THE END IS NEAR

While growing up I would often see people walking around with a sandwich board draped over their shoulders with the words written something like, “the end of the world is near.” Usually you find these folks around bus or subway stations, airports, in a city center or plaza any place where people transit. Now I always thought this always seemed so silly, but the older I get and the longer I walk with the LORD the more my view of these folks and their message has changed. Now I do not know about the end of the world, but I do know the end is near for the year 2011 and wonder what 2012 will be like. We are only a few days from the end of one of the most tumultuous years of loss of freedoms, loss of homes, loss of lands, loss of fortunes, not to mention the staggering loss of life around the world from Europe to Asia to Africa and to the Middle East death became a companion to millions of families. I wonder what 2012 holds for the world? Will political wrangling and partisan bickering in our government continue destroying the greatest country (America) that God has ever graced into the world? Will life become more of a struggle for mere survival? Will brother continue to strive against brother? Will food be sold for the soul of a man? One thing for sure we know life for Christians in the future will only get tougher and even deadlier. We talk of faith and even preach from the so called “Hall of Faith” from the Book of Hebrews, but it is in the end of Chapter 11 that really talks of the great need for faith in our lives, “Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, ³⁴Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. ³⁵Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: ³⁶And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: ³⁷They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; ³⁸(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. ³⁹And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: ⁴⁰God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:33-40) Not too many sermons lately from these verses. Is this what we are to look forward to in 2012 and beyond? We can see this now somewhat as political correctness and Christian bias is beginning to sway the opinion and common sense of the average person and if this continues in time a viral hatred for Christians will develop around the world and persecution will once again be the order of the day for all Christians. Or will the heart of man repent and turn toward a loving God? I would think not. Many Christian leaders believe (now it would be wonderful if it happens) there will be a great end-time harvest of souls, well the Bible nowhere support such thinking. The Bible says, “now is the time for salvation.” Does God promise us tomorrow? The end-time harvest wishing and message is just another way many Christian leaders (you know them because you see them on TBN and other Christian TV programming) can make money fleecing the flock and deceiving the masses of unwitting people, but at any rate they will be deceived and lost because they have little desire to know the truth. Oh how sad how the one and only message (the Gospel message) which was meant by God to save mankind has been perverted, used by greedy and ambitious men (the apostate church worldwide) to deceive many folks in the world. All we have to do is read the Bible and see the state of man’s heart condition near the end, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. ²For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, ⁴Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; ⁵Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. ⁶For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ⁷Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Timothy 3:1-7) Here is the heart of man in Paul’s day, sounds like today. How many conferences and seminars do we run to trying to learn, but in the end know not God and His ways? I wonder if this be the same in 2012? I wonder if the world’s financial market will collapse in 2012 as predicted? I wonder how many people will die from hurricanes, floods, tornados, droughts, and famines? Is this just mother nature at work or God’s judgment on a wayward and unrepentive man? Looks and sounds like judgment to me. I hope we will not have to steal food or maybe worse have to kill to survive in 2012 and beyond?

My friend we must not live our lives according to end-time prophets and teachers, but live our lives in Godly righteousness and simplicity. Each day of our lives must be focused on seeking the kingdom of God which is not a physical place or a means to life, but a state of sublime submission and commitment to God. Paul tells us what the Kingdom of God is, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 14:17). I wonder why so many people try to make the “kingdom of God” a ministry or service to God? Jesus told us, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. ³⁴Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” (Matthew 6:33-34) We must live day by day as if we truly believe like the disciples that Jesus was coming back soon. It is sad how some Christians have become content to make this earth their home. We must live our lives for God as if each day was our last on earth (and soon stand before a Holy God) after all no one is guaranteed tomorrow. I wonder in 2012 if the leadership in the churches worldwide will humble themselves and be the example to the world, repenting of their gross waywardness to God and deception of man? Jeremiah tells us of a time when in his life he hoped for this, “For the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her, ¹⁴They have wandered as blind men in the streets, they have polluted themselves with blood, so that men could not touch their garments. ¹⁵They cried unto them, Depart ye; it is unclean; depart, depart, touch not: when they fled away and wandered, they said among the heathen, They shall no more sojourn there. ¹⁶The anger of the LORD hath divided them; he will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, they favoured not the elders. ¹⁷As for us, our eyes as yet failed for our vain help: in our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save us. ¹⁸They hunt our steps, that we cannot go in our streets: our end is near, our days are fulfilled; for our end is come.” (Lamentations 4:13-18) Could 2012 hold for us the truth found in verses 17 and 18? If so, oh LORD please have mercy on us.

