John Johansson

Escapism?

A word often spoken about animals that have a knack of getting loose from a pen or some other form of restraint, or even of people that have a way of getting free of restraints or situations they face, is Houdini. Houdini is not just a word, but it is a name, the name of a great escape artist, Harry Houdini. Harry Houdini started his career in the late 1800’s and became very popular in the early 1900’s. Houdini is known as probably one of the best escape artists of all time, and perhaps possibly the best of the best. Houdini’s escapes were not just merely escaping out of straight-jackets, or any variety of locks and chains to which he was bound to. Houdini’s escapes were acts that threatened his life if he was not successful within a timely manner, and thus they were acts of escaping death or serious life-threatening injuries. These kinds of escapes are known as Escapology, the escape from restraints, other traps, or other perils.

Whenever the subject of the rapture is mentioned, some will discount it as a teaching of Escapism. Often those who call it escapism are people that don’t believe in the rapture, though they do believe in the Second Coming of Christ when He returns to establish His kingdom for a thousand years. Those who believe the rapture is a teaching of escapism view those who believe in it as people wanting to escape the realities of daily life and it’s many challenges for something better. Opponents of the rapture teaching believe Christians are to be hard at work to change their communities, and the world at large, through various ways and means for Christ, so that through such changes the church will overcome the enemies of Jesus and thereby usher in His return to establish His earthly kingdom here. In previous blogs I have established that the Bible clearly teaches a coming rapture event, a separate event from the Second Coming of Christ that takes place at the end of the Tribulation period, but is the context of these teachings based on escapism?

Before we tackle the question of whether or not the rapture teaching is a teaching of escapism, I want to take a brief look at another view of the rapture. Some people believe that the rapture is a future event to come, but instead of seeing it as an escape of some kind, they focus on the aspect of the rapture where followers of Christ will be reunited with Him for all eternity. They take the perspective that the sole or primary reason for the rapture is to be reunited with Christ, and in turn avoid or discount any idea of the rapture being an event of escape. While this way of thinking lends itself to a seeker-sensitive or emergent church way of thought, where the focus is more on Christ’s love with very little mentioned about accountability or a coming judgment, much less God pouring out any wrath upon unrepentant mankind. Is this Scripturally sound? It sounds good, but what does the Bible have to say about this?

To begin with, there is a clear difference between escape and escapism. Where escapism is basically the attempt to depart from reality to what we could call a virtual reality or fantasy, escape is when one departs something that is either restraining them or an impending peril of some sort. Escapism can be seen in people who flee reality or depression through drugs, alcohol, and relationships, just to name a few. No where in Scripture are we told to flee from reality and to embrace a virtual realm or fantasy of some sort. However, the Bible is filled with accounts of people and nations escaping peril and judgments facing them. The Bible tells of Noah escaping a judgment upon mankind through a world-wide flood by entering an ark God instructed him to build. Lot escaped a judgment that came upon Sodom and Gomorrah by fleeing with angels. Multiple times the Israelites escaped God’s judgment while they were in the wilderness for 40 years through obedience to His commands. The city of Nineveh escaped God’s judgment by repenting and turning away from their wicked and sinful ways. And in like manner, people escape the judgment and penalties for their sin by salvation through Christ, and in maintaining a heart attitude of repentance for sin they commit after salvation. These are just some of the examples we find in Scripture of people escaping God’s wrath and judgments through acts of repentance and obedience to Him. But, what about the rapture? Is that an event connected with an escape?

In Luke 21:36, we find a connection between the coming rapture and an escape of things to come. Jesus, Himself, tells us to “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” – (boldness added, NKJV) To discount the teaching that God is providing a way of escape from His coming wrath and judgments upon the earth is to discount Jesus’ own words. Jesus doesn’t tell us how to stop His wrath and judgments from coming, but rather how to escape them. The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, that there is coming a “day of the Lord” where His wrath will be poured out upon the world, and that there will be no escape for those who are not watching with a sober mind of His return for us. Paul further encourages us by making it clear we are not appointed to God’s wrath, and that we need to be comforted with that fact and that He will keep us from the judgments to come. Speaking to the Church of Philadelphia, Jesus tells us that those who keep His command to persevere, those who don’t let anyone take their crown, that they will be kept from the hour of testing that will come upon the whole world. Or, in other words, they will escape the hour of testing that will be coming to the earth in the last days.

