The Rapture, the Tribulation and the Second Coming of Christ …

What about the Rapture of the Church, the Tribulation Period and the Second Coming of Christ?

These events are so often confused.   So here is a brief reminder in the form of a “mini”study!! 

Folk often confuse the Rapture of the Church and the Second Coming or Return of Christ and think it is the same thing.  Not so.

The Rapture of the Church occurs just prior to the start of the 7-year Tribulation (when the Antichrist comes to power – a man with a plan that the “world” is desperately looking for!)
I can hear many saying, “the word Rapture doesn’t appear in the Bible”  –  well, neither does the word Trinity!
But, just in case you think I am being facetious, let me explain.    Actually it does appear in the Bible but using another word with the same meaning.
The Greek Word for “rapture” is “harpazo” and is used at least 14 times in the New Testament, and means“to snatch out or away, to eagerly claim for one’s self”

The Rapture of the Church is when we are caught up to meet the Lord in the air.    At this point the Lord catches up His Church in the air.  He does not set foot on this earth which He will do when He returns with His saints (those who have been raptured previously).

The Return of Christ occurs at the end of the Tribulation period when He returns WITH His saints (those who were caught up to meet Him in the air).  When He returns, He will bring an end to the Tribulation and set up His Millennial reign.

For further study:
1 Thessalonians emphasizes the Rapture of the Church  (read 1 Thes 4:13-5:6)
2 Thessalonians emphasizes the Revelation of the Lord WITH the church when He comes to Judge the world  (read 2 Thes 2)   Worth reading Revelation 19:11-21

Clearly 2 different events.
” So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”  (Matthew 24:44)

[PS:  Some people are of the opinion that the rapture takes place after the Tribulation.  Well, not so… be sure to click on the button (usually on the bottom right hand corner of the blog)  to make sure you get to know why a post tribulation rapture makes absolutely no sense whatsoever]   

How is your appetite?

“How is your appetite?”  … have you been gaining weight during this lock down period?  Maybe you are one of the fortunate ones.  Some of us virtually look at food and pile on the ounces …

But the heading, “how is your appetite” caught my attention for that very reason – there has been so much talk about “weight gain” during lockdown.    This is of course mainly due to a more sedentary lifestyle, without much movement. And of course, a second reason for weight gain is stress. This lockdown period has been a very stressful time for many people.   But this is not what this post is about …

It was actually about God’s Word and our appetite for His Word.   This lockdown period has been an ideal time for us to spend time in His precious and infallible Word, so, the question is very relevant indeed!

The wonderful thing about the Bible, God’s Word, is that it has life, it gives life and it provides nourishment for life!    Like hungry newborn babies, we should be hungry for His Word, the pure and unadulterated Word of God.

As children, we were encouraged to drink milk, but many kids simply didn’t like it and it required additives such as syrups and powders to flavour it and make it more “enjoyable”, but in the process it was not doing what it really should have and the added sweetness was not really the best and healthiest option.

Sadly I heard some frightful statistics just this last week – in a survey done recently in the States, only about 35% of Christians read their Bibles!   Of those 35%, more than half only read it when read in church … need I say more?   Tragic!   It is SO sad when Christians have no appetite for the Bible, God’s Word,and prefer to be “entertained” in churches where the Word of God is often not given its rightful place, or they read books about the Bible or so-called “spiritual” books and get misled by the new liberal thinking and new-age writers in the process.

If we want to grow spiritually; if we want to draw closer to Jesus … then we desperately need to feed on His precious life-giving Word.  We will as we grow realize that the Word is milk or babes in Christ, and strong meat for those who are maturing in Christ.   Sadly many Christians, despite having professed their faith in Jesus many years back, are still only having the milk of the Word.   This should not be.

But as a start, may I urge you to get into His Word!   “Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment,…”

The Psalmist reminds us in Psalm 119:103: “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”   Paul reminds the church at Corinth (and us!) that they should grow up spiritually: “Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in Christ. I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world?” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3)

The writer to the Hebrews wrote (Hebrews 5:11-14):  “There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.”

