180 World Leaders Show up in Paris, Marching to the Tune of the Papacy!

World leaders honoring the call of the Papacy? Yep! It’s happened before! Just look at the history of Europe over the last 2000 years! Sadly, it was not a pretty sight to see, especially for those who opposed the papal authority over Europe or the religious dogmas and decrees of that Church. Well, is the world coming to that kind of place again? Is papal power in the ascendancy? You can be the judge for yourself, but as for my conviction, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” And if we are following the news and Bible prophecy then it is not too hard for us to see where all of this is going.

Let’s take a look at what Obama said on December 1, 2015:

“But I am convinced that we are going to get big things done here. Keep in mind nobody expected that 180 countries would show up in Paris with serious climate targets in hand.” (CNN Dec. 1, 2015, on Paris Climate Talks).

Without doubt, this is all in response to the call of the Papacy, who uses the idea of the “common good” of all mankind to challenge world political leaders (and individuals too) to action. It is very interesting that Obama has been using that language of the “common good” a lot too since June of 2015.

Let’s take a look at the words of Pope Francis to world leaders, now:

“recent World Summits on the environment have not lived up to expectations because, due to lack of political will, they were unable to reach truly meaningful and effective global agreements on the environment.” He writes, “the Church does not presume to settle scientific questions or to replace politics. But I am concerned to encourage an honest and open debate so that particular interests or ideologies will not prejudice the common good.” And, “there is urgent need of a true world political authority, as my predecessor Blessed John XXIII indicated some years ago.” (Washington Post, June 18, 2015, 10 Key Excerpts from Pope’s Encyclical on the environment).

“True need of a world political authority…”. And who might that be? Pope Francis, by suggestion? Someone to call the world political leaders into action and hold them accountable? Know your history and the current political scene…this is what we’re looking at.

So, here they are, 180 of them showing up at the Environmental summit in Paris, in answer to the challenge of the Pope. And what will it be next? Just you watch and see! If you know your Bible and you know the prophecies of Revelation 13 (the Historicist understanding, as all Protestants taught for 100s of years) then you would be alerted and alarmed, being able to see where all this is heading.

To further study Bible prophecy, you can visit www.bibleprophecytruth.com. You may find articles under the tab “antichrist” and the “USA in Prophecy” to be of particular interest. Anyway, lots to enjoy there!

(Keep in mind, there is nothing wrong with environmental concerns, but the implications of what is going on here are much bigger than that issue alone – and this is evident from many other recent events involving politics and the papacy)

The Holy Bible vs. the Qur’an – How to treat others?

In this short blog, we will compare and contrast some statements from the Christian Holy Bible and the Islamic Qur’an on the subject of how to treat others who are outside “the faith” or who do not believe the faith. There are many other facts, such as History, development, broad-scope, etc, that might be compared, contrasted, or explained, but this post will not discuss all those items at length. What we want to know is this: “How do these two books teach people to regard and deal with those who are outside of the faith and who do not believe in the same way?” Direct quotes will be shared from both texts, on various points of the basic question at hand.

All Qur’an quotes will be taken from the Saheeh International English meanings translation of the Qur’an. Copyrighted Al-Muntada Al-Islami, 2001-2010. This copy of the Qur’an’s English meanings/Translation was handed to me by a Muslim Mosque attendant in Cairo, Egypt in March 2012. All quotes from the Holy Bible, on the other hand, will be taken from the King James Version (KJV), also known as the Authorized Version.

NOTE: This post is for the sake of comparing several specific teachings in two different religious texts. It is not to breed hatred, but to give understanding. The author here agrees with the teachings of the Holy Bible. And also, we should note that not every Muslim knows, or adheres, or even desires to adhere to each of the Qur’an teachings below. Some may try to interpret their scope as more narrow and specific, while others will choose to use them broadly upon whomever they think deserving. From what this author knows, there are indeed many Muslims who don’t have much of an idea what is in the Qur’an, but are more culturally Muslim (as there are also ignorant/cultural Christians, etc.). This author believes however, that the following Qur’an statements, when studied and applied diligently by sincere followers of Islam, do have the express tendency to breed terrorists and terrorist acts. But anyway, may you please be the judge after reading. We are not trying to condemn anyone here, but just to provide information.

