My pastor always says that "we are in this world, but we are not of this world."
Romans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
As Christians, we Are Not of this world. We have been hand-picked by God and we belong to Him. We are His completely. Because of this, we should act differently. We should not try to blend into this world, as most of us do. We should stand out because We Are Different. We are God's children and the rest of the world should be able to see that through our lives. God doesn't want us to blend in. He wants us to stand out FOR HIM!
Being different isn't always easy. In fact, standing out for God is quite hard.
Jesus tells us And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. (Matthew 10:22)
But, we have to remember that no matter how hard it gets sometimes, God is always, Always there.
Isaiah 41:10 - Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
God has told us that He is here for us at all times, and He cannot lie! That's the beauty of the Bible. God promises us so much, and we know that it is true because God cannot lie.
That's really all I have for tonight. In closing, I would just challenge you to stand out. Make a statement for God.
God Bless,
Taylor
Monday, February 15, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Valentine's Day
Since it is Valentine's Day, I'm going to do another blog on love. This is a bit different from the previous one that I did, though.
I Corinthians 13:1-13 - Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Love is the most selfless act there is. Loving someone means putting their welfare above your own. Loving someone means making their health, happiness, and growth a priority. This is God's kind of love, anyway. God wills only the best for every person and you can see it in the way He has treated the world.
First, God created us in His image.
Genesis 1:27 - So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Second, God wills your best by using his loving power to keep this planet going.
Colossians 1:16-17 - For by him were al things created, that are in heaven, and in earth, visitble and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Third, God proved that He wills the best for you--even at your sinful worst--by redeeming you at great cost. When Jesus dies on the cross, He did so for all people.
II Corinthians 5:15 - And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
We should strive to love one another as God loves us. He loves us with a perfect love and that's how He wants us to love our neighbors. What changes can you make in your life to constantly show God's love through your actions?
God Bless,
Taylor
I Corinthians 13:1-13 - Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Love is the most selfless act there is. Loving someone means putting their welfare above your own. Loving someone means making their health, happiness, and growth a priority. This is God's kind of love, anyway. God wills only the best for every person and you can see it in the way He has treated the world.
First, God created us in His image.
Genesis 1:27 - So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Second, God wills your best by using his loving power to keep this planet going.
Colossians 1:16-17 - For by him were al things created, that are in heaven, and in earth, visitble and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Third, God proved that He wills the best for you--even at your sinful worst--by redeeming you at great cost. When Jesus dies on the cross, He did so for all people.
II Corinthians 5:15 - And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
We should strive to love one another as God loves us. He loves us with a perfect love and that's how He wants us to love our neighbors. What changes can you make in your life to constantly show God's love through your actions?
God Bless,
Taylor
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Matthew 11:28-30 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, my burden is light.
Tonight I am just musing upon this verse. The fact that Jesus tells us to lay ALL of our burdens on Him... I guess it just kind of baffles me sometimes to think about that fact. The fact that we don't have to feel the weight of our burdens. We, as humans, chose to place those weights on ourselves by thinking that we can handle things better than God can. I think that many times we get so caught up in the things that are going on around us, that we forget that God is there, simply waiting for us to lay our burdens on Him. We get bogged down and tuckered out so quickly sometimes that we can become crushed under the weight of those burdens. But the answer to releasing those weights is so simple. We, as humans, just hate to give up control. We don't like the idea of relinquishing our obligation to worry about things. But I can promise you this, God knows the answer. God knows the solution, no matter what the problem is. And I KNOW that He can handle any situation better than I can. His ways are above our own, and He knows what the best answers are.
So the next time you are feeling crushed under the weight of your burdens, or even if you are just beginning to feel the pressure building up, give control over to God. He will take your burdens and give you rest.
God Bless,
Taylor
Tonight I am just musing upon this verse. The fact that Jesus tells us to lay ALL of our burdens on Him... I guess it just kind of baffles me sometimes to think about that fact. The fact that we don't have to feel the weight of our burdens. We, as humans, chose to place those weights on ourselves by thinking that we can handle things better than God can. I think that many times we get so caught up in the things that are going on around us, that we forget that God is there, simply waiting for us to lay our burdens on Him. We get bogged down and tuckered out so quickly sometimes that we can become crushed under the weight of those burdens. But the answer to releasing those weights is so simple. We, as humans, just hate to give up control. We don't like the idea of relinquishing our obligation to worry about things. But I can promise you this, God knows the answer. God knows the solution, no matter what the problem is. And I KNOW that He can handle any situation better than I can. His ways are above our own, and He knows what the best answers are.
