SO, WHAT'S NEW?

So what's new? What new thing are we looking for today? One thing I have discovered about the Lord Jesus is, He will not entertain our desire to learn new things without us having walked in or live by the things we have currently learnt.

Therefore God sends upon them a misleading influence, a working of error and a strong delusion to make them believe what is false, In order that all may be judged and condemned who did not believe in [who refused to adhere to, trust in, and rely on] the Truth, but [instead] took pleasure in unrighteousness. 1 Thess. 2 : 11 - 12

When the truth is revealed to us and we reject it, turning our backs to it, we become hardened to being receptive of further truth. The Lord Jesus intends for us to walk in His truth, living by it daily. This is an area most of us come short and it is a dangerous area to be in. These last of days will be marked by this spirit more so than ever before, ..." having the form or outward appearance of being godly but, denying the power of it".  2 Timothy 3 v 5.

Day on day, week on week and year on year, most all of us hear a different sermon each time. We need to catch up with the first things and walk in them. This is real maturity. Growing in the grace and the experiential knowledge of the Christ, is the calling of each one of us who believe into Him. We must appropriate the truth we hear, and live by it. Lest we become like the foolish builder who build on sand. May the grace of the Lord be with you.

HOLD FAST TO THE TRUTH..

What is it you would like to hear? Would you like to have your ears tickled. What sounds nice and pleasant to the ears, something perhaps that keeps us in an unchallenged manner?
It is true, we all need encouragement, but the occasion demands that we believe the Truth. The Truth in love, will go deep and penetrate that hardness of heart and lay us bare before the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. The Sword of the Spirit is the WORD OF GOD, who is the Lord Jesus, the Messiah.

 When the Lord Jesus came to this earth in the first instance, He declared, "Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." Matthew 10 v 34.

A sword divides, it cuts asunder and puts to death. From the time that the Lord Jesus came until now, this has been the case. It is so because, His ways are different to those of this world. When we answer the call to be His disciples, we are challenged to walk a path that is very different to this world order in every respect.

The sword is the Word of God, the Spirit of Truth that comes forth from the mouth of the Messiah. It cuts asunder the intentions of the hearts of men, it separates the righteous from the unrighteous.

The Lord Jesus Himself, is the TRUTH. He tells us of things to come in these last days and how we should conduct ourselves in these days. To hold fast to the Truth, is to hold fast to the Messiah. He alone has the words of eternal life.

Wherever you are in this world, be strong, take courage, for the Lord Jesus is with you in these difficult days. Do not feint or lose heart, call upon His Name. May the Lord be your strength, may His grace be multiplied to you, may His love envelop you. The Lord be with your spirit ....

GREAT DECEPTION...

It is of grave consequence that we believe the truth as it proclaimed by the scriptures, being interpreted by the Spirit of God.This same Spirit of God is the Spirit of revelation. As I have mentioned in previous posts, these last days will be marked by deluding and seducing spirits and it is not a burdensome thing to repeat some of these.

The closing of this present age is inundated with deception of the most devious kind and many will there be who will be caught up in it. Why? Because they have not loved the Truth or the love of the Truth is not in them, because they have allowed their hearts to grow cold, because they have not been watching and praying. One of the chief reasons we are deceived is because there are hidden areas of rebellion in our hearts that we refuse to let go of and submit them to the Lord. The enemy recognises this and works against our commitment to the Lord with lies and deceit until we have opened wide the door to his activity of destruction in our lives. For this very reason we need to be on our guard, watching, being aware of the onslaughts of the enemy. It cannot be stressed enough, we are living at the time of the end; the culmination of all things is at hand. Satan’s strategic attempts at increased deception are having great effect. Many believers are being duped into his lies. The level of deception will increase and we will see deception like no other time in the history of mankind. The lying signs and wonders that will be performed by the the instruments of satan will boggle the mind into believing that this must be the work of God.

But the [Holy] Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach, through the hypocrisy and pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared. 1 Timothy 4 : 1 - 2.  Take careful not of this verse. It is the Holy Spirit that declares. Those who turn away from the faith do so because they listen to and heed these deluding spirits and doctrines that demons teach through the instruments of men, those who masquerade as servants of God but are actually agents of satan. All you have to do is watch and or listen to all the lies that are available freely on you tube and other internet sources, all in the name of God too. Dear saints of God, watch out, awaken and be on your guard, the devil wants you to believe his lies and so will put some truth into his false teachings and present them as if it were the truth.  

