Every year for the past 10-15 I’ve done what is called a “Prophecy Update” in January. Some have mistakenly thought that this meant I was going to update what God’s Word said about prophecy – and how God was going to bring things to an end on this earth. Scripture says that this is God summing up all things in Christ – which I like far better. During these updates I’ve not told people who the antichrist was – or when the rapture was going to happen – or even when the world was going to end. They have hopefully dealt with how the historical events of the past year look when placed against the statements of Scripture on the last days. The usual question I ask myself as I prepare for these messages is, “Has anything happened in the last year that seems to factor into my limited knowledge of the end-times scenario as presented in God’s Word. Some have called these messages, “How to scare a congregation to within an inch of their life in 45 minutes or less.” I would beg to differ with this – because several times I’ve gone past 45 minutes. Seriously though, I know that the information in these messages has been very rough – and often is difficult to hear. The reason for this is that my view of Biblical history is not Dominion-based – meaning that the church will make things get better and better through the gospel and our prayers – until Jesus comes back to a near perfect world. Even a basic reading of the book of Revelation should negate this view. Unfortunately, in this world, things are not going to get better and better – they are getting worse and worse. That is because of sin and mankind’s continued rebellion against God and His commands. But there is a larger issue that I want to address about the ‘scariness’ of these messages. That is the issue of what foundation we are building upon in our brief few years on this rock called earth. Matthew 7:27-28 speaks of two foundations upon which a life is built. One is a sand foundation that has no stability – which the other is called, “a rock” which will stand no matter what is thrown against it. Which foundation you are built upon is based in one major issue – are you obeying God’s Word in your life? If you are – then as the storms of this life come and beat and break upon your life – the foundation of obeying God’s Word will keep you strong and standing as the storm rages. If you are not listening to God’s Word and obeying – you will find that the sand foundations of this world cannot stand against the battering that will come with life itself. Now we come to the fulfillment of end-times prophecy. The things of this world are going to pass away. That sounds so peaceful – but when you examine how they are going to pass away – it scares you to within an inch of your life. The seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments of Revelation are horrific to read. They scared me half to death when I read them as a kid – and they pretty much shake me up even today. Here’s the well-kept secret . . . they were meant to do this! They were meant to awaken us to the transitory nature of the world we live in today. They were meant to remind us that all that we are so apt to build our lives upon as humans – is going to pass away with intense heat as they burn up in the midst of God’s wrath against sin. What will remain in the midst of all this is what is built upon obedience to God’s Word. What are those things? A life well built begins with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The foundation that will not be moved is Jesus Christ, crucified, buried, and resurrected three days later from the dead. We come to know God through the grace that was lavished upon us in the gospel. Next, is living for things that are eternal, rather than for this world and the things of this world. John tells us that the things of the world are passing away – but the one who does the will of the Father will endure forever. Therefore a life lived for stuff – is a life which will eventually end with you getting the ‘stuff-ing’ knocked out of you. Ok, that was pretty lame – but fairly accurate. We don’t live for the possessions we can gather – we live for God’s purposes and for God’s ways. That means we live first of all to know Him – which involves knowing His Word and walking in what it teaches us. Then we live for making Him known to others – by sharing the gospel – and then seeing them become disciples of Jesus Christ (which is what Jesus said were our marching orders in Matthew 28:18-20). What happens then when God’s eventual end-times plans start to come to fruition? That’s an easy one to answer – all the stuff gets destroyed. All the things that men and women live for in a worldly context gets burned up and no longer exists. Honestly – that is why I and others get so scared by this stuff – because it threatens our stuff – and makes us see that a life lived for stuff is pretty dumb. We are left seeing the sand beneath our feet start to either be blown away or eroded by the effect of the storms of life – and the ultimate storm at the end of the age. Almost every year I’ve done a “prophecy-update message” I have quoted the following verse as an encouragement to everyone who hears the message. It is from the book of 2 Peter. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (2 Peter 3:11-18, NASB) It may be an encouragement to you to know that Peter needed to issue the same kind of admonition to the people in the first century as we need today. Everything of this world is going to be destroyed. So in light of that, we need to live far different than the people of this world. Here’s a quick list of how we should live . . . · Seeking to live holy, godly lives · We should look for and want to hasten the coming of Jesus! · Look for a new heavens and earth – where righteousness rules! · Be at peace. · Live spotless, blameless lives before God. · If God tarries in bringing Jesus – that means He is being patient. Use that time to share the gospel of Jesus with as many people as you can! · Grow in grace. · Grow in a personal, intimate knowledge of Jesus (that’s what the word knowledge implies in the Greek language). It is not enough to know ‘about’ Jesus – KNOW JESUS! · Live for God’s glory – TODAY! Personally, I know that every year as I share this I am convicted that I need a far more “rock-based” foundation than I currently stand upon. The fact that I get scared and want to hold a little tighter to my “stuff” lets me know that I’m holding on to “stuff” too much. I’m reminded that the only foundation that is going to stand through these days is the one that is rock-solid in loving, obeying, and growing in a more intimate knowledge of Jesus Christ. So I close this post with a very simple question, “So, when it comes to the foundation of your life . . . sand or rock? Your answer will make all the difference in how you respond to what God says is going to happen in these last days.
