Religion vs Relationship (Written by my wife)

As we have been speaking with others about the Lord (Mel does the majority of the talking, as I am still too timid), a common thread keeps reappearing as we realize that most seekers have the same types of doubts.  The below discussion is based on a conglomeration of several encounters blended into one. 

“I know all about God,” he insists, “I know all about religion.  In fact, I was married in an Assembly of God Church, and I’ve been a Lutheran, a Mormon, and even a Catholic, but I don’t go to church any more.  I’ve read the Book of Mormon, The Koran, and The Talmud, so I know what you’re talking about.  Jesus was just a good man, and there are many different gods, but none of them are for me.  Oh, I’m not an atheist; I just don’t think any god cares about me so I don’t care about any one god.”

We are not into religion, but into a relationship with Jesus Christ, the only way to salvation.  Jesus loves you and wants you to accept Him as your Savior.  It is okay to ask the tough questions because God wants us to seek His face and make an intelligent decision when we choose Him for our Lord.

“But how do you know your way is the right way?” he taunts, “Jesus was just one of many good men.  There are many other good men too.  Why should I choose your way?”

Because Jesus died on the cross for your sins.  No one else has done that for you.  He chose to leave Heaven and suffer a horrible death to pay the price for your sins.  He rose again from the grave so that you may also have eternal life. Did Joseph Smith, Buddha, or Mohammed do that for you?

Unmoved by the love of Christ, the next question is, “If Jesus is all-powerful, then why did He need to go to the cross?  Couldn’t He just simply choose to forgive my sins and just, well, do it from Heaven?”

There are things we cannot understand.  The Bible says Jesus had to repurchase us back from Satan.  On this side of life, we can never fully grasp why, but the Bible tells us that when we get to Heaven all will be made known and we will understand it all clearly.  The Bible says there are spiritual wars going on that we cannot see nor comprehend.  What we do know is that Jesus is our protector from a life spent in Hell and He is willing to send His angels to do battle for us when we live holy lives. 

“Humph!  If God is so wonderful, then why is there so much suffering?”

We live in a fallen world because God chose to give us free will, and man rebelled.  Adam and Eve chose their own selfish wants over fellowship with their Creator.  Adam and Eve betrayed this gift and chose to listen to the serpent’s lies rather than God’s warnings simply because the serpent’s lies were more appealing than God’s Truth.  This is why we live in a world full of death and tragedy, not because God is cruel, but because man chose to alienate us from God by using his free will out of the desire of wanting to be like God.  Humans do not want fellowship with God, nor do they want His advice, protection, or correction, they want to be gods!  They want to be independent.  They want to use their free will to do whatever they so please, then cry out, “God save me,” when it’s convenient.  Or curse at God even though they have made no effort to live a holy life and only pray when they want something. Therefore, suffering exists not because God is cruel, but because man chose to defy God.  Man caused this fallen world and the good suffer because of it. 

A few moments of silence from the antagonist, before asking, “Well, how do you even know this Jesus is real?  There are many myths and legends of virgin births and men who rose from the dead.  Why should I believe your Jesus is the only true story?”

Because of a historian named Flavius Josephus.  He was alive during the time of Christ and testified to all he saw.  His writings prove the Bible is real.

“I’m sure this guy was just some believer that wrote those things to make Jesus look good,” the scoffer insists.

No, Josephus was not a believer.  He was a famous historian that worked for several Caesars. In fact, he was an orthodox Jew who opposed Christianity, also called The Way back then.  If he could have disproved all the disciples had reported, he absolutely would have.

“Hmmm.”

You can look it up for yourself.  Do your own research; see what Josephus wrote.

A flicker of light shows in the person’s eyes, but soon is clouded over again as he says, “Well, I still say churches are all a bunch of nonsense.  They just want your money.  And most churches wouldn’t accept someone like me.”

The Lord spoke to us and told us to step away from churches a while ago.  Jesus in not about religion or the prosperity preachers, He is all about relationship.  Living a life set apart from sin and choosing to daily walk down paths of righteousness, having compassion for others, and serving those less fortunate, that’s what being a Christian is all about.

There is silence again.  The person on the other side of the fence is seriously contemplating all we have said, and we are fervently praying a seed has been planted.

Eventually we part ways on friendly terms, the other person refusing to admit we are right, but promising to think about all we have said.  Fair enough, that is all we ask, but please pick up a Bible and discover Jesus on your own, apart from what the false churches are teaching. 

We continue to pray for the people of our encounters, as we pray for you, our readers.  We pray for others to enter your life that will water the seeds we have planted.  Perhaps we are an answer to someone else’s prayer.  We pray God’s Truths will seep into the fibers of your soul so deep that you cannot let them go.  We pray God will grab a hold of your heart until you give in and grab ahold of His garment.  We pray for salvation and an eternal walk with the Lord. 