So the next time you are feeling crushed under the weight of your burdens, or even if you are just beginning to feel the pressure building up, give control over to God. He will take your burdens and give you rest.
God Bless,
Taylor
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Rejoicing in the Lord
Luke 12:13-21 - And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consistheth not in the adundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no romo where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy souls hall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
So many people today judge themselves and/or others based on the things that they have. The material possessions that we hold onto here on Earth. But really, what do those materials mean? I know, as humans, we all have things that we wish to have. We at some point in our lives have thought, "Man, if I just had ________ I would be completely happy." But no material possession will ever be enough. Even if you get that pony, car, iPod, cell phone, house, job, amount of money, etc. you will not be satisfied. There is only ONE thing that can truly satisfy us, and that is God.
I'm sure that most, if not all, of you are familiar with Paul from the Bible. Paul was a man who, when he was known as Saul, had material possessions. He had power within the community. He had what most of us would consider to be a pretty good life. But he didn't have God. When God interevened in Paul's life, it got a lot harder. But Paul didn't complain. Paul rejoiced in the fact that God was his Lord and Savior, and that NO man could take that from him. Paul rejoiced in doing God's work here on Earth and he rejoiced in the fact that he knew he would be going to Heaven when God was ready to call him home.
Paul said in Philippians 1:12-14 - But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
And in Philippians 4:4 Paul reminds us to - Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Lastly Philippians 4:11-13 - Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Although Paul faced persecution and spent many nights in a number of jail cells because of his belief and teaching of Jesus Christ, he did not falter in his love for God. He knew that what was happening to him was part of God's plan and he rejoiced in that.
So I ask you to stop and take a look at your life. Think about all the magnificent things God has blessed you with. Think about your Savior, your family, your friends, your nice hair or cute toes, your brain and your education, the roof over your head and the shoes on your feet. Everything.
Then take a moment and think about something that happened in your life that was hard to deal with. Think about how God used a situation that looked bad to make a difference in your life. Whether that thing made you stronger, bolder, more caring, etc.
And then, I challenge you to constantly rejoice in your Lord. Our God is great, no matter what our particular circumstances are at the time. And if you cannot find one other thing to rejoice in throughout your day, rejoice in the fact that God loved YOU enough to send His son to die in your place. When you think about the love and blessings that God has given you, it's extremely hard to stay sad, angry, or frustrated. We have to remember that everything happens for a reason, and that those things that happen in our lives are the tools God is using to shape us into the person that He wants us to be for Him.
God Bless,
Taylor
So many people today judge themselves and/or others based on the things that they have. The material possessions that we hold onto here on Earth. But really, what do those materials mean? I know, as humans, we all have things that we wish to have. We at some point in our lives have thought, "Man, if I just had ________ I would be completely happy." But no material possession will ever be enough. Even if you get that pony, car, iPod, cell phone, house, job, amount of money, etc. you will not be satisfied. There is only ONE thing that can truly satisfy us, and that is God.
I'm sure that most, if not all, of you are familiar with Paul from the Bible. Paul was a man who, when he was known as Saul, had material possessions. He had power within the community. He had what most of us would consider to be a pretty good life. But he didn't have God. When God interevened in Paul's life, it got a lot harder. But Paul didn't complain. Paul rejoiced in the fact that God was his Lord and Savior, and that NO man could take that from him. Paul rejoiced in doing God's work here on Earth and he rejoiced in the fact that he knew he would be going to Heaven when God was ready to call him home.
Paul said in Philippians 1:12-14 - But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
And in Philippians 4:4 Paul reminds us to - Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Lastly Philippians 4:11-13 - Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Although Paul faced persecution and spent many nights in a number of jail cells because of his belief and teaching of Jesus Christ, he did not falter in his love for God. He knew that what was happening to him was part of God's plan and he rejoiced in that.
