Prophecy Update Newsletter
IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
Trump and Trumpets - J.L. Robb -
http://www.omegaletter.com/articles/articles.asp?ArticleID=8585 Sometimes it is difficult to separate religion and politics, especially in the current American environment, in both the United States and Canada. In many cases, they are like first cousins. There is a rift even between Christians about how other Christians should view Donald Trump. Evangelicals for the most part, are supportive; though in the beginning, they were skeptical and cautious. When Trump said during the campaign that he had never prayed for forgiveness of sin, my first thought was that he had possibly never prayed at all. It is certainly un-Christian not to pray for the forgiveness of our sins, because most Christians realize we sin every single day. We all come up short in the eyes of God. We may even sin knowingly, but we do pray that God will forgive us. Most Christians commit un-Christian behavior, daily and recognize such. "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 NIV In today's world, liberal church teachings have negated some of what used to be "sin," in order to become more inclusive of all people. Liberal churches have accepted pedophile priests, homosexual bishops and have given a nod of approval to transsexuality, tax paid transgender surgeries and choir directors having affairs with choir members. How many liberal theology institutes preach against abortion, against the "gay lifestyle" and other alternate lifestyles? How many liberal churches favor Israel as God's chosen? Liberal churches cannot seem to blubber enough over Palestinian statehood while condemning Israel for being in Israel and claiming Jerusalem as her capital. Palestine has never been a country at anytime in history, and therefore has no capital city and never has. "When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written." Luke 21:20-22 NIV "I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves." Zechariah 12:2-3 NIV One hundred years ago, these prophecies got little play. Israel was not a country and had not been for about 2,500 years. Thoughts of Jerusalem becoming the capital of Israel as it had been in ancient times was almost unimaginable. Additionally, Islam had taken over the city and built one of their most sacred mosques on the location of the ancient Jewish Temple. They build on top of other important religious sites when they conquer someone, which they are still trying to do. Then in 1948, some of these prophecies were fulfilled concerning the return of Israel, only Jerusalem was not her capital according to the rest of the world. Now the Palestinians claim Jerusalem as its capital, even though it is not a country. Only God can make or let this kind of bizarre history, happen. Some things are just strange beyond belief. However, the next significant prophetic event was the Six-Day War, June 5-10, 1967. This war was between Israel and three enemies: Egypt, Syria and Jordan. Israel won that one too, capturing Jerusalem in the process. As the world leaders agonized and gnashed their teeth, appalled that Israel would dare capture her capital, the world's embassies remained in Tel Aviv; and Jerusalem remained unacknowledged. The Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 was intended to show recognition by the United States that Jerusalem is and was the capital of restored Israel since 1950, just like it was declared by King David around 1004 BC. However, no President actually had the courage to make the move. Neurotic world leaders would shiver in disgust, continuing to fight the devil's fight against God. Bill Clinton said he would move the embassy to Jerusalem but did not. George W. Bush said he would move the embassy to Jerusalem but did not. President Obama said he would move the embassy to Jerusalem but did not. They all three lied to American citizens, most who have a history of being pro-Israel. President Trump did not. Now in the process of moving the United States Embassy to Jerusalem, this is yet another fulfillment of last days prophecy; and it is a big one. This is only one of the reasons I believe that God had a hand in the Trump win, and he won against all odds. Remember when the news media and the Hollywood stars were screaming that Trump was anti-Semitic? What did world leaders and other self-important people feel about Trump's speech? From French ruler Macron- It is a regrettable decision taken by the Americans vis-Ã -vis Jerusalem. France does not approve, it contradicts international law and it ignores UN Security Council resolutions. 1:59 PM - Dec 6, 2017 From Jeremy Corbyn, UK Labour Party: Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, including occupied Palestinian territory, is a reckless threat to peace. The British Government must condemn this dangerous act and work for a just and viable settlement of the conflict. 2:00 PM - Dec 6, 2017 From Christiane Amanpour, CNN: President Trump "made the biggest mistake of his life" by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital, chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat tells me. 2:27 PM - Dec 6, 2017 At the end of December 2017, the leader of Guatemala, President Morales, became the second country to agree to move the embassy to Jerusalem. Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Morales: "God bless you, my friend, President Morales," he said. "I told you recently that there will be other countries that would recognize Jerusalem and announce the transfer of their embassies to it. Well here is the second country and I reiterate: It is only the beginning and it is important." I recently received an email questioning how Christians could vote for Trump. Loving Israel and acknowledging Jerusalem for what it is, no matter the outcry from the rapidly falling world, is one of the reasons so many Christians back Trump, including the Billy Graham family. I was asked to assess Trump against the Ten Commandments. I cannot understand why a Christian would vote for a candidate who supports the killing of unwanted children, supports pornography, supports all women except those her husband assaults, supports gay marriage, transgenderism and transsexuality. As far as assessing Trump to the Ten Commandments, he probably would not pass the assessment test, at least if following every one is a requirement. Then there are the other 603 commandments. I have broken my share of Moses' Law. An assessment of Hillary and the Ten Commandments would be interesting too. Especially #6. There are a couple of other reasons so many Christians voted Trump. One reason was his Ellis Island Award: Remember when the media painted him as a bigot? In a 1986 celebration of 'patriotism, tolerance, brotherhood and diversity,' Trump was awarded along side of Rosa Parks and Muhammed Ali, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Another reason is the praise from Jesse Jackson on all that Trump has done for the black community: Remember when the media said he was racist? In 1986, Lenard Dozier Hill took his own life on the morning his farm was to go to a courthouse auction, believing that his life insurance would pay enough to save the cotton and soybean plantation that had been in his family for more than 100 years. He never knew his insurance policy had an exemption for suicides. Donald Trump intervened for the widow and paid off the $300,000 mortgage. What impressed me about the above instances of great compassion is that I still have never heard him mention any of them. And there are a lot more. Trump does a lot of trumpeting, and there are a lot of trumpets in Revelation. Is that a coincidence? Is it a coincidence that Trump also means trumpet? Is it a coincidence that Trump-Pence sounds a lot like trumpets? I do not know how "good" a Christian Trump is. He is gruff sometimes, but he has dealt with union bosses most of his life. He sometimes says naughty words, like most presidents. He is not as adept at expounding upon the truth as many politicians and is amazingly candid. He is not politically correct, nor is he all-inclusive. Neither is God. The Bible plainly states in numerous places that God hates evildoers. "I have loved you," says the Lord. "But you ask, 'How have you loved us?' "Was not Esau Jacob's brother?" declares the Lord. "Yet I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have hated, and I have turned his hill country into a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals." Malachi 1:1-2 NIV The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong. Psalms 5:5 NIV "Because of all their wickedness in Gilgal, I hated them there. Because of their sinful deeds, I will drive them out of my house. I will no longer love them; all their leaders are rebellious." Hosea 9:15 NIV Liberal, all-inclusive Christianity is directly opposed to the Old and New Testaments. When Jesus alluded that the highway to perdition was wide and easy; but the road to God's Kingdom was very narrow and difficult, that is not inclusive. When Jesus threw the money-changers out of the Temple, that was not inclusive. When Jesus called the rabbis a brood of vipers, that was not inclusive. Today's church needs to reemphasize what God said, meant and the result of not at least attempting to obey God's wishes. Can you be gay and Christian? Of course. Can you be an adulterer and Christian? Of course. Can you be a kleptomaniac and be Christian? Of course. As long as you pray to God for forgiveness and mercy, and thank Him for the gift of Jesus Christ as our perpetual sacrifice. If, on the other hand, you do not ask for forgiveness and tell God he is wrong, that's not good. Don't have a parade and celebrate decadence. 5 reasons why Israel is ready for war with Hezbollah in Lebanon - Ron Kampeas - http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israel-is-ready-for-war-with-Hezbollah-in-Lebanon-Here-are-5-reasons-why-541023 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a simple, straightforward message this week when he toured Israel's border with Syria and Lebanon with top security officials. "Our face is turned toward peace, we are ready for any eventuality, and I don't suggest anyone test us," he said Tuesday in a video message he posted on Twitter, the sound of helicopter blades whirring in the background. The mixed message signaled Israel's ambivalence about taking on the terrorist group Hezbollah 12 years after Lebanon and Israel were left gutted by a summer war. The 2006 war was costly for both sides: Hezbollah, the preeminent militia in Lebanon, lost political capital for inviting a devastating response to its provocations along Israel's border. Israel's military and political class at the time paid a price for not decisively winning a war that precipitated a mass internal movement of civilians southward. Yet the sides are making increasingly belligerent