Category Archives: End Times

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ZION: THE ETERNAL CITY

As I come to the end of my journey of five plus years posting devotionals covering what I have determined to be the primary categories of Scripture, I am left with two thoughts. Each of us are allowed a period of time to journey on this earth and as with all journeys there needs to be a destination and a vehicle to reach that destination.

Today we look at the destination referred to in Scripture as Zion or the New Jerusalem which will be the eternal city (Hebrews 12:22) in Heaven that we as Christian believers will one day experience.

Until then the road to Zion needs to be understood from an earthly perspective as well. Today the world and most all in it would distract us from where our focus needs to be. The city of spiritual truth on earth and a shadow of our heavenly Jerusalem home. That being Jerusalem the Capitol of Israel (Psalm 48:1-2). This city now much in the news as the US will move its embassy there is showing the United Nations for its true anti-Semitic and anti-Christian make-up as well.

To be a Zionist requires you to believe that Israel, as a nation, is the people of God (2 Kings 19:21). It is here that Revelations (16:16) tells us will be the final battle (Armageddon/Mt. Megiddo) on the mountain of God’s blessing. It is here where judgment will take place and it is through here that will see us reach our final destination: ZION THE ETERNAL CITY.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Zion, a city that will complete Christ’s (and our) journey.

DEVOTIONAL VERSE FOR TODAY: Hebrews 12:22 “Zion, eternal city”.

PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord show me Your city.

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:

  1.  What is a Zionist?
  2.  How is Israel fulfilling end times theology?
  3.  Why are so many anti-Semitic?
  4.  Are you a Zionist?
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WITCHCRAFT SURROUNDS US

There is a growing movement that people are becoming a part of and often without realizing its impact. The movement I speak of is sorcery or witchcraft. Perhaps the vehicle which the devil and his demonic forces will use as the last weapon to capture mankind’s soul.

Witchcraft or any influence which takes you into a supernatural world apart from God is contrary to Scripture. It was forbidden by God in Israel (Deuteronomy 18:9-14) and condemned by the prophets (Micah 5:12) yet today our societies are opening its doors wide to its practices through mind altering drugs and other vehicles which change the heart.

Sorcery or witchcraft is one of the many works of the flesh that will not inherit the Kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21) yet demonic forces continue to cry out for its legitimacy to a human population vulnerable and easily persuaded.

Understanding end time revelation is not easy yet I believe Revelations 17:1-2 shows us that one day a form of sorcery will unite nations with the ‘harlot’ who will come against God’s chosen people (Gentile and Jew). As absurd as some may think my view is, I believe a body such as the United Nations may be that vehicle. At this writing we had a foretaste of that in one of their many votes condemning Israel and in this case the USA for it support of Israel.

God would have us keep our minds clear and focused solely on Him as given to us to understand through His Word. Today it is important we be evermore vigilant for WITCHCRAFT SURROUNDS US.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Witchcraft is a wound that will not heal.

DEVOTIONAL VERSE FOR TODAY: Galatians 5:20 “Witchcraft is of the flesh not God’s Spirit”.

PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord protect me from all that is evil.

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:

  1.  How is witchcraft becoming more popular in our society?
  2.  Who in Scripture used sorcery and with what results?
  3.  How might the United Nations be an instrument in end time revelations?
  4.  Do you support any form of witchcraft?
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A MEMBER OF THE HEAVENLY CHOIR

People have an innate need to worship or hold in reverence something in their life. As with all aspects of life there is good and bad involved and unfortunately many choose to go the wrong direction. Included among the many are Christians who are given over to a ‘fleshly mind’ (Colossions 2:18) placing matters of this world above that of God’s Kingdom.

Wrong objects of human worship include worship of other gods (small g) rather than the One True God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Exodus 34:14). This can include any number of demons (Deuteronomy 32:17) and creatures (Romans 1:25) that roam the world in search of souls to destroy. Some of those are images such as Daniel addresses in Daniel 3:5-18 and that people fall down to or set on various types of alters. Examples include non Christian beliefs such as budhist or figures seen in mayan temples. Finally in the area of wrongful worship we see many who worship their fellow man as Peter experienced and corrected in Acts 10:25-26. We see this every day in what we call hero worship or ‘buttering up’ someone who can help us improve our position in this life. Sadly this maya well lead many into final judgment (Revelation 13:4-13) as they will be easily led to the anti-christ in the end days.