So the question remains … “How is your appetite?”

My prayer is that the Lord Jesus will give you a greater appetite for His written Word than ever before, especially as we see the day of His return approaching very rapidly now!

 

Where are You?

Would you believe it – half of 2020 has gone, never to be seen again – and it has been a year like none other!!

The question is:  “Where are you?”

How we are coping with all that has been happening this year differs from person to person and we probably find ourselves in different “places” at different times – oft’ times fluctuating from place to place.

Recently I tuned in to a brilliant message by Jack Hibbs from Calvary Chapel, Chino Hills, California.    He highlighted a few places where we might find ourselves during this surreal and ridiculous time.   Using these “places” he mentioned, I share my thoughts regarding each of them and also what the Bible says to us as we try to make sense of everything happening.

So, the question we need to answer for ourselves is this … where are we?

In the beginning when the fall took place in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve covered themselves as they realized they were naked and … we know the account well:  “And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”   Of course He knew where they were, but it was necessary to be honest with the Lord and speak to Him about where they were and why they were hiding.   We too, need to be honest with God and tell Him how we are feeling and how we are coping.   Tell Him where you are!

Today, God is calling out to us … “Where are you?”     Are you in one of these places right now?

 

1. CONFUSED place
   With all the mixed and incongruent messages going out, nobody really knowing what is true, what is fake.  Leader’s not setting the example and no clear guidelines for individuals, the vulnerable, businesses and leisure, etc, etc., confusion is the inevitable result.      Confusion and insecurity leads to fear.
   His Word says:
   “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you.  I will help you.  I will uphold you with My victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
2. FEARFUL place.  Not understanding what is happening, being given information which is designed to instill fear and insecurity in people, lawhonds us in a fearful place.   Even if fear doesn’t override your thinking, it does push its way through to the surface time and time again.   So many people find themselves in a fearful place due to loss of jobs, income, businesses, and so much more.
   God’s Word says:
   “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1)
   “The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? (Psalm 27:1)
3. FRUSTRATED place.    Because one is confused and fearful to a greater or lesser degree, being locked down and facing a future which we are constantly being reminded will be the “new normal”, it is understandable that one becomes frustrated – sometimes very frustrated.  An additional frustration for some of us is the fact that churches are silent – they are not warning people as to the times we are living in and what it is all about – all clearly spelled out in the Bible.   But the pulpits remain silent.  I always just say how thankful we can be for the internet and the ability to hear the Truth and to be encouraged by Bible-believing preachers who are not afraid to explain how things that are happening are clearly foretold in the Bible.  And THEREFORE, we can have HOPE midst our frustration and general uncertainty!
   His Word tells us:
   “Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble”  (Ps 119:165)
   “I am tired of living among people who hate peace…. I took my troubles to the LORD; I cried out to Him, and He answered my prayer.” (Psalm 120:7 & 1)
   “ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus”.  (Philippians 4:6-7)
   