• A General view of Jews, Christians, etc. who are not of the same belief:

The view or teaching of the Qur’an:

The Jews say, “Ezra is the son of Allah”; and the Christians say, “The Messiah is the son of Allah.” That is their statement from their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before [them]. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded? -Surah 9:30

The view or teaching of the Holy Bible:

(1) I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, (2) That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. (3) For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: (4) Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; -Romans 9:1-4.

• A view of how to treat disbelievers, “enemies” of the faith, and/or outsiders:

The view or teaching of the Qur’an:

“12. [Remember] when your Lord inspired to the angels, “I am with you, so strengthen those who have believed. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieved, so strike [them] upon the necks and strike from them every fingertip.” “13. That is because they opposed Allah and His Messenger. And whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger – indeed, Allah is sever in penalty.” – Surah 8:12-13.

“59. And let not those who disbelieve think they will escape. Indeed, they will not cause failure [to Allah]. 60. And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others besides them whom you do not know [but] whom Allah knows. …67. It is not for a prophet to have captives [of war] until he inflicts a massacre [upon Allah’s enemies] in the land. …” -Surah 8:59-60, 67.

The view or teaching of the Holy Bible:

“(43) Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. (44) But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (45) That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”-Matthew 5:43-45 (words of Jesus).

Jesus sent messengers to a village of the Samaritans (who hated Jews) and they “did not receive Him” (Luke 9:52-53, summarized). “(54) And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? (55) But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. (56) For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” – Luke 9:54-56.

• A view of how to treat those who defect from the faith (i.e. “leave the faith”):

The view or teaching of the Qur’an:

“88. What is [the matter] with you [that you are] two groups concerning the hypocrites, while Allah has made them fall back [into error and disbelief] for what they earned. Do you wish to guide those whom Allah has sent astray? And he whom Allah sends astray – never will you find for him a way [of guidance]. 89. They wish you would disbelieve as they disbelieved so you would be alike. So do not take from among them allies until they emigrate for the cause of Allah. But if they turn away [i.e. refuse], then seize them and kill them [for their betrayal] wherever you find them and take not from among them any ally or helper, 90. Except for those who take refuge with a people between yourselves and whom is a treaty…91. You will find others who wish to obtain security from you and [to] obtain security from their people. Every time they are returned to [ the influence of] disbelief, they fall back into it. So if they do not withdraw from you or offer you peace or restrain their hands, then seize them and kill them wherever you overtake them. And those – We have made for you against them a clear authorization.” – Surah 4:88-91.

The view or teaching of the Holy Bible:

“(24) And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, (25) In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; (26) And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” – 2 Timothy 2:24-26.

“(1) Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (2) Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:1-2.

 To summarize, we find the following:

1. The Qur’an wishes that Allah would (“May”) “destroy” all the Christians and Jews, who are in their [Islam’s] view “deluded.” The Holy Bible offers prayers and a self-sacrificing longing to save those who are outside of Christ and the faith of the Bible.
2. For disbelievers, outsiders, and “enemies” of the faith, The Qur’an teaches that they should be put into “terror” and their “necks” and “fingertips” should be “stricken” off from them. “Allah is severe in penalty” to them. The Holy Bible, on the other hand, teaches that we should “love our enemies” “do good to those who hate us” “bless those who curse us” and “pray for those who despitefully use us” because this is what God’s children do, because that is who God is in love, even to the ungrateful. God, in the Holy Bible, teaches us to win others by love (never by hate or ill).
3. According to the Qur’an, if anyone defects from Islam, and becomes an unbeliever, then ex-fellow Muslims are to “seize them and kill them” “wherever they find them.” The Holy Bible, on the other hand, teaches to pray for those who have left the faith, to meekly teach and guide them back, if possible, and to ultimately leave the final condition and judgement to God.

 

In conclusion,

The Holy Bible is about self-sacrificing love to others, concern for the lost, treating even enemies with loving-kindness, and praying for and seeking to help those who have somehow left the faith of God’s love. The Qur’an, on the other hand, is about making the “deluded” infidel (non-Muslim) submit to the faith, or be “destroyed.” It’s about inflicting suffering and painful death onto all enemies of Islam, Allah, or Muhammad, and it’s about killing anyone who defects from the faith. Granted there are other teachings on how to live rightly, but the above speaks for itself on how they want to treat those who don’t buy into or accept the way of the Qur’an.

