China Earthquake; A Sign of the Endtimes???

(Here is an article posted by Ray Comfort on his Comfort Food blog published 5/12/08 which I am sure will bring a smile to the scoffers of today; I too have a smile on my face as I think of that coming day when Jesus will come for the Church!!! Let's pray for the Chinese people affected by this earthquake, and even more, that the truth of the Gospel can be given to the entire nation someway and somehow; bypassing the censorship of their authoratative god-less government!!!)

Don’t let doomsday prophets fool you. Just because there’s been another big earthquake, it doesn’t signal the end of the world. It does, however, bring us closer to what the Bible calls “the end of the age.” Do you want evidence that the Bible is the Word of God? Of course you don't, but here it is anyway: Look at the signs the Bible speaks of (combined from Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; 1 Timothy 4; and 2 Timothy 3), and relate that to contemporary life on earth.

It says that at the end of the age there will be earthquakes in various places, famines, diseases, people becoming fearful of the future, nation rising against nation, wars, people would be deceived by religious leaders who said they were from God, a dead religious system, materialism, a forsaking of the Ten Commandments, money-hunger preachers who would have big followings and slur the name of Christ (see 2 Peter 2:1–3), a denial of the Noahic flood (how true is that one!), increase in violence (watch the news tonight), haters of God (listen to His name blasphemed daily), an increase in knowledge (think of the Internet/computer age), an increase in travel (air travel), false converts who would fall away from the Christian faith and get into the occult, and an increase in vegetarianism (see 1 Timothy 4:1-5).

Scripture also says that mockers would say that these signs have always been around (did you just say that?). We are even told why they would mock such clear truth--because they love their lust (2 Peter 3:1-7). That cuts close to the bone. Imagine that--a 2,000 year-old Book predicts what you would say, and why you would say it.

Here’s the trump card. Jesus said to watch for when the Jews regained Jerusalem (see Luke 21:24). That happened in 1967, after 2,000 years of the Jews not having a homeland, they stepped into Jerusalem, bringing into culmination all the signs of the times.

Don’t test God’s patience. You had better get right with Him today, before it’s too late.

A massive killer quake in China--proof that there's no God...or fulfillment of Bible prophecy?

The A to Z Mother

(The following post is in honor of my mother, who has taught me to be a success during my lifetime by simply following common sense characteristics such as education and courtesy when dealing with others. I also would like to honor my wife, whom I love very much, who has raised my six wonderful children, installing in each of them a love for God and others, and building a home that will have lifelong effects on each of us. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!)

Prov. 31:10-31 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

What is a godly Mom? Solomon so well describes what she is in the passage listed above from Proverbs. I want to look at a mother from A to Z in this passage. Our society has taken outward beauty and made it to be what is the most important and is obsessed with it. The Lord does not look at outward beauty alone. That is why He had placed in the scriptures these verses above. It behooves women to try harder to be what God sees than what man looks upon.

Asset- (vs. 10)
Beautiful (inner beauty)- (vs. 25)
Compassionate- (vs. 20)
Diligent- (vs. 16)
Entrepreneur- (vs. 24)
Fears the Lord-(vs. 30)
Good cook- (vs. 14,15)
Homemaker- (vs. 27)
Industrious- (vs. 18)
Joyful- (vs. 27)
Kind (vs. 26)
Loyal (vs. 12)
Model mother (vs. 28)
Noble character (vs. 10)
Organizer (vs. 21)
Praiseworthy (vs. 28;31)
Queenly (vs. 22)
Resourceful (vs. 16)
Skillful (vs. 19-20)
Trustworthy (vs. 11)
Understanding (vs. 26)
Vigilant (vs. 27)
Willing worker (vs. 13)
eXceptional (vs. 29)
Yielding (vs. 23)
Zealous (vs. 17)

WHAT IS WRONG IS WRONG

Colossians 3:25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

This portion of the Word of God is teaching about the relationship between servants and masters. Servants are taught to obey their masters with the right heart attitude, serving as unto the Lord and not unto men. The servant who thus performs his duty is promised a just reward from the Lord. God will righteously reward those who are faithful in their service and obey Him and others. However, those who do not obey will also be compensated. The context ends with our text, “But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done.” Wrongs that are not properly made right will result in definite retribution. We should all be thankful that Christ died on the cross for our sins, that we might be forgiven through the mercy of God the moment we trust Christ as Savior. We are likewise promised that when we sin, after we are born again, we can confess that sin to God and receive His gracious forgiveness. However, the same Bible that reveals these glorious truths also teaches us that God is a just Judge, and God Almighty will one day judge wrongs that are not made right. One day, we will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and give account for the deeds that we have done. Too many people choose to ignore this aspect of God’s justice. They live as though they can disobey God’s Word and never suffer any consequences or chastisement. Many seem to believe that God is always ready to reward good deeds, but is somehow unconcerned about “he that doeth wrong.” But the Bible teaches otherwise. The same God who rewards the doing of right, also rewards the doing of wrong. One may do wrong and somehow avoid being detected by others, “But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done.” God sees everyone and everything, and He will punish for acts of rebellion, regardless of who it is. “There is no respect of persons” with God. The fact that God recognizes and blesses the right choices and also judges wrong actions should motivate us to live in such a way as to please Him. We ought to be reminded that sin is serious and must be dealt with properly. Galatians 6:7 tells us, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Are You “A Used-to-be”?

