http://www.truthiscalling.us/blog/rss/feedsTruth Is Calling - For over 15 years, Truth is Calling has offered chapter- by-chapter, verse-by-verse studies in the Word of God. Our aim has been to study the Word for the purpose of intimately knowing our Creator, His Will for us, and plan of Salvation. As our ministry grows we look to expand our reach in the form of informational videos, websitTue, 05 May 2026 01:55:08 -0700http://www.truthiscalling.us/blog/post/the-days-of-evilhttp://www.truthiscalling.us/blog/post/the-days-of-evil In Psalm 49, King David exclaims: Why should I fear the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about? This highlights the history of many of the kings of Israel. It shows how their approach to war was directly related to their confidence in examining their consciences and ensuring their uprightness with God. But what exactly are these, “days of evil” mentioned by David? They are the days when the unexamined sins of each our lives reaches a point of personal crisis. Read MoreSat, 19 Jun 2021 10:08:00 -0700http://www.truthiscalling.us/blog/post/warninghttp://www.truthiscalling.us/blog/post/warning On two different occasions I have been warned not to write this Biblical brief unveiling an invisiblereality of Heaven. At the time I silently listened. I considered the reasons given to me, but that consideration lastedno longer than a moment. I want to share here a unique vision of Heaven and its citizens as described in the Book ofRevelation. Herein is a Biblically unique vision of heaven’s citizens that our ‘Father God’ has graciouslyunveiled for all of us, a look into our spiritual future, Revelation 7: 9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; After this …after the tribulation period of the antichrist, and the great tribulation that ushers inour ‘Lord’s 2nd Advent ‘God our Father’ (Rev.1:1) unveils heaven’s citizens. Let’s examine this verse with the etymology, the meaning of these words in there originallanguage, Greek: … a great multitude, which no man could number only ‘God’ Knows.…of all nations, nations meaning ethnos, of all races.…and of all kindreds offspring of the races, kindred includes mixed-race children.…and of all tongues, of all the world’s languages. Thus we may say: countless peoples from all races, and from all languages, the world’s ethnos …stood before the throne, (of ‘God the Father’) and before the Lamb, (Jesus Christ).The simple reality of ‘God’s declaration in verse 9 is innumerable peoples from everywhere onplanet Earth are now and will be for-ever heaven’s citizens. And herein lies the Warning. How are heaven’s eternal citizen’s identified? By their race, theirlanguage, and with no written Biblical exception, from every inhabited place on the Earth. As a natter of universal human clarity, this is a warning to those who entertain a self righteousattitude of their race being superior over another race. Mankind has knowingly or unknowinglyattempted and succeeded among many to put definitive reins, boundaries on ‘God’s Creation,Know without doubt that the belief that one group of people is superior to another group hasbecome an unchallenged tactic of Satan that has duped the peoples of the world from thebeginning of man’s human day’s. This deception continues to this day while Satan your adversary, ‘God’s enemy, is the one whohas planted it in the mind of our human civilization and he laughs at y-our ignorance. Human studies have argued over many years on what constitutes ‘a race’ in an attempt tosegregate the people of the Earth into man made categories. The result, much confusion that eventfully lead to a new science called ethnoscience. And againthe conclusions of these ethno-scientist , you may have guessed, were more confusing. One simple but pervasive disclaimer was continuous - who was qualified to be an ethno-scientist?By the fact that each scientist with zero doubt is a member of a race would of course prejudicesupposed scientific decisions. Thus, no human is qualified to be an ethno-scientist, all could be deemed as having a conflict ofinterest and all would have to legally exercise human recusal. And more confusion piles up. ‘God’ has Biblically simplified all of this human nonsense, but who listens to Him? It is written! In fact the ‘Holy Spirit’ warns us through Jeremiah do not put your trust in man Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh (the world) his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. Jeremiah 17:5 In‘God’s Authored Word, the Bible, the word nations is ethnos, and means races with one exclusion, the Jewish people, more precise the Hebrew race. The world’s races therefore are all non-Hebrew peoples, and every one that is not Hebrew is Biblically called a Gentile. Therefore through Biblical substitution we may declare: … a great multitude, of Gentiles throughout the Earth of all languages, which no man could number, stood before the throne,(of ‘God our Father) and before the Lamb,.(’Jesus Christ’ You may rightly say, where are the Hebrew peoples? The answer is much simpler than the Gentile heavenly spiritual presence in ‘God’s Kingdom. We will examine the Hebrew’s presence in the ‘Kingdom of God’ later. ‘God’ is telling us there are countless Gentiles, peoples of every human language, of every human color, that have been blessed with immortality, eternally at peace, in joy, for-ever in ‘His Majestic Presence. Surprised? Now let’s spiritually investigate this ‘God’ written truth, a Biblical preview of these heavenly citizens that may generate an introspective alarm with much anxiety, or more likely a personal internal war among some Gentiles, our non-Hebrew brothers and sisters. In order to unveil this ‘God’ Given revelation, heaven’s citizens, we have to go back to the beginning of the creation of humanity in total, all Gentiles, Genesis 1:26-27: And God said, Let us make man in our image,after our likeness...So God created man in his own image,in the image of God created he him;male and female created he them. Again to have a clear perspective of ‘God’s Creation of the Gentiles, we have to understand the meaning of specific words in this verse in their original Hebrew language. …man means mankind, all peoples, the Gentile, the Hebrew word for man is Adam.…image is from a primitive root and means to shade, by implication shading.…likeness, the Hebrew meaning is resemblance, to model or resemble.…make to do, accomplish, to fashion, create. So God created, fashioned male and female in his, her own shade (image), after their own resemblance, (likeness). … in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. For those who have a humble mind, open to ‘God’s truth, the visual ‘God’ Gives us is quite fascinating. The Biblically educated know we are endowed with two bodies, human and spiritual, 1 Corinthians 15: 40. There are also celestial bodies, (spiritual, heavenly) and bodies terrestrial: (physical, human)but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. Thus we may say our human, terrestrial body is created after our resemblance, the resemblance of our spiritual, celestial, body. Therefore our human body resembles, is modeled, fashioned, is shaded, resembles in likeness our spiritual body~~~Now let’s use a ‘God’ Given faculty called our imagination. How many differing colors worldwide, among all Gentiles has ‘God’ shaded our physical bodies, our human skin with? Is one color, one shade, preferred over another, is it written in God’s Word? - an emphatic no! God’s creation, the magnificently shaded (terrestrial) human body. is modeled, fashioned, shaded in the image, after the likeness of our (celestial) spiritual body. Our humanly shaded, terrestrial body has temporal existence, and our heavenly shaded, celestial body was created…in the beginning fashioned for our eternal existence.Using another ‘God’ Given faculty called wisdom, common sense, are heaven’s citizens all one shade?… are their spiritual, celestial bodies all red, all brown, all black, all white, all yellow, all one shade? Biblically this is nonsense. To be purposely repetitive this warning is for those who entertain a self righteous attitude of their race, Gentile shade, being superior over another race, Gentile shade. A heavenly vista - After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, …all Gentiles stood before the throne of ‘God our Father’ and before the Lamb, ‘Jesus Christ’ clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; Revelation 7:9. Yes, that wonderful, majestic shading of ’God’s children on Earth, their human (terrestrial) body is a mirror image of their same shading in Heaven in their majestic spiritual (celestial) body. In fact when this Biblical brief takes hold of some particular Gentile minds the self-righteous people may want to mentally opt out of heaven’s paradise and entertain thoughts to forego their spiritual citizenship. More appropriately spoken they may not have the opt-ion. Hopefully,, the satanic influence that has prejudiced the minds of some peoples may be neutralized by ‘God’s Truth during ‘Christ’s Millennial Reign wherein all ‘God’s children will be present in their wonderfullyshaded celestial, spiritual bodies. Revelation 20:4-10. All options expire thereafter with Revelation 20 verse 15. To be blunt ‘God’s Heavenly Kingdom is more gloriously colored than s rainbow and so are His spiritual children. ,~~~~~To our Gentile brothers and sisters who have undergone physical, mental, and verbal assaultsbecause of their’God’ created human terrestrial magnificent shade it is yours to know in the forever-after your ‘God’ Ordained Blessing, Matthew 5: 10. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11. Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you,and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.~~~~~ And the ‘God’ Ordained consequence to those like Satan who maintain their purported superiority, know this ‘God’ Written Truth, Matthew 12: 36. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak,they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37. For by thy words thou shalt be justified,and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. And ‘God’ Spoke, For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged. Matthew 7:2 Pray that Satan’s finale, his reward, Ezekiel 28:18, be the catalyst that changes your heart. Click Here for a PDF Version of this study Fri, 05 Feb 2021 21:03:00 -0700http://www.truthiscalling.us/blog/post/jesus-marveledhttp://www.truthiscalling.us/blog/post/jesus-marveled Scripture describes only two instances in the life of our Lord where He marveled. The reasons will surprise you. Our ‘Lord’ marveled on two different occasions during His Gospel Ministry. Matt.8:8,10 8. The centurion answered and said,Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof:but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 10 When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed,Verily I say unto you,I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. ‘Jesus’ marveled at the Roman centurion’s belief in His Divinity,... whereby the centurioncalled Him …Lord’. Mark 6: 1 And Jesus …came into his own country (Nazareth); and his disciples follow him. 2 And when the sabbath day was come, Jesus began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying,From whence hath this man these things?and what wisdom is this which is given unto him,that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary? …And they were offended at him. 5 And he could there do no mighty work,… 6 And Jesus marvelled because of their unbelief And ‘Christ’ marveled at the unbelief of the people of Nazareth in His Divinity,...and theycalled Him ...the carpenter. Ask your-self: ‘Which am I, faith-full or faith- less? In both case know that you are a marvel in the eyes of ‘Christ’. This is not a spiritual dissertation on your faith or the lack thereof for you know that faith comes from hearing the Word of ‘God’, reading the Bible. And the measure of your faithfulness is your work; being like ‘Christ’ in your words and in your actions among the peoples ‘God’ places in your daily walk. James 2 26 For even as the body without the spirit is dead: so also faith without works is dead. In the Greek language of the New Testament, the etymology, the meaning of the word ‘marvel’ isto look closely at, to perceive, to wonder, to have astonishment. Let’s personalize your spiritual journey of faith.Does ‘Jesus’ marvel, is He astonished at your lack of ‘faith’, unbelief?...or does ‘Jesus’ marvel, in wonder in amazement at your faith filled life of belief in ‘God’. There is one spiritually secure answer. Ask ‘God’!A Biblical proof to the faith-full and to the faith-less is ‘God’s Promise to answer your questionswhenever asked, Matt.7:7-8. The faith-full know they will receive a truthful answer.The faith-less will expect no answer, although the answer will be visible in their daily life. Ask this question: ‘God’ what do you think of me?’ And Be prepared for His answer will be manifested, often immediately using Psalm 46 verse 10, Be still, and know that I am God:… Patiently as you walk the morrow of your daily life, listen within and watch without the eventsthat follow; ‘God our Father’ has a divine agenda each day for His faith-full. And for the faith-less the tomorrows will remain bundles of confusion, with no harmony, and plenty of human apprehension unless they ask: ‘Jesus’ Walk with me today.’~~~~~ To all whom ‘Christ’ marvels at, understand this ‘God’ Spoken Truth, Hebrews 11: 6 But without faith it is impossible to please God:for he that cometh to God must believe that he is,and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Without doubt we all like rewards. If you have read Psalm 139 know that our ‘Father God’ isjoyfully blessed by His faith-full children, their thoughts, their words, their deeds. As you faithfully seek Him in His Word, the Bible ‘God’s rewards will be one constant in your life. Faith is your personal affirmation, your title-deed, your spiritual reservation to the world in whichyou will return to - the world wherein you will once again be Face to face with your Creator, your‘Father God’. ‘God’s Love, His Joy, His Peace will be your reward.Thu, 24 Sep 2020 20:09:00 -0700http://www.truthiscalling.us/blog/post/the-pharisees-were-fake-news-advocateshttp://www.truthiscalling.us/blog/post/the-pharisees-were-fake-news-advocates Our Lord was convicted and sentenced because of fake news. The trial was staged and lasted for only a few hours, the verdict, ‘God’ was found guilty…but what exactly was He Guilty of? Fake New’s Advocates Murdered ‘God’s ‘Son’, ‘Jesus Christ’ ‘Jesus Christ’, ‘God’s Son, our Savior, was convicted and murdered because of fake news. The trial was staged and lasted for only a few hours, the verdict, ‘God’ was guilty. Guilty of what? Guilty of telling the truth. Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,…. Matthew 26:59-60, 66 … many false witnesses came yet found they none. In order to put someone to death Biblically the Hebrew law required two witnesses with the same testimony. These many false witnesses testimonies, their lies, were all different. At the last came two false witnesses. These two paid conspirators’ were briefed by the religious hierarchy to give the same false testimony, their testimony purported that ‘Christ’ said: - I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. Our ‘Lord’s actual words: Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. John 2: 19-22. As the false witnesses finished their lying theatricals the chief priest stood up asking ‘Christ’ to respond against these witnesses, But Jesus held his peace.The high priest continued interrogating our ‘Lord’: I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us w whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.Our ‘Lord’s response: Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Revelation 19:11-16. Caiaphas, the high priest, in rage responds:Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. And the verdict, as the high priest shouted out: What think ye?They answered and said, He is guilty of death. ‘Christ’ is guilty of telling the truth: Hereafter shall you see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, Psalm 110:1; the 6th Seal, Revelation 6:15-16. And these murderers will see ‘Jesus Christ’ …coming in the clouds of heaven. Revelation 1:7; Acts 1:9-11. As we all will. As our ‘Lord’ unveiled ‘God’s Truth during His earthly walk the forces of evil, the Devil,Luke 4:1-14, and his advocates, human and spiritual, conspired against Him. And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him,how they might destroy him. Mark 3.6Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.Matt. 12:4.And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.Luke 6.11.And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men,that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of thegovernor. Luke 20.20And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.Luke 22.2.Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.John 11.53.And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.Mark 12.13.~~~~~It was the Pharisees, the chief priests, the elders, the Herodians,, the Sadducees, the Scribes, thewealthy council, all conspired to murder ‘Jesus Christ’.The Pharisees were separatists, who set up a religion of tradition that was contrary to ‘God’sBiblical Truth.The Scribes were Biblical transcribers, religious legalist.The Sadducees were Israelite heretics.The Herodians were political partisans of the Roman governmental puppet king Herod.There were two chief priest, Annas who was the actual high priest for lifetime. However, Romeappointed their own high priest Caiaphas.It was this political appointee Caiaphas who presided over our ‘Lord’s trial.The elders, were the elite, those who sat at the gate of the city as purported human judges.And the council refers to the Sanhedrin, the presiding wealthy, the influential religious elite. Do we have enough Biblical evidence to state that the Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees, Scribes, chief priests, elders, and the wealthy council were guilty of murder?Murder based on false testimony, fake news they had planted and paid for. The final two witnesses though their testimony was the same,… I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days it was a set-up, words memorized for their staged testimony, they were paid liars of the religious hierarchy. And the high priest, Caiphas outrage after their false testimony was play acting, for he knew the actual words ‘Jesus’ Spoke, and the meaning they held.Caiaphas along with the religious hierarchy knew that ‘Christ’s Words foretold His Resurrection, they admitted it in front of Pilate the day after they had ‘Christ’ murdered, Matthew 27: 62. Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation,the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, 63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive,After three days I will rise again. In truth, the religious hierarchy all knew that ‘Jesus Christ’ was the Messiah, ‘God’s ‘Son’. Admission of this would destroy their control of the Hebrew nation, they would become powerless; and their temple wealth would be jeopardized One member of their religious Council, the wealthy elite, Nicodemus a Sanhedrin confessed to‘Christ’ that they knew He was ‘God’s ‘Son’, John 3: 1. There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2. The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Our Civil Law prerequisites: was this an intentional murder?.. was it willful?..was it premeditated?..with malice, evil intent?..was there afterthought, reconsideration, or was there a continuous conspiracy to murder ‘Christ’?And was premeditation complete in its execution, murder of our ‘Lord’?, John 19: 6. When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying,Crucify him, crucify him.Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify hi. m: for I find no fault in him. Civil incrimination in the affirmative without doubt, this was murder in the 1st degree.~~~Biblically, ‘God’s Law, the ‘LORD thy God’ Speaking through Moses, Numbers 35: 30. Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die. 31. Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death. Leviticus 24.17: And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death. Exodus 20.13: the 6th ‘God’ Spoken Commandment, And God spake all these words, saying …Thou shalt not murder. ‘Christ’ Speaking in judgment of the Pharisees, and the Scribes, Matthew 21,20. For I say unto you,That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees,you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. This is not pre-judgment but ancestral, ‘God’ ordained law as our ‘Lord’ disclosed in the 8 Woesof Matthew 23, and without equivocation ‘Christ’ is our Judge, John 5: 22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:And ‘Christ’s judgment: …That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees,You shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Fake news is simply disinformation, a lie, with the intent to influence public opinion. A thoughtful Christian knows that fake news is Biblically condemned by ‘God’ in His 9thCommandment: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour, (thy fellow man, woman.)and follows ‘God’s 8th Commandment: Thous shalt not lie. These two ‘God’ Given Commandments define evil committed by word of mouth; slander,defamation, misrepresentation of an individual, a group of people, a race, and one’s faith. Seemingly ‘false witnesses’, those who speak fake news, lies, may escape human consequencesbut they will not escape the spiritual consequent, ‘Jesus Christ’ Speaking,, But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak,they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.For by thy words thou shalt be justified,and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Matthew 12: 36-37 Those who speak fake news may be applauded by their peers who are equally verbally deceptivebut their words transcend the human realm unto ‘God’s Presence, and His Response is hate.Herein are two of …six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A false witness that speaketh lies,and he that soweth discord among brethren. Proverbs 6: 16,19. In the Hebrew language, the original meaning of a false witness, the etymology, is one whosetestimony is untrue, one who is a liar, one who is deceitful.And when a false witness is legally discovered - ‘God’ has declared a unique sentence And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness,and hath testified falsely against his brother;Then shall you do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother:so shalt thou put the evil away from among you. Deuteronomy 19:18-19 If we applied this ‘God’ Given Biblical remedy today imagine the condition of our news media,our courts, our investigative agencies, our political representatives…. our country, the world. The ‘Holy Spirit’s declaration through Solomon - A false witness shall not be unpunished,and he that speaketh lies shall perish. Proverbs 19:9 Reference, ‘Where Art Thou’, an in-progress Biblical exposition of why humanity is in exile fromthe Presence of ‘God’, the cause, false testimony, fake news, lies.Writers’ web site: truthiscalling.usWed, 23 Sep 2020 22:13:00 -0700http://www.truthiscalling.us/blog/post/the-days-of-youthhttp://www.truthiscalling.us/blog/post/the-days-of-youth It’s Friday night; the smell of rain is in the air and the first weekend of summer has come – energy and excitement envelop you. A feeling of invincibility pulsates through your body. You’ve made plans to meet with friends. The stress from school and worries of young life disappear as you anticipate the night’s festivities. You rummage through the closet and locate your best outfit. A night like this, calls for nothing less. The music plays loudly and freely as you shower and dress. A familiar ringtone signals a welcoming text: “We’re outside,” the message reads. Your friends have arrived. You smile and take one last look in the mirror. Closing the front door, you make your way to the car that echoes the same loud music left behind. The engine roars and your adrenaline surges as you anxiously await the destination. It’s going to be a night to remember… How many times have you lived and relived this exhilarating, “night out” moment? You’ve enjoyed the company of friends and alcohol, dancing and flirting without so much as a care in the world. You lived in that moment and longed to relive it weekend after weekend. BUT WHAT IF SOMETHING HAPPENED? What if you were out with friends and there was a sudden catastrophe: a terrorist attack, a shooting, a car accident, or an urgent phone call that a family member had a life-threatening injury? Would any of your carefree feelings matter at a moment like that? What if you were to die today? Would you be ready for what lies beyond your earthly life? Isn’t the answer to this question far more important than anything a Friday night could offer? I don’t want to ruin your weekend plans. There’s nothing inherently wrong with taking a timeout. I myself appreciate one as much as the next person. By all means enjoy a night out, in fact, enjoy many nights out! As a young Christian, however, you cannot simply live your life on the sidelines. The Bible is very clear; you must take an active role in living out the Faith. The choices you make now will determine how you spend eternity. Whether you’re an active member of your parish’s youth program or spiritually on the sidelines, here are some things to consider in your journey of faith. WHY IS THIS SO URGENT? We are living at the end of time. Over and over Scripture reminds us that our Lord will soon return to earth. We are constantly encouraged to spread the faith and live the Christian life. “The night is almost gone,” the Apostle Paul wrote, “the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.”1 Paul’s words were spoken to the church of his time; yet his command is more critical to our generation. What we are facing at this time in history is far more important than a night out with friends. There is a war of moral beliefs taking place in our world. Every young person today is at the forefront of experiencing the cultural change that will usher in the end of the world. The Book of Timothy gives a detailed description about the nature of society in the end times. “Remember this: There are some terrible times coming in the last days. People will love only themselves and money. They will be proud and boast about themselves. They will abuse others with insults. They will not obey their parents. They will be ungrateful and against all that is pleasing to God. They will have no love for others and will refuse to forgive anyone. They will talk about others to hurt them and will have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. People will turn against their friends. They will do foolish things without thinking and will be so proud of themselves. Instead of loving God, they will love pleasure. They will go on pretending to be devoted to God, but they will refuse to let that devotion change the way they live.”2 Is any other explanation needed to prove our society is living like this now? Is this not signs of the end? WHY CAN'T I WAIT UNTIL I'M OLDER TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT MY FAITH? Many adolescents feel their time to be responsible will come later in life. They feel young age gives them a license to enjoy a carefree lifestyle. This idea is in complete opposition to Scripture. The Bible records the words of King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live. Solomon was a teenager when he became king. “I am a little child,” he prayed to God, “grant your servant a discerning heart to judge between right and wrong.”3 Pleased with his prayer, God promised Solomon he would have more wisdom than any man to ever live. Endowed with the gift from God, Solomon set his heart to observing all the experiences of man. From his teenage years to the end of his life, the wisest man to ever live recorded his knowledge in the Biblical book of Ecclesiastes. With all the wisdom, wealth, belongings, friends and women he could have, Solomon wrote that the meaning of life was to: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth…before evil comes upon you…4 Honor God and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or evil.”5 It is dangerous to think you can live young and reckless and settle down later in life. In the above Scripture, Solomon is encouraging every young person to live out the commandments of their Creator early in life before, “evil comes upon you.” Obedience to God will ensure you are living the full life God has intended for you. I GO TO CHURCH SOMETIMES WITH MY PARENTS ISN'T THAT ENOUGH? Sitting in church does not make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car. If you’re just a pew warmer you’re not a Christian. The Bible says, “Faith by itself is dead if it doesn't cause you to do any good things.”6 Your Christian faith cannot be lived halfway. Daily Christian living is necessary to show evidence of your faith and God working in your life. “I know your deeds,” Jesus told the church of Laodicea. “You are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm —neither hot nor cold— will I spew you out.”7 Jesus Christ has asked us to completely commit ourselves to Him. You have a choice to make. Will you follow Christ or give yourself to the world? IS IT WORTH IT? “YOLO” is the acronym used by today’s adolescence to justify wild actions such as drinking too much or taking life threatening risks. YOLO means: “You Only Live Once.” The idea that you should have all the fun you can because you can’t take anything with you when you die is a delusion. Scripture assures us that righteous actions will follow us when we die. At the end of time everyone that follows Christ will receive rewards depending on what they did in their lives. Nothing in this lifetime can compare to the blessings God has in store for those that love Him. Scripture says: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”8 Five months before his own death, CS Lewis, the great Christian author wrote, “Has this world been so kind to you that you should leave it with regret? There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” HOW DO I BEGIN? Your first step is to pray. Examine every area of your life where you’ve rebelled. Then ask God to forgive you through His Son Jesus Christ. Next, secure eternal life by reading and confessing what is written in Romans 10:9. Finally, ask God to guide you in strengthening your faith and Christian commitment. This prayer WILL NOT go unanswered. If you do your part, you can be sure God will do His and change your life. The Bible says: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt…” BE FAITHFUL The Christian life is filled with blessings, however, every Christian (especially those who have just made commitments to Christ) will face persecution in this lifetime.10 Our Lord faced persecution and trials throughout His earthly life. You will too. Remember that God calls us to a life