Waiting and Watching

  
 (Yep!  I'm still here!  I pulled this out of the archives because, with all that's going on in the world, it was encouraging to me.  I hope it also encourages you.)

The application of 1Thessalonians 5 is well known to most of us, especially verses 2 and 3 that warns the LORD will come "as a thief in the night."  But have you ever stopped to ponder, meditate, consider verses 4 and 5 and the message that is being implied?  "But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness."  As I read it last night, a deeper understanding was gained. Let me briefly exhort everyone who belongs to Christ with my feeble attempt at explaining how I perceive it to be. 

Once saved, the children of God are given understanding and discernment through the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Many of us are content with the basic knowledge of and belief in our salvation, but there are some of us who strongly desire more of God's wisdom.  And when that desire is expressed in prayer, He never fails to continue to fill us.  As verse 2 and 3 of 1Thess 5 expresses, God's timing is sovereign.  Only He knows the day and the hour.   Of that, I hope we can all agree.

But! (don't you just love that conjunction?)  God's children should not be suddenly surprised that the Day of the LORD has come upon us, because they should be watching and waiting for it to happen! That's where the discernment comes in with this particular verse.  Although we should not become anxious and fearful, we should recognize the signs (Matthew 24, Mark 13) that the return of Jesus Christ is imminent and be ready to meet Him when "...the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first [those who have physically died and are buried]. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord." (The Rapture of the church - 1Thess 4:16-17)

As many church leaders who are of the same opinion as myself are expressing, the world, including our own nation, is in moral, social, economic, and military turmoil.  Even creation groans in anticipation of what's to come (Romans 8:22-24).  Together we deeply yearn for that moment when our LORD's voice will call out from the heavens and draw us to Himself.  And because we "are not of the night or of the darkness," and carefully and confidently watch the signs occurring all around us, we wait for that moment with the peace that only Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit are able to give.  In other words, when that moment comes like a "thief," we should be expecting it to happen.  It shouldn't surprise any of God's children, if they remain in His Word, seeking His truth and not the world's perception of truth, and are "...sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.  For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep [in the grave] we might live with Him." (1Thess 5:8-10)  To put it simply, that "thief" should be expected to break in.  We may not know the moment God has chosen for this spectacular event to occur, but it should not shock or "surprise" any of His children as long as they remain in the light and not slumbering away in darkness.

The apostle Paul ends these verses with this: "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1Thess 5:11)   We are called to remain ever vigilant and watchful, exhorting and encouraging each other with the surety that what God has begun through His Son Jesus Christ, He will complete through His Son and our Savior Jesus Christ.

Be a "watchman on the wall" (Isaiah 62:6-7), watching for the signs of our Savior's return, and continue to herald the Gospel to the lost.  Time is short, salvation is available to all who come with a repentant heart and genuine trust and belief in Jesus Christ, and eternity awaits.

The LORD's grace and peace to all, and to Jesus Christ be given all glory and honor. 

Maranatha! 

TMI: A Dangerous Acronym

I have recently been bitten by the "TMI" bug, and the cause of this malady has made my blog suffer for it.  To my faithful reader (note the singularity), I apologize.  But I have what I see as a reason for my absence.

For those of you who "Tweet" (a subject for a future post), or regularly use social network sites like Facebook, the acronym "TMI" should be recognizable.  But for those who aren't up-to-date on what I deem to be mere laziness (abbreviating) or an unhealthy obsession with technology (another subject for a future post), "TMI" simply means "too much information."

To give one example: we all know people who have no qualms about relating something to us and describing every boring or lurid detail, in living color.  The account could have been summed up in one simple sentence, leaving us to fill in the blanks - that is, if we really wanted to know.  In other words, when we are filled to the brim with too much information, what we end up with is a mind full of vivid, ugly, or disturbing pictures that stick like glue.  Our focus oftentimes then becomes fixed on unhealthy, non-productive, or worrisome thoughts that spill over onto our lives and draw our attention away from what should matter most.

I used to be a faithful watcher of the news.  Whether it was on or off, my television was always tuned to FoxNews during the day, and nothing escaped my notice (as Todd Friel of Wretched often quips with a wink, "Christians watch FoxNews").  If I missed something on TV, I'd catch it on Facebook.  If I missed it there, a relative or friend would fill me in.  But a few months ago, I suddenly realized what was happening:  I was being consumed by all the escalating bad news, and it was making me a nervous wreck, or worse, angry.

