This could be the most important presidential election in America’s history. The U.S. Supreme Court and our judicial system have done more to destroy America’s future than any president or any congress. Their interpretation of the 1st amendment to our constitution could cause us to become another Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina and other countries that have become socialistic and in a financial recession or depression.

The First Amendment (Amendment I) to the United States Constitution prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion, abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, interfering with the right to peaceably assemble, or prohibiting …

The “INTENT” of this Amendment was that we would not select a pacific denomination that everyone had to accept as a government religion such as was the case in England, the Church of England. The Supreme Court has used this Amendment to decide the separation of church and state, any woman could get an abortion at any time, who could get married, you could no longer pray or teach the Bible in public schools or public places, the Ten Commandments had to be removed from all public places and police are denying the constitutional right to allow, in certain cases, protesters to refrain from rights to almost riot to protect their freedom to assemble.

Many believe that God used Christians and Jews to settle and develop America to keep peace in the world as we have done in World I and II and other interventions. As long as we feared God and were dependent on Him, our country became the most prosperous and peaceful nation.

When I was a child, the Bible was taught at times in my public grade school, we all knew the Ten Commandments and most of us were raised on small farms were dependent on God to give us rain for our food and dry weather when needed. We were told stories about how God had protected America.

October 1746, 90 French ships were gathered off the coast of Massachusetts with 13,000 army men on board with plans to destroy cities from Massachusetts to Georgia. New Englanders began to prepare for a potential invasion by the French. The Governor mandated that every one hold a day of prayer and fasting and go to their churches to pray that God would protect them. It was a very sunny day. As they began praying for God’s protection, the skies began to cloud up and rain started to pour down. It stormed so badly that many of the ships were sunk, over 12,000 French army men lost their lives and the admiral decided to return to France. The bells in the church tower began to ring but no one was there to ring them. But the praying Christians knew that it was God’s way of telling them He had answered their prayer. What would happen if a public school teacher were to tell this story today? There would be a law suit. Guess who would win thanks to our present judicial system using the separation of church and state?

I remember World War II because I had nine cousins who were in the service. Everyone faced battles and their lives were on the line. A pilot who had to land on a beach, a cousin who was on two ships that were sunk by submarines, a scout for General Patton’s march through Africa and one who was told to stay on shore while his crew returned to their ship. Their small craft was blown up and all were killed. When we went to a family reunion, after the war, and heard all of the supernatural stories they told, there was no doubt, there was a God and He had protected each one of them.

Can you see how important this coming election could mean to Americans? The Supreme Court’s rulings seem to have been anti-God. What if we get a number of Supreme Court Justices that were to continue with these anti-God decisions? Would our educators continue to teach what is negative about America and refuse to give God the credit for who we are as a nation? Would all of our history books again get updated to this horrible nation that we live in? This election is crucial. Are we going to let Satin deceive us into believing his philosophy? Have we allowed our judicial system to be placed on the tract to exploding our previous way of life? Other than a spiritual revival of Americans, I see no way to change the direction we are headed. Do you have another answer?

Having spent many years in management and having worked with thousands of people I believe using Christian principles can be a tremendous benefit in becoming a leader and being successful. May I suggest that if you are a leader or would like to become one in the church, in an organization or in any business you may want to read what the apostle Paul writes to Timothy about leadership.

Many of us have learned to become leaders by seeing the mistakes of bosses or supervisors for whom we have worked. Some of us have worked for imperfect, overbearing or incompetent bosses and realize that they can drain one’s energy and all but destroy creativity. Creative, competent and independent-thinking people have a tendency to challenge questionable decisions and this is intolerable to certain bosses. Or have you worked for a boss whose decisions were capricious, arbitrary and seldom predictable? This is why I believe what Scripture teaches can be so helpful in developing a leadership attitude and abilities.

The apostle Paul says that a good leader needs to have high ethical standards and have a good reputation with others. He or she should be a person who is living a life that is blameless and fair to all. It is a person who is in no relationship or a monogamous one. A leader should live and do things in moderation, having limits, control excesses and not be seen as an extravagant individual. They should have enough self-control to resist temptations and would never become addicted to anything. They should make reasonable and sane judgments.

