†*†*† Only One Yardstick †*†*†

By Grant Phillips

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“If it feels good do it.” “Everybody else is doing it.” “You’re an old fogey.” “Get with the times.” “This is the 21^st century.” “To each his own.” “That isn’t politically correct.”

How many times have we heard someone say these things? They aren’t new. Consider these verses from the Scriptures.

“You are not to do as we do here today, everyone doing as they see fit,” (Deuteronomy 12:8 NIV)

“In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:6 ESV)

“In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25 ESV)

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15 ESV)

“A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart.” (Proverbs (NIV)

Having read the above verses, I dare say that people of other ages probably said pretty much the same as we hear today.

People today, in these final years just prior to Christ’s return, are doing as they see fit and what is right in their own eyes. According to Proverbs 12:15 above, they are fools. So many misguided fools of our day think their ways are right, but they are not.

God weighs the heart. What does He consider when doing so? I’ll give you the short version. He asks of your heart and mine, “What have you done with my Son?”

Our society is hell-bent on destruction, and I personally believe that we in the United States of America will be judged harder than any other nation because we have been so richly blessed by God. We have been blessed because we formerly acknowledged God, not as a whole necessarily, but as a country. Currently, every day that passes is another that kicks God out of our way and brings us closer to His judgment.

“But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12:48 NIV)

We who knew better have allowed the Devil’s children to flex their muscles while we run off and hide.

“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” (John 8:44)

Now we are paying the price. All the toilets are plugged and the sewers are running over with the filth of corrupted minds. Don’t think so? Turn on the TV. Watch a movie. Look around you. We live in a society that promotes sin of every flavor and color while spitting in the face of God.

I read just the other day that 48% of the children in this country are born to unwed mothers. Of course this doesn’t take in to account the 1,370,000 that are murdered by way of abortion each year in this country alone.

An explosion of child abuse (physical, sexual and emotional) is racking our nation. Perverts are crawling out of the woodwork like roaches when the lights are turned off.

Murders and theft are common place in even small towns, and drug abuse is overwhelming the police agencies of our country.

This is just the tip of the iceberg so to speak. Every sin against God that is imaginable is consuming the very soul of this once great country. Why? Because we have decided we don’t need God. We will be our own god and determine what is right or wrong.

The Bible is clear throughout that righteousness can only be found in God. Absolute true righteousness was on display for the world in Jesus Christ, Who is God by the way, and we crucified Him.

The local courts and all the way up to the Supreme Court do not decide for God what is right and wrong. Presidents, Senators, and Congressmen do not decide for God what is right and wrong. The NEA and school boards do not know what is best for our children, and often neither do most parents. That can be seen in the little hoodlums we are raising. Many children today have little to no supervision, and what supervision they do have is not much to brag about.

Jesus Christ and His Word, the Bible, is the only measuring stick that God will allow. He will settle for no less. He doesn’t care what you and I think in the matter. He isn’t interested in your and my opinion. He has always had the line drawn in the sand, and said “This is it. Don’t cross it.”

Well guess what? We crossed it, and no matter how “good” we may become, we will never measure up to the righteousness of God Almighty. So what do we do?

We should fall upon our face before God and plead His mercy, and by the victory of His own Son Jesus, He will cloth us with His righteousness.

“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” (Romans 10:3)

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10)

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10)

We do not measure up to God’s yardstick and never will, but in Jesus, He will give us His righteousness.

Many who claim to be Christians today are going along with all the tripe that is coming from society and living by its standards. If you claim Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, how can you?

You and I don’t make the rules on what is right and wrong. God does. If you are living in a state contrary to God’s Word, take it to Him, and get it right. Unfortunately, I fear that far too many are compromising, and surely deep down within their soul, they know they are in sin.

No one in his right mind would use a faulty measuring device to build a house, but how many people do exactly that to build their life? Are you using the wrong yardstick to measure your life? Any yardstick that comes from mankind will not be true. Only God’s Word is true. How do I know what is true?

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Grant Phillips

Email grantphillips@windstream.net

Pre-Rapture Commentary http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com

Rapture Ready http://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html

Those Who Have Gone Before Us

By Grant Phillips

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Often I think about those Christians who have preceded us in death. I wonder what they are doing, how they are feeling, what they are experiencing. I wonder about their “transfer” from earth to Heaven. How did it happen? Were they escorted into Heaven by the Lord’s angels? What was their reaction when they actually saw Jesus? What is Heaven like?

The Bible gives us some information on these questions, but very little and not the whole picture. It’s one of those situations that, “we’ll know when it happens.” Sometimes I can hardly wait, but then again, I don’t want to leave this earth any more than the next sane person. My thought is we don’t want to leave this life any more than a baby wants to leave the comfort of its mother’s womb, but there is so much more to behold when we do.

Two Christian men went to be with the Lord on March 14, 2013 of whom I had much respect; Ron Graham and Jack Kinsella. I read all their articles, and always looked forward to doing so. I never met them. I never spoke with them either by phone, email or letter, but I felt like I knew them. I will greatly miss their articles.