When we think of the rapture, it’s not just an event that takes us to Jesus. It’s an event triggered as a way of escape from what is about to come to the earth. The Greek word for rapture, harpadzo, is by its very nature a word representing a forceful catching up of people from an impending danger or times of peril. I heard of a Greek man describing what it means in the following way. Harpadzo means to grab someone by their hair, and to violently pull them to safety out of the path of a high-speed tractor-trailer rig just before the person gets hit by it. With that understanding, it becomes increasingly clear that the rapture is intended to be a way of escape for followers of Jesus, the Bride of Christ. To say the teaching of a rapture is escapism is to deny the reality of what Scripture tells us is soon coming to the whole world. To say that the teaching of a rapture is not about an escape, or as I’ve called it on occasion the great evacuation, is to deny the very nature and purpose of the rapture, ignoring both the words of Jesus and other references in Scripture pointing to it. If the rapture isn’t about an escape from the judgments coming to the world, as some claim it’s not, then why would it be important it for it to happen prior to the Tribulation period? If it’s only about being with Jesus, then it would be hard to associate it with Biblically prophesied end-time events. And if that is the case, then why are we told in Revelation 22:17, in connection to end-time events, that “the Spirit and the bride say, Come!”? It’s a statement of desperation, not one of longing for the presence of another. And, in response to what the Spirit and the Bride shouts, why would Jesus in Revelation 22:20 encourage us by making it clear that “Surely I am coming quickly.” The rapture is an event of escape, and to say otherwise is to deny both the words of Jesus, as well as the whole Bible when it continually talks of escaping judgments and tribulations. When the Bible shares of those who escaped judgments and tribulations, there is no reference to people experiencing a love for God and a longing to be with Him. Instead, those who escaped such things did so by obedience to His commands. God doesn’t measure our love for Him based on our emotions, or even by our many works of service, but multiple times in 1 John we are told He measures our love for Him based on our obedience or disobedience to His commands.

The rapture is not a way to escape reality and to enter a virtual reality or fantasy of some sort. The rapture is not primarily for bringing us to Jesus for all eternity, though it certainly includes that. The rapture, in its very essence based upon Scripture, is a way of escape at the last possible minute from the coming judgments, testing, and tribulations coming to the world. If you believe in the rapture but don’t recognize it as an escape, then you must be okay with the possibility of being here during the Great Tribulation period. As for me, I want to heed the words of Jesus so I can escape what we’re told is coming “down the pipes” for all the world.

How about you? Are you looking for an escape, not from reality, but from what is coming to the earth and to a better reality in Heaven?

John Johansson

[thrive_leads id=’457′]

A 2018 Challenge

As we face the arrival of a new year, it is becoming increasingly more apparent that the return of Jesus for His bride is ever nearer and more imminent than ever before. I find that many are so focused on what is happening here in America, that they are somewhat oblivious to the increasing fulfillment of Biblical signs outside of America, as well as the final stages being set for the coming Tribulation period as outlined in Scripture. There are many reasons for this, but I think the greatest reason for this is found in Matthew 24:4. In this passage Jesus is responding to questions asked of Him by His disciples regarding His coming and the end of the age. The very first thing He says is a word of caution that no one deceives them. The closer we get to the Rapture of the Church to Christ, and the start of the Tribulation period, the greater the deceptions will be, and we must be careful not to get caught up in any of them.

Even as I write this, deception is rampant both in the world and in church circles. While there are many different forms of deception, all deception we find in John 8:44 comes from Satan, himself. Satan desires to keep people from salvation and a relationship with Christ. He desires to distract us from Christ and the will and plan Jesus has for our lives. He seeks to destroy us, as well as to corrupt any good thing we have and receive from Jesus. He schemes to divert our focus off Jesus and the life we are to live as His ambassadors, guiding us into a self-centered mindset seeking after comfort, convenience, and the many different types of blessings that grab our hearts and attention. Satan even offers up the various “flavors” of Christianity he’s come up with that have just enough truth in them to subtly draw people from sound doctrine and right relationship with Christ. Can you expect anything less from the father of all lies who seeks to steal, kill and destroy? After all, he’s been doing this for thousands of years.

Only God knows what exactly the year 2018 has in store for us, but one thing for sure is that we need to make sure we are ready for that pre-Tribulation trumpet blast, the one that summons all those in Christ, dead and alive, to meet Jesus in the air on the way to His Father’s house. For 2018, let’s strive to make sure we’re not falling victim to the deceptions seen all around us.

Deception begins when we don’t judge what we see, hear and read with all of Scripture. There are a lot of teachings out there that sound good, they feel good, and they “make sense”, but when they are held up to the Bible in its entirety they fall short of Biblical truth. We can’t pick and choose which portions of Scripture are relevant to us, or to base a doctrine or theology from, especially when the Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that all Scripture are inspired of God and relevant to us for doctrine. I grew up under pastors who encouraged us to check if what they were preaching and teaching lined up with Scripture, and if there was a question about something they said, they encouraged and welcomed us to ask them about it. They were not afraid or threatened by this. They knew that they did not have all the answers, and they were opened to learn something new. Your pastor should welcome you searching for yourself as to whether they are scripturally sound with what they are teaching and preaching or not. I know of one pastor who isn’t truly open to this. He’ll tell you one thing when talking to him, but later he’ll make comments in a group setting that clearly indicates he was not appreciative of someone questioning something he said or did. I quickly learned to keep my mouth shut about such things with him. Is your pastor one that encourages you to not take his word as to what Scripture does or does not say, and welcomes your questions about things he or she is preaching or teaching? I hope so.

