THE FUTURE?

Have you found yourself wondering what the future holds?

We are living in very tumultuous times.   Nothing is as it was and change is the order of the day.  The UK has just had a referendum and voted to leave the EU – this is a momentous event in the history of Europe as a whole and the UK specifically.  Who knows how things will pan out …

There is a migration problem affecting the Western world as we know it and changing the traditional “landscape” and “lifestyles” of so many countries around the globe.   Increased threats of terrorism, economic changes and unstable markets.   I don’t need to remind you … just look around you, read the news headlines, listen to news.

Yes, there are a few positive changes too, but the rapid changes taking place is impacting on so many lives and communities

The Bible actually warns of change and various situations that will occur as we get closer to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Dangers of the Last Days

“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.  They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! … (they) oppose the truth … have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith.“

We also know that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish.  They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived“.

If you know the Lord Jesus as your personal Saviour, then in the same way Paul urged Timothy, “remain faithful to the things you have been taught. … All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.  It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip His people“.  (All Scripture quotations above are from 2 Timothy 3)

But having read the above and seeing what is happening around the world, we can still be so encouraged because God has promised He will never leave us nor forsake us.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you” Deuteronomy 31:6

I could share so many more encouraging verses from the Bible, but I encourage you to look up the word encouragement in a concordance and find these treasures throughout God’s Word.

Yes the future is frightening, but if you know the Lord, He promises to be with you and help you each step of the way.

I end with the words of that wonderful hymn: “I know who holds tomorrow”
I don’t know about tomorrow
I just live from day to day
I don’t borrow from its sunshine
For its skies may turn to gray
I don’t worry o’er the future
For I know what Jesus said
And today I’ll walk beside Him
For He knows what is ahead

Chorus:
Many things about tomorrow
I don’t seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand

I don’t know about tomorrow
It may bring me poverty
But the one who feeds the sparrow
Is the one who stands by me
And the path that be my portion
May be through the flame or flood
But His presence goes before me
And I’m covered with His blood

If you do not know the Lord Jesus as your personal Saviour, I urge you to get to know Him as soon as possible.  If you want to know more, please contact me.

Is there really hope for the future?

 

WHAT HOPE IS THERE FOR THE FUTURE?

Is it unreasonable to ask such a question?  No.  Why should it be?

As we look around us, the world we are living in does not look a very happy place!

Increased levels of fear due to terrorism. Based on what we have been seeing in the last few months, acts of terror are increasing globally, not forgetting constant daily terror attacks in Israel.   Warfare has changed and it is so difficult to “nail” the terrorists, police and armed forces facing very dangerous situations.

Strange and dangerous treaties being signed.  Laws being changed to accommodate non-Biblical values and anti-Christian stances.

The global economy is not stable.  Despite that. there are so many instances of various projects where money is being wasted while needy folk within ALL countries, including our own, are struggling.   Incredible amounts of money being spent on issues over which humankind has genuinely got no control despite them thinking they have, global warming and climate change being one such instance.   Oh yes, one does have to take due care and avoid unnecessary damage to the planet that God created.   But in reality, if folk would take time to read the Bible, they would discover that this world as we know it is destined to be burned up.

Am I being cynical?  No, I am being a realist.

What hope is there then?

The sad, sad situation in our world today is that people are writing God out of the equation.  God has provided incredible guidelines in His Word which would solve a myriad of the problems we are facing today IF His Word, His Guidelines would be followed and adhered to.   So many issues would be resolved if we would be obedient to His Word.  Sadly people have ignored the Book of Books, know little about it or prefer to treat it as a great literary work rather than Life’s Handbook.

I believe (as do many true Christians) that the Lord’s return is very, very close.   No, we cannot say the day or the hour, BUT the Lord Jesus Himself warned that we could tell the general period of His return.   Never before have things been so ready for all the end-time scenarios to fall into place.  In fact, the Bible in 2 Timothy 3 tells us that things will go from bad to worse!  Someone recently compared events in the last days to a pack of dominoes.  They are all closely stacked up together and once the first domino goes, the others will fall in rapid succession.

World events will be like that in the last days:  the Church (true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, those who have put their trust in Him as Saviour) will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air (commonly known as The Rapture). Once this has happened, the Antichrist will emerge (Global Leader), the Tribulation Period of 7 years will begin. Then the Battle of Armageddon followed by the Return or Second Coming of Jesus Christ (this time as Judge and not Saviour).  This is followed by the Millennium (the 1000 year reign of Christ), etc.
These events will have the domino effect. Once the first one starts, the others will follow in sequence and rapid succession. I have no doubt that we have never been closer to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ than we are right now.

