According to Business Week Magazine, just developed is a $700,000 machine that will map a few genomes, eradicate diseases and allow genes to be re-arranged.  The gene sequencers are headed to laboratories around the U.S. It is a machine that can analyze intricate changes that occur not just to the DNA but to other mechanisms in the body.    It allows scientists and doctors the ability to watch the body’s mechanism for decoding DNA.

According to Time Magazine, there are those who believe that: “We’re approaching a moment when computers will become intelligent, and not just intelligent but more intelligent than humans. When that happens, humanity — our bodies, our minds, our civilization — will be completely and irreversibly transformed. He believes that this moment is not only inevitable but imminent. According to his calculations, the end of human civilization as we know it is about 35 years away.”

We have genetic scientists who believe they can, in time, make man immortal.  They intend to change humans into something I do not believe God meant for us to be.  They believe they can alter a person’s DNA and can create a different form of life.  If this is approved is the cloning of humans next?  Who is behind this?

Genesis 6:1 – 8 – Prior to the flood, Satan sent his fallen angels to marry earthly women. (Not everyone believes this.)  He had decided to transform mankind into beings who would do his will rather than fulfill God’s plan for man.  They became Giants and wickedness spread across the world.  As a result of the evilness of humans, God believed it was necessary to flood the earth and start again.  He gave them 120 years to repent and change their ways. But, they only got worse.  There was only one man and his family who pleased God.  God gave Noah time to build the ark and the world, under Satan’s plan and power, would not repent.

When we read of genetic scientists planning to change the bodies of humans, it sounds to me as if Satan has a new plan.  He changed God’s plan for Adam and Eve and mankind.  Now it appears his plan is to change the world once again?  Do these scientists believe that God did not do a good job when He created man?  Do they actually believe they can improve on what God did?  Is Satan selling the same old lie over again?

How many people believe that scientists can give us eternal life with an immortal body?  Would this mean to the average non-believer there is no need to accept Christ who has promised an immortal body and eternal life with Him.  Would these scientists have us believe they could give us eternal life or at least another 900 years to live?  We could live hundreds of years before we need to become a believer.  If this were true we would no longer have to obey the commands of God.  Satan would convince most that they could submit to every lustful desire of the human body and live like they did pre-flood.  Jesus warned that in the last days people would live like they did during Noah’s and Lot’s time.  Look around, are we getting there?

Just like God saved Noah and his family from the flood, we as Christians, believe He will save us from the Tribulation that will come upon the world because of Satan’s influence over sinful man. The above is something to think about.

I am not against any improvements in modern medicine and the elimination of diseases.  I do have a problem with anyone who plans on changing what God created.  I don’t believe, in general, there is anything we can do to improve upon what God has made. If this could be done wouldn’t it be foretold somewhere in the Bible?  Since it isn’t, we probably shouldn’t be too concerned.  But then again, let’s not underestimate Satan.

Is it possible to build a hedge around yourself?  Thus, you will be protected in all areas such as: finances, health-wise, in relationships or spiritual.  Can you do it by yourself or does it require help from others?  Do you see the world as being full of wickedness and evil or do you see very little evil?  Maybe how you see the world will depend on your need for protection?  One’s prospective matters!  How you were raised, what you believe and what moral principles you have established could determine how you perceive the world.  I have friends who see the world from completely opposite views.

My view has been established from being a store manager in four stores and in management in five other stores in the states of Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho and Nevada.  I have dealt with hundreds of unhappy, angry customers who seemed to be looking for a fight before I had a chance to determine what their complaint was.  In 99% of the situations, once the problem was explained we were happy to make it right. There was absolutely no need for the customer to be emotionally out of control.  Do you suppose they believed the world was out to take advantage of them?  Therefore, I assume how we see the world will depend on how we react to certain situations.

I have worked with thousands of employees and have seen a number who seemed unhappy to have had to get out of bed and come to work.  I see the world as wicked and evil.  However, I cannot let it affect who I am or how I live.  Deuteronomy 6:4 – 9 – “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.  Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

When I accepted Christ as my forgiver and Savior I had a passion to live the life I felt God wanted me to live.  To live a holy and righteous life was the opposite of how I was living.  It did not take me long to realize I could not do it on my own.  I read that I was to love unconditionally.   That was foreign to me.  If you wanted my love, I expected something in return.  Scripture shared that I must be accountable, responsible and committed.  I was not committed to anyone, responsible to no one or held myself accountable to anyone other than me.  For me to have any chance of pleasing God I desperately needed help.    I then realized that God knew I could not do it on my own and that was why He had given me the Holy Spirit, to help me live in a world where it was like living in a jungle.  Only the fittest survived!

