Evangelizing: Some Common Questions Part 1

"Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God. 13We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. 14But a natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15But the one who is spiritual discerns all things, yet he himself is discerned by no one. 16For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ." 1Corinthians 2:12-16 (NASB 1995) (underline and bold mine)

These verses confirm that unbelievers can't spiritually discern scripture. They're blinded by the 'god' of this age, Satan, who is blinding them to the light of the gospel, because he knows that if they see, then they'll be saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Unbelievers can't understand the deeper meaning of scripture, because the words are dead to them. To them, it's just, at best, a religious book of rules, at worst, a bad fairytale. It's the Holy Spirit that breathes life into scripture, making it come alive in our spirit. 

Philippians 4:13 is a great example: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." How many unsaved individuals have ridiculed born again believers over this one? They come up with a list of ridiculous tasks for believers to perform if they can truly do "all things." What they've done is they've taken this scripture out of context, understanding it with their own limited human mind, and are using it to try to belittle and embarrass believers. That's when the education begins. We can say, "This scripture, in context, means that through Christ's empowering presence, we can face trials, hardships, and suffering with perseverance and peace. We can do all things through his strength. It has nothing to do with Jesus being a genie in a bottle that will grant us our every wish. It's a statement of faith about our reliance on God providing the strength to endure life's challenges and maintain peace and contentment in any circumstance."

Another example of an unbeliever's limited understanding of the word is when they ask why God, who's supposed to be all loving, sends people to hell if we can't help but sin. There are two major flaws in this argument, but I'll address the "God is love" issue further on. The issue I'm discussing here doesn't pertain to one particular scripture about judgment as much as it is about this person's error of omitting scripture that explains God's plan for salvation, and how it's the rejection of this plan that determines someone's eternal condition. We could respond by saying, "Through Adam, sin entered the world and one of the consequences was that the human race became spiritually dead. We lost that precious spiritual connection with God, and the human race had to deal with living in a body with a sin nature. That's why God created the sacrificial system for the Jews, so that the blood of innocent animals could temporarily cover their sin in God's eyes. Eventually, that temporary system was replaced with a permanent sacrifice, providing a perfect and everlasting payment for our sin when Jesus offered Himself as an offering for our sin. He became the sacrificial Lamb, taking the full force of God's punishment that was meant for us. His blood doesn't just cover our sin, it obliterates it, never to be remembered. God's perfect solution was offered to mankind. Repent, believe, and have your dead spirit be resurrected by His blood and through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. By His Spirit, your spirit is made alive again. That's what makes us a child of God and heals our relationship with Him. That's where the term "born again" comes from. True, we will continue sinning, but we sin less and less as we grow closer to God. What sends us to hell? Rejecting that solution, rejecting that free gift of salvation, rejecting that covering for our sin. That's what sends us to hell. It's actually a decision we all make. Who have you chosen? God or yourself? Heaven or the Lake of Fire? If you're going to lay blame on anyone, lay blame on the one making that decision, and that decision is yours. It's that simple."

Some unbelievers will bring up the fact that the bible mentions the existence of unicorns. Again, they're speaking out of ignorance. "The word unicorn didn't mean the same then as it does now. Over a few millennia, the definition as changed. When we mention unicorns today, we're thinking of a more modern day creature that looks like a horse with a spiraling horn planted right in it's forehead. The modern interpretation of the word isn't what the scripture is referring to. In fact, it's only the KJV that uses the word 'unicorn.' The 1828 edition of Noah Webster’s dictionary defined 'unicorn' as 'an animal with one horn, the monoceros. This name could be used to describe any one horned animal, but it's often applied to the rhinoceros,' indicating that the term was historically used to describe real animals, not mythical ones. So when you hear or read the word 'unicorn' in the KJV bible, it's actually from a Latin translation and it's referring to a one horned rhinoceros, a monoceros."

Another method of attack is to reject the deity of Jesus. They'll say that Jesus never declared himself to be God. Many born again believers don't know how to answer this attack on the gospel, but with a little preparation, and a few scripture references, it won't be difficult to respond to. Here are my thoughts:

"Although Jesus never said, 'I'm God, worship Me,' it does say this in scripture: "And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.” Matthew 16:63-64 (NASB) "So Jesus is saying He is the Son of Man, and admitting He's the Christ, which means Messiah, and that he's going to be sitting in a co-equal place of authority and power in heaven with the Father, and that he's going to return on the clouds of heaven. He's essentially made himself equal with God (because He is God). 

Scripture also shows that Thomas worshipped Jesus as God: "After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst ("So Jesus doesn't use the door, but miraculously and instantaneously appears in their presence") and said, “Peace be with you.” 27Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” ("So here Thomas is calling Jesus "Lord" and "God" and Jesus doesn't make any effort to correct him.") 29Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” John 20:26-29 

Then there's Luke chapter 5, where it states, "Seeing their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” 21The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” 22But Jesus, aware of their reasonings, answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? 23“Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins have been forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24“But, so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,”—He said to the paralytic—“I say to you, get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home.” 25Immediately he got up before them, and picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. 26They were all struck with astonishment and began glorifying God; and they were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen remarkable things today.” Luke 5:20-26 (NASB) (bold and underline mine) "So Jesus is proclaiming he is God by forgiving sin and to prove that authority, He heals the paralytic man. 

Just in these three examples alone, Jesus has made Himself equal with God and has accepted the title of 'Lord' and has accepted worship as God and has claimed that he can forgive sins, something only God can do."

