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The Merging Of Hope and Truth Found In Jesus Christ

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  • Signs of Christmas Past: The Overshadowing

    12/09/2022 / updated 12/18/2023

    Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

    Photo by Jens Johnsson on Pexels.com

    Signs are an integral part of our daily life. They surround us everywhere we go; on the highways, in buildings, on buses, etc. Signs have been used for millennia helping people find their way, offering warnings and providing order to daily life. Modern society would be extraordinarily challenging without signage given our fast pace lives. Unfortunately in our human nature, we routinely ignore and dismiss signs to our own peril because of familiarity or simple presumptions.

    God also provides signs to make us aware of forthcoming events on the divine calendar and to prepare our hearts for those realities. Signs foretelling the first Christmas were no different. God spoke through the prophets offering a glimpse of the Messiah’s first advent and bestowing signs that would accompany that long awaited day.

    There are many signs and prophecies in the Old Testament that foretell the coming of Jesus Christ but none so marvelous as a baby conceived by the Holy Spirit to be born the Son of God in the flesh. The Gospel of Matthew reaffirms the prophecy from the book of Isaiah as a sign given to the people of Israel confirming the coming of Immanuel, literally translated “God with us” (Matthew 1:22-23).

    The Overshadowing

    Two of the central human figures on that prophetic stage were Mary and Joseph. Although both most likely knew the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, coming to terms with the personal impact upon their lives would have challenged their faith and even their human sensibilities. But God in His understanding of our frailties, spoke by way of an angel to reveal their role in this wondrous plan and also provide words of reassurance to these two very human people to help overcome their fears.

    The Angelic Message to Mary:

    Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Luke 1:26-35

    We can only surmise the difficulty this presented for Mary in the culture of that day. Would anyone believe her especially Joseph and her family or would they see it as a wild story to cover her shame? The Scriptures do not speak of ridicule or rejection she may have experienced. But we do know of her trusting response to the message from God. Verse 38 records her words to the angel “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your words”. Upon a subsequent visit to her relative, Elizabeth, Mary proclaims what is known as the Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-55) giving praise to the Lord for His abundant grace and blessings in her life. Mary’s faith in the Lord’s love and sovereignty paints a beautiful portrait of hope when life takes us down a road of uncertainty.

    The Angelic Message to Joseph:

    Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:18-21

    The Scriptural record of Joseph ends abruptly after Jesus was twelve years old, so we know very few details beyond the early years of Jesus’ life in regard to Joseph’s influence on the family. However, we do see a man of noble character and a right heart before God. It is obvious Joseph knew Mary was with child prior to the angelic dream. However, it is unclear whether Mary shared with Joseph the source of her pregnancy before the angel. Either way, surely the news of her condition sparked in him an internal conflict. Joseph’s gentle nature and concern for Mary is clear in not wanting to publicly embarrass her. Like Mary, we see a man with the strength to believe the word and promises of God when a crisis of the heart could have led him to trust his emotions. In verse 24, it records his response to the Angel’s message “Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, …”.  Without hesitation Joseph received Mary as his wife and subsequent narratives reveal a man who faithfully cared for Mary and the Son he welcomed as a gift from God.

    A Son Is Given

    For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7

    Signs of that first Christmas past rang true to the promises God set-forth in His Word through the prophets of old. The divine overshadowing of a young virgin set in motion the events that would shake the world and inaugurate the age of grace. For this we celebrate His First Advent because the Son of God was given and became the way of reconciliation for God and man.

    Like Mary and Joseph in our humanness we can struggle to understand the mysteries of God and the unexpected detours life sends our way. But God has sent us a messenger too, His Son, Jesus Christ. He has told us that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life and to all who receive Him are given the right to become children of God. I encourage you not to dismiss, ignore or presume on the Christmas Sign and Message of Christ but to seek Him with the heart of and the wonder of a child.

    For those who receive the gift of God’s grace in Christ, we can truly know as the multitude of Heavenly Host declared “Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward men”. It is then we know and have the assurance God is truly with us – The Immanuel. In Him there is a hope and a future.