So I ask you to stop and take a look at your life. Think about all the magnificent things God has blessed you with. Think about your Savior, your family, your friends, your nice hair or cute toes, your brain and your education, the roof over your head and the shoes on your feet. Everything.
Then take a moment and think about something that happened in your life that was hard to deal with. Think about how God used a situation that looked bad to make a difference in your life. Whether that thing made you stronger, bolder, more caring, etc.
And then, I challenge you to constantly rejoice in your Lord. Our God is great, no matter what our particular circumstances are at the time. And if you cannot find one other thing to rejoice in throughout your day, rejoice in the fact that God loved YOU enough to send His son to die in your place. When you think about the love and blessings that God has given you, it's extremely hard to stay sad, angry, or frustrated. We have to remember that everything happens for a reason, and that those things that happen in our lives are the tools God is using to shape us into the person that He wants us to be for Him.
God Bless,
Taylor
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Take it in AND Live it out
The Bible.
What is it? A book some guy wrote thousands of years ago? A good story? A book just like any other?
The Bible is none of those things. The Bible is in a league of its own. No other book could ever be like it. The Bible isn't one of many great books. It is the ONE AND ONLY great book. A Professor M. Montiero-Williams said, "Pile them [the great Eastern books], if you will, on the left side of your study table; but place your own Holy Bible on the right side--all by itself, all alone--and with a wide gap between them. For...there is a gulf between it and the other so-called sacred books of the East which wevers the one from the other utterly, hopelessly, forever...a veritable gulf which cannot be bridged." This book was breathed by God. It was written on three different continents by more than forty men from every walk of life. It was written like this in a world without email, telephones, or postcards. The Bible is the cohesive story of God's working to save humankind. And the best part is that God is using this book, HIS book, to work in us.
BUT how can the Bible help us if we aren't in it? We have to actively be reading the Bible. We have to be searching for it's truths. And once we get into the Bible, we have yet another task. We have to SPREAD the Bible to others. We have to live as the Bible tells us to live, so that we can be walking testamonies for God. We benefit most from the Bible when we experience it by allowing it to impact our thoughts, words, and actions.
James 1:19-25 - Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, andnot hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass. For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
God wants us to be hearers of the word, AND doers of the word. He wants us to Take It In and Live It Out. What good is having the knowledge of our Lord and Savior if we keep it to ourselves? Jesus came to this Earth to spread the gospel and He wants us to do the same. I challenge you to get into your Bible, AND to live a Godly life based in the things that you read in that Bible.
God Bless,
Taylor
What is it? A book some guy wrote thousands of years ago? A good story? A book just like any other?
The Bible is none of those things. The Bible is in a league of its own. No other book could ever be like it. The Bible isn't one of many great books. It is the ONE AND ONLY great book. A Professor M. Montiero-Williams said, "Pile them [the great Eastern books], if you will, on the left side of your study table; but place your own Holy Bible on the right side--all by itself, all alone--and with a wide gap between them. For...there is a gulf between it and the other so-called sacred books of the East which wevers the one from the other utterly, hopelessly, forever...a veritable gulf which cannot be bridged." This book was breathed by God. It was written on three different continents by more than forty men from every walk of life. It was written like this in a world without email, telephones, or postcards. The Bible is the cohesive story of God's working to save humankind. And the best part is that God is using this book, HIS book, to work in us.
BUT how can the Bible help us if we aren't in it? We have to actively be reading the Bible. We have to be searching for it's truths. And once we get into the Bible, we have yet another task. We have to SPREAD the Bible to others. We have to live as the Bible tells us to live, so that we can be walking testamonies for God. We benefit most from the Bible when we experience it by allowing it to impact our thoughts, words, and actions.
James 1:19-25 - Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, andnot hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass. For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
God wants us to be hearers of the word, AND doers of the word. He wants us to Take It In and Live It Out. What good is having the knowledge of our Lord and Savior if we keep it to ourselves? Jesus came to this Earth to spread the gospel and He wants us to do the same. I challenge you to get into your Bible, AND to live a Godly life based in the things that you read in that Bible.
God Bless,
Taylor
Monday, February 8, 2010
Love
With Valentine's Day coming up, the sermon at BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministries) tonight was about love: God's love for us as well as how we should love one another in Christ.