So many humble men and women of God have gone on to be with the Lord. Some were well known while upon this earth, and some were known by only a few, perhaps only their family and friends.

I have touched upon this subject before, so I will keep this article short.

I too sometimes just don’t understand why our Lord takes some home when it seems they have so much more to do. There is so much more they could have provided us who remain. I certainly am not questioning our Lord’s judgment, just simply saying I often don’t understand. The Apostle Paul said about that;

“Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.” (1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT)

That comforts me. I hope it does you too. We just have to trust the Lord that He knows what He is doing, because He does. We could compare ourselves to a child trying to understand things that only an adult can understand. When we are ready, we will understand. In the meantime, let us trust Him and continue His bidding.

It is a joy to think of the happiness that a Christian will experience when going home to be with his/her Savior and Lord. It is not a joy to think of those who have nothing to look forward to but judgment.

The wonderful news (the Gospel) is that all who come to Jesus will not be turned away.

“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” (John 6:37 ESV)

You too can have a glorious reunion with the one and only true God, as those Christians who have gone before us, if you just put your trust in Him alone today.

 

Grant Phillips

Email grantphillips@windstream.net

Pre-Rapture Commentary http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com

Rapture Ready http://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html

Wolves In Sheep’s Clothing

 

By Grant Phillips

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“Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1 NLT)

They are classified as pastors, ministers, clergymen, priests, teachers, writers, authors, etc. If we hold a position of instructing others in spiritual matters, we need to take the above verse very seriously.

I am amazed in one hand and not so much in the other that there are so many wolves in the pulpits of America. Whether the pulpit is a podium or a keyboard, there are more than enough predators on the loose.

One reason I am not surprised is because the Scriptures tell us that in the latter days apostasy will be very prevalent, and I strongly believe we are in the last days of the Church age.

Only God knows the actual number or percentage of wolves behind the pulpits in America, but I’m sure there are many. I’ve heard too many of them. This is one reason, among others, that it is so very important that every Christian be more than merely acquainted with God’s Word. We need to know it as well as we know our own name.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

The reason these wolves of Satan are so widely accepted is because of the ignorance of the masses. Many Christians, no less, are basically ignorant of God’s Word, the Bible. It never ceases to amaze me what comes from the minds and mouths of Christian people, and there is no excuse for it, but laziness.

The number of so-called clergymen who are coming out and endorsing same sex marriage, for example, is appalling. If there were ever a sin clearly defined in the Bible, this is certainly one of them. Homosexuality is a sin. Period. God says so, so don’t get mad at me. Repent and forsake it.

The liberal elite of spiritual affairs, and political also, for that matter, say we must compromise and get along with everybody. That is not what God’s Word says. From the mouth of Jesus we hear:

“³⁴ Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. ³⁵ For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. ³⁶ And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. ³⁷ He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:34-37)

Is Jesus saying that Christians should go pick a fight with anyone who disagrees with them? Of course not. He is simply saying that the world will hate what He has to say and who He is. He is saying that if we are loyal to Him, we will be hated too.

“¹⁸ If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. ¹⁹ If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” (John 15:18-19)

Jesus also said that to hate Him is to hate the Father.

“He that hateth me hateth my Father also.” (John 15:23)

But I digress, a little. Far, far too many of these charlatans, wolves in sheep’s clothing, are seducing tens of thousands of people, if not millions, right into hell. I shudder to think of the judgment that will be administered to them when they stand before God.

It is very difficult to find a good Bible believing, Bible proclaiming man of God in our pulpits of the 21^st century. Most are a joke. Major church denominations are quickly straying away from God and His Word, being led by these false teachers.

Folks, if you don’t want to be led astray, and many of you are, you really need to turn off the TV and get in the Bible. The Bible is where God speaks to His children, and if you are His, how can you not be interested in knowing what HE has to say?

The smooth-talking, milk-toast clap-trap coming from the pulpits will do nothing but lead you down the wrong paths. These spiritual whoremongers will lead you to the same destruction that they will experience. We all need the Truth, and only in God’s Word will we find it.

If you have a God-fearing man of God leading you, pray for him and thank God every night for him. If you don’t know, get in the Word and ask the Lord’s guidance in your life. Until you get in the Word and allow the Holy Spirit of God to teach and lead you, you will never know. You’ll just be one of the blind following the blind.

I urge you to not be naïve when considering the wiles of the Devil. The Apostle Peter said.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8)

Maybe you think Satan spends all his time in Vegas or Hollywood, or Washington D.C. Think again, he loves it behind the pulpits. He gets so much more done for his cause behind the pulpits than anywhere else.

Know what is behind your pulpit. He may be an under shepherd for Jesus Christ, or he may be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Grant Phillips

 

Email grantphillips@windstream.net

Pre-Rapture Commentary http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com

Rapture Ready http://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html

Monkey See, Monkey Do

By Grant Phillips

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What causes trends? Basically trends are caused by people mimicking others because they don’t know how to be their own person.

