salvation – Page 2 – Endtimez dotORG

February 16, 2023February 16, 2023

Prayer 230217

A Worthy Guide

Is it possible to live a life that honors God? Is it achievable to train our minds and bodies to do what we know is right—instead of feeling powerless against temptation?

Paul’s letter to the churches in Galatia is a guide for such questions:

“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” Galatians 5:16

Without surrendering and submitting to God’s lead, our sinful nature is at war with what God has for us.

Left to ourselves, we crave what the world desires. And the more we give into our unique shades of temptation, the more we crave (like craving sweets for the sugar, or craving pornography for the dopamine rush). But with the help of the Holy Spirit, who softens and molds and reshapes our hearts, we can learn to crave what God’s deemed best.

To put it simply, the secret to living a godly life is the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit just so happens to be God—one of the three persons of the Trinity: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus has already done the hard and beautiful work of salvation—by living, dying, and rising again for the sake of His children—but now He wants to continue His mighty work in us and through us.

If it sounds impossible, it is impossible—if you’re fighting by yourself. But, as Jesus told His disciples, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27 NIV)

The psalmist also brought another valuable perspective, writing, “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” (Psalms‬ ‭119:9‬ ‭NIV)‬‬

When we cling to His Word, which was inspired by the Holy Spirit, it’s not only possible—but also probable—to live a life that honors Him.

King David (Eyes of the Ancients)

November 20, 2022November 20, 2022

Spiritual Warfare

Worship is a key tactic in spiritual warfare. The act of praising God helps us combat the lies of the enemy and shut out that inner dialogue telling us we’re not enough.

It’s impossible to focus on His goodness, faithfulness, power, and might while also feeling weak, worried, afraid, or alone.

Most people, when they hear the word “worship,” think of the songs they sing in church or music they hear on the local Christian radio station. But, by definition, worship is any expression of reverence and adoration for God. We are worshipping when we give our tithe, serve with a joyful heart, show love to our neighbor, and help someone in need. Worship is simply showing gratitude to God for who He is and what He’s done. And it’s a powerful weapon against the enemy.

When we worship, our whole focus is on God. It’s the best way to block out the lies of the enemy because in a state of worship, we remember who God is, what He brought us out of, and how He can be trusted to do it again.

Living Changed

November 14, 2022November 14, 2022

What Do We Hear?

There are at least 37 different parables that Jesus told. Some of these stories are repeated in three of the Gospels, but the book of John does not contain any of them. People can listen without hearing, but it’s impossible to hear without listening. When people truly hear someone, they take the words into their hearts. The words stay with them as they consider the meaning and absorb what was said. Really hearing someone involves a commitment.

The Pharisees listened to Jesus speak, but they didn’t really hear Him. Though they might have understood the literal meaning of His stories, they never grasped the deeper concepts about God and His kingdom. His words entered their ears but never made it to their hearts, perhaps because they had decided in advance that they would not believe what He had to say. Their hearts were hardened against Him.

After telling the story of the sower, Jesus explained to His disciples why He spoke in parables. He quoted a prophecy from Isaiah that was fulfilled by the attitudes of the Pharisees who were, by their own choice, spiritually blind and deaf.

God always desires people to turn from their sins and be forgiven. If the Pharisees had been willing to hear Jesus and take His words to heart, God would have been glad to accept them.

KEY BIBLE TEXTS
“And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.”

“And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:”

“That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.”

Mark 4:10-12

November 13, 2022

Seduction in Christianity

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached to all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Satan knows this very well and he will make his best effort and commitment to prevent this from happening. Dividing the church by distraction and deception is his master plan. He can create issues that turns the focus of the remnant church from spreading the “Undiluted Three Angels Message”.

Unfortunately, the world events prophesied in the bible (Revelation) cannot be altered. The time is coming near and fast. The alteration of the Seventh Day Sabbath has already been accomplished and the only thing standing in the way is the enforcing of laws that would persecute those who keep the testimony of Jesus.

Which side are we on?

October 31, 2022October 31, 2022

Saved by Grace

No person has ever been saved by attempting to keep the law. In our own power, it is impossible and always has been from Adam all the way up to our time. All who have been saved in all ages have been saved by grace. As 2 Timothy 1:9 points out, this grace didn’t begin at the cross but was established “before time began.” The first gospel presentation was given after Adam and Eve sinned. The Lord said to the serpent, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel” (Genesis 3:15).

