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When God Gives You a Warning (Part 2) – Consequences of Ignoring a Warning

28 Wednesday Oct 2015

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If you have ever taken the moment to conduct self-reflection, you may have pondered the many aspects of your life that involved a bad decision and its outcome. Perhaps someone warned you not to do or even say something that would ultimately be to your detriment. In haste and blatant defiance, you do the very opposite of what someone suggested that you don’t.

During your period of reflection, you may feel a sense of regret over your life’s choices. All of us can attest to a time in which we were warned not to do something and yet, in our own pride we bypassed a word of wisdom and reason. The consequences of doing so usually meant an unpleasant experience or even a negative impact relating to your life as a whole.

The fact is that when we are warned of a matter and we ignore a heed to avoid a calamity, there will always be a negative consequence. Some believe that by taking a risk and sticking to what is believed to be the best route, that nothing bad will happen. However, more often than not, the decision to ignore a warning results in the reception of a calamity.

In the book of Jeremiah chapter 25, we can see that the prophet Jeremiah is once again speaking to the people of Judah. As mentioned in the previous blog post, Jeremiah along with other prophets had been tasked with telling the nation of Judah to repent and turn from their sinful ways. As the scripture says in verse 4, the prophets who were assigned to relay God’s message, did so over and over again.

In verses 4-6, Jeremiah tells the people of Judah that they have essentially ignored the many messages that were given by the prophets. However, the consequences of such ignorance is displayed in the next few verses of chapter 25.

Verses 7-9:

(NLT) ““But you would not listen to me,” says the Lord. “You made me furious by worshiping idols you made with your own hands, bringing on yourselves all the disasters you now suffer. And now the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Because you have not listened to me, I will gather together all the armies of the north under King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, whom I have appointed as my deputy. I will bring them all against this land and its people and against the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy you and make you an object of horror and contempt and a ruin forever.”

In the above verses, God’s message to the people of Judah is clear in that, because of their disobedience, their land would be utterly destroyed. The people of Judah had committed many forms of idolatry in addition to living in rebellion. Essentially, the fate that the nation of Judah suffered was that of destruction at the hands of King Nebuchadnezzar’s military which later resulted in the people of Judah being held captive by the Babylonians for 70 years according to verse 11.

The point is that, the people of Judah not only ignored the many warnings that God had given, but they eventually experienced negative repercussions as a result of it. Whenever God sends a person to warn or relay His message, those who do not obey will always suffer from negative consequences.

This is why our global society is constantly in a state of confusion and degradation. It is because of the rebelliousness and sinful ways of humanity that our world groans. Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again so that we could be saved from condemnation. In addition to this, God has a standard of Holy living which is predicated upon our obedience unto Him.

When we are obedient and we choose to reject our sinful nature, we are then in the safety of God’s parameters. Satan does not want those who are in sin to understand that wickedness contributes to being in a place of vulnerability. When you are outside of the will of God, you are then open to anything that can and will happen. However, when your life is submitted unto God in obedience, you are no longer vulnerable but you are held in God’s safety.

To ignore a warning is not only unwise but it is allowing your human pride to lead the way to destruction. In our sinful nature, we are all prideful. Pride is what signifies self-sufficiency. It is the mentality that one knows best. Secular humanism does not give credence to God nor does it honor Him. Instead, the secular humanist believes that we as humans are our own god.

However, when a person adheres to this philosophy, the warnings that God gives to us daily are ignored and eventually it leads to a destructive end. Just like the people of Judah were held captive by the Babylonians and also destroyed, the world around us today is showing the same signs of destruction and captivity.

One example of captivity has to do with the growing issue of drug abuse. In America, and even around the world, there is a growing number of cases in which drugs are openly used and abused. Those who fall in that category are captive to the demonic force which satan has deployed. Despite all of the calls for strict drug laws and a reformation of our world system, the fact is that without God, we as humans are left in captivity.

As far as destruction is concerned, we can see the very element of our family structure being destroyed daily. It is because of the choice to embrace homosexuality and even ‘changing your gender’ that we are continuing to see a decline in God’s original order. Even heterosexual couples are seeing the negative effects of divorce for a myriad of reasons.

However, the key is that many warnings have been given over time for humanity to repent and turn back to God. Many prophets, evangelists, and pastors have given God’s Word to the masses for decades. Yet, many choose to ignore the Word of the Lord. With such ignorance, there are consequences. The violence and the eruption of chaos we see is directly tied to the rebellion and choice to ignore God’s warnings.

