Palm Sunday: “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! / Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! / See, your king comes to you, / righteous and victorious, / lowly and riding on a donkey, / on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9).

The prophecy was fulfilled in every particular, and it was indeed a time of rejoicing, as Jerusalem welcomed their King. Unfortunately, the celebration was not to last. The crowds looked for a Messiah who would rescue them politically and free them nationally, but Jesus had come to save them spiritually. First things first, and mankind’s primary need is spiritual, not political, cultural, or national salvation.

When we look at this with wisdom filled eyes, we will notice that nothing has really changed since then! Mankind’s primary need is STILL spiritual; above all else! Of course, the political, cultural, and religious (i.e. “national salvation”) challenges going on can affect one’s spiritual decisions. The crowd cheered Jesus on Palm Sunday; but because their expectations of a Messiah were not met, they yelled “crucify him” just days later!

Excerpt from article link:

Even as the coatless multitudes waved the palm branches and shouted for joy, they missed the true reason for Jesus’ presence. They could neither see nor understand the cross. That’s why, “as [Jesus] approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies . . . will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you” (Luke 19:41–47). It is a tragic thing to see the Savior but not recognize Him for who He is. The crowds who were crying out “Hosanna!” on Palm Sunday were crying out “Crucify Him!” later that week (Matthew 27:22–23).

Look at what they missed from the Old Testament Scriptures that would have helped to inform them who He is:

Zec 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Mat 21:5 “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”

This is just one prophecy that was exactly fulfilled by Jesus Christ. In fact, Jesus fulfilled hundreds of prophecies!

For a crowd to cheer Jesus one day, and jeer at him and scream “crucify him!” just six days later shows how utterly faithless people can be.

We can easily see how they can turn from the truth when they are not anchored in God’s Word and Truth!

How can we reconcile this?

Here’s the answer:

Jesus is the faithful one. He is faithful even when I am not (2 Timothy 2:13).

That is the crux of the matter. Even when we aren’t faithful, Jesus ALWAYS IS!! That is why we can trust Him with our very lives – now and for all eternity. How great is our God! He is the TRUE hope for our lives.

The following is a timeless truth:

I no longer live, but Christ lives in me and the life I live today in the body is by faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave his life for me (Galatians 2:20).

Jesus loved us all THAT MUCH – that He would die for our salvation. We know we can trust His promises, for three days later, he rose from the dead.

Excerpt from link above:

There is coming a day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10–11).

The worship will be real then. Also, John records a scene in heaven that features the eternal celebration of the risen Lord: “There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands” (Revelation 7:9, emphasis added). These palm-bearing saints will shout, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb” (verse 10), and who can measure the sum of their joy?

Hat tip: True Discernment

Does Your Church Pastor Preach Sound Doctrine?

Are YOU listening to sound doctrine from the Bible or what your itching ears want to hear?

Christians should take heed of Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 4:2-5 before making their choice of a candidate for president.

News reports are telling us about “famous” Christian leaders who are getting behind Donald Trump! I have always expected this of the leftist leaning Christians, but not the ones who are perceived to be born-again in Jesus Christ!

I pray that those who think that Trump is “the one” in this election to re-evaluate. If you need help doing this, please read THIS POST!  That post also includes evaluations about the Democrat candidates.

When Paul speaks of preaching the word “in season and out of season,” Bible commentator David Guzik tells us:

This tells us when the pastor should be ready to preach the word. He should be ready always. He should preach it when it is easy and preach it when it is hard. He should preach it when the fruit is evident and preach it when the fruit seems invisible. He should just preach it.

Furthermore:

It is important to realize that not everyone who opens a Bible and starts talking is preaching the word. Many well-intentioned preachers are actually preaching themselves instead of the word.

Unfortunately, I have seen pastors of three former churches where we attended (one was for 20 years before it went astray!) as a family as being guilty of “preaching themselves” in some way rather than preaching Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

One pastor decided to follow in the reprobate footsteps of Rick Warren.

