Friday, December 26, 2014
Bible's Answers. Doug Batchelor "What is 'Abomination of Desolation' "
Again my Thanks to Inside Reports 3rd Quarter of 2014 and Pastor Doug.
Matthew 24:15-16 "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains:"
Jesus ' command came as an answer to two questions, from His disciples.
#1. regarding the destruction of the Hebrew Temple, when .."not stone would be on top of another.."
#2. about the signs of coming and the end of the age.
Matthew 24:3 "And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?"
Then Christ speaks of this abomination saying ....
Matthew 24:21 "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."
Jesus, then tells us directly to go back to Daniel the Prophet [{(j.b.) thereby also directly tying the Old Testament with the New, sorry "NEW" Testament 'Christians:' it takes both as one complete BOOK!]
Daniel 8:13 "Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? "
The first fulfillment of the desolation happened when the Roman armies destroyed the Jewish Temple in 70 AD. For this is the why of...
Luke 21:20-21 "And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter there into."
This brought tribulation to the Jewish people [{j.b.) in fact between killing and taking slaves, this nation of the Jews, ceased to exist until 1948! Even the Roman maps remove the name Judea and replaced it with Palestine, contrary to what the "Palestinian people are taught!]
Daniel used the same message... in VS 13, above, and in Dan. 11:31 and 12:11......>
Luke 21:24 "And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled."
Daniel 11:31 "And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate."
Daniel 12:11 "And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days."
The very same religious power spoken of in Dan.8:13 is the same evil religious power that will, at the time of the end, bring desolation into God;s church by the mingling of paganism with Christianity. Just as God gave the early Christians a warning to flee Jerusalem [(jb) Josephus wrote not one Christian was slain nor taken as a slave in 70.A.D.] so too at the end of time, does the Lord God give us warning...
Revelation 18:4 "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."
Revelation 18:7-9 "How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,"
The Bible tells all to "Get out of Babylon (confusion caused by deceptions) or they shall also receive her plagues. When a corrupt world church unites with earth's governments, making them speak via laws, and enforcing Sunday Worship, thus creating two camps of believers. We know that time is at hand, and we need to flee to Christ with willing hearts.
Camp 1: Will be those who love and obey God's Commandments.
Camp 2. Will the all the rest, those who obey man's laws.Worship the Sun god, on Sundays, the first day of the week rather than God of His Holy day The Sabbath on the Seventh day of the week!
Thanking Y O U for your time Comments? Questions? John at www.servant@frontier.com
Want/Need more learning? Visit your Seventh day Adventist Church, any Saturday/Sabbath AM. You just may be very surprised at your welcome, and find the peace of mind we all need.
Other sites: wwwservantsite@wordpress.com wwwblbn.org www.amazingfacts.org
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
BIBLE ANSWERS...with PASTOR DOUG BATCHELOR "Armageddon"
Thanks Pastor Doug from "Inside Report," 3rd Quarter 2014, for your lessons.
Q. IS the battle of Armageddon only a Spiritual idea?
A. Revelation 16:16 "And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon."
The word Armageddon, is something of a mystery, appearing only in this verse and not yet found in any Greek literature. It likely refers to the many battles in Israel's history centering around the mountain of Megiddo {meaning 'meeting place or market square' j.b.]. This is the location where Elijah had his famous showdown with the prophets of Baal. [1 Kings 18:1-46]
Contrary to what most believe, [and are wrongly taught JB] the Battle of Armageddon is not the typical battle or war, between political powers... such as Russia, China , and or Israel. Instead, it is the final battle between Christ and Satan, and each's followers.
Note: (J.B.) There shall be two phases of confrontations, and both shall be upon this very same Earth! Both "battles,"
shall be between the the just and unjust, between the people who follow and obey God's laws, through Jesus Christ, and the Unjust who have been fully deceived to follow man's laws. The first "Battle," has begun a long time ago, a battle of doctrines which God's Word put forth, and the doctrines which men have put forth for near 1900 years! This battle will reach its climax just before Christ's Return, but during and after the tribulations, all the Living of mankind shall see, but only the unjust non-believers shall endure! The SECOND "battle" shall be after the 1,000 year time frame, when Satan is released for a short season ...
Revelation 20:3 "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."
Sadly many a "Pastor" will not teach from Revelation, but they lose because of this: Revelation 1:3 "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."
The first phase of this final battle is detailed in revelation 12:17..
Revelation 12:17 "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
The Dragon? is Satan, the devil [Rev.12:7-9]
The Woman [in White = Purity is God's Obedient church members....the remnant.
The ultimate conclusion, of this battle, though never in doubts about to whom is the victory..God's.. is when Satan once more, has humans to deceive, all those unjust ones, who now have come forth with the SECOND RESURRECTION, but unlike the just, they come out in the very same shape and age as they they went into the graves....
Revelation 20:7-10 " And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."
