Extremely Unpopular

“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of Heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.  Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive more abundant condemnation.  Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he becomes one, you make him twice more a son of Gehenna than yourselves.  Woe to you, blind guides, who say, Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple is a debtor.  Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold?  And, Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it is a debtor.  Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift?  Therefore he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by all things on it.  He who swears by the temple, swears by it and by Him who dwells in it.  And he who swears by Heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who sits on it.  Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: judgment and mercy and faith. It is necessary to do these, and not to leave the others...

The Antichrist

“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is unveiled, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is honored, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, declaring of himself that he is God.  Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?  And now you know what is restraining, that he may be unveiled in his own time.  For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He is now restraining, until it is raised from out of the midst.  And then the lawless one will be unveiled, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.  The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who are perishing, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.  And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”  2nd Thessalonians 2:3-12   In this late hour there should be some preaching about the Rapture, the Antichrist, the Tribulation (“time of Jacob’s trouble” Jer. 30:7), the Two Witnesses, the False Prophet, as well as the Great White Throne Judgment, where whoever has not repented...

A Voice of a Man

“So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his platform and gave an oration to them.  And the people kept shouting, The voice of a god and not of a man!  And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.”  Acts 12:21-23   The other day I had gotten done finishing an article and publishing it online, as well as recording the radio shows for the upcoming days.  I was pondering the current events in this world and thinking about how much different those in the patriotic circles, as well as the alternative media behave.   Prior to Donald Trump running for President of the United States, things hadn’t changed much.  After 9/11 a prepper movement began heavily in this country and there were people who were joining militias or planning for mutual aid in communities.  There was a distrust of the Federal government and the word on the street was that martial law would eventually be declared.    As 2012 was closing in, the prepper movement, as well as the warnings hit their peak.  My family had a year supply (for one person) of freeze dried food that we had purchased in 2011.  In late 2013 we decided to sell it and had an older veteran stop over at our place in Whitefish, Montana.    This man described how he was part of a network where other patriots would do things, such as turn a home into a hospital, have food storages here and there, as well as...

The Majority

“You shall not follow the majority in doing evil;”  Exodus 23:2a   There is a movement in this country of a split majority, a vast political movement that is essentially forcing Americans to choose their sides in such a divided country.  This division has the appearance of doing good verses doing evil.  Such an idea, one of huge potential consequences has caused a time in history that is very seldom seen.   I’ve studied a decent amount of history, particularly of the 20th century, including having read numerous books on Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Joseph Stalin, Chairman Mao and even Pol Pot.  I’ve also read many books on the Great War, World War II, the Great Depression, as well as books explaining the dynamics of this country from the behind the scenes handlers, the same people who can be pointed to having also funded Hitler, Lenin/Stalin, Mao and been responsible for numerous other disasters, all funded by a  handful of evil men.  Yet knowing these things are nothing in comparison to the importance of God’s Word, the Bible.   I’ve been a student of the Bible and loved God’s Word after I got Saved at the age of 9.  The Bible not only teaches us about God, but also how we are supposed to live as Christians, being followers of Jesus Christ.  The Bible tells us the future, the coming “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jer. 30:7), as well as the coming Great White Throne judgment, where everyone who has not repented and believed into Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, whose names are not written in the Book...

Greed

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:  For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, unyielding, slanderers, without self-control, savage, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away.”  2nd Timothy 3:1-5   “But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is evident that we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.  But those who purpose to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which plunge people into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is a root of all evils, for which some being greedy, have strayed from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.  Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”  1st Timothy 6:6-12   “No one is able to serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. It is not possible to serve God and mammon.”  Matthew 6:24   There is a movement that has grown exponentially throughout the United States in the past...

Peace?