    Note: Most of Isaiah 9:6-7 is yet to be fulfilled being future prophetic and is discuss in a the post regarding the signs of the Second Advent of Christ – see post Signs of Christmas Future: Reign of Messiah.

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  • The Fellowship of the Mystery

    11/24/2022 

    But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory,............. 1 Corinthians 2:7

    A great multitude of people gathered by the Sea of Galilee as Jesus conveyed the parable of the Sower. He tells them how the sower scatters the seed falling to the various types of ground. Some sprout to a harvest while others wither and die. Without an explanation to the meaning of the parable Jesus leaves them with these words: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

    I am sure many were left wondering “What does it mean?”. It was a rather anti-climactic ending for the crowd who anticipated to hear Jesus reveal details of the long awaited coming Kingdom of God and the mysteries of the ages. But to His disciples, Jesus later unveils the meaning of the parable explaining “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God….”. (see Matthew 13:1-23)

    The Bible is ripe with mysteries that God has hidden until the time is fulfilled for them to be revealed. Some are given in the form of parables and some in prophecies. Countless prophecies have been fulfilled through time with more on the near horizon. (see Prophesies Fulfilled by Jesus Christ)

    In the Old Testament book of Daniel which discloses many prophecies of the End Times, Daniel is told that much of the meanings of the prophetic words he has been given are not for him to understand now. 

    He replied, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end. Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand. Daniel 12:9-10

    Daniel even asks “My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?” (Daniel 12:8) and he is told to go your way for the words are to be sealed until the time of the end. In other words, the revelation of these prophetic words must wait for their appointed times. Prophecies of the Bible are a dim foreshadowing of the events yet to come. Like those given to Daniel, they are dependent on eschatological timing and the fulfillment of other prophetic events before God’s Word can be revealed and understood.

    However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  1 Corinthians 2:6-8

    There are many mysteries God has yet to reveal and to unfold before us. But God’s greatest mystery is before us to know and to behold now: that being the revelation of His Son, Jesus Christ and His redemptive work. The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 that this incredible mystery of God was hidden and ordained before the ages. Yet, Christ has been now manifested for the glory of all who believe on Him. The secrets of Christ and His redemptive work are no longer hidden and are now available for all to know and believe. 

    But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

    In verse 9 and 10 of those same passages, Paul goes on to describe the glory and majesty of the work of Christ available to us through redemption in both times past, the present, and what lies ahead in eternity. The work of Christ could not be fathomed in times past by man but now can be known by all who will call on Him.

    God through His Holy Spirit is the revealer of truth and the mysteries of the His Word. For the born-again believer, the revelation of the Scriptures become clear as His truth and prophetic events peel back the layers of God’s plan in Christ.

    Many who scoff at the Bible and Jesus Christ cannot understand spiritual revelation because their eyes have been blinded and the things of God are foolishness to them but to those who love Jesus it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18).

    Paul the Apostle put it this way: “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14). The mysteries and revelations of the Bible can only be spiritually known through the indwelling Spirit of Christ. Those who are not born of the Spirit will lack the understanding to know and comprehend God’s truth. (see John 3:1-21)

    Like Jesus said to His disciples as He explained the parable of the Sower, it has been given to those who have trusted Him as Savior and Lord to know the mysteries of the Kingdom and glorious future in Christ. The scoffers and unbelieving are blind to the mysteries of God even perplexed by the truths of His Word.

    Those who trust Christ and His redemptive work are part of the great mystery that God has ordained before the ages. We possess unsearchable riches in Christ and belong to the fellowship of that mystery. God willed to make known those riches of the truth in Christ to us whereby we can know the hope of glory – Christ in us. (Colossians 1:24-28)

    To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.  Ephesians 3:8-12

    He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says……….

    Steps to Faith in Jesus Christ

  • The Taste of Death

    10/31/2022 

    But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.  Hebrews 2:9 (NIV)

    Several times in my life I have had what I consider to be “close calls”. Many of us can relate to that feeling when the extraordinary happens and we suddenly fear for our safety or even our life. When a close call comes upon us and the realization of the severity of the event sinks in, it usually leaves an indelible imprint on our lives.