Another pastor decided to follow in his own footsteps by badgering the congregation (and the guests there!) with statements like, “you are stupid if you don’t accept Christ TODAY” and/or “don’t wait to escape hell – accept Christ now!” I must admit that this was an uncharacteristic utterance from this mega-church pastor!  However, we had a guest with us (last Easter Sunday) and we all could not believe our ears when the pastor did such a thing!

Next, we started attending another church and that pastor was wonderful until he started preaching cult-like characteristics during a sermon on the book of Matthew. We were shocked by this development because we had been attending that church for several months.

Our new church (as of October, 2015) is holding to true doctrine.  I hope and pray that the pastor continues to steer clear of false teachings!

The book of Revelation describes Seven churches. Out of the seven churches, only two (Smyrna and Philadelphia) did not receive any type of reprimand.

I am seeing personal examples of churches falling into false teachings.  It is happening at a greater rate today.

Many churches have “lost their First Love” (meaning Christ) and/or have been guilty of noticeably falling into blatant sexual sin. The list of failings of these particular churches can be read in Revelation 1:20 – Revelation 3:21.

The warnings and condemnation of the five other churches at that time in history also serve as warnings for congregations of the churches of today! Be SURE that the pastor(s) of the church you attend are preaching sound doctrine!

David Guzik helps us identify them:

a. Preach the word! Paul’s emphasis on the word of God has been constant. There are some 36 references to the true gospel in this letter and some 17 references to false teachings.

i. This constant emphasis makes Paul’s point clear to Timothy:

– Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord (2 Timothy 1:8)

– Hold fast the pattern of sound words (2 Timothy 1:13)

– The things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men (2 Timothy 2:2)

– Rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15)

– A servant of the Lord must be … able to teach (2 Timothy 2:24)

– All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16)

Always remember that we are to “convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”

There will be people who will NOT accept what we share regarding the gospel of Christ.  But we are to plant the seeds anyway; even when it is uncomfortable to do it!

This is how we fulfill our ministry!

I pray that this post will help readers during the trying times ahead.

In Christ,

Christine

2Ti 4:2

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

2Ti 4:3

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;

2Ti 4:4

and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

2Ti 4:5

But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

There’s One Way to Peace…

This morning, I ran across a worship song and music video that sounded vaguely familiar.  However, the lyrics were a bit different.

Then, I recalled that another longer version of the song was often sung at the church’s children’s AWANA program!  I was an AWANA leader for three years back when my now-adult daughter attended.   It has probably been over 20 years since I have heard this beautiful song!

If the music video does not play at this blog, please go to the Youtube link:

Youtube: His Banner Over Me is Love.

The children’s version contained the following additional lyrics:

The Lord is mine and I am His,
His banner over me is love.
The Lord is mine and I am His,
His banner over me is love.
The Lord is mine and I am His,
His banner over me is love.
His banner over me is love!

He brought me to His banqueting table,
His banner over me is love.
He brought me to His banqueting table,
His banner over me is love.
He brought me to His banqueting table,
His banner over me is love.
His banner over me is love!

He lifted me up into heavenly places,
His banner over me is love.
He lifted me up into heavenly places,
His banner over me is love.
He lifted me up into heavenly places,
His banner over me is love.
His banner over me is love!

He is the vine and we are the branches,
His banner over me is love.
He is the vine and we are the branches,
His banner over me is love.
He is the vine and we are the branches,
His banner over me is love.
His banner over me is love!

Jesus is the rock of my salvation,
His banner over me is love.
Jesus is the rock of my salvation,
His banner over me is love.
Jesus is the rock of my salvation,
His banner over me is love.
His banner over me is love!

There’s one way to peace through the power of the cross,
His banner over me is love,
There’s one way to peace through the power of the cross,
His banner over me is love,
There’s one way to peace through the power of the cross,
His banner over me is love.
His banner over me is love!

*******

Yes!  There IS ONE WAY TO PEACE – and it is through Jesus Christ and the power of the Cross!

The text from the song comes from the Song of Solomon:

Sng 2:4

The Shulamite to the Daughters of Jerusalem
He brought me to the banqueting house,
And his banner over me was love.