   
4. ANGRY place.  Perhaps you find yourself in an angry place?   Not surprising due to the confusion all around, the fear tactics, the frustration when one rule applies or holds for the vast majority of people, and another rule applies to others who not only blatantly flaunt the rules and become aggressive and destructive in the process.   Anger can increase when one realises again that people are being fed misinformation and that it is all part of an agenda leading to socialism and the New World Order.    Angry because you are not able to be with loved ones or earn an income, etc, etc.
   God’s Word says:
   “Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for Him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage!  Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land”. (Psalm 37:7-8)
   “God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right. God is an honest judge. He is angry with the wicked every day.” (Psalm 7:10-11)
5. A place of WEARINESS.   With all that is happening, with a crazy world with news bulletins pumping out info to depress and confuse, many of us may simply be feeling totally weary of everything
   His Word tells us:
   “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
   “Jesus said, ‘Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest'” (Matthew 11:28)
   “I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing” (Jeremiah 31:25)
6. LONELY place.   With Lockdown causing so much isolation and separation from friends and family, loneliness can be a really huge problem.   Even with some restrictions being eased, the interaction permitted is not the same.   Loved ones passing away and no proper “saying goodbye” can exacerbate everything.
   The Word of God says:
   “Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress. My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all!” (Psalm 25:16-17)
   ” Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you”  (Deuteronomy 31:6)
7. DARK place – All that has gone before can lead one to a very dark place.   We have seen an increase in suicides, violence and abuse.  But even if not so drastic, the depression that takes hold of one can be overwhelming and one finds it difficult to see any light at the end of the tunnel
   His Word reminds us:
   “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you …Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!” (Psalm 42:5,6 & 11)
8. HOPELESS place.   With no end in sight (humanly speaking) and feeling desperate for a normality which is unlikely to return (not as we knew it);  when you might just get the feeling that even God has forgotten you – remember all is NOT lost.  I can say that with calm assurance because of what God has revealed in His infallible Word.
   God’s Word reminds us:
   Of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 (read the story again and take courage)
   “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me”   (John 14:1)
   “ Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.”   (Hebrews 10:23)

God’s presence calms our panic and confusion.  God’s care of us is the antidote to our despair.  God’s power will ultimately resolve our problems (The Promise Bible)

My  prayer for you today is: “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”     (Romans 15:13)

If you are in need of prayer or further spiritual help, please do not hesitate to contact us.   All information is held in strictest confidence at all times.

Every blessing

How has Lock Down affected you?

Right now lock down restrictions are gradually being lifted in the UK (rightly or wrongly).   I don’t know about you, but I think that “coming out of lock-down” is more chaotic than being “locked down”.   Mixed messages.  Lack of clarity.  Too many and too rapid changes are causing more confusion and people are simply not adhering to guidelines …. Sorry, what guidelines are people really supposed to be following?

Many of us have not found this period easy.  Some have been radically impacted due to contracting this Corona Virus and/or having lost loved ones directly or indirectly as a result of this pandemic.

This along with the riots and demonstrations where even the social distancing rules are being ignored, is enough to confuse and distress us all.

In addition to this, the impact on people’s lives as regards emotional and mental health issues is taking its toll.   People are anxious about their jobs, finances, education.  The rapid and drastic changes that have taken place over a very short space of time are extremely difficult to deal with.

People ask, “Will we ever get back to normal?”  I don’t think so.  The “new normal”  is a phrase being constantly heard – part of the “new vocabulary” we’re all growing accustomed to – social distancing, self-isolation, self-monitoring, tracking, etc.    It is hardly likely, nigh impossible, for things to go back to normal, to what it once was.

But you know what, God is still in control and He will remember His own.   I am reminded of that beautiful old hymn written by Kittie L Suffield in 1929, and very seldom sung these days:

Burdened soul, is your heart growing weary
With the toil and the heat of the day?
Does it seem that your path is more thorny
As you journey along on life’s way?
Go away and in secret before Him
Tell your grief to the Saviour alone;
He will lighten your care, for He still answers prayer;
God is still on the throne.
Chorus:
God is still on the throne,
And He will remember His own;
Tho’ trials may press us and burdens distress us,
He never will leave us alone;
God is still on the throne,
He never forsaketh His own;
His promise is true, He will not forget you,
God is still on the throne.

Warren Wiersbe in one of his devotionals recently reminded me, and I share it with you all, that we are in very good hands!    He writes: “The sober-minded believer has a calm, sane outlook on life”. They are neither complacent nor are they terrified.  They are confronted with news of every kind being thrown at them, but they do not lose heart or give up.  Why?  Because they know their future is in His hands, their Father’s hands. And because of this, they (with the help of their precious Heavenly Father) are able to live each day “creatively, calmly, and obediently”
And as Warren Wiersbe continued: “Outlook determines outcome; and when your outlook is the uplook, then your outcome is secure”!