There are many deceptive teachings within church circles in the days we live in. Teachings that sound good and appeal to our self-centered, materialistic beliefs, including just enough scripture to appear legitimate while discounting passages that would contradict the teachings they embrace. Some appeal to our desire of living without accountability for things we may say or do. Others appeal to our desire for a higher standard of living with nothing but blessings and promises of God to pursue. Others look for a better world because of the Church taking over, through their influence, government and the “seven-mountains of influence”. And yet others seem to change the great commission into something that looks more like a social club, or even a charitable group like the Shriners, etc. Some of these are good things, in part, and can be supported with some scripture, but when these things become their banner cry, so to speak, more than preaching unapologetically the message of the cross, everyone’s need for a savior, forgiveness through repentance and turning away from sin, and a life surrendered to Christ, then there is a problem. Be careful not to fall for teachings that either twists Scripture, takes Scripture out of context, or discounts or rationalizes why certain passages are not relevant to us today, all in the attempt to support or justify what is being taught.

So, in 2018, let’s try to avoid becoming a victim of deception, deceptions that could potentially derail our trek to eternity with Christ. It’s not like there will be “do overs” if we mess up due to neglect on our part to know what Scripture has to say to us. Jesus is coming at any time for a bride without spot, wrinkle, or any blemishes. Let’s do our part to keep our garments of righteousness ready and prepared for His imminent return for us.

John Johansson

[thrive_leads id=’457′]

Bride, or Bridesmaids

In Matthew 25:1-13 we find Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins, a parable often referenced when talking about end-time events. There seems to be differing views as to who the ten virgins represent, some believe they represent Christians while others believe they represent the bride’s bridesmaids. On the surface the logical conclusion would be that they represent bridesmaids, mainly because there are ten of them as opposed to only one. However, there are a couple things we need to consider that I believe shed more light on the subject.

To begin with, contrary to what some believe, we need to understand that these virgins represent Christians. These virgins, all ten of them, were waiting and expecting the groom to return at some point, at which time they would leave with him. Unbelievers are not waiting, much less expecting, Christ to return for them, and furthermore they do not recognize Him as their Lord. The picture here clearly shows that these virgins are Christians, since only Christians are waiting and expecting Jesus to return, as well as identify Him as Lord. Earlier today I heard a pastor on the radio refer to the five foolish virgins as being unbelievers, but based on what I just shared with you I believe that is an inaccurate interpretation of the text.

At face value it would seem odd, and very inappropriate, for the groom to be returning for more than one bride as this parable appears to indicate. However, I am reminded of what the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, in which he describes the body of Christ as one body made up of many members. If many individuals make up the one body of Christ, and if the body of Christ is also the bride of Christ, then it would make sense that Jesus used ten virgins in this parable instead of only one. In the context of what the Apostle Paul wrote in the above passage, then it is very reasonable to view the ten virgins as individual members of the one bride the groom is coming back for. If, as I indicate, the ten virgins represent ten individuals making up the one bride the groom is coming back for, what does it then say of the five who were described as foolish? I’ll touch on that later.

Another thing to consider as we look at who these ten virgins represent is found in Matthew 25:11. In this passage the five foolish virgins attempt to enter in where the bride and groom are, but they are denied entrance. In the days of Jesus and the Apostle Paul, the arrival of the bride to the house of the groom’s father started off a week of festivities that saw friends, family, and wedding guests freely coming and going as they wished. This more than likely included the bridesmaids who were there to attend to the bride. As such, then it would have been very unlikely and inappropriate for the groom to deny his bride’s bridesmaids entrance. I’ve even heard that there have been times when the bridesmaids would be present in the room, available to attend to the bride as she needed, when the groom and his bride consummated their marriage. Again, if this were the case, the bridesmaids would certainly have not been denied entrance in case the bride needed them.

The fact that the five foolish virgins were not only denied entrance, but also told by the groom that he did not know them, makes the case that these were Christians who were once included as the bride of Christ. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus tells us that there will be many who will call Him Lord, after which they will remind Him of their impressive spiritual resume. Jesus tells us that He will tell them, “I never knew you: depart from me, you who practice lawlessness”. In essence, these people called Jesus their Lord, they had done many things in His name, but they apparently were not living in obedience to Jesus as referenced in His comment “you who practice lawlessness”. They were living as unto themselves, or at least as they saw fit instead of submitting to His Lordship in their life. Jesus’ comments to these people are basically the same thing the groom tells the five foolish virgins when they attempted to enter in, “assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you”.

All ten virgins were waiting for the groom to return. All of them at some point fell asleep while waiting. All of them woke up when they heard the midnight cry signaling the imminent return of the groom for them. All of them began to trim their lamps when the midnight cry was sounded. But, only five of them had enough oil to last until the groom returned, and they were then found to be foolish. I do not believe the oil represents the Holy Spirit in this parable, simply because you don’t “buy and sell” the Holy Spirit. I believe the oil in this parable represents how much a life of surrender and sacrifice for Jesus one has “paid”. Jesus tells us in Luke 14:26-33 to count the “cost” of following Him, otherwise we can’t be His disciples. Perhaps these five foolish virgins did not accurately count the “cost” of being the bride, and because of it they were not prepared when the midnight cry went out. Have you counted the cost of following Jesus? Have you been afraid to take a stand for Christ, and not just in words, but also in seeking to honor and please Him with your life no matter who you’re with or where you’re at? Have the priorities in your life, and the choices and decisions you’ve made, represented a life set apart for Jesus and Him alone? If not, now is the time to repent of that to Jesus, and to start putting Him first in every aspect of your life. It does not mean you will be perfect and never sin, but if the attitudes and motivations of your heart seeks to honor Him first and foremost in all your ways, repenting and turning away from sin when you have sinned, then I believe His grace will cover the rest.