As I go on visitation,
People are telling me
How they used to go to church,
And what they used to be.

They say they were a teacher,
And some were deacons too,
Others played the organ,
And ushers, there were a few.

Some used to drive a church bus,
Some sang in the choir, they’d say,
Some used to go on visitation,
And gave out tracts each day.

I’ve heard what they used to be,
And it made me wonder how
They could be active members,
But are doing nothing now.

And it made me wonder
If they were serving the Lord,
Or just active in the church
And finally just got bored.

Does God have a retirement plan?
Is His work just part time?
We’re chosen to be a soldier,
And should be on the battle line.

If you’re a soldier of Christ,
Put on the battle attire,
Let Him give the orders,
And when you should retire.

This battle is against Satan,
Until Jesus we see,
Are you busy serving the Lord,
Or just a “used to be”?

Written by Harry Todd

Mistakes in the Bible

(Here is one more good thought from Ray Comfort found on his blog, Comfort Food.)

One reason the Bible establishes itself as being the Word of God is that it exposes the hidden heart-motives of mankind. It reveals that:

• He is in rebellion who loves to sin (Romans 3:10-18).
• He mocks the things of God because he loves lust (2 Peter 2:14, 3:3).
• He hates the light of the Bible because it exposes the darkness of his sinful heart (John 3:19-21).
• He thinks the things of God are foolish (1 Corinthians 2:14).
• He is hostile towards God (and will even deny His existence) because of His moral dictates (Romans 8:7).
• He is plagued every day by the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14, 15).

In his ignorance he searches for what he believes are “mistakes” in the Bible to justify his godless beliefs. (This search, however, is not found in the Word of God itself, but from reading what others have said about the so-called mistakesin the Bible. They can't fanthom a thorough search on their own because of their hatred for God's very words which brings judgment to their sinful lifestyle.) He is like a man who diligently searches (with a magnifying glass) for a tiny fly dirt on the Mona Lisa, so that he can justify discarding the whole painting as junk.

TRUST AND OBEY

Psalm 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

If ever there were a single verse of Scripture that summarized the general responsibility of the Christian life, this could be it. We are to “Trust in the LORD, and do good.” We are to live by faith and do that which we know to do. We are always to rely upon God, trusting in Him entirely, yet never ceasing to obey His commands and principles. Daniel B. Towner was present in a testimony service in 1886 when a man, reportedly knowing little of the great doctrines of the Bible, stood to speak. He finished his testimony by saying, “I’m not quite sure-but I’m going to trust and I’m going to obey.” Mr. Towner wrote down the man’s words and shared them with John Sammis. The result was one of the most beloved hymns of all time, “Trust and Obey.” This is great advice for the youngest child of God and also for the most mature saint. There are two duties in this text, each with equal importance, both faith and obedience. As with many such verses, there is also a clear progression. Although obedience is critical, everything begins with faith. In the matter of salvation, one can never work his way to Heaven. We are born again when we “Trust in the LORD.” That regenerating work will manifest itself in the desire and ability to “do good.” There is also a clear balance for godly living in this profound and inspired statement. It presents the absolute necessity of both faith and works. Of course, faith is not passive; but living faith will result in obedience to Christ. At the same time, the effort to “do good” is not in conflict with faith, or a replacement for it. In the Christian life, faith and works complement each other. We have all witnessed the imbalance of those who claim to be relying on God, and yet they are unwilling to obey the commands of the Word of God. We have also known those who were zealously committed to doing what they perceived to be right, but without the essential presence of faith and dependence upon God. You have probably heard the familiar saying which embodies this principle, “Pray as if everything depends on God, and work as though everything depends on you.” The remainder of this text promises great blessing for those who will “Trust in the LORD, and do good.”

A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Trust and Obey by John H. Sammis, 1887

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,

What a glory He sheds on our way!

While we do His good will, He abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain:

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,

But His smile quickly drives it away;

Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,

Can abide while we trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,

But our toil He doth richly repay;

Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,

But is blessed if we trust and obey.

But we never can prove the delights of His love

Until all on the altar we lay;

For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,

Are for them who will trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,

Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;

What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;

Never fear, only trust and obey.

Quote-mining Atheists

(Here is a portion of another excellent article written by Ray Comfort found on his Comfort Food blog. I am sure you have met skeptics in the past who always "fling" Bible verses pointing out dishonoring "facts" about God or Christians, of course taken out of context, trying to prove their false thoughts about God Almighty!!!! Possibly some information in this article can be used to combat their foolishness....)