Worship done correctly is to be of Christ done by men (John 9:30-38) and women as seen in the example recorded in Matthew 15:25. If we as believers do truly desire to be obedient to God’s Word and become His Disciples in this day and age we need to commit now to join the Angels of Heaven (Hebrews 1:6) and become now and forever more A MEMBER OF THE HEAVENLY CHOIR.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Worship of our Wonderful Lord and Savior is to be the work of a Christian life.

DEVOTIONAL VERSE FOR TODAY: Matthew 28:17 “the Disciples worship Christ as we should today”.

PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord I worship You and You alone.

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:

  1.  Do you worship the Lord only?
  2.  What images of false gods do people make?
  3.  What creatures and demons roam the world?
  4.  How does one distinguish between ‘other gods’ and the One True God?
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TERROR!!

Terror is alive and well in our society. For the most part it is against the true church and that which the true church stands for. It comes I believe in 3 packages with the first being those who are fearful of what the true church stands for. Lukewarm or non-Christians who support directly or indirectly groups like the ACLU, atheists and others who want freedom from religion are in this group. They want to remove crosses and all semblance of Christianity from daily life and a politically correct society is not resisting. These individuals are somewhat like the Israelites in Exodus 34:29-30. They know where the one true God is (seen through His Word, etc.) and they are afraid to look honestly into His face.

The second group who for various reasons are dealing with the truth of God’s Word in a different fashion. They are revisionists who want to redefine the simplicity of God’s Word in its truth in order to justify their sinful behaviors.  Here Christians need to be careful as to how we respond to this form of fear that is attacking us. As Romans 11:20 shares our thoughts, words and deeds should be humble and loving and not haughty. True Christians should condemn with an equally loud voice any ‘Christian’ who acts or speaks violently against someone. As I have said many times, we should speak truth but in love. This second group terrorizes true Christians by demanding acceptance and agreement with their sinful lifestyle which we cannot do.

The third group who terrorize Christians are those who actually kill whether they believe their religion demands it of them or their government or some other entity. Today all 3 of these types of terrorist treatment are attacking we who remain true to our faith and I do not believe it will get better but rather worse. I believe we are rapidly drawing to a close when one day every one of our life’s actions will be held accountable (Ecclesiastes 12:14). A day when those not saved will stand before God in judgment (Revelations 20:11-15) and then they will understand true TERROR.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Terror touches all living without the safeguard of God’s promise.

DEVOTIONAL VERSES FOR TODAY: Psalm 91:4-5 “Protection from terror”.

PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord thank you for shielding me.

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:

  1. What is the ‘true’ church?
  2. How should we deal with those who ‘terrorize’ us no matter to what degree?
  3. How are those living sinful lifestyles terrorists?
  4. Are you ready to be held accountable for every action?

 

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THAT WHICH SHALL NEVER PASS AWAY

When someone dies we often try to soften the harsh reality of it by saying they have passed away. That means that something or someone has ceased to exist.

In Scripture there are several things that we are told will one day pass away. The first of which is the number of days on earth as Moses shared in Psalm 90:9. That is fairly obvious depending on our genetics and how we care for ourselves. The hope within that reality is that we age gracefully and pass away as a ‘new creature’ (2 Corinthians 5:17) born into the faith of Jesus Christ.

Ceasing to exist will obviously be all that which is of this world (1 Corinthians 7:31)  including the very heavens (not the final dwelling place) and earth which so many in mankind seem to worship. To care for what God has given us in this life is certainly proper, but the level with which we do it to the point of it becoming a religion (naturism) is the danger.

Yet in all this there is hope. There is that to which we should most cling which will NEVER pass away. First, as Christ Himself shared in Luke 21:33, are His Words. This is why as believers preparing for Heaven, not unlike children prepare for higher learning, we should be daily in the one textbook that really matters which is God’s Word (Bible) for no greater institution of higher learning exists than Heaven. That is a Kingdom (Daniel 7:14) which SHALL NEVER PASS AWAY.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Passing away does not apply to people who will participate in paradise.