I would have to say that I am EXTREMELY thankful to have grown up with the Holy Bible! It’s teachings are FAR more loving and superior to the Qur’an in every way imaginable. It teaches righteousness, love, and even patient tolerance of others who may be in error. In contrast, the Qur’an is an UN-holy book, in my estimation, because although it teaches some tenants for righteousness (which are reasonably admirable by themselves), it still promotes violence and destruction, by Muslim believers, of any who do not agree with accepting the teaching and practice of the Qur’an or Muhammad. It is not hard to imagine how “terrorist” groups could arise from the diligent study of those teachings in the Qur’an. Thank God for the Muslims who take those violent lines of their book with less care, or scope of applicability, and/or who are more cultural Muslims, but without the violent “radicalized” nerves or notions.

Cleansed by a Bloody Flying Bird!

What a curious thought! What does a bloody flying bird have to do with anything, much less cleansing? Let’s take a look at a three thousand four hundred year old text and find out how a bloody flying bird meant something then and even now for us today!

“(4) Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop: (5) And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water: (6) As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water: (7) And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field. (8) And he that is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, and shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean: and after that he shall come into the camp, and shall tarry abroad out of his tent seven days.” -Leviticus 14:4-8

In ancient Israel this custom was practiced on behalf of someone who had been somehow cured of the flesh-eating disease known as leprosy. This service was done by the priest for the person to be cleansed.

Two birds were taken. One was killed over running water. The other was set free only after being dipped into bloody water that was from the other bird and had been contained in an “earthen vessel.” After that, the second bird was set free in a field to fly off! The leper on whose behalf this was done, was then pronounced clean! With knowledge of Jesus Christ, we can look back, and see the deeper meaning of this service! Let’s take a look!

• A Leper cured of his disease needed cleansing – We are sin-sick sinners in need of cleansing. When healed by Jesus, we need the cleansing that only His blood can provide.
• The birds were alive and clean – even as Jesus lived a clean and spotless life!
• One bird was killed in an “earthen vessel” over running water – The New Testament refers to our body as an “earthen vessel” (2 Cor. 4:7). Jesus was “in” an “earthen vessel” (i.e. human body) when He was slain for us and shed His blood. Both blood and water mingled together gushed out from his side the day He died (John 19:34; 1 John 5:6). The blood and water represent payment for sin (by the blood) and cleansing from sin (by the water). Jesus provides both of these for us! [a.k.a. Justification and Sanctification].
• The Cedar wood, Scarlet, Hyssop, and the Living bird were dipped in the blood – The cedar wood represented the cross of Jesus which got covered in His blood (Cedar was the common tree of Palestine and was found especially in Lebanon. It was likely the very wood Jesus’ cross was made from). Scarlet represents sin (such as in Isaiah 1:18) which Jesus took upon himself and washed away by covering with His blood (2 Cor. 5:21). Hyssop was a small (1-1.5 feet tall) fragrant flowering plant used often in the bible for soaking up liquids and for sprinkling the liquids elsewhere. It was connected to the idea of sprinkling blood, especially for cleansing from sin. The blood of the passover lamb was spread upon doorposts by this plant, sprinkled upon people by this plant when Moses made the covenant with God and Israel, and King David prayed that God would “purge” or cleanse him “with hyssop” so that he could be clean (Exodus 12:22; Hebrews 9:19; Psalm 51:7). The blood of Jesus is sprinkled upon us by and symbolically through Hyssop. As Jesus died on the cross hyssop was put to his lips and got covered in His blood (See John 19:29). The Living bird dipped in blood represented that Jesus would live again (i.e. be resurrected) to ascend to heaven as a flying bird, taking His blood back up and into the presence of God the Father on our behalf. Jesus’ blood was taken into the Sanctuary of Heaven, just as the flying bloody bird would do so (See John 20:17; Acts 1:9; Hebrews 9:21-24).
• The blood was sprinkled seven times upon the person to be cleansed from leprosy – The person would be pronounced clean at this time. Seven is a perfect and complete number biblically speaking. This represents that the blood of Jesus is applied directly to us when we accept Jesus as our personal savior by faith in Him! As we put our faith in Jesus, his blood perfectly cleanses away the record of our sinful lives! The disease of sin with its guilt and shame is taken away by the atoning (cleaning, forgiving, purifying, and peace-making) blood of Jesus! The blood was likely sprinkled by the hyssop that had been dipped. We will be cleansed from our shameful and deadly disease of sin when we trust in Jesus by faith and receive the sprinkling of His cleansing blood upon us! Our reproach will be taken away!
• The living bird is to fly away into the field – The living bird being loosed in the open field again symbolized that Jesus goes into heaven with His blood to minister for us there! He is alive and well today in heaven for us! (Heb. 2:17; 4:14-16; 7:24-26; 8:1-5; 1 Tim. 2:5).
• The ex-leper was to be washed in water, and to cleanse off any traces of the disease and was to be accepted back into the camp but fulfilling a seven day period (v.8) – This was to demonstrate the gospel-age truth that we must be baptized (washed in water) showing our cleansing in Christ – the water being a sign or waymark of our cleansing. All sinful traces of the disease – that is, things in our life still carrying elements of the past sinful life must be gotten rid of. We do not want to keep anything in our lives that could possibly re-inflame the disease of sin upon us (i.e. get rid of the temptations, sinful substances, sinful media, etc.). We must start a new life in Christ which is removed from the sinful things of the old life! The period of seven days separation represents that there is a period of time after baptism in which we need to be establishing ourselves in the new faith and holy life, growing and setting down roots which demonstrate that the cure is permanent and we’re not going to return to the old life of sin!