Fashions are a good example. Certain clothes, or lack thereof, are fashionable because we want to be like other people. “This is what everyone is wearing.” The marketing industry knows this. They come out with something different from the previous line, so they can make more sales. They parade these new fashions on the “runway” by models. The “elite” purchase. The followers follow.

Whether its tattoos, pants hanging down to ones knees, long hair, no hair, spiked hair, colored hair, males with earrings, women in men’s clothing (and vice versa), new car in the driveway, three bath house as opposed to one, etc., societal people have a “monkey see, monkey do” frame of mind.

When our favorite Hollywood “star” is a moral pervert, we think that’s okay, and why not I? When our favorite band or singer performs trash and lives the same, we say, “Hey, that’s what I want.”

If we are so determined to be like someone else, why not start at the top instead of the bottom? We can’t expect the world to follow Jesus, but He should be the one every Christian would want to model their life after.

Jesus said,

“… Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)

“… Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.” (Matthew 8:22)

“… If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” (John 10:27)

“If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” (John 12:26)

It is very clear that Jesus wants us to be like Him. He says repeatedly, “Follow Me.” Maybe it would be smart to adjust our lifestyle to fit what Jesus would expect from us, not what the world expects from us.

Let us not concentrate on what we wear or how we look, but on what occupies our mind. If our outer appearance needs correcting, it will come from within. By following Jesus, we will be more like Him than the world.

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” (Ephesians 6:11-18)

When we put on the whole armor of God, we follow Jesus as He instructed us, and something else automatically happens. We are not as accepted by the world. We may not be accepted at all. We may be even hated.

“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” (John 15:18)

When following Jesus, be prepared to be excluded from the “in” crowd. Very few people, even among those who “profess” Christ, can’t take the pressure of being excluded from what the world perceives we should be.

Even among professing Christians, peer pressure can often get in the way of that which is contrary to God’s will in our lives. Yes, that’s right. Believe it or not, not all Christian’s are models of following Jesus. That isn’t to say some of us are perfect either. None of us are perfect. I repeat, none of us will ever measure up to His standards, but He is the measuring tool we must use.

If we are serious about following Jesus Christ, then we need to follow a different standard, and that standard is exemplified in the Son of God.

How should I dress? What should I listen to? What should I read? How should I act? We could make an endless list of things we should change, but if our heart isn’t changed, it won’t matter. Then we just become a person who is judgmental of others because they aren’t as perfect as we think we are. I’ve seen many Christians who are just as demanding as the world. The world wants us to be like it. Some stodgy Christians want us to be like them. Both are wrong. We should be like Jesus.

By following Jesus, we are transformed from the inside where it counts. He will then take care of the outer dressing, if it’s necessary. If we are going to have a “monkey see, monkey do” attitude, let us at least direct it in the right direction, not toward the world, but toward the Holy Son of God, Jesus Christ.

“Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 20:7)

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16)

 

Grant Phillips

 

Email grantphillips@windstream.net

Pre-Rapture Commentary http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com

Rapture Ready http://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html

A Fearful World

By Grant Phillips

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We are living in very unsettling times.

• Wars and rumors of wars are a constant.
• Financial collapse of the world monetary system looms ahead.
• We, the USA, are approaching a 17 Trillion dollar debt, not reducing the budget, and spending like mad.
• Gas prices are going up and who knows where they will end.
• We will not tap into our own plentiful petroleum reserves, but remain dependent on those who hate us.
• Hatred toward true Christianity is growing.
• Satan is taking over the pulpits.
• The nation of Israel could be squished like a bug by the big boots all around them, except for the God of Israel.
• Taxes are going up.
• Health costs are going up.
• Unemployment is going up.
• Will we lose our job?
• Will we lose our house?
• How can I afford to live just with the basics?
• The federal government is taking more and more control of our lives.
• Murder, theft, adultery, homosexuality, debauchery and all else that God hates is growing at an alarming rate.

Briefly stated, we are in deep doo-doo. How can we get up in the morning and get through the day without being afraid of what may come next? It is as though we are on a 747 at 40,000 feet and the engines are gone. There is only one direction we are going now, and that is down.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18)

I honestly do not understand how anyone without Jesus Christ in their life can face this world without a soul-shaking, bone-rattling fear.

In the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible the term “fear not” occurs in 144 verses and 63 times exactly as quoted. It would seem to me that God does not want His children to have fear in their hearts.

The verse above says that perfect love casts out fear. It is certainly true that when the love of God is within us, the fear of the world diminishes.

Those my age are more fearful of what their children and grandchildren may experience than themselves. It’s only natural. This world doesn’t offer much, but it never did. Our only real hope of happy living is found in Jesus Christ. Unless you have it, you won’t understand it, but it’s true.