    Mine have not been heroic like those who serve in the military or law enforcement where danger and tragic events are faced everyday. In all the close calls I have experienced the common thread was the feeling of losing control over my circumstances and the uncertainty of the future. Close calls are often expressed with the hyperbole “almost tasting death” to describe them. Those who survive them are said to be able to live to talk about it and often speak of God’s protection in those frightening moments.

    As Hebrews 2:9 reveals, Jesus Christ not only tasted death Himself but tasted death on the behalf of all people. It was the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God (Acts 2:23) that Jesus would be crucified to accomplish what is impossible for man to accomplish on his own; bearing the weight of his own sin debt. Jesus Christ willingly took the full measure of man’s sin upon Himself paying the debt we owe (1 Peter 2:24) and destroying the power of death.

    The full width and breath of that act is captured in Romans 5:7-8  “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” In that demonstration of love Jesus Christ, Himself, is the embodiment of God’s grace made available to everyone.

    The grace God freely offers to all people is without consideration of our deeds whether righteous or sinful. Therein, God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,  who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,.. (1 Timothy 2:4-6). It is an offer God extends to all who will believe and receive Jesus Christ by faith.

    Many may ask “Why would God sacrifice His own Son and Jesus be willing go to the cross for men and women who are mired in sin?”. It is because the riches of His grace have been lavished on us in Christ who for the very joy that was set before Him, endured the cross scorning the shame (Hebrews 12:2) knowing in the end He would bring many sons and daughters to glory (Hebrews 2:10-11).

    God’s grace and love is manifested through Jesus Christ and is available for all who call upon Him in faith. It is that faith in Him that takes away the uncertainty of both today and our eternity. How can we not trust the One who freely tasted death for us all?

    Steps To Faith in Jesus Christ

  • Courage to Speak Truth

    10/07/22

    For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12

    On September 29, 2022, Dr. John MacArthur, Pastor of Grace Community Church, published an open letter to the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom (link to letter). The letter challenges the Governor’s stance and promotion of evil as an elected representative and civic leader of the State of California. Dr. MacArthur is straight forward and succinct in his approach to warn Governor Newsom based upon Biblical truth regarding the ungodly sanctioning of abortion, sexual immorality and aberrant public policies while enlisting the consequences of using his office to encourage and facilitate such actions.

    Although the nature of the letter calls out the evil positions Mr. Newsom has married himself to, the underlying foundation of the letter is the dedication to Biblical truth. While the letter is not directed at Christians, Dr. MacArthur exemplifies for all Christians a conviction that codifies a belief in God’s absolute truths that are universally applicable to all men and transcend the natural world with eternal consequences. It is a call to courageously stand for the truth of God’s Word by all who name the Name of Jesus Christ which inherently dictates we are to stand against the acts that His truth declares as evil.

    “SILENCE IN THE FACE OF EVIL IS ITSELF EVIL: GOD WILL NOT HOLD US GUILTLESS. NOT TO SPEAK IS TO SPEAK. NOT TO ACT IS TO ACT.”

    Dietrich Bonhoeffer or other unknown

    Historically, Christians have been slow and even negligent to respond to evil and attacks upon the foundational truths of Scripture by those who would redefine Biblical norms of life. This can be rooted anywhere from a lack of proper understanding of Scriptural truth to cowardliness. The Lutheran Church in Germany in the 1930’s pacified and capitulated to the Hitler agenda resulting in the destruction of a nation and millions of deaths from war and butchery. Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer warned of the evils Hitler and the Nazis would eventually inflict upon the nation, but the Lutheran church failed to act and respond when a meaningful difference was still possible.

    Eric Metaxas who authored a biography on the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is warning the American Church like Bonhoeffer of 1930’s Germany of the evil that is invading our culture and the time to wake up from our silence and slumber is now.