A leader must be respected by others. We must realize that our decisions and behavior determines our character and present a lasting impression on others. Respect is always earned and never comes from one’s position. A disrespected boss can only obtain a limited amount of productivity. In order to gain the most effort out of employees their management style is normally based on fear.
A good leader must be a gracious host and have a servant’s heart according to Paul. They would never ask someone to do something they would not be willing to do themselves or pitch in and help if the need is warranted.

A good leader must be able to teach and communicate in order for others to understand. It is important to have purpose and direction or a mission statement in order for everyone to be on the same page. Bosses sometimes really do not know what it is they want and lack the ability to give proper directions. This can lead to having a dysfunctional work force.

Paul would probably ask who would like working for a drunk. Many people who are alcoholics drink because of personal problems or to escape reality. Throughout Paul’s writing he is continually stressing moderation in all things and becoming addicted to nothing.
A good leader is able to control anger. A leader can be stern and use discipline without raising their voice or going into contortions. Anger can cause words to be used that can destroy employee’s morale. A person with a gentle spirit can be just as requiring as an ogre.

There are bosses who have quarrelsome attitudes. No matter what is said they need to state their opinion. In some situations they need to prove that their way is the only and best way. There are bosses who are unwilling to listen to anyone under their authority with different suggestions. They limit one’s ingenuity and effectiveness by not allowing an employee to take ownership in what they have been asked to do.

Scripture teaches us that money must be a by-product from services rendered or products produced. If money is our specific goal it can become our god. My business or one’s job must be part of their ministry for Christ. I hope most people understand what this means. We are not to put ourselves before others and should be doing our job to help others. We are to live by the “Golden Rule” to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. I have found over the years that an employer cannot afford to lose good, qualified and capable employees. In normal times these people have unlimited opportunities. Good leadership surrounds themselves with superior employees and makes conditions conducive to keeping that help.

Paul tells us in I Timothy chapter three that a good leader must be able to manage their family well. If one cannot manage their family they probably will never become a great leader. To do an adequate job at both home and workplace requires compassion. Too many times parents can be too authoritative, domineering, cruel, overly stern or abnormally protective. Thus, they cause those they lead to become dependent upon the leader to provide their purpose and direction. Studies have indicated that many times how one manages at home is duplicated in the workplace. This is the main reason I have favored Donald Trump, it has been due to his family relationships.

Parents and good leaders must show firmness, mercy and compassion. They must be fair and have balance in their decision making. They must be responsible role models and earn the respect of their family or their employees. If those whom we lead do not respect our authority they will have a tendency to resist our leadership and in some cases families will rebel and employees may find other jobs.

Promotions to supervisory position can often make some become over-confident and self-absorbed with their new found power. Bosses who have allowed power to make themselves conceited can create demoralized employees. According to the apostle Paul it is best that a person have time in service and understand what needs to be done and how to do it. A Christian leader should not be placed into a leadership position until they are well-founded in their faith and truly understand Scripture. They must not allow pride to make them believe they are more important than they are. Many times we put people in leadership positions and then find they have missed paying their taxes, have been stealing or have had or are having sexual escapades that damage their reputation and that of the church or for whom they are working.

I attest to the fact that I have found these Christian principles will work for any leader in any setting. As we enter into a political season, I would like to see two traits that each political leader would have. I would hope this coming November we would elect political leaders who would listen to their constituents and second, they would tell the truth. I believe one’s integrity and morality is a must.

Scripture tells us that God knew us before we were conceived. We were then born with a plan for life and we are given a purpose for our lives. I have been told that parents who pray for their children’s purpose and direction in life, most knew what their purpose and life plans were. Many Christian children knew what they wanted to be from the very beginning. Whereas, most college students have no idea what direction they want to go when they enroll.

Normally, children just grow up. We go through grade school and enter high school. We get a driver’s license, finish school and possibly get married. We then start the cycle over again for our children. How often do we stop and think: what is my purpose in life and what direction should I be taking? Why have I been put on this earth? I am told that many older people close to death often wonder what their purpose on earth was and did they fulfill it? Wouldn’t it be better to know why God put us on this earth and then live for years accomplishing that purpose? When our final day comes we can say we did our best to fulfill our purpose and helped others succeed while we were here. I know some parents whose greatest achievement in life was raising their family. Because of them, their children made the world a much better place.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

What does it mean: we have been called according to God’s purpose? Rick Warren in his book: “The purpose driven life” shared what he believed God’s purpose for each of us was and I paraphrase:
1. To worship God and develop a relationship with Him.
2. To love and fellowship with other believers in our community.
3. To know Christ and become like Him.
4. To serve God through the church.
5. To become a minister for Christ and share the gospel.