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Biometrics, Fingerprint Technology, and the Mark of the Beast It seems that lately when anything is mentioned about either Biometrics or fingerprint technologies, there is a knee-jerk reaction among some Christians and conservatives. The truth is that not only do these two groups oppose such things, but also many liberal rights or human rights groups oppose these things as well. So where should Biblical Christians come down on an issue like this? Is there an inherent evil in these things? Could it be that a Christian could be taking the dreaded “mark of the beast” when they participate in technologies like this? These are things we should discuss in light of the technologies that are right on our doorstep. Recently Apple bought the fingerprint technology company AthenTec. Many who watch the smartphone market are saying that it is possible that Apple will put this fingerprint technology in the iPhone 5 in order to protect uses from fraud – and to allow Apple iPhone users to use their phones to buy anything safely. Those using the Android operating system on their phones are quickly following suit in the use of such technology in their applications. Japanese officials are considering using such technology in speeding up the airline process at their international airports. Even our schools are getting in on the use of such technology to improve security and speed up transactions. Moss Bluff Elementary School wanted to use a Biometric system that measures the unique structure of blood vessels in a person’s hand to make cafeteria lines move quicker at their school. Florida schools are considering biometric scans prior to using library privileges or boarding school buses. Some Minnesota schools are already using fingerprint technology to verify parents who pick up their children from school. This technology is coming – and we need to be ready for it. The problem is that some Christian groups are saying that any use of technology of this kind constitutes accepting the mark of the beast spoken of in Revelation 13:15-18. Their stance is a flat-out rejection of anything that even remotely has to do with such things. But before we reject this technology, we probably ought to take a look at this passage and seek to understand it better. And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed. And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six. (Revelation 13:15-18) There are several things we should be aware of in connection with the infamous mark of the beast. These are things that will keep us from the kind of “knee-jerk” reactions that make people think we are nuts for even mentioning such things. It will also help us to be taken seriously when things like this come up in conversation and we realize that people are hurting their testimony by saying ignorant things when commenting on such matters. I remember times when people were wigging-out over credit cards and the magnetic strip on the back side of them. I was warned by “prophecy kooks” numerous times that even having a card like this meant I had taken the mark of the beast. Thank God I had a mentor who taught me to look to the Scriptures themselves and not get caught up in the goofiness that often surrounds too much of what passes for serious discussions of biblical prophecy. Let’s note several things that will help us identify the mark of the beast. First, we need to see the context of all this - Revelation 13:11-13 says, “Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb and he spoke as a dragon. He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. And he makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men.” Before we freak out about biometrics or fingerprint technology, we might want to check the news. Because to my knowledge – nothing like what we see in these three verses has happened yet. I know of no character who has wielded worldwide authority – and who has received a fatal wound that has been healed. I know of no one who has afterward constructed an image (Greek “ikon” – meaning a physical representation of something – i.e. a statue of sorts – except this statue has some serious stuff it can do – that even Disney animatronics has yet to crack). This authority figure called the “Beast” is not currently forcing people to worship this “statue” doing “great signs” and even making fire fall from heaven. If that is the case – and I believe it is – then these current technologies do not involve receiving the mark of the beast. They may be precursors to technologies that will be used for this purpose – but honestly – we don’t even know that yet for sure. Let’s look at more here. This shady character, the Beast, has yet to make a statue speak – or have it kill those who will not worship him. (Greek, “proskuneo” which means to bow or prostrate oneself before another, i.e. worship) I will note that this “mark” is forced upon people and that it is received on their right hand (which I find very hateful to left-handed people –methinks the Beast needs some sensitivity training toward the left-handed – at least that is what our current society might think) or on their forehead. I also am not aware of any move to restrict ALL buying and selling to this method. If these things are not happening – or more correctly – have not yet happened – then the “mark of the beast” in its biblical form is not yet among us. Then what do we make of all these goings on among us? Well honestly, it is the march of technological progress. It also may be how technology is moving toward a time when the “mark of the beast” is going to be applied to those who worship Satan and his representatives – i.e. the Beast and his buddies in Scripture. Other than this – it is just technology on its ever progressive march on our world. Of course many of you non credit card holding people may reject this – since I am a current credit card holding dupe who is merely working for the man – or Satan – or the illuminati – or some other boogie-man that is popular at the current time. I mean, I do have a MasterCard – even though Jesus is my only Master and Lord. I do have a Visa – even though Jesus is my only true visa that will allow me to enter heaven’s gates. I don’t think I have a Discover card – even though I’ve discovered the glory of God in the gospel. I definitely don’t have an American Express – and I’m glad, because there are no corny ways to refer to that spiritually. For those of you who seem to enjoy freaking out about these matters . . . I am sorry to have to say things that make it harder to blow a gasket about such things. I do encourage you to do more serious study on such things from a purely biblical perspective. It would help us shed some of the “crazy-people” labels that are put on us when we talk about anything concerning biblical prophecy. We do need to remember that it is the “Revelation of Jesus Christ,” not the Revelation of the most recent goofy theory used to scare the snot out of people and sell prophecy books and web sites. Oh, one last thing . . . I am truly sorry for those who are itching to make some serious money on their next “mark of the beast” book, but this is the biblical take on this subject. But I do hope to help a biblically minded person learn to reject anything that does not have the “mark of the Scriptures” on anyone’s supposed take on the “mark of the beast.” Just recently I've finished reading through the prophets in the Old Testament. I do this at least once a year as I read through the Bible. This year, however, their voice is reverberating in my mind and heart as I look at our nation and what God is currently doing. Let me share with you what I saw this year - and how it relates to our nation, our coming election, and the difficulties and disasters which I believe are in our future. Please also let me share why God, in His sovereign providence, is allowing them.