I learned that the more I could love God the more I could trust Him and accept His promises.  I then discovered the importance of developing a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Scripture told me I was to have the mind of Christ.  Can you do that without truly knowing and understanding Him?  I became aware that God had a purpose and a plan for my life.  He also wanted me to be healthy, prosperous, develop lasting relationships with others and to mature spiritually.  The more I read and studied God’s Word the more my habits and my actions changed.  Instead of being a criticizer I became an encourager.  Rather than thinking negative thoughts they began to become positive.  Instead of limiting my potential I believed I could do anything God said or asked me to do.  The more knowledgeable I became of the Bible the more I wanted to live to please God.   To please Him I had to become more accountable to Him, Christ and the Holy Spirit.

My view of the world has not changed.  How I live in the world and the protection I have from the world comes from following the commands of God as told by Christ.  He has met my needs, fulfilled all His promises and has blessed me beyond my wildest expectations.  To answer the questions: “How do you protect yourself from the world?”  The answer I found is following the manual God has written for us to live by.

You say you don’t have time to pray, to read and study the Bible?  Then I guess you will have to find a way to protect yourself from the ways of the world on your own.    Good luck!

As I write, the Holy Spirit reminds me of what I have learned over the years. I tell you all of these things because I want to share how important it is to know what to expect when you stand before Christ at the Day of Judgment and what the Bible has taught me. Here may be some of the questions you may want to prepare for:

1. How would you rate your relationship with Christ?
2. How often did you communicate with God in prayer?
3. Would you rate your service to others above average?
4. What kind of a Christian example did you set for your family and others?
5. How active were you in your church body?
6. Would Christ see you as one of His enthusiastic worshippers and supporters or just a weekend church attender?

Revelation 3:15 & 16 – “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” In answering the questions did you rate yourself hot, cold or lukewarm? It you were not hot do you think Christ will accept excuses?

Revelation 3:19 & 20 – “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.“

It seems like the only thing required is just opening the door when Christ knocks and we are guaranteed eternal life with Him. How often do we allow the pleasures of this world to make us become indifferent and independent of God? How much time do we spend in serving, worshipping and studying the Word? Have we ignored the Holy Spirit and His guidance? Do we need to allow the Holy Spirit to rekindle our zeal for God and allow Him to work in our hearts?

It is so easy to become complacent and self-satisfied. Are we so busy enjoying worldly pleasures that we can no longer hear Jesus knocking at the door of our hearts? Have we allowed security and material possessions, which give us temporary satisfaction and make us indifferent to God, the church and others, become more important than our relationship with Christ?

Over the years I have heard a number of Christian speakers state that only 20% of a church’s membership is really on fire for the Lord. Does that mean that 80% are lukewarm or cold? The Bible gives a warning but also a promise: Revelation 3:10 – “Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

I do not write this to be judgmental but I am concerned. We cannot all be paid pastors, evangelists or Bible teachers. But we can all have an unconditional love for God and have a love for others. I am 100% convinced that we are going to be judged on our love, our attitude and our willingness to help and serve others. But we should never get to the point that we feel we no longer need to serve God and others for we have done everything the Holy Spirit will ever ask us to do. For the 80% who are lukewarm in their relationship I would suggest we do what Christ instructs us to do—Revelation 3:19 “So be earnest and repent”.

One day Jesus will return and Christians will be raptured. There could be many left behind that professed to be Christians but never walked the walk as described above. I believe they will be given another chance. However, to become a Christian under the Antichrist could be a death sentence. It would be better they not take that chance and become hot for Christ today.

Problems can be personal, such as addiction, abuse, fear, anxiety or depression. They can be dreaded or approached with a positive attitude. Some will try to ignore problems, run from them, take drugs or let them fester inside.  There are individuals who try to carry the world on their shoulders.  They worry about the problems in the Middle-East, North Africa and radioactivity coming from Japan. They are concerned that the stock market is going to crash; that banks are going to fail and they hide money under their mattress.  They fret about global warming and the protection of insects. Bring it on—so I have something to worry about!