Did you know the disciples thought the end was near and that Jesus was to come back in their time? We must live our lives for God today and worry not about tomorrow. Doing the things we need to do today to be ready for His return. Many Christians say when Jesus returns (and I believe He is) it will be His second coming, well that makes no biblical sense. For those who can read and those who study the Bible we find Jesus came the first time as a baby, “And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” (Luke 2:21) was crucified (died physically) on Calvary and went to hell to win victory over death, hell, and the grave “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. ⁹(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? ¹⁰He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)” (Ephesians 4:8-10) and “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”(Revelation 1:18) came back to earth His second coming and was seen by over 500 eye witness, then was caught up in the clouds “Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: ³To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:” (Acts 1:2-3)and “Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11), so when Jesus comes back this will be His third coming not His second. This third coming makes Godly sense because the number three symbolically all throughout the Scriptures stands for a complete work of God. Jesus’ third return will complete another part of God’s master plan for mankind whom He loves very much.

My friend the outlook for 2012 does not look bright for those outside of God. To survive in 2012 and beyond we must be hidden in Christ Jesus. This is much more than words this is a heart attitude of dependence on God, this is a mindset that fixes our attention and focus on God, and this is a way of life that transcends mere earthly living that no matter what happens in our lives; as Job said, “though God slays me yet I will trust Him” or Esther “if I perish I perish” (now that is real faith) we rest in being hidden in Christ Jesus. We are not seen by the world and nothing can harm us. We must fall in love with Jesus again in 2012 and never lose our love for Him and for a lost mankind. I really believe the 2012 year will be a foundational year to usher in many things waiting for man in the future. Now I do not know, but I know who knows, God knows and if He is not telling we do not need to know. All we need to know is God knows and that is enough for us. Our part is to just love Him and allow Him free reign in our heart and lives to conform us into the character and image (icon) of His precious Son Jesus Christ through His dealings and judgments in our lives. I really believe the minute hand on God’s clock has moved closer to 12 o’clock and the appearance of His precious Son is nearing. We must live in the first 65 Books of the Bible worry not about the Book of Revelation and all of the end-time prophecies they are beyond us. If you hear someone say they have a special understanding of the Book of Revelation I would gather up my family and run from them as fast as I could. Once we get past Chapter Three of Revelation words and Scripture become mysterious, blurry, and steeped in great symbolism. John had to be in the Spirit (as a dead man) to even receive it. We must worry not to the things we do not know, but allow God to show us our weakness. Blessed is the man who knows His weaknesses not his strength. Blessed is the man who knows His weaknesses not his strength. Yes 2012 will be here very soon and we cannot stop its arrival and the end of 2011 is near an end. What we did or what we did not do for God soon will pass way, but what will not pass away are the rewards for our actions in 2011, we will have to either face them hidden in Christ Jesus or alone in 2012. Remember a reward is something we receive from God out from our words and deeds. Good or bad they are our rewards and we will receive (because we earned them) them for our obedience and faithfulness in 2011 and in the past. Written by David Stahl