First, I need to comment on the state of the church leading up to this coming election. As the saints of God we are to get our marching orders from heaven. Those directives come to us through the Scriptures. I fear that too many in the conservative wing of the evangelical think that their marching orders are coming from the RNC or the Tea Party. There is an errant notion that by electing Governor Romney as president and a Republican majority in the House and Senate - our problems will be on the way to being solved in this nation. Even though I believe in voting in elections and seeking for political action toward things like abortion, homosexual marriage, racism, and matters of justice and righteousness - I do not see the United States government (even if it is the hands of conservatives) doing a whole lot to advance righteousness in America. They may use such things as election issues - but I've been burned to many times over 32 years of voting by their actual ruling looking little like their stump speeches. Also, I seem to notice in Matthew 28:18-19 that Jesus did not call us to go and make Republicans of all the nations. We are called to God's will in conduct, purpose, principle, and action. That won't fly in any political arena in present day politics. And I am not willing to cede the work of the gospel to those who are offended that the Bible presents truths that show that Muslims, Mormans, Hindus, Buddhists, and anyone else who does not repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ are lost and destined for God's judgment. Such things are not up for a vote. As I've read the prophets this year I've been somewhat overwhelmed with the reality that God commands us to repent and return to Him. If we do not repent - if we continue to serve other gods - gods acceptable to our culture and acceptable to our flesh - God will begin bringing difficulties upon His people. The prophets thunder with God's unrelenting call to Himself. They do not apologize that God is sovereign. They do not apologize for His moral standards. They do not apologize that God authoritatively calls men to worship and serve Him only. And they certainly do not want to make adjustments so that the Baal worshippers, the Asherah-adherants, and the worshppers of other false gods can feel more comfortable and be a part of a "big-tent." The prophets say things very offensive to a multi-cultural world - not so much to the culture - but to anything driven by a culture's embrace of false deities. But God is not focused on the "lost" in the prophets. He is focused on His people - those who should know better. He is focused on calling His people to much needed repentance. What happens in a society when its Christians refuse to return and to repent? According to the prophets, God begins to remove first His blessing and later His protection from them and from their nation. If you've ever read the prophets you know that over time this can get very rough. God will allow earthquakes, disasters, and military conquest to overtake His people. Israel and Judah experienced horrific consequences for their love of foreign gods and the lifestyles that came with them. Baal and Asherah embraced a lifestyle of sexual immorality. Marriage was denigrated as first men committed heterosexual immoralities - and eventually moved on to homosexuality as well. Those who think the 1960's ushered in free love, know little about how far Israel and Judah fell in their pursuit of these false deities. The worship of Molech led many to sacrifice their babies in a firey death. Those who see such a thing as disgusting should remember the modern day Molech - Planned Parenthood - who promote the sacrifice of babies for the sake of supposed greater sexual freedom. Actually what they are getting is greater sexual bondage in the guise of immorality without consequences. Then there is the immorality that disguises itself as free trade, or socialism, or communism, or any other "ism" that takes precedent over Scriptural principles of business or government. You see, our culture is not all that different from the days of the prophets. We have just named things with a more sophisticated name - hiding the hideousness of what they truly are. We've also got better at lying about the true nature of things while ignoring Scripture - and occasionally insulting God and the way that He needs to improve His own image by becoming far more "hip" and "culturally-sensitive." The truth is, WE are Israel and Judah in the times of the prophets! WE have our modern day worship of Baal, Asherah, and Molech - along with calls for accepting the gods of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and a host of cults embraced even by political candidates of our day (oops, did I say that out loud - nope, just wrote it). But the church is different, some may assert! But my question to you is to take a long look at her and