Granted, an abundance of information on current events should fuel my imagination for frequent posts, but the effect has been quite the opposite.  There could have been posts about the rise of Islam (note I didn't use the term "radical" that is being shoved down our throats) and the atrocities Muslims like ISIS, Boko Haram, Hamas, Hezbollah are committing (I chose this specific Israeli Defense Force website for Hamas and Hezbollah because I don't trust others, like the United Nations or the liberal media, to give the truth), and a host of other Islamic groups recognized by the world as terrorist groups who have risen from the ashes of barbarianism and world domination.  The comprehensive list on this last link (you really should take a look at this!) is daunting and should be evidence enough that, as long as political correctness, tolerance, complacency, and apathy continue to rule over the foolish minds of the world's citizenry, Islam and its influence will continue to spread like a cancer.

I could have written about the isolated terrorism in Canada where a lone Muslim shot to death a defenseless guard, Nathan Cirillo, (it's common practice for the guards not to have a loaded weapon) at their Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, then proceeded to the Parliament building where he was shot dead by a brave Sargent At Arms, Kevin Vickers.   Vickers is a hero in my book.  I also might add that, within hours of the attack,  Canada's Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, called it what it was:  terrorism.  No "work place violence," or "mentally ill individual," or what really fries my bacon, "Islamic extremist."  He gave it the label it should have been given.  Harper should be applauded for not borrowing from Obama's politically correct (or politically inept) playbook.

The recent hatchet-wielding Muslim in New York City, who severely wounded two police officers, could have become a topic here on this blog.  But, according to the liberal media and the Obama administration, he was just a "mentally ill" man (see above).

I could have addressed the Ebola threat that has been, in my humble opinion, idiotically allowed to enter the United States, and the Obama Administration's apparent ignorance (or worse) in mishandling the situation (no travel ban established, no border security, no forced quarantine of incoming travelers, and Obama's latest brilliant idea, bringing into the U.S. foreigners who have contracted the disease...is he completely clueless???)  Or I could have ranted about the new "Ebola Czar," the liberal political hack Ron Klain, that Obama appointed (unconstitutionally, by the way) to oversee the institution of the Center For Disease Control's (CDC's) ever-changing protocols (because they really have never completely understood this dangerous virus and how its transmitted) on the loose suggestions made by Obama in-between tee times.

Or what I see to be the piece de resistance: sending 4,000 of our troops to West Africa to help "combat" the Ebola virus (Obama originally said 3,000 but, you know, he changes his mind at his whim).  Our soldiers are trained specifically for battle and defense.  So the question remains: can you shoot a virus?? (utter lunacy)  It's more likely that they will end up contracting the virus and their ashes coming home to their families and loved ones in an urn. 

I could add to this list of growing troubles and woes that are occurring around the world, but then I would just fall into the trap of giving you too much information.  Besides, things are happening at such a rapid rate with no seeming end, this post would never get published.  Most of it you've already heard and fretted over because you, also, have been made a victim of "TMI."

The problem on the flip side is that we are only spoon fed what the "powers that be" want us to know, not providing us with enough accurate information to truly educate us.  We go from one tragedy or terror act or skirmish on the other side of the world to another and quickly forget about the previous news stories, making us complacent and having an attitude that nothing surprises us, anymore.  FoxNews "News Alerts" used to make us sit up and take notice, but are becoming mundane from over-use.  It seems everything, now days, is considered an "alert," even if it isn't.  And when you consider that Obama's press secretaries are nothing more than hired liars who divert, deflect, and deceive, what can we believe?

And so we fall into slumber.

My hope is that you will do what I have done:  turn your focus back on Jesus Christ and what He desired for us while we tarry here and await His return, giving His Gospel to a dying world and making disciples of men; including, but not limited to, the unbelieving, rabid Muslims who are causing so much terror and grief around this world.

The only information we truly need is found in the Word of God.  There is nothing happening now that wasn't written about long ago as a warning of Christ's imminent return and God's wrath to come.  It's reliable and trustworthy, for God cannot lie (Numbers 23:19).  And if you are a true believer in the LORD Jesus Christ, you understand that these things must take place before our eyes behold our Savior:

"...And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once."  Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.  There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences [plagues, viruses].  And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven [raging, unpredictable weather].  But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for My name's sake [Christian persecution].  This will be your opportunity to bear witness.  Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer,  for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.  You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death.  You will be hated by all for My name's sake.  But not a hair of your head will perish.  By your endurance you will gain your lives." ~ Luke 21:9-19

I went on a news hiatus for a few months.  That's not to say I am completely unaware of what's happening at such break-neck speed, both in our nation and around the world.  It just means that I stopped watching the news so often.  I purposefully refocused my mind back onto my Savior Jesus Christ and the cross.  When I did, my blood pressure dropped, my anger subsided, my fascination with worldly things decreased, and I was able to know the peace Christ Jesus faithfully pours out upon His children in times like this by returning to His Word and, more importantly, believing and trusting it:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:4-7

We need to remain informed, to be faithful "watchmen on the wall" (Isaiah 62:6-12), so that we can sound the clarion call and proclaim our King of kings and LORD of Lords to this unbelieving generation.  But if we allow the world to inundate us with too much information, we allow the enemy to divert our attention away from our responsibility as Christians.