that this world cannot take away and to a treasure that cannot be stolen.11 Above all, be comforted in knowing that in all the difficult moments of your life you are not alone. Christ will never leave you or forsake you. Our Lord’s last recorded words in the Gospels were: “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” 1 Romans Chapter 13:122 2 Timothy Chapter 3:1-53 1 Kings 3:7-94 Ecclesiastes 12:15 Ecclesiastes 12:13-146 James 2:177 Revelation 3:15-168 1 Corinthians 2:99 James 1:5-610 2 Timothy 3:1211 Matthew 6:19-2012 Matthew 28:18-20Sun, 02 Aug 2015 22:13:00 -0700http://www.truthiscalling.us/blog/post/the-eternal-purposehttp://www.truthiscalling.us/blog/post/the-eternal-purpose ...Christians are expected to know Scripture, many believers, however, avoid reading difficult Biblical books and passage. The reason is simple... In any given profession there are expectations. An accountant is expected to know math, a computer technician knows hardware,and an educator, teaching strategies. The same holds true for personal pursuits. If we enjoy basketball, we should know the rules of the game, chess, the game pieces, and driving, the rules of the road. Similarly, Christians are expected to know scripture. Many believers, however, avoid reading difficult biblical books and passages. The reason is simple: they don't understand them. This is justifiable. How can we enjoy reading something if we can't comprehend it? As a result, many believers limit their reading to the parts of Scripture they can grasp. If this is something you struggle with, be encouraged. Above are a few key guidelines that can help clarify the structure of Scripture making it easier to read and enjoy. The Old Testament is Essential Reading For believers, many parts of the Old Testament can be quite difficult to comprehend, but that doesn’t mean it should be avoided. Reading only the books of Scripture you prefer is like reading random chapters of a novel. You may understand some of the story and its characters, but you will never fully grasp and appreciate everything that story has to offer unless you know it from beginning to end. The books of Scripture were not randomly selected to form the Bible. Each one tells a part of the story of why we are here, our life’s purpose, where we are going, and what is to come. To Understand the Story, Start at the Beginning Genesis is the starting point to understanding God’s Word. Think back to the novel example. How can we understand and appreciate a novel or even a movie unless we know how it begins? Above is a timeline with descriptions that shows a summary layout of Scripture from its first book (Genesis) to its last (Revelation). Genesis Chapters 1 and 2: Creation The first chapter of Genesis tells us how God created the earth and the universe in perfect order and beauty. Humans had direct communication with their Creator and they lacked nothing. God is often criticized for creating a suffering world, but the beginning of Scripture tells us that was never His intention…it was ours. Genesis Chapter 3: Paradise Lost The third chapter of Genesis describes the rebellion of Adam and Eve after they were tempted by Satan. This was what truly caused the beginning of misery and suffering in the world. In verse 15 of this third chapter, God announces the very first prophecy in Scripture. His first action after the rebellion was to find a way to repair the damage. He promises a Savior from the family of Adam and Eve. The Savior will return humanity to Paradise and destroy the Devil. The entire Bible is based upon this prophecy of restoration through a savior. There are three things about this prophecy that will make our Scripture reading easier (they are outlined in the next three points): the Bible is about one family, one person, and one conflict. A Family Story The Bible is the story of one man’s family and anyone that comes into contact with them. Throughout the Old Testament we follow the family of Adam, generation after generation. We read about the Jews as they wander in foreign lands and reach the promise land. We read of their rebellion, exile, and return to their land. Why does the Bible focus on the history of this one family and nation? Because this is the family that the Messiah will come from to restore us to Paradise. The Promised Messiah The one great subject that runs through the Word of God is Christ. “Search the Scriptures,” Jesus told the Pharisees, “They testify of Me”.1 This is the most important key in understanding God’s Word. Apart from Jesus Christ all Scripture is meaningless. Every book of Scripture tells of Him and points to His Coming. Everything was created by Him and without Him Paradise cannot be restored. As we read about the family of Christ throughout the Old Testament we are given prophecies and examples of what the coming Messiah will be to His people. There are numerous illustrations that can be found in every Old Testament book, but here are just examples to help in understanding: The Book of Leviticus shows us, in the sin offerings, a view of the Messiah’s sacrificial death. The Book of Numbers foreshadows the Son of Man that will be, “lifted up.”2 The Book of Deuteronomy alludes to the coming “Prophet” who will be the Rock and Salvation of His people.3 The Book of Joshua tell of “the Captain of the Lord’s army” who will triumph over all His enemies; the description of the woman Rahab in this book with her scarlet cord foreshadows Christ’s sufferings and precious blood which will shelter and preserve His people in the coming day of war when He restores the earth and overthrows His enemies.4 The Great Conflict The Devil was present (in Genesis 3:15) when God promised a Messiah that would destroy him and restore humankind to Paradise. Throughout the Bible, Satan worked to annihilate the Messiah’s family knowing that if he succeeded, the Messiah would never be born and he would never be destroyed. Throughout the history of Christ’s family, from the Old Testament and into the New, there are numerous attacks on the Messiah’s lineage. Some of the most notable ones were: The murder of Adam and Eve’s son Abel. The attempt by Pharaoh to wipe out the Jews. The attempt by King Herod to kill the Christ child. In the course of time, the cross was reached, the Messiah crucified, His tomb sealed, and the watchmen set. But God raised Him to life showing His power over death. In spite of His glorious triumph Satan continues in his hatred to oppress God’s people. This will continue until the day when Christ returns and destroys the Evil One. The Gospels In all four Gospels, John the Baptist encouraged the nation of Israel to repent because the kingdom of God was at hand.8 Jesus Christ presented Himself as the king and showed his glory and authority. He healed the sick, preached the good news, silenced the most learned men, expelled demons, walked on water, and calmed storms. He showed His power over men, spirits, nature, and death.9 Yet during His ministry the message to accept the King and the Kingdom was rejected. Jesus never spoke about His death until the middle of the Gospels.10 It was only after the rejection from the people that He revealed He would go up to Jerusalem to suffer. The Kingdom Reoffered Right after the Gospels, comes the book of Acts. Filled with the Holy Spirit the Apostle Peter proclaimed to the Jews how they rejected the long-awaited Messiah and how God raised Him from the dead. The Jews were again encouraged to repent and accept the Messiah. Some of them actually did, but the nation as a whole didn’t. In Acts chapter 28, the Apostle Paul exclaimed that the nation of Israel was filled with hardhearted people and that they themselves would be rejected for a time, lose their land and be scattered among the nations while the message of the Messiah and His Kingdom would be preached to the rest of the world. The Kingdom Proclaimed to the World Shortly after the second rejection, the Romans crushed a Jewish revolt and the Hebrew peoples were scattered throughout the earth. The message of the Kingdom was taken to the rest of the world and to this day continues to be preached to all nations, but to date, the Good News of the Gospel has not yet reached all peoples. It has been translated into 2,500 languages with approximately 4,500 more to go! Missionaries continue to travel and share the good news. The End of the World and Paradise Restored What happens when the Gospel finally reaches every tribe, language, peoples, and nations? Scripture tells us: "The gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”11 The events leading up to the end of the world include God restoring the Jews to their homeland12 and a final attempt by Satan to annihilate the people of God in the person of the Antichrist.13 This attempt ultimately fails when Jesus Christ returns, destroys Satan, establishes His Kingdom on earth, and restores Paradise. At that time we will once again have direct communion with God. The story of the Bible and of our redemption will have come full circle. Genesis and Revelation complement each other in many ways helping us to see how things started and how they end. In summary: Genesis The book of the beginning The entrance of sin The earth cursed The entrance of death The entrance of suffering The doom of Satan pronounced Man driven out of Paradise Revelation The book of the end The end of sin The curse removed No more death No more suffering The doom of Satan executed Man restored to Paradise The Book of Revelation tells us that the earth is restored to the restful Paradise that God had always intended. We are given a few descriptions about what eternity will be like in the last two chapters of Revelation, but there is much to look forward to that cannot be expressed in words. The Bible tells us, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has conceived—the things God has prepared for those who love Him.”14 I’ve always found a description in C.S. Lewis’ work exciting and fitting for what awaits us in the eternity to come. I think of it often during the times when living the Christian life is challenging and it helps me press on…I hope it does the same for you: “All their life in this world and all their adventures had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.” 