Free To Believe

The other day I was on the "Prayer" group page of facebook when I ran across a more than interesting entry. The page is basically intended for members to either submit prayers, or make prayer requests. The entry to which I am referring, however, was neither. The submitter was looking for controversy by posting an excerpt from a post on his page, by one of his friends. A woman was making an observation regarding the growing "Christian" presence on "facebook".

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Commenting on all the references she has observed pertaining to God, the woman was trying to make the point of "Throwing around God's name does not make us Christians". She went on to explain how she has observed so many whom practice leaving inspirational notes and godly remarks, were also just as involved in ungodly behavior. She pointed out Mat 7:21, "Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord', shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven". She concluded with the advise "Maybe they should get off facebook, and pick up a Bible".

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The gentleman submitting the comment, was asking for people's "thoughts", as it was apparent he had been offended by the observation. All the times I've visited the Prayer page, I have never seen so many responses to an entry, even when people were requesting prayer for dyer situations. The remarks mounted quickly, in a cruel and vicious assault against the woman, questioning her Christianity. One stood out to me, especially, stating "we" are supposed to be spreading "his" name.

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Any whom have read the majority of my articles, are fully aware where I stand. I was compelled as never before to add my two cents. I wrote, "What she says is biblical truth. If it raises so much emotion and controversy, perhaps we need to analyze ourselves, rather than the messenger", which did not 'go over' too well.

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As it is quite true, we are, as Christians, expected and commanded to speak of God to others. What I have oftentimes observed is that too many spread His name for their own glory and vanity, rather than for His Glory. Advertising that they are Christian takes priority in their heart. Some do it out of ignorance, while many do it intentionally. In either case, they face certain doom for their calamity.

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I cannot think of a more perfect example than someone I've known personally. As of late, I have come across several instances where they have made note on various Internet pages, including facebook, that they are a "Devoted Christian", and proclaiming the "Goodness of God". I know, just as well, they harbour hate and bitterness in their heart. They live a constant lie. This person is far from being a victim, as they portray to unsuspecting ears. They are equally to blame (Mat 7:1-6) for the conflicts they leave behind, but, accept no responsibility or accountability. Instead, they take vindictive actions against people, and refuse to forgive (Mat 18:23-35). Their style of life encourages and empowers the enemy in all lives around them.

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The huge misconception by many, and a tool for argument by atheists, is that because we are Christian we are not supposed to sin. How ridiculous! Every human sins, but, as Christians we have put away sin, or iniquity, and pledge to follow the Heart of Jesus, and the Word of God. God knows we will slip, He expects it. As soon as we slip, our heart is convicted by the Holy Spirit, we repent, and by God's promise, as believers, we are forgiven. In particular cases, however, the sin is premeditated, and without conscience. They neither seek, nor give, forgiveness (Mat 6:15-15). They are under the mistaken impression that, even though they are still involved in the sin, God automatically forgives them, and they claim they are blessed by God.

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These people are confusing God's Blessing with Satan's enabling. As we cherish the desire to control and manipulate others, Satan is in his delight, as he knows this draws us away from God's Will. All demonic influences and principalities will join forces to create the delusion that "God must be making this happen", as it comes so easily and seemingly effortless. Demons can even take on the appearance of an angel visiting us, or speaking to us, to coax us into rationalizing and justifying our ungodly actions.

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God's inerrant Word never relays it is alright to attack another human for personal gain, or inflict suffering, for revenge. There is only one truth and that is the Word of God. The Holy Bible, or the Believers Instructions Before Leaving Earth, is not God's "Suggestion" book. Rather, it is His command for how all are to live. Whether or not, we choose to believe that, is irrelevant.

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Now, more than ever, all should be vigilant to the time of the rapture of the church. We are ever so close to the time in which the Antichrist will be revealed, immediately following the rapture. The campaign of the enemy to eliminate the Bible and sway even believers to corruption has intensified, in preparation. Just as many professed Christians, as non-believers, take part in and/or support abortion, divorce, fornication, adultery, and the list goes on.

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The Lord will only rapture His faithful (Rev 3:10). Many pastors and evangelists will not be spared the Tribulation (Mat 7:22). "Then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; go away from me you evil doers'," (Mat 7:23).

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Many so called preachers (wolves in sheep's clothing, Mat 7:15) are more interested in recruiting numbers than preaching the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. They will throw God's name into their WARM AND FUZZY SERMONS once in awhile, but, promote personal reliance and motivation to escape any guilt for our sin. They portray adhering to God's commandments as "Good works" and suggest its not only unnecessary, but, a sin, in and of itself. There are many, but, Joel Osteen is a perfect example. In this interview with Larry King, he once again side steps and walks the fence in order to not upset any potential customers.

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In the same perspective of self-promotion Oprah Winfrey, a professed Christian, not only promotes demonic, anti-Christian books such as "Laws of Attraction", and "The Secret", but, proclaims we can believe whatever we want, and there are many ways to get to Heaven.

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More and more people whom profess Christianity are abandoning the truth of the Gospel, in favor of a massive rationalization which supports their transgressions. Don't submit to God's word, worship idols, and still go to Heaven? This is what millions are swearing to, but, profess Christ, only because they said a short prayer sometime ago.

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This is Jesus' spoken word, in the Sermon on the Mount: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven (Mat 7:21).

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Those whom proclaim God is good, but, think they can live in iniquity, will also learn God is JUST !

Preparing For Tragedy

There is tragedy in all our lives at one time or another. For most of us, this is true more so today. With all the evil in the world, and our means to do anything about it dwindle, everyone will be affected by some form of tragedy. Usually, that is when most people call to God, either in anger or anguish. Some think God is responsible for devastation in our lives. Most believers will take on the attitude He should have done something to prevent it, or He did something to cause it, as a form of punishment.

