II Pet. 3:3-4, "knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, v4) and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”
Let's take a moment to look at the recent headlines just in the past week alone. We will be able to gauge just how this world, and all of it's contents, are spinning out of control and losing focus on what is real, viable and more importantly, what is TRUTH. I will select some to cover enough of a broad range of issues but know that there are many, MANY more to cover.
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/05/08/free-market-pot-legalization-bill-advances-in-texas
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/11594736/A-new-world-order-Putin-and-Xi-put-friendship-on-display.html
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/uttarakhand-primed-for-earthquake-unseen-in-centuries-say-experts/article1-1345655.aspx
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/09/us-northkorea-submarine-idUSKBN0NU02V20150509
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-32667807
http://freebeacon.com/national-security/china-preparing-for-drone-warfare/
http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-32623063
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/tornadoes-roar-across-plains-watches-warnings-millions-n355006
http://www.spaceweather.com/
http://www.spaceweather.com/
http://rt.com/news/255737-japan-volcano-quakes-warning/
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-32589268
http://www.wnd.com/2015/05/texas-terrorists-worshiped-at-radical-islamic-mosque/
http://www.wnd.com/2015/05/rick-warren-jokes-about-kissing-elton-john/
http://www.wnd.com/2015/05/chinese-authorities-to-ban-all-rooftop-crosses/
http://www.wnd.com/2015/05/girls-stripped-naked-at-isis-slave-bazaars/
http://www.wnd.com/2015/05/denmark-moves-closer-to-cashless-economy/
http://www.wnd.com/2015/05/assyrian-christians-in-iraq-battle-isis-for-survival/
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| The Clock is Ticking! |
Matthew 24:7, "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places."
Mark 13:8, "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows."
Luke 21:11, "And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven."
The immorality, the desensitization of the human race, the ugly ways that people are treating each other, the child sexploitation/abuse/exploitation, the disconnection, the breakdown of family, the increasing divorce rate and increasing cohabitation rate, the increasing fatherless children, economic insanity, the corruption of government and the leaders, the starving and impoverished all over the world, the sick and the dying, the explosion of radical Islam and terrorism all over the world, the increase of human trafficking, the abortion rates skyrocketing disguised as a "woman's right to choose," the movies and music standards that are nearly nonexistent with graphic nudity, profanity and blasphemy, the increase in secularism taking over our religious freedom and is considered more acceptable than following our Lord and Savior, the evil violence, the breakdown of communication, the "me" generation, the sexualization of women, the dishonesty, the push of normalizing sin, Christian persecution, the banning of God and religious freedom, the re-definition of "tolerance", the increasing false prophets and false teachers, the influx of accepting all OTHER religions except the ONE, TRUE Way of Christianity and a number of other things I could mention in light of my "movie" night realization really showed me just the tip of the iceberg. These things mentioned won't give anyone a warm and fuzzy and maybe that's why so many won't be ready for the day when all troubles will arrive.
Many people, including some luke-warm Christians, don't want to know or hear about what's happening in this world but as the bible states, we MUST be aware and be vigilant. Matthew 24:32-33, "Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. v33) So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!" A parable is used in the Bible as a story that is drawn from real life human experiences and at the same time, has a higher spiritual meaning and lesson to be learned. That is its principal, sole purpose. Much in the same way as a psalm is primarily intended to praise God in all of His glory, provisions, love, mercy and grace. However, this doesn't exclude its use or purpose for other ends. God creates things with the multiple of functions, and the various parts of His Word are not exceptions. With that said, the Parable of the Fig Tree is a prime example of its dual functions. It teaches both a universally wide principle and at the same time, prophesies of the coming Kingdom of God! As further proof of this parable's prophetic nature, Jesus gives it in the midst of the Olivet Prophecy! He's just listed several signs of His second coming, and then He presents this parable to hone us in on their time element. Notice how He says, "when they are already budding,?" This is specifically meaning that the events signaling His return will be ACTIVELY happening, in motion, before we even realize how close we really are to the end!
