" The Second Coming, 'Surely I Come Quickly' Revelation 22:20 "

WHERE DID EVERYBODY GO ? WHAT IS HAPPENING ? WHY AM I LEFT HERE ? IS THERE ANY HOPE ? These questions are some you might be asking if you miss the first phase of the Second Coming of JESUS CHRIST to the Earth, called the Rapture !

                                                           WHAT IS THE RAPTURE ?

This is when JESUS CHRIST comes for HIS saints (the Bride of CHRIST), those who have by faith completely trusted the eternity of their souls to HIS saving power with nothing else added. "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 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." (1st.Thessalonians 4:16-17).

                                                     WILL YOU BE LEFT BEHIND ?

Those left behind will cry out for help and comfort. Questions will arise in every heart. Where did the "Christians" go ? One man, Satan's soul-incarnate, the Antichrist, will have all the answers. "Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause GOD shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believe not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (2nd.Thessalonians 2:9-12).

                                                       THE GREAT TRIBULATION ?

Peace will reign for 3 1/2 years. Then, in this time called the Great Tribulation in Revelation 7:14, all of GOD's judgment will be meted out on this world as Satan's emissaries, the beast, the antichrist, and the false prophet wreak havoc on mankind.

     Revelation 16 records seven great judgments poured out on a GOD-forsaking world and its Satanic leaders ! Putrifying painful sores, seas of dead men's blood, rivers filled with blood, and the stench of dying aquatic life will plague man and beast. The sun will scorch the flesh of blasphemous man, and then disappear into the blackness of full darkness, as men gnaw their tongues in pain. The Euphrates River is dried up and GOD sends great earthquakes, tremendous thundering's and lightnings, and huge (91 lb.) hail stones that pound the remnant of earth's inhabitants. "It is done," thunders from Heaven as GOD's wrath is satisfied.

                                                            THE SECOND COMING ?

Then the second phase of CHRIST's Second Coming transpires ! ". . .the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST with all HIS saints." (1st.Thessalonians 3:13b). HE comes and defeats the armies of the Antichrist. The LORD JESUS will then reign for 1000 years ! You say, "I just cannot believe it. I have so many questions." Let's allow GOD's WORD to answer them for you.

                                  When will the rapture take place ? SOON !

". . . for in such an hour as ye think not the SON of MAN cometh." (Matthew 25:44b). "But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of Heaven, but MY FATHER only." (Matthew 24:36).

                                                             Will it affect me ? YES !

"Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left." (Matthew 24:40). If you miss the Rapture, you will be left behind to go through the Great Tribulation. Then as a non-believer, you will end up in a Devil's Hell for all eternity.

                                        How can it be true ? JESUS SAID SO !

". . . I will come again, and receive you unto MYSELF; that where I AM, there ye may be also." (John 14:3b) JESUS CHRIST would not lie. HE promised to come again, and HE will for those who are ready - the saved, truly born again, blood bought children of GOD.

                                GOD MADE THE ONLY WAY OF SALVATION !

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:" (1st.Corinthians 15:1-4

 What should I do ? REPENT (Turn to GOD), BELIEVE, BE SAVED !

"Repent (turning to GOD from your sin) ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out," (Acts 3:19a) ". . . Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved, and THY house." (Acts 16:31b) "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD:" (Ephesians 2:8).

     If you would like to receive JESUS as your personal LORD and SAVIOR, just pray this simple prayer or one like with all your heart:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe that YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me, come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for you always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

 

" Someday YOU WILL Stand Before GOD . . . YOU MUST Have HIS Righteousness "

Eternity depends on it ! Dear Soul, the Bible declares that one day you will die and then stand face to face with GOD to be judged. "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27). Nothing in your entire life could be more important than being ready for that day, because it will determine whether you will spend eternity in Heaven or a Devil's Hell.

This judgment will be based on a person's righteousness, which means to be absolutely perfect and without sin. The Bible says, ". . .HE has appointed a day, in the which HE will judge the world in righteousness by that MAN WHOM HE has ordained. . ." (Acts 17:31). The MAN spoken of in this verse is JESUS CHRIST. This means that your righteousness must match that of JESUS CHRIST. Can you make it through your entire life without committing one single sin ? JESUS CHRIST did, and HE is the ONE that you will be compared with at your judgment.