"JICBS" - Jesus is coming back soon.  I think He's coming back very soon.  That's the only information we need and that matters, because the rest falls into perfect unity with it.  It's not a dangerous acronym, unless you remain in unbelief (John 3:36).  It's the truth, and the truth is the information this world desperately needs to hear.

Give the Gospel to the lost and faithfully preserve God's Word (2Tim. 4:2).  Keep your eyes fixed heavenward.  Keep watch for the signs and remain diligent and ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within you (1Peter 3:14).  Guard your hearts and minds by remaining in God's Word (Prov. 4:23).   And keep looking up in excited anticipation of the LORD's return - the Rapture of Christ's church (Matthew 24:30-36; Matthew 24:40-41; Luke 21:28; John 14:1-3; 1Cor. 15:51-52; 1Thes. 4:16-17).  It's going to be glorious!  And if you need more information, just ask someone who knows and they'll fill in the rest.

All these things will bring peace of mind and comfort knowing that God is in absolute control, regardless what happens next.

I hope this is a TMI you can relate to.

Living As Children Of Light

The aftershock of the "Noah" movie continues to trickle onto the web in the form of articles written by bloggers and Facebook friends' comments, giving their impressions and opinions of director Darren Aronofsky's pathetic attempt to use creative license and portray the Biblical account of the flood.

Ken Ham of answersingenesis.org wrote an excellent critique for Time's online magazine.  Ray Comfort, who was asked by a "popular television program" to view and critique the movie, wasted no words when he weighed in.  Needless to say, my friends' comments on Facebook are filled with either remorse for having thrown good money after bad, or outrage that they were duped by their church leaders into watching this outlandish fable.

In a sense, I'm glad to see that those I respected for their faith have been convicted that they erred.  Sometimes, we learn lessons the hard way.  God has a tendency to cause us to spiritually grow through them, and we can be sincerely thankful that He doesn't allow us to wallow too long in the mire of the realization that we were wrong.

What God does expect, however, is that we don't continue to make the same mistakes over and over again.

I sat down this morning to read Charles Spurgeon's morning devotion and didn't bother to notice the date at the beginning.  Instead of the devotion for April 2nd , my Kindle, which has, of late, been misbehaving, had opened to a January 5th devotion.  If I had been paying attention, I would have skipped this particular exhortation and taken the time to reset it to the current date.  To be honest, I'm grateful that I didn't, because it struck me how neatly it fit into the niche (or ditch) of depravity in which we often find ourselves.

It's dark in that proverbial ditch.  And it's a place true Christians can find no comfort.  But all too often, Christians, including this wretch, find it difficult to remove themselves completely from the mire and insist on continuing in fellowship with darkness.  That's when we need Christ's light to show us our foolishness for being there in the first place, and for it to guide us back where we belong.

The apostle Paul knew the propensity followers of Christ would have to occasionally return to the muck of sin and fall back in with those who delighted in it.  He exhorted the Ephesians to "not become partners with them;  for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.  Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.   Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.  For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.  But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible,  for anything that becomes visible is light.  Therefore it says,

'Awake, O sleeper,
    and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.' 

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."  (Ephesians 5:7-17)

It is my hope that the following miss-timed (yet certainly timely) devotion from Charles Spurgeon will give my readers something to meditate on.   The world is fast becoming a darker place and we need to be equipped to deal with all that will come our way.  By remaining in the Word of God and applying it to every situation we find ourselves in, the Light that dwells within us will overcome the world, even in a darkened movie theater.

~ ~ ~

"And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness."

Genesis 1:4

Light might well be good since it sprang from that fiat of goodness, "Let there be light."  We who enjoy it should be more grateful for it than we are, and see more of God in it and by it.  Light physical is said by Solomon to be sweet, but Gospel light is infinitely more precious, for it reveals eternal things, and ministers to our immortal natures.