Just look how descriptive God’s Word is:  ” …   in the last days there will be very difficult times. ² For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. ³ They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. ⁴ They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. ⁵ They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly… ” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 – New Living Translation)

Describes things exactly as they are!  It goes on to describe that “^{3 …}  a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. ⁴ They will reject the truth and chase after myths.” (2 Tim 4:3&4 NLT).   People find it far easier to follow New Age teachings, Liberal Theology, Esoterical Thinking, Humanistic thinking, etc.

 

The Bible describes the times and attitudes of people in the world we are living in now so accurately.

I could say SO much more, but to get back to the question I asked at the start of this article:  “Is there really hope for the future?”

Yes.  There certainly is!   There is one way and only one way.   If we as individuals have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, we have the hope of eternal life where we will be forever with the Lord.   Whilst we are still here upon this earth, God’s Word does not teach us that nothing will go wrong in the life of a Christian – it does – BUT, we do not have to go through things alone.  He gives the strength we need.  He provides for us in various ways when we go through hard times, He really does – He has done it for me countless times!

For those Christians who have become “lukewarm” towards the things of the Lord, it is time to WAKE UP as time is running out.  Churches that are failing to stick to the Truth of God’s Word; compromising His Word and making it say or not say what it clearly states; failing to preach the True Gospel of Repentance and point people to Jesus as the only way to the Father and to be saved; no longer regard the Bible as the infallible Word of God – are in a very dangerous position.   Revelation teaches that God will spit them out of His mouth as they make Him sick!   The invitation to those churches is this:    “²⁰ Behold, I stand at the door [of the church] and continually knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him (restore him), and he with Me. ²¹ He who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], I will grant to him [the privilege] to sit beside Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down beside My Father on His throne. ²² He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the churches.”  (Rev 3:20 – Amplified)

I end with two verses from a very old hymn written by Edward Mote (1797-1874) based on the 1 Timothy 1:1

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found,
Clothed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne!
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me without delay.

Day Ashton
dayashton.uk@gmail.com

YOU ALSO BE READY FOR IN AN HOUR WHEN YOU DON’T EXPECT, JESUS WILL COME!

 

 

 

 

The End Times (Daniel 12)

THE END TIMES (Daniel 12)

We are living in very troubled and dangerous times and according to the Bible, what we are seeing happening all around us, globally, is indicative of the last days prior to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ (and yes, He IS coming back again).

I feel led to share this beautiful poem penned by Lorraine Lorenz in her daily devotional book, “Amber’s Story – Walking Back into the Light”

The angel is speaking to Daniel
Revealing the things still to come
In far distant future he sees them
In God’s time these things will be done.

The Antichrist ruling the nations
Unparalleled cruelty to man
Distress so severe, it’s unequalled
To any, since nations began

At that time the Archangel Michael
Protecting God’s people of old,
Will rise up with power from Heaven
And take on his God-given role

Behold now the great resurrection
Of all those asleep in the dust
The saved ones will rise to perfection
Perdition, the fate of the lost.

To shine as the brightness of Heaven
Be wise and your wisdom impart
For those who lead many to [Jesus]
Eternally shine as the stars

Then someone enquired of the angel,
“How long will these things take to be?”
“For a time and times and a half time”,
[Or “3 and one half years”] said he.

The angel continued his message
“The words are now rolled up and sealed
Till the time of the end, when so surely
[These secrets will all be revealed]”

No matter what anyone might think to the contrary, these things will happen.

One thing is sure, we cannot tell the day or the hour, but the Bible tells us we can discern the season … that season is here and we need to be sure we are ready to meet the Lord Jesus as our Saviour and not as our Judge.

If you have any questions, fill in the contact form and we will get back to you

God bless

Day Ashton

Is it possible to understand the “End Times”?

I was SO blessed this morning while listening to a powerful message about “The Final Generation”.  It was powerful and so clear.

This brings me to a trend that seems to have been developing amongst Christians, and that is to discard the discussion of the Second Coming.  People are buying into the idea (wrongly so!) that it is a “confusing” topic, that it is hard to understand.

This is simply not true … do you think for one minute that the Lord would have written His Word and made it “unclear”?   Of course not!   The book of Revelation starts out by saying, “Blessed is the one who reads this and understands”.  This therefore assumes that you can understand it.     Just think about it for a moment, the books of the New Testament were written to a generation of new believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and they could understand it.