What is the solution to all of this? The solution is to adhere to God’s warnings by submitting yourself to Jesus Christ. If you don’t know Jesus in the pardon of your sins, God has made a way for you to escape His wrath. God wants to have fellowship with you through Christ, but it can only occur when you have accepted Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. Then you must repent of your sins and turn from your wickedness.

For those of us who are in Christ, we must also be aware that we are not immune to God’s judgment. God desires that we too are obedient and heed His warnings. God loves humanity, because if He did not, then we would not be warned before a looming disaster. Those who are wise and those who are willing will accept God’s warning and turn to Him in repentance.

When God Gives You a Warning (Part 1)

27 Tuesday Oct 2015

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In the dashboard of every vehicle, there are indicators that are illuminated when a specific issue with the vehicle is found. For example, an indicator may show that a passenger or even the driver is not wearing their seat belt. Or, an indicator may suggest that the oil level within the vehicle is nearly depleted. Each indicator that illuminates within the dashboard is specifically designed to get the attention of the driver.

Such signals serve as a warning to suggest to the driver that the vehicle and or driver may experience an adverse reaction if the highlighted warning is not addressed. In our lives, warnings are often given to us by God in order to save us from an impending disaster. The fact is that God loves you and I so much that He gives us warnings before calamity arrives at our doorstep.

If you look throughout the Bible, there are many examples of God issuing a warning before His judgment and wrath fell. Biblically, the nation of Israel was a major example in the Old Testament regarding God’s warnings and what would occur if sin persisted. However, in the book of Jeremiah chapter 25, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to those in the nation of Judah.

Judah was historically a nation that was sinful as it related to the people choosing to reject God’s decrees. In this chapter, particularly verses 2-8, Jeremiah once again gives a message to the people of Judah for their rebellion against God and their idolatry. Here is what Jeremiah says:

Verses 2-3:

(NLT) “Jeremiah the prophet said to all the people in Judah and Jerusalem, “For the past twenty-three years—from the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon, king of Judah, until now—the Lord has been giving me his messages. I have faithfully passed them on to you, but you have not listened.”

Verses 4-6:

(NLT) “Again and again the Lord has sent you his servants, the prophets, but you have not listened or even paid attention. Each time the message was this: ‘Turn from the evil road you are traveling and from the evil things you are doing. Only then will I let you live in this land that the Lord gave to you and your ancestors forever. Do not provoke my anger by worshiping idols you made with your own hands. Then I will not harm you.’”

In these above verses, Jeremiah makes it clear that he and other Prophets had been tasked with the responsibility of speaking to the same sinful and rebellious individuals. He uses the words, “again and again” when describing the many times that Jeremiah was told to prophesy to the nation of Judah.

The fact is that Judah had ignored the many warnings that were sent through the various prophets that God had anointed to convey His message. Throughout many years, God had used prophets, including Jeremiah, to warn those who were idolatrous and unabashedly disobedient.

What the above verses shows us is that God always gives us a warning or even multiple warnings before His judgement falls upon us. If you look at our world today, there are many signs and warnings that God has and continues to give to us. Daily, there are many elements of the warnings that God makes available.

These warnings are not meant for our destruction, but they are meant as a way to give us an opportunity before destruction comes. Just like any indicator within a vehicle signifies a potential problem before it happens, God’s warnings serve the same purpose.

By looking at your local and national news, you can see the warning signs that God is giving to every human being. For those of us in Christ, the warnings are given so that we are urged to spread the Gospel to every person who is not in Christ. Our mission as Christians should be to share God’s love but also His truth with a world that is lost. Too often, many Christians have lived in silence or have not understood the urgency of the times that we are living in.

Our lives are meant to be a beacon of Christ’s light and this involves actively spreading the Good News so that any sinner can be saved. For those of you who are not in Christ, the warning has been given to you by virtue of the fact that you are reading this blog post. However, this post may not be the only warning but perhaps you have heard someone else sharing the Gospel with you.

If you are not in Christ, then you cannot afford to see the warnings and not heed them. The warnings that God gives is for every person because God does not desire that we experience destruction. The Bible says in 2 Peter 3:9, that God wishes that no one perish. It is not His will that you and I succumb to satan’s ploys or his traps.