    The battle between good and evil, truth and deceit in our nation is mushrooming before our very eyes. Eventually there will be no middle ground to rest upon for the tenor of the battle will force us to decide the nature of our allegiance. Pastors and Christians alike must decide if they truly believe the Word of God and are willing to speak it courageously while living out what they say they believe. 

    Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;   Ephesians 6:10-17

    According to Ephesians we as Christians have been given one offensive weapon to use against evil that being the Word of God. It is the weapon Jesus will use to ultimately judge and destroy Satan and evil upon His return. But in the meantime, we have to decide the depth of our convictions, our allegiance to, and faith in Jesus Christ and His truth. Everyone who says they believe in Christ is called to stand for the His absolute truth and live / act accordingly. Be of good courage for He is with us.

    Steps to Faith in Jesus Christ

  • When Can I Go Meet With God?

    9/25/22

    As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?   Psalm 42:1-2 (NIV)

    Everyday life can be somewhat routine with not a lot of changes or variations happening along the way. However, when we think of God being active in our lives somehow we have the idea He is not working unless He is doing the spectacular. But, encounters with God often visit us in the mundane and ordinary rather than the extraordinary. It is then we are caught off-guard in those unexpected and life changing moments.

    The Samaritan woman started out on her noonday trek to Jacob’s well to fill her water pots (see John 4:5-26). It is there she encountered Jesus resting by the well. Unexpectedly, He asks her for a drink of water. Little did she realize the meeting would be a life altering experience enveloped in a routine task.

    Jesus surveyed her life with disarming transparency and grace. The many wounds of her heart were unraveled and laid bare that day. Having five successive husbands, her life was filled with broken relationships and disappointments from unmet expectations. It was a day that started like any ordinary day until God met her in the mundane.

    The Samaritan woman initially did not realize who she was talking to or how near she was to the One who could satisfy her inner thirst in life. Although Jesus asked her for a drink of water, she needed His water to quench something deeper than a human relationship could offer. Jesus tells her “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

    That day Jesus opened the door for faith to come into her life, an opportunity to meet with God. She came for ordinary water but left with the wellspring of life He freely offers. God can meet us too in the mundane and ordinary of our lives if we are willing to look through the spiritual eyes of faith and His truth. 

    Jesus said: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”   John 7:37-38
    Steps To Faith in Jesus Christ

  • The Refiner’s Fire / The Lukewarm Church

    09/14/2022 / updated 1/20/2024                        By: M.P. Bramble

    Jesus’ words to the Church of Philadelphia: Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Revelation 3:10

    Photo by Adonyi Gu00e1bor on Pexels.com

    The Book of Revelation describes a time in the future when the world will experience God’s ultimate refining fire (see post – Refiner’s Fire / Tribulation At Hand). Throughout history, God has used various forms of refining to get the attention of people, cultures and nations with particular attention to the nation of Israel. But nothing in the past will compare to the future seven year period of Tribulation that will be exacted upon the world.

    In The Refiner’s Fire Part 1, the three primary aspects of the Tribulation were discussed. The detailed account of the seven years of wrath is described by the Apostle John in Chapters 4 through 19 of the Book of Revelation. The true Church of Christ, Jesus’ Bride, is conspicuously missing from the events of that period as described in those chapters. True believers as part of the Church are taken (raptured) to Heaven prior to the beginning of the wrath as promised by Jesus (See “The Rapture in View” for an overview of that event).

    But first, Jesus has a message to His Church preparing them for His return and encouraging them to hold fast for His time is at hand. In the Book of Revelation chapter 2 and 3, Jesus addresses the Church as represented by the seven churches with some straight talk regarding His assessment of their faithfulness. This is very reminiscent of God’s various pronouncements to the Israelites in the Old Testament. But here, Jesus expounds on both the virtues and failures of each of the seven churches leaving no mis-understanding about His appraisal of their calling as His followers.

    Each of the seven churches in Revelation represent characteristics of the Christ’s Church throughout the last 2,000 years. They were real local churches at the time of John’s writing the Book of Revelation but also represent seven types of churches that exist down through the church age and are still represented characteristically today. Moreover, a case can be made that each of the seven churches mark a specific period of church history since the time of Christ. It should be noted that each of the seven churches can perspectively have both believers and unbelievers in their midst.