People often deal with problems differently. Problems may be opportunities to some and challenges to others. The way we approach and handle problems can affect us physically.  God created us with certain chemicals in our system.  How we see life and how we deal with problems could affect our body’s cells and our potential health.  We can react positively, maintaining peace and joy in our hearts or negatively and get a migraine headache.

Two things stand out in Scripture: the importance of having joy and peace in one’s heart and soul.  It is thought that how we think and our attitudes
shape how we look and the age our body shows.  People who have joy and peace normally find life fun and enjoyable.  They laugh and are a pleasure to be around.  They enjoy relationships and see the good in others.  Life is not fearful and depressing.  Psalms 126:2 – “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The LORD has done great things for them.’”

Dr. Charles Stanley preached on how to respond to problems.  Following are my notes.

The Bible tells us that God is interested in the problems of believers in Christ. Whatever problem we face He wants to help us solve it.  God is greater than any problem we have.  If we trust Him, He can get us through it. However, our first response must be to pray.  We are to ask that He show us the direction we should take and how we must react.  God may want us to seek out wise council.  Others may have faced the same situation and they can advise how they got through it.  Find someone you can trust who can keep it private.

God will provide a solution but we must be patient.  He doesn’t always answer immediately.  He may have allowed these certain problems to occur.  He states that we, as Christians, are predestined to become more and more like Christ.  Maybe we have a heart problem or an attitude that needs to be corrected.  What if every time we encountered a problem we were to ask: “God, what is it you want me to learn from this experience I have to face”?  Then believe He will take us through it for our own good.

God’s solution will require an act of faith.  Regardless what God directs us to do we must obey even if it doesn’t seem reasonable.  God had people doing things in the Bible that didn’t make sense.  Yet those who trusted Him saw miracles happen.  Are we really ready to trust Him?

God’s answer to our problem will always bring the best results.  If your child or loved one is having a serious problem, wouldn’t you give them the best advice?  Sometimes it may require tough love.  But, you would be there for them as God is there for us.

The important thing to remember is not how a problem might affect us but how we respond to it. Will I allow my self-centered, I can handle it mind-set, take over or allow my God, who loves me and wants what is best, help me face any and all problems? It shouldn’t be a hard choice!

God calls us to live holy lives.  If we live impure lives what happens?  We have no excuses.  God knowing the flesh is weak has given us the Holy Spirit to help each believer to have wisdom and the ability to reject temptation.  Most often, but not always, the more mature we become spiritually the less problems will affect our lives.   If I began having an unusual abundance of problems I would spend more time studying my Bible and praying.   I would think God was trying to get my attention or, He had something really great in the future that He was preparing me for.  Many times that has happened.

There will be two times when Jesus returns. When He first comes it will be at the rapture when He comes through the clouds to snatch or lift up Christ’s followers instantaneously. He will not touch the ground. Those left behind will go through the great Tribulation, which will be the worst of times. There will have never been anything so severe and devastatingly disastrous before in the history of the world.

After the Tribulation Christ will return to earth and rule for a 1000 years. He shall rule a righteous government from Jerusalem. During this time Satan will be chained for those many years. Those who will rule with Jesus are those coming from Heaven and those having been raptured.

Following are signs that are not necessarily in the order that they will take place. There are additional signs besides these. But God has made it very clear what we might expect should we go through the Tribulation. However, my best guess is that believers will meet Christ in the area prior to the disasters described below.

Matthew 24:3 – “As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

Luke 21:31 – 32 – “Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.” The Apostle John lived into his 90s. Many have different ages for determining the length of a generation. The generation started May 14, 1948. In the year 2011 it was 63 years ago.

Matthew 24:6 – 7 – “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.”

Mark 13:8 – “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.” Luke 21:11 – “There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. Verse 26 – “People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.” The earth was shaken off its axis on March 3, 2011. There will be a time when the earth’s shaking will be felt everywhere and fear will come on the world.

Joel 2:28 – 29 – “And afterward, (in the end times) I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” This Scripture is now being fulfilled.

Revelation 6:8 – “I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.”

II Thessalonians 2:3 – (Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ) “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.”

Revelation 13:2b – 4 – “And the dragon gave the beast his own power and throne and great authority. I saw that one of the heads of the beast seemed wounded beyond recovery—but the fatal wound was healed! The whole world marveled at this miracle and gave allegiance to the beast. They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they also worshiped the beast. “Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed. “Who is able to fight against him?” A one-world government

Revelation 13:7 & 8 – “And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation. And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast. They are the ones whose names were not written in the Book of Life before the world was made—the Book that belongs to the Lamb who was slaughtered.”