Instead, God’s love for you and I is so great that He warns us before disaster strikes. Just as many scriptures indicate, a prophet or a messenger was always sent to warn those in sin about the penalty that would occur. Such penalties could have been avoided had obedience been the course of action for those in their sin. However, the result of a steady direction of disobedience will always be that of chaos and demise.

It is important to understand that God’s purpose for giving each person a warning is so that we can be spared from negative repercussions. How great is it to know that God would take the time to warn you before you suffer the consequences? Even in our sin and rebellion, God does not refuse to warn us. Just as Jeremiah and other prophets showed us in scripture, there are many signs and indicators of destruction that will come upon those who embrace wickedness.

The sins that we see in our world today all have consequences that are attached. The violence in the Middle East and even violence within our own nation is an outward manifestation of the warnings that God sends to us. We should not take it for granted when we see abnormal conditions within our world. Even weather patterns that are catastrophic serve as a warning and as a call for every person steeped in sin to repent and turn to God through Jesus Christ.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord & Savior? If not, then you are already in rebellion and in sin. Jesus came to die on the cross for your sins so you could be redeemed instead of condemned. Today is the day to hear the Word of the Lord and surrender your life unto Jesus Christ. When God gives you a warning, it is always best to take it as a sign of His love and a chance to amend your ways through the acceptance of Jesus Christ. Even those of us who are in Christ must be reminded that God warns us, which means that we too have an opportunity to avoid calamity.

Fighting for the Next Generations

12 Wednesday Aug 2015

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Children are one of the many gifts that God has given to humanity.  To be a child is to experience life in a stage of innocence and wonder. Even to those who have their own children it is a blessing to birth a child from the womb. A child represents vitality, youthfulness, and imagination. Children were and are meant to be protected in addition to being raised to be aware of the realities of life as they grow into maturity.

In the book of Genesis chapter 1 and verse 28, God gave Adam & Eve a command to “be fruitful and multiply.” This meant that Adam & Eve were given the task to procreate by having offspring. The purpose of procreation was to perpetuate the image of God throughout the Earth. However, because of the sin that entered through Adam & Eve, the image of God within humanity became distorted which meant that each generation was also corrupted upon birth.

However, even with that being the reality, children are still God’s gift to all of us and they hold a special purpose in the heart and mind of God.  That purpose is to continue a godly legacy through each generation that passes.  In the book of Proverbs chapter 22 the writer who was King Solomon provides various words of wisdom which are in the form of instructions. In fact throughout the book of Proverbs there are words of admonishment and encouragement for all to seek wisdom and to walk in God’s righteousness.  It is a book that contains many practical applications for the life of everyone who desires to follow God’s will.

In chapter 22 of the book of Proverbs, there is a key verse to focus on for the purposes of this post.  Verse 6 says the following:

(NKJV) “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”

This verse is quite short and yet it is a powerful verse in the Bible because it signifies a reality as it relates to raising one’s child. King Solomon essentially says to raise a child in the way that they should go, with the result being that they will not depart from it.  The question then becomes ‘What is the way that every child should go?’ As mentioned previously, the book of Proverbs was written with the purpose of instituting godly wisdom with practical principles for life.

King Solomon was the wisest man who had ever lived during his time. However, there is one thing that he understood and that was that to obtain wisdom meant to seek the one who dispensed wisdom who was and is God Almighty. The fact is that the way that every child should go is in the way of the fear and the admonition of the Lord. In Ephesians chapter 6 verse 4, the Apostle Paul confirms this notion when he says,

(ESV) “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

Basically, every child should be raised to not only fear or reverence the Lord but to at some point cultivate their own relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  However, what we have seen and continue to see are many examples of children who are no longer being raised to reverence God. Children are now being raised by parents who don’t know God for themselves.  As a result, each generation becomes more degenerate and susceptible to the lies that satan imposes.

We are living in a dangerous time in which the innocence of today’s children is being taken from them.  They are being fed various forms of perversion through the media and shown that life or the things of life are no longer sacred.  At younger and younger ages children are being taught to use violence to exact a means of justice. They are being taught that being homosexual and transgender is ‘normal.’ It is perfectly fine that a child or children can be raised by two mother’s or two father’s.

The entire order and sanctity of life has become debased to the point where moral and even spiritual absolutes are left to be relative as it concerns truth. Today’s children and those generations that follow will face staunch opposition to the things of God. Satan understands that if he infiltrates children in their formative years, that he can corrupt future generations.  His goal is to destroy each seed before it has a chance to grow.