Something to keep in mind: Love is not a hole. "Falling" in love is inconcievable because love is supposed to be a growing committment BETWEEN two people. But we'll get back to that later. =)
Here are the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Single People or the Wise Standards for Discerning a Right Life Partner (and my comments on them =).
1) I will only date and marry a growing Christian. (Fellowship)
I Thessalonians 5:23 - And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Spirit - Your basic drive and motivation in life (for Christians this should be God) [Dating Stage]
Soul - Mind, Will, and Emotions (your thought life) {What Jesus changes in your life after you become saved... AKA sanctification} [Dating/Engagement Stage]
Body - Physical Self [MARRIAGE]
Oneness and Committment are grown as you go through this process, but ONLY if you start at the top and work your way down the list.
II Corinthians 6:14-17 - Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I WILL DWELL IN THEM, AND WALK IN THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. wHEREFORE COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM, AND BE YE SEPARATE, SAITH THE LORD, AND TOUCH NOT THE UNCLEAN THING; AND I WILL RECEIVE YOU
Basically - Be not unequally yoked.
2) I will relate dating and marriage to God's purpose for my life. (Purpose).
Mark 12:29-31 - And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, HEAR, O ISRAEL; THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD: AND THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND, AND WITH ALL THY STRENGTH: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF. There is none other commandment greater than these.
If you could imagine for me, a triangle. At the top is God. On the left is the boy of your dreams and on the right is you, the girl in this scenario (if you're a guy reading this, just switch the bottom two around). We could take the short path and go straight to the boy of our dreams, but where would that put us? The same length or farther from God. But, if we look at God and strive to be closer to Him, and the boy is doing the same, we will ultimately grow closer to both God and the boy (as long as that boy is who God wants for you, and if He doesn't, you won't have lost anything that God wanted you to have). We have to keep our eyes on God BECAUSE our God is a jealous God, and He will not take second place in your life.
Now for a bit of direction:
MEN: You should be the spiritual leader in your relationship. Your job as the male is to direct, protect, and provide. God expects you to lead. He expects you to be a safe haven, and He expects you to provide for your girlfriend/wife/family.
WOMEN: You should be an example and a challenge. Yes. A Challenge. It is your job to set the bar high and wait for the man, who God want to be in your life, to JUMP that bar. YOU ARE WORTH MORE THAN RUBIES, and God wants the VERY best for you. He would never let you settle for less that His best, and you shouldn't be willing to settle for anything less either.
3) I will not "defraud" the one I date. (Purity)
I Thessalonians 4:1-8 - Furthermore then we beseech you brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleaness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
Basically: We should abstain from sexual immorality
I Corinthians 6:18-20 - Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
In the context of love: This is basically saying that before marriage MY BODY BELONGS TO GOD, and God alone. He bought me with a price and therefore I belong to Him. Completely.
I Corinthians 7:1-4 - Now concerning the things whereof wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
After marriage, your partner has rights to your body because you are one. You are bonded, bonded as a new creature in Christ. But before you say "I do" before God, your priest, your family and friends, your body belongs Solely to God.
Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
I think this is pretty self explanitory.
4) I will "purpose" to be in harmony at home. (Authority)
Ephesians 6:1-3 - Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live love on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Colossians 3:20 - Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
I think we all know this lesson: Obey your parents. We've been hearing it since we went to our first Sunday School class. However, I think it is something that we could all work on, myself included. God gave us parents to protect and teach us. He wants us to learn from them so that we don't repeat their mistakes. He also put them in our lives to shield us from the terrors of the world and the slings and arrows of the Devil.
Exodus 20:12 - Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Honor your father and mother. The person who was giving this sermon brought up an interesting point tonight. He said that he would not marry anyone whose parents did not support their union. It's intriguing to think about. I mean... we all know that we want our parents to approve of who we're dating (even if we hide that fact from them), but how much weight do we Actually put into our parents' opinions of our boyfriends/girlfriends? Refering to my above commentary, our parents were given to us to lead us down the right paths. They are given to us to protect us. And, something that I know is always true, they want what is BEST for us, no matter what. So the next time your parent makes a comment about your boyfriend/girlfriend, listen to what they're saying.