Here's the part that I mentioned earlier and promised to get to. People will often say that God is love... period. That's always a go-to for those who want to serve a generic universal 'god' of love that doesn't expect too much from anyone. Just be good (in your own eyes) and you're fine. "It's true that one of God's divine attributes is love, but scripture tells us that He has other divine attributes. He's holy, He's righteous, He's just, and scripture talks of His judgment and wrath. A 'god' whose only attribute is love is no real 'god' at all, because he's a 'god' that people create in order to avoid the more negative aspects of sin. They want love, but not accountability. They want love, but not obedience. They want love, but not feel compelled to live by God's objective standards, which is perfection. People don't want to give up self in order to become more like God, so they create a different 'god' in their head that agrees with own subjective moral standard. He's love, so it doesn't matter. As long as they live the life that they subjectively label as 'good,' then they're okay with that. What they're doing is building up for themselves a false sense of peace and a false belief that they're living a life that's pleasing to 'god' because they find no fault with how they're living. As long as they're good, for the most part, then they have a ticket to whatever heaven they've created for themselves in their own mind. What they lack is the understanding that they're actually following a false 'god' of their own making, and therefore have no covering for their sin. The hard truth for them is that sin cannot inherit the kingdom of God.

These are just a few of the things you may hear from people when talking with them about Jesus. They all have questions. Believe me, the more you talk with people about Jesus, the easier it gets. Sure, they'll be some tough questions that you may not know the answer to, but just be honest... "I don't know. That's an interesting question. That'll make for an interesting bible study." God doesn't expect you to know all the answers. If that's what's holding you back, you may want to rethink that. I honestly admit that there are a whole host of people who are way smarter than me. They use words I don't understand and talk about people who I don't know, but you know what? I know the most important person, Jesus, and He's sent us the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth and to guide and help us when we're out in the world telling others about Jesus. 

I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, because the blessings and benefits are great. Even if you aren't great at sharing the salvation message, maybe someone will see a little bit of themselves in you and your "imperfection." People are often intimidated by "professionals," and your simple way of sharing Jesus may be just what they need to feel comfortable and willing to open up to you. So, take your imperfect self out there and talk to people about the perfect Jesus. If God didn't want you there, He wouldn't put you there. Start now, and then when you look back 6 months down the road, you'll realize how much you've grown in your evangelizing skills, and that will encourage you to keep sharing the good news!!!

"But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance." Luke 8:15 (NASB)

REPENT, AND BE FORGIVEN!

BELIEVE, AND BE SAVED!

TRIBULATIONHARVEST.NET

Cemeteries: Joy In Spirit And Grief Of Heart

I don't know if you've ever felt it before, but there's a mild fascination I experience when visiting a cemetery. I stand there looking across the vast expanse of the land and take in the sight of thousands of headstones that contain tens of thousands of names. There are people buried in unmarked pauper's graves, children's graves, single graves, family lots, and those who are buried in above ground and walk-in mausoleums. There are those whose engraved grave marker is worn and impossible to read, and those whose flat marker will soon be completely covered up and forgotten, like those that have already disappeared with time. The names and dates on these grave markers or crypts give us only the most basic information for those buried there. Name, date of birth, date of death, and maybe a short inscription. They come from all backgrounds; from business owners and entrepreneurs to factory workers and the indigent. The rich, the poor, the successful and the ones who had to struggle their whole life to make ends meet.

God gave most of them a life filled with personal experiences; joy and laughter, sadness and grief, amazement and love, praise and worship, incredible faith, etc... Some, like a cousin of mine, was stillborn and was ushered immediately into heaven. Others had a tragic ending to their life, through their own actions, the actions of others, or though an unforeseen tragedy. Still, others lived a long life, living into their 80's, 90's and 100's. 

I think of some of their stories... a spouse grieving as their wife or husband passed on before them. A child whose life was cut short, as was the case with Louise Cambra, whose headstone appears here. They each had a life story that was buried with them. The stories of their life remain in the memories of those who knew and loved them, but those life stories last only one or two generations before they're lost to time, as those who knew them pass away as well, taking those beautiful memories with them. Their graves, once lovingly attended to by family, now stand cold and bare as those family members get too old to visit the cemetery, or who pass on into eternity themselves, leaving no one to remember the loved one that they cared so much about. Their long lost loves become nothing more than a name on a family tree. 

It makes me wonder how much of my personal story will live on beyond my years. I'm realistic enough to know that whatever those memories are, they'll die within one generation, and then I'll be like everyone else at the cemetery... lost to history... a name and a date on cold grave marker with no story to go with it. I guess that's why I've added so many memorials to the Find A Grave website. I feel that everyone should be remembered, and I do my small part to make sure people aren't forgotten... that they aren't just remembered as a name and date. But that's the limit of those of us here on earth. We can document a person's life, but it's impossible to really experience someone else's life. There's only One who can do that.

When my story on earth eventually ends, there's One who will know exactly what I was thinking, feeling, battling with, straining to accomplish, etc... He knows all the stories from birth to death; He knows my personal struggles; He knows my deepest and most intimate thoughts and feelings; He knows the intent of my heart; He knows those things that I longed for deep in my heart... God will have been with me from conception to death, experiencing everything with me, from beginning to end. He's laughed with me, cried with me, mourned with me, joked with me, sustained me through my darkest days, carried me when I had no strength, protected me from those things I was unaware of, walked by my side in the struggle and in the pain. He's been with me through it all.

As I scan the cemetery, I'm reminded that God gives everyone multiple opportunities to seek Him, to know Him, and to receive the gift of salvation that is found in no one but Jesus. I often wonder, "How many of those who are sleeping in the ground under my feet actually repented of their sin and lived their life faithfully for Jesus? How many were true born again believers?" It gives me joy in my spirit to know that those who truly repented and lived their life for God are in His presence right now. I am truly thankful to God for them. I'm overjoyed knowing that I'll be living and fellowshipping with them throughout eternity!!! But my joy turns to grief when I understand that there is a greater number of those who have died without repenting and without having a true relationship Jesus. I grieve for those who have gone before me and who have chosen to reject Jesus and what He did for them. I'm helpless to help them, because they've already stepped into eternity. They chose the wide and easy road through life, living their life in the flesh and doing what they wanted to do, which eventually lead to their destruction.

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it, for the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 17:13-14 

I think the saddest thing is having a family member or friend who rejects God or who has created their own personal 'god' in their own head that gives them permission to live their life as they see fit and still make it to heaven, and who will argue to the point of division, but it's expected. Jesus said...