 

 

 

The Truth about the Rapture and End Time Preparation

The Truth about the Rapture and End Time Preparation

The signs of the times are all around us. Christ said that many false christs and prophets will arise, and will show great signs and wonders, and will deceive many. Today, there are many counterfeit revivals going on worldwide in which demonic manifestations have replaced God’s Spirit. The reason why this is happening is due to the popular grace for everything message, which has replaced holiness teaching. Other signs of the end times are wars and rumors of wars, increased earthquakes, famines, and pestilences (Matt 24:1-28). It is undeniable that we are living in the end times, but the good news is that our Lord Jesus Christ will return shortly. When Christ returns and establishes the kingdom of God on earth, He will wipe away every tear, and sickness and death will be no more, paradise will be restored, and peace will come to creation.    

There is much controversy as to the timing of the rapture, but God’s Word is very clear on this subject and we will explore what it really teaches. This is not a subject that should divide us, but it is critical that we be informed of the truth. The pre-tribulation rapture viewpoint is very dangerous because it teaches people that there is no need to prepare for the tribulation, or hard times ahead, because God is going to rapture you up to Heaven for seven years, then return again to establish his kingdom. This man-made doctrine is contrary to God’s Word and was created by taking scriptures out of context, as well as making scriptures jump through many hoops in order to bring about a man pleasing belief.

The doctrine of the Rapture is not mentioned in any Christian writings of which we have knowledge, until after the year 1830. It is believed that this doctrine originated in England. Many scholars claim that the pre-tribulation rapture doctrine originated with Puritan preachers and Cotton Mather, and increased in popularity in 1830s due to John Nelson Darby.  The pre-tribulation rapture doctrine was also popular with the Plymouth Brethren, and became popular in the United States in the early 20th century due to the Scofield Reference Bible.

The Lord Jesus Christ told us exactly when he will return, as well as when he will send forth his angels to gather the elect. Christ said that immediately after the tribulation of those days he would return and gather his elect unto himself. (NKJV) Matt 24:29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.  31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

 Christ was not speaking metaphorically. The pre-trib rapture doctrine teaches that this passage is in reference to the second coming of Christ, seven years after the ingathering of the saints. However, Christ said at this time, he would send forth his angels to harvest the elect. This passage alone is enough to establish that the rapture and the second coming of Christ are the same event. Christ was clear that His only return would occur immediately after the tribulation.

 

 The Apostle Paul taught that we will not be caught up to meet the Lord in the air until the dead are raised first, then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them. Paul did not say that we will be caught up to Heaven, but that we will meet the Lord in the air as he returns, this is our transformation into immortality (1 Thess 4:13-18).

(1 Cor 15:51)  Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—  52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.   If we establish when the dead are raised, we will know when the remnant who are alive, will be caught up and transformed. Christ said, that he will raise the dead on the last day. John 6:39  This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.  40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”  Paul taught that the dead are raised first, then the living are caught up with them at the last trump. The last trump is a reference to the sounding of the seventh angel in the book of Revelation.  Rev 10:7  but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets. Rev 11:15  Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” As you can see, God’s Word clearly teaches that the dead are raised, as well as the living are transformed, on the last day, at the last trump.

Another interesting fact is that all those martyred within the Great Tribulation will have part in the first resurrection (resurrection of the righteous). If the rapture/resurrection occurred before the tribulation then the martyred ones would have no resurrection. 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 thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.  6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

God’s Word teaches us that he will protect many of his children in the wilderness during this time of tribulation. The overcomers will be the remnant that will never see death. (Rev 12:13)  Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. 14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent.  15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood.  16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth.  17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

 God did not rapture Noah out of the earth, nor did he build the ark for him, rather he instructed him how to build the ark.  Noah was obedient to God and although it took him 120 years to build the ark, he did not give up. Because of Noah’s obedience to the Lord, we are here today. Like Noah, we need to be making preparations for the soon coming tribulation. I believe that the Lord is instructing people to prepare communities in remote wilderness areas for the time of trouble ahead. We all need to be seeking the Lord with much fasting and prayer concerning where to relocate to ride out the storm. The cities, as well as populated areas are destined for judgment. This is not a time for fear but action. If we trust God as Noah did, then we will be obedient to him and follow his voice.  The Lord protected the Hebrews in the land of Goshen from the plagues that struck Egypt. I believe that he will do likewise for his children who obey His voice and relocate. Those who are waiting for a rapture to take them out will perish along with the Egyptians.