When the Holy Spirit gives us spiritual light, and opens our eyes to behold the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, we behold sin in its true colours, and ourselves in our real position; we see the Most Holy God as He reveals Himself, the plan of mercy as He propounds it, and the world to come as the Word describes it.  Spiritual light has many beams and prismatic colours, but whether they be knowledge, joy, holiness, or life, all are divinely good.  If the light received be thus good, what must the essential light be, and how glorious must be the place where He reveals Himself.  O LORD, since light is good, give us more of it, and more of Thyself, the true Light.

No sooner is there a good thing in the world, than a division is necessary.  Light and darkness have no communion; God has divided them, let us not confound them.  Sons of light must not have fellowship with deeds, doctrines, or deceits of darkness.  The children of the day must be sober, honest, and bold in their LORD's work, leaving the works of darkness to those who shall dwell in it forever.  Our churches should by discipline divide the light from the darkness, and we should, by our distinct separation from the world, do the same.  In judgment, in action, in hearing, in teaching, in association, we must discern between the precious and the vile, and maintain the great distinction which the LORD made upon the world's first day.

O LORD Jesus, be Thou our light throughout the whole of this day, for Thy light is the Light of men.

~ ~ ~


 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.   He was in the beginning with God.   All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made.   In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.   The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

John 1:1-5

 

The "Noah" Movie: A Word From Me In Defense of God and His Word

"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." ~ Gal. 6:7

I am seeing on Facebook a number of professing Christians who have thrown their hard-earned money into Jewish atheist Darren Aronofsky's pocket and visited their local theater to partake in viewing this abomination he directed, which is exactly what Aronofsky had predicted would happen and, I am confident, is extremely delighted that they have.

Some of my friends and family said they wanted to make their own determination on its accuracy.   Others were merely curious.  And the worst excuse, they just wanted to be entertained.  But it's my humble opinion that there is no excuse, simply because all were warned about its blatant misrepresentation and abuse of Scripture long before the movie was released.  I might also impress upon them that God's Word should not be seen as "entertainment."

$130 million was spent to produce this movie and its opening weekend box office take was estimated at $44 million. In other words, far too many Christians took the bait dangled in front of them by their so-called pastors who encouraged them to go and to succumbing to grave deception, and it won't be long before Aronofsky and his producers begin to realize a very hefty profit.

But at whose expense?

I'll answer that question:

God's expense.  His glory and honor.  His Holy Name.  His covenant He made with Noah.  His WORD.

Equally as dire is the thought that a Christian could use this ill-conceived tripe to evangelize an unbeliever.   That particular encouragement was pressed upon congregations all across the country.  But tell me, how do you use a lie to express the truth of God?  (A genuine Christian can only answer, "you can't.")

Atheists are jubilant over the reconstruction of Scripture's account of Noah and the flood.  They understand that their fellow atheist, Aronofsky, has just provided them with another good laugh at God's expense.  In one offensive and profane article written for the God-hating crowd, five reasons are given why atheists should watch the movie.  The list is ended with, "So get out there, enjoy the film and lap it up like the deity that you’ve always wanted to be!"

Does it sound logical that the use of this movie in your Christian witness would actually convince an unbeliever, let alone an atheist?

Pastors.com writer, Phil Cooke, lists many reasons why Christians should go see the movie, and not one of them is legitimate.

Here are a few more articles about Christians "leaders" encouraging a viewing:  this one ... this one ... and the most telling, this one.

In a recent interview, Christianity Today spoke to Aronofsky about his movie, but not once brought him to task by correcting his gross errors and his taking far too much creative license with the Biblical account.  But that shouldn't surprise those of us who view Christianity Today as a secular rag unworthy of our perusal.

I could post more, but the point should be clear:  men who openly profess and even teach Jesus Christ have no problem with misrepresenting the Word of God, and far too many weak professing Christians believe anything they are told by their "shepherds."

To those of you who are thinking of enriching Aronofsky and gleefully helping him succeed at maligning the Word of God, please reconsider.    God will not be mocked, and this is nothing but overt, blatant mockery in its worst form.  Don't be a party to sin.

If you want to know the true account of Noah, the ark, and the flood, save your money and your heart, stay at home and open your Bible, and begin reading through Genesis chapter 6 to chapter 9.  God will be greatly glorified, Jesus Christ will be revealed, and the truth will be preserved.

The Coming Storm

Since the destruction and death that was wrought during the tornado that struck Moore, Oklahoma on Monday, May 20, 2013, we have all found ourselves grieving the loss of so many lives, especially the lives of small children.  But we must remember that God is sovereign in all things, including the death of those we consider to be too young to die.  In spite of our age, He has ordained a day for our death, as well as the day of our birth. 