1 The Gospel of John 5:392 Numbers 21:9 compared with The Gospel of John 3:14-153 Deuteronomy 18:15 compared with Acts 7:23-264 Joshua 5:13-15 compared with Hebrews 2:10 and 12:25 Genesis 4:8 compared with 1 John 3:126 Exodus 147 The Gospel of Matthew 2:138 The Gospel of Matthew 3:19 The Gospel of Luke 7:22 and The Gospel of Matthew 8:2710 The Gospel of Matthew 16:2111 The Gospel of Matthew 24:1412 Ezekiel 20:3413 2 Thessalonians 2:1-914 1st Corinthians 2:915 C.S. Lewis, The Last BattleSun, 02 Aug 2015 18:45:00 -0700http://www.truthiscalling.us/blog/post/man-on-firehttp://www.truthiscalling.us/blog/post/man-on-fire It was a late Sunday afternoon, when two men walked a lonely road leading to their destination. Lost in gloomy conversation they hardly noticed the stranger walking close by. “What are you two discussing so intently?” the stranger asked. As they walked along, the stranger lifted their spirits by explaining all the Scriptures foretelling the death and resurrection of the Messiah. The two men’s hearts were stirred. As the day drew on and evening set, they arrived at their destination and invited their new companion to eat with them. Minutes later the three men were reclining for the evening meal. Then it happened. When the stranger blessed the bread they recognized it was their risen Savior. At that moment He disappeared. Looking at each other in astonishment the two men exclaimed, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as He talked on the road and explained the Scriptures?” Unable to contain their excitement, the two men ran back to Jerusalem to tell their friends what they experienced. This Biblical story is better known as, “The Walk to Emmaus”.1 Have you ever had a heart on fire moment like this? Where conviction for God’s Word felt like a fire inside you and you were unable to keep it to yourself? As Christian men in today’s world it’s easy to feel like the two Emmaus men did at the beginning of their journey: weary and disillusioned. We live in a time when TV shows portray men as fools getting outwitted by children while supportive women help them function in society. The Bible commands men out of such a lifestyle. It says: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”2 In many places Scripture emphasizes the need for men to be strong in their faith. “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.”3 Men, we are not little boys anymore. Nothing is standing between us acting like men except ourselves. The Apostle Paul encouraged the men of his day to act with courage and strength in obedience to the Lord and with confidence in His power. As we are obedient to the Lord after we become believers, He will and does give us power and strength to move through life with courage and confidence so that we can become a “man on fire”. We have to make a choice. Becoming a man doesn’t just happen. Paul mentions, “When I became a man,” meaning, he made a decision to give up childish ways.4 Have you made that choice? Here are a few ways you can get yourself on track. God can still use you The most common struggle with men is failure. Our lives are based on performance. We are measured by our productivity at work, financial success, and many other accomplishments. This is what makes the Christian life so difficult to reconcile. Very often we feel God’s love is dependent on our track record. Past mistakes and continued failure can make us feel there is no reason to continue trying because God must have already given up on us. This way of thinking keeps us from growing in our relationship with God and reaching our full potential. Not only is God the God of second chances, He is also the God of another chance. This is great news since we often find ourselves needing more chances! Everything changes when our image of a punishing God is exchanged for that of a caring Father. God is incredibly patient. The psalmist exclaimed: "But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”5 The Bible is full of characters that received God’s forgiveness in spite of multiple failures. If you’ve screwed up don’t let it keep you down. Repent and get back to the good work God has laid out for you. Read your instruction manual In an ever-changing world we constantly have to learn new things in order to function. We receive guidance and training in many different ways from workshops, to simple Google searches. As Christian men it is absolutely necessary to take the same approach to our spirituality. We need to read and study the Bible because it is God's instruction manual for leading Christian lives. The Bible is literally "God-breathed".6 There are so many questions that philosophers have asked that God answers in Scripture: What is the purpose to life? Where did I come from? Is there life after death? How do I get to heaven? Why is the world full of evil? Why do I struggle to do good? In addition to these big questions, the Bible gives much practical advice in areas such as: What do I look for in a mate? How can I have a successful marriage? How can I be a good friend? How can I be a good parent? What is success and how do I achieve it? How can I change? What really matters in life? How can I live so that I do not look back with regret? How can I handle the unfair circumstances and bad events of life victoriously? We should read and study the Bible because it is totally reliable and without error. The Bible is unique among so-called "holy" books in that it does not merely give moral teaching and say, "Trust me." Rather, we have the ability to test it by checking the hundreds of detailed prophecies that it makes, by checking the historical accounts it records, and by checking the scientific facts it relates. We should read and study the Bible because God does not change and because mankind's nature does not change; it is as relevant for us as it was when it was written. As you read the pages of Biblical history you will find that "there is nothing new under the sun”.7 The world and its technology may have changed, but man’s sinful desires remain the same. While mankind, as a whole, continues to seek love and satisfaction in all of the wrong places, God—our good and gracious Creator—tells us what will bring us lasting joy8 through the counsel found in Scripture. Remember what it’s all for Hebrews 11 is sometimes referred to as the, “hall of faith”. It describes the faith of many Godly men in spite of facing difficult circumstances. How were men such as Moses and Abraham able to keep leading Godly lives? In one word: Hope. They remembered their struggles were temporary and looked forward to the heavenly reward that was eternal. In every struggle you face, take the same perspective. Throughout our lives there will be times where God will take us to the mountaintop where we feel invincible. Yet, most of our lives are spent in the valley in the day-to-day living where struggles can wear us down. Don’t give up! Remember where your hope resides. Keep your eyes on the prize and share it with others! Scripture tells us: Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. Control your thoughts As a former athlete I learned very quickly that all the hours of practice and conditioning would not make you successful unless you could control your mind. On the playing field I saw hardworking teammates fall apart because of their lack of mental discipline. This is the same for every man fighting the spiritual battle. If we don’t control our thoughts we will not control our actions. Scripture tells us the battle begins in the mind. We have to be constantly on guard with this: “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death…”9 “…take every thought captive to make it obey Christ.”10 Don’t be curious This is not to say never be curious only to be careful about what you’re curious about. Many men justify their curiosity by saying, “I can look; I just can’t touch.” Yet, how often are we led to sin because of this attitude? Every time we turn on a computer, change the channel, or are tempted in public to look at women in a lustful way, we have to overcome this curiosity. Being tempted is not a sin, giving into temptation is. The next time you find yourself tempted by curiosity remember these words from Scripture: “Do not turn your freedom (in Christ) into an opportunity to gratify your flesh.”11 Pray No matter how successful and influential a man is, he cannot do the work of God without prayer. Men who represent God in their families and leadership roles must pray often. Prayer is the way we communicate with God our thanks, wants, and needs. God will not force His will upon us. When we pray we are inviting God to guide us. “If anyone desires wisdom” the book of James states, “Let him ask God who will freely give it.”12 The late Christian John Bunyan said, “Prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will entice a man to cease from prayer.” Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God and a scourge for Satan. Being a Christian man in the world today requires constant conditioning. The Apostle Paul describes the Christian life like running a race. It requires discipline and training. “You know that in a race all the runners run, but only one runner gets the prize. So run like that. Run to win! All who compete in the games use strict training. They do this so that they can win a prize—one that doesn’t last. But our prize is one that will last forever. So I run like someone who has a goal. I fight like a boxer who is hitting something, not just the air. It is my own body I fight to make it do what I want. I do this so that I won’t miss getting the prize myself after telling others about it.” 13 Saint Paul is describing the intensity of being a man of God. In this lifetime there is no finish line. It will take all your strength in body, spirit, soul and mind each and every day to lead as God has called you. In your moments of weakness, remember that you’re not alone. Scripture assures us, our temptations or trials are common to everyman. This is true of even the first man Adam. He was called to care and protect the Garden of Eden yet he gave in to temptation. At the end of our lives and the end of the world men will be separated into two groups: The “men on fire” (Luke 24:32) and the “men destined for the lake of fire” (Revelation 21:8). Therefore live in such a way that you can be confident your dying words will be the same as the Apostle Paul’s: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day— and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for Christ’s return.” 