God’s purpose for each one of us is to become a part of His family. As a member of His family He has shared how His children are to live and behave. Everything we do is to prepare us for the family reunion that will take place when we get together in heaven.

How are we going to live? At birth I have been given certain rights. I can choose any path I wish to travel. Do I travel alone or do I follow God’s guidance? As Christians, saved by grace, we can take with us the Holy Spirit. It is kind of like; do I want to go to sea with or without a compass? Am I so self-centered that I am unwilling to accept any help?

Our purpose on earth is to develop an unconditional love for God and others and have a servant’s heart. As we head down life’s path our carnal nature, our self-centeredness, the storms we encounter and the devil’s seducing spirits will try to guide us too often onto the wrong paths. That’s when we check our compass, the Holy Spirit, and make sure we stay directed to the path that leads to the ultimate goal, which is living with God and Christ forever. When we take that last breath, what is the most important thing we can take with us? Is it all of our material things that we have accumulated? Or, is it eternal security? Since there are so many death-bed conversions we must believe it is eternal security with Christ.

Matthew 6:20 “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Do you want to pass on with nothing stored up in heaven? Pray that God will help you live for the purpose you were created.

Will America become prosperous and confident again or will it lead to the end times as predicted by Scripture? Matthew 24:7–11 “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.” (NLT)

Every year, hundreds of books are published covering witchcraft, magic, demons, spiritualism, ghosts and prophecy. They are laying the foundation for an enormous increase in demonic influence and activity that will soon appear on earth. They are trying to precondition people to reject Biblical truths and to accept the cult doctrine. Some with Biblical knowledge have a chance to understand what is happening and accept Christ. Many more have absolutely been taught to deny that there is a God or a Heaven or Hell. Many false teachers are preparing Americans to become more like the European Union and a one-world government as the Bible states.

It is hard to imagine what the world will be like if the church is removed and God turns the demons loose. One author described it as: picture all prison gates are opened and every inmate is turned loose and the administration dismisses all police forces. Have you been noticing how many are being freed from jail? You must be aware that many are against the police.

In Matthew, Jesus warns that sin will be so rampant everywhere and people will lose their love for others. Jesus does not promise immunity from persecution and death but He does tell us to preserve and face what will happen and those who do will be saved. Revelation 2:10 “Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.”

Mark 13:9–23 “For there will be greater anguish in those days than at any time since God created the world. And it will never be so great again. In fact, unless the Lord shortens that time of calamity, not a single person will survive. But for the sake of his chosen ones he has shortened those days. “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. Watch out! I have warned you about this ahead of time!” (NLT)

Jesus warned His disciples that prior to coming persecution, they would be betrayed by their children, other family members and friends, religious and civil leaders. Christians in every age have had to face this possibility. Sometimes hatred of the gospel has caused betrayal.

Scripture promises that if we are forced to defend ourselves, the Holy Spirit will give us God’s peace and the words to say. Because there will be numerous false prophets claiming to receive messages from God. They will preach what people want to hear. They will teach that God wants you to become rich and there is no Hell. God will give you anything you ask for or they will promise complete healing if you have enough faith. They will be so persuasive that even the elect will be led astray.

Doing research, I have found that in countries having depression, deep recession, civil wars or lack of job opportunities that when a president or leader has been a weak leader, in the next election, the strongest person running has always been elected. This is why Trump has done as well as he has. However, in nations that have moved toward Socialism or Communism as the USSR did, went bankrupt in 1999. Boris Yeltsin was a weak Russian leader. The next election, a man, very few had ever heard of, Vladimir Putin, decided to run for president and Yeltsin promoted him, a former KGB agent, to prime minister. The first poll, he received 5% approval. Five months later, showing his strong leadership, he received 50% of the poll. He was elected president in 2004 and remains as a dictator with great approval from the people, because he is a strong take-charge person.