After hearing about the terrible annihilation of the elementary school and the children huddling in a basement where some of them would die, we all wanted comfort for their families and peace to be restored.  It will be a long time before their tears and heartbreak will ease.  Our prayers are not only for them, but also that God would spare our own families if such a terrible event comes upon us.  And as the day of our Savior's return draws closer, the possibility of that happening increases.

Although there is little or no comfort that can be given by well-meaning people to a parent who has lost a child, regardless of the degree of faith the parent has, it is my firm belief that all of those children are safely in the arms of Jesus.  Charles H. Spurgeon wrote that there should be rejoicing when we suffer such a loss:

"Refrain from undue weeping, for they shall come again from the land of their
captivity. Thy dead ones shall live again. Mother of mortals, thou didst well to weep;
but thy children live, so that thou art the mother of immortals; then, why canst thou
sorrow? Dry thine eyes, and bless God that thou hast another link with heaven, and
that thou hast helped to fill the choirs that, day without night, circle the throne of
God with hallelujahs."

While believers remain on this earth, that advice is worth clinging to.  If there is loss, the pain believers experience is lessened, knowing that our loved one is in the greatest place possible, and with the One Who wipes the tears from their eyes and shelters them under His wings.  The reunion that will one day come will be glorious.

For the past couple of days, I have been pondering the disaster that affected the lives of so many.  Not why it had to happen.  If you are a believer, you know the answer to that question.  Nor does it have anything to do with what some believe to be God's wrath being brought down on this nation for our disobedience.   If you are of that mindset, consider that He still "makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matt 5:45b)  God's timing in bringing about the destruction mentioned in prophecy and the Book of Revelation is His own and until that day comes upon us, we shouldn't believe that we have extraordinary insight into His mind or His timetable.  When it happens, it will be unmistakable.

What I have been musing over, however, is the tornado's level of intensity and man's reaction in the aftermath.  Oklahoma City mayor, Mick Cornett, described it as "the storm of storms."  Of course, all of the secular media and the scientific community are ignorantly attributing it to "Mother Nature."  Satan knew what he was doing when he convinced someone centuries ago to give this term to God's creation and order.  In short, I was curious about its origin and quickly went to Wikipedia for the answer (this is only one excerpt, but there is more of the term's history on this link, if you're curious):

 "Mother Nature (sometimes known as Mother Earth) is a common personification of nature that focuses on the life-giving and nurturing aspects of nature by embodying it in the form of the mother.  Images of women representing mother earth, and mother nature, are timeless.  In prehistoric times, goddesses were worshiped for their association with fertility, fecundity, and agricultural bounty.  Priestesses held dominion over aspects of Inca, Algonquian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Slavonic, Germanic, Roman, Greek, Indian, and Iroquoian religions in the millenia prior to the inception of patriarchal religions."

In literature, it can be traced as far back as the 12th century B.C.  Pagan superstition and mysticism have a long and dark history.  Of course, why should we think otherwise?  It began in the beginning with Satan, who was and remains the author of lies (John 8:44).

Each time a hurricane, tornado, or earthquake occurs that is larger and greater in magnitude than the previous event, it becomes the new standard by which they are measured.  The tornado that touched down Monday in almost the exact location as that of a cluster of storms in 1999 was huge and considered to be one of the largest recorded in modern history.  It was equaled to one of 74 tornadoes that were spawned during a three day period between May 3rd and May 6th, 1999, causing extensive destruction and the loss of 36 lives in their paths.  Because of the intensity of the 1999 tornado that plowed through Chickasha, Bridge Creek, Oklahoma City, Moore, Del City, Tinker Air Force Base, and Midwest City respectively, scientists used it as their standard of measuring tornadoes, establishing it as an "EF5" and basing all others upon this scale.

The "Enhanced Fujita Scale" used to measure tornadoes begins at an "EF0" and as the severity of the tornado increases, so does the level on the scale, ending at an "EF5."  This link demonstrates the speed of the wind and the type of damage that can be experienced during the storm, and also breaks down the standard by which they are numbered.  It's an interesting graph and should be visited by those who are curious or who would like to  have broader understanding of this method of measurement.

If you find nature and weather patterns fascinating, all of this science is engaging, but there is an underlying problem with man assuming he can determine the size and scope of storms that threaten his very existence.  In the backs of their minds, they may be wondering if another cataclysmic storm of greater proportion is lurking in the future but, for now, they are content to dwell on the latest mega-storm.  However, what is more troublesome for secular science and all of their research is the fact that Scripture, which they ignore, tells us things are going to get much worse.  Much, much worse.   God has already given them a "graph" to turn to and to determine what's coming next.  The inclement events that are waiting in the aisles for their grand  entrance upon this world will make Monday's tornado look like a dust devil, and the destruction these disasters will bring will be unequaled to what this earth has experienced in its brief history.