answer the question, "Is it?" Do you see a movement of repentance and return in the church today? Do you see scores of people in broken repentance and prayer meetings where they are crying out for revival? Do you see the church expanding its evangelsitic outreach the point of being persecuted by groups whose numbers are being decimated by the number of people being saved? Do you see complaints by wicked businesses Who sell porn and other ungodly products that the church and her efforts in evangelism is hurting their bottom line? God calls us in 2 Chronicles 7:14 to "humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways. Read of the revivals that took place in the 1700-1800's. Read of what took place on a far wider scale in our country. Imagine what they would look like in our day - a revival driven by repentance, brokenness, and prayer. A revival with the aisles filled with repentant church members - and others being radically saved from sin. What then am I trying to say through all this? After reading the prophets . . . honestly - I'm concerned - no - I'm scared. We are about to be ushered into MORE discipline as a nation - and that discipline is meant to wake-up God's people to repentance, prayer, and brokenness. I don't want to say this - but sense the need to do so for the sake of the saints who read this. We are about to experience events that will make 9-11 look like a picnic in the park. God tried to wake us up by allowing that disaster to come upon us. We didn't wake up though. Therefore - more is coming. Far worse is coming. Do I know what that will be? No, because I am not a prophet. But I can tell you that things like a devastating earthquake come to mind. Military disasters that involve the destruction of entire armies have happened to God's people. Drought and famine are also options for God. He has soereignly allowed the destruction of entire cities - whch is terrifying in our day of bombs that can do that in a matter of moments. With our current arrogance toward money - a complete financial collapse unlike anything we've ever seen is very possible. All these things and a dozen others are possible - even probable considering our currrent lack of response to God's call to pray and seek His face. I read recently where the Mississippi river is at historic lows. If the drought we are in continues, it is possible to see the Mississippi so low that no boat traffic is allowed. That will cut off over 300 million dollars of commerce a day. That is a monthly total of 9 billion dollars of our economy stifled. The prognosticators said that would throw our natin into depression within 2 months. Kind of sobering isn't it? I can hear the comment, "Why are you writing stuff like this, pastor John?" Do you get some kind of sick thrill scaring people to death? NO! A thousand times NO! That is not my intent. My intent is to help wake up Christians to what is looming in our future. Do you really think God is going to continue to bless our nation as it is currently going? Do you really think that the church is not going to be affected by what happens in our nation? Do you really think that by maintaining a positive confession in the midst of such spiritual squallor that we will be delivered? God is going to continue allowing greater and greater disasters and troubles to come upon us until we repent, drop to our knees, and begin to cry out in desperate prayer for revival in the church and spiritual awakening in our land! This is not going to magically get better - neither is it going to be averted by electing a Morman as president and a group of Tea Party conservatives to the Congress - who have NO INTENT on addressing the moral and spiritual rot of the church and our country. We are currently as blind as Israel and Judah during the times of the prophets. The same situations and the same false prophets of health, wealth, prosperity, and "nothing bad is going to happen to us" exist today. The political leaders (kings in those days) who made a difference made it by leading the nation to repentance and a whole-hearted return to God. Such a leader who would start doing this in our day - would most likely be impeached for such actions. It has been a while since we've looked at what is going on in Egypt. The revolution which was called, the Arab Spring, came and went and we've pretty much moved on in our news cycles. While we've been focused on other things the Muslim Brotherhood has been dominating the elections there - and it about to win the presidency. This will mean a radical muslim state will arise in Egypt - and with it very real problems in relations with Israel. Our current administratioin has welcomed the involvement of the Muslim Brotherhood, stating that it is a moderate political movement among the muslim population. Recent statements at their political rallys leading up to the presidential election suggest otherwise, though.