“Because, indeed, because they have seduced My people, saying, Peace! when there is no peace; and one builds a wall, and plasters it with whitewash.”  Ezekiel 13:10   While this verse is discussing Israel, the similarities with what is going on with the North Korean situation seems interesting.  Is peace coming or is this peace that we assume is there in all reality a rouse of things to come?   “And also through his cunning he will cause deceit to prosper in his hand. And he will magnify himself in his heart, and through prosperity shall destroy many.”  Daniel 8:25a VW-Edition   “And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many:”  Daniel 8:25a KJV   While this verse is regarding the Antichrist, take a note how through peace he destroys many.  How can destruction come through peace or prosperity?  I had never taken much into those verses, regarding the schematics of how such a thing could occur, but perhaps some insight into the current North Korean situation might show how supposed peace might destroy many.    North Korea is a major threat to not only the United States, but especially to South Korea and Japan.  They have also threatened the UK, as well as Australia and perhaps others??? When President Donald Trump crossed over the DMZ and shook hands with Kim Yong-un, this was certainly history in the making.  When there was the first peace summit, the nominations should have been coming in for the Nobel Peace prize, for indeed...

Impeachment or Reality TV

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in the heavenlies.”  Ephesians 6:12   There is a lot going on nowadays in regards to the political landscape in the United States.  A lot of happenings, a so-called impeachment inquiry has begun and as secret hearings are being held in the basement of the Capital building, there are a lot of people who are watching this ordeal with President Trump play out across the world.   On one hand the leftist are happy and assume that President Trump will be impeached, even Vice President Pence, leaving Nancy Pelosi as the President.  There are theories out there that Nancy Pelosi might just hand it off to Hillary Clinton, under the guise that she should have won the election anyway.  The Russian ordeal, though debunked as totally fake is still alive and well in the minds of the enemies of President Trump.   There is also the theory that President Trump might simply be impeached in the House, but will never be impeached in the Senate.  The assumption is that the votes in the Senate are not there, and they likely are not.  Then there is also the theory that this will just continue on all the way until the actual election, the democrats being so desperate, as they do not have a front runner candidate that stands a shot at beating President Trump anyway.   So many theories out there, but I would like to present yet another theory, one that is...

Sheeple

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, each one to his own way; and Jehovah has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.”  Isaiah 53:6   Ignorance is not bliss, when it comes to the reality of the this world.  There are many things going on nowadays, some which certainly should raise some eyebrows.  On the surface there appears to be a great political battle that is being played in front of our eyes in the United States.  In fact there are many such ‘uprisings’ throughout the world going on.   Let me give a backdrop here on this article and some information that the reader should find interesting.  As this is an article that is written for the Christian Prospective section at All Will Stand, let me make clear that when it comes to politics and the Bible, they are not in the same field.   The Bible is always true and can be depended upon, assuming one has a good translation, like the King James Bible.  When it comes to other things, such as politics, conspiracy or no conspiracy, that is a different matter.  One must draw the line carefully in regards to political viewpoints, verses what the Bible teaches, God’s certainty, which is simply His truth, is an absolute.   The other day I was reading an email that had messages that were sent to brother Cloud of Way of Life.  The Way of Life ministries is one of the very few that I would wholeheartedly recommend as a great resource for any Believer.  I am in almost entire agreement with brother...

No More Numbers

“And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”  Matthew 25:46   “And the devil, who led them astray, was cast into the Lake of Fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.  And I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heavens fled away. And there was found no place for them.  And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God. And books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, out of the things which were written in the books.  And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one, according to their works.  And Death and Hades were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death.  And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire.”  Revelation 20:10-15   In the mind of a youth, the question arises as to what the highest number is.  From my understanding there are those who like to find time to create even higher numbers, so that there is no end to them.  Yet, until they create a higher number, there are no more numbers.    For a practical purpose, yet impractical in the usage sense, let’s take a look at a decillion.  A decillion...

Christ Said Repent

“I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”  Luke 13:3   “From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven has drawn near.”  Matthew 4:17   Moving from Montana to Michigan has proven to be quite a difficult transition so far.  Schematics, income, housing, you name it, it has been difficult, but God has been providing for our family in the midst of the storm.  Yet finding a Church to attend has also been difficult.   While I simply consider myself just being a Christian, not dependent on a particular named organized Church institution, in regards to finding a Church, I have found the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) to be very close to the Truth in most all regards.  Yet each IFB church is different.  While most of the Baptist doctrines are in align with the Word of God, there are more and more IFB churches that have become way of the mark, usually in regards to refusing to be separate.   “Now I exhort you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and snares, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them.  For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.”  Romans 16:17-18   “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?  And what agreement has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?   And...

