The Bible and Politics

I am sharing this for believers who will be voting in the upcoming election.

Christians must vote. Remember, you will be held accountable to God for how/who you vote for.

I have found this resource very beneficial.

Political Platforms and What the Bible Says

Bible Prophecy - Happening Now with Amir Tsarfati (September 2020)

Causing the Great Apostasy

Friends, to be honest, I have wrestled with writing this post. I am not wanting to accuse anyone of anything, or not doing anything. I am not wanting to compare churches to each other and point out anything. That is not where my heart is. 

So please know, I am writing this because of what I have observed since the lockdowns began in March of 2020. This is one way of looking at the responses that different churches have taken and the impact on the communities that they serve.

Spring Break 2020...I enjoyed the time immensely with my children, as one of the perks of my job is I have major holidays/school breaks off to be with them. I remember seeing the news of the "virus" picking up. I did attend church that Wednesday night, and my kids participated in children's ministry activities. I do not remember the sermon. I do remember being mad to be honest. That bothers me to this day. Because of the "virus" we moved out of our Chapel to our Main Worship Center, not a big deal, actually that had been a goal when our attendance went up. But they did it because of "social distancing." We were ENCOURAGED to not handshake, hug, or get near each other, in fact we had to skip every other row, and if we could, please wear a mask (this was before the mandates). Signs were up saying hand sanitizer was available, and that extra cleaning measures has been taken.

I was highly irritated through the entire service. But let me be clear, it was not directed at my church or the church leadership. They were doing all that they could to ensure a safe service. And based on what we knew at the time, these measures seemed over the top. Six months later I can still feel that irritation. And minus 2 Sunday mornings in June, I have not attended an in-person service at the church. 

Then Thursday of that week.

School districts in our area started to close for 2 weeks, to "help flatten the curve." Now I work for a private Christian school, and we are not apart of any district. But we do try to follow what 2 local districts do in cases of weather closures, etc. Both closed. So we closed.

Everything closed. Business were shut down. Restaurants. Grocery stores modified shopping hours, experiences, how to enter, etc. And even churches. In the first few weeks after Spring Break my hours at work were wonky because we didn't take an extended Spring Break. We started right away that next Monday with lessons at home. Packet pick ups were scheduled, curriculum lessons utilized at home, etc. And I have 2 kids that are school age. When I was at work I do remember hearing my boss say that he never thought he would see the churches in America closed. Many of us shared the sentiment.

Here we are, six months later. The church my family has attended for years started in-person services again a few weeks ago, childcare through age 3 just 2 weeks ago. When we attended in June (the governor had said churches could open in May), there was no childcare, and it was a hard experience having an 18 month old in service. My husband and I alternated the 2 visits by one of us staying in the commons with him, with the older kids sat in service with the other parent. We didn't try the 3rd week, and then churches were "encouraged" to close if they had opened. It's not that we didn't "attend" any services the rest of the time - we did what almost everyone else did. We did church "online!" But videos can not replace in-person fellowship, worship, and instruction. My older kids are in 2 different departments, so they had different sermon video times, plus I was trying to watch the church services (so many tech issues on my end made it maddening!), and I was eventually apart of a class that met at 11 a.m. every Sunday.

My kids got tired of the videos. There were no crafts or projects, and I stopped pushing them to watch. I am an adult and can watch sermons online with no issue. I enjoy it. But my kids can barely watch a movie all the way through. My husband and I did our best to help our children in their walk during this time. We have a devotion book we have used on/off the past few years, the kids have Story Time Bibles that we would read, and we would have prayer times. 

I remember having some conversations 2 months into "flattening the curve" about how if churches do not reopen, we are going to have a generational gap. For some, the return to church will be an easy thing to do. But for some, the longer times goes, the harder it will be for them to want to get up, get ready and attend church in person. And that is especially true for families with children. 

Folks, its hard getting 3 kids ready for church. Breakfast, clothes, hair, brushing of teeth, gathering of Bibles. It takes work. To make it smoother in our household some of the work is done the night before. "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 (NASB). And I know our family is not alone in our stance that we will do whatever it takes to attend service, and to have a firm Biblical foundation. But what about the family that barely had started coming to church? The start to come, are getting into the routine, and then massive closures, going on 6 months. Depending on their convictions, it might not occur to them to come back, to search out when the church will open again. 

The other side of this issue of churches staying closed when they could be open is members of that congregation who are tired of online videos and not seeing other people might search out a new church to attend. And that attending could be temporary, or it could be permanent change.