Now let's take a look at what is said in Matthew 24:42-44, "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. v43) But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. v44) Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." Here we find in essence, Jesus Christ's opening introduction on how to be prepared and how to use your time and energy when the evidence of His return begins to appear. And my dear readers, the evidence is mounting momentarily! It is specific stated that we will not know the hour our Lord is coming but He makes us a commandment to BE READY and WATCH for His coming. Be expectant of the unexpected. He uses a thief in this brief parable because, well, we don't EXPECT a thief. They don't come announced and they don't advertise their intentions. However, by taking precautions, we can prepare ourselves against their coming, against their unannounced invasion. Part of this is a preparedness like all of us locking our doors and windows, securing our houses and hiding our valuables in safe places. Some people even have installed security alarms and extra systems like exterior lighting to discourage a burglar. So, much in the same way, Jesus urges His children to be vigilant, alert, wakeful, in good spiritual health and constantly watchful because, as we know, a thief's principal weapon is the element of surprise. His coming will occur with a jarring suddenness, even to those who are aware, but more so, to those who are distracted by ordinary pre-occupations. Matthew 24:38-40, "For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, v39) and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. v40) Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left." The lesson being taught in this particular parable is that to live without vigilance is to invite disaster.
As I've studied end times and have read through prophesies all throughout the Bible, I've seen an increase in everything over my living years, but NONE like I've been witnessing of late. I remember telling a friend a few years back how bad it was getting and asked the proverbial, yet hypothetical question, "How much worse CAN it get?" Because I never imagined where our world would be in a few short years and how devastatingly fast it turned upside down in a whirlwind of confusion, destruction, evil and full of head spinning events as it is right now. It's happening as Matthew 24:4-8, says, "And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. v5) For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. v6) And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. v7) For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. v8) All these are the beginning of sorrows." And in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4 we find these words, "But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. v2) For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. v3) For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. v4) But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief." Jesus' comments about the thief point out that His disciples must be ready because the Son of Man will come unexpectedly.
So as I sit back and watch this horror movie play out, eating my popcorn, sitting in my comfy chair, I know that I've been vigilant. I know I've been watchful. I know I'm alert. But I'm still unsettled in my spirit about all of the others out there who are going about their daily lives shutting out everything that isn't pleasing to THEIR eyes, ears or any of the other senses God blessed us with and for good reason too! I know some people want to go through life keeping their heads buried deep in the sand, not even knowing what's happening in their own back yards! That's a frightening thought when I stop and think about it because those are the ones that are going about merrily in life living in the world without thought to their surroundings and a "thief in the night" can surely surprise them and jolt them into reality real quick. When I look at all that's happening around us, I'm not afraid. I'm not worried because I know what is going on and why. I may not like it and it may break my heart and even sometimes, anger me a little. But, we aren't told we have to LIKE it. I know I'm safe in the Hands of God and covered in the precious blood of His Son Jesus Christ. I have peace in my spirit, in my heart and joy abounds in me! But when I look around at the devastating things happening in the entire world, I have to ask myself, and direct it towards God, "WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE TO GET THEIR ATTENTION?" I'd think what's happening now, right this very minute, would be enough! But it's not. More and more people are oblivious and it's sad. And in some ways, it's disobedient too because it's not following the commandment that Jesus gives us to be vigilant and watchful and alert. You can't be any of those things when your head is in the sand and only caring about what's going on in your home and nothing else around you or in the rest of the world. You can't be aware or prepared for anything that way. And I don't know about you, but I would much rather be prepared then to have a surprise attack!
God is trying to get our attention and if someone can't see that, or chooses NOT to see it, then I'm not sure what it WILL take to get the attention of the world. He wants the lost to look to Jesus Christ and find spiritual freedom in the shed blood at the Cross. So maybe a series of more vicious beheading's and coordinated Islamic terrorist attacks in public settings and cities by ISIS all over the world, all across unarmed borders would wake us up? Or maybe a massive power outage shutting down computers, cable, telephones and canceling worldwide sports events, games and stopping life as we know it strike fear into the hearts of citizens and sober us to the urgency of the hour? Maybe the massive earthquake(s) as Jesus foretold in Matt. 24:7, "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places." Perhaps, and frighteningly so, the very real, much dreaded, and widely catastrophic EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) attack that would inevitably cause unimaginable devastation by paralyzing America, or anywhere else the "attack" would happen, as all power lines burn out and all goes dark instantly? USA Today stated: "Cities darken, food spoils and homes fall silent. Civilization collapses." I could list other, very real ideas and tragedies, to get the world's attention but I'm not inclined to continue with more when what I've mentioned should be enough food for thought!