A Small Package

“A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”  Galatians 5:9   Once I was experimenting with natural yeast and made my own leaven.  At the time I was trying to figure out how to make natural breads using whole ground wheat berries.  I used the natural yeast of wild blackberries to activate the leaven.  Ultimately I only cooked one loaf as my taste buds were not accustomed to sour dough bread, yet the leaven did work.  Just a little leaven and the whole lump of dough rose, ready to bake, just like the commercially produced yeast that I had always used.  While this verse talks about separation and essentially how a little comprise will spread throughout the Church, the same effect can be readily seen in the world in which we live.   Years ago outside of the post office in Petoskey, Michigan, there was someone standing out there trying to collect signatures to legalize medical marijuana.  Their argument was that people with terminally ill diseases should be able to choose smoking marijuana over hardcore pain killers.    At the time if they were standing there trying to collect signatures to legalize marijuana as a whole, so-called recreational marijuana (as if it is something that is to be equated with a hike or going to a park!) I would have thought they were nuts.  Well eventually Michigan did pass medical marijuana, as well as many states, but shouldn’t it have ended there?  Finally those who had a ‘humane’ argument for the validity of such an argument had won their case.  Yet fast forward to where we are now, not only...

Everyone Dies

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, and after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, without sin, unto salvation.”  Hebrews 9:27-28   Death is a topic that most people try to ignore.  For when a friend or a family member passes away, the reminder of our own mortality is stark and apparent, everyone dies.    The older a person gets, the more people that they will know who have died will increase.  While sadness often prevails, sometimes for quite some time, many take comfort in believing that the person for whom their soul yearns for is now in Heaven.  The truth of the matter is that it is appointed for men to die once, but there is a second death.   “And I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heavens fled away. And there was found no place for them.  And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God. And books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, out of the things which were written in the books.  And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one, according to their works.  And Death and Hades were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second...

A Divided Country, A Divided World

“And it happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, Is that you, O troubler of Israel?  And he answered, I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of Jehovah and have gone after the Baals.  Now therefore, send and gather all Israel to me on Mount Carmel, the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, and the four hundred prophets of the groves, who eat at Jezebel’s table.  So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together on Mount Carmel.  And Elijah came to all the people, and said, How long will you be limping between two divided opinions? If Jehovah is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow after him. But the people answered him not a word.  Then Elijah said to the people, I alone am left a prophet of Jehovah; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.  Therefore let them give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other bull, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it.  Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call upon the name of Jehovah; and the god who answers by fire, He is God. So all the people answered and said, The word is good.  And Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, Choose one bull for yourselves and prepare it first, for you...

Hurry Up!

“For He says: In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”  2nd Corinthians 6:2   “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.  The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.  Let us walk decently, as in the day, not in carousings and drunkenness, not in cohabitation and licentiousness, not in strife and envy.  But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”  Romans 13:11-14   The other day I had to travel across the state to take a required training class.  On my way there was a church with a sign that included ‘hurry up’.  Indeed!  How much longer do we have as a society, before Jesus appears?  How much longer do you have?   “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you sorrow not as others who have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.  For this we say to you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. ...

Live for God

…“choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the temporary pleasures of sin”… Hebrews 11:25   “Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has been released from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh in the lusts of men, but in the will of God.  For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in licentiousness, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.  In this regard, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same overflow of dissipation, blaspheming.  They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”  1st Peter 4:1-5   “You shall not follow the majority in doing evil;”  Exodus 23:2a   Our society has a disease of false prophets, celebrities and a culture that promotes living for today.  This is nothing new, but since the 1950’s this has been a message that was preached across the world and was happily accepted by the majority.  I’ve heard it before and a good friend, who is now asleep in the Lord, used to make mention of these sort of things, as being older than I, he was of the era that grew up in the 60’s.  Yet most recently I was introduced once again to these themes, at work.   After moving back to northern Michigan, I accepted a job at a restaurant, as...