Revelation 13:11 – 17 – “Then I saw another beast come up out of the earth. He had two horns like those of a lamb, but he spoke with the voice of a dragon. He exercised all the authority of the first beast. And he required all the earth and its people to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. He did astounding miracles, even making fire flash down to earth from the sky while everyone was watching. And with all the miracles he was allowed to perform on behalf of the first beast, he deceived all the people who belong to this world. He ordered the people to make a great statue of the first beast, who was fatally wounded and then came back to life. He was then permitted to give life to this statue so that it could speak. Then the statue of the beast commanded that anyone refusing to worship it must die. He required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name.” One-world religion

Revelation 11:3 – 13 – “And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” They are “the two olive trees” and the two lamp stands, and “they stand before the Lord of the earth.” If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want. Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. Their bodies will lie in the public square of the great city—which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where also their Lord was crucified. For three and a half days some from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth. But after the three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on. At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.”

Matthew 24:17 – 18 – “Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak.” The beginning! Zechariah 4:1 – 2 – “A day of the LORD is coming, Jerusalem, when your possessions will be plundered and divided up within your very walls. I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured, the houses ransacked, and the women raped. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be taken from the city.” We believe this to be the war of Armageddon that is the end.

Before all this takes place God will give all humans a chance to accept Christ as their personal Savior and be saved from what will happen. I described this in my blog: “A Christian Revival in the Middle-East”. Millions are now being saved as believers of Christ annually.

My recent blogs have concerned the Radical Muslims and the Muslin Brotherhood.  I believed it was time to give another side to the story.

Joel 2:28 – 29 – “And afterward, (in the end times) I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.  Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” NIV

Those who belong to my church have heard this story before.  In 1981 my family joined Central Christian Church in Las Vegas, NV.  Within three months it was like the Holy Spirit was telling me this church is going to start a spiritual revival in Las Vegas.  At that time we had attendance of about 450.  We now have weekend services with over 30,000 on special occasions.  I thought Christianity would spread throughout the U.S. as described in the above Scripture and we would see a tremendous wave turning to Christ, especially after September 11, 2001.  From what I read it is just the opposite, fewer and fewer are attending churches in America.  In fact a number of churches have closed their doors.  In many churches there seems to be nominal Christians—attending weekend services not on a regular bases.  So where is the spiritual revival that I had expected?

I have just read a book: “Inside the Revolution” by Joel Rosenberg, describing the spiritual revival taking place in Muslim countries today.  According to this book, there are Muslims converting to Christianity by the thousands.  There are millions of Christians in Iran, Sudan, Pakistan and Egypt.  More Muslims are coming to faith in Jesus Christ than at any time in history.  The author states that Muslim’s despair and despondency at what they see as the utter failure of Islamic governments and societies to improve their lives, give them peace, security, a sense of purpose and meaning in life are causing them to leave Islam in search of truth. They also indicate they are fed up with Muslims killing Muslims.  It is estimated that six million Muslims are converting annually.  Keep in mind, such numbers are not possible to verify.

These new Christians are not meeting in church buildings but in houses and underground.  The price in accepting Christ is possible death or at least imprisonment.  In Algeria the law is, if a Christian shares their faith with another it is a two to five year imprisonment.  President Ahmadinejad of Iran has vowed to stop Christianity and the in-house church movement.  I have an Iranian friend, who I have known for over 20 years.  He states that his family, who are living there, estimates that less than 20% of the Iranians support their present administration.  Those who do are those who are living off the government.  Does that sound familiar?

Radio and TV broadcasting into Muslim nations are reaching an estimated 50 million Muslims a day with the message of the gospel. Millions of satellite dishes are seen from small villages to big cities.  They seem to be throughout the Middle-East and North Africa.  They have web sites in multiple languages answering numerous questions about Christ.  In fact, so many respond that they cannot all be answered.  They estimate that hundreds of millions of Muslims go to bed every night without any hope, without any peace, without having their sins forgiven, without the assurance that they are going to heaven when they die.

What is unique about many Muslim conversions is how similar they were to the Apostle Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus in Acts 9.  They become bold and fearless, not wavering and devout immediately.  Their experience is so personal that their lives are changed forever.  They realize that God did a supernatural work in their heart.   They often do not hesitate to become involved in spreading the message of the gospel.  Maybe the problem in America in becoming a Christian is too easy. Most conversions in the U.S. people are persuaded rather than seeing a personal vision, meeting Jesus in their dreams or seeing a supernatural event take place that’s personal to them.