About a month and a half ago, I saw a friend share a picture on social media that her little family had attended an in-person service, and it felt so good! I recognized the church, it was one my husband and I attended for about 2 years when we dated and were first married. We loved the teaching, I volunteered in the bookstore, and was active in the Women's Ministry. We only left because I was pregnant. We made the decision to go back to the church he grew up in, I was attending when we met because it was close to family and is the founding church of the private school we wanted our kids to attend one day. We wanted to raise our kids in a church with people they would do life with. And we never regretted the decision. My oldest daughter has been saved almost 2 years now. And my middle born has a heart for Jesus and is on the cusp of salvation. The foundation of faith my children have couldn't be any better.

But roughly 6 weeks ago, we as a family went back to the church my husband and I had attended all those years ago. The main consideration was that their children's ministry was open (birth thru 6th grade) on Sunday mornings. And for the first time in months, my husband and I attended service and worship together while children were with kids their own age learning about Jesus.

It was WONDERFUL! We all came home and started a new week with our cups filled. My kids asked daily that week if we could go to church. And every Sunday morning since, without fail, we get up, we get ready and we drive. This church is not right down the road for us like our home church has been all these years. Its a good 30 minute drive. But we all come home a better version of ourselves. My kids love telling us the stories they studied, the songs they sang, and the new friends they have made. My husband and I discuss the sermon points, and continue that through the week. Last week was great for me and the kids. We started attending on Wednesday nights, and last week was the monthly fellowship meal before service - so we got to talk with other church members. And the great part for me - the Lord's Super. I was able to take Holy Communion. 

For the past 8 years, at our home church, we have taken communion quarterly, and always on Easter. We make sure to always attend the Lord Super services, and with my daughter accepting Jesus as her Savior we have her join us for the services too. With the lockdown going in place in March, we were unable to meet at church for any of the Easter services or events that we always partake in, including the Lords Supper. Now, we did partake at home. I found a recipe for unleavened bread, bought some grape juice, and my husband read the scriptures. But in the months since, it didn't cross my mind. So to have a Pastor lead it last week was wonderful.

Additionally, my husband encouraged me to join the Women's Bible Study. It's only 1x a month (plus an additional monthly meeting for prayer), and this Tuesday was the first monthly meeting. Oh how wonderful it was. (Ha, I realize I am using that word a good deal, but I truly feel this way!). Worship, study, group discussion and fellowship. My heart is at peace.

I do not know what the future holds. 2020 has taught all of us many lessons, #1 should be, "Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." James 4:14 (NASB) 

None of us, even the most devout to Bible prophecy study, could have predicted what 2020 would bring. Or the changes to our lives. Mask mandates, church closures, distance learning at schools, schools not having in-person instruction. 

The church closures is one point that weighs heavy on me. I came across an article online last week, 1 in 5 churches facing permanent closure within 18 months due to COVID-19 shutdowns, and it saddens me. While a building is not the church, a building can be where believers come together to worship, study, fellowship, and be encouraged.

So, I titled this post "Causing the Great Apostasy" and let me get to that now. I know I laid a good amount of foundation above, but I hope you will see where I am coming from and where I am going. Let us start by defining the word for those who are uncertain:

a·pos·ta·sy      /əˈpästəsē/
noun
the abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief.
"the execution of their leader for apostasy brought widespread criticism"

My salvation story is that I was saved at revival at my church after hearing and being taught the Book of Revelation. And the message of the apostasy to occur in the last day was strongly emphasized. So for 20 something years, I have been aware of the fact that in the "Last Days" there will be a falling away of believers.  The verse referring to this event is, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 (NASB)  "Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, 2 that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction."

I want to break 2 Thessalonians down some from my studies. The gathering in this verse is generally considered the Rapture, in the Greek harpazo. In verse 2 Paul is writing to the church at Thessalonica  because a letter came to them, telling them they missed the Rapture. Paul was writing to reassure them that they had not.Verse 3 talks about being deceived - and folks I am afraid that so many are deceived these days as this group of believers back then almost was. Having studied the Bible, I stand firm on the belief that the Rapture is a Pre-Tribulation event. And the rest of verse 3 helps to confirm that. Paul outlines the timeline of events:

• Apostasy
• Rapture
• Man of Lawlessness Revealed

Before the Church can be raptured to heaven, there will be a falling away. For the past several years, many "BIG" names in Kingdom work have "left" the faith.