    As Jesus addresses each church, He details the commendations and condemnations with the church of Laodicea being the only one not to receive any commendation. The commentary the Lord Jesus Christ offers to Laodicea paints a picture of a church that knows Jesus in name only lacking a true depth of commitment except to their own indulgences. It is a church that is yet to be refined by fire as some of the other of the six churches have been.

    And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked — I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Revelation 3:14-21

    Notice, these Laodicean believers are materially wealthy and self-satisfied yet it is because of these attributes they are indifferent towards their relationship with Jesus. They are so busy building their earthly treasuries they fail to construct anything of eternal value. Jesus exposes the nature of their true spiritual life as “wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked”. The very riches and material blessings that they seek in their life now are in reality the source of spiritual cancer manifesting deep inside them.

    In as much as Jesus exposes the true spirituality of the Laodiceans, He then graciously calls upon them to seek true eternal wealth that being gold that has been purged of dross and made pure by Him in the victory of His redemptive work. Jesus Christ has been through the refining fire for all of us with the purging of sin on the cross. With that, Jesus is calling them essentially to make a choice: the impure for the pure; the perishable for the imperishable. The admonition by Jesus to the church to buy a white garment reveals that they are predominantly an unsaved church.

    The gold reflects the pure salvation from Christ they are missing in their life. I am inclined to believe Jesus uses the term “to buy” here as a reference to their material wealth since it is the concept this worldly church would easily relate to. It is only the salvation Christ offers that will rectify their spiritual poverty, open their eyes and and cover their nakedness. Salvation through Christ is the white garment of righteousness that covers the shame of the nakedness of sin. We see in Scripture, notably Revelation, white garments being worn by those who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb signifying having the righteousness of Christ; those who are saved and belong to Christ by faith.

    These words of Christ to the church of Laodicea are a rebuke of love and a calling of those who have lost their way to be zealous and repent before it is too late. Jesus is not resident within the church but He stands outside and knocks calling all who will hear His voice to open and invite Him in. This is the call to all in the church whose love has grown lukewarm; either receive the refined gold of truth and salvation from Christ now or be refined during the seven years of Tribulation. Unlike Jesus’ promise to the church of Philadelphia to spare them from the wrath to come upon the whole earth, the church of Laodecia receives not such a promise.

    The Laodecian church is a representative picture of the End-Times church prior to the rapture of true believers in Christ. It is a church that has lost focus of what is truly valuable and no longer has a love of the truth.

    For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

    The falling away from the faith in the latter times is specifically related to a departure from Scriptural truth and the moral precepts defined by the Bible. There will be an abandonment of sound doctrine allowing the culture and society at large to infiltrate the church with their dross that contaminates / replaces that which is pure. Even those who are supposed to guard the truth of God’s Word will fail in their duty to protect what is pure. The end result is a weak, lukewarm, Laodecian church like today where Jesus stands outside knocking. Will we open the door?

    But to all that hear Jesus’ voice He says ” If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 3:20-22

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  • The Refiner’s Fire / Tribulation At Hand

    08/29/2022 / Updated 6/30/2025                     By: M.P. Bramble

    Our God shall come, and shall not keep silent; A fire shall devour before Him, And it shall be very tempestuous all around Him. Psalm 50:3

    Courtesy of New York Gold and Silver Refiners

    As a young man, I was employed by a jewelry company during my college years. Occasionally, I would watch as the craftsman jeweler melted scrap gold into small, single ingots to be sold later. The process required placing the gold in a crucible and applying intense heat. The gold would transform into a liquid that could be poured into a waiting mold. The process would climax when the gold became so hot there would be mini-explosions in the crucible. Any and all impurities mixed with the scrap gold would burn off and be eliminated with a pop leaving a pure, refined weight of gold. This refining process of purification was called “burning off the dross”.