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and man's enemies will be the members of his household." Matthew 10:34-36

My own experience is evidence of that. My own mother told me on more than one occasion that I was "too religious," and when I tried explaining the salvation message to her, she'd wave me off and say, "You believe in God your way and I'll believe in Him my way." She wasn't a devout Catholic (hardly ever went to Mass), but she still considered herself Catholic. Even at the end of her life as she was dying of pancreatic cancer, she still rebuffed my efforts to explain the salvation message. She chose to reject my words in favor of trusting in the watered down teachings of Joel Osteen, while trusting in her own personal interpretation of Catholic religiosity. I'm not disrespecting or shaming her. No, I'm using her as a warning to others. There are many who have died with a "belief" in Jesus, but to whom Jesus will say...

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.'" Matthew 7:21-23 (bold and underline mine)

I've said this before, and I'll say it again. The worldly reaction to death is to say Rest In Peace (R.I.P.), but that's not scriptural, because there is no rest or peace for those who have died in their sin. The only way anyone can rest in peace, is to make the choice in this life to repent of their sin and to believe, in faith, that Jesus lived and died for them, and shed His blood for the remission of their sin, and they need to do that before they breathe their last breath and pass into eternity. Anyone can say they believe in God, but do you have a faith that actively seeks a daily relationship with Him and that leads to obedience? We're told that it's by our fruits that we'll be judged. What kind of fruit are you producing?

"So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits." Matthew 7:17-20

Is my mother resting in peace? I don't know. That judgment is above my paygrade. All I can say is that she refused to accept the message of salvation before she stepped into eternity, and that thought sometimes bothers me, but I have to remember that we all live a life that God has given us, and we all have the same opportunities to surrender our life to Him. I understand that there will be those who will act upon faith, and those who will not, family included. 

So as you can see, it's important to make that decision now, because we're not promised another day on this earth. If you look at the number of people who are killed or die unexpectedly every day (just look at the headlines), remember, that you could also meet that same fate. Everyone likes to believe that it can't happen to them, but I'm sure that those who died unexpectedly were thinking the same thing and living their life oblivious to what was about to take them from this world and instantaneously thrust them into eternity. 

If you want to know what salvation means and what it means to be born again, CLICK HERE and you'll be taken to another page on this website that explains it to you in easily understandable terms.

Even though this world will eventually forget my name and my grave will blend in and stand quietly among the thousands of others, I'll be living my best life in heaven with the One who knows everything about me, down to the smallest detail. 

I'm reminded of song lyrics that say, 

To everyone who's lost someone they love, long before it was their time, you feel like the days you had were not enough when you said goodbye. 

And to all of the people with burdens and pain, keeping you back from your life, you believe that there's nothing and there is no one who can make it right. 

There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary, and love for the broken heart. There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing, He'll meet you wherever you are... cry out to Jesus!

For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on, they've lost all their faith and love. And they've done all they can to make it right again, still it's not enough. 

For the ones who can't break the addiction and chains, you try to give up, but you come back again, just remember that you're not alone in your pain and your suffering.  

There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary, and love for the broken heart. There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing, He'll meet you wherever you are... cry out to Jesus!

When you're lonely, and you feel like the whole world is falling on you, you just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus! Cry to Jesus!

To the widow who suffers from being alone, wiping the tears from her eyes. 

For the children around the world without a home, say a prayer tonight. 

There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary, and love for the broken heart. There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing, He'll meet you wherever you are... cry out to Jesus! 

CLICK HERE to watch the music video.

REPENT, AND BE FORGIVEN!

BELIEVE, AND BE SAVED!

TRIBULATIONHARVEST.NET

The Desire To Seek An Eclectic Type Of Christianity

"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." Romans 8:14

There are those who like a specific style of music. Some prefer pop music, some like light rock. They tend to gravitate to one style or another. Now, what if someone were to tell you that they had an eclectic taste in music? What would that mean to you? Personally, it would convey to me that they like all types of music, from country to rap, from heavy metal to classical. Now think of the different ways that God uses you to advance His kingdom. Do you tend to gravitate to a specific gift or ministry, or do you have a more eclectic approach to serving the Lord? You may find yourself thinking, "If only I could have the gift of (insert spiritual gift here) or be a part of (insert church ministry here), and really make an impact on those around me. I could do great things for the Lord." 

Too often we unknowingly pigeon hole ourselves in what we're willing to do for the Lord, and therefore limit the Holy Spirit's work in our life. We're more concerned with operating in our comfort zone... in one or two areas of church service, sort of like being a physician who specializes in a particular field. You're good at it, but you refrain from going beyond the boundaries you've set for yourself, because everything outside of that is an "unknown risk." Being able to use our talents and spiritual gifts in certain areas of the church is certainly a righteous desire, and if that's where you choose to serve, praise God for you. We often forget that God is so much more than our human understanding, with all of it's limitations. Ask yourself... "What if I could have a relationship with the Lord where He could put me anywhere and in any situation... would I step out in faith for that kind of relationship?"  

"Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:5

There are those born again believers who aren't content to limit themselves, and, by extension, limit God in their life. I've lived for more than 60 years, and I'm hoping I can remain in good health until the Rapture, because one of the things I've learned is that I shouldn't limit God... that I should expect more than what I could possibly imagine. I confess that I've desired specific spiritual gifts in the past, but what I've learned is that the closer your relationship becomes with God... the more you're submitted to Him... the more confidence you have in Him (and not your own abilities), then the more He can use you in ways you've never even imagined. That's why the righteous desire of my heart isn't for one particular gift or ministry... it's to be used by God in however He chooses to use me, in good times and bad, in comfort and discomfort, because I know His desire is to increase my prosperity, not bring me to ruin.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I have an eclectic type of Christianity, meaning that I'm open to the Lord using me wherever and however He chooses. Yes, sometimes I naively ask, "Me, Lord? You want me to do that? Go there? Do what?" But most of the time I find myself in the midst of doing something that I never expected, realizing later that the Holy Spirit drew me into a situation that I didn't even recognize was of Him at the moment. At other times, I've felt the power of the Holy Spirit working, and I just kept going with it, because I knew He was in the midst of the situation. Those are unexpectedly rewarding experiences.  