I believe that Satan, some day soon, shall impersonate Christ, and encourage the world to worship the beast. [ Beastly Powers is a designation God uses to show the Civil government (s) and the church to act as one single power, in which persecutions, have always been the result! Note the Dark Ages of Europe, and present day Islam, wherein there is no separation of church and state.] Revelation reveals several ways in which he will deceive the world through false representations.
The Bible warned us all about these deceptions, for Jesus Himself said " For false christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders to deceive." [Matthew 24:24] The apostle Paul warned us many times not to be deceived ...
1 Corinthians 3:17-18 "If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise."
1 Corinthians 3:23 "And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's."
Such preparations for these battles, to learn God's truth, so that a deception will look to you exactly what it is...a deception, thus be able with Christ's power, be able to stand and withstand Satan allure,. We all need to do this now, and NOT when the final events are at full swing in full power!
Thoughts of Armageddon should really focus our vision on a closer relationship with with The savior. Tanks, guns or a bunker stocked with food, will offer zero protection. We need but to be clothed in the armor of Jesus' righteousness. Then we will prevail even in face of a death decree, given to those who keep God's commandments because they love Him!
Isaiah 33:16 " He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure."
God's promises have never failed, Mans???? Well, . . . man can't even save himself, now can he?
Next: What is the, "Abomination of Desolation"?
Thanking YOU for your time. Questions? Comments? John at www.servant@frontier.com
Want more learning? Visit your Seventh day Adventist Church, any Saturday?Sabbath at 9-10 AM. You just may be very glad that you did, as finding true peace of mind in Jesus.
Other sites: www.blbn.org www.amazingfacts.org www.itiswritten.com www.servantsite@wordpresscom
Q. IS the battle of Armageddon only a Spiritual idea?
A. Revelation 16:16 "And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon."
The word Armageddon, is something of a mystery, appearing only in this verse and not yet found in any Greek literature. It likely refers to the many battles in Israel's history centering around the mountain of Megiddo {meaning 'meeting place or market square' j.b.]. This is the location where Elijah had his famous showdown with the prophets of Baal. [1 Kings 18:1-46]
Contrary to what most believe, [and are wrongly taught JB] the Battle of Armageddon is not the typical battle or war, between political powers... such as Russia, China , and or Israel. Instead, it is the final battle between Christ and Satan, and each's followers.
Note: (J.B.) There shall be two phases of confrontations, and both shall be upon this very same Earth! Both "battles,"
shall be between the the just and unjust, between the people who follow and obey God's laws, through Jesus Christ, and the Unjust who have been fully deceived to follow man's laws. The first "Battle," has begun a long time ago, a battle of doctrines which God's Word put forth, and the doctrines which men have put forth for near 1900 years! This battle will reach its climax just before Christ's Return, but during and after the tribulations, all the Living of mankind shall see, but only the unjust non-believers shall endure! The SECOND "battle" shall be after the 1,000 year time frame, when Satan is released for a short season ...
Revelation 20:3 "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."
Sadly many a "Pastor" will not teach from Revelation, but they lose because of this: Revelation 1:3 "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."
The first phase of this final battle is detailed in revelation 12:17..
Revelation 12:17 "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
The Dragon? is Satan, the devil [Rev.12:7-9]
The Woman [in White = Purity is God's Obedient church members....the remnant.
The ultimate conclusion, of this battle, though never in doubts about to whom is the victory..God's.. is when Satan once more, has humans to deceive, all those unjust ones, who now have come forth with the SECOND RESURRECTION, but unlike the just, they come out in the very same shape and age as they they went into the graves....
Revelation 20:7-10 " And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."
I believe that Satan, some day soon, shall impersonate Christ, and encourage the world to worship the beast. [ Beastly Powers is a designation God uses to show the Civil government (s) and the church to act as one single power, in which persecutions, have always been the result! Note the Dark Ages of Europe, and present day Islam, wherein there is no separation of church and state.] Revelation reveals several ways in which he will deceive the world through false representations.
The Bible warned us all about these deceptions, for Jesus Himself said " For false christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders to deceive." [Matthew 24:24] The apostle Paul warned us many times not to be deceived ...
1 Corinthians 3:17-18 "If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise."
1 Corinthians 3:23 "And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's."
Such preparations for these battles, to learn God's truth, so that a deception will look to you exactly what it is...a deception, thus be able with Christ's power, be able to stand and withstand Satan allure,. We all need to do this now, and NOT when the final events are at full swing in full power!
Thoughts of Armageddon should really focus our vision on a closer relationship with with The savior. Tanks, guns or a bunker stocked with food, will offer zero protection. We need but to be clothed in the armor of Jesus' righteousness. Then we will prevail even in face of a death decree, given to those who keep God's commandments because they love Him!
Isaiah 33:16 " He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure."
God's promises have never failed, Mans???? Well, . . . man can't even save himself, now can he?
Next: What is the, "Abomination of Desolation"?
Thanking YOU for your time. Questions? Comments? John at www.servant@frontier.com
Want more learning? Visit your Seventh day Adventist Church, any Saturday?Sabbath at 9-10 AM. You just may be very glad that you did, as finding true peace of mind in Jesus.