• Pastor Ryan Bell
• Hillsong United's Marty Sampson
• Joshua Harris

And every time, I have heard the same conversation, "God did say there would be a falling away."

But when I think of falling away - a person here, a person there feels more like a trickle, not a mass exodus. So these situations with these individuals, while disheartening and distributing, I don't think they reach the mark of a true apostasy. 

On the other hand...churches in America closing their doors for 6+ months, having online services only. Now that to me sounds like a falling away.

    

Every church, every denomination has been impacted. I will say, not all churches have stayed shut. I do believe almost all did close for a week or two, because we are a "civilized" society, and we have a sense of patriotism of coming together for the common good. But, it did not sit right with some churches, a with some individuals, the continual closure of life that has transpired. Two weeks has spread to six months. Governors of almost all states mandated church closures for a while, and in Texas that was rescinded in May. But many churches opted to stay closed. That is their decision.

But the churches that chose to open - they have seen growth in this time as families have sought out places of worship (my family included) where all members of the family can actively participate in their faith. 

Some states have gone a bit draconian though, and you can easily see the politics of these issues when you see the party affiliation of the sates where churches are still banned from opening. In the midst of the virus, our country has become more divided. Cities have been destroyed, police departments defunded, and riots with looting have occurred in many major cities. And the perpetrators have not been punished, or even looked for. In fact, many victims to these crimes have had charges brought on themselves, for defending themselves. 

Isaiah 5:20 (NASB)

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;

Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness;

Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

And because of this lawlessness, many churches have fought back by opening up. 

• You can Protest (loot/riot) but Not attend Church
• Churches are essential.
• restricting church services but allowing protests
• Pastor John MacArthur, in fact has opened up his church and is facing eviction from a parking structure his church has used since 1975.
• John MacArthur's church to be evicted from land leased for parking lot 
• CNN: Pastor Defies Public Health Ordinances 
• Biblical Duty for churches to be OPEN 
• California Churches Keep Worshipping 
• John MacArthur Opens Church for Services
• And churches in Nevada have attempted to legal action against the state because abortion clinics and casino's have been allowed to open, but not them. 
• Supreme Court: Nevada Churches Closed - Casinos Open  
• Supreme Court Rejects Nevada Church’s Challenge to Shutdown Restrictions  
• it is illegal for churches in Nevada to meet with more than 50 people

I heard one pastor recently say, they chose to open because if people need to find a place to go, let it be the church (not a bar, or somewhere worse). And Pastor J.D. Farag, oh, he brought the word this past Sunday. Sermon Link He will not be closing the doors to his church. Listen to his very words. Impactful!

Each Pastor has to decide for himself how we will act. Will he open or will he be closed. You and I are not to judge. We have to believe that all pastor's have been in prayer over this matter, sought the counsel of the LORD, and acted accordingly. We as parishioners if we do not agree should seek the LORD in a likewise matter. Our household needed, yearned for in-person fellowship and found a warm & welcoming congregation to be apart of. We do not know if we will stay where we are at, or come back to the church that we have called home these last eight years. We are praying over it, my husband and I.

So to each, pray. Pray for our country, pray for our leaders, pray for the pastors, pray for your family. I believe we are in the apostasy right now. So next on the Biblical timeline is the Rapture. Are you ready? Will you hear the trumpet call? Or will you get to know who the Man of Lawlessness is?

Follow Up: Exodus Plagues and Revelation Parallels

A follow up to my post yesterday referencing seeing the plagues as an OT picture of the Tribulation. Pastor J.D. Farag touched on this 12 years ago. I am looking for the sermon video, but here are the notes for anyone interested in reading.

Exodus Plagues and Revelation Parallels

Endure

 2020.

Every year 2019 and before, when someone mentioned 2020, it was in in regards to vision.

• Someone has 2020 vision (present tense)
• Hindsight is 202 (looking back).

But it has always been about bringing clarity. Well, almost 8 months done of 12 in 2020 and clarity is the last thing any of us have. 

• Fires - Australia and California
• COVID-19 - GLOBAL PANDEMIC
• Riots and Looting - Global again, mainly in the USA though
• BLM, ANTIFA - terrorist organizations on American soil
• Election 2020 - Biden vs. Trump
• Mask mandates
• Q, Anon, - Conspiracy theorist or truth?
• Hurricanes - Marco and Laura in the Gulf of Mexico at the same time. Laura was a category 4 hurricane, and got close to being a 5.