The problem is, “man” has complicated things!  Instead of using the basic interpretive principles used to understand any ancient document and any discourse in any language in any place, man has strayed away from allowing Scripture to interpret itself.  Man has planted the doubt and confusion, where there was clarity.   Reminds me a bit of the serpent in the Garden of Eden … “Did God say …. ?”    The Bible, all of Scripture, has One Author, that is God, and He never contradicts Himself.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 states: “¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. ¹⁷ God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work“

Of course there are things we don’t fully understand yet because they haven’t taken place as yet, BUT what we do know is that up till now, if God has promised something, He does it. With prophecy, we cannot know all the finer details of the fulfilment, but that it will happen as the Bible says is for real!

And when it comes to the return of Christ, the prophecies are in fact VERY clear indeed – no need for the “confusion”.    Human history as we know it culminates at the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth.   (I’ll be sharing more about the return of the Lord Jesus in future blogs, so if you want to know more about this subject, make sure you click “follow” and you will get to know when the new blogs are published).

I’ve had a deep and real interest in eschatology for more years than I care to remember. What on earth is eschatology?  Theologically speaking, the term refers to “the study of final things” in the Bible. It concerns both personal eschatological issues such as death and the intermediate state as well as themes with a more general focus such as the return of Christ, resurrection, judgment, tribulation, the millennial kingdom, and the eternal state, etc.

I have a growing concern that people in general have little knowledge or understanding of end-time prophecy.   Even worse, if that were possible, people – even fellow Christians – have little interest in it and prefer not to discuss it.   Is it important?  Of course it is!!  If Christians are not bothered, why should those who don’t know the Lord as their Saviour be worried.   It is that very blessed hope of the Lord’s imminent return that should fire us up into sharing the Gospel of Jesus to a lost world – while there is yet time!   It is so important to understand this and to understand just how near the end of history as we know it is!  Are there consequences of not being ready for His Return?   Yes … serious consequences. (More about that in my next blog)

We actually have nothing to fear about the future (if we know the Lord as our personal Saviour) because the Bible tells us clearly how it will all end. It is described clearly and with much detail in Scripture. And, the truth of the Second Coming literally fills the New Testament – introduced by our Lord Jesus Himself in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke in particular.   We need to study all of Scripture and get the whole picture.   I’m looking forward to His Return.  Are you?

Find out more about His Return in my next blog.

^” You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected” (Matthew 24:44)

HAS THE WORLD GONE MAD?

Never before has the world been quite in such a state as it is now … and don’t let anyone try and water that statement down!

Just this past week terrorist attacks have made the headlines yet again.  Innocent folk gunned down or blown to shreds.  News of further attacks imminent!

Over the last few months the migration crisis has been getting completely out of hand with the powers that be not having any answer as to how to deal with the situation.  Thousands pouring into countries, thousands losing their lives in the process.  Illegal immigrants causing chaos at country borders.   The whole situation is totally out of control.

Financially the world is unstable … debt crises, general economic meltdown.  
Globalists taking advantage of the fear and panic to pursue their agenda for a “one-world” system. One World Economic order, One World Government …

Churches compromising Biblical Truth and Guidelines to “fit in” with modern society and political correctness.   No clear message being preached from many pulpits any more. Thank God for those churches where the Bible is being taught in its fullness.  Thank the Lord for those ministers and Christians who are not ashamed of the true Gospel of the Lord Jesus and are willing to speak out.

Right has become wrong and wrong, right!

Believe it or not, the Bible tells us that this is exactly what will happen in the last days … the end times (and much, much more!)

I feel so constrained to share this message (which is likely not to be very popular!) as all around me I see such complacency!   People brushing aside the thought of any imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Rapture of the Church (ekklesia – the called out ones, those who profess faith in and allegiance to Christ) or the Great Tribulation that will come upon the earth after the Rapture of the Church.   So many folk simply laugh off any idea of there being a God OR are of the opinion that all religions are equal, promoting interfaith movements … once again in line with the end-time scenario of a One World Religion.

Dear friends … I cannot stress enough that we are living in days when the return of the Lord is closer than ever before.   We do NOT know the day nor the hour BUT as Jesus Himself said, we can tell the seasons … you and I need to be ready!

Whether you believe the Bible or not, whether you believe what I’m saying or not will not make one iota of difference.   Jesus is alive and He is returning – this time as the Judge and not the Saviour!   The door of opportunity is still open, but we don’t know for how long!

How can you be ready?   Make sure you:

• repent of your sin (for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God – Romans 3:23);
• ask the Lord Jesus to cleanse you from all sin and to come into your heart/life and give you eternal life (for God so loved the world, He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life – John 3:16);
• Make sure you read your Bible every day – a good place to start will be the Gospel of John. (If you haven’t got a Bible, get one.  If you can’t get one, let us know!)
• Pray (talk to God) and ask Him to help you live for Him moment by moment, day by day.
• Find a Bible-believing church so that you can get to know other Christians and grow spiritually.