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." Psalm 20:7

We can often forget that the Holy Spirit isn't looking for our abilities, but for our availability. God has used me in so many different situations where I was definitely not qualified or experienced to act on my own, and if I had limited God to working in just those things in which I was comfortable... if I had limited myself to a specialty, I never would have had the opportunity to experience so much, and that would have limited the strengthening of my faith and the growth in our relationship. 

If you're like me, you don't desire a title. Your ego doesn't desire a recognized place in a church structure. You don't need the special attention, the official church t-shirt and a badge, being seen as part of the inner circle at church, etc. No, you're humble, and your only desire is to serve the Lord in whatever capacity He deems fit for the moment. I once served as a head usher in a church, so I've had the "prestige" and authority of a position, a title and a badge, and it could all have gone to my head, but the Lord had taught me to always remain humble. I've worked in businesses (white collar and blue collar) where I needed to wear an ID, but when I walked out the door of the building, humility caused me to put that badge straight into my pocket, because I knew that my importance didn't come from a badge, but from my relationship with the Lord. In my lifetime, I've received official titles and I've received recognition by way of certificates, awards, and a plaque, but they're not displayed on my walls and I don't boast about them. They're all at the city dump...lol. I've been on local cable shows and the local news. None of that means anything to me. Why? Because my ego doesn't need them, and I haven't provided detailed information about that aspect of my life because humility won't allow me to discuss them in detail. As far as I'm concerned, displaying awards and discussing details about my television appearances would do nothing but tempt me to grow prideful again. 

My strengths are administration, organization, planning, and my uncompromising faith. My weakness is that I sometimes throw caution to the wind and just act upon impulse, which, I admit, can be a strength at times. It helps me when God says go...lol. My skills help me to create these blog articles, create tracts, and produce YouTube videos. Do I limit myself to these gifts? These talents? No. If I did, I'd be living a very limited Christian life and I'd be purposely limiting those things for which I allow God to use me. 

Here are a few example of what I'm talking about:

Example 1: Friends of mine had a marital spat, and his wife was worried because he left the house and was gone for hours (this was before cell phones were a thing). I could have chosen to sit and console her, but I offered to go out and help find him. She told me that he sometimes hung out at a particular local bar. Everyone knew the reputation of how seedy and full of corruption that bar was. I had never been in that type of environment, and I was immediately resistant to going there, but instead of shifting the responsibility to someone else, I trusted in the Lord and entered unfamiliar territory. The bar was dark, and the whole place glowed an eerie red from the neon lights. I was definitely out of my element. After I took the first few steps into the bar, I suddenly felt an invisible spiritual bubble of protection envelope me as I started walking through the bar. No one really looked up at me as I walked around the entire bar. It's as though they didn't see me. I was on a mission, and it wasn't until I left the bar that I was able to reflect on what just happened. It's something I had never felt before, and something I haven't felt since. It was one of those one-time experiences that the Holy Spirit allowed me to taste. If I had not walked into that seedy bar, I never would have experienced the powerful moving of the Holy Spirit. I stepped out in faith, and the Lord gave me an awesome, unexpected experience which I still carry with me to this day.

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" Psalm 56: 3-4

Example 2: I was ministering to a friend, and I noticed that the words of knowledge and wisdom coming from my lips couldn't possibly be my own. I kept ministering to him until I felt the Holy Spirit pull back, causing me to start stumbling over my words. That's when I gently ended the conversation, telling my friend that the Holy Spirit was done conveying to him what He wanted him to know. Once again, it was an experience I've only had a couple of other times, and it gave me more of a working understanding of how the Holy Spirit can work through me to convey a message to someone with whom He needs to speak. It wasn't a, "Thus saith the Lord" type of thing. The Holy Spirit spoke with Him, through me, in a normal one on one conversation that I would have with anyone (except they were His words, not mine). If I had decided to shy away from talking face to face with my friend, instead of attempting to minister to him, I never would have been the vessel though which the Holy Spirit spoke with him. 

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. 7But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills." 1 Cor. 12:4-11 (underline mine)

Example 3: I was house sitting for a former pastor who had moved out of the city and was selling the house. I allowed a friend to stay overnight while I was at work, and I received a panicked call from him. He was experiencing unbelievable activity that I thought was either demonic or associated with substance abuse. The following morning, I asked him to leave the house, not knowing if it was a substance abuse problem or demonic activity. That evening, I went room by room casting out any demons that may be present in the house, sealing every window and doorway room by room. The next day, upon arriving at the side gate of the house, I felt a demon latch on to me. The demons had been cast out, but at least one of them stayed in the general area or returned. His front claws were in my shoulders, and his back claws were clutching my back. I was immediately filled with fear, so I knew it was a spirit of fear. I walked down the pathway into the back yard, but before I went up the stairs and into the house, I declared the doorframe covered in the blood of Jesus and declared that no demon could pass through it. I stepped forward, and because the demon couldn't go past the threshold, it released me. I never had an issue with demons again while house sitting. This was a powerful example of Jesus' authority over the demonic realm. Why did it return in the first place? Perhaps because it thought I'd freak out and it could gain access to the house again, and thus bring in many more demons than had been cast out to begin with. This is why it's important to read your bible and grow in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of God and His word. I knew what to do because God trained me, through scripture and other experiences, beforehand.

"When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, “I will return to the house I left”' 25When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. 26Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first (Luke 11:24-26).Luke 11:24-26

I've had other experiences with demons, which has taught me that they're not to be feared, because rebuking them in the name of Jesus is all you need to do. We speak the words, and Jesus does everything else. In Jesus' name, they have to flee. There's no discussion, just a quick rebuke in Jesus' name is all you need. If you're having a discussion with them, then you're doing it wrong. If I hadn't had those experiences with demons, I couldn't stand firm when we're face to face. They know that have no authority over me. I am a child of the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. The Lamb of God who shed His precious blood to redeem me as His own. I've been bought and paid for. I belong to Jesus. No demon can steal me out of His hand. Praise God!!!