If 2020 has taught any of us anything, is that we have absolutely zero control over anything. As a Christian, I know this. But I am human, I have flesh, and this flesh has control issues. So this year has been stressful for me.

But, looking back (see what I did there), the last few years have been rough. Specifically the last three years have been hard, on a personal level. Job changes, hardships in my marriage, a miscarriage, fincial uncertainties. 

In my last post, I shared how we were bracing for Hurricane Laura. By the grace of God, we didn't even get a drop of rain. Louisiana on the other hand, devastated completely. The timing of it all, another God thing. Three years ago we braced for and dealt with Hurricane Harvey.  Seeing the memories on Facebook - it felt like the rain would never end, and it gave me a new and greater appreciation for Noah and his family on the ark. Speaking of timing...a pastor I listen to and study is J.D. Farag out of Hawaii. His mid week sermon yesterday was titled: In His Time (Sermon LINK) It's a great one! I highly encourage you to take an hour and listen, process, and take to heart what Pastor Farag has to say.

It was a great reminder that EVERYTHING is in God's time. To be honest, I am over "it". It being the chaos, the riots, the lectures, the shut downs, the mask mandates, the trying to explain to my children everything that is going. Thankfully, I have my faith. And by reading scriptures, listening to sermons, studying God's word - I am at peace that I do not understand everything. What I do know is this.

Matthew 24:13 (KJV)

13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Jesus calls believers to endure to the end. To not give up. And what is the end? Death of the physical body, or rapture. And friends, I strongly believe that I will be raptured before this physical body of mine dies. Scripture tells us that we do not know the day or hour in which the trumpet shall sound (Scripture Link). But He did say there would be signs of the coming of the age (Luke 21:25-26). 

Thinking on everything that has occurred in the last three years, I ponder on all that the Church has gone through. The falling aways, the natural disasters, the financial and economic upheavals, the pure evil witnessed on a global level (beheading, child kidnappings, sexual slavery). And I am reminded about the plagues on Egypt from Exodus 7-12. I don't remember when I "found" this out, but I know I did not always know the following:

• 10 plagues
• The first 3, not only impacted the Egyptians, but also the Israelite's.
• The remaining 7 were on the Egyptians alone.

The first three plagues, were as Anne Graham Lotz said in series on Joel, were nuisance plagues. They made life uncomfortable. I just realized, it was 2015 when I started listening to Anne Graham Lotz when I learned this. And she is right. They got the Israelite's attention. The remaining plagues devastated every part of life for the Egyptians. 

Friends, I see the 10 plagues as an Old Testament picture of the Tribulation. Now, hear me out. 

Yes, the Tribulation is 7 years. And I believe each of the plagues that came upon Egypt represents the 7 years of sorrow on the nations that brings Israel back to their God. What about the first 3 plagues/ 3 years? Well, if 2020 is the year that the church is Raptured (I am not date setting - just thinking things out), then the last three years have been getting the attention of the Church. Pastor Farag here recently said he thinks that God is making everything so uncomfortable here on earth that we LOONG for His return in a way like we have never before. Friends, this is me. I love my family, my husband, my children, the life we have. But the world? The chaos? Uncertainty? The riots? Destruction? I am over it and want FAR AWAY from it. So much, that with each new story coming out, I look to Heaven and ask "when Lord?" 

What if the trumpet does not sound in 2020?

Hold tight friends. That means that things are going to get worse here on earth. That is why Jesus told us to endure to the end. He knew it would be hard, but for those of who do endure? Oh sweet reward! To hear:

Matthew 25:22-24 (NASB)

22 “Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’

There is no great reward for a believer in Christ than to hear our Lord and Savior say those words to us. So lets endure. Let's cling tight to our faith, study the Word, share the Gospel, and give what we are able to the brethen.

I want to end my post with sharing how to be saved if by chance anyone reading this post does not know Jesus.

This is from Pastor J.D. Farag's church website, but it explains saving salvation so well. ABC_Salvation

If you are unsure of your salvation, reach out to a Bible Believing and Teaching church, message me, find someone you know who saved. Do not delay. Remember, we do not know the day or hour, but the rapture will occur in the twinkling of an eye.

Prepare: The Storm is Coming

A storm is coming.