That was the purpose behind satan’s ploy to influence Adam & Eve into sinning. While they both had a choice, he used deception to corrupt future generations.  Of course, there is hope and there is a remedy even for the generations that exist now and will exist. Jesus Christ is the only hope that you and I have.  He is the only hope that each generation has as we live in these troubling times.  However, how do we fight for the generations of today and of the future?  Here are a few considerations:

1. Be the example of Jesus Christ in this dark world – The main reason as to why many children are now in the hands of the enemy is because they have been left without godly examples.  That is not to say that none exist, but if you look at the majority it seems that many parents both young and old have forsaken the laws and commands of God. Children naturally mimic what they see others do which means that if their parents have chosen to adhere to satan’s deception by living in sinfulness then you can expect their children to perpetuate the same sinfulness.

The reason why King Solomon admonishes those who are parents to raise their children in the way that they should go is because if they are raised in godliness, it is less likely that they will leave that path. Even to those who are not parents, it is still a responsibility to be an example to the children in your life. By modeling godliness and rejecting the perversions and falsehoods of this world, you can and will affect the current and next generations.

2. Protect those who can’t protect themselves – The fact is that when you are young you are unable to fend for yourself.  Even in the animal kingdom, young offspring are unable to survive on their own without their parents intervention.  Thus, the parents of the offspring battle against predators to protect their lineage and the future of their offspring.  That is the same mindset that you and I must have.  We must protect those who cannot protect themselves.  Even as it relates to young teenagers, they are vulnerable because they are still developing.

If you and I do not model Jesus Christ and teach each child we come into contact with the ways of godliness, then each generation will lose more and more to the hands of satan. It is true that as time goes forward our world will grow worse and worse according to Matthew 24:12. However, if we stand by to do nothing then there will be many who will enter the gates of destruction. Those of us who know the truth must warn even those who are in their youth.

3. Understand that God’s legacy must be passed down – The future of humanity and our world lies within the hands of the youth of today and those who will come after. God still wants His legacy of love and redemption to be passed down to every generation.  By giving every young person the truth of Jesus Christ, we will ensure that the message of Christ will transfer throughout time. Just because the world has rejected God’s decrees and many have decided to live in sin does not mean that God is not calling those who are coming forth in years to come.

The legacy of God and His righteousness must be handed down to the next generations. It is the only thing that will provide stability in the time of chaos. The fact is, God’s judgment will fall upon every nation and person who rejects Him.  During the times of His judgment there must and will be a generation that will be saved from destruction. The only way that will happen is if we who are in Christ pass the godly legacy that resides within us to the next generation.

As tragic and disturbing as our times may be, there is a duty that you and I have.  We must fight for the current and future generations.  Rather than allowing your children be they biological or not to be handed over to the enemy you must wage a war in the name of Jesus Christ. Our world has decided that it isn’t enough to deceive adults but that it must deceive and destroy the innocence of the youth.

It is time for every adult to understand the tremendous responsibility of fighting for those who are coming after us.  If you don’t know Jesus in the pardon of your sins, you are unable to fight for the next generation.  The battle you fight will be in vain because you are fighting on the wrong side. Accepting Christ and giving your life to Him will give you the opportunity to fight on the side of victory. All of us must fight for the next generations so that lives can be saved instead of lives being lost.

God is Speaking – Are You Listening?

29 Wednesday Jul 2015

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ID-10028650Have you ever sat in silence only to be startled by the sound of an ambulance or a police siren? Usually, such vehicles are designed to alert the surrounding community or population to a dire situation that has occurred or is in progress of being addressed. Such sounds break the silence in which we were accustomed to so that we could see the greater danger or need that someone else may be experiencing. Emergency response vehicles also serve the purpose of being the mode of transportation to rescue an individual or to pinpoint the location of a disturbance.

The first goal of dispatching an emergency vehicle and personnel is to get the attention of the surrounding population as a warning of what is occurring. Secondly, it is to dispatch aid to those who are in need.  Nevertheless, there is one who is also seeking to get our attention and that is the Almighty God. When we look at the world around us, we can see various examples of God attempting to get our attention. Often times we think that our daily way of life and how our society is structured is merely the way that things are meant to be.

However, when you turn on your television and you see senseless tragedies on display, these are not just random occurrences of evil.  Much of what we are bearing witness to are the signs of the End Times, results of humanity’s sinfulness, and warnings from God to those who will listen. In the book of Ezekiel Chapter 3, the account of the Prophet Ezekiel receiving instructions from God is recorded.

