July 2010, Update:

 

God has stirred something up in me. I'm concerned about a movement that is gaining popularity and proclaims the name of Christ, but is not of Christ; at least it's not of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God, our Savior, of whom so much is written in the Bible.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:8

Increasingly, Christians are seeking experience above the Word of God. Lying signs and wonders are the major theme of Satan, the enemy of God and mankind. The days of deception have already begun when people are turning away from Faith which is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see, and turning towards something 'new' that they can feel or see, eagerly anticipating the next 'miracle' or manifestation, craving the spiritual drunkeness which often accompanies foolish behavior referred to as 'holy laughter', and being knocked over backwards by unseen powers which is referred to as being 'slain in the spirit'. Too often these are not the things of God, but they are clever counterfeits.

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives...
2 Thess. 9

What is deception? It is something to draw somebody away from the truth and truth is the word of God, of Jesus Christ and the revelation of Jesus Christ found in God's word, the Bible.

The young people need to be self-controlled, that is sober minded and warned to not chase after the intoxicating 'experience' of being filled by 'the spirit' at this church service or that church service.
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be clear-minded that is sober-minded or serious and watchful in your prayers. Sola scriptura.

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Eph 5:18

If we are are admonished to be self-controlled, then being filled with the Spirit of God can not be the intoxicating experience that so many people are seeking, which begs the question, "If they are not being filled by God's spirit then by whose spirit?" To be intoxicated is to have one's senses dulled, it is the opposite of being alert.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Our God is supernatural and He can create real miracles and He can touch people or cause giftings such as healing, speaking in tongues, prophesying, casting out of demons and such. However all that glitters is not gold.

Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.
2 Cor 11:14

Question ALL THINGS.

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
1 John 4:1

 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14

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 in it will be laid bare.

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
2 Peter 3:10-13

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 one 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, that is be Hearers & Doers of the Word.
• 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"
• Love the sinner but hate the sin
• 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."