The midnight cry is, and has been in recent years, sounding the alarm that our Groom, Jesus, is set to return at any moment. Now is not the time to be playing church. Now is the time to make things right with Him, and to start living your life as unto Him in all your ways. I pray that you will be one of the wise virgins represented in this parable, and not one of the foolish ones. We’re told in Revelation 16:15 that people will see the shame of the foolish ones, those who got left behind because they were not watching for Christ’s return or keeping their garments clean and without spot, wrinkle or blemishes.

Be one of the wise ones!!!!!

John Johansson

[thrive_leads id=’457′]

It Has Arrived

A new book I just finished has now been released. A Glory Filled Future; Understanding end-time events and the marriage connection, is now available in both paperback and ebook. In this book I focus on one of the keys God has given us to better understand end-time events as they specifically relate to followers of Christ.

Get your paperback or ebook copy today at, https://aerbook.com/maker/productcard-3435170-2282.html.

There is A Glory Filled Future awaiting followers of Christ. Are you looking forward to it?

The Great Illusion

Illusions performed by magicians can be quite impressive, capturing the attention of fans and critics alike. For fans, fueled by their amazement of what just happened, they are mesmerized into trying to figure out how the illusion was done. For critics, they are intrigued with how the magician could capture the attention of those watching by their trickery and deceptions. The world around us is filled with many illusions, where people are working to convince others to believe what they want them to, even when they know it’s not true and will lead them astray.

When we talk of illusions, there is one that I want to address that can be found within church circles. There are many illusions within church circles, each one bringing some damage to the body of Christ, both small and great. The illusion I’m referring to in this blog is centered around the idea that churches must make certain changes to be relevant to people and those who are unchurched. Let me explain.

Over 20 years ago a particular teaching became very popular, acting as a guide of sorts to help churches grow and reach out to their communities. I understand that churches need to adapt in some respects as culture and societies change, making better use of current technology and social media for example. However, the teaching I’m referring to went beyond that, telling churches that they needed to focus on the love of Christ, building the self-esteem of those lacking good self-esteem, and doing good deeds through community involvement. Yes, each of those things are good, I do agree. But at the same time churches were, and still are, encouraged to say very little if anything about sin and repentance, the shed blood of Jesus and our need for it to wash away our sin, about a coming judgment and an eternity in hell for those rejecting Jesus and the full Gospel message. Churches were also encouraged to remove crosses or any other traditional displays, inside or outside the church, that would identify them as a church, looking to be ‘seeker sensitive’ to those who are opposed to churches for any number of different reasons. In essence, churches were encouraged to remove from their premises and from their teachings anything that would offend people and keep them from coming to their church.

What I just described is very disheartening. It’s like a hospital that has all the resources needed to help cure a person from a devastating disease like cancer, only to remove the cure and any mention of it from their premises because of those who would be offended by the cure and what it would cost them, but they still want them to feel good and welcomed to come visit anytime they desire. It is true that many of the churches I described have significantly grown numerically speaking, but a question comes to mind. Regarding the large numbers attending these churches, the question is asked, how many of them really understand salvation, their need for it, and the cost of following Jesus? Or are they merely attending a church that makes them feel good without addressing sin, the need for repentance, and submission to Jesus as their Lord?

While churches have done what they could to make people feel welcomed to be there, have they at the same time compromised the crux and beauty of the gospel message to facilitate their objective to draw people to them? The gospel message has remained the same for over 2000 years, and to change or water it down for the purpose of growing the church numerically is not a God thing. In the New Testament, the church didn’t grow exponentially because they changed the message to be more appealing to the masses. Instead, it grew amid extreme persecution because the full gospel message centered on the fact that we are all born sinners and in need of a savior, that it is through Jesus alone, and the blood He shed on a cross for us, that we can have salvation. It is then that the conviction of the Holy Spirit drew people to Jesus for salvation. Well, the illusion doesn’t end there.

Last year my eyes were opened to something that shows how much this illusion has infiltrated and infected some churches. It is no secret that I am not a fan of Halloween, knowing that everything about it and what it represents is in direct opposition to the God I serve. Often people will ask me what I’m doing for Halloween, and I simply tell them I don’t acknowledge it because it’s a conflict of interest for me as a Christian. I am not opposed to a church doing something on that day as an outreach for the community, but if what they are doing resembles Halloween in any way, in appearance or behavior, then I have an issue with that. In our community, many churches have what is called, Trunk or Treat, and last year something was brought to my attention that showed how much some churches have fallen as representatives of Christ to their community. For obvious reasons, I have not attended one of these events, but last year someone at one of these churches mentioned jack-o-lanterns they had made for the event and it got me to thinking about something. Thinking about it, I made a point in taking a drive Halloween night past some of the churches having such an event, and what I found was very sad. Of the churches I drove past that hosted a Trunk or Treat event that night, I noticed that while many of them thought it was okay to have both the appearance and behavior of Halloween and all that it represents present, some of them had literally no crosses or other displays outside that identified them as a Christian church. How is it that they have nothing to identify themselves as a Christian church, yet they feel perfectly fine to welcome and allow that which is directly opposed to Christ? Have they bought into the illusion that they can’t have anything displayed that might offend or keep people away just to increase their attendance? Have they become more concerned about offending people with the simple truth of the gospel, than they are in offending the One who gave His life for them to have salvation? Have they forgotten that they are ambassadors of Christ? Yes, Jesus reached out to and spent time with sinners, but He didn’t compromise the gospel message or participate in anything that was diametrically opposed to Him or the Father.