In verses 1-3, you can see the impartation of God’s Word unto Ezekiel.  God gives Ezekiel a message of warning to proclaim to the nation of Israel.  As it was, the people of Israel had become disobedient and their hearts had been hardened because of their obstinance. (Verses 4-9) Ezekiel was concerned about his assignment to give God’s message to a group of people who he felt would not listen to what he had to say. Ezekiel felt similarly as Jonah did when God commanded that he go to Nineveh to preach to the sinful population.  The feeling was one of dread and an opposition to what God had given him to do.

However, God brought both Jonah and Ezekiel into submission in differing ways.  As far as Ezekiel was concerned, God led him to the people of Israel to proclaim God’s warning which made him ‘Israel’s watchman.’ In verses 16-19 the scripture reads as follows:

(NLT) “After seven days the Lord gave me a message. He said, “Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately. If I warn the wicked, saying, ‘You are under the penalty of death,’ but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths. If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins. But you will have saved yourself because you obeyed me.”

In verses 20-21, God gives Ezekiel the same charge but instead God uses the term, ‘righteous people’ rather than the term ‘the wicked.’ These were two conditions which covered those who were followers of God and those who were not which means that God is equally just with those who have committed their lives to Him and those who have not.

However, the overall point of this passage is to make it clear that God will indeed use who is available to bring a message of warning to anyone who will listen. It is also true that God will use scenarios in our world and even in our own lives to get our attention.  Just like an emergency vehicle sounds its alarm to warn those in surrounding areas, God does the same for us.

There are a couple of things to take note of as it concerns this particular passage:

1. There is a penalty that comes with living in sin – In chapter 3 of Ezekiel, the first part of verse 19 says, “If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins.” In verse 20, the same condition is given to those who are righteous individuals or those who are following God. This scripture essentially points to the fact that there is a penalty given to everyone who remains in their sin.  Even in our world today, God is speaking through various signs and unfortunate events that signify God’s displeasure with humanity.

With the constant approval of a multitude of sinful behaviors which stoke the flames of lusting after the flesh and committing self-idolatry, also comes negative consequences. Such consequences are not only a result of unrepentant nations, but it is also a warning that God gives us to repent and avoid destruction.  The great thing about God is that He doesn’t just allow you and I to sin without any warning. God loves all of us enough to not only provide Jesus Christ as an atonement for our sins but to warn us of the high cost that comes with unrepentant sin.

One prime example of such a warning to humanity was September the 11th, 2001. As tragic of a day that it was, it was also an event that served as a warning to anyone who had not yet chosen God through Jesus Christ.  Some don’t like the idea of using natural and even man-made disasters as an argument for God’s warnings, however, God will often allow things to happen to get our attention.  However, as you can see nearly 14 years later, America has grown worse morally and as a whole it has spurned the very idea of Holiness and submission unto God.

2. Those who know the truth will be held accountable for not sharing it with others – In this passage, Ezekiel is also told that if he does not warn those who are in their sin, then he will be held responsible for their deaths. For those of us who are in Christ, we have a tremendous responsibility to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Our goal shouldn’t be to condemn anyone, but it is to warn and also share the Gospel in love.

In our society today, we are now living in a time in which telling someone the truth of God may not include the penalty of sin and even talking about Hell. The fact is, both Hell and the penalty of sin are actual destinies for those who refuse God’s ways. However, if we who know the truth withhold it from a dying world, then there is a price that we shall pay. Ezekiel understood that if he failed to warn those in their sin, that the blood of those not warned would be on his hands.

Our job as Christians is to warn as many people as we can about the coming of Jesus Christ, and what can happen if a life of sin is lived in unrepentance. The fact is that even those who are not Christians have been warned through various signs and occurrences. When God speaks, He does so that no man or woman is left to say that they did not know. God is speaking all around us in each phase of our lives.

America and other countries around the world are all giving us signs of humanity’s willingness to sin. God has given us plenty of signs and there will be more to come. There will be a day of judgment that comes to every nation that defies God’s decrees. However, are we willing to listen and be obedient? If you don’t know Jesus in the pardon of your sins, you have an opportunity to be saved. God is constantly speaking, but it is up to you listen and surrender to His will.  In doing so, you will be in a better position than if you remain in the condition of a hardened heart.