I've had other personal experiences and spiritual dreams that God has used to make me who I am. They haven't all been easy. In fact, I've been a broken man more than once, but the growth that came from it has been invaluable. 

So, maybe, instead of asking for specific spiritual gifts with your own goals in mind, you should humbly open yourself up to following the leading of the Holy Spirit, building that relationship, building that faith and trust, because I can guarantee you, you'll be given the opportunity to be the vessel through which the Holy Spirit will exhibit many of His gifts. I'm not saying you shouldn't pray for the righteous desire of your heart if you feel called into a particular ministry, I'm just saying that you shouldn't limit yourself to that one thing. If you limit yourself, you may find yourself missing out on a lot of great things that the Lord wants to accomplish in your life to His glory.

So step out in faith in areas to which you wouldn't normally gravitate. Lead a home bible study; hand out tracts on the street; start a Christian blog or vlog; pray face to face with others; evangelize your friends and family; utilize Christian outerwear (t-shirts, hats, tote bags, etc...) to "brand" Jesus; give to, or participate in, Christian organizations that not only help those in need, but share the word of God with them at the same time. Be open to ministering to those in need, scoot over in church and sit near someone who's sitting by themselves and introduce yourself. You never know what even the smallest gesture could lead to. Allow yourself to be used by God in different ways, and watch what He does. 

Having a goal of living an eclectic type of Christianity means opening yourself up to God's will to use you whenever, however, and wherever He needs someone to fill the gap. You'll find out that God often uses you right where you are. He has a way of creating opportunities in your own backyard (so to speak). You may be the answer God sends in response to a stranger's desperate plea, so I encourage you to answer, "Here I am, Lord, send me," the next time God asks, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" When you pray, don't forget to ask God to use you to fill in the gap at church, in your neighborhood, at work, or elsewhere... to use you as only He can, regardless of your own physical and intellectual talents. He knows your anxiety and fear about stepping out in faith in areas in which you're not comfortable, but the fact that, despite of all that, you still willingly offered to step into what we consider to be the unknown, is a sign of faith that God will honor, and God doesn't disappoint. He knows you'll have opposition from the enemy, who is a great influence in the lives of the unsaved, but He has already created provision for you... God has your back. He doesn't set you up for failure. We also have a set of spiritual armor to help with that, and God has our back. 

We're here fighting a war to rescue as many souls as possible and to plant as many seeds as possible before Jesus returns. That's why He's given us a spiritual armor. 

"Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm." Eph. 6:13

You have no idea what God can do through you. It's an exciting adventure built on faith, love, and trust in the Lord God Almighty. The benefits far outweigh any negative experiences you may face. An eclectic type of Christianity gives you many more opportunities for a teaching moment... one that stretches your faith and deepens your intimate relationship with Him and brings Him glory.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13

Don't just quote this scripture... live it out in faith!!! 

REPENT, AND BE FORGIVEN!

BELIEVE, AND BE SAVED!

  

TRIBULATIONHARVEST.NET

   

There Are Wolves Hiding Amongst The Sheep

Matthew 7:15 "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves."

If you think there aren't any wolves among the sheep, you'd be sorely mistaken and very naïve. There are people who take utter joy in entering a church with the specific intent of sowing discord and to twist the message of the cross. They can appear as mature and knowledgeable people, or appear as innocent new believers who have a lot of questions, but beware, because these wolves are there to to shake the faith of believers and make them question God Himself, which leads to a false gospel.

Many years ago, I had an interaction with someone online. I'll call him the "wolf." He was offering up a type of Christianity, but there was something a little "off" about him. He wasn't quite speaking the truth, and he questioned everything in a way that would seem innocent, but to him, would cause doubt in someone's mind if they didn't have a firm grasp of scripture. He would voice his "confusion" about what some would consider contradictory portions of scripture (but we all know there are no contradictions in the bible). 

It reminds me of what Satan did to Eve in the Garden of Eden. Satan, by way of the serpent, spoke with Eve, not in a threatening way, but in a subtle, sly, and intellectual way that made her question what God had actually told Adam ("Did God really say???") Satan caused her to doubt what God had said. In fact, she even added her own spin to what God had told Adam, which made her easier to manipulate because she already had a false understanding of what God had truly said. By the end of this short conversation between the snake and Eve, she was convinced that eating the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil would be beneficial, not harmful. After eating it and not dying, she then offered it to Adam (See? You misunderstood God. Listen to the snake.), and Adam, as we all know, ate of the fruit, and thus, through him, sin entered the world and resulted in the death of their spirit and the beginning of the sin nature in mankind, and so it would be for them and all of their descendants.

Getting back on topic, I called the wolf out on a few things, and even accused him of not being genuine. He laughingly admitted that he wasn't a true Christian, and that I had caught him. He was so brazen that he even admitted that he was a member of a Christian chat room (when chat rooms were popular back in the day...lol) and said that he was portraying himself as a new naïve Christian in order to gain the trust of the Christians in the chat room, so he could ask questions that were specifically designed to cause confusion and division in the chat room, and even cause some weaker Christians to doubt their new faith in Christ. He was masquerading as a young sheep in order to keep everyone's guard down while he sowed discord and doubt among the fold.

Acts 20:29-30 "I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after them."

After his confession, I went looking for the chat room in which he was a member. There were very few Christian chat rooms back in the day, and it didn't take me long to find the one in which he was participating (he used the same profile name that he had used in our conversation). I became a member and entered the chat room. I watched, in real time, as he asked his manipulative questions, and instigated conversations and disagreements among the other members while he sat back and watched the chat room blow up. I watched for a while, but then I started messaging each individual in the group personally, letting them know who this wolf was and what he was doing. Unfortunately, that went against the chat room rules, and I was essentially kicked out of the group. Imagine that, it was ME who was kicked out of the group for exposing a fraud. A short time later, the wolf contacted me and, with disingenuous disappointment, said that I had spoiled the whole thing for him. He confessed that it just meant that he'd have to make the effort to find another Christian group to infiltrate and disrupt. 