Other sites: www.blbn.org www.amazingfacts.org www.itiswritten.com www.servantsite@wordpresscom
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
WHY ATTEND CHURCH? from Truth Matters- Signs of the Times
To order the monthly magazine call 1.800.545.2449 U.S. 1.800.765.6955 Canada.
LIFE AFTER DEATH: "A DIFFERENT VIEW."
Nearly all Christians believe in life after death. The most common view is that while people's bodies go to the grave at death, they have immortal souls that remains conscious and either to heaven or hell.
We, Seventh day Adventist view death somewhat differently. We understand the Bible to teach that the body and soul are essentially one of the same thing, and that death is a state of total unconsciousness. Jesus in fact called death a sleep....
John 11:11 "These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep."
Let us first get something straight, shall we? What is the best advice anyone can give you? How about this: "Never, ever take the words of man or men, for the word of God, learn this for yourself"?
Why is this?
WHO, can save Y O U, for eternal life, man or God? Man can't even save himself, let alone Y O U! o lets begin at the bottom shall we?
Genesis 2:7 "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."
Put all that into steps and find: 1. Humans are made from and with earthly elements.
2. Made by God, into flesh and blood.
3. God then "Breathed" into us HIS breath of Life and,
4.. Humans BECAME living souls.
5. therefore our souls are NOT an added on extra, right?
WHAT IS DEATH? NO IT IS NOT THE OPPOSITE OF LIFE, BUT ONLY THE ABSENCE OF LIFE! From the above list, it's easy to understand that death, is the absence of God's Breath of Life, right?
Many say: "But what about absent from the body , and present with the lord?
2 Corinthians 5:8 "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."
I want to be with Jesus right now as well, but that's not our call, is it? Paul is saying He's rather be dead and be with Christ, at His return! On verse can NOT counter another, or one must reconsider their understanding, for the Bible is self-interpreting, it proves itself within itself! WE should not, indeed MUST not use one verse to build our faith upon!
You see dear reader, The Word of God, often interchanges the words, Breath of Life, with soul, or with spirit., although each differs, generally each can be used in place of the other.
Remember the story of Lazarus? Read, again John 11:11 above, but look..
John 11:12 " Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well."
John 11:14 "Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead."
This should bring a few questions to mind agree? Especially if you've bothered to read John 11th chapter.
1. Why did Jesus wait the four days?
A; With the old customs of the time, people believed that the "Soul/Spirit," stayed with the body for three days after death, then off to the "reward".
2: Why did Jesus shout, " Lazarus , come forth"? Why not come down if in heaven, or come up, if in hell?
A: His body was still, as are all, still in the graves. If we go to heaven or hell at death, why was Lazarus still bound up in his funeral attire, have they no scissors in heaven? Would he be a "Happy Camper" after being in heaven for four days, and now finds himself back on this sin-filled earth?
3. The most important question for this story is the WHY?
A: That's easy, it was for our learning to set an example before us of what God is able to do! He and HE has the LIFE within Him, only The Father and son, can do this, as each can create life, as they have life within them, Eternal Life.
Genesis 3:4-5 "And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil."
This is Satan's first recorded lie, and most of mankind has accepted this as truth, to this day! YET...
Genesis 3:19 "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."
Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 "For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun."
All humans, would be best served, if they studied the Bible, not read, but study it. why?......
1 Timothy 6:15-16 "Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen."
We ALL are able to receive eternal life ONLY through Jesus Christ ...
1 John 5:12 "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life."
Which is another way of saying, "All those who reject Christ, reject life and accept death, as both shall be eternal!
The Holy Bible tells us that we shall receive eternal life at His Second coming...
1 Corinthians 15:50-54 "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit in-corruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on in corruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on in-corruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."
It for the above passage we have the stories if Enoch, and Elijah , Genesis 5:24 and 2 Kings 2:11, and then Moses in Jude 9. plus the 24 resurrected with Jesus, and Lazarus(?), are humans, already in heaven. Not a hint for Mary being there also, man's traditions......
Revelation 22:12 "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."
Therefore, IF, [and it does indeed]f eternal life comes ONLY through Jesus, by our knowing and accepting and having faith/trust in Him, there can be no such a thing as an ever-burning hell, for those who refuse to know Him. The Bible simply does not teach that. It does teach that both this world and sinners will be destroyed by fire at the end of the Millennium ....
2 Peter 3:10 "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up."
That's earth being cleansed from all pollution, and all traces of past human works. Ready for a new Eden.
Revelation 20:14-15 "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."
God, will after this, re-create this earth's surface, and humans will see God's creative powers at work, as earth will become all Eden again, and home for those redeemed.
Revelation 21:22 "And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it."
What the Holy Bible teaches Adventists believe. Sadly most "Christians" know not God's Word, only as other teach them! But Christ only will Judge all, including the false teachers!