Listen to these words of warning by Paul in his second letter to the Thessalonians, "The coming [of the lawless one, the antichrist] is through the activity and working of Satan and will be attended by great power and with all sorts of [pretended] miracles and signs and delusive marvels - [all of them] lying wonders - And by unlimited seduction to evil and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing (going to perdition) because they did not welcome the Truth but refused to love it that they might be saved, therefore God sends upon them a misleading influence, a working of error and a strong delusion to make them believe what is false, in order that all may be judged and condemned who did not believe in [who refused to adhere to, trust in, and rely on] the Truth, but [instead] took pleasure in unrighteousness."  To not welcome the truth is to deliberately turn your back on it and believe the lie, therefore, God sends strong delusion to make you believe what is false. So I ask again, have you taken inventory on what you believe and why you believe it. Do you believe man made teachings and lies of demons presented as if they were the "truth"? Deception, being mislead, listening to false prophets etc are one of the main signs of these last days and many are there who have succumbed to  this. But there is hope, if you will but repent from the lies and turn once again to the truth .... You will then know the truth and the truth will set you free .... The grace of the Lord be with your spirit ..

LISTEN CAREFULLY..... PAY ATTENTION.

Don't believe the lies and deceptions that demons and seducing spirits teach, that the Messiah has come. There are many deceivers in the world and in the church, whose aim it is to lie and  deceive, to lead into error, those who are not watching. Do not let anyone mislead you in any way, even as the Lord Jesus has said in the gospels. See Matthew 24, Luke 21 and Mark 13.

Be on your guard against those who display seductive tendencies. Test and prove all things. Be as those believers that were in Berea, who searched and examined the scriptures to see if these things were so. Acts 17 v 11. Many have been led into false religions, because they were ignorant of those deceivers and the lies they taught. Ignorance leads to fear which leads to bondage and servitude to darkness. Ignorance is never bliss.

If you are reading this, do not be afraid to warn those who will listen, pray for those who don't. Grace be with you...

YOU CAN EXPECT THIS TO HAPPEN.....

One of the things mentioned in my last blog, was about the church, THE BODY OF CHRIST, coming together in the Spirit of unity not seen yet. What I am referring to is the unity of the spirit and the unity of the faith. In Ephesians, Paul speaks of us, the church, arriving at the same maturity that is found in the Messiah.

In fact here is the reference, [That it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ’s own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him. So then, we may no longer be children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching and wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of] the cunning and cleverness of unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead. Ephesians 4 vs 13 - 14.

The church, in her present state is, far from where she should be. Even as the Israelites rebelled, sought their own ways, were proud and boastful, so too, the body of Christ has behaved and conducted itself. The Lord uses punitive measures to bring about redemptive purposes amongst His people. When they wander from Him, rejecting His ways, He brings corrective measure to bring us back on track, even if that means years and years of time lapse. 

The wilful disunity and fragmentation that exists amongst the body of Christ, will be dealt with in a way that will see the church repent and come to this place of oneness or unity. The Lord Jesus own request of His Father shall come to pass. ( See John 17 )

The final time of tribulation will be the time when much is accomplished in the life of the church and the nation of Israel. The mystery of Israel and the church will be clearly seen for what God intended it to be, a people being formed TOGETHER, to become a SINGLE habitation, a fixed abode for God by His Spirit ..... Halleluyah .... You can expect this to happen, the grace of the Lord be with you all.

CONSIDER THESE THINGS.......

We need to be wise in these last days. While it may be, that we still have the comforts of houses, jobs, going to the movies, eating out etc, etc, The time is coming soon when these things will be taken away from us. How many of us have pondered the ramifications of the road we will have to travel, specifically during the last time of tribulation. Pat attention to these words from the Lord Jesus as recorded by Luke, see chapter 21. "Alas for those who are pregnant and for those who have babies which they are nursing in those days! For great misery and anguish and distress shall be upon the land and indignation and punishment and retribution upon this people. And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth [there will be] distress (trouble and anguish) of nations in bewilderment and perplexity [without resources, left wanting, embarrassed, in doubt, not knowing which way to turn] at the roaring (the echo) of the tossing of the sea, Men swooning away or expiring with fear and dread and apprehension and expectation of the things that are coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken and caused to totter."

We should believe these words. Economic and political instability has affected every nation on this planet. Famine, pestilence, food shortages impact many nations. Flooding, droughts, not only affect the nations in which they directly occur, but if these calamities occur in nations that produce crops that other nations rely on, then the spin off affects the wider worldwide community.

But take heed to yourselves and be on your guard, lest your hearts be overburdened and depressed (weighed down) with the giddiness and headache and nausea of self-indulgence, drunkenness, and worldly worries and cares pertaining to [the business of] this life, and [lest] that day come upon you suddenly like a trap or a noose; For it will come upon all who live upon the face of the entire earth. Keep awake then and watch at all times [be discreet, attentive, and ready], praying that you may have the full strength and ability and be accounted worthy to escape all these things [taken together] that will take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man. See Luke 21.