The law has many purposes. It is the basis of God’s covenant (Exodus 20); it is our standard of judgment (Psalm 119:172); and it points out sin. The apostle James colorfully illustrates how the law is like a mirror that reveals sin in our lives (James 1:23–25). The law does not remove sin. Only Christ can save us from sin. The apostle Paul writes, “By deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20, my emphasis). This means every human being who has ever lived cannot be justified by trying to keep the law. Once you sin, it’s just too late.

Some believe Jesus introduced grace on Earth. It is true that Christ provided the means of grace through His sacrifice, but such grace was extended to all mankind. Those before the cross looked forward to Jesus’ atonement; those after the cross look back on it. Many in the Old Testament understood and received God’s grace. Noah “found grace” (Genesis 6:8); Moses found grace (Exodus 33:17); the Israelites found grace (Jeremiah 31:2); and Abel, Enoch, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and many other Old Testament characters were saved “by faith” according to Hebrews 11.

KEY BIBLE TEXTS
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 2 Timothy 1:9

June 24, 2022June 24, 2022

Refused Pardon

If you were sentenced to life in prison would you refuse a pardon? It’s happened before. Way back in 1895, a young Rhode Island man named Martin Dalton was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. After serving over 30 years, in 1930 he was offered a pardon. Incredibly, Dalton refused it. He explained that he no longer had a family, nothing to do, and nowhere to go. The prison officials were not quite sure what to do with a rejected pardon. After much legal evaluation it was determined that a pardon refused was invalidated. Martin Dalton remained in prison until his death in 1960.

Dalton and his friend, Dan Sullivan, lured a man out of town, beat him up, and robbed him of a gold watch and cash. Before the man died he identified his assailants. Sullivan was arrested a few days later, and Dalton was caught three years later. He was working in Atlanta. From the first, Dalton was a docile prisoner. His behavior in prison was cooperative, his record clean. He worked in a machine shop, then the prison laundry, and later the prison farm. When he was given a “preview visit” of life outside of prison, he was supposedly frightened. Everything had changed. Clothing was different, automobiles scared him. He had nowhere to go.

During the last 61 years of his confinement he didn’t have a single visitor, and the last letter he received came to him in 1929. How sad. What’s even sadder is when millions of people under a death sentence refuse to accept the pardon and eternal life Jesus has purchased for them. Paul warned the Galatians, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).

Jesus wants to visit you in your prison of sin. He stands at the door of your heart and knocks. Christ has purchased your freedom and will set you free. Do not refuse the pardon He offers. Eternal life outside is well worth accepting.

KEY BIBLE TEXTS
“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardons iniquity, and passes by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retains not His anger for ever, because He delights in mercy.” Micah 7:18

June 23, 2022June 23, 2022

Unexpected Mercy

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.”Psalm 51:1

Sometimes when we think of mercy we only think of avoiding punishment and discipline. But sometimes the greatest mercy is in getting caught in our sin. Like a child going into a dark closet to play with matches, sometimes the most loving thing God can do is bring our failures into the light. Sin grows strongest in the dark. Maybe there is some sin in your life that needs to be dealt with in the light? Maybe you have tried to struggle with it on your own but it continues to hold you captive.

God has given us each other to lean on, and hold each other accountable. Find a wise and godly friend, let them know you are struggling and see what God can do.

The world seems to be witnessing increasing levels of violence, fear and hatred that challenge us each day. In such times, talk about mercy may seem more like wishful thinking. But mercy matters – now more than ever.

At its core, mercy is forgiveness. The Bible speaks of God’s love for sinners – that is, for all of us. But the Bible also relates mercy to other qualities beyond love and forgiveness.

According to the Bible, mercy does matter: It matters because we all need forgiveness and because it is what can join us all together in spite of our differences.

When we come to Him in faith, every petition enters the heart of God. When we have asked for His blessing, we should believe that we receive it, and thank Him that we have received it.