Here are a few wonderful Scriptures to encourage you:
“Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be confounded. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do His will. And I know that I will not be put to shame”. (Isaiah 50:7- NLT)
“As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.” (Micah 7:7)
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:16)

Take courage!   Whatever happens, know that the LORD has promised He will never leave us nor forsake us.

If you have never got to know Jesus as your Saviour, may I urge you to get to know Him. If you want to know how to get to know Him and why you need Him, contact us.

Also, if you need prayer at this time, contact us.  All requests remain confidential at all times.

The Lord bless you and keep you in His care

 

 

Email: dayashton.uk@gmail.com

The Joy of Biblical Meditation

Meditating on God’s precious Word can be so rewarding and encouraging.   It can also present us with challenges.  But, spending time in His Word and allowing Him to speak to us is so uplifting.

As we spend time in His Word, the Bible, it will help us to grow spiritually.   Through reading and meditating on His Word we can be “filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding“. As we read further we find out why it is important to be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
As so often the case, the Bible explains itself and says …. It is so that we can “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” ((Colossians 1:9-10)

What does it mean to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and fully pleasing to Him?
It means to live in such a way that  is consistent with what we profess to be.  Christ followers. That is, to be like Jesus – that others will see Jesus in us.

What does it mean to bear fruit in every good work?
Spiritual fruit is a by-product of knowing Jesus as Saviour.  Examples of Spiritual Fruit include:

• leading others to Christ  (1 Cor 16:15)
• praising God and giving Him glory (Hebrews 13:15)
• living a godly life (Hebrews 12:11-13)
• displaying holy attitudes (Galatians 5:22-25)  Not a “holier than thou” approach.  Far from it, but as Philippians 2:5 reminds us: “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form, He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross“.

What does it mean to increase in the knowledge of God?

• Spiritual growth cannot take place without this knowledge
• Evidences of spiritual growth include a deeper love for God’s Word (Ps 119:97); a “more perfect” obedience (1 John 2:3-5); a strong doctrinal foundation (1 John 2:12-14); an expanding faith (2 Thessalonians 1:3)and a greater love for others (Philippians 1:9)

Let us always seek to know God’s will by consistently reading and studying His precious Word, knowing that the blessed Holy Spirit will be our constant Helper.

If you want to know more about Biblical meditation, then be sure to click the follow button so that you will get to know when we look into the subject in more detail.

Every blessing

 

 

COPING WITH CHANGE …

2020 appears to be flying by at a rate of knots!

Not only is it speeding along, it is changing our lives in ways we could not have imagined when we welcomed in the New Year less than 6 months ago!   Even the last 3 months has brought about unbelievable change.  We are being told that life will never be quite the same again (and that is true!!) and that we have to get used to the “new normal”.

Along with the changes come so many conflicting voices causing confusion and uncertainty.

The ONE TRUTH we can hold onto is this …. God NEVER changes. As that lovely little chorus of yesteryear reminds us:  “Yesterday, today, forever, Jesus is the same.  All may change but Jesus never – glory to His Name”. God’s Word reminds us of this fact in many places, but be encouraged by the following three:

“I am the LORD, and I do not change…” (Malachi 3:6)
“But You remain the same, and Your years will never end” (Psalm 102:27)
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow” (James 1:17)

Knowing Jesus and putting one’s trust in Him, provides us with security – not just for the present, but for eternity!
Here are some helpful verses to “hide in your heart” and find strength in these surreal days we’re living in:

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (1 John 4:18)
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1)

“The beloved of the Lord dwells in safety. The High God surrounds him all day long, and dwells between His shoulders” (Deut 33:12)

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deut 31:8)

So, may the unchanging LORD Himself be with you, strengthen and uphold you.  Keep looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

If you would like to get to know the Jesus, please contact us for further information.

Email: dayashton.uk@gmail.com

Why are churches silent about this?