noises. Here are five factors contributing to increasing tensions along the border. Syria may be winding down, and Iran is winding up. The Assad regime, along with its allies Russia, Iran and Hezbollah - Iran's proxy in the region - have the opposition in Syria's civil war on the run. Iran and Hezbollah are striking while the iron is hot, establishing preeminence in the region. Iranian brass recently toured southern Lebanon and Tehran, according to Israeli reports, and Iran is financing a military factory in Lebanon. Israeli officials reject a permanent Iranian presence on its border - a message that Netanyahu delivered to Russian President Vladimir Putin when they met last month in Moscow. "I told him that Israel views two developments with utmost gravity: First is Iran's efforts to establish a military presence in Syria, and second is Iran's attempt to manufacture - in Lebanon - precision weapons against the State of Israel," he said after the meeting. "I made it clear to him that we will not agree to either one of these developments and will act according to need." A U.S. leadership vacuum is creating anxiety. President Donald Trump ordered a missile strike on a Syrian missile base last year after it was revealed that Syria used chemical weapons against civilians, but otherwise the U.S. engagement with shaping the outcome of Syria's civil war has been desultory. Russia is filling the vacuum, which is stoking Israeli anxieties. Despite generally good relations between the Netanyahu and Putin governments, Israel cannot rely on Russia to advance Israeli interests in the same way it has with the United States. "As the shape of the Syrian war changes, Israel may find its working relations with Russia undermined by Moscow's desire to exercise influence in Syria generally from afar, and by its shifting relations with Iran," Shoshana Bryen, the senior director at the Jewish Policy Center, wrote this week in The Algemeiner. Absent focused U.S. leadership, Israel may strike out on its own to prevent Hezbollah from becoming the preeminent force in the nations to its north. There are signs that the Trump administration, albeit belatedly, is noticing what its absence has wrought: Last month, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said 2,000 U.S. troops currently in Syria to assist pro-Western rebels would remain stationed there to mitigate against a permanent Iranian presence in Syria. New fences make restive neighbors. Israel is building a wall on its northern border along a line demarcated by the United Nations in 2000, when Israel ended its 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon. Israel is building the wall in order to prevent the deadly Hezbollah incursions that spurred the 2006 war, which claimed 1,200 Lebanese lives and more than 60 Israeli lives. But neither Lebanon nor Hezbollah accepted the demarcation as a permanent outcome, citing disputes over small patches of land that extended back to the 1949 armistice, and the Lebanese government and Hezbollah have threatened action. Oil and gas Lebanon last month approved a joint bid by Italian, French and Russian oil companies to explore seas off its coast. Israel claims a portion of the waters. Israeli leaders have called for a diplomatic solution to the dispute, but the competing claims are aggravating tensions between the countries. Hezbollah, intermittently, has also threatened to attack Israeli platforms in the Mediterranean extracting natural gas. Gaza The Gaza Strip also is restive, with an increase in rocket attacks from Hamas and Israeli retaliatory strikes after Trump in December recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital. An Israel distracted by an engagement with Hamas and other terrorist groups in the south could be seen by Hezbollah as an opening to strike in the north. From Cover To Cover - By Grant Phillips - http://www.raptureready.com/2018/02/06/bible-cover-grant-phillips/ Have you ever heard anyone say, "I believe the Bible from cover to cover?" Have you ever said that? I have. If we really do believe the Bible from cover to cover, does it show in our lives? I find myself coming up short so many times. Do you? The Bible is not just a history lesson from Moses or a group of letters from Paul. It is not only biographies or a list of commands and prophetic sayings. Neither is it only a songbook or a long list of wise sayings. The Bible is so much more. It is the very Word of God. "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:20-21) "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1) "Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction." (2 Peter 3:15-16) "He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself." (Luke 24:25-27) The Bible, God's Word, says we are saved by grace through faith plus nothing. Yet, entire denominations teach that something must be added to be saved. God says, "...that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing." (Galatians 5:2) Circumcision is just one example among a long list of works that "profit you nothing." The Bible, God's Word, says we are to love the brethren. (Consider 1 John) How much honest-to-goodness, real, selfless agape love is actually demonstrated in most churches? The Bible, God's Word, says that Jesus will soon return and remove His Church before He pours out His wrath on this world, but you would never know it by observing most Christians. Is there anyone in the Church looking for