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April 10, 2023

Rapture When Jesus Comes

Will there be a rapture? YES. Will it be a secret? NO!

Rapture means “to be carried away with power,” and it is true that when Jesus comes the living righteous will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

But many have come to believe that this rapture will take place quietly – that faithful Christians all around the world will suddenly disappear and that life here on earth will continue for a seven-year period of tribulation. During this time, they say, many will be converted and have a “second chance” at salvation before Christ’s final coming. Although the secret rapture scenario may appear comforting at first glance, there is absolutely no scriptural support for it. The Bible plainly teaches that when Jesus comes again, every one of our senses will be bombarded with evidence!

God warned that Satan will do such a convincing job that, if it were possible, even the very elect would be deceived. Jesus said to His disciples, “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Matthew 24:23, 24).

In the near future, Satan will attempt to impersonate Jesus and counterfeit His return to earth. But God’s people need not be deceived. When the disciples asked Jesus for the sign of His coming and the end of the world, the very first thing He told them was to be on guard against impostors. He said, “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” (Matthew 24:4, 5).

As with most deceptions, the secret rapture theory is based on a few texts that have been taken out of the context. Two main concepts in Scripture have been used to substantiate a “secret” rapture.

The primary one is that Jesus will come as “a thief in the night.” The secret rapture theory assumes this means that Christ will come secretly to steal away the righteous and carry them quietly to heaven.

Christ’s coming is described as “a thief” several times throughout the New Testament. Let’s look at one of these passages and see if it describes a secret rapture. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:10). That doesn’t sound like a secret event, does it?

In describing His return as a thief, Christ did not intend to show that it would be quiet, but that it would be sudden and unexpected – that the wicked would be taken by surprise. He said, “If the good man of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man will come at an hour when ye think not”. (Luke 12:39, 40). Likewise, Paul told the Christians in Thessalonica, “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief” (1 Thessalonians 5:4). God does not want His followers to be surprised. He wants us to be watchful and ready.

To further illustrate this truth, Jesus said,”No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house” (Mark 3:27, NKJV).

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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)

December 2, 2022January 7, 2023

What God Cannot Do For You

Life is a matter of choices. We are making choices every day at every single step. Right from the time we wake up, to the time we hit the sack at night. Some of these are so routine we do not even stop to think about the choice we make.

The choices we make about food and exercise influence our physical health. The choices we make about how to respond to life’s adversities affect our psychological well-being. And the choices we make about self-improvement direct the very course of our lives. That is the power of choice.

People who decide and choose under difficult circumstances often progress in life, unlike those who get stuck. This is also the reason some people are more successful than others.

The importance of turning away from your old evil ways of sin and never looking back. You need to burn the bridges back to your old ways of iniquity by exercising the free will and self control that God has already given you. Fix your mind on Christ and His ways. Only you can do this, God will not do it for you!

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8

God has given us the power of choice; it is ours to exercise. We cannot change our hearts, we cannot control our thoughts, our impulses, our affections. We cannot make ourselves pure, fit for God’s service. But we can choose to serve God, we can give Him our will; then He will work in us to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus, our whole nature will be brought under the control of Christ. Ministry of Healing 176.2

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 19, 2022November 20, 2022

A Life for Jesus

A documentary of a successful businessman who shares the Gospel of Christ to others in his community.

Passerinvest Group is a purely Czech development and investment company, which was founded by Radim Passer back in 1991 and ever since then it has acquired extensive experience with the construction of office and commercial buildings and residential projects.

Since 1996, the company, as a responsible urban developer, has primarily been connected with the locality Brumlovka (former BB Centrum) in Prague 4. It is one of the most successful and extensive urban projects not only in the Czech Republic, but in all of Europe from the perspective of development projects built by a single investor. So far, Passerinvest Group has invested almost 16 billion crowns, 1.6 billion of which was invested into non-profit projects that are used by the general public (schools, public greenery, sports facilities and urban infrastructure, safety, ecology).

In 2006, Passerinvest Group entered the city district of Roztyly – the former Interlov complex in Prague 11. Since then, the company has been working on partial changes to the zoning plan so that it can transform the unkempt brownfield (devastated following the construction of the metro) into a functional and user-friendly section of the city district, combining residential housing with public parks, diverse services and an office function, but also a residential park on the edge of Krč Forest.