I walked away from the situation being taught a lesson... that not all unbelievers are loud and in your face, especially online. There are those out there who have learned subtle ways of causing disruption, discourse, and doubt; those who will shroud themselves in sheep's clothing and infiltrate the fold; those who will take their fleshly understanding of the bible and attempt to cause weaker Christians to doubt their own understanding of scripture. Wolves like to start a fire and watch while everything burns down. They take joy in it, they laugh about it, and they take great care to make sure they're not discovered so that they can keep attacking the fold. This wolf created the perfect cover... a young and inexperienced "Christian" who was confused and had a lot of questions. People don't expect you to know too much, so the questions seem natural. All wolves need to do is throw out some controversial subjects among the sheep, sprinkle in what some would consider contradictory scripture or false logic, and then stand back and watch them argue. How simple is that? It's as simple as Satan sowing doubt in Eve's mind. It only took a few words and a simple question. How easy is that? Wolves utilize this method, and that's why they're dangerous to young born again believers.

Matthew 24:24 "For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect."

How can we spot them? Pray for discernment, continually read and study scripture, meditate on the word, and live in the spirit, being led by the Holy Spirit, so when an enemy slithers it's way into the fold, we'll be able to spot them, call them out, and warn the rest of the flock to the danger within. 

In this day and age, wolves have even more opportunity to infiltrate the church. They can infiltrate physical churches, online chat rooms, bible studies, Christian events, social media, Christian apps, etc... Infiltration can be physical or digital. Always be on guard and never ignore something that just doesn't seem right. Look for the red flags, even yellow "caution" flags, and don't ignore your instincts. If your spirit or the Holy Spirit is telling you something's just not right, stop, pray that your eyes would be opened, and be vigilant. You may just be the one God will use to save an unsuspecting believer who may be weak and susceptible to the one who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy... the one who roams as a lion, seeking whom he can destroy. Have no fear in calling out one who seems determined to sow discord among the church, but be sure to use wisdom in doing so. Always judge with a righteous judgment, never out of ignorance.

2 Peter 3:15-18 "Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. 17Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."

Read all of 2 Peter, Chapter 2.

REPENT, AND BE FORGIVEN!

BELIEVE, AND BE SAVED!

TRIBULATIONHARVEST.NET

Evangelizing Can Be Like Preparing For A Job Interview

Many born again believers shy away from the idea of sharing the gospel message with others because they think they won't be able to answer questions that go beyond the simple message of salvation. It's common for born again believers in Christ to fear being asked questions for which we may not have the answers.

Let's assume, for the sake of argument, that we're all able to share the basic salvation message. That being said, many of us may not feel equipped to answer an unexpected question out of left field... questions that many unbelievers may have. Some of us go blank when we're put under a pressure to come up with an answer. It happens in real life, so it should be no surprise when it sometimes happens when evangelizing. Some of us may think that we're not able to retain knowledge, but that can be overcome with practice and prayer. How many of us have been on a job interview and been asked, "So, tell me about yourself," and we go blank, not knowing exactly what to say? Unless you've prepared yourself to answer that question, you'll find yourself fumbling to answer the interviewer. I've learned, through experience, to write down questions the interviewer may ask, and then create a response, practicing that response over and over until I'm confident enough that I'll be able to answer the question without hesitation. Well, evangelizing is like going to a job interview. You need to be somewhat prepared, but you don't necessarily need to have all that knowledge in your head. 

So here's some advice that I'd like to share with you that will make it easier. 

• Purchase an inexpensive bible you can use specifically for evangelizing and keep it with your evangelism supplies. 
• Grab a piece of paper or use your electronic device (phone, tablet, computer, etc.) and write down some of the more difficult questions you've been asked, or that you've seen online. Examples: "Did Jesus ever call Himself God?" "Why did Jesus, when He was on the cross, ask the Father why He had forsaken Him? Didn't He know what was happening?" "Why would Jesus ask not to be tortured and crucified if that's what He came here to do?" "Wasn't Mary sinless? Pure? Without sin?" "If Jesus was fully man, wasn't he born with original sin?"
• After you've written down the questions, use online sources to find the scripture references that relate to them, and write them down as well. 
• Transfer both the questions and scripture references to the front and back of your bible. You can write them on the inside cover, use Post-Its inside the cover, have a list tucked into your bible... whatever is more convenient for you, so that you have those scripture references available to share at a moment's notice. You can even add the page number, if that makes it easier for you to find.
• Next would be to mark those scriptures inside that bible, so when you turn to the specific scripture reference, it's already marked, making easier to locate on the page. You can use whatever system you're comfortable with; underlining, highlighting, color coding, using solid or transparent post-it notes, etc... whatever you need to make it more convenient for you to find and share scripture. You can even jot down the next scripture reference next to the one you just read, so that you can seamlessly turn to the next scripture on your list without having to refer back to your notes.

Although people can ask some tough or unexpected questions, you can have some of those answers at your fingertips by doing a little prep work. You won't have the answers to every question, and that's okay, but you'll be better prepared to field a lot of the more common questions people may throw at you, and that'll make you more confident to share the message of salvation with those who haven't heard it before. You may be surprised to find out how many people have rejected or questioned the existence of God without truly hearing what salvation really means.

Remember, though, that sharing Jesus begins with living an obedient, godly life. Many people will look to you as a living example of Christianity. Your own life is an important part of your witness. Too many people live a life outside of the will of God, presenting a false or hypocritical example of what a true born again believer should be, and people often judge Christianity by our behavior. They're not looking at the "church face" Christians wear for a couple of hours on Sunday at church. They're looking at the "real life" example of who you really are the other 166 hours of the week, at home, out in public, at work, etc... So start with being a reflection of Jesus no matter where you are.