This has happened in so many nations in South America, Asia and Europe. The electorate, when in a crisis, votes for whoever appears to be the strongest leader, wins. God is in control and will He let the Devil blind the eyes and the thinking of people. If so, are we at the end of time and things will become unbearable with terrorists and murder in our streets. Will God allow the next president to bring us back to our Christian/Judeo principles and a prosperous nation? Christians, pray that God will allow the right person to become president and we are not at the end of the church age as Jesus predicted was coming.

To give you and example of prayer: October 1746, 90 French ships were gathered off the coast of Massachusetts with 13,000 army men on board with plans to destroy cities from Massachusetts to Georgia. New Englanders began to prepare for a potential invasion by the French. The Governor mandated that every one hold a day of prayer and fasting and go to their churches to pray that God would protect them. It was a very sunny day. As they began praying for God’s protection, the skies began to cloud up and rain started to pour down. It stormed so badly that many of the ships were sunk, over 12,000 of the French army lost their lives and the admiral decided to return to France. The bells in the church tower began to ring but no one was there to ring them. But the praying Christians knew that it was God’s way of telling them He had answered their prayer. Couldn’t Americans turn back to God and seek God’s protection from the crime and terrorism that has seemed to change our country?

How familiar are you with Lucifer or Satan? Do you know what his downfall was and why he was thrown out of Heaven? Isaiah 14:13–14 “You said in your heart, I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”

The reason Satan was cast out of Heaven was because of his pride. Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.” Satan wanted to be above God.

Ezekiel 28:14–17 “You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.

In the early church there were a number of false teachers. Revelation 2:20 “ Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.”

In the church at Thyatira, THEY tolerated sin but had lots of love. The Ephesians church tolerated no sin but failed to love. As we find in a number of churches today, Jezebel was in the church leading others into sexual immorality and idolatry.

Revelation 2:21–22 “I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.”

Satan tempts with sin but God does not forgive those who refuse to repent. If we are told by Scripture that immorality will take place in the church, do you think it is any better in politics? We also have schools that teach Jezebel’s morality. Christians, this is not something that we are to tolerate.

Proverbs 8:13 “To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.”

Proverbs 11:2 “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

II Corinthians 6:14 “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”

Pride can affect our Christian experience. Pride, for many is most difficult to overcome. We must realize that God does not love a person who is overly prideful. That could mean arrogantly self-righteous or overly legalistic.

Romans 9:13 “Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

Christians were you surprised that England withdrew from the European Union? Did you panic, as an investor, when the Dow Jones dropped 650 pts and ended up down by 610 points on Friday 6/24/2016? I was an investment advisor on Monday, October 19, 1987 when the stock market dropped 23% in one day. Our clients handled this drop on Friday better than then. Maybe we are more mentally prepared than in past years for the unexpected.

As Christians, we are told there will be signs when the end of the age is near. Revelation 17:12–14 “The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”

This is possible, the beginning of the reduction of the European Union as the Bible predicts. Could the withdrawal of the UK from the Union be the first indication?

Scripture indicates that the Antichrist will put ten rulers into power. They may represent kings of nations or governmental divisions yet to come. It has been believed for years that there would be a reviving of the past Roman Empire led by the Antichrist. There have been 27 nations in the European Union and many wondered how they would become ten. It is believed that some of the remaining countries will be Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy.

The Antichrist will rule for 3½ years but the ten rulers for a very short time with total obedience to the Antichrist. It is believed that these ten rulers will be possessed by demons. They will have one purpose, to make war against Christ. The outcome is guaranteed. Christ will overcome them.

Christians have been called with a purpose. God allowed the United Sates to be founded as a Christian nation. One reason, Israel probably would not exist had it not been for the belief of Christians and the protection from the US. Scripture says Christ has chosen His followers from the faithful. Those chosen have been trustworthy, dependable and loyal. ​The battle will end at the appearance of Christ and His followers.

Remember how King Saul was consumed with killing David. No matter what David did, King Saul pursued him unrelentingly and ruthlessly. He used all of the resources at his disposal to completely eradicate David. This is how Satan will pursue the believers. As Satan has pursued the Jews, he will also pursue believers for persecution.

It is believed there will be a one-world-government. This will be either a Socialistic or Communist economy. Don’t be surprised to see America heading toward a Socialistic government and economy. It appears Satan is convincing many of our population that Socialism is the fairest economy. The Elite Progressives believe to gain complete control they must eliminate the middle class entirely and deny that there is a God. If you can’t see this you are being deceived by Satan. Otherwise, how could there be a one-world government as the Bible predicts?