You know what seems to be missing in America? It’s the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit at work to evangelize Americans.  Has God given up on us?  Thousands upon thousands of Muslims tell of dreaming about Christ or receiving a vision, or both.  Many will have a dream or a vision and within days will meet a Christian who will lead them to Christ.  Some become Christians within minutes after being told about the gospel, the desire is so great.  This creates a gigantic problem.  There just are not enough Christian leaders to meet the needs of new converts.  The risk of being a Christian leader is possible arrest, torture and execution.

Since the 1960s Americans have changed.  We used to be known as the melting pot of the world.  Immigrants could come here and assimilate into our society and become an American citizen.  Today, people come and want us to accept their culture, their beliefs and their language.  The reason many become a citizen is to get our benefits.  As a result, many of our Christian fundamentals and beliefs have been diminished.

Many Americans think the answer to the troubled Middle-East can only be solved via war. (Here’s a wild dream!) Just think what could be accomplished with a U.S. government supporting a world-wide evangelistic spiritual outreach with God 100% behind it, versus a military approach.  Sure there would be millions in opposition.  There would be more opposition from taxpayers supporting a Christian outreach to the world than there would be in opposing Planned Parenthood or another war. Which would be least costly and have the greatest results with God’s help? (Well that is what Iran is doing with Islam.) Even suggesting putting the cost in the federal budget and there would be seen more evil and protesting like America has never evidenced before.  That is the grip that Satan has on so many Americans.  That may be why it seems Jesus and the Holy Spirit is working among those less privileged for now.

Need I suggest that we pray for those converting to Christianity all over the world?  It sure seems God is still in control and has a plan with the world existing in its present crisis seeming situations.  God loves everyone and desires that none should perish and is now using dreams and visions as prophesied in the above Scripture.

As I was in bed, this a.m., I had an instant dream thinking how easy it was to become a Christian compared to other religions.  I wake up and I am thinking, is the Holy Spirit sharing with me?  I read approximately 20 hours a week.  I read stories of Christians who say the Holy Spirit actually talks to them.  They say they are told to go to a specific person and tell them about Jesus.  Or your neighbor needs you to talk to them.  I have read where Muslims heard Jesus talk to them and they were instantly converted.  Some have had experiences similar to the Apostle Paul on the road to Damascus when he was struck by a light.  Then Jesus talked to him.

Jesus does not talk to me as He does others.  However, I find that if I listen intently there are times He will inspire me.  He puts numerous thoughts into my head.  How do I know it’s the Holy Spirit?  The Bible confirms that God gave us, as believers, a Holy Spirit to do just that.  Yet, the majority of Christians are not rewarded with the blessings available because they ignore the Spirit that is within them.  A believer knowing that the Holy Spirit is within is a confirmation that they have become a member of God’s family.

When I sensed the Holy Spirit was sharing with me, I listened.  All kinds of thoughts came to mind.  First, it was how easy it is to become a Christian.  Then I think it is just as easy for other religions because they are just born into theirs.  They didn’t even have to make a choice.  But it’s easier to live as a Christian.  Our beliefs are about a relationship with God and a loving relationship with others.  Others may have to pray five times a day and have a list of requirements that they have to meet daily.  We know that when we receive the Holy Spirit we have eternal life with God.  Many others never know what their eternal future might be. Their eternity is based on whether the good things they have accomplished actually outweigh the sins they have committed.  How would you know whether you have more sins than deeds?

We all have a worldly spirit, (one’s carnal nature) that continually tries to persuade and many times discourage us. I believe, to some degree, our worldly spirit tells us we are unworthy to be a Christian.  I doubt if any of us haven’t done something in our past that gives us guilt feelings.  Doesn’t that other spirit talk to us the same way the Holy Spirit talks to us?  Are there times we cannot tell the difference as to which spirit is giving us guidance?  Do you believe the Holy Spirit would make you feel guilty?

Are we conscious of the warning that we read in I Peter 5:8 – “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”  My NIV study Bible states:  Watch out for Satan when we are suffering or weak, when we are feeling alone, helpless or focused on our troubles that we forget to watch for danger.  We are then especially vulnerable to Satan’s attacks.  Keep your eyes focused on Jesus and resist the devil.