DEVOTIONAL VERSE FOR TODAY: Daniel 7:14 “Christ’s dominion shall not pass away”.

PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord thank you for assuring me I will never pass away in an eternal sense.

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:

  1. What thoughts have you  given to the reality of passing away?
  2. Have you become a ‘new creature’ in Christ?
  3. How do we balance caring for versus worshiping this earth and life on it?
  4. How important is God’s eternal Word to you?
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TIME TO LOOK UP!

Epidemics and catastrophes have been around for sometime. They fall under the heading plagues and can be attributed to divine judgment on occasion (Exodus 9:14) as in the case of the 10 plagues of Egypt. I believe that both our Lord and Savior do not desire to send these judgments upon us but when mankind hardens their hearts, close their minds and try to trap God and Christ (for example agnostics and atheists) then it seems inevitable.

In Exodus chapters 7-12 we read of the ten Egyptian plagues used by God to free the Jews from Egyptian slavery. God turned against the Egyptians what they worshiped (River Nile, beetles, frogs, and weather). A message for we today who seem to be more about worshiping nature than nature’s God.

The message behind the Egyptians plagues seems clear. When the Israelite’s were told to slaughter a lamb and place the blood over their door posts to avoid the angel of death. We today are also only saved by our taking on the blood of the Lamb of God (Christ Jesus). Indeed it is as the words of one famous hymn which states “nothing but the blood of Jesus”. We all need to gaze toward heaven with spiritual  eyes on our raised Messiah from where our help comes.

The final judgment one day will again bring plagues upon the earth (Revelation 8:6 through chapter 9), Today we read of asteroids coming dangerously close to earth and so much more. For all of us I believe it is TIME TO LOOK UP.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:  Plagues are a plight that should bring us to prayer and confession.

DEVOTIONAL VERSE FOR TODAY: Exodus 9:14 “plagues are divine judgment”.

PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord my faith is always and only in You.

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:

  1. What is the fine line between worshiping nature versus appreciating nature?
  2. What does it mean to see with spiritual eyes?
  3. What are the final plagues or judgments recorded in Revelations chapters 8 and 9?
  4. What end time signs seem to be stirring as a possible warning?
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THE DAY MAY BE DRAWING CLOSER!

Theologians and others with a great deal more wisdom than I have, have discussed a subject that bears mentioning in this column. It is the  matter of ‘rapture’. When believers will be taken to return to Jesus (living and deceased).

A great many discussion points are involved here that for most believers are quite confusing. Matters such as the role of Israel in these events (Romans 11:16-24), the Scriptures discussion of a 1000 year reign of Christ (Revelations 20:2-7) and a period of time many believe to be 7 years when the anti-Christ will rule and play havoc with this world.

Of one thing I am certain. When I saw my father on his death bed after his passing, I became convinced his soul and spirit were no longer before me. What I saw before me was simply the human frame God gives each of us to travel through this life with. For me when we accept the Holy Spirit (being born again) into our life we are already starting our journey to that moment when we will meet Christ in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17) and one day be a part of His Kingdom. As one person said: “it is like going to the airport to meet the arrival of the King of Kings”.

Until then what is  important to know about the rapture is that there will be one in some form so prepare yourself now. THE DAY MAY BE DRAWING CLOSER.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: The real importance of the rapture is our being received by  our Redeemer.

DEVOTIONAL VERSE FOR TODAY:  1 Thessalonians 4:17 “saints caught up in the rapture”.

PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord may I always be ready for Your coming.

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:

  1. What is dispensationalism and its role in end times theology?
  2. How will Christians be protected if at all during the time of tribulation?
  3. Will Christians face the time of tribulation or are we in that period of  time now?
  4. Are you prepared to be taken up with the Lord?
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DANGER IN MAGIC!

Magic when defined as doing super human things by ‘supernatural’ means has always been a concern for me. The reason is that in end times satan will show this type of power (Revelation 13:13-18) and many will follow him as a result. What we now call magic is perhaps better named parlor tricks even if somewhat sophisticated but their effect on some should be of concern.