There is a run-off for the presidential position that will be held on June 16 and 17 between the Muslim Brotherhood candidate, Mohammed Mursi and Egypt’s former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq. Shafiq is a former Air Force general who was the last prime minister before the revolution that overthrew the Mubarak regime in Egypt. What is shocking is the rhetoric that is being used by a prominent Eyptian Muslim cleric at presidential campaign rallys. The following statements were aired by an Egyptian TV channel. The Muslim cleric, Safwat Hagazy said this on Tuesday of last week, “Our capital shall not be Cairo, Mecca or Medina. It shall be Jerusalem with God’s will. Our chants shall be: ‘millions of martyrs will march towards Jerusalem.” After the video was posted on YouTube it immediately went viral in the country with almost 62,000 views by Thursday of that week. Hegazy went on to say, “The United States of the Arabs will be restored on the hands of that man [Mursi] and his supporters. The capital of the [Muslim] Caliphate will be Jerusalem with God’s will,” as the crowds cheered, waving the Egyptian flags along with the flags of the Islamist Hamas group, which rules the Gaza Strip. “Tomorrow Mursi will liberate Gaza,” the crowds chanted. “Yes, we will either pray in Jerusalem or we will be martyred there,” Hegazy said. Some, who would say that this does not mean that Mursi supports such statements should know that Mursi attended this event along with the Muslim Brotherhood Supreme Guide Mohammed Badei and members of the Brotherhoods political freedom wing called the Freedom and Justice Party (FPJ). What this does for a biblical end-times scenario is huge. For decades Egypt has been at peace with Israel and has helped to promote a more peaceful Middle East. If Mursi is elected on June 16-17, this peaceful ally will no longer exist. Instead there will be to the direct south of Israel a staunch radical Islamic regime who's stated political promise in an election is to conquer Jerusalem as capital of their desired Islamic Caliphate. The Caliphate is seen as a worldwide Islamic rule over all mankind. To state in an open and televised political speech that your group will send millions of martyrs into Israel for the purpose of capturing Jerusalem is an ominous warning to us. Peace is not coming to the Middle East with the supposed Arab Spring. Our president, who has been no friend of Israel during his first term, has kept his head in the sand on this matter. He has encouraged this change in Egypt - even stating that the Muslim Brotherhood is a peaceful, moderate political movement that will bring stability and peace to the region. If this speech is any proof of what is to come, we should not hold our breath waiting for peace in the Middle East between Israel and her Arab neighbors. But then again that idea is ridiculous to those of us who actually read our Bibles and have the Scriptures taught to us, instead of listening to the rantings of an apostate pastor who screams that God should damn America. Get ready saints . . . it is going to be a wild summer - and 2013 portends to be a year like no other in regards to what may happen in the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy. Jesus is coming . . . soon. But, that does not mean we should freak out and not be balanced in how we live each and every day. I want to write something today to make sure that in all the talk of prophecy and the things that are coming upon the world in our day – and honestly – tomorrow and the next one two if God allows – do not depress and completely wig you out.
WHAT DO WE DO? Anyone who studies prophecy knows that the scenarios that are coming upon our world are not pleasant ones. Just a casual reading of the book of Revelation, as well as other prophetic books like Ezekiel, Daniel, and Isaiah, do not yield of view of the future that is rosy and happy for everyone on the earth. There are very difficult things written in these books – and they paint a future where the coming of Christ is attended by a world that is coming apart at the seams. It also paints a picture for us of God bringing His judgment upon this world – and that is anything but pleasant. Having said this – and it is the truth – I also realize there is an extreme that we want to avoid in all this. That extreme is to live in fear and in a sense of inevitability that freezes us in inactivity. We figure that since everything is going to burn anyway – why should we do anything? Man, since all this is coming upon us – why should we even care enough to do much of anything? One group in Scripture took this view and even quit working to wait for the coming of the Lord. God rebuked them for this. SIFTING TRUTH FROM HUMAN PREDICTION So, what do we do about knowledge of the coming of the Lord? First of all – we need to draw a distinction between Biblical knowledge about the coming of the Lord – and what we do when we look at current events to see if there is any correlation between those events and the ones we see now. The biblical account is inerrant – our extrapolations of what is going on now . . . ARE NOT! When I say this I absolutely include anything I’ve said as well. What often creates our “freak-out” moments is not the biblical narrative – but the somewhat overconfident assertions of the prophecy groups as to what WILL be next. That is why I am loathe to make specific predictions – unless they are couched in language that clearly draws a distinction between Scripture and my personal conjecture about it. Therefore we need to be careful in how we react to anything beyond Scripture – because where we are promised grace to live out what the Word says – grace is not promised about your favorite prophecy guy’s comments – especially if they yield a lot of worry on your part. Take human words with a grain of salt – divine ones with several thousand salt shakers full of salt. Therefore before freaking out – determine one thing. Was this a biblical passage – or one written and spoken by a mere man? BIBLICAL ADMONITION There are biblical admonitions concerning the coming of the Lord. Since this article is about such things – I thought it would be good to put them in here and comment on them briefly. So, here we go . . . our first one is from 2 Peter 3:11-14, which does speak of all things being destroyed by fire in the midst of the judgment of the Lord. Fortunately, Peter also offers us a plan of action, and does so under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, 2 Peter 3:11-14 Here is what we learn from Peter. Let me list them in numerical order so we can see them easier. 