None have it ! No one other than JESUS CHRIST could ever lead a life without one single sin. Nobody but JESUS CHRIST is that righteous. The Bible says, ". . .There is NONE righteous, no, not one. . .For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:10,23). If you claim to be righteous, you are only deceiving yourself and making GOD a liar. The Bible says, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. . . If we say that we have not sinned, we make HIM a liar. . ." (1st.John 1:8,10).

Without GOD's righteousness, you go to a Devil's Hell ! The Bible says, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall NOT inherit the kingdom of GOD ?" (1st.Corinthians 6:9a). If you're not going to Heaven, that leaves only one other place. "The wicked shall be turned into hell. . ." (Psalm 9:17).

You cannot work for it ! The Bible says, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us. . ." (Titus 3:5). If you could earn the righteousness of GOD, then JESUS CHRIST would not have had to die on the cross. The Bible says, "I do not frustrate the grace of GOD: for if righteousness came by the Law, then CHRIST died in vain." (Galatians 2:21). Dear Soul, you cannot earn the righteousness of GOD by good deeds, church membership, sacraments, water baptism, or anything that you do. If you DO something for it, then it is self-righteousness.

Faith in JESUS CHRIST is the only way to get GOD's righteousness. Faith, is a complete trust or dependency upon someone. The Bible says that JESUS CHRIST died to pay for your sins and purchase the righteousness of GOD for you. "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel. . .by which also ye are saved,. . .For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:" (1st.Corinthians 15:1-4). You must STOP trying to earn it; instead, place your complete faith in JESUS CHRIST to receive it. The Bible says, "But to him that works not, but believes on HIM that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." (Romans 4:5). "Even the righteousness of GOD which is by faith of JESUS CHRIST unto all and upon all them that believe. . ." (Romans 3:22). Then you will not have to fear your judgment day, because in your heart you know that you will ". . . be found in HIM, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of CHRIST, the righteousness which is of GOD by faith:" (Philippians 3:9).

Will you trust completely in JESUS CHRIST to save you ? Dear Soul, JESUS CHRIST has already paid for eternal life. You need only to receive it as a gift by putting your faith in HIM. The Bible says, ". . . the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23). GOD cannot lie, and HE has promised to give you eternal life. The Bible says, "In hope of eternal life, which GOD, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;" (Titus 1:2).

Right now, will you believe GOD's promise ? The Bible says, ". . . CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners. . ." (1st.Timothy 1:15). Will you stop trusting in your righteousness, and put ALL your faith in JESUS CHRIST and receive HIS righteousness ? If you will call on JESUS CHRIST and put ALL your faith in HIM, HE will save you right now. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13). If you would like to call on the LORD to save you, and have the promise of everlasting life, pray this simple prayer or one like it and receive CHRIST today:

     LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me, come into heart and save me. Help me to live for you always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN

Eternity is real, and Hell is real. JESUS stated in John 12:48, "He that rejects ME, and receives not MY WORDs, has ONE that judges him: the WORD that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." You have read GOD's WORD. Please receive HIM today. "In THEE, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in THY righteousness." (Psalm 31:1).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" Do Not Get TOO Comfortable ! "

2nd.Timothy 3:1-5  "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent (without self control), fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of GOD; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

     Why is it that so many Christians have settled down quite comfortably in this present world ? Why is it that, rather than looking up to our Heavenly FATHER in days of turmoil, we begin to worry and fret because the comfortable aspects of a life that is quiet and peaceful are being disrupted as the world around us moves from bad to worse ? Sobering questions like these must be asked and answered. Where is our trust ? Is it in the living GOD, or is it in the political, economic, or religious institutions of this world ? As long as there seems to be political stability, economic growth, and a modicum of religious activity, people (even Christians) find themselves quite content.