The magic which has been recorded as being of concern is what has been around since the time of the exodus and acknowledged as sorcery which is evil (Exodus 7:11). During apostolic times as now sorcery continued (Acts 8:9) but as the Biblical figure Simon discovered was totally separate from the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:18-24). This is where as Christians we need to be concerned.

Comfort for believers comes in knowing God’s power is greater than satans out of whom comes all which is evil. This can be seen in the example of Exodus 7:11-12. Good will always at some point overcome evil when we call  upon God. If we choose not to call upon God it would be well for us to read the prophetic words of 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 and especially the words of the last verse where we read “all will be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness (deception)”. This is where there is DANGER IN MAGIC.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Magic often mistakenly magnifies mankind and not the Master.

DEVOTIONAL VERSES FOR TODAY: 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 “Magic as recognized in prophecy”.

PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord I seek only the power of Your Holy Spirit.

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:

  1. Can there be both white and black magic?
  2. What is the danger of magic?
  3. Do you have the power of the Holy Spirit?
  4. How do you feel about magic?
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ETERNAL DEATH!

There are a great many in the world who will experience what the Bible calls a Lake of Fire and sulpher (Rev. 20:15). They are those who in this life did not live such that their names would be written in the Book of Life. Sadly, I believe, there are many who affirm our Lord and Savior but it is simply an intellectual affirmation and not a saving faith affirmation. Satan himself believed in our Lord and Savior as seen in Matthew 4:1-11 but did not understand or chose not to understand what it means to truly worship Him.

God is indeed a God of mercy but He is also a God of judgment (Rev. 20:11-15).  It is important as Christians we understand this. If we accept the Bible as God’s Word then we have to know that from Genesis to Revelations this understanding of a Lake of Fire and judgment are mentioned and illustrated. We all need to deal with it now or face its consequences later.

My understanding is that those who die in sin until the end of time will find themselves in Hades (Sheol) which will have a torment all its own. Christ shared this with us in Luke 16:23. At an appointed time history will end and all demons, beasts and satan will be cast into the Lake of Fire experiencing a second (Revelation 2:11) and eternal death.

Satan and the beast will be released prior to this time for a short period when there will be tribulation on earth (Revelation 17:8) but that will be short lived before the final ETERNAL DEATH!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: A lengthy life truly committed to the Lamb of God will keep us out of the Lake of Fire.

DEVOTIONAL VERSE FOR TODAY: Revelation 20:14 “Death itself will be cast into the Lake of Fire”.

PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord I desire to live with You eternally.

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:

  1.  What is intellectual affirmation that some Christians mistakenly show?
  2.  Are there degrees of righteousness and judgment?
  3.  Will hell be a place of intense fire or as some believe simply separation from God?
  4.  Why is fire more powerful than water and its significance?
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DON’T BE SO IMPATIENT

Living in a world of instant gratification has led many to become ever more impatient. For many we want what we want now or as quickly as possible. Technology has led us to this point and futurists are now looking at implants that will allow people to communicate through thought and that is just the beginning. If or when that happens it will fit right into what Revelations tells us about the time of Christ’s return.

Until then we as Christians need to understand the danger of impatience. In Scripture we see it come out of lust such as Sodom showed in Genesis 19:4-9. An example being played out in the LGBT community now growing ever more vocal and ‘in our face’. Impatience also is seen in acts of revenge such as Genesis 34:25-27 shows. When someone feels hurt the first reaction is often violent making the situation often worse. Numerous examples of that happen every day.

These and more causes of impatience have obvious consequences. One of the best examples in Scripture being the people of Israel building a false god while waiting for Moses as told in Exodus 32. This impatient nature would later keep them from the promised land (Numbers 20:10-12) as our impatience today may also keep our souls from Heaven. What God desires of each of us is that we DON’T BE SO IMPATIENT.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: The more we identify with Christ the less we show impatience.

DEVOTIONAL VERSE FOR TODAY: Numbers 20:10 “irritability causes impatience”.

PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord keep me in control of my actions.

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:

  1. What causes impatience?
  2. What are some violent reactions brought on by impatience?
  3. What is the relationship between sin and impatience?
  4. How can impatience keep us from Heaven?