1. Look for and hasten the day of God. First, we are to want Jesus to return! That is important. Focus not on all the destruction – but on the coming of Jesus Himself! This is a GOOD thing! 2. Be at peace! Wow, there is something you wouldn’t think of seeing here. But our peace is based upon the fact that we KNOW these things. Thus our peace is also based upon us NOT living for the same things the world does. If we do – we won’t have peace. We will worry about our stuff! If we live for Christ and for the things of God – we will honestly lose NOTHING even though all this happens. 3. Spotless and blameless – Peter asks the question, “What sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?” We are to be spotless and blameless – in other words – we are to be holy people – striving to honor and to please God. If anything, the coming of Christ should drive us to a desire to live for God and for His godly ways with even greater joy and purpose. Again, this means that we will not freak out (will be at peace) but that this peace is based on living for what is to come – for holiness and godliness – for being spotless and blameless in His sight – not for the ungodly things of this life and the things the world chases after. If we are sinning and not living for Jesus – we will probably freak out over the coming of Christ – because, let’s face it, WE ARE NOT READY! NEXT . . . NOT CAUGHT OFF GUARD! Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Paul writes here about these things as well. His perspective is that of us KNOWING that Jesus will come like a thief in the night for His church. So, in light of this, let’s see what his counsel is for us. 1. Don’t buy the “peace and safety routine.” Paul warns us that there will be many who give a message like this. Everything is OK – there is no need to be concerned – there will be peace and safety for all of us. These prophecy freaks are always talking about the end of the world. We should NOT buy this peace and safety two-step. We should know that if we do not know and follow Jesus – we are not at peace or safe! 2. Be Alert and Sober! We are warned that many won’t be ready. They will be completely caught off guard by these things – and they will be drunk on the spirit of this world. There is a reference here to the way people of the world party at night – get drunk at night – and are spiritually asleep. We need to be alert to the Word – to God – and to what is happening around us. This is NOT so we can freak out – but so that we can be ready and at peace. This is also so that we can be filled with the Spirit of God – filled with the Word – and filled with a desire for God and His glory – not the spirit of the world. 3. We will not see wrath – but salvation! How incredibly important it is that we get this! As we live for God and for His kingdom and glory – we are proving by our actions that we are participants in the grace of God. Therefore . . . we are not here to see the wrath of God – we are here to see salvation! Too many wonder if they will be swept away by the judgments – and consumed by the wrath of God. NO THEY WILL NOT! They will obtain salvation – because God is at work in them. They are freed by the blood of Jesus – and are never going to see the wrath of God. 4. Encourage one another – What we need is encouragement to live for Christ in these last days. The world is going to get worse – going to get more ungodly – going to get more wicked. Therefore we are going to need each other. We need encouragement to live for what matters and live our lives for God’s will and God’s purposes. Don’t freak out . . . find a brother and sister and take time to encourage them – pray for them – build them up – and help them! BE GODLY! For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. Titus 2:11-14 Well, here is a shocker. After hearing these things twice – we come to our third major passage and what do we see . . . the same thing! 1. Deny Ungodliness and Worldly Desires – The grace of God instructs us to stay away from sin, wickedness, and worldliness. Not that this shocks any of us – but we need to see that God is calling out a people for Himself. Want to not freak out about these things – then live for the Lord with everything that is in you! 2. Be Godly - The positive of this is to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age. Stay away from wickedness – be godly! That is how to have hope and excitement and joy over the coming of the Lord – rather than wigging out about it. The more we live in fellowship with Jesus – the more we will want that to be permanent! 3. Look for It – Actually, look for Him! – We are to look for Him! This is called the “Blessed appearing” and the “coming of the glory of the Lord!” It would do us well to rename all this. Yes it is called the “Great Tribulation” – but that is for those who do not know the Lord. For us it is called a blessed event! It is called seeing God’s glory! That is seriously cool! It is how we ought to view things. Jesus is coming – whoo-hoo! That should be our response. As He draws closer – he is making us a people for His own possession. He is not looking at this date as the date He will smack us upside the head for our failures! He is coming for the people He is working to make a people for Himself. As we grow in Him – to love and know Him better – we will want Him now – and will thrill at the thought that we will be with Him forever! So how do we live in light of Christ’s coming? I am going to risk saying a few things in conclusion – but I think they will bless you! - First – live for Christ – DAILY. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness – and all else will be provided as needed. Just live for Jesus today. Take the time to be with Jesus daily. Then go out each day and live as He directs through His Spirit and His Word! I don’t know about anyone else reading this article – but this is plenty to keep me busy every day. - Second – Live as God Leads. Someone asked me about planning for the future. Sure, go ahead and plan – and prepare for a future – just do it at God’s leading and with biblical discretion. The Word speaks of caring for your family – of leaving an inheritance to your children’s children. But the Word also warns against being a fool like the rich farmer – who hoarded all that he had for himself – thinking that his life consisted of his riches. Be wise – be led by God – and be living for the glory of God in all that you plan. - Lastly – live joyfully. In Philippians (which Paul wrote from a Roman jail – with his own possible execution hanging over his head daily) Paul said, “Rejoice in the Lord, again I say rejoice!” Wow, what a strange thing to say – unless you are living for Jesus daily – and the most exciting thing you could imagine is getting to see Him soon! If your knowledge of “end times” stuff is leading you to freak out and worry – you don’t know as you should know. If your knowledge of “end-times” stuff leads you to feel miserable and filled with apprehension – you don’t know as you should know. These things were not written to depress us and make us feel overwhelmed with anxiety. They were written – wait for it – for our comfort and encouragement! If you are not comforted and encouraged by the coming of Christ – you do not know as you ought to know. God wants us to be encouraged – blessed – strengthened – build up – always abounding in the work of the Lord. He desires for us to be convicted of sin so that we will repent and know joy again. He desires for us to learn to walk with Him and to live for eternal things! If we are not living this way – and loving His Son with all that is within us – “end-times” stuff will tend to wig us out – worry us – cause us to say, “woe is me” instead of “what a wonderful Savior!” May God deliver us from the study of the return of Christ which only” freaks us out” – and lead us into a study of such things that will instead enhance our “fellowship with Jesus” and our “fondness of His presence and soon appearance!” It is once again that time of year . . . when the leaves are falling from the trees . . . when it is getting colder . . . and when I begin in earnest to study for what will be the Prophecy Update message(s) for 2012. This is going to be a year unlike any I've ever seen before. The reason for this is because there is more worldwide unrest and upheaval than in any I've known in my lifetime. Soooo . . . I thought I'd give a little preview of where I'm going in regard to my early studies and reading.
First, there is the financial upheaval that is going on everywhere in the world. The uncontrolled spending that has dominated the western world is coming to a close. The experiment with various aspects of Socialism is coming home to roost. Our governing officials are running out of other people's money to spend - and that is making for some very interesting developments now - and even more fascinating ones that are coming possibly as early as next year. What I want to explore though, is how these events may be working toward scenarios put forth for us in the prophecy writings of the Bible. Second, there is the Arab Spring. We have watched Egypt and Libya go through revolutions that have removed dictators. We are watching Syria presently on the verge of revolution. There is rampant unrest throughout the Middle East in the "street." Who is going to fill the vacuum left by the departure of these leaders and their regimes? Will it be an Arab Spring that will follow - or - something far more sinister resembling an Arab "dark ages" instead? Third, there is the specter of a nuclear Iran - and what Israel is going to do about that development. This one may happen before January 1st. There are several reports from intelligence gathering groups that point to an Israeli strike that will take out Iran's nuclear capabilities. What will this lead to in the future? Could this event be the "starting line" for a series of events that could lead to the Gog-Magog invasion of Ezekiel 38-39? Could this even be a convergence of events that could be when the rapture of the church takes place? Fourth, there is Israel. Since the 7 year tribulation period involves God's work with Israel, it is always helpful to see what kind of developments are taking place among God's chosen people. There is always a great deal that swirls around this little nation. We will look at recent developments in the peace process - in the threats that continue to surround Israel - and the way that anti-semitism in on the rise in our nation and around the world. Fifth, there are the Occupy Wall-Street protesters and the unrest that is growing in our own nation. What is all this protesting about - and where could it lead us? Along with this area of study I am going to address how these events play into America's role in the last days. Where is the United States in all that is going to happen? What can we expect as the day of our Lord's return draws ever nearer? Finally, I will also be looking into developments concerning hot-button issues like, "Who is the Antichrist?" "What about the mark of the beast?" "What is happening that might factor into the various judgments (Seal, Trumpet, and Bowl) that are going to happen?" All these may have had some kind of development that bears scrutiny as to how they may happen in the future. I would appreciate your prayers as I dive into the deep-end of these studies. This usually involves reading 100's of pages of information - various updates in the financial realm, the political realm, the military realm, and the spiritual realm. I need God's wisdom to discern truth from error - and fact from hype. As always I want the Scriptures to dominate how I look at things. Honestly, I'm excited about this year because of all the developments going on in the world. But I am also concerned that I not get caught up in any false hype or misinterpretation of the events that are happening today. Several folks have asked me to weigh in on Harold Camping and his prediction that the world should have ended (or at least the rapture should have come) on October 21, 2011. The simple fact that this article is dated October 24th SHOULD BE ALL THE COMMENTARY NEEDED.
In case it is not enough - I'll make a plain statement. Harold Camping is a false prophet who has now wrongly predicted that the world would end in 1994, on May 21st, 2011, and now on October 21st, 2011. Also let me remind you that Scripture says that NO MAN KNOWS THE DAY OR THE HOUR of Christ's coming. That includes Harold Camping or any other prophetic goober who is foolish enough to put a date on that event. Here is what Scripture says. First - it is coming soon. Second - be ready. Today is the day that I begin to study for the prophecy update. It usually takes about a month to prepare for the teaching on the first Sunday of the new year. This year should prove to be very interesting. I find myself not only drawn to thoughts of how prophecy may be coming together with the events of this past year - but also with a question that many have asked over the years. That question is where the United States of America fits into the scenarios of the Bible concerning the return of Christ.