Revelation 19:11-12 “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.”

This time Jesus does not appear as a Lamb but as a warrior on a white horse. ​As a Lamb He was a sacrifice for sin. As a warrior He is coming to execute judgment. Christ said, “You will see me, The Son of Man, sitting at God’s right hand in the place of power and coming back on the clouds of heaven.” Mark 14:62

Jesus will come with His mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who will not accept God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from His glorious power when He comes to receive glory and praise from His holy people. II Thessalonians 1:7-10.

Christ’s return will be unmistakable. The white horse symbolizes victory. Matt. 24:36-42, describes the time when Christ returns. In 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, describes how our bodies will become imperishable. II Thessalonians 4:16-17, describes the rapture of God’s people. Some believe the church will be raptured before the Tribulation begins. Then at the end of the Tribulation Christ will return and this will be His second coming. We know the rapture affects only believers. The second coming affects everyone in the world. Others believe the rapture and the second coming is one event. Believers go through the Tribulation and are raptured when Christ returns to judge the world and give out punishment. What these Scriptures talk about is when Christ returns to overcome evil and become victorious. Have you made up your mind as to what you believe?

Pre-tribulationists, believe the rapture occurs prior to the Tribulation. ​Mid-Tribulationists, believe the rapture occurs in the middle of the Tribulation. Which is 3½ years. Post-Tribulationists believe Christians go through the Tribulation. ​

Whether the rapture is before the Tribulation, in the middle of the Tribulation or at the end doesn’t matter. What matters is whose side are we on-God’s or Satan’s? Those on God’s side will receive an imperishable body that will last a thousand years as Christ rules the new earth and the New Jerusalem.

Are you prepared to see the European Union be reduced to ten nations? Are you aware that the economy could go into another great recession? If you are a Christian, Christ repeatedly told us not to worry, God with be with us. Those unaware of what is to come and are not spiritually prepared could possible panic. Christ will ask: “Where is your faith?”

Vin Scully, the legendary baseball announcer of the Dodgers, gives his view on the evils of Socialism. Biblical prophecy tells us that the Devil will deceive many causing them to believe in evil over truth in the last days. As Vince was calling a game announcing the batter was from Venezuela. As the batter Perez, is from Venezuela, he tells the difference between the economic systems of the U.S. and Venezuela. He points out how socialism has failed everywhere it has been tried. He said that when you start giving everybody something free, it is not long before there is no food to eat and they are soon without the basic needs of living. He then points out that the richest person in Venezuela is the daughter of Hugo Chavez, the installer of socialism.

Why are so many in academics, the news media, Bernie Sanders promoting Socialism? Many of our young people 18 to 34 believe that socialism is far better than Capitalism and it is fairer. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

Paul writes about lazy people who are idle and unwilling to work. A Christian is obligated to provide for themselves and their dependents. Paul tells them to stay away from every brother who is unwilling to work. They were to cut off their support and not have a personal relationship with them. I have met a number of people who believed they were owed a living and it was the government’s responsibility to see that their needs were met. This is completely contrary to Scripture teaching.

A problem in the early church was that many believed Christ was going to return any day according to false teachers. As a result, they quit work, set aside all responsibilities, did no future planning and waited for Christ to return.

Have you ever felt the need to work and a need to accomplish some particular task? The Bible says that God created man to work. Confidence and self-esteem can come from the way we work or the way we work can create confidence and self-esteem. This includes school, work, home or in relationships. God created us to be achievers and if we aren’t, we may miss life’s opportunities. So whatever you do, do it with a desire that it will please God and you will be productive and accomplish God’s plan for your life. You cannot study the Bible and ever believe that man was created to not work and have the government give him/her everything they need.

Genesis 2:15 “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” This was before Adam and Eve had sinned or God had cursed the earth. It is my belief that God created every one of us to work and be an accomplisher.

Genesis 3:17–19 & 23 “To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’ Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” 23 “So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken.”

As punishment for Adam and Eve’s sin, Adam was required to work harder than ever before to produce food for survival. In fact, the work would be so difficult that you would sweat to accomplish getting your food. God did not plan that work was going to necessarily be easy.