“And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” (Revelation 1:17-18)

“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)

In these two verses we find first of all that the Apostle John “fell at his feet as dead” when he beheld Jesus in His glory. Then we hear Jesus telling us in Matthew’s gospel to “fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

The word “destroy” in this verse denotes, “to devote or give over to eternal misery in hell.”

Our pity should go toward those who don’t know Jesus as Savior and have to face Him in judgment.

“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” (Revelation 1:7)

“And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Revelation 6:16-17)

I can’t begin to count the times I have heard someone use our Lord’s name as a curse word in a movie or TV episode. It seems to be the “in thing” today. If there is legitimacy in fear, it is with those who blaspheme His Holy name. We have nothing to fear who are under His saving grace, but woe to those who cast Him aside.

Jesus has given mankind many more opportunities than I ever would, and therefore that alone makes me glad He is in charge. But how much longer will His patience last until He decides it is time for judgment? How much more “in your face” behavior will He tolerate? Only He knows.

It is very obvious to those who are looking, that Satan’s time is running out. He is pulling out all the stops in preparation for his last stand, the Tribulation. This is a war he can’t lose, but he will. However in his bloated pride, I wonder if he actually thinks he may pull it off. He has much to lose and much to fear.

If you know Jesus as your Savior you have nothing to fear. If you do not, you can experience the peace that can only come from God by trusting in His Son to save you.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.” (John 14:27-29)

Let us rejoice that Jesus has gone unto the Father, that He has sent His Spirit to live within us, and that He is coming soon. In Him we can be at peace.

This world is on a collision course of destiny. Pay day is coming. Judgment is just around the corner. The days ahead are going to get much more terrifying than we can imagine. It seems bad now, but judgment is just clearing his throat.

There is much to fear from what is coming. However, in Jesus, there is nothing to fear.

Grant Phillips 

Email grantphillips@windstream.net

Pre-Rapture Commentary http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com

Rapture Ready http://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html

Rapture On Sunday

By Grant Phillips

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My apologies for using another song I wrote, but here goes. I also wrote this one three years ago, and it is called “Rapture On Sunday”.

The Lord is coming soon and it could be at any day
We may be at work church home or at play
The time is up to Him but ready we should be
You should see it too I hope you do agree

I’ve often wondered if the churches in the US of A
Would miss many members on that glorious day
Would the preacher keep on preaching would the choir sing right on
Would the pews still be full and just the children all gone

His real church is sprinkled here and yon throughout the land
If you read the Bible on all this it will expand
But some will be surprised and wonder what went wrong
And some will hear His voice and they will be long gone

CHORUS:
If the Rapture comes on Sunday while the churches are full
Will you still be in your seat and not feel the pull
Of the voice of the Lord when He says “Come up here”
Will you even notice will you have no fear.

One of my greatest anxieties on behalf of others is that they may miss the Rapture. The tragedy behind this is that there is only one way to miss it, and that is to not know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. You must be born again, as Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (John 3:3, 5, 7)

I am of the opinion that many Christians who ridicule the Rapture are going to be very surprised when it happens. They may suffer some embarrassment for a second, but the rest of eternity will be filled with jubilation. Their souls are intact in the mighty hands of God. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” (John 10:27-30) When we hear our Master’s voice say, “Come up here”, we will follow Him right up through the heavens to our Father’s house.

Now for the sad part. I often wonder, if the Rapture were to occur on Sunday while the churches are full, how many would even know what happened? I shudder to think just how many ministers will keep on preaching, how many choirs will keep on singing, how many seats will still be occupied, while the true Church is transported to Heaven in the blink of an eye.

Satan has fed this world a gargantuan lie straight from the pits of hell. That lie comes in many forms, but the meaning is always the same. “Hath Jesus said, “” …  I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me? (John 14:6) Not so! There are many ways. You have plenty of time. You’re a good person. God is a loving God. He would not send anyone to hell. You’re not as bad as those other people. Look at the good deeds you have done for God.””  And then he slithers off, as he hisses a chuckle under his lying foul breath.

If Jesus were to return today for His Church, there could be thousands, if not millions, who think they are okay because they belong to a certain church group, or they attend church services somewhere. They sing in the choir, they preach, they teach a Sunday school class, they tithe, they drive the church bus, and all the other things they do. There is absolutely nothing any of us can do to be born again, but put our faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ, and follow Him. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

My friends, if you are reading this, and depending on anything or anyone other than Jesus Christ, you will not go to Him in the Rapture. If you die prior to the Rapture, you will go to a devil’s hell. If you are left to go through the Tribulation, there is very little chance of your being saved, but if you are, you will probably have your head removed from your shoulders by the Antichrist, before you meet Jesus.

Doesn’t it just make good sense to come to Jesus now? Repent, and throw yourself at His feet. Ask Him to save you. He will, and He guarantees your eternal destiny with Him forever.

If the Rapture comes on Sunday, or any other day of the week, where will you be a split second afterwards?