PROPHECY – a sadly neglected message from our pulpits these days – IS NOT MEANT TO SCARE US, it is meant to PREPARE US!!!

According to recent survey by LIFEWAY Research¹, many pastors are apparently having an “aha” moment due to the tide of our times…. and about time too!  They are beginning to see current events today as things the Bible forecast for the end-of-days. But sadly … as with others, I think their pulpits could remain silent on this subject as and when things return to the “new normal”!   Why?

 

The research results indicate that many pastors in the survey have noted that world and church events have meaning today. They include the rise in apostasy, the love of believers growing cold, the decline in traditional morals, national conflicts, natural disasters, famines, and even the rise in Antisemitism. Even if they are Tribulation events, they are casting a shadow on the Church Age now.  But sadly, despite acknowledging this, most will be reluctant to preach about it and guide their flock of whom they are overseers (as the Bible puts it clearly).  [There are reasons for this, which will be covered in another blog post very soon, God willing]


In these surreal days in which we find ourselves, it is time for people, Christians AND non-Christians, to WAKE UP and realize that what is happening is warned about in the precious Word of God! What God’s Word says is TRUE and it is time to take note and believe His Word.

Almost 25 years ago, the church-growth movement said that teaching any kind of eschatology² would not grow the church.   Pastors were encouraged to keep quiet about the soon return of the Lord. Pastor Rick Warren even said in his Purpose Driven Life book that teaching Bible prophecy would distract you from your purpose and make you unfit for the Kingdom of God. Tragically Pastors listened to him! ¹   Tragic!!!   The most amazing thing is, if prophecy is correctly taught, it inspires people to get right with God!

 

The book of Revelation provides a clear picture of what will happen in the last days. It is NOT a closed book.   It is a clear picture and timeline of the Lord’s dealing with the church, the catching away of believers, the rise of the Antichrist and False Prophet, the pouring out of God’s wrath on an unbelieving world and culminating in the magnificent return of the Lord with His saints to set up His 1000 year reign on earth.  It explains the final destination of those who have rejected God and those who have trusted Christ as their Saviour and much more.

Why did I mention all this?   Sadly people avoid Revelation and prophecy in general in their preaching – they avoid the reality of what is a crucial part of the Word of God.   Many say it is merely symbolic …. not so!!   The Bible is virtually thirty percent prophecy (30%) – much of which pertains to the end times …. but the churches are silent!  If they were taught about these things, people would realize that what is busy happening now – today – is all part of the end-time scenario all falling into place.  A foreshadowing of the time of Tribulation which is around the corner.  They would start to understand the dangers lurking in the shadows.  But they would also realize, if they were taught all of Scripture, what a great opportunity AND responsibility it is for those who know Jesus as Saviour, to reach out to others with the life-giving message of the Gospel of Jesus!

 

Joel Rosenberg states, “For too long, many pastors have shied away from teaching on birth pangs and events leading up to the Second Coming of the Lord, but the current pandemic demonstrates the need for solid, non-sensational preaching done in a biblical manner.”¹

 

Things might appear to be falling apart, BUT they are actually falling into place … exactly as foretold in the precious infallible and unadulterated Word of God, the Bible.

So many prophecies are being fulfilled on a DAILY basis and with increasing speed and intensity.  BUT people are not being told just how relevant prophecy is today.   When last did you hear a sermon about end-times in your church?  I am not talking about a sermon that says the Lord is coming back someday.   No urgency to make sure people come to know the Lord before it is ever too late.  Seldom if ever do you hear both eternal destinations mentioned – Heaven yes, but seldom the reality of Hell and a lost eternity.

 

Be alert, the Lord is coming at an hour that you do not expect ... I believe VERY soon!!

 

We do not know the day nor the hour of His return, BUT we DO know and if you study your Bible, you will KNOW that this is the season of His return for His church, true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Lord Himself rebuked the people saying: “”You hypocrites! You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why do you not analyze this present time?” (Luke 12:5-56)

 

The Lifeway report also revealed that more than half the pastors expect Jesus to return in their lifetime. So why on earth are their pulpits not proclaiming this?