Literally, we are preparing for soon Hurricane Laura. Within the next 24 hours we will have possible category 3 or 4 strength winds, and a storm surge. Thankfully Marco did not become an event for us late last week. But let me tell you, 2 storm systems hitting area at one times screams "birth pains" to me - and many other fellow believers.

We have prepped as well as we can. We have supplies, we have brought the plants and toys into the garage. We have boards on the ready to put on the windows if we need to. And we have a plan on where to go if we lose power. 

Thanks to technology we knew the storm could be an issue as far back as August 16th - 9 days ago. That is amazing - we saw it form off the coast of Africa and have been able to keep an eye on it, take steps to be ready, and now here we are. 

In light of current world events and all that is going on I want to draw a parallel to another storm.One that will last 7 years. Friends, the Time of Jacob's trouble is soon. And all people, who have rejected Jesus, or not accepted Him fully will face a time unlike any other. I want us to consider Habakkuk 1:5 (NASB):

“Look among the nations! Observe!

Be astonished! Wonder!

Because I am doing something in your days—

You would not believe if you were told.

I have been blessed to study the Bible via the Precept Upon Precept style for a good 5 years now. Started off in the Book of Revelation, then moved onto the Kings and Prophet Series. That has included 1 & 2 Kings/Chronicles, and many of the minor prophets books. The past few weeks we have study the 3 chapter book of Habakkuk, 56 verses. And wow, what a book. I have enjoyed studying prophecy because many times there was a near application and a future application. Habakkuk is such a book. Habakkuk was disgusted with the wickedness in Judea, and called out to the Lord. These 56 verses are the conversation the prophet had with the LORD, the LORD's response and the warning for us all. What God told Habakkuk was to happen was so astonishing, that even being told, he, Habakkuk would not believe it. God used a pagan nation to bring about judgement on His people, to turn their hearts back to Him. And what a pagan nation it was. The Chaldeans, which were Babylonians. They were their own idol, boasted in their own strength, seemed to have supernatural abilities, 100% deplorable, cannibalism, and pure wickedness towards those who they overtook. 

So back to the storms....Because of modern technology we are not being caught unaware by Hurricane Laura. 120 years ago, the storm of 1900 hit Galveston, TX. 100 people died. It has been described as the worst storm in American History. Back then people didn't know they were in a hurricane until after it hit and destroyed their lives.

Whether you like weathermen or not, they do play an important role in our lives. One that I watch made an observation the other day that was enlightening. 

"For everyone complaining about changes in the forecast for Marco, keep in mind today’s 5-Day forecast is as accurate as a 1-Day forecast in 1980. Let that sink in. We’ve come a long way."

As time has gone on, our warnings have become more accurate, and more timely. We have more time to prepare.

Friends, God's word has done the same. The Bible is filled with the warnings of what will happen on and to the earth before the Tribulation. Jesus gave us a warning in Matthew 24.

Matthew 24

The Beginning of the Birth Pangs

Jesus left the Temple and went away. As he did so, his disciples came and pointed out the Temple buildings to him. 2 ‘Yes,’ he said, ‘and you see all these things? I’m telling you the truth: not one stone will be left standing upon another. All of them will be thrown down.’

3 As he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, his disciples came to him privately.

‘Tell us,’ they said, ‘when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that you are going to appear as king, and that the end of the age is upon us?’

4 ‘Watch out,’ replied Jesus. ‘Don’t let anyone deceive you. 5 You see, there will be several who will come along, using my name, telling you “I’m the Messiah!” They will fool lots of people. 6 You’re going to hear about wars, actual wars and rumoured ones; make sure you don’t get alarmed. This has got to happen, but it doesn’t mean the end is coming yet. 7 Nations will rise against one another, and kingdoms against each other. There will be famines and earthquakes here and there. 8 All this is just the start of the birthpangs.

9 ‘Then they will hand you over to be tortured, and they will kill you. You will be hated by all nations because of my name. 10 Then several will find the going too hard, and they will betray each other and hate each other. 11 Many false prophets will arise, and they will deceive plenty of people. 12 And because lawlessness will be on the increase, many will find their love growing cold. 13 But the one who lasts out to the end will be delivered. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom must be announced to the whole world, as a witness to all the nations. Then the end will come.’