Grant Phillips        

grantphillips@windstream.net

Pre-Rapture Commentary

http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com

 

Spiritual Warfare

By Grant Phillips

Have you ever noticed the glassy-eyed look you get from some people when you mention spiritual warfare? It is especially alarming when talking to another person who claims to be a Christian, and they look at you like you came from another planet and need to be locked up for your own good. It is alarming because it corroborates the immaturity of a fellow Christian.

Satan uses a double barrel method of attack against us humans. With some he shows himself as evil and draws those (non-Christians) in to worship him. With most of us however, Christians and non-Christians alike, he works at making us believe that he really doesn’t exist.

I firmly believe that far more people than we even realize are possessed to one degree or another by Satan’s demons. At the very least, many, many more are strongly influenced by Satanic forces, and don’t even realize it.

The one thing that needs to be made clear is that Satan is not omnipresent; he can only be in one place at a time. He is not God, who is omnipresent. However, he has an untold host of fallen angelic beings in his camp. We know he seduced one third of the angels to follow him, but one third of what? We don’t know. Satan and all of his army of fallen angels, or evil spirits, are hard at work.

One of the many times the Apostle Paul was attacked by Satanic forces is told us in the following passage.

“16And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.” (Acts 16:16-18)

We know that the damsel, a young girl or young woman, did not come in a friendly manner to meet with Paul, simply by taking a closer look at the Greek word in verse sixteen that is translated as “met” in our English. The Greek word means “to meet in a hostile fashion.” Also, the verse clearly says that she was possessed by a “spirit of divination.”

People today do not realize just how dangerous it is to play around with weegie boards, tarot cards, séances, etc. You are entering an area you know nothing about and the only thing on the other side is evil. We call this evil Satan, and he is very real.

The Lord tells us by the pen of Paul to:

“11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:11-12)

A Christian cannot be indwelt by an evil spirit. Why, you ask? The Holy Spirit resides within the Christian and will not allow it. However, that does not mean that Satan, via his demonic army, will not attack us in some way. He will try to trip us. He will try to influence us by any means possible. We are his enemy, and this is not a game. It is war.

There are three groups of people that Satan attacks, and I believe he does so by the following methods.

Non-Christians

Left to our basic nature or instincts, without laws, human beings would be like a pack of wild rabid dogs, attacking others and even those within the pack.

God had to give us a set of laws to obey in order to protect society. He provided them by a fellow named Moses. Consider what happened to Noah’s generation. They were so defiled, God had to destroy them all, except Noah and his family.

It is my opinion, but I believe a correct opinion, that many today would do things that would shock even the person doing them, if it were not for the law of the land. As we well know and observe, many do them anyway. How many more murders, robberies, rapes, etc. would there be, if there were no law?

Satan knows man’s nature, and he uses it for his benefit.

If you don’t agree, consider the following verses.

“9What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16Destruction and misery are in their ways: 17And the way of peace have they not known: 18There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3:9-18)

Weak Christians

This group of people would include those who have not been saved very long, and those who have, but are just too lazy to put on the whole armor of God. Read Ephesians 6:10 through the end of the chapter.

One way Satan will attack these Christians is by loading down their time with other activities.

He will try to make them dependent on others to spoon feed them on the Word. There are a bunch of these folks walking around.

He will provide them with excuses to avoid their prayer life and time in the Word.

He will tempt them with the “goodies” that the world has to offer.

Maturing Christians

Christians, who are students of the Word and try to live for the Lord on a daily basis, will most definitely be attacked in some way by Satan, because they are a menace to him.

Their intent is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in their lives by how they live, what they do, and what they say.

They speak out for Jesus.

They love His Word. They won’t bend by going against what the Word says.

When they sin, and they will, they are on their knees in repentance, not to get saved again, but to restore the fellowship that they broke between themselves and their Heavenly Father. They are always His child.

The more wicked the world becomes, and it’s getting quite vile, Satan induces others to hate and mock them. Hopefully with pressure from their peers, they will crumble under temptation.

As I write this article, I have been tempted throughout to do something else and come back to it, but I am determined to stay the course. Satan does not want me to write this article. Any pastor who has preached very many sermons will tell you that it never failed when the reality of Satan and his forces was the subject matter, a negative force was present.

Conclusion

As I look through the window of politics, I see Satan hard at work. In this country alone, the political field is bleak, to say the least. There are some, and I emphasize “some,” men and women in the political arena who are desirous of following our Constitution and actually serving the citizens in the manner designed by the Constitution. Most however are servants of greed and other satanic forces. These servants of Satan have the populace so blinded, they continue to retain their offices election after election, and therefore continue to dismantle the greatest nation ever assembled by God-fearing patriots.

As I peer through the window of Hollywood, Satan is pulling out all the stops to reveal just how disgusting he is. Again, there are a few even within the Hollywood scene who have character. For the most part the lifestyle of Hollywood would be like comparing pigs wallowing in slop while wearing expensive jewelry and tuxedoes (or evening gowns). Could there be a more corrupt people all gathered in one place? There is a possibility of close ties with our nation’s capital, each with an equivalent lifestyle, but generating a different type of filth and garbage upon the common folk.