I Samuel 15:23 - For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
5) I will wait for God's timing in marriage. (Trust)
Psalm 62:5 - My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
6) I will yield my right to date and marry to God. (Submission)
Luke 9:24 - For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lost his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
Matthew 6:33 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Psalms 37:4-5 - Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
7) I will trust God to meet my deepest needs.
Psalm 84:11 - For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Romans 8:32 - He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
God will not withhold things from me. He knows Exactly what I need, and He is ready to give me those things which my heart desires.
In closing, Love is SO much more than just a fleeting feeling or a sideways glance. God tells us SO much about His love for us and about how we should love one another. God has not forgotten and will not forget about you. Ever. Period. He knows what you need.
I know that this has been a long post already but I feel like all Christians need to realize that God knows how you're feeling, and how you're probably longing to have someone to love. But do you realize that He knows who that person for you is? He already knows! He has Always known. And when you and that other person are both ready, He will not withhold that love from you. So be patient. And if you get anxious, here is a song for you.
Love is Waiting ~ Brooke Fraser
In the autumn on the ground, between the traffic and the ordinary sounds
I am thinking signs and seasons while a north wind blows through
I watch as lovers pass me by
Walking stories - whos and hows and whys
Musing lazily on love
Pondering you
I'll give it time, give it space and be still for a spell
When it's time to walk that way we want to walk it well
I'll be waiting for you baby
I'll be holding back the darkest night
Love is waiting til we're ready
Til it's right
Love is waiting
It's my caution not the cold
There's no other hand that I would rather hold
The climate changes, I'm singing for the strangers about you
Don't keep time, slow the pace
Honey hold on if you can
The bets are getting surer now that you're my man
I'll be waiting for you baby
I'll be holding back the darkest night
Love is waiting til we're ready
Til it's right
Love is waiting
I could write a million songs about the way you say my name
I could live a lifetime with you and then do it all again
And like I can't force the sun to rise or hasten summer's start,
Neither should I rush my way into you heart
I'll be waiting for you baby
I'll be holding back the darkest night
Love is waiting til we're ready
Til it's right
I'll be waiting for you baby
I'll be holding back the darkest night
Love is waiting til we're ready
Til it's right
Love is waiting
And finally, I'll leave you with a passage that I'm sure is familiar to us all.
I Corinthians 13:1-13 - Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
God Bless,
Taylor
Something to keep in mind: Love is not a hole. "Falling" in love is inconcievable because love is supposed to be a growing committment BETWEEN two people. But we'll get back to that later. =)
Here are the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Single People or the Wise Standards for Discerning a Right Life Partner (and my comments on them =).
1) I will only date and marry a growing Christian. (Fellowship)
I Thessalonians 5:23 - And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Spirit - Your basic drive and motivation in life (for Christians this should be God) [Dating Stage]
Soul - Mind, Will, and Emotions (your thought life) {What Jesus changes in your life after you become saved... AKA sanctification} [Dating/Engagement Stage]
Body - Physical Self [MARRIAGE]
Oneness and Committment are grown as you go through this process, but ONLY if you start at the top and work your way down the list.
II Corinthians 6:14-17 - Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I WILL DWELL IN THEM, AND WALK IN THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. wHEREFORE COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM, AND BE YE SEPARATE, SAITH THE LORD, AND TOUCH NOT THE UNCLEAN THING; AND I WILL RECEIVE YOU
Basically - Be not unequally yoked.
2) I will relate dating and marriage to God's purpose for my life. (Purpose).
Mark 12:29-31 - And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, HEAR, O ISRAEL; THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD: AND THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND, AND WITH ALL THY STRENGTH: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF. There is none other commandment greater than these.
If you could imagine for me, a triangle. At the top is God. On the left is the boy of your dreams and on the right is you, the girl in this scenario (if you're a guy reading this, just switch the bottom two around). We could take the short path and go straight to the boy of our dreams, but where would that put us? The same length or farther from God. But, if we look at God and strive to be closer to Him, and the boy is doing the same, we will ultimately grow closer to both God and the boy (as long as that boy is who God wants for you, and if He doesn't, you won't have lost anything that God wanted you to have). We have to keep our eyes on God BECAUSE our God is a jealous God, and He will not take second place in your life.