Thanking Y O U for your time. Questions? Comments? John at www.servant@frontier.com
Need more info? Visit your Seventh day Adventist Church, any Saturday/Sabbath @ 9:15 AM. You just might be glad that you did.
Other sites: www.blbn.org www.itiswritten.com www.servantsite@wordpress.com
Do you remeber the story of Lazzarrus? se se
LIFE AFTER DEATH: "A DIFFERENT VIEW."
Nearly all Christians believe in life after death. The most common view is that while people's bodies go to the grave at death, they have immortal souls that remains conscious and either to heaven or hell.
We, Seventh day Adventist view death somewhat differently. We understand the Bible to teach that the body and soul are essentially one of the same thing, and that death is a state of total unconsciousness. Jesus in fact called death a sleep....
John 11:11 "These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep."
Let us first get something straight, shall we? What is the best advice anyone can give you? How about this: "Never, ever take the words of man or men, for the word of God, learn this for yourself"?
Why is this?
WHO, can save Y O U, for eternal life, man or God? Man can't even save himself, let alone Y O U! o lets begin at the bottom shall we?
Genesis 2:7 "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."
Put all that into steps and find: 1. Humans are made from and with earthly elements.
2. Made by God, into flesh and blood.
3. God then "Breathed" into us HIS breath of Life and,
4.. Humans BECAME living souls.
5. therefore our souls are NOT an added on extra, right?
WHAT IS DEATH? NO IT IS NOT THE OPPOSITE OF LIFE, BUT ONLY THE ABSENCE OF LIFE! From the above list, it's easy to understand that death, is the absence of God's Breath of Life, right?
Many say: "But what about absent from the body , and present with the lord?
2 Corinthians 5:8 "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."
I want to be with Jesus right now as well, but that's not our call, is it? Paul is saying He's rather be dead and be with Christ, at His return! On verse can NOT counter another, or one must reconsider their understanding, for the Bible is self-interpreting, it proves itself within itself! WE should not, indeed MUST not use one verse to build our faith upon!
You see dear reader, The Word of God, often interchanges the words, Breath of Life, with soul, or with spirit., although each differs, generally each can be used in place of the other.
Remember the story of Lazarus? Read, again John 11:11 above, but look..
John 11:12 " Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well."
John 11:14 "Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead."
This should bring a few questions to mind agree? Especially if you've bothered to read John 11th chapter.
1. Why did Jesus wait the four days?
A; With the old customs of the time, people believed that the "Soul/Spirit," stayed with the body for three days after death, then off to the "reward".
2: Why did Jesus shout, " Lazarus , come forth"? Why not come down if in heaven, or come up, if in hell?
A: His body was still, as are all, still in the graves. If we go to heaven or hell at death, why was Lazarus still bound up in his funeral attire, have they no scissors in heaven? Would he be a "Happy Camper" after being in heaven for four days, and now finds himself back on this sin-filled earth?
3. The most important question for this story is the WHY?
A: That's easy, it was for our learning to set an example before us of what God is able to do! He and HE has the LIFE within Him, only The Father and son, can do this, as each can create life, as they have life within them, Eternal Life.
Genesis 3:4-5 "And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil."
This is Satan's first recorded lie, and most of mankind has accepted this as truth, to this day! YET...
Genesis 3:19 "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."
Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 "For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun."
All humans, would be best served, if they studied the Bible, not read, but study it. why?......
1 Timothy 6:15-16 "Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen."
We ALL are able to receive eternal life ONLY through Jesus Christ ...
1 John 5:12 "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life."
Which is another way of saying, "All those who reject Christ, reject life and accept death, as both shall be eternal!
The Holy Bible tells us that we shall receive eternal life at His Second coming...
1 Corinthians 15:50-54 "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit in-corruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on in corruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on in-corruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."
It for the above passage we have the stories if Enoch, and Elijah , Genesis 5:24 and 2 Kings 2:11, and then Moses in Jude 9. plus the 24 resurrected with Jesus, and Lazarus(?), are humans, already in heaven. Not a hint for Mary being there also, man's traditions......
Revelation 22:12 "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."
Therefore, IF, [and it does indeed]f eternal life comes ONLY through Jesus, by our knowing and accepting and having faith/trust in Him, there can be no such a thing as an ever-burning hell, for those who refuse to know Him. The Bible simply does not teach that. It does teach that both this world and sinners will be destroyed by fire at the end of the Millennium ....
2 Peter 3:10 "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up."
That's earth being cleansed from all pollution, and all traces of past human works. Ready for a new Eden.
Revelation 20:14-15 "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."
God, will after this, re-create this earth's surface, and humans will see God's creative powers at work, as earth will become all Eden again, and home for those redeemed.
Revelation 21:22 "And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it."
What the Holy Bible teaches Adventists believe. Sadly most "Christians" know not God's Word, only as other teach them! But Christ only will Judge all, including the false teachers!