Cleansed by a bloody flying bird? Yes! We are cleansed by the blood of Jesus which was shed for us and taken to heaven by the resurrected Lord Jesus himself to be presented before God in our behalf! Jesus pays for our sin and Jesus cleanses away our sin! He removes its penalty and power from us, thus truly setting us free to live a new life in Him! Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon for us if we only accept His sacrifice for us by faith, confessing and forsaking our sins (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13). Will you receive His sacrifice for you and invite Him into your heart today by prayer? Have faith in the One who saves! Have faith in He whose life was outlined time and time again by the prophets and ancient sacrifices. Hold onto Jesus and live the new life in Him by faith in His virtue and power! He has died and now forever lives to make us clean! Put your faith in Him, won’t you?

Coming One World Religion (Part 2) – Reversing the Schism?

In Short:

• The Pope and St. Bartholomew I are embracing a push for “unity” among Roman Catholicism and the Orthodox Church. (an incredible move in view of the 1054 AD Schism between them)
• Many other so-called “Protestant” leaders are affirming the movement for “unity” with the Roman Church, effectually reversing the Protestant movement begun by Luther and others!
• This movement compromises Biblical truths and Protestant beliefs.
• If you oppose this movement you are considered a problem – no joke!
• This is a major fulfillment of Bible prophecy written thousands of years ago in the book of Revelation and a sign of the end just before Jesus returns!
• Read more below and see how this will affect you and all the world besides!!

The Article:

If anyone has been following religious news lately, from secular press agencies and others, they probably have not failed to notice the Pope along with his and others’ emphasis on “unity.” Having diversity, but “unity.” There is great talk about being in “unity” for the sake of Evangelism, sharing Jesus, and shaping the political landscape in favor of Judeo-Christian teaching or values. While promoting Christian values can be a wonderful thing, we have to be very careful to realize what is actually going on here and what is at stake.

Many today have not realized the incredibly large prophetic ramifications of what is unfolding before our very eyes! The final events of the book of Revelation are starting to unfold in profound ways! Compromises of faith distinctions are occurring all around us that would have made the Protestant Reformers to roll in their graves if they knew what was going on, after all the blood they and others spilled in dying for the cause of truth!

Jesus himself said that we are to worship God “in Spirit AND in truth” (John 4:23-24), and not according to the “traditions of men,” but according to the word of God which “is truth” (Matthew 7:7-9; John 17:17). Jesus did pray for unity of believers, but that unity was never to come by the compromise of truth from His word (John 17:21-23; Rev. 2:9; Matthew 4:4).

God’s Bible-believing people risked their very lives to stand up for the truth of the Bible and to separate from Rome because they knew that the Romish Church would never repent of her sins, or turn from her unbiblical teachings and traditions of men. All the Protestant Reformers unanimously pointed out the Roman Catholic Church (not the people, but the church organization), to be the 1st Beast of Revelation 13, the Little Horn of Daniel 7, the Great Harlot of Revelation 17, the “Man of Sin” in 2 Thessalonians 2, and in other words, “the antichrist” character of Scripture. They did so with incredible conviction and clear evidence from the facts and the marks of identity in the Bible.