There are more ways to prep for evangelism, but I hope I've given you a few helpful tips to make it easier to share God's word in a world of lost souls. I encourage you to get that bible prepped, assemble your tracts, put on that Christian t-shirt and/or hat, grab your signs, or do whatever it is that you do to share Jesus, and get out there. You'll find that the more you talk with people about Jesus, the better you'll get at it, and the more knowledge you'll be able to retain without using your notes. Read the word. Memorize a scripture or two every week. Pray. Remember, God doesn't call those who are already equipped, He equips those whom He calls. God has given us the responsibility of sharing His word, so He won't leave us high and dry. He's sent His Holy Spirit to teach and guide us into all knowledge, and to bring to mind those things that we've read and learned. We just need to let the Holy Spirit have His way in this area of our life, and the best way we can do that is to flex our spiritual muscles by going out there and sharing the word of God with the lost. 

We're not all children of God. That description is reserved only for those who are born again believers. Let's be the living vessels through which God can work to take back those who the enemy has drawn away from Him. Let us work together to make sure that there will be fewer people who will stand before the Lord and say, "I never knew." Every soul saved is one taken out of the grasp of the enemy. 

"And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4'What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.'" Luke 15:3-7 

“Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? 9And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. 10Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." Luke 15:8-10 

 

*words were underlined by me

REPENT, AND BE FORGIVEN!

BELIEVE, AND BE SAVED!

TRIBULATIONHARVEST.NET

Journal Entry: What Just Happened?

Alan sat on a chair in the corner of his bedroom. The room was dark, his blinds and curtains were drawn closed. He wanted to hide himself away from the world that lay beyond the four walls of that room. What he had witnessed in the past few days was enough to make him bury his head in his hands and wish that what he was experiencing was a dream. It HAD to be a dream! He retrieved his journal from the floor and turned to the entries he had made over the past few days. He began reading his own words, hoping to find something that would help him make sense of everything that was happening. 

Wednesday: What just happened? What happened to everyone? Where did they go? There was no warning, there were no signs, nothing. In an instant, my whole world has turned upside down! So many people have disappeared! Millions at least! Maybe more! Right now, I only know what's happening here in the US. Some people are calling it the rapture, but how could that be when there are so many Christians still around? I'm watching religious leaders on the news saying it can't be the rapture because they're still here. I'm so confused. Isn't the rapture just a religious fairytale to scare and control people? To traumatize little children? As if that's not bad enough, there are some equally insane theories being tossed around right now, like alien abductions, a crossover to an alternate universe, Gaia shedding human life to save herself, etc... How insane do you have to be to believe that stuff?! I didn't even attempt to go into work today because too many of the roads are impassible, and the highway is closed because of all the pileups. I don't even know if I have a job. So many things have been affected by the disappearances. Just to cover myself, I tried calling out today, but communications seem to still be down, so I could get fired for a no call/no show, but with what's happening right now, that's the least of my worries. 

Thursday: I tried contacting Jen and Brian by sending texts and making phone calls all day yesterday, but everything's jammed up or, in many instances, cell phone service is non-existent, so it's difficult to call or text anyone. If Jen's gone, I don't know what I'll do. She's my only family. Please, please still be there, Jen. Please don't leave me all alone. I love you! I need you!

I couldn't stand losing communication with Jen, so I got in my car this afternoon and although many of the roads were obstructed with damaged vehicles, downed poles, or blocked by emergency or law enforcement vehicles, I was able to work my way around the city. On the way, I saw mobs of people looting a convenience store and gas station, but I was too focused on getting to Jen's house to pay attention. I finally arrived at their house and saw Jen's and Brian's cars in the driveway, so a spark of hope made my heart leap, but after I rang the doorbell, knocked on the door, then banged on their door with no response, my heart sank. I was able to get into the house, and that's when I began to panic. I called out their names, but no one responded. They weren't there, but strangely enough, their clothing was left in odd places. Jen's and the girls' clothing was on the couch and the television was still on. Jen's phone lay on the floor. I began looking for Brian, but I found his clothes on the chair and floor at the kitchen table. On the table was a bottle of water and an open bible. I asked myself if the disappearances could have actually be caused by the rapture. It seemed like I was grasping at straws, but where I found their clothes made my head spin with questions and doubt. All I really knew was that my greatest fear appeared to have been realized. My only sister was gone as were Brian and the girls, which means I'm all alone. I don't think I'll ever recover from this. I'm grieved to the point of despair. 

It's late, but the latest news is that, long story short, the UN wants to control everything worldwide. They're saying there's a contingency plan in place for just such a worldwide emergency, but I've learned that when those in power start talking about peace and safety, that usually means there's going to be a power grab. Are they part of what's happened? Did they cause, or know who caused, the disappearances? It's very unsettling. I didn't recognize the UN representative that was speaking, but he was dressed sharp and seemed to be a calming influence on many of the people who were listening to him. Still... there's something about him that I don't like. I can't put my finger on it, but it's there.

Friday: What's happening?! It's like I exist in someone else's dream with no control over what's going to happen next. I neglected to mention yesterday that Jen had told me that if anything were to happen to her and her family... if they, along with millions of other people worldwide, were to suddenly disappear, I needed to access a small zippered case that contains important information for me, and that it's located in the furthest kitchen cabinet. Before I left her house yesterday, I found it and brought it home with me. It had something written on the top of it, but I didn't bother to read it. I just wanted to get back home as quickly as possible. 

I haven't slept well. I've only had short catnaps since Wednesday. I've been too busy watching the news nonstop, trying to keep my mind busy with trying to piece this all together to make some sort of sense out of it all. I still have electricity and the satellite dish is still picking up a signal, so I guess I'm better off than a lot of other people. By now, I've learned that billions of people, mostly children, had suddenly vanished... disappeared, and it happened worldwide at the same moment. Things have gone downhill in record time. Every news report seems to numb me even further as more and more negative information is released. The disappearances of so many people and the related injuries and damages has overwhelmed emergency services, government services, and municipal services. Roads and highways remain blocked by pileups caused by vehicles that, in an instant, became driverless when the drivers disappeared, but they're working nonstop to clear the interstate highways. Parents are inconsolable after having experienced the disappearance of their children from their beds, cribs, yard, schools, and daycares. Children even disappeared from their mother's womb! Grieving parents haven't bothered going to work, which has made society almost come to a standstill. Emergency services, social services, law enforcement, utilities, communications, etc... are severely understaffed. Airports are on lockdown and all flights had been cancelled since day one. Everything except military aircraft has been grounded.