Peter tells us the Holy Spirit wants to help us and that another spirit, the devil, wants to destroy us.  How many of us are aware that thoughts come to us from two differing spirits?  How easily can we be deceived when we cannot distinguish between the Holy Spirit and our worldly spirit putting thoughts into our mind?

As a believer we are an heir of God.  Why do so many of us seem to have such poor self-images?  Why do so many of us act negatively.  Is it because we are listening to the wrong spirit?  We are told that we have been given the highest privilege in the universe.  God tells us we are His family and we have His mercy.  Is it that we are not aware of what the Bible says, we do not understand or just cannot trust God’s promises?

Have you ever made a choice and later discovered it was the wrong thing to do?  Yet, when you made the decision you believed it was the best selection you could have made.  We as Christians must realize that we have been called to a life that may cause unjust suffering.  We should not be surprised when it happens.  Everyone in the Bible went through some very trying times.  I believe God allows that to happen so we might build character, maturity and learn dependence on Him.  Many times what happens to us is not a result of our having made the wrong decision.  I believe our worldly spirit tells us that once we become a Christian only good things will happen to us.  The devil would want us to believe that when bad things happen it was because we were not living a holy life.  He then would try to convince us that God is too busy to help us in our time of need.

John 14:1 tells us (do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God!)   Our purpose in life is to love.  When we have love the unbearable becomes bearable and in the darkness there is a glimmer of light.  Jesus is proof that God is willing to meet our needs.  If we believe in Jesus we can accept things that we may not be able to understand and the problems in life that we encounter, we can still remain calm and at peace.  The life we live to a great degree depends on what spirit we trust.  We must learn to distinguish where are thoughts are coming.  Without Bible study and prayer it is more difficult to know who is speaking and whom we are listening to.

John 3:8 – “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”  Christ says: You hear the wind.  You may not know where it comes from or where it goes.  You do not have to understand it to know it’s there.  You do not have to know how the Holy Spirit works but you will be able to recognize it in the lives of people.  We can be the most knowledgeable Christians when it comes to Scripture, but if we have not experienced the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit in our lives we will never fully understand what Scripture means.

We must realize that with the Spirit’s power in our lives we are able to overcome the voice that comes from our worldly spirit and live a victorious life for God.  As children of God we should no longer be controlled by the world’s ways.

When I was transferred to Las Vegas as a store manager part of our operation was a service station and a fourteen bay shop.  Our sales in automotive parts and services, at today’s prices, would be more than two million dollars.  We also sold many gallons of gasoline.  In 1973 oil was about $5 a barrel and when I arrived in 1974 our gas was selling at .499 per gallon.  During the Carter administration and the Iranian Shah was being ousted oil was $13 a barrel and gas was selling for .90 cents.  In 1981 it went to $1.38 and in 1998 oil was $10 a barrel.  On July 12, 2008 oil had gone to $147.27 a barrel and gasoline in some cities exceeded $4.00 a gallon.  In 2008 America spent $690 billion dollars on OPEC oil.  We went from oil being $5 a barrel to as high as $147.  Today in Las Vegas, 3/2011, gas is $3.78 and a barrel of oil is $105.  Gas was $4.00 and oil was 147.  Today oil is $105 and gas is almost $4.00—go figure.

The reason I point this out is we have made anti-American nations wealthy that would like to see us destroyed.  Need I explain what they have done with this wealth?  They support Radical terrorism throughout the world.  The destruction of the World Trade Center buildings on September 11, 2001 was a result of mostly Saudi Arabia suicide pilots.

What do you think the average cost of a barrel of oil would cost today if we were energy independent?  In late 2008 with America taking much of the oil produced globally it was less than $30 a barrel.  America has an estimated 150 billion barrels of oil in reserve.  Investor’s Business Daily writes that we have enough oil to supply 60 million cars for 60 years.  This does not include shale or natural gas.

Why have we not had an energy plan since 1979 when President Carter made a commitment to become energy independent?  Because we have people who are against a capitalistic economy.  Listen to TV or read financial newspapers and you will discover that they are doing whatever they can to bankrupt America.  They are trying to do it through housing foreclosures as well as energy.  If you don’t believe it listen to what they are saying.  They are not hiding what it is they are trying to do.

I got interested in the Book of Revelation when Hal Lindsey’s book The Late Great Planet Earth in 1970 was published.   I have read and reread many, many times and have taught prophecy at churches four different times.  Revelations predicted much of what is happening today.  For years I had no idea how all Bible prophecy could possibly happen.  I didn’t believe any president would allow us to rely on foreign nations to be our major supplier in oil to keep our economy running smoothly.   Everyone knew what would happen if they stopped shipping oil to us or at least they should.  Yet, here we are today without an adequate supply of American oil and refusing to do anything about it.