Thanking Y O U for your time. Questions? Comments? John at www.servant@frontier.com
Need more info? Visit your Seventh day Adventist Church, any Saturday/Sabbath @ 9:15 AM. You just might be glad that you did.
Other sites: www.blbn.org www.itiswritten.com www.servantsite@wordpress.com
Do you remeber the story of Lazzarrus? se se
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
From: SIGNS of the TIMES OCT.2014 ISSUE. BY NANCY CANWELL..
Many thanks to both Nancy and Sign of the Times magazine for these stories. John B.
{Names have been changed in this story}
Pastor Walter was sitting in his living room with Jeff, the husband of one of his church members, who had recently asked for Bible Studies. Pastor knew that Jeff had been "fence sitting," spiritually for years, at times open to God but mostly ignoring Him. This particular night their study was about the great war between God and Satan-- between good and evil. Pastor Walter knew from experience that Satan's side never likes being exposed. So he prayed silently for Jeff.
Jeff listened intently as Pastor Walter read from the Bible and explained about Satan's role in this world.
Suddenly Jeff spoke up, "Pastor, I am sorry to interrupt you, but I'm feeling something really strange right now." He gave a nervous laugh, "Look sat my arms, the hairs are standing up! I feel like someone is over there, looking through the window at me!"
Pastor Walter knew exactly what was going on. "Jeff,' he said, " You are caught in a very real spiritual battle between the powers of good and evil. You can not remain neutral. You have felt God come into to your life, urging you to give yourself to Him. You need to do that, because if you don't you'll siding with the devil by default. There's only two sides to this war.
Jeff left the pastor's home that night very troubled-- still without making his decision. But now he understood clearly that he would have to choose.
BATTLES IN THE WAR.
IN the History of our universe, several major battles have been fought in this war, between good and evil. Each and every time, God has been the Victor! { Satan has no choice but keep on fighting for the souls of mankind, as his self-pride, would allow him to repent and seek forgiveness, and why there was a war in Heaven. [ Revelation 12}This first Battle shows how sin came to earth....
Revelation 12:7-9 "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him"
In this description the Archangel is Jesus Christ, and the dragon is Satan. [Please read Rev;13:2 and know that Satan, has earthly representatives.You'll note, that he and his angels fought back, to no avail, and were cast upon this earth! Plus note that he, has deceived the whole world!
Note: Please note....
Genesis 2:1-3 "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."
Please take note of your calendars to see which day IS the SEVENTH DAY! Saturday! Now take note...
Daniel 7:24-25 "And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time."
Note: Also human history, when Pagan Rome ceased to be i n 476 A.D., the Papal Rome had already been the recipient of the seat of power, from Emperor Constantine in 331 A.D, and this power that Daniel calls the "Little Horn," gained full power in 538 A.D. by her uprooting three horns [Kingdoms and peoples Dan.7:8,20,24] This power then united Church and State as the single power for 1260 years!
The score of this first battle? God 1...Satan 0.
The Second battle was fought in the Garden of Eden. Satan [either used a serpent like a ventriloquist uses a dummy or he has a great disguising skill] and tempted eve into compromising her loyalty to God. {disobedience is a form of rebellion agree?] For God clearly said ...
Genesis 2:16-17 "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."
Most find it difficult to believe that Eve would allow herself to be deceived but just read...
Genesis 3:6 "And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat."
Note: good for food... = lust of the flesh... pleasant to the eye..= lust of self... make one wise = Pride of life. So Satan pointed to the vulnerabilities that are within us all! So it seemed that Satan had won, as Adam also ate.Then God activated His Plan of Salvation, right then and there: Gen 3:15..
Genesis 3:15 "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."
Tells us that Jesus would come, and take our place for our sin deaths, for Adam and Eve and all humans would not have to face eternal death.
THE SCORE? God 2 Satan 0.
An other battle not mentioned in this story is the one of Moses, Satan had convinced the Pharaoh, to have all male babies killed, yet Moses was "Adopted by the king's sister, and lived 40 years as a Prince, and finally led the children to the Promised land. God won Satan lost.
The Third mayor battle was fought near 2,000 years ago, when Jesus came to earth, to live a perfect life, and then to die for all sins for all times, in our place!.Just as it was told to us way back in Genesis 3:15, that Jesus would suffer a "Bruised heal" but Satan head would be crushed, which spells defeat, even though he still lives!
Although Satan repeatedly tempted Jesus to sin, [ he even had had the nerve to demand that Jesus worship him}Luke 4:6-7 " And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine." Jesus kept quoting Scripture to him, in defiance, thus was He tempted far beyond our experiences, and just a a flesh man, as we are! For He never used His Divine powers to save Himself..
After He was crucified, and lay at rest even on Sabbath, Satan could not keep in in the death nor in the tomb! Jesus by this conquered Satan, and at the same time, HE defeated death for Y O U and me!
The score now? God 3. Satan still 0!
THE FOURTH AND FIFTH and FINAL BATTLE, which will take place at the very end of this time frame, as we can see in Revelation 13 FOR THE 4TH, AND 20:7-10 FOR LAST BATTLE.... EVER!