A MEDITATION ON CHRISTMAS

When I meditate on this time of the year and what we call the Christmas (word not found in the KJV of the Bible) season I must conclude this is the most divisive time of the year just ahead of Easter. I wonder why these two holidays divide so many people in the world. Now I will tell you from the start Karen and I do not celebrate Christmas how can we the word is not in the KJV Bible, but we do celebrate the birth of our precious LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. As Christianity began to spread many were alarmed by the continuing celebration of pagan customs among their converts. We even see this throughout the New Testament Church as Paul constantly battled against pagan and cultural traditions from taking root in the young Church. At first the Church forbade this kind of celebration. But it was to no avail. Bible historians claim that the Christmas celebration was invented to compete against the pagan celebrations of December. The 25th was not only sacred to the Romans but also to the Persians (Babylonian Chaldeans) whose religion Mithraism was one of Christianity's main rivals at that time. Oddly enough it was during this period the three Wise Men (also Magi) (Matthew 2:1) learned of the Star of Bethlehem by reading the prophecies of Daniel the Great Magi (Daniel 1:1-7). Sadly this religious deception continues today, even though the faces and names has been changed the spirit and intent has not. We Christians seem to be good at making up things to satisfy our flesh for fulfillment.

Now as I said Karen and I do celebrate the birth of Christ, there is a huge difference. As we watch the news we cannot believe all of the fighting to keep Christ in Christmas. Where in the Bible did Jesus ask us to remember His birth? Now I can find plenty of Scriptures in the Bible where Jesus has asked us to remember His death, “And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. ²⁵After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. ²⁶For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.” (1 Corinthians 11:24-26) Who wants to remember Jesus’ death when we can remember His birth? Yet few Christians really remember His death (Romans 6:3) while they go crazy in remembering His birth. I wonder why? Yes there is a wonderful story about the birth of Jesus in the Bible, but where are we commanded to make His birth an annual holiday like we in American have made: Independence, Veterans, or Valentine Day even Halloween? And when you merge religious with traditions and customs you have an unbeatable national money maker. Is not Jesus’ birth much more? Yes my friend I am afraid we have gotten off track and the merchants of the day (and for 100s of years) have capitalized on our selfish greed (maybe only in America, but I think not) and great presumption. The same way Hollywood has recently discovered the untapped market for Christian movies. I find it really strange how many Christians today would rather go to a movie then to Church to hear about Jesus. I wonder why? It is not about fighting to keep Christ in Christmas or even about a baby in the manger. You know we really like seeing baby Jesus in the manger, but you know my friend Jesus is not a baby any more, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34) Today Jesus is not a defenseless baby in the manger He is our victorious King of kings, Lord of lords, and some day soon He is coming back to earth not as a baby, but as a judge (to kick butt) and rule (to set righteousness in order) in the earth. Something else we are puzzled about is why Christians want to beat up on the Atheist in Washington State who put a sign beside a manger display in the Capitol building. I thought we were to witness to them and tell them about Jesus? There is not much of a Christian witness when we shake our fist and gnash our teeth at someone over a wooden display. How can this sign destroy the eternal timeless message of our precious savior Jesus Christ? It cannot and will not. Has the love of God been displaced by Christians wanting their traditional religious symbols? I too can speak for God and sadly I must say yes.