Shortly after the death of my nephew in 2013, the Lord blessed me with a dream of his return. I was also grieving over the death of my only brother and this dream brought me great comfort. Throughout the entire dream I heard a song by Sandi Patti entitled, "We shall behold him." I also woke up singing this song. In my dream, I saw a great city descending from God, out of Heaven, it looked like many castles, shining brighter than the sun. This may have been the New Jerusalem, or symbolic of the Kingdom of God coming to the earth. Then I heard a loud voice shout, "Every eye shall behold him!" Then I saw the face of Jesus Christ fill the entire sky! His face was turned away from the earth because of wickedness, but as he was returning, he turned his face toward the earth. His face was transparent like that of a spirit, but you could clearly see his features. He was wearing a very large crown filled with many jewels. When the elect saw him, they fell to their knees, and lifted up their faces and hands toward him. Then their faces began to glow brightly, and soon their entire bodies were transformed into their immortal form. I know that the return of Christ will occur soon, because the Lord has spoken to me three times that I will never see death, yet will be transformed when he returns.      

(Rev 1:7) Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

In the next chapter, I will share visions that the Lord has given me of the soon coming nuclear war. The great war to come, will cause a famine greater than this world has ever known.  The Lord told me that people will eat their pets, as well as each other. The Lord also showed me that it is crucial that Christians relocate to very remote areas in order to protect their families, as well as their food supply. During this time of war and famine, people will be desperate to feed their families and they will kill you for your food, as well as supplies. Out of necessity, people will eventually consume all of the natural resources, including all the wildlife. In Revelation chapter, six we read about the four horseman of the apocalypse. The white horse is symbolic of Christ, who executes his righteous judgments, then we read of the red horse, which is war, followed by the black horse of famine with scales in his hand, then the pale horse of death, and Hades follows. As you can see from God’s Word, war is followed by worldwide famine. In addition, the time will come when money will be worthless and no one will be able to buy or sell without the mark, number, or name of the beast. It is crucial that Christians prepare ASAP, for sudden destruction will come and most people will be unprepared.

As I stated previously, we need to be in prayer, as well as fasting for direction from the Lord as to where to relocate to ride out the storm. The Lord has instructed me to relocate to a place of true wilderness, away from all towns and human population. The time will soon come when Christians will need to band together and share their resources in order to survive. In the book of Acts, we read where the early church did exactly this. Those who had an abundance shared with those who lacked, so that everyone’s needs were met, and the Apostles distributed the food accordingly. I believe that this type of community will be necessary once again.

 Mountains can serve as a barrier between populated areas and wilderness, as well as slow down human traffic. I believe that remote mountainous areas are ideal for survival. I would recommend very tall mountains, like the Rockies, or the Coastal Mountains of British Columbia Canada. It is also necessary to live near a good water source, such as a lake, river, or year round creek. It is also a good idea to live near plenty of trees, for firewood, as well as building materials. I would also recommend stockpiling as much food as possible. The dehydrated foods with a shelf life of thirty or forty years are ideal. I believe that it is a good idea to hide your food underground if possible. It is also a good idea to learn as much as possible about farming, gardening, hunting, and fishing. The time will come when there will be no more electricity, gasoline, or grocery stores, to depend on. When the war comes, society will be set back to primitive conditions.

 According to government sources, if one nuclear bomb were to be set off in the stratosphere above the central United States, it would create an electromagnetic pulse that would knock out the national power grid, as well as all electronic devices and most cars. It would take over a century to get it up and running again. Also according to government sources, if this occurs, ninety percent of the American population will die within one year. Most people are dependent upon Wal-Mart for food and supplies. We all drive cars to work, and trucks, trains, and planes are necessary for transport of food etc. All of our modern conveniences that we take for granted, will come to an end. That is why it is important to learn how to survive. In fact, the Lord spoke to my wife that a nuclear device will be set off in the stratosphere, above the United States. Russia, China, North Korea, as well as Iran, have war plans in place, which mention using a stratosphere bomb against America.

I believe that nuclear radiation will not affect God’s elect. I also believe that we will once again, see the same type of miracles that we read about in Exodus, as well as Acts. That is why we must learn to live by faith, and not fear, but like Noah, we need to prepare our ark of safety according to God’s direction.

 

 

 

 

 

The Testing of Our Faith

The Testing of Our Faith

 

 

NKJV (Romans 5:3) And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

 As Christians, we face many trials and temptations in life that we don't always understand. The Christian life is not an easy one for a person who truly is walking the walk. Many people ask, "Why do good people suffer"? Romans 5 states that the tribulations that we face in life produces perseverance and perseverance produces character, as well as hope. In many ways this life is like a military boot camp, our character is developed through the hard knocks of life. We can allow hardships to create bitterness or we can learn patience and trust in the Lord.