I now patiently wait for Russia, Iran and others to attack Israel.  I know who wins.  Egypt will soon turn from peace with Israel to enemies.  Egypt will be destroyed and no one will enter it for 40 years.  Reading prophecy is more exciting than anything TV can produce.  It’s like watching the Super Bowl and knowing who will win before the game is started.  I believe if Las Vegas makes book on whose going to win some of the things that will take place shortly, it will be o.k. for Christians to make bets.  It is not gambling when you know who is going to win.  On second thought, I don’t want to be standing in line to make a bet when the rapture comes.

If our government is going to allow our country to become bankrupt and collapse, it just means the end-times are arriving sooner not later.  The greatest negative is it doesn’t have to happen and we could change it, but will we?  However, it doesn’t look like our politicians want change nor do they believe in Bible prophecy.  We all know God is in control.  Is it in His plan or is He just allowing it to happen because of who we are and our disobedience?  Be prepared!  Belong to the winning team.

My previous blogs have dealt with the end times and the forming of a one-world government and a one-world religion.  The world will be deceived by the amazing powers and signs of the Antichrist and the false prophets.  The Antichrist will come as a descendant of King David and will be seen as a world leader just exactly what the Jews believe their Messiah would be.  As we know, the Jewish religious leaders would not accept Jesus Christ because He came as a servant and they expected the Messiah to defeat the Romans and rule the world.

The Antichrist will come at a time when it appears the world is headed for World War III.  Because of his death and resurrection he will come as a leader who can bring peace to the world.  The world will also be engulfed in a financial collapse and he will have the answer to solving the world’s economic problems.

Globally we are arriving at a point where we are headed to where everyone can become connected to the Internet.  The falling dollar could lead to a cashless society where a person cannot buy or sell except electronically.   There will neither be checks, money orders nor ATMs.  To stop fraudulent transactions and hackers, everyone will receive a number placed on a micro processor chip imbedded in the hand or forehead.  There was an article in Business Week about twenty years ago predicting a cashless America. From what that article said I thought it would have occurred prior to now.

Once the Antichrist takes over He signs a seven-year peace treaty with Israel.  For a period of time everyone will treat him as their messiah and worship him.  After a time, 3½ years, people will lose their basic rights such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion and will live under a Marxist type government.  With the implanted GPS tracking number, referred to as the Mark of the Beast, the government will know where a person is at all
times.  The world will accept all that is asked of them because of a leader who brings peace and an economic recovery.  They will still be convinced
he is the messiah that the Jews, Muslims and Christians believed would return from Heaven to rule for a 1000 years. But he isn’t and true Christians will know better!

Every economic transaction, every e-mail, Facebook, etc. and phone calls will be electronically monitored.  It will eliminate all opposition as they will know the beliefs of every individual.   We see occurring in North Africa today the population gathering in groups of hundreds of thousands to protest their leaders. You will not see this happen under the Antichrist for it will not be tolerated.  The fear of savage beatings and immediate death will control any opposition.  There will be no person or nation able to stand up against him as Scripture describes.

During the last 3½ years the Jews will be savagely treated.  Many will be killed but a remnant will be saved when Jesus returns. In Revelation 19:19 – 21 John states that the Antichrist and the false prophet will lead a huge army of many nations against Christ and his army at Christ’s second coming.

Zechariah 13:8 – 9 – “In the whole land,” declares the LORD, “two-thirds will be struck down and perish; yet one-third will be left in it.  This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”  Christ and His army will win and Satan will be bound in hell for a 1000 years.  At that time the Jews and a remnant of Gentiles will accept Christ as the true Messiah and will become reconciled with God through Christ. Israel will be restored and peace will come to the world.  Jesus then rules from Jerusalem over a peaceful world.

Theologians teach that there could be different times when the church will be raptured, caught up with Christ in the air.  Most believe Christians will meet Christ before those seven evil years.  Others believe they will be raptured after the 3½ years of the Tribulation.  There are some who believe they will not be caught up until after the seven years of Tribulation.   Regardless of when Christ returns to rapture Christians we must be ready.  We certainly do not want to be left behind.