the soon return of Jesus for His bride? Oh yes, there are many earnestly looking for that day while they serve Him on this earth, but how many? I cannot provide a number and would even be hesitant to guess at a percentage. However, I believe I would be safe in saying that most Christians don't give it much thought. If we really believed the Bible from cover to cover, don't you think most of us would be living much differently than we do at present? By the way, I most certainly am not excluding myself from these soul searching questions. The Bible tells us how to be saved and how we are kept by the power of God. It tells us how to live a life for Jesus Christ. It tells us about God and the eternal state. The Bible has been 100% accurate on hundreds of prophesies, of which some are being fulfilled today, in our lifetime. Over 7,000 promises are within its pages, and God always keeps His word. Where is the sleeping Church? Where is the Bride, who should be looking daily for her Bridegroom's return? In my opinion, the worst thing that could happen to the Church is to live in an affluent society. We, in the United States of America, are cursed with this malady, because it has made so many of us lazy and apathetic. There is nothing wrong in being affluent. There is nothing wrong with money. We can like and enjoy living in an affluent society and we can enjoy money, but let us as Christians never love either. The "niceties" of life are fine, but have they replaced the time we once spent with Christ in His Word? Our priority should always be Jesus, our Savior and Lord, over any and everything else. Unfortunately, that isn't the case with many folks. How do I know that? Their lives broadcast it. The churches throughout this great country of ours are spiritually sick. Many are spiritually dead. How many of our churches actually emphasize the Bible in all they teach and do? How many are just "playing church" as a little girl would play with her doll house? In too many of our churches the Bible has been replaced with man's opinions and the social hour. If all true believers really believe the Bible from cover to cover, then why do we sit back and not stand up for the Truth? Why do we rely on just a few to carry the load? Why have we allowed the filth of our society to worm its way into our homes, our lives and our churches? Why have we become comfortable with that which is not of God? Why do we give more credence to what Oprah has to say than Almighty God? How much time do we spend in the Bible and prayer? No true Christian is perfect (mature), but we should always be maturing as Christians. We should be growing, but yet there is so much immaturity displayed among Christians. If we are growing in the Word, there will be more love for others, and less criticizing, jealousy and pride. Sad but true is the fact that gossip is just as prevalent in the local church as it is over the neighborhood fence. Why? There is no knowledge and acceptance of the Word. The Bible is the holy Word of God, every page, from cover to cover. Ignorance of what is between those covers is a major problem with those who are called Christians. Since it takes a great deal of work to study the Bible, laziness has encouraged many to take the word of man and form their own opinions. We know more about sports and celebrities than what is contained in the Bible. Now why is that? The answer is obvious. There is no interest in the Bible by many Christians. We want someone else to feed us our baby food while we pretend we are eating a steak. If we really do believe the Bible, from cover to cover no less, maybe it is time we actually read it to verify what we say we believe. Every true Christian should be a full-time disciple of Jesus. The first thing we reach for should be our Bible, not the remote or smart phone. The fruit of our lips should be, "Have you heard about Jesus?" The desire of our heart should be to know and follow Him above and beyond anything else. Until this is the case, I doubt we truly believe the Bible from cover to cover. Grant Phillips Email: [email protected] Pre-Rapture Commentary: http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com Rapture Ready: http://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html It's Time to Equip the Saints - Nathele Graham - [email protected] "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." Acts 20:27-28. What did you learn last Sunday as you sat in that pew? Did you learn more about Jesus? Were you convicted of a sin you harbor and encouraged to repent? Did you learn how to use the spiritual weapons God provides to defend against enemy attack, or did you get a new joke to tell your friends at work? If Christ wasn't preached from the pulpit, what was? "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:1-2. Paul's mission was to win souls to Christ and He knew how to accomplish that. He didn't tell jokes or soften the Truth in any way, but preached "... Jesus Christ, and him crucified." That way of spreading God's truth seems to be a lost skill today. In this day of the Laodicean church, where our Lord is on the outside knocking on the door desiring for anyone to open it and invite Him in, we find that the Gospel has been diminished. Christians don't turn from sin because Christ isn't preached and sin isn't confronted. When Paul wrote to the congregation at Corinth he was writing to a very sin-filled congregation. Instead of preaching Christ crucified