1 Luke 24:13 -352 Corinthians 16:133 Corinthians 13:114 An excerpt from: Mobley, M. (2013, May 15). Men: Act Like Men | Before The Cross. Retrieved March 7, 2015, from http://www.beforethecross.com/biblical-teachings/men-act-like-men/5 Psalm 86:156 2 Timothy 3:167 Ecclesiastes 1:98 Why should we read the Bible / study the Bible? (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2015, from http://www.gotquestions.org/why-read-Bible.html9 James 1:14-1510 2 Corinthians 10:511 Galatians 5:1312 James 1:513 1 Corinthians 9:24-2714 2 Corinthians 4:7-8 Mon, 27 Apr 2015 22:45:00 -0700http://www.truthiscalling.us/blog/post/the-healing-of-familieshttp://www.truthiscalling.us/blog/post/the-healing-of-families Scripture tells us: “…it is appointed unto men to die once.”1 This is why God treats our lives very seriously. There is no such thing as, fate, luck, or coincidences with God... The things that happen to our families (both good and bad) have reasons. When something good happens you may think its luck, when something bad happens you may just believe the expression, “bad things can happen to good people.” What if I were to tell you what you consider “luck” is actually a blessing, and what you may attribute to “fate” is actually a non-blessing. These two seemingly mysterious words will lose their mystery by the time you finish reading this article. Let’s begin by first pointing out an obvious truth. Your family is beset with problems. That is to say, it is a normal family. Since you are a believer in God you have most certainly prayed to Him about many of these problems. Perhaps you have had the joy of answered prayer for some problems, and a time of relief from others…but there are certain family problems that don’t seem to go away. They just turn in circles and continue to plague the family. Your image of God may be seriously shaken because you don’t understand why He doesn’t seem to bring healing from certain issues. Your voice feels like a cry in the desert. If yours is this kind of situation this is an article for you. It is important to first understand how we receive a “blessing” or “non-blessing.” Scripture tells us our families inherit blessings as well as non-blessings. “I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.”2 In the above Scripture we realize God has an inheritance system for bestowing blessings or non-blessings. Why would He make an inheritance system? When our Lord first created us, sin was not part of the plan. He designed us in such a way that all the good things He had naturally endowed our parents with would naturally pass on to their children just by the mere fact of having been born by them; a natural automatic transmission. This is how each of our families have gotten where we are today, inheriting blessings on one hand, and non-blessings on the other. What God originally designed as a gift to us became a channel of unwanted problems down generational lines. God wants our families to practice good spiritual habits and pass those habits to our children so that he can bestow blessings from generation-to-generation. Satan, however, came in and introduced sin into God’s inheritance system. Satan is using this same system to infect our families with sinful behaviors so that we suffer the consequences in the form of non-blessings. Scripture assure us that God has not changed his inheritance system even after Satan infiltrated it. He left it as He had made it because it was still the best He had in place to bless us with. However, after Satan’s mischief our Lord updated the system by providing: 1) knowledge of what had been going on since Satan came in and 2) sending us a Savior in Jesus Christ. This would allow us to continue using the inheritance system to bless our family once we are schooled into using it as originally intended (the knowledge), and at the same time applying to it the redemptive power of Jesus His Son the Savior (His death and resurrection). The reason you and your family may have continued to have certain problems is that you didn’t quite know about this inheritance system even if you knew about Salvation through Jesus Christ. The problem of humans not having enough knowledge of the things of God has always been around. From ancient times to our own present day the Scripture in Hosea still rings true when God Himself exclaims: “My people perish for lack of knowledge!”3 Today is your opportunity to have that knowledge. We are talking about freedom from the negative things you have persistently seen present in your family history from generation-to-generation, sometimes skipping a generation, but simply not going away. A prominent example can be found in our family medical history when the doctor asks whether a certain disease is known to have occurred in your immediate or extended family. We are so used to hearing medical questions like this that we don’t think any further. But why should we simply accept the history of family disease as something that will be passed on to future generations? God did not create us to inherit disease. In my searching of Scripture two things have become very clear: 1) hereditary disease is not from God and 2) something went wrong that caused us to inherit disease. These two points can be summarized in one name, Satan. Satan is the author of all negativity wherever it is found on the face of the earth, big or small, directly or indirectly. I hope that you the reader are clear about that. There is no such thing as neutral negativity. If it is negative then it can only come from one place: Satan. In today’s world we describe Satan by all sorts of scientific names and pagan terms such as, “karma” or “feng shui”. We must know exactly whom we are talking about. A human ailment having a specialized nametag to it doesn’t mean it cannot be Satan’s work. If he is not directly the cause he is indirectly the cause because all evil, sin and death came from him. The Lord calls him “the father of lies.”4 He also tells us that Satan comes into our lives “to steal, kill and destroy.”5 This means that wherever you find even the slightest clue of any of those three things be very clear as to who is around. This is not to scare us. It is for us to know exactly what is going on, so that we can apply the power of our Savior, which is given to us for the very purpose of fighting the enemy. Not knowing this is what causes God’s people to perish. If we don’t recognize Satan’s work, then we cannot fight him. When we look into our families and see all the things that steal our strength, energy, power, personalities, talent, resources; that kill our optimism, smiles, joy of life, even our very people; or when we see all sorts of destruction happening in our families, we shouldn’t have the slightest doubt about whom we are dealing with or rather, the one who is dealing with us. Constant disease, sky-high patience required in family relationships, addictions, personality problems, divorces, homosexuality, suicide, accidents, your children that never seem to make it anywhere, apparent misfortunes, doors constantly shutting on you and on your family, most especially when you see patterns happening over and over again in your family, there you have it. These things have a personal cause, in the form of a person, the Evil One. Strangely enough, this suffering may continue without relief even if you have prayed about them to God. What is happening? How does Satan get all this power to wreak havoc in our lives as if God were not there and as if I were not praying at all? Is God Almighty really there? Does he really love me? If so, where is He? Why is he not delivering my family from this bondage? Know this, if Satan can wreak all this havoc it is because he has been given the power. Not by God, but by us! Satan has used our freedom (the only place where God doesn’t intrude in our lives) to convince us to hand it over to him, and we did! Satan can be right in the door of our family’s lives, look back at God and tell Him: Look, your uninvited majesty, they called me not you! God will not intervene; he will only wait for you to change your mind. You can easily say, “No, not me! I never invited Satan into my life. I hate him with all the hate I can muster, and besides, I have always been a Christian, I love my faith and I practice it.” Maybe not you, but rather your inheritance! Remember, the system, designed for your good? You may think: “No, my parents were good folks too!” The answer is: yes, maybe not them, but the ones from whom they inherited. See the point? It can go as far back as it can go. Not all families experience spiritual oppression with the same intensity, but there is always something of it in any family that is always striking if their eyes are open enough and they are aware like you will be after reading this. When we understand the God designed inheritance system intended to bless us and the hijacking of this system by Satan to cause non-blessings, we can no longer say things like: “Oh, I don’t care, that was a problem my grandparents had (or anybody I’m related to), and it’s not my problem!” Your family has comes from somewhere or someone before them. You are part of that as well; you are them and they are you. Satan was indirectly invited into your family through agreements on ungodly things. These agreements can range from family trauma, listening or watching inappropriate radio and TV shows, to playing with a Ouija board or reading your horoscope. All of these actions give Satan indirect permission to enter your life or the lives of your family. There can only be one solution: cancel the agreements! You may say: “How? I didn’t make any agreements with Satan, I don’t even know what agreements were made and by which family member, so how can I cancel them?” We may never know exactly what the agreements were, but we know and see their consequences. The system will not end with you. Just like you inherited blessings and/or non-blessings, you are also going to pass on those blessings and/or non-blessings to your descendants. When those agreements were originally made, your ancestors didn’t ask your permission. You may not have even been born yet. The inheritance is a spiritual thing not bound by time or space. It just goes on. At any given moment, the ones holding the flame of the family are those who are there. Their choices for Satan or for God will be the ones inherited after them. Today you can make a choice for