It took Noah and his sons 120 years to build the ark. Nowhere in the Bible does it talk about retirement. It only tells us that we need to take one day a week to rest and worship God. The other six days we are to be available to work. Statistics indicate that many who retire early die early. There is something about work that prolongs one’s life.

I do not understand how a person can have a high self-esteem without accomplishing something in life. This is the nature God created into us. This is a wife, mother or anyone who does not have a purpose to make life better for others, will possibly suffer from low self-esteem. Work is a part of worship, thanking God that we are able to provide for ourselves. My own experience is I have worked since being in the 8th grade. My confidence is a result of my work and what I was able to accomplish. What kind of confidence would I have had if I never worked or accomplished anything in life? Some allow their achievements to make them arrogant. The Bible says this is unacceptable. However, it gives an example of what great achievements can do to one’s confidence.

Ephesian 6:7 – “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,”

1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

Many of our young people have never been taught or required to work. As a result, many live a life with little confidence or a feeling that their life is unfulfilling. Fifty years ago, many of us either worked or were raised on a farm. We knew how to work and we depended on God to provide the rain and the sunshine. If our crops failed we were in serious trouble. However, we learned to can food in case of emergencies. We had cellars to store potatoes, onions, etc. We were always planning ahead and how well we lived depended upon how hard we worked and managed our responsibilities.

God gave Americans a wonderful country and a special economy. We were provided with a capitalistic economy. Many jobs depended on incentives. The harder we worked, the more proficient we were and given our ability to produce, depended on how much we were paid and the opportunity for advancement. Many are now suggesting that we go to socialism, an economy that takes away one’s incentive and they rely on the government to take care of them. Socialism has two classes: the very poor and the very rich. It has a tendency to do away with the middle class. The elite realize it is easy to control the poor, harder to control the middle class and hardly possible to control the rich.

Why do we have so many false teachers promoting socialism? There purpose is to deny there is a God. This is why the Devil uses a socialistic economy because of his desire to get people to be non-believers who depend on government and not God. You can be a Christian and believe what false teachers are selling. Who doesn’t believe life should be fair for everyone? However, this is not what Scripture teaches. The one unwilling to work and is able, should not rely on others to take care of them.

Hosea 4:6a “my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.”

An Economics’ teacher once said: greed or ambition works in a Capitalistic Society. You rarely hear greed being hyped. However, envy is a great motivator used often to promote Socialism. Guess who are teaching our children Socialism?

Two most often asked questions are: Must you talk in “tongues” once you receive the Holy Spirit and do I believe that a person “Slain in the Spirit” is healed always from the Holy Spirit? When asked such questions I try to do as much research as possible before providing an answer. Scripture says that in the later days many will be deceived by Satan.

Having just concluded reading the Book of Job, Job and his friends believed that God was punishing him through boils and sickness. However, it was God allowing Job to be tested by the Devil. What Scripture says is that God does not cause sickness but, He allows it to happen for a reason. If the Devil can cause us to become sick, could he not also heal and deceive us?

In the early church and some churches today speaking in “tongues” was a very sought after gift. Many times those speaking in “tongues” developed a certain spiritual pride. Paul does not deny speaking in “tongues” or a prayer language. However, he asks: “If I come to you and speak in “tongues” what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge?” Paul uses the argument of “tongues” was meant for a hard-hearted and unbelieving people. I Corinthians 14:20 – 22a – “Dear brothers and sisters, don’t be childish in your understanding of these things. Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters of this kind. It is written in the Scriptures: ‘I will speak to my own people through strange languages and through the lips of foreigners. But even then, they will not listen to me,’ says the LORD. So you see that speaking in tongues is a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers.”

I believe I Corinthians 14:18 – 28 – Is very clear that speaking in “tongues” is not a necessity. In fact, Paul says that no one should ever speak in “tongues” in public unless there is someone who can interpret what the “tongues” is saying. Paul says if an unbeliever were to enter a church where people are speaking in “tongues” they will think the congregation is out of its mind (or demonized).

For those not familiar with being “Slain in the Spirit” it is when a church holds an altar call and a minister puts their hands on a person’s forehead and the person falls over and they either become unconscious or remain conscious. This is a much debated movement whether it is from the Spirit or of the Devil. I believe it can be an emotional response or a demonic manifestation.