Essentially all Protestant Christians taught that up to the mid 1800s and later. But now, with the teachings of Futurism, designed by Jesuit Scholar Francisco Ribera in the 1500s as part of the Catholic Church’s counter-reformation (a movement to reverse or destroy the Protestant Reformation), many Protestant churches and people have forgotten these things. Most people are looking off to Israel, a supposed future “antichrist,” after a hopeful “Rapture” or disappearance of the church. They have lost sight of the Protestant teachings of prophecy, the real identity of the antichrist, and are heading straight back into the arms of Rome!! Martin Luther would groan or scream from his grave if he could, in warning about the peril of such things!

Here’s what the Bible tells us: “All the world will wonder after the Beast” in the last days after its “deadly wound” was healed! (Rev. 13:3). The very beast which shed the blood of the Martyrs for 1260 years during the Dark Ages, would now be praised, honored, and extolled by all the world (Rev. 13:7). And not only that, but a 2nd Beast or Kingdom would rise up and begin to pay homage to this first beast (the Romish Church and State power). A “Beast” is a Kingdom (Dan. 7:17,23). In the case of Revelation 13 these two “beasts” are very religious and intolerant towards anybody who doesn’t see eye to eye with their religious views! Their particular views involve the compromise of God’s truth and a movement of unity that will sweep the world and draw the admiration of everyone! It will look good to many at first, but will ultimately bring persecution to God’s Bible-believing, Christ-honoring, commandment-keeping people (Revelation 13:11-18; 14:12).

The 2nd Beast or Kingdom of Revelation 13 rises with “two horns like a lamb” (Rev. 13:11), but begins to “speak like a dragon” (v.12)! In other words, this very powerful, world-influencing kingdom or government starts out good with Christ-like principles of separating the church and state to allow freedom of conscience (Matthew 12:17), but their character changes, and they begin to “speak” or make laws which are in harmony with the first beast, and telling people who and how to worship!!! This 2nd Beast is United States of America, along with a Protestant influence that apparently is no-longer Protestant, because now they want to “make an image to the beast” or the Catholic Church! They will compromise truth and praise Rome, “the beast,” instead!

The movement now sweeping the world is the very same as prophecy describes!! “All the world wonders after the beast” who has the deadly wound which heals (Rev. 13:3). He has to be very popular and well loved by many, but have a terrible history, neglect of the truth, have taken a wound, but now gets healed. Many so called protestant church are now praising the pope of Rome and are making an effort to join and unite with him! This will lead to great persecution for any Bible-believing, commandment-keeping Christians who stand opposed and vocal against such a movement! Mark God’s word, it will! (Rev. 14:12).

Now for the current facts in the news!!

In 1054 AD the Orthodox (Eastern) church split from the Catholic (Western) Church, keeping many traditions the same, but not recognizing the pope’s authority! This was called “The Great Schism!” Now, they are shaking hands and talking about working together “in unity” again, but still in a diverse body, just “in unity” with the Pope (might as well be under the Pope for all the difference that makes!).

In a CNN article, updated Mon. Dec. 1st, 2014, titled “Pope Francis begins mending the Schism with Orthodox Christians,” we find the following quotes:

“Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew I — the spiritual leader of some 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide — signed a declaration on Sunday committing to unity between the two churches.”

…Neither church will submit to nor assimilate the other, the Pope said in his homily, but they will work “towards the restoration of full Communion.”

“I want to assure each one of you here that, to reach the desired goal of full unity, the Catholic Church does not intend to impose any conditions except that of the shared profession of faith,” Francis said.

Pointing to Radical Islam and ISIS as common enemies the leader of the Orthodox Church, Bartholomew I, stressed the need for working in closer “unity” with the Roman Church, and of all Christians banding together in this movement!

The article further stated,

On Friday, the first day of his visit, Francis called for religious tolerance and dialogue to counter extremism in the Middle East, as he met with Turkey’s leaders.

“Fanaticism and fundamentalism, as well as irrational fears, which foster misunderstanding and discrimination, need to be countered by the solidarity of all believers,” he said. (read more here)

It sounds like a good thing to work together, at first, for such a seemingly good cause, but at what price does this come to us? What are the dangers for this movement that Pope Francis outlines? “Fundamentalism” is an enemy that stands in the way of his goals. He says this has “irrational fears” and will “foster misunderstanding and discrimination.” He tells us this must be countered by “the solidarity of all believers.” In other words, any “fundamentalist” Bible belief system which does not want to get on board with Rome is an enemy to their “unity” and must be eradicated by “the solidarity of all believers” working “in unity” against them.