Question submitted to Ray Comfort - "I am an atheist. I do not believe in any god or gods or anything supernatural. So don't waste your time threatening me with eternal torture at the hands of some super being -- you might as well claim that I'm about to be serenaded by Alvin and the Chipmunks, I'm just not going to take it seriously.”

Ray Comfort's answer to the question - There are two issues here. One is the character of God. Another skeptic insinuated the same thing when he posted, “Can anyone interpret Numbers 31:7-18? Anyone?” The portion of Scripture tells how God told His people to kill every man woman and child and keep the virgin women for themselves. There are a number of other verses in the Bible that paint God as a merciless tyrant and if you so desire, you can “quote mine” them and have, what may feel to you, a good case against the character of God. As far as you are concerned, He is guilty of genocide. Add to that the terrifying threat of an endless Hell, and the worst of sinners feels justified in contempt for such a deity.

Let me tell you about my father. He regularly left my mom to take care of us kids (when he was around, there were times that he physically beat us). I remember him once killing a defenseless animal with his bare hands. With that information you would be quite justified in saying that my father was a tyrant--an abusive pig of a man.

Here’s some missing information. The reason he regularly left mom to take care of us was because he was a builder, and he was working long hours to make money to buy food for his beloved family. He did physically spank us when we lied or stole anything. He cared enough to correct us when we did wrong. Oh, and that helpless animal. He found it on the side of the road. It had been hit by a car and was dying. He put the poor animal out of its misery, and it grieved him to have to do it. My dad was a loving father and an extremely compassionate person.

Quote mine the Bible and you will paint God as a tyrant. But let me give you some more information. God gave us life. He gave us eyes to see the incredible creation he made for us.. He gave us ears to hear wonderful music He created for us. He gave us taste buds to enjoy all the incredible variety of food he made for us. And we use His name as a cuss word. We are unthankful and ungrateful for the unspeakable goodness He lavished upon us. So what did He do? He became a perfect Man in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. The first time Jesus opened His mouth to preach, they tried to kill Him. Scripture records that humanity tried to murder Him ten times before He reached the cross. But that’s why He came. This incredible kind, loving and forgiving God is also a God of justice and truth. His very nature demands that when a man murders another human being he must be punished. His justice demands that when a man rapes a woman, he must be punished for his crime. His righteousness cries out for justice to be done when anyone transgresses His perfect Law. So what did this kind God do? He gave His life on an unspeakably cruel cross, taking the punishment for the sin of the world, so that evil humanity could escape being justly punished in Hell.

So when I see Bible quote mining, I have a balance. I don’t see my Father as a tyrant because Scripture gives me extra information that tells me that He is just and holy, and that all His judgments are righteous and true altogether. That terrible cross shows me that His wrath hasn’t changed, but it shows me unspeakable love and mercy, goodness and kindness, compassion and care.

That brings us to the second issue, the character of the questioner. Having asked these questions of thousands of people, I feel qualified to give the answer I think he would give me. How many lies have you told in your life? “Many.” “Perhaps a hundred?” “Easily.” “Have you ever taken something that belonged to someone else, even if it’s small?” “Yes.” Have you ever taken God’s name in vain?” “Plenty of times.” “Have you ever watched sex scenes in R-rated movies?” “Of course. Many times.” If a peeping Tom did the same thing through a bedroom window, we would call the police and have him arrested as some sort of sexual pervert, and yet you have done the same thing as a peeping Tom, only your “window” is a movie screen. So I take it that you also look at women with lust?” “All the time.”

So Mr. Questioner, you are a lying, thieving, blasphemous, sexual pervert, and you have the gall to stand in moral judgment over Almighty God! Who do you think you are? Who are you to reply against God? Lay your hand upon your sinful mouth, and humble yourself before the justice of God spills over onto you and you find Him giving you what you deserve.

God killed a man and his wife because they told one lie. You have told over one hundred, and yet He has let you live. This isn’t because He has changed His standards. He is simply extending His kind hand of mercy towards you, a liar and pervert.

If I have a question about the character of God, I have the good sense to hold my hand upon my mouth until I am in Heaven, and there God may see fit to answer it. But if you stay in your sins, you will get a satisfactory answer to a point where you will say, “Oh, I understand. I was wrong” will be of little consequence in Hell.

Mockers think that they have a “smoking gun” as evidence against God, and are the sort of people in the front row of a lynching mob. In truth, they are building their own gallows. They can’t see clearly because they have a sequoia in their eye.

If the skeptic still wants to complain that God killed women and children in the Old Testament, he should realize that He did more than that. He proclaimed the death sentence on the entire human race--every man, woman and child. We will all die because we have sinned against God. So if you are a skeptic, stop whining, get right with Him through the Savior, and escape the damnation of Hell, while you still have time.