Passerinvest Group enjoys a very good reputation, which it built both on the domestic and the international scenes. This is not only to the credit of the quality of the realised projects and the high level of the provided services, but also due to the building blocks of the company culture, which include a sense of fair play, a close relation with business partners and responsibility to society and to the environment.

The principles of urban construction and the long-term sustainable development of Prague and the Czech Republic are an integral part of Passerinvest Group’s vision. Thus, in 2017 the company introduced a new conception of a solution for the transportation infrastructure in the Czech Republic, which is considers to be of key importance for ensuring the country’s prosperity beyond the year 2038. In 2021 the company brought the other iniciation “The Building´s Development for a richer republic”, that support the further development within the Czech Republic.

http s ://adventistreview.tv

The Pilgrims came to America seeking freedom from religious persecution only to face another set of hardships in the New World. Still they chose to follow Paul’s admonition to the Thessalonians: “In everything give thanks.” Join John Bradshaw as he takes us back to the roots of the American Thanksgiving and shares how you too can be grateful in spite of difficult circumstances.

https://itiswritten.tv/it-is-written/grateful

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

August 12, 2022August 12, 2022

HS220813

#HappySabbath

It is of the highest importance that Sabbath keepers live out their faith in every particular. They should be prompt and neat, and keep their business matters all straight….

None should be so fearful of being like the world that it will lead them to be careless in their houses, leaving things in disorder and uncleanness. It is not pride to be neat in dress, cleanly in person, orderly and tasteful in their household arrangements…. These outside appearances tell the business character of those living in the house, and not only this but the religious character of its inmates. It is impossible for a slack, disorderly person to make a good Christian. Their lives, in temporal and religious things, are just as disorderly as their dress, houses, persons, and premises.

There is order in heaven. There are rules and regulations which govern the whole heavenly host. All move in order. All there is cleanly, all in perfect harmony. And everyone who will be counted worthy to enter heaven will be thoroughly disciplined and will be without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. The uncultivated have spots and wrinkles upon them now. They had better lose no time in commencing the work of cleansing themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord.

God loves purity, cleanliness, order, and holiness. God requires all His people who lack these qualifications to seek them and never rest until they obtain them. They must commence the work of reform and elevate their lives, so that in conversation and deportment their acts, their lives, will be a continual recommendation of their faith and will have such a winning, compelling power upon unbelievers that they will be compelled to acknowledge that they are the children of God.

The truth as it is in Jesus will not degrade but elevate the receiver, purify his life, refine his taste, sanctify his judgment.

God is our Father, who loves and cares for us as His children; He is also the great King of the universe. The interests of His kingdom are our interests, and we are to work for its upbuilding. Heaven, p. 22.

July 2, 2022July 8, 2022

Good and Evil

Though we tend to think of “knowledge” in and of itself as good, why is that not always the case? What are some things that we are better off not knowing?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
God confronted Adam in Eden and asked him questions in order not only to establish his guilt but also to lead him to repentance. This motif reappears with Cain (Gen. 4:9, 10), the Flood (Gen. 6:5–8), the Tower of Babel (Gen. 11:5), and Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 18:21). How is the idea of an investigative judgment revealed in these incidents?

Why did Eve think that eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil would give her wisdom?

God put the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden to give Adam and Eve a choice to obey or disobey Him. Adam and Eve were free to do anything they wanted, except eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

God did not want Adam and Eve to sin. God knew ahead of time what the results of sin would be. God knew that Adam and Eve would sin and would thereby bring evil, suffering, and death into the world. Why, then, did God allow Satan to tempt Adam and Eve? God allowed Satan to tempt Adam and Eve to force them to make the choice. Adam and Eve chose, of their own free will, to disobey God and eat the forbidden fruit. The results—evil, sin, suffering, sickness, and death—have plagued the world ever since. Adam and Eve’s decision results in every person being born with a sin nature, a tendency to sin. Adam and Eve’s decision is what ultimately required Jesus Christ to die on the cross and shed His blood on our behalf. Through faith in Christ, we can be free from sin’s consequences, and ultimately free from sin itself.

How could we avoid, in our context, making a similar mistake; that is, openly defying God’s Word in hope of something “better” than what God has offered us?