The 4th Battle will separate humanity into two camps. One will be with those who in loving obedience obey God word, while the other camps are those who follow and obey the words of men, and worship on Sunday, eat pork and all things not given for foods, in short do as they please, of their own will! They will have the Mark of the Beast, and worship it knowingly. While camp 1 will worship God according to His Word, the Holy Bible! While camp two will worship according to traditions of men.
When these things come to pass, then look east for Y O U R SAVIOR, who WILL NOT PUT FOOT ON THIS EARTH, but the phony 'christ' will do so just before the TRUE ONE Returns. (its in the Bible read it!]
The 5th and FINAL battle will again take place on this earth, but after the Just have been with Jesus, in Heaven for 1,000 years, [Millennium = milli -Greek for 1,000 - + annum meaning year. [Rev. 20:2-7] with all the wicked dead resurrected, this being the SECOND Resurrection, Satan has people to again deceive, and they will try to take by force, the Salvation that was offered at on cost, and surround the beloved city, in their attempt to eat from the Tree of Life. That''s when each knee shall bow, and all the people that have ever lived, shall be there! The Just within the walls, the unjust outside the walls, and each shall be able to see each other, and God will run (HIS DVD??) in their minds, and each shall see all the times He called to them and each time each rejected his call! All shall see and admit that God's way is just, and then fire and brimstone shall rain down upon all this earth, destroying all the sinners, and purifying this earth, from all of human endeavors and pollution!
Thus God has won each and every battle, and it was all played out before all the worlds, that they are witness to the fact that God is just and good. Score God 100%, and Satan still at 0.
This should cause all in christ, to rejoice, and not to fear, why?...............
1 John 4:3-7 "And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."
THE HUNGER GAMES IN REALITY! with Errol Webster.
"What if in the near future were a giant reality show in which children were pitted against each other in an elaborate fight to the death, in which politics, war, and entertainment had finally become indistinguishable, from each other? So writes Katie Roiphe in the New York Times, about Suzanne Collins's brutal and absorbing Hunger Games trilogy, now made into a movie series. Roiphe further says, "The premise of the series is that a corrupt and decadent Capitol rules over 12 impoverished districts in Penem, in the ruins of north America. Every year the Capitol authorities stage a "reaping," in which a girl and a boy from each district are chosen by lottery to be tributes in the Hunger Games." This is fiction, but there's a far greater life -and- death conflict raging that involves all of us--- a hunger games reality-- between good and evil, called the Great Controversy between Christ and Satan.
1. What position did Satan want in Heaven?
Isaiah 14:12-14 "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High."
As an anointed cherub before he rebelled, Lucifer had a place next to God
Isaiah 28:11-15 "For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem. Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:"
Self- Pride led him to want God's position, which is as impossible as wanting to be your own mother!
2. How did Lucifer's (aka Satan, The dragon, and the devil) rebellion against God in heaven end?
Revelation 12:7-9 "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."
The word Satan means "Adversary", while the word devil means "Slanderer". Satan attempted to win God's throne by misrepresenting Him, Because "God is love" [ 1 John 4:8] He didn't destroy Satan on the spot, as love can't force allegiance, and love can not be forced, so God had to let all this run its course, and that all the universe shall see that sin is death, and none shall desire it.
Yet even after than Satan wanted to be worshiped, and why he deceived both Adam and Eve, into rebelling against God's word
3. What is our condition now?
Romans 3:10 "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:"
Romans 3:20 "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin."
The consequence of sin for us all is death Romans 5:12 "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"
However....Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Therefore our acceptance of Christ in loving faith and obedience, is that His death shall cover our sins, all of them.
4. What is the GOOD NEWS of the gospel that saves us from this sin-death?
Romans 5:8 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Salvation is The Father's free gift. The idea that we can do anything to pay for our own salvation is a false gospel, and Satan's the father of if {John 8:44}
5. What else was accomplished by Jesus' death?
Hebrews 2:14-15 "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."
Contrary to the Hunger Games, in which the distinction between good and evil is blurred and the contestants win by destroying their opponents, Jesus, on the other hand, won by dying for our sins. At first Satan appeared to have triumphed. But Jesus, as the innocent dying for the guilty, rose from the dead, thus defeating the devil at his own game and winning the victory for each one of us,, those willing to accept it and HIM! Good overcame evil.
When Christ cried out, "It is Finished", {john 19:30] all heaven rejoiced, in so severing all remaining ties, sympathies between Satan and heaven, were broken forever! because their beloved Lord Jesus had died, yet lives!
6. How do Jesus' followers gain the victory over Satan?
Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
All who die in Christ shall live, again!
John 3:15-19 "That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."
Next: Accepting "The"Truth, yes there many truths but there only one, THE Truth God's word. Plus nobodies acceptance or rejections will change it!
Thank Y O U for your time. Questions/ Comments? John at servant@frontier.com
Want to learn more? Visit your Seventh day Adventist church, any Saturday/Sabbath at 9;15 AM. You just may fill that emptiness within, with Jesus.