 

Again from the gospel of Mark, chapter 13, the Lord says, "And brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; and children will take a stand against their parents and [have] them put to death." In the book of Revelation, it says, that satan is cast down from heaven to the earth, knowing he has a short time left and he is angry. Clearly in his anger he seeks to attack all that is from God in vengeance. Then there is also the mark of the beast, without which you cannot buy or sell.

 

There are many other things that will take place. God will be our refuge and provider, but will require our trust in Him for this. The church will be drawn together in a fashion that is altogether absent in our present day. The mystery of Israel and the church will become more evident. This mystery is great and needs to come as a revelation to both Jew and gentile who are joined together to form the one new man, the structure which is being built up together for a dwelling place for God. See and understand Ephesians 2 - 4.

 

There is much to consider here and it all has to do with these end times .... until next time, the grace of the Lord be with you.

WHAT NEXT!!!!

To assume that the Lord Jesus could come at any moment, is to fail to understand God's purposes in the end times. The Lord Jesus cannot and will not return at any sudden moment, although when He does return, He will do so suddenly. Some believe the next thing to take place is the rapture. This cannot be possible. This does not mean we should be casual about His return. His return is set by His Father at the precise time the Father has decreed. It is like a paradox, the Lord is returning soon, but He is not in hurry to get things done, He is not slack concerning His promises. Certain things still need to take place first, before the Lord Jesus returns. The unity of the faith and the coming to full maturity of the body of Christ must take place. The relationship between Jew and gentile in the one new man is to become reality.

There is certainly that element of "something brewing" to use a catch phrase. There is indeed an awareness that events are unfolding. All the more reason to awake out of sleep and cast aside ignorance and reinvigorate the slack hands. If you have not done so already, strengthen the feeble knees. If you think end time things (eschatology) is not for you, you should think again, it is for you, you will be affected in one way or another.

Start taking the time to give thought and study to the end times. They are on the heart of God for His people, He does not want us ignorant concerning these times. Be encouraged, be strong, for the Lord is willing to reveal His plans to you.... Peace and grace be with you.

DON'T GET CAUGHT NAKED AND UNPREPARED!!!!

Continuing on from the last post about the error of pre - tribulation rapture teachings. These teachings have no basis in scripture, they are assumed. I was once sold on this theory of pre - tribulation rapture, and believe me, I was convinced of its validity, until I came across scriptures I could not explain away. The teachings of the Lord Jesus are never contradicted by the prophets or the apostolic letters. The Lord Jesus or the apostles never ever taught a pre - tribulation rapture. Many church leaders today on the other hand, seem to have more knowledge than the Lord Jesus.

Over the years, I have come to see somewhat differently. Because, I have taken the time to search and examine for myself, what Yeshua Himself says about these events. Listen to the words of Yeshua Himself.  "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn and beat their breasts and lament in anguish, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory [in brilliancy and splendour]. And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect (His chosen ones) from the four winds, [even] from one end of the universe to the other. From the fig tree learn this lesson: as soon as its young shoots become soft and tender and it puts out its leaves, you know of a surety that summer is near. So also when you see these signs, all taken together, coming to pass, you may know of a surety that He is near, at the very doors. Truly I tell you, this generation (the whole multitude of people living at the same time, in a definite, given period) will not pass away till all these things taken together take place. Sky and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. But of that [exact] day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father".

He then goes on to say, " As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For just as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, [men] marrying and [women] being given in marriage, until the [very] day when Noah went into the ark, And they did not know or understand until the flood came and swept them all away—so will be the coming of the Son of Man. At that time two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the hand mill; one will be taken and one will be left. Watch therefore [give strict attention, be cautious and active], for you do not know in what kind of a day [whether a near or remote one] your Lord is coming". I have deliberately highlighted very important parts of information so often overlooked. Now read the highlighted fields on their own. All the scriptural accounts of this do not contradict each other. An interesting point to note is that, as it was in the days of Noah so shall it be in the days when the Yeshua returns. Those signs abound and can be seen clearly, if you are paying attention. One thing most all the time overlooked is, who was taken and who was left? What and who is Yeshua referring to here? He is talking about the flood judgement, the wicked were taken, in judgement, the righteous were left. The issue is not one of rapture but of judgement on the wickedness of man. The wicked, all of them, were swept or taken away.

There is much more to all this which cannot be covered all at once. There are very specific reasons why the church will be here during the tribulation. It is through much tribulation we enter the Kingdom of God. Yeshua does not come three times, there is no secret coming of the Lord. He comes twice as the scriptures say, once as a servant, to lay down His life as a ransom for many, to redeem them from satan and sin. He comes again the second time as a King, all the tribes of the earth will behold Him, beating their breasts. Every nation, individual, power, principality will bend and bow the knee and acknowledge that Yeshua is the Messiah..... Don't get caught off guard, be prepared. Until next time.
Grace be with you.