And in case I haven’t made it clear, everything about Halloween is diametrically and aggressively opposed to God and the gospel message found in Jesus. Are you afraid of taking a stand for Christ in your everyday life, pointing people to the saving message we find at the cross of Jesus? If you are afraid of that, are you also okay with allowing people to think that you are okay with those things that are in clear opposition to and in conflict with the very heart and nature of Christ? Who or what are you living for, Christ or the opinions and feelings of others? Let it be for Christ from here on out!

John Johansson

[thrive_leads id=’457′]

Evacuation

About a month ago, the division I work for was involved in helping a neighboring County in the evacuation of its resident’s due to a wildfire. Our role in this evacuation was very limited, but it reminded me of another wildfire that occurred a few years earlier. In 2013, I was personally affected by the Rim Fire, the third largest wildfire in California’s recorded history. Because of that fire, we had family evacuated from the area, friends from church were ordered to evacuate and stayed a while with us, and we were put on alert that an evacuation order might be given to us as well at any moment. On a professional level, my division was directly involved in evacuating residents who were unable to get out of areas that were greatly threatened by the fire.

As I thought about these evacuations, I was reminded of a massive evacuation that is set to take place in the very near future. We’ve been told that there will be an evacuation coming, the reason for it, and that we are to be alert and prepared for when it happens. With the Rim Fire, there were some who chose to ignore or discount the need or urgency to evacuate, and people are choosing to do the same thing regarding this upcoming evacuation order.

What is the purpose of an evacuation? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, to evacuate means: to remove especially from a military zone or dangerous area; to withdraw from a place in an organized way especially for protection. In other words, to evacuate means to escape a place of danger to go to a place of safety. In Luke 21:36, following what He shared regarding end-time events, Jesus tells us to, “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to ESCAPE (caps added) all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” It could be said that Jesus is commanding us to take specific steps in preparation of a great evacuation that is yet to come. Some in church circles belittle those looking to the rapture as an escape from what is coming, arguing that Christians shouldn’t be looking to escape the coming Tribulation period, but in doing so they are discounting the very words of Jesus, leading others to disobey the commands of Jesus.

Others make light of, and in some cases even mock, Jesus’ command to watch and pray, something He mentions multiple times in the Gospels. Jesus isn’t telling us to spend our life sitting on a patio lounger, staring off into the eastern sky, watching for Him to return. What He is telling us is simple. We are to be watching the signs of His return, not sticking our heads in the sand because we don’t like or want to see what is happening around us, and to pray always that the life we’re living is one that He will count as worthy to be evacuated to safety in advance of the coming tribulation and judgments. Jesus tells us that when He returns for the Church, His bride, people will be living and enjoying life, oblivious to what is quickly coming upon them. There is also absolutely no indication, from Jesus or any of the Apostles, that His return for His bride will come in the middle of, or immediately following, a great revival as some would like to believe. Why would there be the danger of judgments from God when He’s in the middle of changing the hearts and minds of man back to Him? Yes, I do believe there is a great revival coming to the earth, but I strongly believe it will not take place until after the rapture of the Church, the evacuation of the bride of Christ to safety. In Isaiah 26:20-21, we see a passage that seems to point to the rapture of the Church, and the fact that God will call His people up to safety before He punishes the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity.

Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you, hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, until the indignation is past.

For behold, the Lord comes out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity; the earth will also disclose her blood, and will no more cover her slain. – Isaiah 26:20-21 (NKJV)

There is a great evacuation set to take place in the very near future. This will be an evacuation for followers of Christ who are actively watching for His return, and who are always praying that their life will be counted worthy to escape that which is coming. Are you taking His return seriously, as well as His commands for us to follow in preparation for that time? The risk for neglecting His commands regarding His return for us is extreme, and something to not take lightly. If you haven’t been taking the words of Jesus seriously, now is the time to start. Don’t be like those who choose to ignore or discount the need to prepare for an evacuation due to wildfires or some other dangerous situations. Unlike evacuations ordered for wildfires and such, your response to the evacuation orders Jesus commanded us to prepare for will have eternal implications for you, good or bad.

John Johansson (Pastor John)

[thrive_leads id=’457′]

Family Heritage

Family reunions. Some families have them, and others do not. For those families that do, some reunions are good while others are ones you wish you could block out of your memory. Some are reunions that are filled with love and acceptance, others filled with anger and hatred, and then there are those that are a mix of both. For the first time in over 40 years I am currently attending a family reunion, and it’s been a blessing being able to see and connect with relatives I haven’t seen in years, as well as some I’ve never seen before. Does your family have reunions? Are they good ones, or are they ones you would prefer to not be invited to?