The Day of the Lord Is Coming – Heed the Warnings That God is Giving To Us

03 Wednesday Jun 2015

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ID-10054308Every day, there are signs that point to the End Times or the return of Jesus Christ. Various signs include wars and rumors of wars, Earthquakes in diverse places, the increase in humanity’s sinfulness, along with a whole host of other signs.  Matthew 24 is perhaps the most referred to of scriptures as it relates to the signs of the end.  In that chapter, Jesus gives His Disciples signs of what to look for as the coming of the end inches closer and closer.

However, the book of 2 Peter Chapter 3, also mentions the coming of the Lord, but it also includes how we are to respond to the adversity that results from the times that we live in. Before examining this scripture, we should look at the End Times from the perspective of Noah. In Genesis 6, we see that the wickedness or sinfulness of humanity has become burdensome in the heart of God.  In verses 5-6, it says:

(NIV) “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.” So, as a result of this God decides in verse 7 that He will wipe humanity off the face of the Earth. The only one who was spared was that of Noah and his family because he found favor in the eyes of the Lord. 

As it is commonly known from scripture, Noah is instructed to create an ark which would protect all of the animals and his family from the great flood that would cover the Earth.  However, notice what it says in Matthew 24: 37-39:

(NIV) “For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.” 

Here, Jesus is speaking and He is suggesting to us that at the time of Noah building the ark, most were living in their sinfulness and ignoring the impending doom which was the flood.  However, as Jesus said, they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away.  How often do we see various signs and warnings today, which are meant to give us a chance to avoid disaster?

Even in today’s time, we are seeing blatant sinfulness that is paraded throughout the media and even in our own lives.  Many have chosen to reject the truth of God while a whole host of signs are being put before us which are pointing to the return of Jesus Christ. Our world structure continues to decay while, at the same time, there is a call for global unification and peace.  However, the peace that many are seeking is coming from man-made solutions instead of seeking God for the solutions that plague our world. Whenever humanity decides that in its pride that it will not seek God, then nothing but chaos and confusion occurs.

In 2 Peter, Jesus gives us a warning of what will occur in the last days.  He says in verses 3-4: (NIV) “Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”  Basically, what Jesus is saying is similar to what many say today.  Many of those who scoff at the coming of Jesus, say that such “signs of the times” have occurred in years past.  Many today scoff at the promise of Christ’s return and wonder why He hasn’t returned as promised.  However, look at what Jesus says in verses 5-7:

(NIV) “But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.” The point is, there are many who do not take into account that God has revealed His judgment to humanity before in the form of the great flood.  The same judgment will be poured out again but in the form of fire as Jesus said in verse 7. 

Looking also at verses 9-10:

(NIV) “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.”

So, Jesus says that the Lord is not slow to keep His promise as some understand it to be.  The naysayers will and often do say that Christ isn’t returning and that the end times do not exist.  Yet, there are many signs that we see every single day which point to the return of Jesus Christ.  Also, God’s judgment will come to any nation or group of people who decide to openly reject Him.

Examples of blatant rejection?  Just look at the various laws that are instituting and promoting sinful behavior.  Not only in America is homosexuality being endorsed for “marriage” but countries around the world are now attempting to re-define an institution that was not created by human hands.  Even if it isn’t that particular issue, there are countless examples of lawlessness which is promoted and shown throughout our world.  Governments both domestic and worldwide operate in corruption and pass laws which have pushed God out, and welcomed sinfulness and secular humanism.

However, here is the good news and that is what Jesus referred to in verse 9, when He says “Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” God wishes that no one perish.  There are penalties for sinfulness and disobedience which many will choose to pay for.  However, Jesus Christ died and rose again so you wouldn’t have to pay the price of destruction.  God wants all of us to come to the knowledge of how good He is, and how loving He is.  However, in the midst of sin and rebellion, we cannot know God as He wants us to.

The point for all of us is to realize that our world is growing increasingly wicked.  Day after day and year after year, examples are shown of how perverse and sinful current and future generations are and will be.  The Bible is clear that Jesus Christ will return, but in His return, judgment will come to those who are in rebellion.  You don’t have to choose a life of sinfulness and a destructive end. If you haven’t accepted Christ’s gift of salvation, then you have an opportunity.

For those of us who have, we shouldn’t allow ourselves to lose sight of God’s promises by listening to those who reject God.  God will judge every human, and sinfulness will be brought to justice because God has already promised such.  So, heed the warnings and seek the Lord in repentance while you have an opportunity.