Is this not fulfillment of the words of Revelation 13? The whole world wonders after the beast (Rome) whose deadly wound is healed, but there is one smaller group who gets persecuted…that is the fundamentalist Bible group who “keeps the commandments of God and has the faith of Jesus” (Rev. 14:12 and 13:11-18). That is, the group who doesn’t buy into this one world religious movement!

In another article by the Catholic News Agency (CNA), November 22, 2014, the Pope stressed that people need to be more open to a unified Christian movement from all various communions to “evangelize” together (meaning they are all on the same team). He pointed out that anyone opposing this movement is standing in the way of progress and should, essentially, be ashamed! He referred to them as “backbiting communities.” Essentially, these are the same as the “fundamentalists” who keep God’s word and don’t join the Pope’s unity movement!

Vatican City, Nov 22, 2014 / 01:16 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis said that divisions among Christians are a stumbling block to evangelization, and encouraged members of the Church to go beyond personal opinions and find value in what others offer.

“For the world to believe that Jesus is Lord, it needs to see communion among Christians. If, on the other hand, the world sees divisions, rivalries and backbiting, regardless of the cause, how can we evangelize?” the Pope said in a Nov. 22 audience. (Read more here)

In the same article Pope Francis pointed out “that true communion can only exist when they [various faith communities and people] are united to the hierarchal Church.” In other words, the Pope says that all must unite with Rome and her authority!!

Not only is the Pope pushing for this unity from his side, but popular American pastors like Rick Warren are now pushing for “unity” with Rome!! (See Rick Warren’s video appeal – here). In another video Rick Warren calls Pope Francis “our pope” and asserts that the pope is just like Jesus in manner, doing “everything right” (See 55 sec. video). Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, and many other well know Evangelical leaders have also offered their support for Pope Francis! (Read more on Joel here or Kenneth here about 42min into video until the end).

Prophecy is fulfilling before our eyes!

I will leave you with a few words written by a Protestant believer, student of Prophecy, and notable author just over 100 years ago!

Through the two great errors, the immortality of the soul and Sunday sacredness, Satan will bring the people under his deceptions. While the former lays the foundation of spiritualism, the latter creates a bond of sympathy with Rome.The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience.{GC 588.1}

As spiritualism more closely imitates the nominal Christianity of the day, it has greater power to deceive and ensnare. Satan himself is converted, after the modern order of things. He will appear in the character of an angel of light. Through the agency of spiritualism, miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and many undeniable wonders will be performed. And as the spirits will profess faith in the Bible, and manifest respect for the institutions of the church, their work will be accepted as a manifestation of divine power.{GC 588.2}

The line of distinction between professed Christians and the ungodly is now hardly distinguishable. Church members love what the world loves and are ready to join with them, and Satan determines to unite them in one body and thus strengthen his cause by sweeping all into the ranks of spiritualism. Papists, who boast of miracles as a certain sign of the true church, will be readily deceived by this wonder-working power; and Protestants, having cast away the shield of truth, will also be deluded. Papists, Protestants, and worldlings will alike accept the form of godliness without the power, and they will see in this union a grand movement for the conversion of the world and the ushering in of the long-expected millennium.” {GC 588.3} – The Great Controversy, by E.G. White.

Surely, the time is upon us! These things are happening in our days! Let’s be ready for the coming of Jesus by surrendering all to him! Let us prepare for what is now coming upon the world! Let us arouse from our sleep and sound the battle cry! A great time of trouble is about to break onto the scene for God’s people! (Daniel 12:1; Rev. 13; Matthew 24). Jesus is coming soon!! Amen and Amen!!

Wise unto God, Fools to the World

“Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise” (1 Corinthians 3:18).

The Bible asserts that “the wisdom of the world is foolishness with God” (1 Corinthians 3:19). He knows their thoughts, “that they are vain” (v.20). The thinking and prized things of the world are quite different from God’s. Jesus even said “that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God,” simply because that which is so often prized by people of the world is completely the opposite from what God prizes, values, and promotes (See Luke 16:15).

True wisdom “begins” with “the fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 9:10). That is, if the wisdom we have is not rooted, grounded, based in, and premised from “fearing,” reverencing, respecting, and choosing to obey God then our wisdom is not wisdom at all, but rather foolishness.

The world values pride and show. God values humility and self-abasement (1 Peter 5:5; Matthew 16:24-25). The world values lust and immorality. God values purity of thought, self-control, and righteousness (Philippians 4:8; Galatians 5:23-24). The world values drunkenness and selfish pleasure. God values sobriety, moral purity with integrity, and love for others that puts their best good and well-being above our own (Ephesians 5:1-3, 17-18; Philippians 2:3). The world values multiple relationships for fun with experimentation. God values life-long marriage, fidelity, and dedication without messing around (Hebrews 13:4). The list could go on!

