January 2005 Update:

January 25, 2005

It seems to me that the Devil is having his way with a number of preachers in the spotlight lately. I'm becoming more aware of an aire of bitterness and vindictivenss between popular theologians who disagree on some debatable issues like the Rapture. The term 'false prophet' and 'false teacher' seems to be flying both directions. What must the unsaved who are witness to these ego competitions be thinking? The only conclusion I would expect from the unsaved is one of being turned off completely or so confused that they don't know who or what to believe. God help us.

January 17, 2005

Having just finished reading the Assemblies of God (AOG) "offical position" paper on the Rapture I was so impressed with the concise summary of the position and Biblical references that I though it a good idea to add a link.

January 12, 2005

In the wake of the Christmas Day Tsunami that has claimed more than 150,000 lives throughout Sumatra, Indonesia, Thailand, India and even the shores of NE Africa, there seems to be a sense of anticipation or expectation of what the next large scale tragedy might be or when it'll happen. Another tidal wave? A devastating earthquake? Perhaps an unprecedented volcanic eruption? Maybe all of these things and more? Take notice of these 'birth pangs'. Contrary to the headline repeated on NBC National News last night, the Earth isn't trying to tell us something through these tragic events, but the one and only true, living God is...

Matthew 24:4-8
Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,[a]’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

The End Times News headlines have been updated for 2004. Often times we tend to forget some of what has happened over the span of just few short years. The return of Jesus is nearer than ever. God has clearly been confirming a message through those who truly love him and serve him that it's time to WAKE UP!

Up to a point, God's judgement is His mercy, but many people don't see it that way. What I mean is that God is long suffering or very patient with people. Many times God has used judgement in the form of death, famine, natural disasters, or attacks from the enemy to get the attention of His people and motivate them to acknowledge His existence and cry out to Him. In His righteous anger God could very easily wipe out all mankind, but His love for His creation overides the requirements of the Law, ... this is mercy. However, for every mortal there comes a point in time or in their life where they run out of second chances to repent or turn to God and live their lives according to His ways.

I believe God gave me a scriptural revelation the other night while driving on the freeway, here it is:

The body of Jesus Christ was risen as a new, incorruptible, glorified body early on the 3rd Day. So it will be with the Body of Christ today, which is the Church. On the 3rd day the body, that is the church of true believers, will be given new incorruptible bodies and will rise to meet Christ in the air. The Rapture is nearer than ever, but do not give any attention to anyone who says they know the day or the hour, because God's Word says no one, not even the angels, know what the day or the hour is....but its near.

I believe that the 3rd day has already begun.

Hosea 6:1-2
Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us;
he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.

2 Peter 3:8
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2000 years = 2 days to the Lord
2000 years since Christ is right about now.
Check out this math for fun, click here.

What should we do while we wait for the Lord's return?

• Keep God's Word, don't just read it
• Walk in the Light, separate yourself from the world.
• Please God by the way you live.
• Witness to others, like Enoch who was raptured, tell people "the Lord is coming"
• Persevere, look forward, don't turn back to the life you've left.
• Be Humble
• Be Holy
• Be Blameless, make every effort to stay blameless and pure.
• Be Watchful for the return of the Lord.
• Pray always

"Dear God in Heaven, please help me to live my life in such a way that it is pleasing to you. Please consider me worthy to escape the time that is coming to test this world. In the name of Jesus, my Lord, I pray. Amen."