But there is still more to the survey! Almost 70% of those surveyed believe the modern re-birth of Israel and the re-gathering of millions of Jewish people were fulfillments of prophecies in the Bible.   That’s great news but that was 72 years ago. Why haven’t you been preaching that, pastors? More than that, 40% of the pastors surveyed believe that the establishment of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem two years ago was one of the signs of the last days!

This is great sermon material! It could get a church fired up! But most pulpits I hear about are silent on the topic.

The book of Revelation tells us there is coming a one-world system run by the Antichrist. That new world order requires a crisis—a global crisis, not a local crisis. We have it—a global pandemic. Just a few weeks ago one of our former Prime Ministers urged world leaders to create a temporary form of global government to deal with the coronavirus crisis.    Isn’t this more fuel for a discussion?   If your eyes and ears are open, you will hear more and more the terms “One World Government”, “New World Order”, “One World Religion”, “One World Financial System” ….  people have the right to know and to understand what is busy happening.  

And remember, The Church is to be removed before the revealing of the lawless one, the Antichrist who will be “the man with a plan” – the “Mr Fix It”, as it were.  I believe without a shadow of a doubt that what we are seeing taking place is almost like a “practice run” for the real thing …. things that will take place once the Church is removed and the 7-year tribulation begins.

Pastors, please don’t be silent!  Those of us who know about this must not remain silent.   Maybe this is truly something new to you.   A new day!   Some pastors and churches are indeed seizing the opportunity to present the Good News and are seeing thousands come to know the Lord as their Saviour.  We have an open door using modern technology now.    Seize the opportunity. Look around you – see how all things are falling into place. Be excited. Be truthful. Don’t marginalize such important news. Connect the dots for your people.

Jesus is returning any moment. Please stop the silence of the pulpits.

People need to get to know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour.   Time as we know it is running out.

Now take action!

• If you would like to know how to get to know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, contact me via the contact form.
• If you have not been told about these things at your church and you want to know more about end times and what to expect, request info here.
• If you are a pastor or missionary and need more info to help you, contact us please via the contact form.

¹Olive Tree Ministries. Hoofbeats of the Four Horsemen? By Jan Markell April 15, 2020
² Christian eschatology is a major branch of study within Christian theology dealing with the “last things.”

Welcome to the New World Order …

Have you stopped for one moment recently to think … “What on earth is really going on?”

During the last two weeks I have been very privileged to listen to some on-air discussions.  Some of those discussions included a few that Jan Markell has had with some excellent speakers and Bible teachers who have their fingers on the pulse of world affairs.  They share clearly how global events are all tying up with Bible teaching about what the world will look like as we approach the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jan Markell from Olive Tree Ministries discussed these matters with Gary Kah (from Hope for the World) along with additional input from Pastors J.D. Farag (Calvary Chapel, Hawaii) and Tom Hughes (Hope for our Times). At least a  dozen topics were included:

• The galloping rush to global government
• ID2020
• Event 201
• The role of Bill Gates and other globalists
• The push for total control and the vaccine agenda
• The need for a “savior” to rescue the world from massive loss
• The role of Pope Francis
• The crisis that is not going to waste
• Emmanuel Macron’s push for global power
• The silence in the pulpits

Proposals for a universal income, tracking ID, a cashless society, government surveillance, marginalizing the church, and much more, reveal just how things are falling into place for a global society.

Have you noticed the speed at which these things are happening?  Three months ago you would have had no idea that we would be finding ourselves “locked down” and getting used to a new vocabulary and what will surely end up being the new norm?how fast this is proceeding? But things have changed and will change even more …. and not or the better.    The globalists have no time to waste.

I want to encourage you to access these two current programs and stay up-to-date with our times. While this is globalism’s perfect storm, God remains in total control as all things foretold line up.