your family. You are vested with all the power of those who went before you in your family – simple inheritance. With your power of free will you can cancel past agreements with Satan and strike new ones with God for the future. It is just like how the President of the United States can undo what former Presidents did – he is the one there today. There is no better way to clean up the legacy of your family – just by praying! Can you imagine how good and gracious God is? All He needs is someone from your family who will rightfully take up the freedom He gave us, and turn it around in His favor. Then He is ignited for us! At that moment Satan has no more rights that he can use to block God. All this can happen because Jesus Christ came to free us from captivity.6 You cancel those agreements with the evil one, and you take on the saving and cleansing power of Jesus. While you clear up both the past and the future you obtain healing for the present, because you have taken back your freedom and power from the enemy, by freely and consciously renouncing him. You will then see the floodgates of God’s Heavenly powers open to flood your life and that of your family. Shouldn’t every family member be around to pray this, or at least agree? No. Were you around when your family made bad choices for which all of you paid later? The more members of your family you can have to pray this prayer the better of course, but it’s not a condition. It’s amazing how God can take even the least we can offer to do great things for us. He needs only one person to do it right and you will see what comes out! 1 Mark Hebrews 9:272 Exodus 20:5-63 Hosea 4:64 The Gospel of John 8:445 The Gospel of John 10:106 The Gospel of Luke Chapter 4; The first Epistle of John 3:8 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 21:46:00 -0700http://www.truthiscalling.us/blog/post/there-will-be-tribulationhttp://www.truthiscalling.us/blog/post/there-will-be-tribulation We are living in a time like no other in the history of mankind. Our world is connected in ways never before imagined. In a matter of seconds... In the palm of your hand, a smart phone can show you a world that is ever more complex. From conflict with countries to conflict within a country, everyday news reveals the present day struggle to determine what’s right and wrong. One of the greatest tragedies of our time is the increase of hostility towards Christians. Militant groups murder Christian children and bury their families alive, lawsuits challenge prayer before meetings, crosses on military graves, and even the three crosses that have always represented our beautiful city of Las Cruces! The serious Bible student looks at these tragedies and recognizes they are not just signs of the times…but signs of the end. I n years past it almost seemed optional to understand the parts of Scripture that discussed the end of this age. In light of recent events, however, reading God’s word has become critical toward understanding what is happening in our world, where we are going, and what we should do. Most Christians are unknowledgeable as to how the Bible says this world will end. Unfortunately, ignorance will cause many believers to experience the end of this age in defeat. This doesn’t have to happen. Scripture tells us exactly what lies ahead. If we know what to expect we can experience triumph instead of defeat. There is one serious misinterpretation of end time Scripture that continues to mislead millions of believers. This belief is so popular our opposition to it will likely offend you. However, if you put this difference aside and choose to continue reading, you will be better prepared for the end of this age because there is… No Rapture of the church at the end of the world! It is not our intention to offend fellow believers. Love for the truth compels us to warn our brothers and sisters by reasoning from the Scriptures. We encourage you to examine the evidence below in light of God’s Word. It may mean the difference between Salvation or deception. WHAT EXACTLY IS THE RAPTURE DOCTRINE? The “Rapture” refers to a belief that at any moment Jesus Christ will descend to the clouds and supernaturally take believers to Heaven before the appearance of the Antichrist and the horrific events that take place at the end of the world. This has become an increasingly popular belief among Christian communities. Since 1995, over 50 million copies of books called “Left Behind” have shown up in bookstores sensationalizing the Rapture. The series has recently been made into a movie with exciting scenes of believers dramatically disappearing from planes, homes, and work as they are supposedly raptured before the tribulation begins. Scripture, however, never mentions a rapture. God has emphatically spoken against this “fly away” belief.1 This is not an area of Christianity where we can simply, “agree to disagree.” Many Christians read end time Scriptures with a light heart having a false sense of security they will be gone. This leaves them vulnerable to deception in the last days. Scripture warns of false beliefs that will arise at the end of this age: “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”2 THE IDEA OF A RAPTURE WAS NEVER MENTIONED IN CHURCH HISTORY For centuries the Church always held the belief that Christ would return after the arrival of the Antichrist. Every historical document testifies to this fact. There is no evidence that any believer thought Jesus Christ would come for his church before the tribulation. Many supporters of the Rapture doctrine freely admit this. There is also historical documentation of the Rapture’s origins.4 This false belief began in a small London town in the 1830’s with a woman named Margaret McDonald. She began preaching the idea of Christ returning for his Church to keep believers from suffering at the hands of Antichrist. John Darby was a notable preacher at the time. He took Margaret’s words as divinely inspired and continued to reinforce the idea of a rapture. CAUGHT UP IN THE CLOUDS Many Christians believe, (and the “Left Behind” books promote) that one particular Bible verse describes believers as getting taken to heaven before the Great Tribulation. The verse reads: “…the Lord himself will come down from heaven…and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”6 But notice the Scripture says “…we who are still alive and are left,” shall be caught up. Remember that those who are “left” get caught up to meet the Lord. This Scripture never mentions believers returning to Heaven and awaiting the end of the Great Tribulation. The Rapture doctrine wrongly assumes this. When compared with other Biblical Scriptures we clearly see this verse is actually describing the return of Christ at the very end of time after the tribulation when He gathers believers to Him as He returns to earth. THE ONE TAKEN AND THE ONE LEFT The “Left Behind” books get their name from a passage in Luke 17 and a similar passage in Matthew 24 that talk about the coming of the Lord being like the days of Noah. The words in this passage were spoken by Christ Himself and state: “As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man…they ate, they drank, they married and they did not know until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field, one is taken and one is left. Two women grinding at the mill, one is taken one is left.”7 “See,” Rapture enthusiasts say, “One is taken, one is left…it must be the Rapture! Jesus takes the Christians and leaves behind non-Christians!” Two problems with that interpretation: First, Jesus’ coming is being compared to the days of Noah. After the flood, who was left? Noah and his family…the good guys…the bad guys were taken! Second, remember 1 Thessalonians? It says that those who are “left” get to meet Jesus in the air. The good guys are left behind to meet Jesus.8 In other words, you want to be left behind so you can get caught up in the clouds to meet Jesus in the air and accompany Him back to earth at His second and final coming. There will be no Rapture like the one the "Left Behind" books talk about… that view is not scriptural. GOD DID NOT APPOINT US TO WRATH Rapture preachers teach that believers will never experience God’s wrath during the end of the world. That is why he removes the church from the earth in the Rapture. While it is true that believers are, “saved from wrath” Scripture makes it clear, the wrath we are saved from is condemnation of our sins because we are forgiven through our Savior Jesus Christ. This is clearly stated in the book of Thessalonians: “God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.”9 The tribulation we are faced with during that time will be the wrath of Satan (he is the Antichrist) and his followers. At the end of the world God expels him to earth: “Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath.”10 The book of Revelation encourages believers to make a stand and be a light into the world at that time. “All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.” “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” “If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity they will go.” “If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword they will be killed. ” “This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people.”11 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. “Then I (John the Apostle) heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’”12 In the above Scripture we see encouragement to believers that will face persecution and possible death during the reign of the Antichrist. The Scripture indicates there are saints on the earth in the last days that have the faith of Jesus Christ. If the faithful were taken up in a rapture then why are there still believers on the earth? The answer is simple: there is no Rapture. There is no need to worry about the wrath of Christ when He returns to administer justice upon the earth. Our Lord will have no difficulty in distinguishing between believers and evildoers. He preserved the Israelites in Egypt during the plagues. He preserved Lot and his family during the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and he kept Noah from the flood. DECEIVED BY THE FALSE MESSIAH The Rapture claim that Christ will return for his followers before the coming of the Antichrist will lead many Christians to be deceived. In speaking about the end times, the Lord