    In Malachi chapter 3, it speaks of a day when God will refine the nation of Israel during the period known as what the Bible calls the Tribulation. Like the process I described above, God will use the crucible of the seven year Tribulation and the intense heat of His wrath as a means to remove the dross from all that is Israel and the world at large. That period on God’s eschatological calendar is quickly approaching. Will you escape God’s wrath or be immersed in His Tribulation crucible?

    “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness. Malachi 3:2-3

    Refining of the World

    The Tribulation will not be a localized event unique to Israel or Jerusalem nor will it be concentrated specifically towards the Jews. The entire world will experience the full weight of the judgements and refining of God with a shaking it has never experienced before. The Church, as the Bride of Christ, will have already been raptured (literally snatched from the Earth) prior to the start of the Tribulation which begins at the signing of the covenant between Israel and the Anti-Christ.

    In his book “The Footsteps of Messiah”, Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum explains the Tribulation period has three purposes. The first is to make an end to wickedness in the world at both the national and the individual levels. The God of creation is always patient with mankind calling people to faith until finally the cup of wickedness runs over and the time of recompense comes due. In the days prior to the Tribulation, the world will experience a crescendo of sin and lawlessness much like we see building today.

    Behold, the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate; and He will destroy its sinners from it. Isaiah 13:9 (also see Isaiah 24:19-20)

    Even during the Tribulation the Lord calls people to repent and turn back to Him. But as judgement falls many curse God rather than repent because they love their sin and wickedness more than Him (Ref – Revelation 9:20-21 & 16:21).

    For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; Who can endure it? “Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm. Joel 2:11b-13

    Again, no one living at the time the Tribulation begins will escape the burning off of the dross of iniquity except the true Church of Jesus Christ taken to Heaven via the Rapture. With the world already in shock over the disappearance of so many people, those who had professed to be Christians but were left behind because their faith was in name only will realize the Biblical prophecies about the End-Times are true and the second advent of Christ is at hand.

    Tribulation Revival

    The second purpose of the Tribulation is to bring about a revival of faith in Christ. Even in the midst of the wrath, God in His mercy calls mankind to true faith. We see this as a group of 144,000 Jewish witnesses roam the Earth proclaiming the Gospel in those days. (Ref – Revelation 7:1-8). In addition, two anointed witnesses minister in Jerusalem for the first 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation with a show of miraculous power and proclamation of truth (Ref – Revelation 11:3-6). A great myriad from every nation, peoples, tribes and tongues will come to true faith in Christ during the days of the Tribulation as a result of these anointed Gospel preachers. But the faith of those who believe will tested even until death.

    After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed. Revelation 7:9-11

    This great believing multitude will be clothed in white robes representing the righteousness of Christ through salvation and faith in His Name. Unfortunately as we see in the verses above, those who come to faith in Christ during those days will be tested and martyred as the Anti-Christ unleashes his vengeance on all who hold fast to their profession of faith in Christ. (Also see Revelation 6:9-11).

    The Refining of Israel

    The third purpose is unique to Israel and the Jews. They as a nation rejected Jesus Christ as their Messiah in His first advent setting the course for the promised scattering of the Jews as a people to the four corners of the globe. But God in these days has been regathering the Jews back to the land promised to Abraham. With the re-birth of the nation of Israel in 1948, the prophecies of Isaiah 66:8-9 and Ezekiel 37:11-13 have come to pass. These and other prophetic fulfillments will usher in the Tribulation days for Israel known as Jacob’s Trouble.

    And it shall come to pass in all the land,” Says the Lord, “That two-thirds in it shall be cut off and die, But one-third shall be left in it: I will bring the one-third through the fire, will refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them. I will say, ‘This is My people’; And each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’ ” Zechariah 13:8-9

    It is a time of purification and refinement for the Jews to burn off the dross of unbelief and kindle national repentance. God has unfinished business with Israel because of their continued stiff-necked unbelief and rejection of His word. Finally, after the wrath of the Tribulation and the second coming of Christ, all of Israel will acknowledge Christ as their Messiah as we see in Zechariah 13. The return of Christ is the climax of the seven year Tribulation when the nations shall all be judged and Jesus will establish His reign over the Earth.

