The Coming of the Mahdi?

Middle East tension rising as chance of conflict increases

My apologies for not posting lately. Things have been a little crazy around here, but I'm praying that I will be able to post more often now.

I thought I would start this post and talk a little of the tensions going on in the Middle East. I could come up with dozens of headlines concerning the current situation between Israel and Iran, however I just decided to post this one written by a fellow blogger. It's a little more concise.

Jesus said in Matthew 24:6 - "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet." And we are definitely hearing a lot of rumors of possible upcoming wars.

The Obama administration wants to have a tougher round of UN sanctions in order to keep Iran in check. Unfortunately, I don't believe that another round of sanctions will work. They haven’t worked in the past either. Iran is going to do what Iran wants to do. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad believes in the Mahdi, who is the promised redeemer of Islam.


According to Moojan Momen, among the most commonly reported signs that presage the advent of the Mahdi in Shia Islam are the following:

•  Before his coming will come the red death and the white death. The red death is the sword and the white death is plague.
•  Several figures will appear: the one-eyed Antichrist (Masih ad-Dajjal), the Sufyani and the Yamani.
•  The Muslims will throw off the reins of the foreigners and take possession of their land, overthrowing those rulers that are foreign agents.
•  There will be a great conflict in the land of Syria, until it is destroyed.
•  Death and fear will afflict the people of Baghdad and Iraq. A fire will appear in the sky and a redness will cover them. [Wikipedia

(To read more about the Mahdi, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahdi)

Their other goal is to destroy Israel [Little Satan] and the United States [Great Satan]. That is why sanctions won’t work. Why give in to sanctions when you are waiting for your version of heaven on earth with Islam reigning?


So, is there any wonder why Israel wants to attack Iran? No, this will not end well.

"Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Luke 21:28

God willing, until next time
Maranatha

How Well Do You Train?

^{24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NKJV)}

As he watched athletes training for and competing in their games, Paul saw an illustration of the struggles and victories of the Christian life. Although our final victory over death through Christ is always assured, we must strive for daily victory over the issues and temptations we face now.

We discipline ourselves, not in order to earn salvation, but to experience the joy and victory God intends for us now!


Look hard at your spiritual life. Are you vigorously participating in the game, barely keeping pace, or merely watching from the stands?**




So what are we training for? We train for the day to day battles that the Christian walk entails.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)

 <sup>The enemy is always prepared to put obstacles in our way. He wants to distract us from the Word of God. He wants to cause us to stumble in order to ruin our witness. He will do whatever he can to stop us from bringing another soul into the Kingdom of God. He wants to see us discouraged, depressed, and just ready to give up. He wants to see us hide within the four walls of our church on Sunday and then obsess about the football game a few hours later. He wants us to care more about our feelings of inadequacy or friend's feelings of being offended than our feelings for the Lord and having a heart for the lost. 


How do we train?


13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:13-20 (NKJV)


So, what do you do when the enemy does attack?</sup>

<sup>Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 (NKJV)


Now before anyone thinks that I'm pointing fingers at anyone, let me explain. I wrote this for myself. There are none of us who are exempt from the wiles of the enemy. I worry more when the enemy isn't attacking because that means that I'm not active and, therefore, not a threat. Do I look forward to these attacks? Absolutely not. It appears that the enemy knows everyone of my weaknesses and will use it against me. But I have hope because:


You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (NKJV)


So pray without ceasing, stay in the Word of God, and never be afraid to reach out to prayer warriors to intercede if you feel overwhelmed. Be blessed.


God willing, until next time
Maranatha

**Courtesy from God's Daily Promise</sup>

Who Do You Trust?

Europe Close to Banking Crisis, El-Erian Says: Tom Keene

A global financial crisis is at our door step.  Now I’m not going to go on and on concerning this crisis because, honestly, I do not have a great understanding on how all the global and often times back room dealings work.  However, I do understand enough to know that, in the financial world, it is bad and will get worse.

If, and perhaps I should say, when, the U.S. dollar is dumped as the world reserve currency, it will move us into third-world status as a nation. This will position the globe for a New World Order that will include such “benefits” as a one-world government, a universal debt-based currency, and a one-world religion

Now, has anyone read this somewhere before?  (Here’s a hint - it’s the last book of the New Testament.)

It is possible that there are powerful people behind the scenes, maneuvering the markets to attain this New World Order.  I won’t go into conspiracy theories, only what the Scripture tells us.  In the end, we have no personal control on where the markets go and the final outcome of the global financial situation.  The only thing we have control of is where our personal faith lies - with man and the world and then hope for “miracles” and answers or with a Holy God who already has the answers.