As I gaze through the stained glass windows of the churches, Satan is sitting on the front row, cheering on his puppets. All that glitters is not gold. Many so-called shepherds of the flocks are actually hirelings. Their master is not the one and only true God, but one who wants to be God. His name is Satan. Jesus said to the Pharisees,

“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” (John 8:44)

Satan is real. He took with him an army of fallen angels from Heaven, and is always in combat fatigues. It makes no difference if we accept this as fact or not. It remains true. We are at war. It is a spiritual war, but it is war no less.

One last time, I observe through another window, the window of the family, the first institution established by God at the creation. Within the first family of Adam and Eve, Satan interjected jealousy, greed, and murder. It has gone downhill since. Today, the family, as God meant it to be, is in the minority. If someone attacked your family, would you fight for them? Of course you would. Would you lay down your life for them? Of course you would. Satan is attacking your family, and he wants their soul. What are you going to do about it?

We are supposed to be living in the age of knowledge. We say we are more civilized than any generation before us. Is that so? In reality, we have become as they were in the days of Noah and in the days of Lot. Does that ring a bell? Consider the following verses.

“26And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. 30Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.” (Luke 17:26-30 NKVJ)

Just prior to this day spoken of in the above verses, approximately seven years, Jesus Christ will remove His bride, the true Church, from this earth. Are you ready? Satan is pulling out all the stops. Are you being blinded by his lies, or are you heeding the Truth? Do you scoff at the mention of a spiritual warfare? Are you one of those who roll your eyes and under your breath says something like, “Oh, here we go again?”

Jesus warns us through the pen of the Apostle Paul.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

The war will soon be over. Whose side will you be on when the dust clears?

   Grant Phillips                        

Email grantphillips@windstream.net

Pre-Rapture Commentary http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com
Rapture Ready http://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html

How Much Longer O Lord!

By Grant Phillips

As the world we live in today keeps unraveling, we who know that Jesus has promised to return for His own keep wondering, “How much longer?”

I do hope that while we contemplate this question, we don’t fail to be busy for Him in getting the Gospel out to those who do not know Him. Surely when He does return, He will find us at work and not loafing. Unfortunately, the work crew seems to be diminishing in droves, while the crowd continues to grow around the water cooler.

As I and others have stated on numerous occasions, the signs of His return are so plentiful, it is difficult to zero in on just a few. In answering the disciple’s questions upon the Mount of Olives, Jesus briefed them as follows:

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Matthew 24:4-8)

I believe this twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew is directed toward Daniel’s seventieth week that we commonly call the Tribulation, but I also believe we can see many of these signs forming now. Jesus stated clearly, “All these are the beginning of sorrows,” which leads me to believe they are being introduced now, in the present. If this be true, then the Rapture “may” not be far off. We’ll just have to wait and see. The important thing is that we are ready when it does occur.

Anyway, Jesus says that these signs are the “beginning” of sorrows. The “beginning” to me would be at the very front end of the seven-year Tribulation. “Sorrows” would indicate to me the dark times ahead during the Tribulation. These signs are definitely all around us, and increasing as time goes by. It’s something to think about.

If the Rapture occurs prior to the seven-year Tribulation, and I believe it will, then how close could it be? I don’t know, but it makes one want to look up.

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.” (1Timothy 4:1-3 NIV)

Apostasy abounds. The church rolls are rapidly dwindling in some areas, and in others they are ballooning with followers of a false gospel. For any remaining who actually believe and practice the true doctrines of Scripture, the pressure of persecution is increasing. “These are old fogies,” says society, “out of touch with reality, dinosaurs,” and are condemned more and more by the apostate world.

Hatred for true Christian beliefs is growing at an alarming pace. True Christianity is no longer the norm in this country I once knew. It is no longer kind or acceptable to those of Christ, but mocks all and hates all we uphold for our Savior and Lord. If the Rapture were to occur today, many would be glad to see or hear of us no more. We are like a splinter in their finger that would be better removed.

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God– having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.” (2 Timothy 3:1-7 NIV)

Wow! Since these earmarks that Paul mentions are ALL prevalent today, I can’t imagine their intensity during the Tribulation. Any true Christian with but a mere ounce of Biblical sense can surely see all of these types in our society today. If you can’t spot every single one of these in abundance, God help you.

Having so many years to look back on (born in 1947) I can very easily see a sharp decline in human behavior and acceptance toward anything of God. The rise of evil over these years is astounding. Has evil existed before? Of course it has, but not with the degree of today. It isn’t just a blemish here and there. This world is literally saturated with these that Paul speaks.

Could this be an indication that the time is near for the Bridegroom to come? It could be. We’ll have to wait and see, but let us be ready.