    Way of Escape

    “The way of escape from these things is the rapture, and the requirement to qualify for the rapture is acceptance of Messiah (Jesus Christ) now. ” Arnold Fructenbaum “The Footsteps of the Messiah”

    Jesus Christ is not only the way of escape that time of Tribulation coming upon the Earth but He is also the way of salvation that will keep you from the eternal punishment of hell. To find why you need to believe in Jesus Christ, check out my post “Finding Faith in Jesus Christ”.

    Out of the Fire

    Out of the 7 years of the refiners fire of the Tribulation, will come a time of true peace upon the Earth for 1,000 years known as the Millennial reign of Christ. He will rule with truth and righteousness as the nations and mankind finally recognize the truth of God’s word, His sovereignty and eternal nature as Creator of all.

    And a throne shall be established in lovingkindness; and one shall sit thereon in truth, in the tent of David, judging, and seeking justice, and swift to do righteousness. Isaiah 16:5 (ASV)

    It is only through true faith in Jesus Christ does man find real freedom, peace and the reality of being conformed into something God considers precious and of true value. In my most recent post Beauty for Ashes, I explain how Jesus can take a life and create something of unexpected beauty from the ashes of life.

    If you desire to know how to have a relationship with Jesus Christ – Check out this page.

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  • Beauty for Ashes

    08/12/2022 

    To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.   Isaiah 61:3
    Creative Artwork by EmmyLucyCo used with permission

    Many years ago a friend gave me a piece of paper with the above Bible verse on it. Somehow reading that verse opened my eyes to what God wanted to accomplish in my life. Out of the ashes of life, He began to slowly rebuild something of unexpected beauty. As a result, I have come to realize He is for me and not against me and that His love knows no bounds for those who trust Him.

    That love was put on full display for all mankind in His Son, Jesus Christ. Through Jesus Christ, God has made a way to offer hope, peace and a rescue from a malady that plagues us all. His message of love to you and me is simple yet incredibly profound in scope. It is through trusting Jesus Christ that God can take the ashes of life to accomplish something of uncommon beauty and even unexpected.

    The Ash Pile

    Much of the ashes in our lives are caused by the malady I mentioned. As human we were born with a sin nature and obviously we have all exercised that nature to some degree or another during our lives. It is the issue we constantly stumble over and it not only causes us to be separated from intimate fellowship with God but hinders our human relationships too. Have you ever asked yourself why you do things you know are wrong and hurtful when you really don’t want to do them? The answer is that sin nature within us. Here are a few Scriptures that offer insight on sin from God’s point of view: 

    If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8 

If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him (God) a liar, and His word is not in us. 1 John 1:10   

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God....Romans 3:23.

    Untold books, videos and social media platforms are dedicated to telling us how to make ourselves better, happier and more content. However, they offer only skin-deep, surface level solutions to an issue that is heart deep. God wants to give you a new heart with the power to overcome sin in your life. Rather than changing us from the outside in, He changes us on the inside first which then changes on the outside. He only asks that you trust Him and His promises in Jesus Christ. This is where God’s grace and mercy steps in to provide a solution for mankind born out of love.

    The Rescue Plan

    Mankind needed that solution to rescue him from the grip of sin and reconcile us to God. And it was God who took it upon Himself to provide that way of deliverance and reconciliation. The central figure to accomplish the plan and subsequent liberation was Jesus Christ. It was His suffering and death on the cross that became the required payment for sin for all mankind including yours. It should have been you and me on that cross. Here are just a few Scripture verses on the redemptive work of Jesus Christ for us.

    God made Him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.  2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV).  

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.  John 3:1

And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.  1 John 2:2

For it pleased the Father that in Him (Jesus) all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.      Colossians 1:19-20

    Jesus Christ accomplished for us what no ordinary man could because He had no sin Himself as the Holy Son of God. But He became sin for us taking our sins upon Himself to the cross. This was all part of God’s supernatural grand rescue plan to send His only begotten Son into the world so we would have eternal life as a gift from Him.