Now for a bit of direction:
MEN: You should be the spiritual leader in your relationship. Your job as the male is to direct, protect, and provide. God expects you to lead. He expects you to be a safe haven, and He expects you to provide for your girlfriend/wife/family.
WOMEN: You should be an example and a challenge. Yes. A Challenge. It is your job to set the bar high and wait for the man, who God want to be in your life, to JUMP that bar. YOU ARE WORTH MORE THAN RUBIES, and God wants the VERY best for you. He would never let you settle for less that His best, and you shouldn't be willing to settle for anything less either.
3) I will not "defraud" the one I date. (Purity)
I Thessalonians 4:1-8 - Furthermore then we beseech you brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleaness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
Basically: We should abstain from sexual immorality
I Corinthians 6:18-20 - Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
In the context of love: This is basically saying that before marriage MY BODY BELONGS TO GOD, and God alone. He bought me with a price and therefore I belong to Him. Completely.
I Corinthians 7:1-4 - Now concerning the things whereof wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
After marriage, your partner has rights to your body because you are one. You are bonded, bonded as a new creature in Christ. But before you say "I do" before God, your priest, your family and friends, your body belongs Solely to God.
Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
I think this is pretty self explanitory.
4) I will "purpose" to be in harmony at home. (Authority)
Ephesians 6:1-3 - Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live love on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Colossians 3:20 - Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
I think we all know this lesson: Obey your parents. We've been hearing it since we went to our first Sunday School class. However, I think it is something that we could all work on, myself included. God gave us parents to protect and teach us. He wants us to learn from them so that we don't repeat their mistakes. He also put them in our lives to shield us from the terrors of the world and the slings and arrows of the Devil.
Exodus 20:12 - Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Honor your father and mother. The person who was giving this sermon brought up an interesting point tonight. He said that he would not marry anyone whose parents did not support their union. It's intriguing to think about. I mean... we all know that we want our parents to approve of who we're dating (even if we hide that fact from them), but how much weight do we Actually put into our parents' opinions of our boyfriends/girlfriends? Refering to my above commentary, our parents were given to us to lead us down the right paths. They are given to us to protect us. And, something that I know is always true, they want what is BEST for us, no matter what. So the next time your parent makes a comment about your boyfriend/girlfriend, listen to what they're saying.
I Samuel 15:23 - For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
5) I will wait for God's timing in marriage. (Trust)
Psalm 62:5 - My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
6) I will yield my right to date and marry to God. (Submission)
Luke 9:24 - For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lost his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
Matthew 6:33 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Psalms 37:4-5 - Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
7) I will trust God to meet my deepest needs.
Psalm 84:11 - For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Romans 8:32 - He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
God will not withhold things from me. He knows Exactly what I need, and He is ready to give me those things which my heart desires.
In closing, Love is SO much more than just a fleeting feeling or a sideways glance. God tells us SO much about His love for us and about how we should love one another. God has not forgotten and will not forget about you. Ever. Period. He knows what you need.
I know that this has been a long post already but I feel like all Christians need to realize that God knows how you're feeling, and how you're probably longing to have someone to love. But do you realize that He knows who that person for you is? He already knows! He has Always known. And when you and that other person are both ready, He will not withhold that love from you. So be patient. And if you get anxious, here is a song for you.
Love is Waiting ~ Brooke Fraser
In the autumn on the ground, between the traffic and the ordinary sounds
I am thinking signs and seasons while a north wind blows through
I watch as lovers pass me by
Walking stories - whos and hows and whys
Musing lazily on love
Pondering you
I'll give it time, give it space and be still for a spell
When it's time to walk that way we want to walk it well
I'll be waiting for you baby
I'll be holding back the darkest night
Love is waiting til we're ready
Til it's right
Love is waiting
It's my caution not the cold
There's no other hand that I would rather hold
The climate changes, I'm singing for the strangers about you
Don't keep time, slow the pace
Honey hold on if you can
The bets are getting surer now that you're my man
I'll be waiting for you baby
I'll be holding back the darkest night
Love is waiting til we're ready
Til it's right
Love is waiting
I could write a million songs about the way you say my name
I could live a lifetime with you and then do it all again
And like I can't force the sun to rise or hasten summer's start,
Neither should I rush my way into you heart
I'll be waiting for you baby
I'll be holding back the darkest night
Love is waiting til we're ready
Til it's right
I'll be waiting for you baby
I'll be holding back the darkest night
Love is waiting til we're ready
Til it's right
Love is waiting
And finally, I'll leave you with a passage that I'm sure is familiar to us all.