     This world is not getting any better but worse ! JESUS warned that toward the end of the present age, great upheaval would transpire in every realm of life. He prepared HIS disciples for the fact that the world system, opposed to GOD, would also hate them just as it hated HIM. Paul forewarned Timothy "that in the last days perilous times shall come" (v.1) and then went on to describe the conditions that would exist and worsen as this age spirals downward in its departure from truth and the GOD of truth. Today, as we observe the unraveling of so much that we hold dear and as the stability of life as we have known it deteriorates more and more, let us keep our eyes upon our sovereign GOD. May we be reminded again that this world is NOT our final home. We are citizens of Heaven, so get to know your real home and prepare for entrance there. In the meantime, let us occupy until HE comes. In the midst of so many uncertainties, CHRIST gives us stability to live and witness for HIM. Represent HIM well until HIS return. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.feasite.org 

 

" I Hate "Religion" ! " "Religion" Has No Room For JESUS !"

     I hate "religion" because of its liturgies. I hate "religion" because of its pomp. I hate "religion" because it is sending more people to a Devil's Hell. I hate "religion" because it complicates something that is so simple even a little child can understand. I hate "religion" because it lies, manipulates, demands, deceives, controls, and did I say it takes what belongs to JESUS and gives it to mere men. JESUS said that even a little child understands HIM.

Mark 10:13-16  "And they brought young children to HIM, that He should touch them: and HIS disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when JESUS saw it, HE was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer [Let] the little children to come unto ME and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of GOD. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of GOD as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And HE took them up in HIS arms, put HIS hands upon them, and blessed them."

     Now unless you want to call JESUS a liar, HE said that even a little child can understand WHO HE is. Now what child or adult, these days, has any idea what "religion" has done for them ?

Matthew 11:25-30  "At that time JESUS answered and said, I thank THEE, O FATHER, LORD of Heaven and Earth, because THOU hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and has revealed them unto babes. Even so, FATHER: for so it seemed good in THY sight. All things are delivered unto ME of MY FATHER: and no man knows the SON, but the FATHER: neither knows any man the FATHER, save the SON, and HE to whomsoever the SON will reveal HIM. Come unto ME, all ye that labor 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, and MY burden is light."

     Do these words describe your "religion"; easy, light, restful ? I'll bet not. How many people do you have to go to before you get your prayers answered, or not ? How many works do you have to do to get your sins forgiven, or not ? "Religion" is not simple, it's not easy and you have no rest for your souls !

2nd.Corinthians 11:3  "But I (Paul) fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in CHRIST."

     The Apostle Paul feared for the flock. Paul feared that "false gospels" would come and those who were not grounded in the simplicity that is CHRIST would follow after them. He feared that wolves would come into the church and not spare the flock. He even said in Galatians 1:8 & said it again in vs.9 :

     Now I'll bet you are wondering what all this has to do with hating "religion" ? Because "religion" is a liar, it's a deceiver, it takes what belongs to JESUS and gives it to mere men. It blinds the eyes to the simplicity that is in the Gospel of CHRIST.

     A little child can know that he or she does bad things (sins). A little child can know that JESUS was put on the cross to pay for the bad things that they have done. A little child can know that 3 days later JESUS was alive again. A little child can know that if they pray to JESUS and ask HIM to forgive them and to come into their heart and love them and be with them forever, that HE will. A little child can know the simplicity that is in JESUS.

     As an adult, can you know that you do bad things (sins) ? As an adult can you know that JESUS loves you ? As an adult can you know that JESUS was put on a cross to pay for the bad things that you have done ? As an adult can you know that 3 days later JESUS rose from the dead and was alive again ? As an adult can you know that if you pray and ask JESUS to forgive you and come into your heart and love you and be with you forever, that HE will ? The picture below is the simple Gospel of CHRIST that the Apostle Paul warned would be corrupted by wolves in sheep's clothing:

     Toss out your man made "religion" and replace it with a personal "relationship" with the GOD WHO created the Heavens, the Earth and YOU.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

 

" The Sin Problem "

1st.John 1:6  "If we say that we have fellowship with HIM, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth."

     Because we are born with a sin nature, we are separated from fellowship with GOD and possess a natural propensity to sin. Every aspect of our being - our mind, emotion, intellect, and will - is affected by this sinful essence. We cannot please GOD no matter how much we try. We are sinners by our very nature as well as by the deeds of sin we commit. But when we believe in JESUS CHRIST, trusting HIM alone for our salvation, we become a "new creature" in CHRIST and receive a new nature (2nd.Corinthians 5:17). As GOD's children, we now possess the ability to walk in fellowship with HIM and to honor and glorify HIM through our faithful obedience to HIS WORD.