The world may “think it strange” that we (as Christ-followers) do not run along with them in the same corrupt passions, but God who calls us to be completely distinguished and separate from the world honors us, blesses, and praises when we take that step (1 Peter 4:3-4; 2 Cor. 6:15-18; 1 John 2:15-17). Have you ever been tempted to want to be like the world in some way? Or have you been curious to learn more about their ways? Probably most of us have. I’ve found that when Christ and His word are filling my heart, the things of this world grow strangely dim (as the old Hymn puts it). I’d rather be a “fool” in this world and considered naïve by it, while being wise in God and His ways any day! The wisdom of God is true, eternal, and life-saving! Let’s put God’s wisdom first! What do you say?

Separate – Meditations on James 4

The 4th Chapter of James holds wonderful truths for God’s people! (As does the whole Bible, of course!). But, perhaps it’s been a while since many of us have read through this chapter. In reading this chapter recently I was struck by the message of God’s people being “separate” from sin and the world. At least that is, called to be separate, expected to be separate, and empowered to be separate, but in need of willingness and decision to be separate. God provides the tools, strength or power, and the direction needed – but as for the decision, that lies in our hands. James 4 makes that abundantly clear, as do so many other countless passages in the Bible! Let’s go through the chapter and pull out some points for edification. I’ll simply reference ideas and portions of text, but you’d be blessed to read the whole chapter (See James 4).

• Wars, squabbles, and fights among us come from selfishness, lust and sinfulness, which is a part of the fallen nature or old creature which Jesus wants to eradicate from us (v.1). See also Eph. 4:22 and 2 Cor. 5:17 for more detail.
• The worldly way is to fight and squabble for stuff. God’s way is that we ask in prayer, trusting Him to provide, and being thankful for what He, in His perfect wisdom gives (v.2).
• The sin of God’s people pointed out here is that they were lusting for things and fighting for them after a sinful and worldly manner. Then asking for things selfishly which were totally contrary to God’s plan from the get-go. This sinful nature in us, if followed, and not crucified (put to death) will make us to be enemies of God who are unfaithful to Him. Such a course is strongly condemned here for what it is – siding with the enemy against God (v.3-5).
• Thankfully, God gives the grace we need – but only to those who humble themselves before Him, surrender and ask for His help. The proud and sinful are on their own (v.6). – Surrender.
• “Submit…therefore to God” (surrender) and “resist the Devil” (resist sinful urges) and “he will flee from you” (the devil will be running away) (v.7). Surrender to God. Resist the devil. The devil will run away. – That’s a key for success! But, it depends on our choice. Choice to surrender to God. Choice to resist Satan.
• “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (v.8). It’s another CHOICE for victory. Draw near to God. He will draw near to you. You and me can have more of the Holy Spirit, presence, and power of God in our lives. Draw near to Him. It’s a choice. Pray, read the word, fill yourself with His holy things and surround yourself with Godly influences while cutting off the bad ones. By this very choice to “draw near to God” we are enabling ourselves with power from on High to be able to overcome sin, and to be filled with God’s presence! It’s His promise, but our choice. Draw near to God. He will come near to you. (See also John 15:4,5; Matthew 11:28-30).
• “Cleanse your hands ye sinners; and purify your hearts ye double-minded” (v.8). The problem is being double-minded. People in God’s own church have loved sin too much. We have half a mind to follow God, and half a mind to follow our sins. The apostle James hits the nail on the head! Again, it boils down to a choice. Throw away the sin – get it out of your hands. Humble yourself before God, plead for His mercies and grace, ask for Him to help you have a pure heart (See Psalm 51:10). Hide His word in your heart so that you’ll be transformed by it and will learn not to sin (Psalm 119:11). Let your mind be transformed and renewed in God (Romans 12:1,2). Once more, choose to drop your sin now, humble and plead before God for forgiveness and strength, and seek Him in His word which will transform your mind and heart!
• “Be afflicted,” “mourn,” “weep,” “let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy to heaviness” (v.9). Sin is no light or laughing matter. It is life and death! We need a heart, mind, and attitude change. It’s time that we shun the worldliness and realize our true condition before God. Better to take things seriously and change our course than to dance on into destruction!
• If we humble ourselves before God, “He shall lift [us] up!” (v.10). Amen!! That’s a promise from God! HE will lift us up! He will drag us out of the mire of sin and worldliness that we’ve gotten ourselves into, but only if we are willing to truly humble ourselves before Him and seek His help!
• We are not to judge and bad-mouth each other. We should NOT speak evil of others. God Himself will take care of things as need be (v.11-12).
• Our life is just a “vapor,” here fore a little while and then gone tomorrow. We, therefore, should choose to live according to God’s will and make the best of every day for Him! Let us not be seeking worldly gain or imagining to run our own life-course according to our own wisdom. That is vain (worthless), and will get us into trouble for sure! We must trust the Lord and ask for HIS will to be done. Look for His will and follow that, as He allows, living one day at a time in perfect trust (v.13-16).
• Therefore, “He who knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin” (v.17). In other words, we have no excuses before God. When we know it is wrong then we had just better stop digging into that sin, choose to cast it aside, and start humbling ourselves before God. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Let our hands be cleansed and our hearts made pure by God’s power.

