Watching Signs Unfold

 Jesus warned that we are not to date-set. He taught that the timing of the end times is known only to God the Father, not even the Son Himself or the angels know the exact day or hour. 

He said that we could watch for signs of the end being near.  In Matthew 24 and Luke 21, Jesus described various events that would precede his return, including:

• wars,
• rumors of wars,
• famines, 
• earthquakes, 
• and increased wickedness. 

These were not to be confused with false signs and wonders. 

Lately, it seems the signs are unfolding all around the world. In Matthew 24:32, Jesus warns his followers to observe signs in the sky, specifically related to the time of his return. He says, 

"When the fig tree's branches become tender and bear leaves, you know that summer is near. So, when you see these signs in the sky, you know that the Son of Man is near, at the very door." 

I was reading the news this morning and could only shake my head because so much is happening every day that reads like it came right out of the pages of the Bible.

"And there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves."

"Men fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken." 

"So also, when you see these things taking place, know that the kingdom of God is near."

"You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times."

Jesus gave us a heads-up. Let me ask you if any of these sound like every day things:

• He described a time when people would love themselves and their money, be boastful and proud, and disobedient to God. 
• Jesus spoke of a time when love would wane, with people prioritizing pleasure over God. 
• He foretold a period of intense suffering, such as the world had never seen before, and would not see again. 

Now, those are things that anyone, regardless of their faith (or lack of) can relate to. Christians, can see these things happening.

•  2 Timothy 3:5 condemns having "a form of godliness but denying its power".  I can't count how many people that I hear talking about "higher powers" and being "spiritual". And so many people within the Christian churches look no different from people in covens and cults and Atheistic gatherings. 
• False teachers are more prominent it seems that true carriers of the Gospel. I see people putting the word "Pastor" before their names as if they bought the letters off a shady website. They are living for wealth and beauty and fashion and fame harder than any Hollywood hustler. Most of them look like they belong on reality shows.
• People compromising their faith to please human sensitivities. I don't deny anyone the choice to be or believe whatever they want. However, I will not be bullied into being okay with sinful choices and/or lifestyles.
• People even in the USA can be forced to act against their Christian beliefs under the threat of losing a job. Not so much is anyone forcing people to suppress their sinful behavior to fit in. I don't mind not wearing a cross to a job. Why should someone else mind not using odd pronouns or wearing certain attire to a job?
• What was once considered wrong is now considered right and vice versa. In no many situations.

So, as I go through the days, I can almost feel the time of the Lord coming.

Please, get past you stubbornness or willfulness and just consider the fact that the Bible is true. Ask yourself what you are betting your eternity on. 

Peace

--Free

Books For New (or non-) Christians

It's always such a joyful thing when someone accepts Christ into their heart. I get really excited when this happens to a family member or one of our friends. Of course, my impulse is to inundate them with Bible studies and reading plans. I think it's natural to want to shower our new Christian siblings with Bible teaching and more information, but it's also often just too overwhelming for them.

I have learned over the years to be more patient in sharing things with the newbie Christian. There are several books that I usually end up recommending - not just to them, but to anyone showing an interest. Here are some of them. (NOTE: I am only using Amazon links for the ease, but you can find most or all of these on many sites, including Christianbook.com.)

Non-Fiction

• The Readable Bible - Of course, the Christian needs a Bible. I always recommend that they get a parallel with the KJV. A lot of Christians (or younger people) can be intimidated by the KJV, but the language is beautiful. I usually suggest that a 2nd Bible be something more readable to the user (depending on their age and eyesight). The Readable Bible is one of my favorites to read for leisure.
• Learn the Bible in 24 Hours: An Overview of the Whole Bible from Chuck Missler- This is the best Bible study I've done. It covers the main points of each book in the Bible and leads the student to further study. The bonus for me is that there are YouTube videos on the Koinonia House ministry channel available for those that cannot afford to buy a set of DVDs. I was able to spend a bit of time on a daily basis and go through the study solo. Next time, I plan to include my local family. (There is also a handbook and a guide available.)
• Pagan Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices (by Frand Viola)- That's a provocative title, and it probably even more so for the new Christian. I found it to be a wonderful look into the history behind the why of what we do in churches and worship. It was eye-opening, and I learned things such as how Sunday school came about and why certain clergy dress as they do. After reading this one, I began to think more carefully about what it means to be a Christian - regardless of denomination, region, and culture.  (And, no, Christianity is not pagan, but some of the things we practice might be.)
• The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between (Gregory Koukl) - This was a very enjoyable read of looking at and thinking about reality from a Christian worldview. As Christians, we know (or learn) about God and our place in this world, but this book helps clarify things. (This is one of the books that I like recommending to non-believers.)
• Unparalleled: How Christianity's Uniqueness Makes It Compelling  (Jared C. Wilson) - The title sums it up. Christianity is not like any other religion because it is not a "religion". This book really helps show why anyone has to look at Christianity as truth and not simply "religion" or blind tradition.