and confronting sin the leaders were proud of their open-mindedness. The Apostle Paul was shocked, and so should we be shocked by the sin in our own lives and in the congregation we attend. Many preachers today prefer to tell jokes and humorous stories rather than stand firmly upon the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Instead of quoting Scripture for authority, various books are cited in order to prove a point. Congregations grow and mega-churches are born and nobody is made to feel uncomfortable. Yoga, contemplative prayer, and meditation are promoted rather than the fervent prayers of righteous men and women. Deep study of God's word is minimized. The Holy Spirit has given us examples as to how effective sermons are structured. The most beautiful, of course, is the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus began this sermon by stating attitudes we need to nurture. "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." Matthew 5:3-12. Jesus told of the rewards of a godly attitude. From there He moved to sin and how God's definition of sin is so much stricter than man's definition, He talked about our attitude in prayer, urged people to forgive each other, and so much more we need to be aware of. This sermon is recorded in Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7 and there isn't a single joke to be found. He cited Old Testament Scripture, but didn't bring up the latest book by a popular author. His words were to the point, but full of love. I have to wonder how long it took for Him to deliver this sermon. Our modern preachers allocate fifteen to twenty minutes for a sermon so everyone can hurry to their favorite restaurant before other congregations get there. So much is compromised when the pure word of God is secondary to appeasing the congregation. Peter was an interesting man. A fisherman who chose to follow Christ and learn His ways. Peter was brash and made many blunders. He swore he would never deny Christ, but hid in fear during the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. Then came the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit danced like flames upon the heads of the apostles and people thought they were drunk. It was Peter who stood up and preached a powerful sermon to the onlookers. This common fisherman began by explaining what was happening by quoting the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28-32). "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: and I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: and it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Acts 2:17-21. Peter went on to preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified. He spoke of the resurrection and that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God the Father. Peter cited Psalms 16 and 110 to authenticate his statements. He was very direct with his words and the men who heard were convicted. "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." Acts 2:37-39. The result of Peter's direct approach was astounding. Three thousand people came to Christ that day. No jokes, no amusing little anecdotes, just Holy Spirit inspired words. Maybe this is why people today don't understand they are sinners and need to turn to Jesus for salvation. Could it be that preachers aren't preaching Holy Spirit inspired sermons, but are preaching a watered down Gospel? That wasn't the last time Peter preached a Holy Spirit led sermon. One day he and John were headed to the temple to pray. A lame man was there who asked for money. Peter said he had no money but would give the man what he really needed...healing in Jesus' name. The man was thrilled and the people who saw the miracle were amazed. Peter didn't give a standup comedy routine but got right to the point. "The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses." Acts 3:13-15. Peter was honest and direct, but he wasn't harsh. He said their actions had been through ignorance and that the things Christ endured had been prophesied. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." Acts 3:19-21. Jesus Christ must be preached and the truth of His death, burial, and resurrection cannot be a side note. Jesus Christ was God in the flesh and that fact is fundamental to the Christian faith. Every cult denies the deity of Christ, so preachers need to be sure the congregation understands this truth. "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted." Hebrews 2:14-18. My husband and I attended Sunday services where an "ex"-Mormon also attended. This man didn't believe in the deity of Christ and held to many erroneous beliefs. The pastor preached loud sermons but he never preached that Jesus was God in the flesh in order not to offend the "ex"-Mormon. God's word was compromised and the truth was hidden. That "ex"-Mormon has now died and I often wonder if he ever truly came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. God became flesh and understands our troubles in life. He was tempted, but didn't yield to temptation. He quotedScripture not the latest self-help book. He became human in order to bring salvation to humans. Because He was fully God His blood was pure and untainted by sin, so His sacrifice takes our sin away. If this truth is hidden behind jokes or loud words then those who are being preached to are being deceived. Does your life make a joke out of God's word? What sermon do you preach? You say you're not