I Corinthians 13:1-13 - Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
God Bless,
Taylor
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Future Prophecy
Hey everyone. I apologize for not posting Friday or Saturday. I had a busy weekend and time just got away from me.
Today I'm going to write about the lesson that we have been talking about in Sunday School for the past two weeks: Future Prophecy.
This is a lot of material, but my Sunday School class is going to be going deeper into each event in the next few weeks. This is basically an overview and introduction to the topics that will be covered later on, but I think that these events should be things that all Christians are aware of.
The Rapture
I Thessalonians 4:13-18 - But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are still alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Overview: Jesus will appear in the air, trumpets will sound, the dead in Christ shall rise, and then the Christians who are still alive will ascend.
The Judgment Seat of Christ
II Corinthians 5:10 - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Overview: The Judgment Seat of Christ is only for Christians. This judgment is not about salvation. It is about the rewarding of all Christians for what we have done for Christ in our life. This is also not about our sins. Jesus has already taken care of our sins by dying for us on the cross.
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
Ephesians 5:25-27 - Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Revelation 19:7-9 - Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
Overview: The Judgment Seat of Christ prepares us to be God's whole, perfect, unblemished bride. This is when Jesus will be united with all saved Christians ("wedding his bride").
The Tribulation (I believe in the post-rapture tribulation, which is why I am placing it here in the order of events. Regardless of when it will happen, the prophesized events will be the same.)
Revelation chapters 6-9 (which I will not be typing all of... =)
Overview: The Tribulation will last for 7 years and it will happen on Earth. During these 7 years, God will be judging the world for sinfulness and preparing Israel for their coming Messiah. The nation of Israel will go through the tribulation just like the rest of the unsaved people because they did not believe in Christ's first coming.
The Great Tribulation will take place during the last three and a half years. Things will begin to get VERY bad. There will be famine, great hail storms, etc. In these last three and a half years the Anti-Christ will rise to power. The Anti-Christ will be able to explain all of these events (the famine, hail, missing Christians) away. The False Prophet will also rise to power during these years. He will be THE religious spokesperson, but he will not be teaching about God. Both the Anti-Christ and the False Prophet will be able to have so much power because the world will have one united government.
The Battle of Armageddon
Revelation 16:14 & 16 - For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
Overview: The Battle of Armageddon will occur at the end of the 7 years of Tribulation. The Anti-Christ and his armies will battle Israel (to try and get rid of them before God and His armies can come to their rescue). This battle will occur in the valley that is south of Nazareth and west of the Jordan River.
The Second Coming (or Revatlation) of Christ
Revelation 19:11-21 - And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kinds, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. And I saw the beast, and the kinds of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
Overview: The Second Coming of Christ is not to be confused with The Rapture. The Second Coming is when Christ will actually RETURN to Earth. During The Rapture, Jesus will meet all the Christians in the air. Jesus comes back to Earth to wipe out Satan and his armies. We Christians are Jesus' armies, clothed in white linens and sitting upon white horses. We are his followers, but we never have to actually fight. Jesus takes care of everything for us. We get to share in His victory.
The Great White Throne Judgment
Revelation 20:11-15 - And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Overview: This is the judgment for the unsaved. Christians will not be at the Great White Throne Judgment. This is where all of the unsaved people of the world will be judged and then thrown into the lake of fire. That's harsh, and I'm definitely glad that I won't have to be there.
The Millenium Reign of Christ
Revelation 20:1-6 - And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years. And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Overview: Christ will rule the Earth for a thousand years. We will rule with Him and it will be a good time for us. This will be a great victory for Christians and for Israel.
Like I said in the beginning, this is just scratching the surface of these events, but it's a good introduction to the things that are to come. Hopefully I will be able to do more in depth posts about these events in the future. Also, if you ever get confused about the scripture that I write, I write it in the King James Version for a reason. This is the text that we use at my church, so it's what I'm used to, but also, because I know that most other churches today don't use the KJV, so I encourage you to compare the scripture I type here to the scripture in the different versions of the Bible that are out there.