When tragedy strikes, non-believers shout, "Where is your God?!" Well, I say to you, with all my heart, He is there, with you. He did not cause tragedy, we do. It is a cumulative effort on the part of all humanity which follows the ways of the world, led by Satan. We make bad things happen, through sin, and evil behavior. Unfortunately, sometimes it spills over into the lives of faithful persons. This does not mean God is not there or he let it happen. The whole point of evil, or Satan's mission, is to shake our faith.

It is certainly how we deal with the tragedies in our lives that makes the difference. If we had total faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we would see, with our souls, He does not wish us harm, but, He will use the harm for good which we cannot foresee.

Satan's one and only desire is to rob us of our salvation. You say you don't believe in Satan? That's alright, he certainly believes in you. His biggest deception is making you believe he doesn't exist. If you accepted the truth, you would drop to your knees this instant, and beg God's forgiveness. And if you think because at one time you professed to be a believer that eliminates you from being a victim of Satan's plan...think again.

I know people, believers, who will not listen to sermons regarding Revelations, the final book of the Holy Bible. They call it 'doom and gloom'. It is almost as if they don't wish to believe that it's part of our lives. By burying our heads in the sand, does not make the truth go away. I have heard Pastors preach we shouldn't watch the news, it is too depressing. As things begin to heat up in the Middle East, the same Pastors are advising to watch the news, as the stage is set for the final chapter. Bad things are going to happen, but, if we focus on the Cross and trust in God, we'll be alright.

The rapture is real. That is the prelude to the Tribulation period of the book of Revelations. It is when Jesus spares His faithful from having to endure Satan's final rule over the earth. Odds are, if you don't believe in Satan, you also don't believe in the Rapture, OR the book of Revelations. Sadly, I'm referring to Christians. That is right. A lot of Christians do not believe in the rapture or Revelations. I have heard people which whom profess with their mouth they are Christian, and yet deny what God's Word says to us. Well, I guess they are true genius, to be able to make that speculation. Even atheist are so certain they have all the knowledge of the universe to be able to find, conclusively, they are right.

Rather, atheists and some Christians, alike, are basing their beliefs on ignorance. For their shallow, narrow minded beliefs they are willing to gamble their salvation and spend eternity in hell. The truth of the matter is, whether or not you believe in the rapture, one day or night, when we least expect it, many of us will be gone, in the blink of an eye, and you will be doomed, left behind. Your choices from that point will really stink. If you finally woke up and realized you were on the wrong path and now it's too late, you should try being a Christian and witness to other morons also left behind. Take care , though, as if you confess to being a Christian, you will be beheaded by the Antichrist. If ye still have little faith in the Lord, you'll probably join your counterparts, the atheists, and take the mark of the beast, which assures you eternity in hell.

Of coarse, if you weren't such a high risk gambler, there is a sure answer to resolve this dilemma. Really become a Christian, NOW. It's that simple. Then you won't risk your salvation, just because you claimed to be a Christian, but, denied your Christ. Many Pastors and clergy will be left behind as they are blaspheming, or following wrong doctrines. If you think that just because you have led so many people to be saved you are guaranteed a place in the rapture, you are sadly mistaken.

Matthew,7:21-23: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord', will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the ones who do the will of my Father in Heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do so many deeds of power in your name?' Then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you, go away from me you evil doers'."

That was Jesus, talking to believers. I'm no rocket scientist, but, it is real clear to me what he is saying. Oprah Winfrey claims to be Christian, but, denies Jesus on national television. Do you think she will go to heaven, let alone be taken up with the rapture? My bet would be on Oprah for supporting the Antichrist on national TV. Our new President Obama claims to be a Christian, but, wants to broaden the ability to kill babies, even after they are born. He will not be of the missing a second after the rapture. So do not worry heathens, you will still have a president.

The stage is set people. All biblical prophesies have been fulfilled for the second coming of our Christ. This time He isn't coming to sacrifice Himself for us again. He did that already, and we spit on Him. This time He will come to judge the world and crush His enemies. There is no way I want to be around for the Tribulation, nor do I wish to see a lot of misguided, confused, basically decent people be caught up in that hell on earth.

If you are reading this and feel any conviction, or just don't wish to take the risk this is all 'mumbo jumbo', a fairy tale, some radical belief, here is what you should do.

1.If you are already a Christian, but, cherish iniquities in your life, repent. Turn away from the sin and ask Him forgiveness, then pick up the Bible. The Bible is the WHOLE, TRUE, INERRANT, Word of God. It is written allegorically so as to offer up evidence that it is true. It is not fables.

2. If you are not yet a Christian, but, God led you to this article and you read this far out of 'curiosity'... God gave us a gift. He wanted fellowship with His creations, but, we were sinners. He couldn't just give us blanket forgiveness with no commitment on our part. He sent His Son to pay for our sin. All we have to do is believe that, and stop sinning. That doesn't mean you must be without sin. Everybody sins, it's our nature, but, we should strive to not sin, and if we slip, we immediately ask His forgiveness and continue to seek Him in our life. He is a loving, merciful, all powerful, all knowing, Glorious Father. Trust in Him with all your heart and He will be faithful. All you need to do to be washed clean of all past sin is say this prayer from your heart:

Lord Jesus, I am a sinner (confess your sin to Him) and I ask your forgiveness. I know you died for me and I thank you for your sacrifice, for me. I now ask you to come into my heart and become Lord of my life.

You may also follow this link , or to find a guide for new Christians

Whatever you do, pick up a Bible and devote some time to reading His Word and seeking a relationship with Him. Forgive others, the same way He forgives you. Share your good news with your family, friends, or anyone as you don't want them to be lost as well.