The beautiful commentary HERE describes how this Scripture applies to Jesus Christ, our Bridegroom for eternity, and His Church – the Bride.

The banqueting table spoken of in the song can also be applied towards the future marriage supper of the Lamb as recorded and described in Revelation 19.
Rev 19:9

Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”

 

Hat tips to all links.

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.

Anticipation of the Kingdom

HT for graphic:  thegloriousbattle.com

In a previous blog post thread, GMPilot wrote a comment where he challenged God’s goodness and righteous judgment upon cities and people in the Old Testament.  His contention, “when god deals with his people, one hand holds the grace and the other hand holds the mace.”  He claimed that such cities were never given a chance to “choose life” because God had them exterminated.  GMPilot challenged me by writing, “You’re not going to sit there and deny that, are you?”

First, I will state that GMPilot’s purpose here at Talk Wisdom has always been to challenge the beliefs of Christians.  He even admits (in the comment exchange below) that he is not “seeking to be reached” with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Therefore, his challenges against God, Jesus Christ, and God’s Word, the Bible are only meant to purposely counter, disparage, and even ridicule (at times) Christian belief.  In doing this, he often shares his contempt for our God of the Bible.  I write this so that readers here will understand where such challenges are coming from and for what purpose GMPilot writes comments here at this blog.

In apologetics, it is always important to realize that the challenges presented by non-believers and the answers given by a Christian may end up never being satisfying to the inquirer.  Why?  Because when a non-believer starts out admitting that he/she is here for the purpose of challenging, and not for the purpose of being reached through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, then he/she has already purposed within his/her own mind that he/she will not accept the answers regarding faith (and what is needed in order to be saved from our sins and reconciled back unto God) that are given by the Christian believer.

Scripture tells us exactly why such a mindset is so in non-believers (who aren’t seeking God)  in the “those who are perishing” verses. However, as Christians who are here to spread the Gospel, we are instructed to give an answer to those who are perishing.  Whether or not such answers are accepted are ultimately between God and the individual.

With that said, here is the comment exchange from the previous post:

gmpilot Says:
November 6, 2014 at 4:25 pm |

(Christine wrote:) Steve can certainly speak for himself here if he chooses to and I can’t really speak for him, but from what I have seen of his former comments to you, he has figured out that you aren’t here for the purpose of being reached.
(GMPilot wrote:) If you can remember that far back, please recall that I originally came to your forum because I believed that your premises were wrong, and I wanted you to know why I thought so. It wasn’t a question of ‘being reached’.
All I’m saying is that steve said he didn’t care one way or the other if I heeded his words. If he can’t be sincere about his religion, there’s no reason why I should be enthused about it.

(Christine wrote:) As I have mentioned many times before, it is always good and important to consider the verses before and after the quoted verse for greater context. Plus, if you read the verses along with theentire commentary>, you will gain a much better understanding that Isaiah was writing about An Invitation to Receive the Glory of the LORD’s Restoration.
(GMPilot wrote:)  I read and understood the passage in its context, and Guzik was not needed to tell me that. But the basic message is unchanged: when god deals with his people, one hand holds the grace and the other hand holds the mace. The cities and people I listed above were never given a chance to “choose life”; god had them exterminated. You’re not going to sit there and deny that, are you?

 

My reply:

christinewjc Says:
November 7, 2014 at 2:32 pm |

GM wrote:

If you can remember that far back, please recall that I originally came to your forum because I believed that your premises were wrong, and I wanted you to know why I thought so. It wasn’t a question of ‘being reached’.

C:  Therein lies the problem. Your purpose for being here is completely the opposite of my purpose(s) for writing this blog.

I think that you are wrong about Steve [not] “being sincere about his religion.” It is more about faith, rather than that broad term “religion.” Not every Christian chooses to participate in the work (nor, does every Christian have the gift) of apologetics. Many are here for other worthy purposes, and God gives severally [Note: see relatively – especially in word origin – “mid-15c., “relatively;” 1620s, “relatively to each singly,”] in such matters.