Being Alert to the Signs of the End Times

07 Thursday May 2015

Posted by in Christianity, Church, God, Inspiration, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Religion, Religious

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ID-100297350The world that we live in has and continues to change constantly as each day passes. Day after day, year after year, and decade after decade, brings with it the ever closer coming of Jesus Christ.  Some call it, “The End of the World.”  While others use the phrase, “The End Times”  or “The Last Days” to describe the intensity and the actual events that are associated with the 2nd coming of Christ.  Jesus Christ came during what is known as “the first advent” which is the first coming.  The first advent signified Christ being born, his death, burial, and resurrection.

According to Acts 1: 9-12, Jesus ascends to Heaven after He gives instructions to the 12 Disciples.  However, in the entire chapter of Matthew 24, Jesus tells His Disciples of various signs of the end of time as we know it to be.  The signs given will eventually lead to “the second advent” or the second coming of Jesus Christ.  What are the signs of the times?  How do they correlate to what is happening today?  First, let’s look at key areas to determine just how critical today’s time has become:

1. The Increasing wickedness of humanity – 

2 Timothy 3: 1-7 says the following:

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

If you read that entire passage, isn’t it startling at just how true much of that is today? Certainly, we have seen perilous times in the past, but the truth is that what we are seeing from today’s generation is far worse than in years and even centuries past. There are various examples of the moral decay that has taken root in not only America but around the world. Onlookers who watch the tragedies that take place in their own neighborhood, city, and state are attempting to answer the proverbial question, “Why is this happening?” The answer lies in the scripture above, which states that the last days shall bring perilous times.

Even in America, laws have become established which are now enforcing the blatant sin that was once thought to be detestable in the eyes of God.  All around the world violence is increasing, because of how close we are to the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ. Of course, the Bible makes it clear in Matthew 24 that no one knows the exact time period, but the intensity of the sinfulness is an indicator that points to just how close we are coming to the end of this age.

2. Natural disasters will grow in severity – 

In the latter part of verse 7 in Matthew 24, it says, “There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” On April 25th, 2015 an Earthquake struck Nepal, killing over 7,000 individuals.  The key number is, over 7,000.  This was a tragedy that many scientists conclude that they saw coming – however, the fact that over 7,000 individuals would perish over a few days span says that we are seeing a major sign of the imminence of Jesus Christ’s return. Even as you read this, there has been recent tornado activity, flooding, and severe thunderstorms that have taken place in the state of Oklahoma.  Daily there are examples of natural disasters which intensify each time it occurs. Some would argue that we have always had severe weather, but what is known is that as each year passes, the severity increases. Part of it is also due to the damage that humanity’s sinfulness has done to the Earth.  God called humanity to have dominion or rule over the Earth, but to do so with honor and respect by being a good steward over the Earth’s resources.

3. Technology use and its influence – 

In Daniel chapter 12, there is also a scriptural reference to the end times. Daniel 12 says,

“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.”

The key verse is verse 4 which says “Many will go here and there to increase knowledge”.  This means that in the last days as it was prophesied unto Daniel, that humanity will increase in knowledge. Over decades, we have seen technological advances that were once thought impossible.  Now, technology has inserted itself into just about every area of our lives.  However, it is this very aspect of life, that will be used to create a global system.  Mass surveillance, encrypting data, and tracking human whereabouts is a part of the plan to create a one-world order.  This is what will spur a one world currency that will be put into place so that the anti-christ will have control. (See these scriptures about the anti-christ – Revelation 13:13, 2 Thessalonians 2: 3-4, Daniel 7:5) In the book of Revelation (Revelation 13: 16-17) the number 666 is given. In some way, technology will play a role in receiving the “mark of the beast” during what is known as the Tribulation period. However, the point is that technology, as it is being used today, plays a part in the signs of the end times.

As time continues onward, we will see these signs among others not listed which will intensify.  However, the main thing to be aware of is that it isn’t too late to gain safety in Jesus Christ.  Amidst all of the chaos, the growing control that world governments are seizing over its citizens, we who are in Christ have safety from the perilous times. Knowing that the Holy Spirit is still in the Earth, is an assurance in knowing that we can be protected from the evil times that we live in. Only in Christ, will you have ultimate victory and safety.  Be prepared by having your spiritual life assured, and knowing that there isn’t a safer place to be than in the hands of God.  For, the coming of Jesus Christ is nearing every single day.