Since the reality of Psalms 83 may be prior to Ezekiel 38-39, it is obvious that the nations are formed and ready to go. One would think that in regards to Psalms 83 the soldiers are mounting their horses. In regards to Ezekiel 38-39, could it be the national leaders are sniffing the wind? Could these two prophecies be one and the same? Some would argue they are, while others would say they are not. One thing is sure. Only a fool would say we are living in peaceful times and ignore the clear warning of Scripture.

In our own country we have been provided a preview of one who has given us an indication of the Antichrist personality. When the Antichrist does come upon the world scene, after the Church is gone, he will be a megalomaniacal narcissistic egotist. I used to have a problem thinking that people would actually be stupid enough to follow the Antichrist. Now I don’t. I’ve seen with my own eyes, how people can be duped by Satan to follow just about anyone.

The sad part is that with every generation, each generation is more acceptable of the sinfulness that abounds on this earth than the generation just prior to it. As an example, with each passing generation homosexuality is accepted more and more. The world is becoming more and more corrupt.

We, society, are as they were in the days of Noah and in the days of Lot. We live our lives as unto our own greed and entertain no thought of God, unless it is negative. We hate all that is good, and dive head first into every distraction that will damn our souls to hell.

We, the Church, ask, “How much longer O Lord?” Could He be saying, “It won’t be long now, the cup of their iniquities is almost full.”

“… Even so, come Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20 NIV)

Grant Phillips

Email grantphillips@windstream.net

Pre-Rapture Commentary http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com
Rapture Ready http://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html

Where Do You Stand?

By Grant Phillips

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I have much respect for those who hold to their beliefs based upon God’s Word, the Bible.  Today, far too many are wishy-washy about the things of God. Jesus said, “And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:26-27) Just prior to this statement He said of another, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25)

The Apostle Paul stated in Galatians 5:1, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (ESV) Paul followed up in 2 Timothy 2:15 with this statement, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (NASB)

We immediately see in these verses that (1) we must have a solid foundation, (2) we must stand firm on that foundation, and (3) we must accurately handle the Word of Truth that sits on that foundation of God, which is of His Son Jesus Christ.

Many reasons come to mind for not being on the firm foundation of God’s Truth, but instead upon the loose sand of human opinion:

First of all the one spouting their religious beliefs may not even know the God of whom they speak.

Secondly, they may be lazy and not accurately handle the Word of Truth, but depend upon others opinions or even their own.

Thirdly, they may be coerced by some religious organization’s mandates.

Fourthly, they may have pre-conceived beliefs that have been drummed into them from earlier years.

Fifthly, they may be interested only in attempting to make God’s Word agree with them, instead of them agreeing with God’s Word.

Sixthly, they may be so bull-headed, they just won’t listen to anything other than what they think is correct. In other words, these are those who would cut off their nose to spite their face. Let’s take a little time, and look closer at these in example number six.

They won’t listen to anyone but themselves. They think they are right and everyone else is wrong. They major in subjectivity and objectivity is out the door.

I have found that one of the greatest reasons for becoming stale in the Word is not being objective in our thinking. Now, just what does that mean, being objective that is?

Objectivity is being free of bias or prejudice caused by our own personal feelings. It means we consider the facts as set before us rather than thoughts or opinions. To listen and/or read objectively is to consider the teaching before us without being swayed into the quicksand of error. That isn’t always easy, and requires guidance by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, prayer for guidance is a definite prerequisite.

As an example, I have come to a firm belief about, “What must I do to be saved.” (Acts 16:31) I have read what the Bible says. I have listened to and read the opinions of others. I have compared the two, and I remain unchanged. If you read my articles, you know exactly where I stand on this truth, and it will not change.

I have done the same with the truth of eternal security. Some like to call it “Once saved, always saved” (OSAS). Again, if you read my articles, you know where I stand, and it will not change.

These two truths and others concern issues that must not be denied. Other truths for example would be: Jesus is God. He was born of a virgin. He died and rose again. He is the only way to God. There is death and then the judgment. There are others, but hopefully, you get the idea. It is not being bull-headed to not flinch on these basic truths. Unfortunately, many who call themselves Christians flinch. Some even flat out deny these truths.

Some issues are important, but not a must for salvation. For example, I firmly believe in what we call the Rapture of the Church prior to the commonly called time of seven-years Tribulation upon this earth. Some do not, and that is okay as far as the eternal welfare of our soul is concerned. All of us will not agree all the time, but again, this doctrine is about the rapture not salvation.

Let me offer another example. I believe in the doctrine of baptism, but not as a prerequisite or requisite for salvation. Some believe that it is a requirement to be saved. Which is correct? I stand on Ephesians 2:8-9. I repeat. If you read my articles, you know exactly where I stand on this Biblical issue, and it will not change.

Is it wrong to be dogmatic? No, unless you’re dogmatically wrong. But if you will never listen with an open mind, how are you going to know?