Jesus did not come so that we could decorate our trees and yard with gold and silver balls or blinking lights. Jesus did not come so Christians could deck the halls with a blow up Santa Claus and reindeer on their roofs and lawn. What do we do with these verses? “Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. ³For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. ⁴They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers that it move not.” (Jeremiah 10:2-4) Maybe we should ignore them or maybe the Holy Spirit made a mistake? I think God is very clear in what He is saying, but we continue in the lie with Christmas trees (a German custom) out from our American tradition (now transported to the world) and because we do not want to offend family members. Just look at the Christmas trees in churches today? What do we do with these verses? The answer will be what we do with Jesus. Never forget the Gospel message of Christ is very offensive and at times even divisive to the non-believers, but truth is truth. Either we will stand for truth or compromise for the lie for the sake of peace on earth. The truth is Jesus did not come so we could have songs to sing at our annual Christmas musicals. It is amazing how old Christmas recordings from people long ago come back to life every Christmas. Jesus did not come so we could run ourselves to death, buying presents for people, while going further into debt. It is no wonder support in America for missionaries and humanitarian programs dwindle to almost to nothing this season of the year. I am afraid the true character and nature of man comes out during Christmas. We even plug in a written list to a jolly fat man in a red suit that drives a sleigh of reindeer around the world in one night to make sure we get want we what for Christmas. Why do we think we should get a present on some one else’s birthday? Our selfishness and self-centered nature really comes shining through. Oh Lord please forgive us for the indulgence of our wrong attitudes, greed, and lust. Jesus did not come to give us a Christmas season to feed our passions. The Bible is very clear why Jesus came. Jesus tells us in His own words, “The thief (not the devil) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 101:10) Jesus came so that we “might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” not to get a bunch of Christmas presents to satisfy our flesh. Jesus came so that we might (our choice not His) have the life of God dwelling within our heart and lives. The creative eternal life of God moving in us and out from us to the world. Also in John Jesus tells us, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3) Jesus came so that we might have life eternal (one part of salvation) which is knowing His Father (and ours), so that we too could “know the only true God” as Jesus did. So we too could know the sublime unity of knowing God as Jesus did. I would think that would be worth far more than anything we can buy each other. Did you know, Jesus (even though the Prince of Peace) did not come into the world to bring peace as many of the major denominations and religions of the world tell us. Religious deception always leads us away from Christ into the traditional religious worship of the customs of man (like Christmas and Easter) and into a good works salvation thinking. Oh no Jesus Himself said, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. ³⁵For I am come to set a man at variance (Strong’s #1639 to cut into two parts, cleave asunder, sever) against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. ³⁶And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. ³⁷He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. ³⁸And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. ³⁹He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matthew 10:34-39) Jesus has come to cut our hearts out of the world with His word, the sword. Jesus has “come to set man at variance against” or sever every relationship where we love someone or something more than Him. Jesus came so that we could take up our cross (not Jesus’) and follow Him. Jesus came so we could lose our life so that we could then find our life in Him. We know and are persuaded if we lose our life for His sake we shall find it. We also know many of our friends will disagree (we hope and pray this is not the case) with this article, but that is okay getting the truth of the Gospel message out is more important than our friends getting offended at us. If they get offended at us over this article we know they probably are not our friends anyway. We have learned this truth the hard way. Please do not allow yourself to be deceived (your choice) by any pastor or person that says, “it is not a Heaven or Hell issue or it does not really matter” oh really? This thinking my friend is just spiritually wrong and a very subtle form of deception that has been carried on for 100s maybe 1,000s of years by the religious denominations and merchants both working hand-n-hand to get customers.

Sadly at the heart of why we focus on the Christmas story and baby Jesus in the manger is so we do not have to deal with a risen Savior. How much more religious can we (like the Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17)) who could not totally sell out be than to bow down and worship the Christmas story and the sweet little baby Jesus in the manger? This satisfies our religious flesh and helps to ease our guilt and feeling of disobedience from rejecting God’s word to us. Who wants to allow God to deal and judge in their hearts exposing areas where we must allow Him to work? It is much easier singing another song about Christmas as we buy presents for our family or even as we buy a present for some poor people who live down the street who we neglect the rest of the year. It is far less painful to go to every church musical and spend all we have than for God to be able to show us who we really are. Who wants to allow God free rein in our heart and lives to conform us into the image (icon) and character of Jesus Christ? Very few people do and the rest continue in this traditional religious lie year after year. I think I will end with a very sobering word; if you need a traditional religious holiday to know God sadly my friend your heart is very far from Him and you will never come to know Him. Let us turn our hearts away from the religious traditions of Christmas and allow God to bring the truth of His character and nature to us. It is our choice whether we desire presents on Christmas morning or the knowledge of God, we cannot have both. Written by David Stahl