May 22, 2022May 22, 2022

First Angel’s Message

What A Day That Will Be

There is coming a day,
When no heart aches shall come,
No more clouds in the sky,
No more tears to dim the eye,
All is peace forever more,
On that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

What a day that will be,
When my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand,
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

There’ll be no sorrow there,
No more burdens to bear,
No more sickness, no pain,
No more parting over there;
And forever I will be,
With the One who died for me,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

They have been given a work of the most solemn import,—the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages. There is no other work of so great importance. They are to allow nothing else to absorb their attention.

May 12, 2022May 12, 2022

What will Satan’s Final Deception Be?

The central issue in the book of Revelation is worship, and Satan tries to pull out all the stops to lead people astray—replacing truth with error. In this brand-new episode, learn why an understanding of the Bible and Bible prophecy is critical as we approach earth’s final days, and why we should believe God’s Word rather than man’s.

During this time in earth’s history, many people don’t know what, or whom, to trust! The book of Revelation shows us that the Bible is unchanging and can be counted on in an ever-changing world. Discover how this Biblical prophecy can give you assurance in the Bible and increase your faith in God.

AN AMAZING FACT: The shortest complete sentence in the English language is “I AM.

”While Moses tended his father-in-law’s flocks in the desert at the base of Mount Horeb, he stumbled upon a burning bush. The bush caught his attention because, although it burned, it did not burn up. Suddenly God’s voice came out of the bush and told Moses to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery. Moses challenged the voice, saying, “Who shall I tell them sent me?” God replied, “I AM WHO I AM.”

God needs no definition, no justification, no explanation. He simply is.

“Why do we define ourselves by our circumstances or by what we do for a living?” asks life coach Judy Kelly. I am a housewife, we say. I am a student. I am a father. I am an engineer. I am a doctor. “As Christians, our identity is Child of God,” Kelly says. “All children of God are given gifts, or talents, which can be used to fulfill different roles.” Paul describes these roles as parts of the body of Christ. We are placed in certain roles—son, daughter, brother, sister—and we choose others—student, wife, mother, business owner, church secretary, etc. “Our roles are to be used simply to express our talents, not define who we are,” Kelly says. When we use them to define who we are, we inevitably set unreachable standards that we think we have to achieve in order to be valuable.

But the I AM says you are valuable not for what you do, but simply because YOU ARE—just because He made you.

KEY BIBLE TEXTS
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Romans 12:4-6

Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delight in thee, and thy land shall be married. Isaiah 62:4

Satan’s work is to discourage the soul. Christ’s work is to inspire the heart with faith and hope. Mind, Character, and Personality,

WHITE ESTATE

May 6, 2022May 6, 2022

HS220507

The value of time is beyond computation. Christ regarded every moment as precious, and it is thus that we should regard it.

As thy days, so shall thy strength be. Deuteronomy 33:25.

I thank the Lord for the assurance of His grace, that is for His people now, today…. The promise is not that we will have strength today for a future emergency, that anticipated future trouble will be provided for beforehand, before it comes to us. We may, if we walk by faith, expect strength and provision for us as fast as our circumstances demand it. We live by faith, not by sight. The Lord’s arrangement is for us to ask Him for the very things that we need. The grace of tomorrow will not be given today. Men’s necessity is God’s opportunity…. The grace of God is never given to be squandered, to be misapplied or perverted, or to be left to rust with disuse….

While you are bearing daily responsibilities in the love and fear of God, as obedient children walking in all humility of mind, strength and wisdom from God will be given to meet every trying circumstance.

We will not be able to meet the trials of this time without God. We are not to have the courage and fortitude of martyrs of old until brought into the position they were in…. We are to receive daily supplies of grace for each daily emergency. Thus we grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, and if persecution comes upon us, if we must be enclosed in prison walls for the faith of Jesus and the keeping of God’s holy law, “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” Should there be a return of persecution there would be grace given to arouse every energy of the soul to show a true heroism….

We are to keep close to the Source of our strength day by day, and when the enemy comes in like a flood the Spirit of the Lord lifts up a standard for us against the enemy. The promise of God is sure, that strength shall be proportioned to our day. We may be confident for the future only in the strength that is given for the present necessities. The experience in God is daily becoming more precious…. Do not borrow anxiety for the future. It is today that we are in need…. The Lord is our helper, our God, and our strength in every time of need.