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| A Tragedy Unfolds |
See, in the wake of the 9/11 tragedy, people came together, not just in the USA, but everywhere. All around the world! It was a very real reminder of the imminent dangers to every nation, country tribe and tongue. But then, when there was a "seemingly" false sense of safety and security, with "peace" being mentioned, there also came with it a type of complacency. Everyone went back to putting their heads in the sand, living in the world as though everyday was a party and living life their own ways. Much like what I'm seeing now. Only much, much worse! The world is in a state of complacency. And going deeper into the spiritual coma I mentioned above. It appeared as though everyone stopped "watching" and they took their eyes off of what was right in front of them. They all saw the miracles just as much as the tragedies that emerged from that dreadful time, yet, somehow, they got a sense of bravado that nothing could be worse than that. Well, yes, yes it can and IS. It's happening all over the world and we all MUST call it what it is! We must all see it for what it is and who is behind it. We all must be watchful, be alert and be vigilant above all! These ARE the times and the signs are everywhere! I don't want anyone to be unaware but I also know it's their choice.
In Matthew 24:32-44, it's interesting to note that these words weren't spoken to everyone. They weren't instructions given to the general public, but rather to His disciples. He also says that we should know that His return is NEAR from the signs given to us. In order to know the signs given to us, we not only have to know WHAT they are, but we have be look out FOR them in our time. We may not know the hour, but we can know the season and when that season is upon us, it is near! He also emphasizes the element of surprise as He illustrated with the parable of the thief. Even an element of terrifying surprise if you really read it carefully! This gives the stark impression that the whole world will be taken by complete surprise! So overall, the point of His instruction, this particular one, is that by being alert and watchful to the signs and taking advantage of them, we SHOULD BE READY. Jesus felt, and some would argue feared, that the attention and alertness of His disciples would be threatened and so we hear Jesus warn of this in v44, "Therefore be you also ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man comes." Jesus meant this admonition in the sense of a diligent and vigilant soldier on guard duty, alert to what is going on around him, aware of his surroundings and so, watch, we do! That's why it's SO important to be watching in the RIGHT direction and the only way to do that is to KNOW what to look for, what to watch out for and what your surroundings are....not bury your heads in the sand. If we're not watching and being alert to the right things, which are the signs the Lord Jesus has clearly given us, then we aren't being the true soldier that He has called us to be.
1 Timothy 4:1-3 tells us something else about what to watch out for in these last days. "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, v2) speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, v3) forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth." The apostle Paul warned that the last days would bring a marked increase in false teachers, false teachings and doctrines of demons. Not only will there be a marked increase in false teachings, but the last days are also described as “perilous times” because of the increasingly evil character of man and people who actively “resist the truth.” Another sign is a One World Government and that appears to be something that the "officials" are in talks about as I write this! There are many, many signs we need to be aware and watchful of but perhaps the most prominent and important sign we must watch is the nation of Israel. This would also include the rebuilding of a Jewish temple in Jerusalem and increased hostility towards Israel. Israel is the apple of God's eye! We should love her as He loves her and we should support her and stand beside her! In 1948, she was recognized as a sovereign state for the first time since A.D. 70 and God had promised Abraham that his posterity would have Canaan as "an everlasting possession." Genesis 17:8, "Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.” Ezekiel prophesied that there would be a physical AND spiritual resuscitation of Israel that can found in Ezekiel 37. Israel being a nation in its own land is extremely important in light of the end times prophesy because of the eschatology prominence of Israel found in Daniel 10:14, "Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.” In Daniel 11:41, "He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon." And also in Revelation 11:8, "And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified."
Israel is a very prominent piece of the end times signs. God loves Israel and as I said earlier, she is
the apple of His eye. All through His word, He speaks lovingly of her and makes her the center of even the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. God allowed the Romans to destroy Jerusalem in 70 A.D., and He also allowed the Jews to be dispersed among the all of the gentile nations throughout the world. Throughout church history, the Jews have wondered around from nation to nation, suffering persecution of all kinds all over the world. And it is still happening today. The Bible FIRMLY declares that God is NOT finished with Israel yet, and that He has every intention of restoring the Jews to their ancient, promised homeland. He will reestablish them as a nation. Take notice of these important portions of scripture:
Amos 9:14-15, "And I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God."
Jeremiah 16:15, " but, ‘The Lord lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north and from all the lands where He had driven them.’ For I will bring them back into their land which I gave to their fathers."