In my study of the Bible for more than 60 years I find no place that it talks or illustrates about being “Slain in the Spirit”. Luke 10:17 – “When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” Luke 10:20 – “But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” I am more inclined to believe what Scripture says in II Thessalonians 2:9 – “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,” The Bible gives many examples of false teaching to deceive people concerning demonstrations of spiritual power.

I Corinthians 12:8 – 10 – “To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.” The Bible is very clear what gifts of the Spirit are given to Christians. Just because you see or hear something seeming supernatural doesn’t necessarily affirm that it is from the Holy Spirit. The Bible points out that the Devil, with his magic and supernatural powers, is the great deceiver.

Paul says that special gifts come from God and they were to be used in the ministry of the gospel. Any believer could receive a gift. In the early church healing occurred often as Paul wrote. A Jew would go to a Rabbi rather than a doctor. Greeks would go to their temple to be healed and sometimes were. There is not the slightest doubt that people were healed through faith. It could be of God or it could come from the Devil. Possibly, faith to believe and a confident attitude could heal one’s body. All healing, according to Scripture and history, was not always a result of the Holy Spirit in the early churches, synagogues and temples. I believe that a person who was “Slain in the Spirit” and healed does not confirm that it was necessarily from the Holy Spirit.

My personal opinion is that I do not have the gift of speaking in tongues and I would not accept being “Slain in the Spirit”. There is no doubt in my mind that I have been healed by the Holy Spirit, having had two times heart-bypass operations and having cancer.

Chances are, if you do not believe there is a God, you will not believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Scripture tells us it is very evident, by prophecy, that there is a God.

Romans 1:18–22 “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.”

The history of the Jewish people and the Prophecy that Israel would become a nation once again confirmed God’s commitment to Abraham that Israel would become a nation for the third time. And Israel became that nation once again when it was established on May 14, 1948 on land God had granted to Abraham. God made Abraham that promise over 4000 years ago. That covenant is the reason the Jewish people and the nation of Israel exist today.

Twice Israel was destroyed. In 586 the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar totally destroyed the nation, Jerusalem and the temple. After 70 years they returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. Some 650 years later in 70 AD the Romans totally destroyed Israel, Jerusalem and the temple. They were no longer a nation for 1,878 years. The Old Testament prophets predicted that the nation would again take place in the future, thus proving that God kept His word. June 1967, through another war, Jerusalem became the unified capital of Jerusalem. There is no other nation that was once totally destroyed and its people dispersed throughout the world and survived and Israel was driven out and twice destroyed. The Hebrew language was almost extinct. Today, the Israelis speak Hebrew their original language. One promise that is still to be fulfilled is the rebuilding of the Temple on the Temple Mount.

Beginning in 1880, Jews very slowing started coming back to Israel. Jews coming from Russia trickled in at first. Then came World War I and in 1917 many more Jews returned. After World War II and the Nazi Holocaust hundreds of thousands of Jews fled to Israel. Then came 1948 and Israel was attacked by surrounding nations. The war ended with Israel’s independence. For the next 23 years there was continual fighting. Next came the six day war of 1967 and Jerusalem was united with Israel. There has been continual fighting ever since. The problem has been over Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. At one time 1/6 of Jerusalem included the Temple. The Bible states that the War of Armageddon will be in part over the possession of Jerusalem. God is in the process of fulfilling His promise.

Israel is the link to God. Many believe that if they destroy Israel they can prove that Israel has no God and the Bible is not true. Most nations of the world do not recognize God’s covenant with Israel. Some believe the Jews did have a covenant but it is no longer valid. God is using the birth of Israel to show that His Word is true. The Islamic religion does not believe the covenant was made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They believe it was made with Abraham and Ishmael or Esau, Jacobs brother. Whereas, the Christian Bible believes it was not with Ishmael or Esau, but Isaac. (Genesis 17:19–21) – Therefore, they believe that what Allah promised was to Ishmael and it is their covenant.

Muslins controlled Palestine for most of the time since 638 yet could not prevent the restoration of Israel. For Muslins to recognize the nation of Israel would be an admission that their beliefs are wrong. Yet, our government believes that they can obtain a peaceful co-existence between the two. The rebirth of Israel shows the authority of the Bible as the Word of God and proof that the Koran and Mohammed are incorrect.