Speaking biblically, when Steve said what he did to you he was probably utilizing what Jesus said about shaking the dust off under your feet as a testimony against them.

YOU are the one who admitted to not WANTING to be reached. You are only here to challenge my beliefs and attempt to impose your own lack of belief upon me. Sorry – no can do! Christ and his promises to believers wins out with me now and throughout eternity.

GM wrote:

I read and understood the passage in its context, and Guzik was not needed to tell me that. But the basic message is unchanged: when god deals with his people, one hand holds the grace and the other hand holds the mace. The cities and people I listed above were never given a chance to “choose life”; god had them exterminated. You’re not going to sit there and deny that, are you?

C:  How do you know that those peoples were never given a chance to choose life? We would need to dig deep into historical documents in order to find the truth of the matter. However, we DO have other examples of peoples who refused to repent. Take the example of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham asked to spare the city if 50 persons could be found who were righteous. Then the request dwindled down to 40, then 30, then 20, then 10. As we know, the only righteous people found were in Lot’s family so they were warned to flee by the angels before the city and all of its wicked and sinful inhabitants were destroyed. Then, Lot’s wife looked back (ignoring the warning not to) and turned into a pillar of salt! Her longing for, and desire not to leave that city of sin showed what was truly in her heart – and she was far from God’s righteousness, holiness, mercy and forgiveness; precisely because she ignored the angels of God and their warnings and thus she refused to repent.

We all have a conscience. It is built within us to know right from wrong. When Adam and Eve sinned, they knew that they had chosen evil and death rather than the good and life that they enjoyed with God. Therefore, the plan of salvation was devised in order to save people from their sins and be reconciled back unto God through the coming Messiah – Jesus Christ. All of the Old Testament saints who believed in God the Father and looked forward to the coming of the Messiah were saved. Once Christ appeared, preached, suffered, and died on the cross; then was resurrected unto life and ascended into heaven to be at the right hand of the Father, people had no excuse for not believing in Him.

I will be doing a post soon (may take a while) where the connections between the Old Testament prophets who prophesied (about the coming Messiah Jesus Christ) and how it relates to the end times, the Jews, and the return of Christ – who is the King and the Jewish Messiah – who will usher in the Millennial Kingdom that will fulfill what God promised the Israelites of the Old Testament regarding their Messiah. What the Jews expected of their Messiah didn’t occur at Christ’s first coming here on this earth, but such prophecies WILL be fulfilled at His second coming. This is what connects Judaism to Christianity, even though the Jewish people of today {except Messianic Jews who accept Yeshua) reject the Lordship of Christ now, it will not forever be so in the end times, during the earthly Millennial kingdom, and ultimately in the eternal state.

Update 11/8/14 –

GM wrote:

So, god told the Israelites “I shall send my son to earth twice. The first time only the Gentiles will believe him, but the second time you will, and then my kingdom will be established.” That’s quite a statement—is there anything in the Jewish scriptures that supports it?

I suggested to him to come to this post and read it.  It helps answer GM’s latest question.

*******

As I have explained before at this blog, I am in the middle of reading and watching the episodes on television of Dr. David Jeremiah’s new book, “Agents of the Apocalypse.”

My reading finally caught up with the television presentations, and I am currently in chapter nine which is entitled, “The King.”

In regards to the Millennium, it may be considered  far to simplistic to say that the  Old Testament saints (Jewish believers in anticipation of the coming Messiah),  we as believers in Jesus Christ, as well as the Jewish evangelists and converts to Jesus during the Tribulation  “get a do-over” after our lives here in this fallen world.  But basically, that is what the Millennial Kingdom will be!  [Also see: Jesus is a Jew]

Dr. Jeremiah masterfully examines the writings of the prophets concerning the millennial kingdom, and twelve features command our attention. I will not be able to cover all twelve in this post, but I will share the first two.

I highly recommend that readers here GET THIS BOOK! It is one of the THE BEST books on Revelation that I have ever read; and I have read at least half a dozen.