I know there are many who do not believe in the prophecies of the Bible, and that is their choice. But I would like to present people with this Scripture:

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Revelation 13:16-17 (KJV)

Now I believe that the Word of God preaches a pre-tribulation rapture of the Church.  I will go into that belief some other time.  However, for those who are not part of the Church, do not know Jesus as your Savior and Redeemer, you will miss the rapture.  If you live long enough, and that will be tough to do, when the Antichrist requires his mark, be warned now.   DO NOT TAKE THE MARK!!.

And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: Revelation 14:9-10 (KJV)

Now, for some words of encouragement.  As you watch the markets crumble, prices soar, and possibly governments topple, keep your eyes on Jesus alone.  Do not rely on your own strength and your own abilities. Don’t worry as the world worries.And most of all, remember that there is an Almighty God who is in control. At the end, everything will be for His glory and purpose.

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:20-21 (KJV)

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat?  Or what shall we drink?  Or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  Matthew 6: 31-33 (KJV)

Maranatha

My Response to "The Response"

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Matthew 24:5 (KJV)

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6 (KJV)

Rick Perry courts evangelicals at Houston prayer service

When the announcement came out that Texas governor Rick Perry was going to call a day of prayer and fasting, I was initially excited. Yes, our nation is in danger of God's judgement, and that won't be pretty. Some say that we are already under that judgement and I might cover that under another blog.

According to 2 Chronicles 7:14:

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

But as I was watching for updates about this prayer rally, little red flags started popping up. Several "pastors" from churches I didn't trust theologically were involved. Many of these are churches that believe that the Church has replaced Israel in the Bible, which is definitely not Biblically sound doctrine. And many like to preach "feel-good" messages but don't speak about sin. But that is for another blog and another time.

Now during this "Response", Governor Perry "asked Christians to turn to God for answers to the nation’s troubles". This is fine and dandy, our nation needs to repent. We need to repent for taking God out of our schools and public places. We need to repent for condoning the sins of homosexuality and fornication. We need to repent for turning our backs on Israel. We need to repent for the millions of children we have murdered legally. But if I could ask Governor Perry one question, it would be this.

Where is the true repentance? Where is the call to acknowledge Jesus as Savior and Jesus ONLY? Where is the genuine sorrow and tears that comes with true repentance?

Do not be deceived people. This was nothing more than a political ploy and a Trojan horse. The apostate, politically correct church trying to woo the conservatives and the "religious right". This was a wonderful feel-good rally with plenty of singing and fellowship. It would have been a fun rally to go to. But it was NOT a call to true repentance to a Holy God.

Be warned my brothers and sisters. There are many wolves out there seeking to devour the sheep. They will say the "right" words, pray the "right" prayers, and smile the "right" smile. But please, please check their doctrine against the Word of God.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 2 Timothy 4:3 (KJV)

These [Bereans] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:11 (KJV)

God willing, until next time

Maranatha

Prayer

In this manner, therefore, pray:
      Our Father in heaven,
      Hallowed be Your name.
       10 Your kingdom come.
      Your will be done
      On earth as it is in heaven.
       11 Give us this day our daily bread.
       12 And forgive us our debts,
      As we forgive our debtors.
       13 And do not lead us into temptation,
      But deliver us from the evil one.
      For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-11 (NKJV)

I believe that one of the most misunderstood things in our Christian walk is prayer. There are many who believe that there is something mystical about praying to God. Let me tell you about prayer. Prayer is a wonderful privilege God has given us to communicate with Him. Prayer is not some mystical experience, it is not magical words, it is simply our communication directly with God. You do not need another person to talk to God. You do not need a special formula to go to God. You do not need exact words to talk to God. Just talk to Him the same way you would your very best friend, which is exactly what God is.

One of the most popular books in recent times was the book "The Prayer of Jabez." This is a great "model for prayer", much like the anchor verse ... given to us by Jesus is a "model for prayer". The sad thing ..., many people think that there is some magical formula in the Prayer of Jabez. First, in proper context, it is the Biblical account of ONE person's prayer to God. The most important fact is, it is a great example of how ONE person communicated with their Creator. After all, that is what prayer is. The sad thing to me is how many people think that there is something "magical" about this prayer. **

It is no more special to God the time that it was uttered, than what you pray to God for. The most special prayer to God is when you talk to Him openly and honestly from your heart. It is you, in your open and honest way, asking Him for the desires of your heart, that God is interested in.