In a family meeting held earlier this evening, one of the things addressed was regarding how the family is growing, and as it’s growing how the younger generations are not appreciating the importance and heritage of the family and its reunions. In a brief conversation later this evening, a follow-up of sorts to what was discussed earlier, someone made a couple comments that got my attention. The first thing he commented on was the main reason our reunions got started, and then he addressed the responsibility each of us have.

One of the main reasons given attributing to the start of these reunions started when my grandpa and his siblings were young, when their parents, my great-grandparents, had them all rehearse scenes in the Bible. As a result, they became very close, having unconditional love and acceptance for one another, and this was a reason he gave for how these reunions got started. I’m sure there was more to it, some of which we may never know, but this was one of the things this person attributed to these reunions.

Regarding the responsibility each of us have, it was simple. This person commented that each of us have the responsibility to train and instill within following generations an appreciation of the family and its heritage, and as a result the reunions and family heritage will continue throughout the generations.

When I think of what this person said, I can’t help but see the same within the family of God. There is a heritage within the family of God that extends back to the early Church and the life, death and resurrection of Christ. It’s a heritage of unconditional love, grace, and forgiveness, both that which has been given to us through Christ, and that which is to be the heart and character of each one of us that takes on the name of Christ. It’s a heritage full of life, freedom from sin, reason and purpose for life, and a blessed hope of eternal life without sin, sickness, sorrow, or death. The heritage afforded us through Christ is greater than any we could ever hope to have or gain in this life. This is a heritage more valuable than life itself, and it is up to us to not only guard and nurture it in our life, but to also invite others to partake in it for themselves by wholly surrendering their own lives to Jesus as well.

For those of us who have become partakers of this spiritual heritage found in and through Christ, it is our responsibility to train and instill within the hearts of our children an appreciation and passion for that which we gain through Christ, and Christ alone. It is up to us to pass down to the generations that follow us an appreciation of that which Christ did for us, becoming a conduit by which the spiritual heritage we have can be extended to those that follow us as they surrender their own lives to Jesus. Each person, each child, must make that decision on their own, but if we fail to train and instill these things into the hearts and minds of our children, then they will have a decreasing appreciation for the spiritual heritage we have in Christ and will one day no longer have it for themselves, much less transfer it to their descendants. We see this happening in the world today, especially in America. Christians have basically taken things for granted and didn’t guard the spiritual, Christian heritage of this country, and now we have a country that has drifted far from Christ, and in many ways, have become enemies of Christ and everything about Him.

When I was thinking about all of this, another thing crossed my mind that is an epidemic within church circles, something that has done more to drive people away from Christ than to Him. Often, well intentioned people or parents will focus on training others in how they are to live, forgetting to instill within them not only a love and appreciation for Christ and what He did for them, but more importantly the need to develop and nurture a personal relationship with Christ. Relationship with Christ is where it all begins, but many times we forget about that and focus on all the other stuff. Relationship with Christ is not based on the absence of laws, rules, and commandments, nor is it based on obeying laws, rules, and commandments. Relationship with Christ is based on a love for Him and an appreciation of what He did for us, paying the penalty of our sins and making eternal life with Him available through His resurrection.

Growing up I remember hearing people talk that Christians don’t do this or that, and without really addressing the why’s people became resentful because they couldn’t see the harm in some of those things. They began to view Christianity as a life filled with do’s and don’ts, a life of legalism. As a result, there has been a significant exodus of sorts of people from Christianity, some of which returned to embrace a form of Christianity that is opposed to any rules, laws, or commandments. The problem wasn’t with the do’s and don’ts. The problem was that they had not caught the spirit behind many of those do’s and don’ts, and as a result all they saw was legalism. They didn’t know how that many of those don’ts were there because people before them had been saved from a lifestyle that included those things, and out of a love for God and a desire to honor Him in all their ways, they refused to allow those things to be a part of their life. It wasn’t the list of things that was so wrong, but it was the neglect to train and instill within those that followed them the reason and the spirit behind them, and as a result what was right and good for some became legalistic for others.

If we are to continue the spiritual heritage we have in Christ to those who follow us, whether they are our children or others that look up to us, we need to start by instilling within them a love for Christ and a deep appreciation for what He did for us 2000 years ago. If we fail to do so, then we will fail to give those who follow us any reason to embrace the spiritual heritage we have, much less lead others into it. If those who follow us don’t have a deep love and appreciation for Christ, then they won’t reflect that in their life and how they live, and if they do then it will be more out of obligation or because that’s how they were taught to live, which could lead to being legalistic. Remember though, if you do your best with God’s help to train and instill within others a deep love and appreciation for Christ, then it’s not on you if they choose to go in another direction in their life.

Do you have relationship with Christ? Are you in the family of God? Then it is up to you to nurture and protect that spiritual heritage in your own life, and to promote it within the hearts and minds of those who follow you through a personal relationship with Christ. Do your part to continue the spiritual heritage you have become a part of in Christ.

John Johansson (Pastor John)

[thrive_leads id=’457′]

The Mark of the Beast

It seems like most everyone in and out of church circles has heard the term, the Mark of the Beast. We first learn about it in Revelation 13:11-18, a mark given to those who pledge allegiance and their worship to the Anti-Christ, the beast. It is in this same passage of Scripture that we learn about the number of the beast, 666. What is the Mark of the Beast, and what does it mean for those who take it, or for those who reject it?

