Thursday, February 28, 2013

Let the Persecution Begin

Now, the title may seem to be a little unorthodox, but it does relay the doors are being swung wide open toward the days of the antichrist and the Great Tribulation  Recently, the Canadian Supreme Court voted that anything that opposes homosexuality, including written form (the Bible), is a sign of hate crime.  By this announcement, any Christian who stands firm in their belief that homosexuality is wrong and an abomination can not be  prosecuted in the fullest in my northern neighbor. 
The last days are fast approaching, and the American churches are so asleep that so many are either ignoring this or don't care, believing that God will protect them through our Constitution.  Men without God are inheritly evil, and the worst is yet to come. 
I am getting frightened of the future fast coming unto the times where God will be nowhere on this earth, with the exception of the 144,000 and the two witnesses.  Right now, we have a government here in America that would offer hatred right in from of God if given the opportunity.  Sad that many Americans proclaim they believe in God but refuse to acknowledge His ways.  Many others are openly challenging Him, mocking God for all their rebellion to see. 
With the troubles I have had recently, I truthfully wonder where God is, and wonder if He has been removing Himself so far from America that He can barely the seen in the horizon.  When will be the day be when His last voice will be heard in America?  We will notice...will we care? 

Michael

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Sinner's prayer, Is It Real?

1 Cor. 1:18
    For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

What has happened to the preaching in pulpits across America?  What has caused the tranformation of the gospel from powerful to watered down?  What came about where the Word was taught NOT to affect the souls of those lost or wondering to the point that repentance is not needed?  Why is much of the Bible neglected just to keep people in the pews?  How are those in leadership proud of their church size but cannot ascertain the spiritual "temperature" of their flock?

A day before the funeral of my father-in-law, a son of the father could not come to grips with unforgiveness to him.  All he could remember wasn't pleasant and some reason I told him it needs to be address before he left for home.  Amazingly, on the drive to the funeral, God gave him a vision of the good times with his father, and he felt the need to share when he arrived at the church service. 

Many pastors are good hearted but some are taught by doctrine and non-offensive to those in the congregation.  Add to the big books like "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren and "Your Best Life Now" by Joel Osteen, which have been on best sellers list, it is easily enticing to copy their "success."  The problem is the understanding is superficial and neglects the need for repentance, cleansing and allowing the Holy Spirit to convict, when needed.

We like to hear how God loves us, even when we are still sinners.  The Word of Faith movement's doctrine gives individuals the belief that God will give them wealth as a sign of His blessings.  It gives the impression that if you are poor, you have little faith and thus, God does not approve of your lifestyle.  Sorry to say, it is easy to say "God is blessing me" when you can fly in your own persnal jet, hold a $10M mansion, and travel at your leisure outside of public welfare.

That aside, what I got to see at a former church a few years ago tells me the current conditon when it comes to salvation.  At the end of the service, they gave an "altar call" to those who need Jesus, have them raise their hand where they are, say the "sinner's prayer" as a group, then welcome to the club.  One person sitting next to us said the prayer, and immediately walked out of church, with NO DESIRE to be in God's presence. 

Why does this disturb me?  Where is the follow through for these people to continue their path through the gates?  Hw did these people know what sin is, and what pleases God and what He detests?  How does these people know about repentance and the Holy Spirit?  Too much information is left out. 

How do we accept Jesus "in our heart?"  I know this will get testy but hear me out.  Some understand the definition of Savior, but don't understand at all how God's wrath came upon His Son through the scourging and beating, and how the sacrifice was accepted through the innocent blood of the Lamb.  But the Word uses Lord Jesus Christ in many verses in the NT, and this is the biggest part of Jesus that is ignored in a huge way.  When one calls another lord, he/she is dictating servitude and obedience to said person.  Believing in Jesus Christ and all he did holds some importance, but if it ends there, it is useless. 

Life with Christ requires obedience, which does not directly come from the heart, but the mind.  The only arena that Jesus said was those who endure to the end shall be saved.  The Greek word used for endure is:
hupomeno, meaning to stay under.  Those who "stay under" His lordship will endure the the end, not those who just believe.  For even the demons believe in God, and they tremble. 


We as a church is nowhere near the churh that was very successful and pleasing as it was over fifty plus years ago.  We are not tested, no need to examine ourselves, no words that may be conviction.  Many are powerless, but as long as I go to church, give my tithe, I am okay in God's eyes.    If that is all it takes, the rest of the Bible isn't a requirement.  It must be a boring walk of life to show the world their need for the Savior.



It is better to tell the truth in all purity and with no filters and give them the chance to be in His presence than not tell you at all.  If the pulpit loved you that much, they would, with no punches pulled.

Michael
Jeremiah 6:16

Monday, February 11, 2013

The Last Pope

NOTE:  Sorry I have not written any blog recently.  Two days in the last seven days have been bittersweet for me.  Last Wednesday was my mother's birthday, but also the news of the father-in-laws passing.  Funeral was on the 9th, so we couldn't fully enjoy the anniversary with my wife.  Emotions are still in the running for a while.

Today marked what I consider the beginning of the end.  It was the announcement of the resignation from the Catholic papal office for Benedict XVI.  Upon this time, the Roman Catholic will spend time on selection and induction of the next Pope.  And I believe this is significant, because if you haven't heard of St. Malachy, it is time you do. 

St. Malachy was a monk who had a vision from his time in the 12th century, and he proceeded to write down all through what he saw.  It encompassed 112 popes, their "relations" and more disturbingly, he has been 100% accurate for EACH one of them.  Benedict XVI is the 111th on the list.  No. 112 is the last pope where it was prophesied that he will be named Peter (which all others avoided as respect for Peter the Apostle, whom the Catholics believe started the church). 

This has been too accurate to ignore as heresy.  The three main parts in the prediction is tribulation, seven hilled city destroyed, and the dreadful Judge will come to judge.  At the end, he put two simple words:
The End.

In the next two months, if the next pope carries the name or a resemblance of Peter, be aware, be ready,  Another fulfillment of prophesy.  It actually has me back on track of how close we are to the final Day.  All I say is, I need spring to come, I need the walk time to meditate.  Also note the new pope's age, the older he age, the closer we are. 

Blessings
Michael
Jeremiah 6:16