(1 Peter 1:6) In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

 (1 Peter 1:6,7) states that the various trials that we face are for the testing and refining of our faith. Our faith is more precious than gold and it will be refined by fire. What fires in life tests your faith? The death of a loved one, or losing a job, or dealing with an illness, are among the many trials that we face. I have known people that became very hard and bitter because of their hard knocks in life. They allowed bitterness to become hatred and were filled with jealousy and every other form of bad fruit. However, I have also known people with terminal illnesses that turned to Christ, and were overflowing with love, compassion, kindness, and good works. The choice is ours how we deal with hardships. Christians are called to bear good fruit, and to let their light shine before men so that they will glorify the Father in Heaven.


( 2 Peter 1:5) But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

(2 Peter 1:5-11) States that we are to add to our faith virtue, knowledge, self- control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. These fruits of the Spirit should be evident within the life of all believers. If God's Spirit truly dwells within us, then his attributes should be present within our lives. Christ said that any tree that does not bring forth good fruit would be hewn down and cast in the fire. The testing of our faith should lead to a lifestyle that brings honor to God. If a Christian is subject to outbursts of wrath, he may push people away from the Kingdom of God. I have known hot tempered, as well as gossiping, backbiting Christians, who have brought shame to the name of Christ. If we will show brotherly kindness and love to our fellow man, we may lead them to salvation. Peter states to be diligent to make your call and election sure by doing these things, so that you may obtain an entrance to the kingdom of Christ. Faith alone will not save your soul; you must live the life, and walk the walk. If you are truly born again then Christ’s attributes will reflect in your life.  

(James 1:2) My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

It can be very hard to count all of our trials as joy, but when we have an eternal perspective about this temporal life, it all comes into focus. God is a loving Father who wants the best for his children. God knows what it takes to produce righteousness, which leads to eternal life. God does not always give us what we want, because he desires to cultivate good fruit within our life. A good parent will not spoil a child who shows signs of greed. If we learn to be patient and wait upon the Lord, in due time we will reap blessings.   

(James 1:12) Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

We truly are blessed when we endure temptation and we overcome it by the power of God's Spirit living within. God's Word is clear that no one is tempted by God, each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and is enticed. It is not a sin to be tempted, our minds are a battleground between the kingdoms of light and darkness. However, when we give in to the temptation and allow it to become reality, we sin.  The wages of sin is death, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can crucify our flesh (sinful nature) and live lives pleasing to God, bringing him honor. Nevertheless, we must stand strong against the schemes of the devil.

(Ephesians 6:14) Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

In order to survive spiritual warfare, we must be clothed with the full armor of God. Verses 14-18 states, that we are to stand, having girded our waist with truth. According to God’s Word, no liar shall inherit the kingdom of Heaven. In regard, to the swearing of oaths, Christ said that our yes should mean yes, and our no should mean no, and anything else comes from the evil one. God holds truth in high regard and so should we. Next, we are told to put on the breastplate of righteousness. Righteousness does not mean perfection, but it does mean that we are to live right, and this is a reference to sanctification (being purified by God’s Spirit). The breastplate is the most important part of the warrior’s armor because it guards the heart, lungs, as well as other vital organs. God’s Word teaches us, that without holiness no man shall see the Father. Satan’s desire is to morally corrupt a person. Sinful compromise is a spiritual death blow to the Christian, that is why the breastplate of righteousness is the most vital piece of armor for our survival. We are also told to have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. God’s Word says, blessed are the feet of those who bring the good news. If you belong to Christ, then you are commissioned to share your faith with others. It is very important to have our theology straight before sharing our faith, because we are held responsible by God for what we teach. That is why we need to not only read God’s Word, but to study it, to show ourselves approved. Christ made peace, between us and the Father through his death upon the cross, and we are to share this gospel of peace with others.

 We are also told to take the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Fear is the opposite of faith and fear can quite often empower Satan’s attacks against us. That is why faith is vital for our protection against the many on slots and snares of the evil one. In battle, the shield repelled the blows of the enemies weapons, and the same is also true in spiritual warfare, it is the shield of faith that stops the attacks. If we have faith that our Lord is bigger, as well as stronger, than any of our enemies, then our prayers will be answered and victory will be the result. Faith is the key for many breakthroughs in the Christian walk. Healings, deliverance from demonic activity, as well as everyday life situations, require faith to get results. We are also told to wear the helmet of salvation. Paul was saying that we must remain in Christ, and continue to keep the helmet of salvation on, because it is possible to fall away from Christ, because we have a free will. We are also told that the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. God’s Word is our weapon against the enemy of our souls. When the enemy attacks, we are to lift our shield of faith, and stand on God’s Word to stop the attacks. When the enemy attacks me, I quote scriptures with faith in response. If you rebuke the enemy in Christ’s name, as well as quote Bible verses with faith, you will put the enemy to flight. God Bless!!