The Desolating Sacrilege

15 ‘So when you see “the sacrilege that desolates”, as Daniel the prophet put it, “standing in the holy place” (the reader should understand), 16 then those who are in Judaea should take to their heels and run to the mountains. 17 If you’re up on your roof, don’t go down into the house to get things out. 18 If you’re in the fields, don’t go back to pick up your cloak. 19 It’s going to be terrible for pregnant and nursing women during those days. 20 Pray that it won’t be winter when you have to run away, or for that matter a sabbath. 21 Yes: there’s going to be such great suffering then as has never been since the start of the world until now – no, and won’t ever be again. 22 And if those days had not been shortened, nobody at all would have been rescued. But for the sake of God’s chosen ones those days will be shortened.

23 ‘Then if anyone says to you, “Look! Here is the Messiah!” or “Look! There he is!”, don’t believe them. 24 False messiahs will arise, you see, and false prophets too. They will provide great signs and portents, so as to deceive even God’s chosen ones, if that were possible. 25 Remember, I’m telling you this beforehand!

26 ‘So if someone says to you, “Look! He’s out in the wilderness”, don’t go out. If they say, “Look, he’s in the inner room”, don’t believe them. 27 You see, the royal appearing of the son of man will be like the lightning that comes from the East and flashes across to the West. 28 Where the carcass is, there the vultures will gather.’

The Coming of the Son of Man

29 ‘Straight away,’ Jesus continued, ‘after the suffering that those days will bring,

The sun will turn to darkness,

and the moon won’t give its light;

the stars will fall from heaven,

and the powers of heaven will shake.

30 ‘And then the sign of the son of man will appear in heaven; then all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see “the son of man coming on the clouds of heaven” with power and great glory. 31 He will send off his messengers with a great trumpet-blast, and they will collect his chosen ones from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

32 ‘Learn the hidden meaning from the fig tree. When its branch begins to sprout, and to push out its leaves, then you know that summer is nearly there. 33 So with you: when you see all these things, you will know that it is near, at the very gates. 34 I’m telling you the truth: this generation won’t be gone before all these things happen. 35 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never, ever disappear.’

The Unexpected Coming

36 ‘Nobody knows what day or time this will happen,’ Jesus went on. ‘The angels in heaven don’t know it, and nor does the son; only the father knows. 37 You see, the royal appearing of the son of man will be like the days of Noah.

38 ‘What does that mean? Well, in those days, before the flood, they were eating and drinking, they were getting married and giving children in marriage, right up to the day when Noah went into the ark. 39 They didn’t know about it until the flood came and swept them all away. That’s what it’ll be like at the royal appearing of the son of man.

40 ‘On that day there will be two people working in the field. One will be taken, the other will be left. 41 There will be two women grinding corn in the mill. One will be taken, the other will be left.

42 ‘So keep alert! You don’t know what day your master will come. 43 But bear this in mind: if the householder had known what time of night the burglar was going to come, he would have stayed awake and wouldn’t have let his house get broken into. 44 So you too must be ready! The son of man is coming at a time you don’t expect.’

The Wise and Wicked Slaves

45 ‘So,’ Jesus went on, ‘who then is the trustworthy and sensible slave, the one the master will set over his household, so that he will give them their meals at the right time? 46 Blessings on the servant whom the master, when he comes, finds doing just that. 47 I’m telling you the truth: he’ll promote him to be over all his belongings. 48 But if the wicked slave says in his heart, “My master’s taking his time”, 49 and starts to beat the other slaves, and to feast and drink with the drunkards, 50 the master of that slave will come on a day he doesn’t expect, and at a time he doesn’t know. 51 He will cut him in two, and put him along with the hypocrites, where people will weep and grind their teeth.’

I will finish by saying, we are running out of time to prepare for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. What are you doing to ensure that as many can will be caught up from the wrath to come? Let the urgency you have prepared your home be mimicked in your kingdom work. As you reached out to the elderly you know to see if they needed supplies, or boards put on their windows - seek them out and ask them if they have a personal relationship with Jesus.

We know, roughly, when the storm will hit us tomorrow. None of know when Jesus will return. We have signs, and we need to be ready. Stay safe friends. Be secure in Jesus.

God and Government Authority

I heard an amazing sermon last week on God and Government Authority.

Pastor Nathan Cothen is the Pastor for Calvary Baptist Church in Beaumont, TX - just a short one hour drive from where I live. I listen to him most afternoons on my way home, local station 100.7 FM. He preaches God's word, and in unapologetic about it.  He is one of my favorite pastors to listen to these days.

Their Day in Court - Sermon Audio

If you are able, please listen to the sermon. Below are my notes that I took when I had a chance to re-listen. 