Having grown up in Church I have heard many different ideas of what the Mark of the Beast is. I’ve heard of it being a tattoo of the number 666 or a barcode of some sort. I’ve even heard some say it would be a type of computer circuit board placed under the skin. The most recent, and most popular theory of what the Mark of the Beast will be is the use of an RFID chip inserted under the skin with a hypodermic needle. The RFID chip has numerous capabilities and uses that make it a viable candidate for the Mark, but does Scripture support that theory?

One of the biggest reasons people are quick to say that the RFID chip is the Mark of the Beast is because it can be used both to track people as well as to have a level of control over individuals we haven’t seen on a mass scale before. Another reason some believe the RFID chip will be the Mark of the Beast is because it can integrate with financial institutions and retail establishments for various financial transactions, providing a level of security from theft and fraud, as well as identity theft. Does Scripture indicate that the Mark of the Beast will be used to track or control people? Or that it will be used to facilitate financial transactions?

I used to be one that thought that the RFID chip could be the Mark of the Beast, but a thought recently crossed my mind that made me question that. The RFID chip is capable of all the things I previously mentioned; the tracking of individuals, the literal ability to exercise a level of control over everyone, and to be an instrument used for financial transactions. Many of these functions, as well as many others, can be utilized on a local level, but some of these are and can be done via satellite, namely the tracking and control of people. When it comes to being used as an instrument for financial transactions, there is a problem. In Revelation 13:16 we’re told that everyone will be required to take the mark, and in Revelation 13:17 we read that people cannot buy or sell without the mark. Here in America, as well as in other developed countries, it is feasible to think that all financial transactions can be handled with the RFID chip, except for when there is a power outage and the scanning and electrical equipment is rendered powerless for an undetermined amount of time. That leads us to the other problem. What about in undeveloped and third world countries, places that don’t have electricity or the necessary electronic equipment to scan and perform the various financial transactions one might need to make? How can the RFID chip be used in these areas or under these circumstances for financial transactions? Again, to be used as a tracking and control device can be done via satellite no matter where someone is, but to be used to manage finances is an entirely different matter. So, where does that leave us?

In the Book of Revelation, the Mark of the Beast is mentioned 8 times; Revelation 13:16; Revelation 13:17; Revelation 14:9; Revelation 14:11; Revelation 15:2; Revelation 16:2; Revelation 19:20; and Revelation 20:4. In these eight occurrences we learn what type of mark it is, the locations of the mark on the body, the purposes of the mark, as well as the future of all those who take the mark. The Greek word for mark in Revelation 13:16 is, charagma (khar’-ag-mah), which refers to a ‘scratching or etching’. While it’s not a branding as we would associate with branding cattle or livestock, it does indicate some sort of permanent marks on the skin. How many of you have intentionally scratched yourself with a needle or sharp object to write or draw a temporary picture on your skin? I imagine the same process used here except that the mark will be deeper and more permanent. The RFID chip mentioned earlier is not given to someone through a scratching or etching process, but instead using a hypodermic needle. I frequently go to various establishments, as I’m sure you have, where they have signs posted that say something to the effect, “No shirt, no shoes, no service”. What if they changed the sign to say, “No shirt, no shoes, no mark, no service”? In this way, there is no need for electronics of any sort to manage financial transactions, but instead just a permanent mark that identifies you as “one of them”. With the level of allegiance to the Beast Scripture tells us about, it wouldn’t be hard to imagine that people would be strict in adhering to and enforcing such a policy.

Regarding its location, the Bible very clearly indicates that the Mark is to be on the right hand or the forehead. More precisely, Scripture seems to indicate that the mark will be ON or UPON the body, which is contrary to an RFID chip that is inserted under the skin and into the body. In Revelation 13:16, only the King James Version says the Mark is IN the right hand or IN the forehead, while all other translations indicate ON or UPON. In Revelation 20:4, all Bible translations indicate the Mark will be ON or UPON the forehead, including the King James Version, but as for the right hand only the King James Version indicates IN the hand. When you consider that the Mark as described earlier is one that is scratched or etched into the skin, it only makes sense that the Mark would be ON or UPON the forehead or right hand.

While preparing to teach on the Mark of the Beast at a home group I was teaching on the end-times, something crossed my mind. In Revelation 13:17, we read that no one can buy or sell unless they have 1) the mark, 2) the name of the beast, or 3) the number of his name. I can’t help but wonder if someone would have three choices to choose from to have permanently scratched or etched into their skin, choices based upon personal preferences. Just something to consider as a possibility, though I have no plans or intentions of sticking around to find out.

Yes, the Mark is to be a sign of sorts that a person can buy and sell things, but are there other purposes for it? Of the eight times the Mark of the Beast is mentioned in the Book of Revelation, five times it is connected with the worship of the Anti-Christ: Revelation 14:9, 11; Revelation 16:2; Revelation 19:20; and Revelation 20:4. The Greek word we mentioned earlier for the mark, charagma, also means a “badge of servitude”, and with that understanding we can see that the Mark will also be a badge of honor to one that is worshipped, in this case the Anti-Christ. It would appear that the Mark would primarily be a sign of worship to the Anti-Christ, which places that person in direct opposition to Jesus, the “real” Christ.