It should be noted that the Antichrist doesn’t seem likely to take over while Russia and China are still militarily strong.  In my previous blog I used Ezekiel 29:9 – 15 and 39:1 – 6 and Isaiah 17:1 – 3.  It says no nation will stand against the Antichrist. If there is no super-power left, it would be easier.   What does that say about America?  Will we allow bankruptcy to destroy us?  It is estimated that 20% of our population want to destroy our capitalistic economic system.  If they are in control, they could do it.

How could anyone study the Bible and not realize that God is completely in control?  Yet, leaders rule as if they were.  According to Scripture, it seems Satan is putting his team together.  Be careful whose side you take; God or our world’s leaders?

The biggest questions many Christians have during these times is: “When are the end-times coming” and “When are we going to be raptured?”  Nowhere in the Bible is the term “Rapture” found.  It is a Latin word that describes being taken away in a state of joy, caught up or plucked up.  Scripture tells us that Enoch and Elijah went to Heaven without dieing.  Christ went up into the clouds and it was witnessed by many.  Phillip was taken away and reappeared at a new location.  (Acts 8:39)  The Apostle John, author of Revelation was taken to heaven but he did not know whether he was in the body or his spirit.  The term rapture is used referring to the church rising from earth to Heaven.  Practically every theologian agrees this will occur.  They just can’t agree on when it will happen.  I Thessalonians 4:13 – 16 – “For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.  According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” I Corinthians 15:35 – “But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?”  52 to 55 – “in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.  When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’”

John 14:1 – 3 – “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.  My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

This is not Christ’s second coming.  That is believed to come after the Tribulation when the Antichrist is sitting in the Temple saying he is god.  But as Christians meet Christ in the air we will have resurrected bodies and will go to be with Him forever.  Jesus warns that those who are unsaved believers will end up in the Tribulation period.  When the church meets Christ in the clouds, could be at different times.  It could be prior to the Tribulation, after 3½ years or at the end of the Tribulation.

We are told the beast described in Revelation or the “Antichrist” will rise to power.   He will be killed and come back to life and form a one-world government.  After a time he will negotiate a peace with Israel and an agreement to protect them.  He will be given unusual supernatural powers and many will be convinced that he is the messiah.  The Antichrist will rule as the Jews believed Christ should have done if He was truly God’s Messiah.  Another beast rises that we call the false prophet heading a one-world religion.  The false prophet requires that everyone must worship the Antichrist who rules over every nation, race and tongue.  There will be millions who have gone to church for years who were never saved and were not raptured.

II Thessalonians 2:8 – 12 – And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.  The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.  For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.”

Revelation 3:10 – “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”  Many believe this means those who are saved will be raptured prior to the Tribulation.  However, there are many who believe that Christians will go through part or all of the Tribulation.  I believe that the Antichrist will be held back until the Holy Spirit is withdrawn at the time the church is raptured.  I Thessalonians 1:10 – “and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.”  I believe Christians will be rewarded for being faithful and will not have to endure the atrocities of the Tribulation.  However, Scripture tells us that God wishes that no one will perish.  It would be highly unlikely many would be saved if the church was removed and the Holy Spirit was gone and the great deceiver had control of everyone.

During the Tribulation there will never have been a time like it.  There will be gigantic earthquakes, volcanoes erupting, stars falling from the sky.  There will be the most evil people ever to have lived.  There will be starvation, sickness and no hope.  One-third of the population, over two billion people, will die during this seven year period.  We believe there will be 144,000 Jewish evangelists that will convince many Jews that they had been deceived by the Antichrist.  They will accept Christ and many will be martyred.  Do you want to hang around or meet Christ?

One thing we are sure of knowing.  The true Messiah, Christ, will come to rapture the church and we will meet Him in the air.  He will not come as a ruler until after the Tribulation.  Anyone else will be from Satan and he was capable of deceiving 1/3 of the angels.  Don’t allow him to sway you if you are left behind.  If the church is gone and the Holy Spirit is in heaven it may be tough to repent and be saved.  What’s the BIGGEST gamble in LIFE?  To deny Christ!

Matthew 10:28 – “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”  (Fear God!)

Matthew 8:26 – “He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.”  You must have faith!

We are in the end times.  We just do not know when that day will come.  If you have repented and have been saved there is absolutely nothing to be worried about.  Live each day with peace in your heart and love for God.  If you fear, as a saved believer, that you may be missed in the rapture, pray for faith.  Rely on God’s promise!  (We are saved by grace and not by works.)