When compared to past tornadic events, what we witnessed Monday was a tremendous storm of vast proportions.  The images and videos that have been seen on television are jaw dropping.  I can't imagine having that wall of destruction bearing down upon me, and not knowing which direction to run to get out of its path.  However, when we consider the minimal loss of life that was brought upon Moore, Oklahoma by this monster, and how many more people could have been taken, we should be grateful that God was so merciful.

In the book of Matthew, chapter 24, Jesus spoke to His disciples about the "signs" that would appear prior to the end of times and His ultimate return.  Earthquakes, famines, and nations and kingdoms rising against each other will all increase in intensity as the day draws nearer.  He likened these events to "birth pangs" that come upon a woman who is preparing to deliver a baby.  Each pain increases and quickens with less time between them, until the moment of birth comes.  For women who have experienced childbirth, the metaphor is clearly understood.  Like the pain her body goes through during the birth process, the earth, that has been subjected to the fall of mankind, will also be unsettled in the last days and demonstrate what man calls "natural disasters" in increasing degrees that will bring about untold destruction and devastation.

There is a word used throughout Scripture to describe great affliction, suffering, trials, persecution, and distress.  The word is "tribulation."  In Matthew 24:21-22, Jesus, when speaking of the time of the "abomination of desolation," or the Antichrist who will be allowed full reign during the Great Tribulation, or end of times when God pours out His wrath upon this world, revealed something that should be heavily considered, especially by those who have suffered through storms of great magnitude and have yet to receive Him as their Savior:

"For then there will be great tribulation, such has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.  And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved.  But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short."

Jesus is warning us that what will be coming upon this earth in the very near future will be immeasurable.  There will be no Enhanced Fujita Scale to consult, or Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale available to determine the size and scope of the boundless storms that will sweep across the world.  All of these will be tossed aside as the men who study them tremble and quake with terror, causing them to question the very science they relied so heavily upon.   As God causes the climate to become more unsettled and unpredictable, so will our planet experience more frequent tectonic plate shifting and upheaval, and volcanic activity unlike anything it has experienced since its creation.  And as the earth shakes and heaves, the Richter Scale that measures earthquakes will be rendered useless as they culminate into one of such magnitude that the very mountains that tower above us will be leveled (Rev 16:17-21).  Even the baseball and grapefruit-sized hail that accompanies hurricanes and tornadoes will be eclipsed as "great hailstones, about one-hundred pounds each" fall from the heavens upon the earth's inhabitants.

For man to assume he has the mental capacity and wisdom to predict and determine the magnitude of "Mother Nature's" wrath, is unbelief, idolatry, and arrogance at its worst.  We certainly should give scientists credit for warning us of the approach or possibility of a devastating storm so that precautions can be taken and the loss of life minimized.  But what unbelieving men refuse to acknowledge is that what we saw Monday could very possibly be only the beginning of that which Jesus warned us.  The forces that God will ultimately unleash upon mankind have been revealed to us in no uncertain terms, as well as mankind's reaction when they are:

"And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and foreboding of what is coming on the world." ~ Luke 21:25-26 (ESV)

So much violence and chaos will insue that mankind will have no place to run, no place to hide, and will wish for the very mountains to bury them from the sight of God Almighty Who is pouring out His wrath upon the earth.  (Rev 6:15-17)  For the purpose of enhancing upon this verse, the Greek translation for "faint from terror" (Luke 21:26 NIV) is as follows:

"To lose courage or resolution because of fear; 'aporea' - anxiety; painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind; causes doubt and lack of capacity to cope; fainting with fear: 'suko' - body away from the soul; so terrified that breathing ceases because of what mankind perceives."

When the Lamb of God opens the seven seals of God that begins the Great Tribulation - when the angels are commanded to blow the seven trumpets that causes one-third of the earth to be burned up, the sea to turn to blood, killing one-third of all the creatures living within it and destroying the ships that sail upon it; one-third of the fresh drinking water is poisoned; the sun, moon, and stars are darkened for one-third of the day; Hell is opened and demons released to wreak havoc and destruction; one-third of the earth's population is killed; and the final trumpet blast to herald the fulfillment of God's plan is blown -"in those days people will seek death and will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them." (Rev 9:6)

Whether you are a believer or not, it's not hard to comprehend the true terror that is described for the end of this world as we know it.  And what has been briefly described is only the beginning.  For those whose names are not written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Rev 21:22-27), and who worship the Antichrist and take his "mark" in order to buy and sell (Rev 13:16-18), there will be no hope left, no second chance, no salvation offered, only an expectation of eternal damnation, suffering, and separation from all that is God.