Himself gave this warning: “At that time (the end of the world) if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it… If anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”14 Anyone believing Christ is coming first could possibly believe the Antichrist is Christ coming to rapture them! ASSURANCE IN ONE CHAPTER In closing, it is vitally important we prepare ourselves and other Christians for the coming tribulation in these last days. One of the clearest descriptions in Scripture can be found in book of Thessalonians. It is an important passage that can be used to begin a conversation and help lead fellow believers to the truth about the coming tribulation and the timing of our Lord’s appearance on earth: “Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the apostasy (falling away from the faith) occurs and the man of lawlessness (the Antichrist) is revealed… the Lord Jesus will overthrow him (the Antichrist) with the breath of His mouth and destroy him by the splendor of His coming.”15 1 Read Ezekiel Chapter 13 Verse 20 in the King James Bible.2 2nd Timothy Chapter 4 Verse 3.3 Walvoord, J. (1979). The rapture question (Rev. and enl. ed., p. 15). Grand Rapids: Zondervan Pub. House.4 Stanton, G. (1956). Kept from the hour; a systematic study of the rapture in Bible prophecy. (p. 217, 223, 226). Grand Rapids: Zondervan Pub. House.5 MacPherson, D. (1975). The incredible cover-up: The true story on the pre-trib rapture (Rev. and combined ed.). Plainfield, N. J.: Logos International.6 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 Verse 16.7 The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 24 Verse 40.8 Two-Minute Answers to Your Questions about the Catholic Faith. (n. d.). Retrieved September 25, 2014, from catholicscomehome.org/two-minute-answers/.9 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 Verse 9.10 Revelation Chapter 12 Verse 12.11 Revelation Chapter 13 Verses 8-11.12 Revelation Chapter 14 Verse 13.13 These events are noted in the first two books of Scripture: Genesis & Exodus.14 The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 24 Verses 23-27.15 2 Thessalonians Chapter 2 Verses 1 -10. Thu, 18 Dec 2014 02:00:00 -0700http://www.truthiscalling.us/blog/post/prepare-for-warhttp://www.truthiscalling.us/blog/post/prepare-for-war You’re at war. Whether you know it or not; whether you care to believe what you’re about to read or not; it will not change this absolute fact that from the day you were born until the day you die, there is an enemy that will not stop working to destroy you. You’ve already experienced the enemy’s work in your life. When your patience is tested and you lash out at others, he is there. When you give in to negative thoughts that encourage strife and self-pride, he is there. The enemy may be encouraging you right now to put aside this article that is written against him...the enemy is the devil. There’s an old belief in our culture that: “the devil never sleeps.” This phrase may have been used to warn children, but it’s actually taken from the Biblical book of Peter where it is written: “Be clear-minded and alert. Your opponent, the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”1 In spiritual battles, we are not helpless bystanders. There are supernatural forces against us, but God provides supernatural help. Scripture calls it “The Gospel Armor.” In the Book of Ephesians, Saint Paul outlines the seven crucial components of the Gospel Armor. Each is equally important in our preparation for spiritual war. WHY DO WE NEED SPIRITUAL ARMOR? The Gospel Armor is our Christian uniform, our spiritual weapons of warfare. The purpose is that you may be able to stand, face, fight, and defeat the forces of evil and to overcome the deceptive tactics of the devil. Ephesians 6:11—That you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:12—Because your fight has not been with flesh and blood, but with…the powers of this dark world and with wicked spirits which are under Heaven. Romans 13:12—The night is almost gone (the end of the world) and the day is near (Christ’s second coming). Therefore, let us lay aside the deeds of darkness (evil thoughts and actions) and put on the armor of God. 1 THE BELT OF TRUTH Ephesians 6:14—Fasten the belt of truth around your waist… 2 Thessalonians 2:10—They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved… In ancient times the belt kept a soldier’s garments from hampering his movements to fight in battle. Just like a soldier, God does not want us to be hindered in our steps or spiritual battles. Scripture is the belt that binds the truth to us. It keeps all other spiritual weapons in place. We cannot fight clearly if we do not know the truth. John 8:31-32—Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 2 THE BRESTPLATE OF RIGHTOUSNESS Ephesians 6:14—Stand firm then… with the breastplate of righteousness in place. Philippians 3:9—Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. Righteousness simply means doing what is right; acts of mercy. The breastplate does not provide protection to a person’s backside. It is expected that God’s soldiers never turn their backs to an enemy. Scripture assures us the enemy will flee if we stand our ground with the Gospel Armor: “Submit yourselves therefore to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.” 3 SHOES FITTED WITH THE GOSPEL OF PEACE Ephesians 6:15—Your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace. Romans 10:15—As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" Without shoes we are useless in battle. Our feet could not bear the weight of armor as we move about and the enemy could very easily push us down. When we live in peace and contentment with what God offers over the world’s desires we are at peace to carry out the good work Christ sets before us. John 14:27—Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 4 THE SHIELD OF FAITH Ephesians 6:16—Taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Psalm 3:2-3—Many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God. But You, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory and He who lifts up my head. The shield was often the first line of defense for a Roman soldier. It was large enough to protect the whole body from a hail of arrows. Every day we face Satanic attacks in the form of sinful thoughts and negative interactions with others. Having complete faith in the Word of God and His guidance is essential to our spiritual well being. 5 THE HELMET OF SALVATION Christians often fall on the battlefield because they don’t use their shield. They don’t talk or walk with Christ and thereby invite temptation. When you notice fiery darts coming your way, put up your shield and do everything you can to keep your distance from enticements. Ancient soldiers firmly strapped their shields to their forearms. They were prepared to resist the powerful blows of an enemy’s sword. As Christians, we must hold the shield of faith just as firmly in the heat of spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:17—Put on salvation as your helmet and the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God. Psalm 140:7—O LORD, my Lord, the strength of my salvation; you have covered my head in the day of battle. The helmet protects our minds. We cannot let our thoughts wander. It is important to keep our focus on saving faith in Christ through His Word. The Apostle Paul states: “We are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming…” 6 THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT Ephesians 6:17— Put on salvation as your helmet and the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God. The Sword of the Spirit is the only piece of armor used to attack and defeat the enemy. It is God’s Word. When you stand and speak the truth of Scripture, the enemy cannot stand against it - God’s Word, His Truth is a two edged sword that cuts both ways. Hebrews 4:12—For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. One Bible scholar notes, “The Sword of the Spirit subdues and crushes evil desires and blasphemous thoughts as they rise within; it answers unbelief and error as they assault from without. A single Scripture, well understood, and rightly applied, at once destroys a temptation or an objection, and restrains the most fearsome enemy."5 An ancient soldier always kept his sword in reach. At any moment it may be necessary to defend himself. In our daily walk we are to do the same with the Word of God. Keep His Word close. As Saint Peter commands: “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you for a reason of the hope that is in you.” 7 PRAYER The last piece of armor is a habit. We must condition ourselves to pray for guidance and be watchful at all times. It is important to pray daily for discernment, to be on guard of circumstances and the people we interact with. We must also pray for God to guide our words, thoughts and actions, so that all we do is in accordance with Scripture. If we are not careful to pray often we will be caught off guard. Even the best armor is useless if a soldier is ambushed and not ready to fight. 1 Thessalonians 5:6—Let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. Matthew 26:41—Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. Jude 1:4—Some people have slipped in among you unnoticed. Not long ago they were condemned in writing for the following reason: They are people to whom God means nothing. They use God's kindness as an excuse for sexual freedom and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. CONCLUSION We are living in a time when there is more information, more influences and more technology to circulate it than at any other time in the history of the world. As Christians we face incredible challenge to filter the information and influences through the standards of Scripture. We must keep our thoughts clean and our lives pure each and every day. This is why God provides our equipment to prepare for this daily battle. Consider what areas of the Gospel Armor you need to strengthen your own spiritual life. If there is one weak point in your armor, the enemy will exploit it. We are called to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.”7 It is time for us to: “Fight the Good Fight of Faith.”8 1 Peter 5:82 James 4:73 Ephesians 4:144 Isaiah 49:25 Matthew Henry6 Peter 3:157 The Gospel of Matthew 12:13-148 Timothy 6:12Wed, 20 Aug 2014 03:50:00 -0700