A special word to those who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, we need to stop playing church and really get serious in following Jesus very closely, reaching out to the lost and praying.

Leonard Ravenhill once said: even “if the whole church goes off into deception, that will in no way excuse us for not following Christ”.   Stand up for the Truth!

Live expectantly!  Make sure you’ve accepted the pardon that Jesus died to purchase for you. Make sure your friends and family have the opportunity to accept this pardon too!

I close with an extract from John Hagee’s prayer earlier today:

“Father God, we worship You today as the one and only Authority. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the Author and the Finisher of our faith. The world around us may be in utter chaos as our society does its best to destroy us from the inside out…but YOU ARE STILL IN CONTROL!   … You said that the righteous would not be forsaken. Lord, make the crooked way straight for us as we delight ourselves in you, as we use the Word of God to direct our path.  We give you praise and glory today, as we glorify your matchless name! Amen!”

For any further help, do not hesitate to contact me

Day Ashton

STILL PREACHING AS THE PLANE WENT DOWN!

STILL PREACHING AS THE PLANE WENT DOWN

I recently read an amazing post by Evangelist and missionary, Franklin Graham, which I simply have to share with others!  It was a great blessing and an incredible challenge as well.

I couldn’t help thinking what I would have done in a situation like that?

Read it and share your thoughts in the comments below

Franklin Graham writes:

“Travelling in Ethiopia brought to mind a man I met there and got to know in the 1980s. Andy Meakins was a gentle giant of the faith, an Englishman who loved Jesus Christ and served Him in Africa for many years. In 1996 an Ethiopian Airlines flight was hijacked and crashed into the ocean just off the Comoros Islands after running out of fuel-you may have heard the story. The dramatic moment of impact was caught on home video and broadcast around the world. Only later did we learn of something even more dramatic happening in the cabin as the plane headed for disaster.

Andy Meakins and his wife were on that plane, seated together. The hijackers demanded to be flown to Australia even though there wasn’t nearly enough fuel for that distance. As they neared the Comoros Islands in the Indian Ocean, one engine flamed out, and the pilot told passengers that the remaining engine would soon run out of fuel as well. Immediately, Andy’s wife heard the snap of a seatbelt being unbuckled and turned to see her husband stand up.

“Many of us might die in this crash,” he called out, “so there’s something you need to know.” Andy then began explaining the Gospel simply and urgently, moving to each part of the cabin so that everyone would hear. He invited people to place their trust in Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. A flight attendant heard Andy’s words, bowed her head, and asked Jesus to forgive her sins and come into her heart. She watched many more respond and, along with another survivor, later told the story. Of the 175 people on board, 125 died, including Andy, who was still on his feet preaching the Gospel as the plane hit the water.

Read more: http://www.crossmap.com/news/franklin-graham-still-preaching-the-gospel-as-the-plane-went-down-17644#ixzz3Wr4HsdKz

If you don’t know the Lord Jesus Christ as your own personal Saviour, my I urge you to get to know Him without delay.   We are living in an uncertain and dangerous world.  Make sure you are secure for eternity!

Please get in touch if we can be of spiritual help to you.

Day Ashton
Freelance Writer & Internet Marketer

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GOD NEVER SPEAKS TO ME!

God never speaks to me!

Some years ago I heard about a woman who told her friend: “God never speaks to me!”  As the conversation progressed, the friend discovered that this lady seldom read the Bible and seldom prayed …

This lady indeed professed to be a Christian but had never learnt to speak to God in regular prayer, nor had she realized the joy and encouragement of communion with the Saviour through the reading of His precious Word.  How sad is that?

God’s Word is alive.   God speaks to us through His Word if we will only but listen!

Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, tells us that “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (3:16-17)

The writer to the Hebrews tells us that “… the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow.  It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires” (Hebrews 4:12)

The psalmist also reminds us that God’s Word is “… is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (Ps 119:105).  In verse 130 of the same Psalm, it is encouraging to note that the teaching in God’s Word is so plain, it is possible for everyone to understand: “The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand”.

We need to read God’s Word for in so-doing we can hear Him speak to us.  We need to read His Word prayerfully.  His Word guides our steps, helps us become more like Jesus and helps us overcome evil.  His Word helps us pray according to God’s will.

If you have never heard God speak to you through His Word, make sure you get to know Him as your Saviour in the first instance.

Whether a new Christian or someone who has known the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour for many years, take time daily to read His Word – God’s blueprint and map for our lives.

Read the Bible, God’s infallible Word, prayerfully.  Read it expectantly. 
You will not be disappointed.  

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