Chapter 9 has impacted me tremendously! I have always wanted to have a resource that connects the many prophecies written in the Old Testament to the end times book of Revelation in the New Testament.

The first feature regarding the millennial kingdom that commands our attention include:

“The Anticipation of the Kingdom.”

I have set My king on My holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, “You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Psalm 2:6-9

Dr. Jeremiah writes:

The Old Testament prophetic books tell us a great deal about the millennial kingdom. In the book of Isaiah, entire chapters are devoted to the subject. Before Isaiah, David wrote these prophetic lines in Psalm 2, which describe God the Father gifting the Kingdom to His Son, Jesus Christ.

Some of the most vivid prophecies of the Kingdom age are found in the writings of Daniel. Chapter 2 records that he saw the whole course of the world’s future revealed in the dream of pagan king Nebuchadnezzar. This dream featured the gigantic statue of a man formed with layers of descending quality, from a golden head to feet of clay. Each layer represented a succeeding world empire. The vision culminated when “a tone [that] was cut out without hands” shattered the image (Daniel 2;34) and grew until it filled the earth.

Here is Daniel’s explanation of this vision: “In the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever” (Daniel 2:44).

In a later vision, Daniel saw the King coming to take His Kingdom: “I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14).

One of the most famous prophecies regarding the coming of the King is found in the book of Isaiah: “Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever” (9:6-7).

In the book of Revelation, the seventh trumpet sounds, and the message that accompanies it makes a bold statement about Christ’s Kingdom:  “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” (11:15).

“The Coronation of the King”

Out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations.  And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron…And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:  KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:15-16

In this passage, John tells us how the King will arrive and begin His reign.  He will come as a conqueror, taking back His world.  As the Old Testament prophecies indicate, there is a close connection between our Lord’s victory at the Battle of Armageddon and His reign as King over all the earth:  “The LORD will go forth and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle….And the LORD shall be King over all the earth.  In that day it shall be–“The LORD is one,’ and His name one” (Zechariah 14:3,9).  Christ must rid the earth of its evil usurper before He can establish His reign.

In the Millennium, Satan will no longer be the prince of the world.  His era will end, and Christ will initiate His eternal reign of righteousness, joy, prosperity, and peace.  His glory will shine forth and bathe the universe with righteousness.

This is the same message Gabriel announced to Mary.  He told her that one day her son Jesus would serve as the supreme Ruler of the world:  “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.  And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:32-33).

Alva McClain, the founder of Grace Theological Seminary, describes Christ’s Kingship this way:

The age to come, as [Jesus] like to call it, will be ushered in by the exercise of His immediate power and authority.  He has all power now; He will take this power and use it to the full when He returns.  The age-long silence of God, the taunt of unbelief, will be broken by the transition and resurrection of the church, by the unloosing of judgment long withheld; by the visible and personal presence of the Mediatorial King, and by the complete establishment of His Kingdom on earth for a period specified by our Lord as “1,000 years.”…During this period, every aspect of the Kingdom as set forth in Old Testament prophecy will be realized upon earth, truly the golden age of the world.  Children will be born, life will go on, and men will work and play, but under ideal conditions.5

[5 Source:  From unpublished notes by Alva J. McClain, Grace Theological Seminary, Winona Lake, Indiana.]

There is SO MUCH MORE to share!  In future posts my goal is to share the other ten features that command our attention:

1.  The Incarceration of Satan

2.  The Administration of David

3.  The Participation of the Saints

4.  The Elimination of War

5.  The Realization of Prosperity

6.  The Integration of Holiness

7.  The Prolongation of Life

8.  The Celebration of Joy

9.  The Centralization of Worship

10. The Continuation of the Kingdom

 

The song “Joy to the World” is generally played and sung at Christmastime.  Well, the first stanza can be applied to Christ being born in Bethlehem, but did you know that the remaining stanzas actually describe the Second Coming of Christ and how life will be in the Millennium?

Pay close attention to the lyrics!

Joy to the World

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Hat tip: Agents of the Apocalypse by Dr. David Jeremiah