I hope that everyone had a good, safe weekend. I'm already looking foward to the next one. =)
God Bless,
Taylor
Today I'm going to write about the lesson that we have been talking about in Sunday School for the past two weeks: Future Prophecy.
This is a lot of material, but my Sunday School class is going to be going deeper into each event in the next few weeks. This is basically an overview and introduction to the topics that will be covered later on, but I think that these events should be things that all Christians are aware of.
The Rapture
I Thessalonians 4:13-18 - But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are still alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Overview: Jesus will appear in the air, trumpets will sound, the dead in Christ shall rise, and then the Christians who are still alive will ascend.
The Judgment Seat of Christ
II Corinthians 5:10 - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Overview: The Judgment Seat of Christ is only for Christians. This judgment is not about salvation. It is about the rewarding of all Christians for what we have done for Christ in our life. This is also not about our sins. Jesus has already taken care of our sins by dying for us on the cross.
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
Ephesians 5:25-27 - Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Revelation 19:7-9 - Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
Overview: The Judgment Seat of Christ prepares us to be God's whole, perfect, unblemished bride. This is when Jesus will be united with all saved Christians ("wedding his bride").
The Tribulation (I believe in the post-rapture tribulation, which is why I am placing it here in the order of events. Regardless of when it will happen, the prophesized events will be the same.)
Revelation chapters 6-9 (which I will not be typing all of... =)
Overview: The Tribulation will last for 7 years and it will happen on Earth. During these 7 years, God will be judging the world for sinfulness and preparing Israel for their coming Messiah. The nation of Israel will go through the tribulation just like the rest of the unsaved people because they did not believe in Christ's first coming.
The Great Tribulation will take place during the last three and a half years. Things will begin to get VERY bad. There will be famine, great hail storms, etc. In these last three and a half years the Anti-Christ will rise to power. The Anti-Christ will be able to explain all of these events (the famine, hail, missing Christians) away. The False Prophet will also rise to power during these years. He will be THE religious spokesperson, but he will not be teaching about God. Both the Anti-Christ and the False Prophet will be able to have so much power because the world will have one united government.
The Battle of Armageddon
Revelation 16:14 & 16 - For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
Overview: The Battle of Armageddon will occur at the end of the 7 years of Tribulation. The Anti-Christ and his armies will battle Israel (to try and get rid of them before God and His armies can come to their rescue). This battle will occur in the valley that is south of Nazareth and west of the Jordan River.
The Second Coming (or Revatlation) of Christ
Revelation 19:11-21 - And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kinds, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. And I saw the beast, and the kinds of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
Overview: The Second Coming of Christ is not to be confused with The Rapture. The Second Coming is when Christ will actually RETURN to Earth. During The Rapture, Jesus will meet all the Christians in the air. Jesus comes back to Earth to wipe out Satan and his armies. We Christians are Jesus' armies, clothed in white linens and sitting upon white horses. We are his followers, but we never have to actually fight. Jesus takes care of everything for us. We get to share in His victory.
The Great White Throne Judgment
Revelation 20:11-15 - And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Overview: This is the judgment for the unsaved. Christians will not be at the Great White Throne Judgment. This is where all of the unsaved people of the world will be judged and then thrown into the lake of fire. That's harsh, and I'm definitely glad that I won't have to be there.
The Millenium Reign of Christ
Revelation 20:1-6 - And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years. And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Overview: Christ will rule the Earth for a thousand years. We will rule with Him and it will be a good time for us. This will be a great victory for Christians and for Israel.
Like I said in the beginning, this is just scratching the surface of these events, but it's a good introduction to the things that are to come. Hopefully I will be able to do more in depth posts about these events in the future. Also, if you ever get confused about the scripture that I write, I write it in the King James Version for a reason. This is the text that we use at my church, so it's what I'm used to, but also, because I know that most other churches today don't use the KJV, so I encourage you to compare the scripture I type here to the scripture in the different versions of the Bible that are out there.
I hope that everyone had a good, safe weekend. I'm already looking foward to the next one. =)
God Bless,
Taylor
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