Their Day in Court

Acts 4:13-22

Trouble: Government says "No" and we say "Yes" to GOD

What are believers to do when the laws of the state are in conflict with the laws of God?

Acts 4:13-22 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Threat and Release

13 Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. 

14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply. 

15 But when they had ordered them to leave the Council, they began to confer with one another, 

16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 

17 But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name.” 

18 And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 

19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; 

20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 

21 When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened; 

22 for the man was more than forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

Guilty - Peter and John

• healing a cripple (a miracle)
• speaking truth

Charges not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.

Jesus to Pilate, night before crucifixion - "You would have no authority over me if it were not given to you from above."

Natural Revelation - everyone deep in their heart knows there is a God (Romans 1).

Nobody who thinks he is a god wants to hear about sin.

Verdict - The Sanhedrin wanted to kill Peter and John but too many were watching. So for the time, told them to shut up.

PROBLEM - Sanhedrin told them to stop preaching about Jesus, and Jesus told them to preach Jesus no matter what!

Romans 13:1-7 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Be Subject to Government

13 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 

2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.

3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;

4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 

5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 

6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 

7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

How do we deal with when God says one thing and man says another?

• Does God put in place irreligious governments? Yes. He uses even those who do not bow to Him, as agents of restraint and unregenerate men to keep some semblance of order in the world.

God & Government Authority

What ranks what place? Is the state above authority? No. GOD is!

3 Categories:

1.Agreement
        When everyone agrees.

        Even in non-Christian societies, have some general guidelines (Hindu, Communist, etc) they all say on "paper" - 

            - murder is wrong

            - rape is bad

            - lying is an offense (sworn in at court)

Remember - all truth is God's truth.

John 14:6 - "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me."

On the BIG stuff, there is generally agreement, no problem, all on the same page.

2. Aggravation

        Not Morally or Biblically wrong, just irritate you.

            - IRS - take your money and do not ask you waht should be done with it.

                     - we may disagree with them and their policies - it is not immoral or Biblically wrong - so                         we all pay our taxes

            - Motor Cycle vs. Car

                    - in a motor cycle

                        no helmet

                        no doors

                        no seat belt

                    Perfectly Legal

                    - in a car - roughly 6,000 pounds can get a ticket for not wearing a seat-belt

3. Abomination

• God says one thing and government says another. 
• 2 sub types
• Gov. says "yes" & we (Christians) say "No"
• i.e. 1973 ROE v. Wade
• Prior to this God and Gov. said no to abortion.
• If there is any good news, when evil people are allowed to do evil things, and we says no, they cannot flog us, put us in jail, or kill us.

Where we run into trouble is when...

• Gov says "no" and we say "yes to God.
• God said to do it, not only did He say to do it, but we are under compulsion to do it.

What then?

3 answers

1. Obey God - Don't even need to pray it. When the two are in conflict, we are going to obey God.
2. Accept what comes (man up!) (don't organize an army)
1. Peter was in jail twice.
1. 1 time freed
2. 2nd time crucified

Why was it God's will to miraculously free him one time, an angel escorting him out of the city and next time he goes in, its God's will for him to be crucified?

What do both of these have in common?

Glorifying God

• Enhance the reputation of Jesus Christ
• and we as believers in Jesus Christ signed on the dotted line that we no longer live but die to ourselves and live for Jesus Christ.

Pastor Cothen -

"I don't mind dying for Christ, its the flogging. Dying for Christ is relatively easy, being in prison for heat speech, which is three (3) things away from happening in this country. Me being in prison, for hate crimes ir right around the corner. Hate speech . If you have any grit, you too."

Do what the original disciples did - we suffer.

    3. Watch

            Do you know what did Saul in? Holy Spirit was bringing a number of things against him. But, at the end of Chapter 7 of Acts, "stoning Stephen, to death, in total innocence, they laid their clothing at the feet of the man named Saul, who had told them to do it.

You know what breaks people inside? Watching innocent people suffer, unless you are a total mental case, it will break you watching innocent people suffer, because of your corruption. It is what turned the Roman Empires into the Christian world order. He'll do it again, but He has to have people ready to man up, and do what He says, which is obey Him and accept whatever comes and watch because what God chooses to do with it - that is His business.

Romans 8:28 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

When we follow "obey, accept, watch & know" we may be delivered on this side or in heaven. His will, will be accomplished and we will hear....

Matthew 25:23 New King James Version (NKJV)

23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

And that is what it means to be a Christian.