Who do we listen to with an open mind to learn? We can listen to others and learn, but more importantly, we can listen to God, via the Bible, and learn. Our aim should be that of the Bereans. “And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.” (Acts 17:11 NLT)

Have you ever met someone who will not even listen to a contrary view? Of course you have! I’m aware of entire organizations that fit this category. They are locked in their erroneous ways and will not change because they will not listen. They refuse to practice the Berean philosophy.

We may disagree on matters that don’t affect our eternal destiny, and that is okay, but when it does affect our eternal destiny, we had better be sure that we are standing on the firm foundation that Jesus Christ has laid out for us all.

Where you do stand?

Grant Phillips

Email grantphillips@windstream.net

Pre-Rapture Commentary http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com

Rapture Ready http://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html

TribulationWikipedia: The Tribulation is the name given to the event or events referred to in the Olivet discourse, specifically and other passages of the New Testament. →

Solid Hope

  By Grant Phillips

Biblical hope is not crossing your fingers and avoiding the sidewalk cracks.

You ask someone, “Are you saved?” They say, “I hope so.”

You ask, “Are you going to Heaven?” They reply, “I hope so.”

That may be the definition of hope in our modern terminology, but it absolutely doesn’t match up with the Biblical definition.

Hope in the Bible, whether from the Old or New Testament, refers to an absolute reference of surety.

Most people today don’t like absolutes. Perhaps that why so many don’t like God’s Word. Consider only three examples from the Bible. (1) There is one God. (2) There is one way to God. (3) There is judgment after death. That’s pretty straight forward isn’t it?

God’s Word, the Bible, is also straight forward, absolute if I may, concerning hope.

In Strong’s concordance hope means:

·        In expectation of evil, fear

·        In expectation of good, hope

·        Joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation

·        The author of hope, or he who is its foundation

·        The thing hoped for

Out of many examples given in just the New Testament, let’s look at only seven.

TRUST IN GOD

“Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.” (1 Peter 1:21)

God has proven that we can trust Him through the life, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus.

Over 300 prophecies from the Old Testament were literally fulfilled by Jesus. That is impossible with anyone other than God.

Over 500 people saw Jesus in the flesh after being raised from the dead.

His disciples witnessed Him bodily leave this earth from the Mount of Olives and return to Heaven.

“God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar;…” (Romans 3:4)

ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

“For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?” (Romans 8:24)

We were given the confidence of eternal life when we were saved, and don’t need to look for something we already have.

Why do some doubt their salvation? Why do some think you can lose it? God has assured us that we don’t need to seek out something we already possess. Quit wasting time looking for what you already possess and share the “Good News” with others.

“Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.” (Psalms 16:9)

ENTERING THE VEIL

“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;” (Hebrews 6:19)

This hope is an anchor to our soul and has given us access to enter the Holy of Holies. In the Old Testament, under the Mosaic Law, only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies and that was just one time per year.

The veil that separates us from God’s presence has been removed by Jesus and now all who are His may come boldly to the throne of grace.

“And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.” (Mark 15:38)

HOPE IN RESURRECTION

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

Those who do not believe have no hope, but the opposite is true for those who have put their trust in Jesus.

This is one of several places that confirms our guarantee that Jesus will come back for His own and take His Church to be with Him prior to His judgment upon the earth. All who have died in Christ will return with Him to retrieve those who are still living. All will be changed instantly and given a heavenly body while being transported out of harm’s way.

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

SPEAK BOLDLY

“Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:” (2 Corinthians 3:12)

We can be very bold for Christ because of the confidence awarded by the sure hope in Jesus Christ.

There is no way the Apostles would have permitted themselves to die such horrible deaths, not counting the suffering beforehand, if there were no assurance in everything Jesus said and did. We don’t have to be cowards. Our hope in Him is so solid; we can be the bravest on the spiritual battlefield for our Lord. Instead of hiding out at the rear, we can fight to be at the front of the line. That is how true our hope really is.

“So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:6)

WITNESSING

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” (1 Peter 3:15)

Always be prepared to explain the assured hope that is within us. Since we have such a rock hard foundation of Truth, we should be prepared to share this real hope with others.

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” (1 Peter 2:2)

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)

HOPE IN LIFE

“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” (1 Corinthians 15:19)

We are to be pitied more than anyone if our hope in Jesus is in this world alone. This is one of my favorite verses. This says it all. If Jesus were just a good man with good teachings, we’re all in trouble. If He isn’t who He said, and proved Himself to be, we’re doomed.

However, that isn’t the case. He is God in the flesh. He has proven it over and over. He proves it every day of our lives. If we would just look around and open our eyes, we would see. If we would just listen, we would hear. Our hope is not just for this life, but a glorious eternal life to come in Heaven with God. That is our steadfast hope.

I haven’t even cracked the surface of the legitimacy of our true hope. Do yourself a favor and read everything you can on hope in God’s Word, the Bible. You will be surprised, pleasantly surprised if you are His.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 6:11)

Grant Phillips

Email grantphillips@windstream.net

Pre-Rapture Commentary http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com
Rapture Ready http://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html