The 36th Chapter of Ezekiel makes it very clear that the property belongs to Israel. However, there are a number of Christian theologians who believe the covenant God had with Abraham was broken in Ad 70. They believe Christianity replaced Israel as God’s chosen people.

It was Zechariah who prophesied the restoration of Israel, but said that when the people returned it would be in unbelief toward God and the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. God also said He would judge any nation that tried to destroy Israel. Zechariah 12:9-10 “On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem. And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.” There will be a day when the Israelites will accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah.

If the restoration of Israel is not of God you would have to ignore all that has happened. We must not listen to the false teachers that teach differently. Christ warned to be careful and know your Bible because there will be many who will try to lead even the elite Christians astray.

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” I John 3:1

The kind of love that God has for believers is foreign to humans. This love, that we have trouble defining is lavished on us His children. As we accept Christ as our Savior, God gives birth to each of us and accepts us as His children. John is emphasizing that when God calls believers His children He means just that. Being God’s children we are not to live as the world lives. Knowing that we are God’s children should be all of the motivation we need to live as Christ lived. The world does not know who we are or who we represent.

I John 3:2–3 “Dear friends, we now are children of God and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.”

John is telling us that believers will have a future but what it will be has not been revealed. We know it will be something inconceivably wonderful and more glorious than anything we can imagine. As Christians we have been born into God’s family and presently enjoy God’s kindness and blessings through Christ. In the future we shall be His glory. When Christians are raptured and meet Christ in the air, we shall become like Christ. Here are some of the things Scripture tells us: Our bodies and souls will be united and resurrected. (I Corinthians 15) These bodies will be made perfect, without sickness or disease. (Philippians 3:21) Our resurrected bodies will in some ways be different from our earthly bodies but others will recognize us.

Because Jesus lived without sin this means we will live morally and ethically free from the corruption of sin. We can only become pure through the Holy Spirit that resides within us. It is the hope that we have, that gives us confident expectations and anticipation of future blessings. As we meet Christ we shall be made completely perfect.

I John 3:4 “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,”

Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. John defines purity and now defines sin. We are told that God demands purity and a life avoiding sin. A continual lack of purity demonstrates that we are not really a child of God. There is a difference between committing a sin and continuing in sin. Every Christian commits sin or “missing the mark” but they do not necessarily do so deliberately or continually knowing that it is wrong. Continual sin cannot coexist with the Holy Spirit. Lawlessness means opposing the laws of God. Continual sinning is opposing God’s standards and commands. Continually sinning is actively rebelling against God. Anyone not having a repentant heart and lives in opposition to God no matter what they may claim, is not a Christian. A Christian, who sins, confesses his or her sin and asks God for forgiveness if they are a true child of God. They then go on with life hopefully not making the same mistake.

I John 3:5-7 “But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.”

We know that Christ came that He might take away our sins and in Him there was no sin. To realize that Christ sacrificed so that our sins could be forgiven should be reason enough for us not to sin. Christ’s death and resurrection was necessary to replace the sacrificing of animals for the atonement of sins. Animal sacrifice could not take away the guilt and could not make a believer of God feel forgiven. Therefore, Christ came that sin in the life of a Christian could be abolished.

As Christians, we must renounce sin and never become complacent about sin in our lives. If we are Christ followers we must be totally opposed to sin. What are some of the sins that Christians commit? They can be impatience, worry, inappropriate anger, hate, jealousy, envy, lack of contentment or lust. Most Christians do not commit the sins of immorality, stealing, lying, using profanity or deliberate disobedient to God’s Word. Those who do these, sins. Doing the right things makes one righteous. Don’t let anyone convince you that God over looks all sin.

Christians pass from death to life once they have repented, asked for forgiveness and receive the Holy Spirit into their lives. John is saying repentance must give up hate. He then proceeds to say that love is the evidence that assures us of eternal life.

We must ask ourselves: do we have this kind of love? If we do not have this kind of love we remain dead. I do not know how much clearer John could have made the importance of love as being necessary to have eternal life.

Do you take being a member of God’s family lightly? Do you live to please God in the way you live? Do we realize what God offers to His children that live according to His Ways and are not disobedient? We have a God that wants to meet the needs of every one of His children. Are your needs being met?