     However, the fact remains - in this life, our old nature is still present within, and we will sometimes yield ourselves to this sinful nature and obey it rather than yielding to the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT. When we do so, we are walking "in darkness," as our text tells us, and to "walk in darkness" while claiming to walk with GOD means we "do not the truth." It is important not to deceive ourselves into thinking we can fail to deal with the sin in our life and still enjoy proper fellowship with our SAVIOR. Yet the good news is this: As Christians, we have the ability to break free from the controlling power of sin as a result of our new nature. The Bible tells us how we can have victory when we do sin and fall short of GOD's will. As our Guidebook, the WORD of GOD reveals not only everything we need to know for life and godly living but also how to overcome any sin that has crept into our life. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

 

" HIS Name is HOLY "

Psalm 99:1-3  "The LORD reigns; let the people tremble: HE sits between the cherubim's; let the earth be moved. The LORD is great in Zion; and HE is high above all the people. Let them praise THY great and terrible name; for IT is HOLY."

     This ninety-ninth psalm emphasizes the fact that the LORD our GOD is HOLY (notice vv. 3b,5b,9b). If we are not careful, we as believers can easily espouse the world's attitude, which refuses to accept the fact that absolute standards are in place and that a GOD in Heaven exists WHO is infinitely concerned about purity and holiness. The unsaved believe they can make up their own personal standards for right and wrong; however, in the day of judgment, they will realize they were mistaken (Rev. 20:11-15). The saint needs to remember that he serves a HOLY GOD with immutable standards: "Let us have grace, whereby we may serve GOD acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our GOD is a consuming fire" (Hebrews 12:28-29). If we lose sight of HIS absolute, unchanging holiness, we will forfeit untold blessing and fruitfulness.

     The picture of our LORD sitting between the cherubim, the angelic protectors of holiness, portrays a marvelous paradox. It was upon this "mercy seat" (Exodus 25:17,32; Leviticus 16:13-16) that the blood was sprinkled, thus satisfying the righteous demands of GOD's holiness while concurrently providing sinful man with access into the very presence of GOD. JESUS CHRIST shed HIS blood so that all who are washed in it can have peace with the FATHER. GOD the SON was the perfect, sinless propitiation (wrath-removing sacrifice) for our sins. We have the solemn obligation to honor HIM with rightful praise. HIS HOLY name speaks of power and majesty, yet it also reveals HIS displeasure with whatever is contrary to holiness, HIS foundational attribute. Praise the LORD, we have been washed in HIS blood so that we may now come to HIM with purified hearts. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

 

" Truth Converts "

1st.Peter 1:18-23  "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of CHRIST, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: WHO verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by HIM do believe in GOD, that raised HIM up from the dead, and gave HIM glory; that your faith and hope might be in GOD. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the SPIRIT unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the WORD of GOD, which lives and abides forever."

     Just as it is true that genuine conviction of sin is impossible without the WORD of GOD and the ministry of the SPIRIT of GOD, so it is also true that genuine conversion, the spiritual new birth, is impossible apart from the ministry of the SPIRIT (v.22). The HOLY SPIRIT uses the "incorruptible seed," the WORD of GOD that endures forever (vs.23-25), to open the eyes of the unregenerate sinner so he might see CHRIST, the LIGHT. Those who preach the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST know that this Gospel, and it alone, is "the power of GOD unto Salvation to every one that believes" (Romans 1:16). This Gospel was true in the early church, and it remains true for today.

     A special word of warning is necessary, however: Some false teachers within the church today claim that the simple preaching of the Gospel of Salvation is no longer sufficient to win unbelievers to JESUS CHRIST. They assert that the Gospel must be "geared" to the culture, or it will not be accepted. Others maintain that the preaching of the Gospel must be accompanied by miracles, signs, wonders, and healings. These ideas are simply untrue and are the result of twisting and reinterpreting GOD's WORD.

     Many Christians are confused by what they see and hear from those who twist Scripture. Yes, every child of GOD should have a great burden for world evangelization, but believers must not succumb to the temptation to try each new "soul-winning technique" that comes along without first taking the time to test it by the WORD of GOD. Dear Believer, remember that the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST has lost none of its saving power, and it never will. All who teach otherwise are presenting a false gospel. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.  www.feasite.org