The videos have been the worst. Those horrible videos that are being funneled into everyone's living room and being played on every electronic device. They're displaying the worst behavior in people and revealing the evil that exists in this world. People, with no clue to what had happened after people disappeared, gave way to their unrestrained survival instinct. Grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, banks, convenience stores, etc... were, and are now being, stripped of everything of use or value, shattering communities nationwide. Normalcy is in it's death throws, and a new reality is settling in. Because of the recent civil unrest, many countries, including the US, have declared Martial Law. We're literally in lockdown in our own homes for the time being. Due to the severity of the situation, the reduced numbers in law enforcement, and the limited space in local jails or prisons, the authorities and the military have decided that the only way to effectively and quickly quell violent uprisings and riots is the use of deadly force. After a few incidences of deadly force, the number of violent riots and protests has been reduced significantly. Who would have thought that this was our future... our new normal? I'm living in a military state on lockdown. Oh, how I wish I could go back a few days and live there forever. It was so different only a few short days ago. Jen tried warning me, but I didn't listen. I can barely remember what she said. I'm sorry Jen... I'm so sorry I didn't listen to you. You were so insistent, but I didn't want to hear it.

Saturday: I've finally had some sleep, and I'm taking a break from the news. Last night I saw a report of a couple of religious guys who showed up in Israel and their mere presence is causing everyone there to freak out. Who preaches Jesus to the Jews? I was falling asleep at the time of the report, so I didn't hear much of what they were saying. I'm wondering if this will turn into anything serious. I need some quiet time to process everything I've read, heard, watched and gone through, and I need to deal with my grief. 

I'm now looking at the zippered case that I grabbed from Jen's house. The writing on the top says, "After Rapture Kit (ARK)." I don't know whether to open it or just shove it in a drawer. What could it possibly contain that it would alter my entire life? Jen and Brian had their personal beliefs, and I have mine. What could she possibly have to say that would even make me give up my own personal perspective on life? Then again, they're gone and I'm still here. What could they have known that I don't?

That's where the journal entries ended. He put the journal down and pondered what was to come next. After much thinking, he knew what his next move would have to be. For the first time, he did something he never thought he would do... he prayed. "If there's something you want me to see, to understand, please show me. I'm just a stupid man, so it needs to be super simple." His heart was already changing, repenting, being given it's dose of faith. He just didn't know that. The next day something extraordinary occurred. He talks about it in the next journal entry. In that entry, he wrote...

Sunday: I opened the container a short while ago. There was a note inside from Jen. I won't transcribe it verbatim. Instead, I'll tuck it here in the journal. Part of what she wrote was that she, Brian, and the children want me to be with them, and that she hopes that I'll take the information she left for me seriously. She says she's been praying for me, and that she looks forward to seeing me again, but that all hinges on what I ultimately decide to do with the information she left for me. I will say that her words brought tears to my eyes, and I wept quietly. I haven't accessed the contents of the container yet, but I will. I just need to collect myself.

I had a life altering experience this evening! It's even bigger than the rapture! Yes, I now believe the disappearances was a result of the rapture. It's like I've been asleep and just woke up. I can see things that I never saw before and I can understand things that I could never comprehend before. After watching the DVD's, listening to the music CD's, reading the tracts, and reading the booklet Jen put together for me, I've come to understand and believe that Jesus is real. I believe that He is God. I believe that He left His throne in heaven to be born a lowly human in order to be the perfect example for us to follow and to be a sacrifice for all of us. I believe He lived a sinless life, was unjustly accused and convicted. I believe He was crucified and shed His innocent blood for me and that He took the full brunt of the punishment that was meant for me, and in doing so, secured my place in the kingdom of heaven forever. How much greater is that than the Rapture!? 

The booklet she left me warned me about what is to come, and that everything happening right now was prophesied long ago. There are a lot of terrible things that are about to happen over the next seven years, and I may not live through it, but whatever comes my way, I have Jesus as my Lord and as my Savior, and I have to believe what Jen said to me in the letter she wrote to me... that I was made for this day and this time in history, and what I do with my life is my legacy, my testimony, and I need to redeem the time and do what I can to share Jesus with other people. I'm so excited to know that Jen, Brian, and the girls are safe in heaven, and that I'll see them return with Jesus at the end of the Tribulation, or sooner if it's God's will. I'm so new to this, but I'm a quick study. Jen says there will be other new Christians during this time, so I need to hook up with them. I'm going to visit a few local churches to see if that's where they're hanging out. I can hardly wait to see what I have to share in my journal tomorrow!!!

The next day, Alan was traveling to a local church. He turned down a street blocked by a violent mob. They attacked his car and pulled him out, assaulting him and, after finding his bible, mocked him for his faith in Jesus. They laughed and taunted him, while he slowly succumbed to his injuries. No one called emergency services, and as Alan lay there, listening to the laughter and taunts of the mob, he saw a glow of light. That's when the mob's voices faded into the background, and Alan heard a gentle but strong voice calling his name. A sudden peace filled him, and he smiled. He no longer fought to hold on to his life as he gave himself up, to be ushered into the presence of Jesus, and to see his sister once again. It's not a sad ending to a sad story, it's a story of last minute redemption, and the most joyous ending anyone could ever hope for... entering into the presence of Jesus, and rejoicing with his new found brothers and sisters in heaven forever!!! 

Remember, none of us are guaranteed a long life. Some of us have a very narrow window of opportunity before our time here on earth is over. Make most of your time here. Seek Jesus while He may be found. Live your life for the Lord and grow your testimony. Make every day count, and do it all for Jesus!!!

REPENT, AND BE FORGIVEN!

BELIEVE, AND BE SAVED!

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