This is the storm that's waiting to come.  No man is capable of fully understanding the devastation, destruction, and death that will ride in on its winds.  The magnitude and power by which it comes will be unstoppable, unequaled, and unparallelled from anything previously known or recorded.  There will be no storm shelters in which to hide, and no amount of hording food, water, gold, or guns will keep man secure until it passes, for the storm will continue and increase in intensity until God's will is completed and Jesus Christ is reestablished on His earthly throne (Rev 19:1-10).

 

There is little time left.  The "signs" are obvious and increasing daily.  Are you ready to face what is coming?  Are you prepared to meet your Creator God, face-to-face?  It's my prayer that you have been reconciled to God and have been drawn by the Holy Spirit to know your Savior Jesus Christ.  But if you haven't yet known salvation, I hope you will use what little time is left to seek after it.

" 'Yet even now," declares the LORD, 'return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.'

"Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and He relents over disaster." ~ Joel 2:12-13 (ESV)

God's greatest desire is that all men would repent of their sins against Him and believe in and place their faith and trust in His Son, Jesus Christ.  But His patience will only last until He deems it necessary to bring upon this unbelieving and sinful world all of the divinely fierce chastisement He has stored against it.  And the storm of His wrath will be immeasurable against the unforgiven.

But for those of us who have believed and are anxiously awaiting the return of our Savior Jesus Christ, there is no fear, only great anticipation for that great and blessed day when He removes His church from the wrath that will bear down upon this world and when we are fully and eternally redeemed.

There may be a coming storm of immeasurable proportions that will wreak untold destruction, but those of us who know Jesus, and are known by Him, will rejoice when that day comes.

"Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."  ~ Luke 21:28 (ESV)

Even so, come LORD!

It's Time To Grow Up, Christian

I thought the recent vampire mania that was mainly brought on by the "Twilight" books and movies was bad enough, luring even so-called "mature" Christians to wait with excited anticipation for the next sequel because of the "romance" that was depicted.   I shouldn't have to point out that it was spiritually unhealthy, demonic and, not to mention, it caused many misguided children and adults to act out the more sinister side of their imaginations by having their teeth surgically altered to reflect pointed fangs, taking on the practice of drinking blood, and actually biting others.

As the old saying goes:  garbage in, garbage out. 

For the last couple of years, another disturbing fad has been sweeping around the world.  Scores of people, mostly young adults, have embraced a fascination with Zombies, modeling themselves after the gory visage of the "walking dead" who are mysteriously "resurrected" from their graves and, with outstretched arms, stumble through the streets and malls pretending to seek and devour the brains (and other body parts) of the living.  It's a ridiculous trend and large groups of them have popped up everywhere.

To make matters worse, governments in certain countries, including our own, have seized the mania and used it in a tongue-in-cheek manner as a way to prepare society for a national emergency, or a "Zombie Apocalypse."  Precious tax dollars were recently wasted on a campaign initiated by the Department of Homeland Security because of the rash of natural disasters that the United States has experienced in the last decade, enlisting the aid of the Center for Disease Control who jokingly used the phrase to encourage Americans to put together "disaster kits" in the event that another should occur.  Mind you, I see nothing wrong with preparing oneself for an emergency, but when it happens, no one is laughing.

Hollywood continues to pump out low budget, B-rated Zombie movies to "entertain" movie-goers and pad their already bulging pockets with cash from the easily entertained.  Toy store shelves sport Zombie action figures that lure the eyes of children and their imaginations into the occult and darkness.  And there are dozens of websites that shill everything from "Zombie Apocalypse" preparedness books and kits, to the top 10 vehicles that are designed to withstand such an assault. 

Unfortunately, there is also no shortage of the use of the term "Zombie" in Christian literature and Christian blogs whose authors borrow the term "undead" to describe the condition of many of today's churches.  If you're interested in how it's applied to a sermon or exhortation, Google it.   Granted, they are correct in their assumption, but I'm sure that Scripture could provide them with a more eloquent and affective way of describing their sorry state.

On February 11th of this year, a hacker was able to infiltrate a Montana television station and "alert" its viewers that "dead bodies were rising from graves in different counties of the state" and "attacking the living."  It was reported that at least four viewers believed the story and called local police to investigate.
 