Paul writes in Romans 11:25-26 that all of Israel will be converted. In Acts 15:14-16, we are told that the "tabernacle of David" will be rebuilt. We also read in Hebrews 8:8-10, that the Almighty God plans to make a "new covenant" with the house of Israel. If there is one thing that is crystal clear in the Bible and in His Word, it's the fact that God has every intention of keeping His promises to Israel. There are several promises regarding Israel though, too numerous to go into in this post. However, in the past year or so, Israel sure has been in the news an awful lot and I believe God is using Netanyahu greatly for His purpose, for His will and for His plans! Netanyahu loves his country with a fullness in his heart. He also knows the bible well! Interesting to note, he is from the bloodline of the Maccabees. This is quoted in his own words as he lit the first Chanukah candle December 16, 2014 with IDF soldiers and told them: (posted on Google+ from the official site,) "I would like to tell you how I came here. I am here because my grandfather, Rabbi Natan Milkovsky Netanyahu, as a young person, studied in a yeshiva in Lithuania and one day he worked in a railway station with his younger brother Yehuda. He saw a group of anti-Semitic hooligans. They identified them as Jews, the yeshiva students, and they fell upon them. They ran toward them with clubs, shouting 'Death to the Jews'. My grandfather told his younger brother Yehuda, 'Run, I will stop them.' He understood that he was going to sacrifice himself to save his younger brother. He was savagely beaten until he was almost dead. Sprawled in the mud and the snow, he told himself, 'What a disgrace that the descendants of the Maccabees lay sprawled here in blood and dirt.' Before he lost consciousness he vowed, 'If I live, I will take my family and go to the Land of Israel in order to renew Jewish independence there and the Maccabees will rise again.'
And here we are at the tombs of the Maccabees – and the Maccabees have arisen again to defend the Jewish People. This does not mean that there is no darkness round us; there is a lot of darkness. Extremist Islam is striking at the entire world – Canada, Australia, Pakistan and also here, at least it is trying." The FULL statement can be found here. I suggest everyone who comes to this page to read it in its entirety.
There was such a lack of clear understanding concerning the kingdom of God back in the Bible times. In many more way, it still exists in our times, today. Jesus clearly taught that we aren't supposed to be focusing on the physical things, but rather, on the spiritual ones because that's where the war will be waged against us, the Christ believers. The battle for God's people in these end times will not be just a physical war fought between Israel and Russia, Syria, Iran, etc etc.. The Battle for God's people is going to be a SPIRITUAL one. Against the spiritual forces of darkness. That's why there are so many diversions being set into place, all around us, being pushed in our faces. Peoples eyes are everywhere but where they need to be. Where they SHOULD be. But of course, we know that Satan wants us to focus on those physical things. Why? So we will be as unprepared for the second coming of Christ, as the Jews were for the first coming of Christ. In Matthew 24:45-46, "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing." "Watching" points directly to the very real necessity of being ready for Jesus Christ, the Son of Man. It also includes waiting patiently, just as it is seen in Matthew 25:1-13, where the virgins must wait for the bridegroom. Jesus teaches us that His disciples should always be ready, always waiting and being vigilant and aware, because He could come at a time when they would not be expecting Him. A surprise arrival.
We must be faithful and wise servants and carry out responsibilities and relationships with our fellow servants, our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. In this context "wise" means judicious, prudent, sensible, showing sound judgment. It suggests that we gain an understanding of people and situations, be able to show unusual discernment and judgment in dealing with them. A faithful person is trustworthy, scrupulous, honest, upright, and truthful. This is found in the parable of the faithful and evil servants in Matthew 24:45-51. Since this particular parable applies to everyone, Christ admonishes us to lead by example in a way that unites and inspires others to be faithful. We are able to do this by giving them the unwavering truth, a good example and through encouragement. By doing so, we can become the wise and faithful stewards with the trust God has given us. In these particular verses, Christ strongly connects belief with behavior. In essence, if we believe in His return, then we won't live carnally as we would like to. It's as simple as that. If we really, truly believe He will return soon, then this parable shows us that our belief will, not only regulate our lives, but also direct our steps away from the carnality, thus keeping us from any extremes of conduct.
My dear readers and friends, the world we live in is not the world we used to know. The signs of the times are upon us and each day it continues to show us that we are not in control of any of it! I urge you to get your head out from the sand and look up and around. Be aware of your surroundings and what's happening. Compare it to the Bible and the Word He gave us in His instructions of being vigilant. Read all the signs that the Lord God gave to us. He loves us THAT much that He would not only tell us about His 2nd coming, but to give us also the warning signs of His return. He instructs us to be on the look-out and not to live as though we don't have a clue. I urge you to read the headlines, know the signs and be a sound and diligent watchman on the wall. My comfy chair will soon need to have a safety belt installed because I do believe I'm going to need it to keep me strapped in safely! The horror movie is unfolding very quickly and I'm running out of popcorn! I'm not suggesting that you fixate on all the events of the world, but I am suggesting to KNOW what's going on so that you CAN be aware, PREPARED and vigilant! Don't be caught unprepared.....
In the meantime.....
POPCORN, ANYONE?
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