Remember folk … prophecy is not meant to scare us, it is meant to prepare us!!!

 

Will you be ready to meet Him as your Saviour when He returns?

Make sure you get to know the Lord Jesus Christ as YOUR Saviour.   Don’t be deceived – there is only ONE WAY to God and that is through the Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life!  Nobody comes to the Father except through Jesus.  (John 14:6)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life“.   (John 3:16)

 

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What is in that Jar of Clay?

Sometimes we are so inclined to look at the external – the outward appearance – a plain jar of clay or a unique and ornate china vessel.

Yes, the ornate china jar may be a delight to the eye, cost a pretty sum to acquire, but as regards contents, it is simply filled with “emptiness” and will be a decorative mantle-piece item with no real use or purpose.

On the other hand, the plain jar of clay may not land up on the mantle-piece or in some show cabinet, but it may be holding contents of inestimable value!

Warren Wiersbe, a great Bible teacher once put it like this: “The Christian is simply a ‘jar of clay’; it is the Treasure within the vessel that gives the vessel its value”.  As a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, we must remember that God made us as we are so that we can accomplish His purpose for us and to His glory.   As an example, read Acts 9:15 about Paul who was a chosen vessel unto the Lord.

One of my favourite verses is: 2 Corinthians 4:7: “We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves”.

What is very important about the vessel is that it be clean, empty and available for service!

You and I need to be a vessel fit for the Master’s use.   We are mere earthen vessels and are nothing in and of ourselves, we need to depend entirely on God’s power in our lives and not our own!

What we really need to do is to …. FOCUS ON THE TREASURE and not on the vessel!

We need to guard that Treasure by being faithful to our Saviour and Lord.

As we face this surreal and unprecedented time globally, it could be that God is permitting our vessels to get a bit jarred and shaken so that some of that Treasure can spill out and enrich others.  Remember who you are in Jesus – you’re not the ornate china vessel, you are the clay pot holding the most precious Treasure within.

“If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honourable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work”.

Here is a little exercise …. 

 

 

 

 

Describe in your own words:

1. The TREASURE: ________________________________________
2. The JAR OF CLAY:  ______________________________________
3. How can some of the treasure spill out from you if you were “jarred” or shaken? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How safe and secure are you?

“For the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their Shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water” (Revelation 7:17)

WHO IS THE LAMB?
Jesus is the Lamb of God “who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29)

WHO IS THE SHEPHERD?
Jesus is the good Shepherd: “I AM the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd lays His life down for His sheep…” (John 10:11-16)

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE GOOD SHEPHERD AND THE FALSE SHEPHERDS?
The false shepherds are more concerned about their own safety than caring for the sheep.
They will not provide protection for the sheep
In churches today, they no longer hold to the Truth of God’s Word and permit plenty of wolves to enter the fold and scatter and confuse the sheep.

SO WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF KNOWING THE GOOD SHEPHERD?
We will be absolutely safe under the protection of Jesus, our Saviour.
He will bring us safely Home into His presence.
No longer will we have to be hounded by howling mobs and wolves who oppose those who follow Jesus and His teaching.
No longer will we have to put up with political and religious leaders who are determined to stamp out Christianity as they are striving to do even as I write this devotional.
No longer will there be forces of darkness to hinder us, dangerous situations or deliberate and intentional evil plans and schemes which can reach us and harm us.

Yes, in this world we will have tribulation and trouble as John tells us in John 16:33: “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I (Jesus) have overcome the world.”

This precious LAMB who takes away the sins of the world is the One in Whom we must put our trust.
This LAMB is the One who has conquered and transformed all history through His suffering and death on the cross of Calvary, and His resurrection from the dead.

You can look forward to what is ahead for those whose sins have been forgiven through the shed blood of Jesus on Calvary.

If you have never accepted Jesus as your Saviour, you need to look to Jesus and be saved

Hold on to Jesus,the Way, the Truth and the Life!

If you want to find out how to get to know Jesus, please click here for further information.