Other sites: servsntsite@wordpress.com wwwblbn.org www.amazingfacts.org www.itiswritten.com
{Names have been changed in this story}
Pastor Walter was sitting in his living room with Jeff, the husband of one of his church members, who had recently asked for Bible Studies. Pastor knew that Jeff had been "fence sitting," spiritually for years, at times open to God but mostly ignoring Him. This particular night their study was about the great war between God and Satan-- between good and evil. Pastor Walter knew from experience that Satan's side never likes being exposed. So he prayed silently for Jeff.
Jeff listened intently as Pastor Walter read from the Bible and explained about Satan's role in this world.
Suddenly Jeff spoke up, "Pastor, I am sorry to interrupt you, but I'm feeling something really strange right now." He gave a nervous laugh, "Look sat my arms, the hairs are standing up! I feel like someone is over there, looking through the window at me!"
Pastor Walter knew exactly what was going on. "Jeff,' he said, " You are caught in a very real spiritual battle between the powers of good and evil. You can not remain neutral. You have felt God come into to your life, urging you to give yourself to Him. You need to do that, because if you don't you'll siding with the devil by default. There's only two sides to this war.
Jeff left the pastor's home that night very troubled-- still without making his decision. But now he understood clearly that he would have to choose.
BATTLES IN THE WAR.
IN the History of our universe, several major battles have been fought in this war, between good and evil. Each and every time, God has been the Victor! { Satan has no choice but keep on fighting for the souls of mankind, as his self-pride, would allow him to repent and seek forgiveness, and why there was a war in Heaven. [ Revelation 12}This first Battle shows how sin came to earth....
Revelation 12:7-9 "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him"
In this description the Archangel is Jesus Christ, and the dragon is Satan. [Please read Rev;13:2 and know that Satan, has earthly representatives.You'll note, that he and his angels fought back, to no avail, and were cast upon this earth! Plus note that he, has deceived the whole world!
Note: Please note....
Genesis 2:1-3 "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."
Please take note of your calendars to see which day IS the SEVENTH DAY! Saturday! Now take note...
Daniel 7:24-25 "And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time."
Note: Also human history, when Pagan Rome ceased to be i n 476 A.D., the Papal Rome had already been the recipient of the seat of power, from Emperor Constantine in 331 A.D, and this power that Daniel calls the "Little Horn," gained full power in 538 A.D. by her uprooting three horns [Kingdoms and peoples Dan.7:8,20,24] This power then united Church and State as the single power for 1260 years!
The score of this first battle? God 1...Satan 0.
The Second battle was fought in the Garden of Eden. Satan [either used a serpent like a ventriloquist uses a dummy or he has a great disguising skill] and tempted eve into compromising her loyalty to God. {disobedience is a form of rebellion agree?] For God clearly said ...
Genesis 2:16-17 "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."
Most find it difficult to believe that Eve would allow herself to be deceived but just read...
Genesis 3:6 "And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat."
Note: good for food... = lust of the flesh... pleasant to the eye..= lust of self... make one wise = Pride of life. So Satan pointed to the vulnerabilities that are within us all! So it seemed that Satan had won, as Adam also ate.Then God activated His Plan of Salvation, right then and there: Gen 3:15..
Genesis 3:15 "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."
Tells us that Jesus would come, and take our place for our sin deaths, for Adam and Eve and all humans would not have to face eternal death.
THE SCORE? God 2 Satan 0.
An other battle not mentioned in this story is the one of Moses, Satan had convinced the Pharaoh, to have all male babies killed, yet Moses was "Adopted by the king's sister, and lived 40 years as a Prince, and finally led the children to the Promised land. God won Satan lost.
The Third mayor battle was fought near 2,000 years ago, when Jesus came to earth, to live a perfect life, and then to die for all sins for all times, in our place!.Just as it was told to us way back in Genesis 3:15, that Jesus would suffer a "Bruised heal" but Satan head would be crushed, which spells defeat, even though he still lives!
Although Satan repeatedly tempted Jesus to sin, [ he even had had the nerve to demand that Jesus worship him}Luke 4:6-7 " And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine." Jesus kept quoting Scripture to him, in defiance, thus was He tempted far beyond our experiences, and just a a flesh man, as we are! For He never used His Divine powers to save Himself..
After He was crucified, and lay at rest even on Sabbath, Satan could not keep in in the death nor in the tomb! Jesus by this conquered Satan, and at the same time, HE defeated death for Y O U and me!
The score now? God 3. Satan still 0!
THE FOURTH AND FIFTH and FINAL BATTLE, which will take place at the very end of this time frame, as we can see in Revelation 13 FOR THE 4TH, AND 20:7-10 FOR LAST BATTLE.... EVER!