Some have endeavored to "find" scripture passages that would support the United States being a player in the end times scenario - but in all honesty - I do not concur. The passages people pull out of Scripture are just that - passages usually pulled out of context. The fact is that over 18 years of studying and preparing for these prophecy updates - I've yet to see one clear reference to the United States anywhere in the prophetic scenario. What I do see is a focus on Israel, on a revived Roman empire which most likely will involve a European superstate, and on what seems to be references that fit China being a player in the very last day's scenario. These nation-states are not too difficult to discern from the texts we have - but as for any kind of reference to America - that would involve some pretty serious theological and textual gymnastics. I say all this to point out that this year, I want to spend a little time dealing with that very question as to whether the United States is anywhere in the prophetic record. We will also investigate what that may possibly mean to us - and what is happening to our nation under the three most recent administrations that have governed the U.S. - with an emphasis on what has happened over the past 2 years. Once again, I truly look forward to this time of intense study - and the opporutnity that this precious fellowship affords to me to be able to present this material every year. I realize that to some this is the annual "scare the living daylights out of the saints" message. But please know that my heart is never just to freak people out - but rather prepare our hearts for the eventual return of our Lord. He is coming - and part of the reality of that fact is knowing that your hope should not be in this world and the things of this world. Until then, may God bless you . . . and Maranatha! pJ What is prophecy all about? That is the question I hope to address in this first post.
Prophecy is about God telling us things in advance. That is what prophecy is in the most basic definition possible. But this answer honestly stirs up as many questions as it answers. Why does God go to the trouble to tell us what is going to happen in the future? What is He after in doing this . . . is He just showing off His foreknowledge and omniscience? Prophecy has a major function according to what is written in Scripture. God is actually doing something here - and He is doing it for a very specific reason. Listen to these words from Isaiah 46, 8 "Remember this, and be assured; Recall it to mind, you transgressors. 9 "Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, 'My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure'; (Isaiah 46:8-10, NASB) God tells us here that He is giving us prophecies of the future to prove to us that He is God. No one can give an exact representation of the future without error - unless He is a being who sees the future - or as we grasp with God's eternity - He dwells in the future, past, and present all at once. God gives prophecy to prove to us that He is God. That is one of the most important reasons for prophecy. It is also one of the reasons we need to take great care in dealing with it. Too many make prophecy look cheap and tawdry by making prediction after prediction as to who is the antichrist - as well as hundreds of other ignorant guesses as to what prophecy is telling us. The first - and in many ways most important - purpose for prophecy is to watch as God predicts with perfect accuracy - the events that are going to take place in history. God's accuracy at doing this is beyond stunning - it is perfect. A second reason God gives prophecy to us is for our instruction concerning judgment and correction for His people. We read in Amos 3:7, "Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets." Here we see that God announces ahead of time what He is about to do - and does it through His prophets. In the vast majority of cases this involved judgment upon His people. They needed to know that their disobedience and rebellion against His Word was going to bring consequences. Since they were already disregarding His commandments and ordinances - they needed to see and hear something that would remind them He is God. Thus God offered His judgments to them in advance - letting them know what was going to happen. When it did happen - they would be reminded that He is God - and that their rebellion was a serious matter. The last reason I want to lay before you for prophecy - is that God has chosen to reveal to us what will happen prior to the return of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. This God has laid out for us in Scripture. Jesus Christ will come back to this earth just as God says He will. We are watching these things unfold right before our very eyes. We've been watching them for years - and it seems that events are speeding up in our day. Regardless whether Jesus comes back in our generation or not He is coming - and Scripture tells us - He is coming to judge the earth. There is something for which we need to be prepared. Therefore, be careful about those who want to make prophecy into a "who's the antichrist" guessing contest. As we look at the unfolding of God's perfect history - know this. God is moving this world toward two inevitable events. The judgment of mankind - and the summing up of all things in Christ. Ultimately, this is what prophecy should point us toward. Therefore, rather than having our prophecy site be a "prediction center" for the latest fad in the religiously ridiculous, we're going to try to stick to these things - and to how present history seems to be matching up to the history God told us is going to happen. |
What is the Prophecy/News Update?At Calvary Chapel of Jonesboro, we believe that history is moving toward fulfilling God's plans and purposes. In an effort to help us be prepared for His appearing - and also to chronicle news items you just won't see in the national media - this page is devoted to sharing those items and their possible significance to Thank you for visiting our website! Everything on this site is offered for free. If, however, you would like to make a donation to help pay for its continued presence on the internet, you can do that by clicking here. The only thing we ask is that you give first to the local church you attend.
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