In June of 2012, the Westboro Baptist bunch protested outside Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state.  Among those who protested the appearance of Westboro Baptist was a group dressed like Zombies, some holding signs that said, "God loves everyone."  A "bloodied" woman who was interviewed stated, "Jesus wasn't a hateful person.  He loved everybody."   Were their genuine Christians among the protesters?  That's a good question, but it will have to remain unanswered, merely because there was no one there who demonstrated Christ-likeness.  Dressing up like a Zombie and speaking of the Savior is a bit of an oxymoron.  However, if there were true believers present, dressing like a ghoul probably didn't leave much of an impression on Westboro, or alter their ideals, other than to confirm in their depraved minds what they believe and represent.

I could add more of this nonsense, but I think you get my drift.  It's a "brainless" (no pun intended) and Godless activity and I'm not looking forward to the next demonic fad that hits the streets.

Naysayers will tell me that I'm an old stick in the mud, that this new craze is only temporary until the next one comes along, that "kids" are only having fun, and that I should lighten up a little.  I will be the first to admit that as I was growing up, my vivid imagination conjured up various forms of play to entertain me and my friends, and some of it came from the old horror movies we watched at the local theater which, by the way, were tame and almost laughable, compared to the special effects today's Hollywood is capable of producing.  But I was a child then, and what should be ignorant child's play is being acted out in this day and age by adults.  As we physically mature, so should our intellect, reason, and logic.  At least, that's what should happen.  Instead, an alarming number of this coddled and pampered generation refuses to grow up.  They seek after any form of entertainment to fill their vacant lives.  They view the world and their future through the eyes of the Zombie they're pretending to be: fixed, vacuous, mindless, and void of true and meaningful life.  Even professing Christians will say that it's all innocent fun, or that they're able to watch unwholesome television and movies and overlook sinful behavior because, after all, it's just entertainment.  In other words, they are trying to convince us that, while involving themselves in these things, they are capable of separating their hearts and minds from the world and the smut it has to offer.  They must be pretty special, because when I see images and hear things that disturb me, they stick to me like glue.

Is it any wonder that our society and the church is seriously messed up?

If the Apostle Paul was living in the world today, I am confident he would build upon his exhortation to the Corinthians, when he told them, "Brothers, do not be children in your thinking.  Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature."  (1Cor 14:20).  The nonsensical babbling that was occurring in the church at the time, or what is grossly misinterpreted by our charismatic friends as "speaking in tongues," was no less disruptive then us watching today's adults gather to immaturely playact like children.  Their behavior defies any level of maturity, causing me to wonder if they ever will grow up.  Factor in that the source of things like vampires and Zombies rises from the occult, a creation from dark and sinister minds, and have no redeeming quality that can benefit Christians.

When I consider the dire seriousness of mankind's eternal destination, the last thing I want to do is make a joke of it.  The whole notion behind vampires and Zombies, who are the "undead" who rise from their cold, dark graves and are never at rest for eternity unless they are beheaded (or done in by other violent methods), is insidious and flies in the face of the truth of the Gospel.  The trend should be avoided by every Christian who views the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the blessed hope that we also will be resurrected to an eternal life full of rejoicing and peace.  If you don't believe that we should avoid these kinds of fads, check out Google images , and for a real "thrill," these from Zombie fan clubs:  The Last Supper and Zombie Jesus

Pretty offensive for those of us who love Jesus Christ, aren't they?  Do you see the point I'm trying to make?

Without repentance, belief, and faith in the One Who secured reconciliation with the Father and eternal life for us, there are dead men walking the mean streets of today's world, and there certainly will be those in hell who are "undead," and who will stumble blindly in torment for all eternity.  And believe me, it won't be child's play.  There won't be any chance to go home, clean off all the fake gore, and reenter your normal every day routine.  Our departure here in this life means that our souls will leave our earthly bodies, and those who are in Christ will be given a glorified (beautiful, perfect, sinless) body.  But those who remain unbelieving and unrepentant, their bodies will rise from the grave to be reunited with the soul and be cast into utter darkness and torment.  It will be genuine horror, and it will be permanent.  (Rev 20:11-15)

But it doesn't have to be that way.  Jesus Christ purchased our salvation by becoming our substitute and taking upon Himself God's punishment that we deserved for our sinfulness.  He died and then He rose from death.  Not to remain "undead," but to be resurrected unto life so that we also may have true life - and that life, eternal.

"When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.  For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known."  ~ 1Cor 3:11-12

If you're a Christian reading this, one who still plays dress up, it's time to grow up and forever end your "childish ways."  Stop playacting and start living out your profession of faith in Jesus Christ.

He was serious.  It's time you were, too.