Fiction:

• The Screwtape Lettters by. C.S. Lewis is a series of correspondence between a senior and a junior demon. Senior is trying to train Junior in the ways of tempting and winning over souls to Hell. Seniors lessons remind us humans of what we are taught in 1 Peter 5:8 (that "Satan roams about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour".  Interesting that the two demons think of their potential human prey as meals...). I don't agree with all of Lewis' theology, but I like the way he gets a lot of points across
•  Richard Platt's "As One Devil To Another" - is an updated play on Lewis's book. Different demons and same temptations in a modern setting. 
•  Randy Alcorn's "Lord Foulgrin's Letters" is in the same vein as Screwtape and One Devil.
• Chronicles of the Host  by D Brian Shafer - This is probably the most awesome to read set of books on the battle between good and evil, told from an angelic viewpoint. (There are other similar series, such as Wendy Alec's Chronicles of Brothers and Donovan M. Neal's The Third Heaven.)
• Wars of the Realm by Chuck Black - this series is one that I like suggesting for the young crowd (anyone from about 10 and up, or younger even). The dramatized audiobook is especially awesome. The fantasy story is about the adventure of a young person going into battle with angels of the light against evil.

I will have to update this list when I have more time. There are many other books I want to include but I want to be able to do so when my head is clear. For now, I hope this is a good start!

Peace

Free

Disclaimers: 

I was not/am not compensated in any way for anything in this post.

I do not endorse or agree with everything represented in the mentioned books. I did not find anything overtly objectionable in them. 

Always be prayerful and use discernment when reading or studying anything to do with your faith.

When We Are Tested (and We Will Be Tested)

 As Christians, we know that we will be tested. When we are tested, we have to hold on strongly to everything we believe about our Father. That He is with us in everything. That He has not left us orphaned. We need to know that this world is not our reward, our home, or our final place. 

We are dealing with illness in my family. The situation is testing us all. I was thinking that we are always so thankful for the blessing we see as being positive. What this situation is teaching me, as have other situations, is that we are to be thankful even in suffering. Blessings come in many forms, and not those that we always see as being blessings.

Whenever I am in the center of a storm of troubles, I feel like Peter when he walked with Jesus on the water. I start strong and end up faltering at a point. However, once I come through something, it is always with a little more love for my Lord and a little more faith. Right now, I still feel like I'm floundering. I was trying to remember the lyrics to a beautiful song, "I Know the Master of the Wind".

My boat of life sails on a troubled sea
Ever there's a wind in my sail
But I have a friend who watches over me
When the breeze turns into a gale

I know the master of the wind (ooooh)
I know the maker of the rain
He can calm the storm
And make the sun shine again
I know the master of the wind

Sometimes I soar like an Eagle to the sky
Among the peaks my soul can be found
An unexpected storm may drive me from the heights
May bring me low but it cannot bring me down

He has never left me in my troubles, but sometimes I find myself looking for Him in my feelings. I don't always feel safe. I don't always feel calm. But mine is not a God of emotions. He is God, the I Am. So, I have been trying to keep in mind the last verse of that song:

Let Jesus calm your storm
And make the sun shine again
He is the master of the wind

Yes, He is. I hope this helps you hold up when you go through troubles of your own.

Peace

--Free

Master of the Wind was written by Joel Hemphill