    What Must I Do?

    So what does God ask from us? Like any gift you should receive it but this one you must receive by faith. God is asking you to believe in His Son, trust in His finished work on the cross and call upon Him as your Savior and Lord. It will then be your faith in Christ that will put you in right relationship with God; in other words, declared righteous! 

    But as many as received Him (Jesus), to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13

    God asks us to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and was raised from the dead as the only way to heaven and reconciliation with the Father. In a bold statement by Jesus Christ, He lays down the gauntlet of His supremacy as the Son of God and the exclusive way to eternal life. 

    Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.  John 14:6

...if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”   Romans 10: 9-11

For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”   Romans 10:13

    The Bottom Line

    The bottom line is are you willing to let Jesus come into your life and take your ashes and make something beautiful, something for God’s glory and your eternal life? God the Father said He will give you a new heart, one of flesh rather than stone and put a new Spirit within you. He is offering it to all who will ask and believe by faith that Jesus is the Savior and Redeemer. He will then present you holy, blameless and above reproach in His sight as it says in Colossians below.

    For it pleased the Father that in Him (Jesus) all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard,..... Colossians 1:19-23

    I would hope you have trusted Jesus Christ by faith. For He is the great redeemer, restorer and who gives us the oil of joy. Blessings and Maranatha!

    Steps To Faith in Jesus Christ

  • For My Eyes Have Seen

    07/29/2022

    For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.  2 Chronicles 16:9 (NIV)

    There lived in Jerusalem an obscure man known to be righteous and devout. He had seen much in life through his many years both good and bad. The wrinkles across his brow telling the story of a weathered pilgrimage. But he had faith in his God even as his eyes grew dim and he saw his days growing long. It was a humble faith that deep down held that God was the keeper of His promises.

    The old man had been given a special promise by God that he treasured in his heart. He was always reluctant to share the promise with others because they would scoff and maybe charge him as a dreamer. No longer could he remember the day God had given him the promise, only that years had passed as he waited patiently knowing in his aged mind that the time of fulfillment had to be soon.

    Then there came one early morning as he arose to pray that he sensed the spirit of the times was budding. An end and a new beginning was pulsing in the air. This was the day when old Simeon was moved by the Holy Spirit to go to the Temple. As he arrived, Simeon anxiously searched for the fulfillment of his hope. His spirit quickened as he saw them across the temple court; there a young couple and a baby boy. Simeon hurried towards them, took the baby Jesus gently in his arms and spoke the words God had stored up in his heart all those years.

    “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32

    After the first paragraph or so, many of you may have recognized this is a dramatized account of Simeon from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:22-35). The account of Simeon in the Bible, although brief, casts a long shadow into the future as the Lord reveals through him pieces of the divine plan of redemption.

    Although Simeon comes on the scene out of nowhere, you sense God had been preparing him for this encounter for many years. Finally, his treasured promise from God had been realized as he held the Christ in his arms and his heart could now rest knowing the consolation of Israel was at hand.

    But the preeminent promise of God to all of mankind was dawning at the same time. A promise that was spoken through the prophets of old that they too longed to see with their eyes but could only hold by faith. Yet that day, Simeon’s eyes rested upon that very promise, the mystery of God (Colossians 2:2), the Messiah.

    Simeon lived on the cusp of a time of spiritual transition. The revelation of God and His interaction with mankind was about to abruptly and powerfully change. The age of grace was at its inception when condemnation would be crushed and the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus would make men free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-3) for all who would trust His atoning work.

    Today we too live on the edge of such a time when God is about to usher in an ending and a new beginning. A new advent is on the horizon breaking forth with latent prophecies of old that are about to be fulfilled. The Spirit of God is whispering that the fullness of the ages is ready to reveal its next mysteries and the ripeness of the times is waiting to send forth its fruit.

    Like Simeon, we patiently wait and yearn as the promise of the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ draws near (Titus 2:11-14).

    Steps to Faith in Jesus Christ