Hopefully, as you’ve had a chance to meditate upon this chapter you’ve been able to find heaven’s blessing in it! God has a plan for us and power to be overcomers! We must be separate from this world of sin! We are called, expected, and given power to overcome sin, but we have to make the choice to follow God’s plan. “Cleansing our hands” and having our hearts made pure, we can no longer live a double-minded life. Let it be so with us to draw near to the Lord, to resist the devil and to be set free day after day in Jesus!

High in the Sky – Signs of the End – Bible Prophecies Fulfilling

 Nearly 4,300 years ago the masses of mankind had gathered themselves in the fertile plain of Shinar to build themselves a city and make a tower reaching unto the heavens! They wanted to make a name for themselves and to avoid being scattered abroad upon the face of the earth! In the Biblical story (Genesis 11:1-9), God, seeing what they were up to, decided to go and confuse the languages in order to divide up and disperse people groups into various cultures so that mankind would not be able to progress as quickly in their development, while living in sin.

The people laid their plans and said, “Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven…” (Gen. 11:4). God knew that “now nothing will be restrained from them which they have imagined to do,” since the people were “one” and they all had “one language” (Gen. 11:6). The world was at a point then in which it was dangerous to allow man to progress because they were living in sinful rebellion against God, and putting their minds together in that sinful rebellion, and quickly adding many new technologies in such a state and at such a time would spell disaster for the human race! So, God slowed mankind’s progress by dividing mankind and halting their efforts.

Today, the world has reached a point in history where we’ve come to the same crucial boiling point! After so many years of being divided by languages and cultures we’ve come to a point where most all cultures of the world are now working together in harmony again. Language barriers around the world have majorly been broken down, especially among the elite thinkers and decision-makers of the various countries, cultures, and peoples. Yet, people’s hearts have not changed. Evil still lurks in the hearts of men. Can we imagine that God will not do something now, as He did back at that early time in history? The crisis of the ages is coming upon us! The Lord will soon appear to deal with the sin problem amongst mankind! We are reaching that boiling point again!

The world’s population has all been flocking and migrating to the cities! People are building towers around the world to make names for themselves, all striving to build the tallest and the best towers, while utterly forgetting about God our Creator! There is the Burj Khalifa (in Dubai), and the two Phoenix Towers planned for Wuhan, China which are slated to be completed in 2017 or 18 and will reach one kilometer in height! The CNN article reads, “No one can accuse China of stinting in its efforts to reach for the sky” (See CNN Article). Here we are, thousands of years later, running the same kind of show that brought God’s divinely appointed division into our world anciently!

The problem is not innovation, but rather sin, and rebellion against the Creator! Mankind wants to continue in sin and rebellion against God while building up and glorifying themselves. The danger is that mankind with sinful hearts are putting their minds together to develop all sorts of technologies, which left in the hands of sinful mankind will pose terrible threats to our race. God will not allow mankind to move on terribly farther without calling in the cards and putting an end to their sinful rebellion. It happened anciently, and we can be sure that it will happen in our day too! Beyond the modern innovations of today, the world is swelling and filling with a Sodom and Gomorrah level of iniquity (wickedness/sin), and a violence akin to the days of Noah (Gen. 6), all of which Jesus said would be signs of the end! (Luke 17:24-30) World wake up!! Jesus is coming very soon! Let us repent of our sins and seek God’s mercy before it’s too late!