a preacher, but think again. Not all sermons are preached from the pulpit. "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Galatians 6:14. Follow Christ, not the world. Language filled with anger, cussing, and gossip doesn't preach Jesus Christ to anyone. Every word you speak reflects your heart. If you're a Christian then you need to reflect Christ. The way you dress shows the world who you imitate. Do you wear revealing clothes that are too tight? If you claim to be a Christian but cling to a sin, then you're preaching a false doctrine to the people around you and deny Christ. Search the Scriptures daily and study for yourself, then make God's word a part of you. Glory in the accomplishment of Christ at Calvary and tell others. Turn away from the ways of the world and live so others see Christ living in you. Prophecy is rapidly being fulfilled and now is not the time to preach jokes instead of Christ and Him crucified. It's not a time for jokes but it's time to equip the saints. God bless you all, Nathele Graham [email protected] www.straitandnarrowministry.com [email protected] Ron and Nathele Graham's previous commentaries archived at http://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html All original scripture is "theopneustos" God breathed. If you'd like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries just drop me an email and let me know. Daily Jot: Why we must stand - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com There is a story on LifeSiteNews.com about a Christian teacher in England who was fired from her job because she responded to a personal question by a student about homosexuality, saying that that her personal belief was that homosexuality was against God's will, but that He loved every person, regardless of what they did, or who they were. She also told a lesbian that God loved her. She was fired for "gross misconduct." Another teacher verbally attacked her for her beliefs, and she was also reported to the government's Counter-Terror Unit as a radicalization threat for telling the lesbian that God loved her. This is an example of why Christians must be proactive as God's Ambassadors in all aspects of society. The story quotes Andrea Williams, barrister and CEO of the Christian Legal Centre, with a very important observation: "We are seeing a worrying trend of cases such as this. The fact that Svetlana was reported to Prevent for holding Christian views is a sign of our times. It shows how Prevent will be used to punish innocent and soft targets. A radical rethink is required." As Americans, we often look at Europe and roll our eyes. But a lot of what happens in Europe eventually makes it's way to the US in one form or another. We have witnessed over the past decade an acceleration of rules, laws, and societal pressure against free speech and religious freedom, especially from the homosexual political agenda. When a "president" and a Presidential candidate, who really is an organized crime boss within a political party, both hold strong beliefs against Christian doctrine can infiltrate government to the point of influencing investigations, law enforcement, secret courts, the judicial system and more, our ability to freely exercise our religion is gravely threatened. If we, as Christians, who have been blessed with such freedom by the very hand of God, do nothing to stop this egregious attack on our freedom, we will lose it. God is sovereign in all things, but he has chosen a partnership of shared responsibility with his people. We are on earth to glorify him and he expects us to stand for what is right according to his word as guided by the Holy Spirit. This is why we must stand. There are countless verses in the Bible about overcoming evil with good. Ephesians 6 is primarily about obedience and strength in the power of the Lord. As verse 11 says, "Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Verses 18-20 say, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints: And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly as I ought to speak." Ambassador of God, speak boldly, stand against the wiles of the devil. Daily Devotion: Keep Your Eyes on the Prize - By Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. -Hebrews 12:1 When I made the decision to become a Christian, I made the decision to follow Jesus. People have let me down at times, but Jesus has never let me down. He has never forsaken me. He has never disappointed me. He has never abandoned me. I am not following Jesus for the applause of people. Nor am I doing it for some earthly reward. I am following Him because He did so much for me. In Hebrews 12 the writer says, "Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (verses 1-2). Sometimes you will be discouraged in this race. Sometimes you will be overwhelmed. You have to keep your eyes on Jesus. If you do that, then you will make it. The apostle Paul told the elders of the church at Ephesus, "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24). Could you look back on your life and say, "Up to this point, I have finished my race with joy"? If you couldn't say that, then make a change while you can. If today was your last day, what a tragedy it would be if you didn't do something to make the appropriate changes. If you are not living your Christian life as you ought to be living it, then this is the time to make a change. 
FROM THE HEART
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