The 4th Battle will separate humanity into two camps. One will be with those who in loving obedience obey God word, while the other camps are those who follow and obey the words of men, and worship on Sunday, eat pork and all things not given for foods, in short do as they please, of their own will! They will have the Mark of the Beast, and worship it knowingly. While camp 1 will worship God according to His Word, the Holy Bible! While camp two will worship according to traditions of men.
When these things come to pass, then look east for Y O U R SAVIOR, who WILL NOT PUT FOOT ON THIS EARTH, but the phony 'christ' will do so just before the TRUE ONE Returns. (its in the Bible read it!]
The 5th and FINAL battle will again take place on this earth, but after the Just have been with Jesus, in Heaven for 1,000 years, [Millennium = milli -Greek for 1,000 - + annum meaning year. [Rev. 20:2-7] with all the wicked dead resurrected, this being the SECOND Resurrection, Satan has people to again deceive, and they will try to take by force, the Salvation that was offered at on cost, and surround the beloved city, in their attempt to eat from the Tree of Life. That''s when each knee shall bow, and all the people that have ever lived, shall be there! The Just within the walls, the unjust outside the walls, and each shall be able to see each other, and God will run (HIS DVD??) in their minds, and each shall see all the times He called to them and each time each rejected his call! All shall see and admit that God's way is just, and then fire and brimstone shall rain down upon all this earth, destroying all the sinners, and purifying this earth, from all of human endeavors and pollution!
Thus God has won each and every battle, and it was all played out before all the worlds, that they are witness to the fact that God is just and good. Score God 100%, and Satan still at 0.
This should cause all in christ, to rejoice, and not to fear, why?...............
1 John 4:3-7 "And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."
THE HUNGER GAMES IN REALITY! with Errol Webster.
"What if in the near future were a giant reality show in which children were pitted against each other in an elaborate fight to the death, in which politics, war, and entertainment had finally become indistinguishable, from each other? So writes Katie Roiphe in the New York Times, about Suzanne Collins's brutal and absorbing Hunger Games trilogy, now made into a movie series. Roiphe further says, "The premise of the series is that a corrupt and decadent Capitol rules over 12 impoverished districts in Penem, in the ruins of north America. Every year the Capitol authorities stage a "reaping," in which a girl and a boy from each district are chosen by lottery to be tributes in the Hunger Games." This is fiction, but there's a far greater life -and- death conflict raging that involves all of us--- a hunger games reality-- between good and evil, called the Great Controversy between Christ and Satan.
1. What position did Satan want in Heaven?
Isaiah 14:12-14 "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High."
As an anointed cherub before he rebelled, Lucifer had a place next to God
Isaiah 28:11-15 "For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem. Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:"
Self- Pride led him to want God's position, which is as impossible as wanting to be your own mother!
2. How did Lucifer's (aka Satan, The dragon, and the devil) rebellion against God in heaven end?
Revelation 12:7-9 "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."
The word Satan means "Adversary", while the word devil means "Slanderer". Satan attempted to win God's throne by misrepresenting Him, Because "God is love" [ 1 John 4:8] He didn't destroy Satan on the spot, as love can't force allegiance, and love can not be forced, so God had to let all this run its course, and that all the universe shall see that sin is death, and none shall desire it.
Yet even after than Satan wanted to be worshiped, and why he deceived both Adam and Eve, into rebelling against God's word
3. What is our condition now?
Romans 3:10 "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:"
Romans 3:20 "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin."
The consequence of sin for us all is death Romans 5:12 "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"
However....Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Therefore our acceptance of Christ in loving faith and obedience, is that His death shall cover our sins, all of them.
4. What is the GOOD NEWS of the gospel that saves us from this sin-death?
Romans 5:8 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Salvation is The Father's free gift. The idea that we can do anything to pay for our own salvation is a false gospel, and Satan's the father of if {John 8:44}
5. What else was accomplished by Jesus' death?
Hebrews 2:14-15 "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."
Contrary to the Hunger Games, in which the distinction between good and evil is blurred and the contestants win by destroying their opponents, Jesus, on the other hand, won by dying for our sins. At first Satan appeared to have triumphed. But Jesus, as the innocent dying for the guilty, rose from the dead, thus defeating the devil at his own game and winning the victory for each one of us,, those willing to accept it and HIM! Good overcame evil.
When Christ cried out, "It is Finished", {john 19:30] all heaven rejoiced, in so severing all remaining ties, sympathies between Satan and heaven, were broken forever! because their beloved Lord Jesus had died, yet lives!
6. How do Jesus' followers gain the victory over Satan?
Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
All who die in Christ shall live, again!
John 3:15-19 "That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."
Next: Accepting "The"Truth, yes there many truths but there only one, THE Truth God's word. Plus nobodies acceptance or rejections will change it!
Thank Y O U for your time. Questions/ Comments? John at servant@frontier.com
Want to learn more? Visit your Seventh day Adventist church, any Saturday/Sabbath at 9;15 AM. You just may fill that emptiness within, with Jesus.
Other sites: servsntsite@wordpress.com wwwblbn.org www.amazingfacts.org www.itiswritten.com
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