You don't have to say specific "magic" words, you don't have to be in a certain physical position to talk to God. Just simply take a few minutes, talk to God just like you are talking to your mom, your dad, you husband, your wife, or your best friend. Spill your heart to God. Be open and honest, since He knows anyway. All prayer is, is talking with God. There are no magic words, no magic formulas; it is simply you talking to God. **

Personally, here's what I do. I've been known to pray while driving down the road, pretending Jesus is sitting right next to me. I pray at my computer, especially when I see prayer requests come through on my facebook posts. I pray in the cool of a summer night, when it's quiet and I'm alone, sitting on my front yard swing. I pray before I fall asleep for all the things that are on my mind. I've been known to talk out loud, as if Jesus is right there beside me, which I know He is. And I feel at peace, knowing He is listening.

So don't be afraid to pray. When you feel like you need to talk to someone, instead of calling your best friend, call on Jesus and just start talking. He will listen. Just remember, the answers may vary. Sometimes the answer will be "Yes", sometimes the answer will be "Wait", and sometimes the answer will be "No" because God has something else in mind.

20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20 (KJV)
(Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)

God willing, until next time

Maranatha

** some texts taken from www.liveprayer.com by Bill Keller

Judgement Day?

According to Harold Camping, Judgement Day was supposed to happen on May 21, 2011. It is now May 22, 2011. Mr. Camping was wrong, once again.
Now I don't know personally many people who actually believed Mr. Camping, and I do know those who have either had fun with his prediction or have been concerned with the "what if". Personally, I'm praying that the hoopla that surrounded Mr. Camping will fade into the background and we can, once again, get back to what is important, which is preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

However, here is what I have noticed. There are also a lot of people who are making fun of judgement day prophesy, and they are including Bible believing escatologists into that mix. Let me say this:

But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. Matthew 24:36 (NKJV)

But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Mark 13:32 (NKJV)

I DID NOT BELIEVE MR. HAROLD CAMPING!

I will never predict when the rapture will happen and when the judgements will begin. However, I will say, in my opinion, that it will be soon. Now there have always been scoffers, and I believe the scoffers will increase. Scripture tells us it will happen.

3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3-4 (NKJV)

And, although I'm sure this isn't the way he planned it, in a way Mr. Camping has helped further prophesy. Jesus also warned us of false prophets and false teachers.

23 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24:23-24 (NKJV)

21 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. Mark 13:21-22 (NKJV)

In my opinion, Mr. Camping is just one of many more to come. False teachers and false prophets are on the rise. They are being led by their father, the devil, seeking to scatter the sheep and lead the unbelievers into the pits of Hell.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

And a message for those who are mocking anyone who believes in a coming judgement, be aware, judgement is coming. We don't know the day or the hour, but it is coming.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 2 Peter 3:10 (NKJV)

The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. Matthew 12:41 (NKJV)

1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 (NKJV)

And as for the rapture?

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Titus 2:13 (NKJV)

16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NKJV)

12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work ... 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely ... 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:12,17,20 (NKJV)

God willing, until next time

Maranatha

Shape of Things to Come

6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences,and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. Matthew 24:6-8 (NKJV)

US in shock as worst storms for 40 years kill almost 300


Historic Flooding Unfolding Along Mississippi, Ohio Rivers


I wrote yesterday about the massive tornado outbreak and the people who died in those storms. Today I want to talk about what lies ahead.

I have head a lot of speculation about whether these are judgements from God or the birth pains. Although I'm not going to get into that discussion now, I will say that things will get much worse.

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Romans 8:22 (NKJV)

The book of Revelation talks about major earthquakes several times.

12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.
Revelation 6:12-13 (NKJV)

Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake. Revelation 8:5 (NKJV)

In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven. Revelation 11:13 (NKJV)

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. Revelation 11:19 (NKJV)

18 And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. 19 Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. 20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. Revelation 16:18-20 (NKJV)

Imagine, an earthquake so great that the mountains and islands are all gone. Now this sounds pretty horrible to me. I certainly don't want to be around for any of it. And I believe that it won't be just earthquakes. I can imagine more massive tornado outbreaks, volcanoes, and hurricanes.

Do I believe that these are all birth pains? Although there are many who many disagree with me, I believe they are. I believe they are warnings to those who have either rejected Jesus or have not yet made up their minds. Now, how about those of us who have accepted Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Should we be afraid? Although the human part of us does fear, we need to remember that, through all of this, God is still in control.

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 (NKJV)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

I've said it before and I will say it again. Time is short. We many not know the day or hour of his coming, but we are to be in the Word of God and we are to know the signs.

2 He answered and said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; 3 and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. Matthew 16:2-3 (NKJV)

We, the Church need to be busy. We need to be witnessing and warning. We need to be telling people that time is short and Jesus IS coming back. And if you're still undecided, my warning to you is to look at the signs. The time for repentance is NOW. Tomorrow may be too late.

2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 (NKJV)

God willing, until next time

Maranatha