To take the Mark is not something to be taken lightly as the consequences of such a decision has terrible eternal consequences to it. In Revelation 16:2 we read that those with the Mark will get a “loathsome sore” as part of the first bowl judgement. It has been commonly believed that a person with the Mark would get sores, plural meaning many, but the text clearly indicates it is a single sore. The Scripture doesn’t indicate this one way or another, but I can’t help but wonder if that sore, which will be oozing and stinky, will be right where the Mark is, showing that God is greater than the Anti-Christ. In Revelation 14:9-11, we also read that they will experience the full strength of God’s wrath and be tormented non-stop forever and ever. In other words, there is absolutely, and never will be, any hope for those who take the Mark. So, no matter what,

DO NOT TAKE THE MARK!!!

John Johansson (Pastor John)

[thrive_leads id=’457′]

Signs

Signs. We see them every day. We see traffic signs that help us to safely navigate through traffic to our intended destination. We see signs that warn us of dangers ahead, whether it is going down the road or entering a building or room, they are there to warn us. We see signs that identify places of interests, whether it’s a restaurant we’re looking for, a hospital, a tourist attraction or a place of historical significance, or even where restrooms are located, among other places. Signs even tell us where we can locate things like a fire extinguisher or first aid kit. What about signs for life itself, especially signs of eternal significance?

In Matthew 16:1-3, Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of His day because they knew how to interpret signs relating to the weather, but they could not interpret or discern the signs of the times. Jesus told us what signs to look out for regarding the end-times and when He will return, both His return for His Bride and when He returns to establish His kingdom here on earth. In Mark 13:32-33 and Luke 21:34-36, Jesus lets us know that only the Father knows when He will return for His Bride, the Church, and then tells us to be watching for Him. In the parable of the ten virgins mentioned in Matthew 25:1-13, in verse 6 we’re told that a cry went out that the bridegroom was coming, and that the virgins representing the bride were to go out and meet him, of which only five were prepared to do so at that time. I believe the cry going out is the fulfillment of the signs given us in Scripture pointing to His return, and I believe that cry is taking place even now.

In Mark 13:37, not only does Jesus make it clear that everyone is to be watching, but His command for us to watch is strong and with emphasis so that we will know how serious He is in this. In Revelation 16:15, Jesus accentuates the need for us to be watching by us that those who do will be blessed, and then rebuking those who didn’t and were left behind when He came back for His Bride. Jesus’ command to watch and pray regarding His return is not a casual suggestion, nor is it something that can be negotiated if we don’t think it necessary or vital. Jesus does something that too few of us do, yet it is something that we all should be doing, and that is the fact that He means what He says, and He says what He means. If He tells us to watch and pray regarding His return, then He means just that and nothing less or more.

I’ve had Christians tell me that they don’t need to be watching for Christ to return, citing the belief that when He returns they will automatically be ready and caught up to be with Him. This is a very dangerous position to have on three accounts. First, those that believe this way are saying they know better than Jesus as to whether or not they need to be watching for Him, much less praying that they’re ready when He does return. Second, they are, in essence, in rebellion to Him if they are choosing to disobey His command to watch and pray. And third, they are under the false assumption that all professing Christians will be caught up to meet Christ in the air, something that Scripture very clearly states is not the case.

I remember one Christian, a pastor, tell me one time that we don’t need to be watching for the return of Christ, and this on the basis that just living the Christian life as we ought to be is the same as watching. If living the Christian life as we ought to be is good or sufficient enough, then why would Jesus speak so strongly about us watching and praying that we’re ready for Him when He does return? Again, this way of thinking discounts Christ’s commands to watch and pray, and that is a very dangerous position to be in. I should add, however, that this particular pastor doesn’t even believe in the physical and literal rapture of the Church to Christ, much less a tribulation period, but rather an emotional, euphoric experience.

Some Christians take another approach to the subject of watching for Christ’s return. When they see and hear the news, or even some of what is happening around them, they get so angry or depressed that they stop wanting to know more of what is happening. In many ways, it’s as if they are choosing to stick their head in the sand so they don’t have to see or hear anything more. These Christians are dealing with a gloom and doom perspective, having no real hope of better things ahead for them in Christ. Even though what we see and hear can be very disheartening and depressing, if we see these things as not only signs of the times, but also signs pointing to His very soon return, then we can see these things with excitement and joy knowing that our Redeemer is soon to return for us. This doesn’t mean that we are to be insensitive to what is happening, but that we need to keep a right and proper perspective of what is happening so we can be a light to those around us.

The other night while watching television a thought crossed my mind. Christians in America, for the most part, are very distracted in what they are focused on. Instead of maintaining a healthy perspective of watching the signs pointing to the soon return of Christ for His Bride, many Christians are caught up with watching several other things. Some are watching news and politics to see how it will impact them and their standard of living, or even how it will impact them living as Christians. Some are caught up with looking for the prosperity and material gain they think they are entitled to as Christians. Some are caught up with spiritual manifestations and the feelings associated with them, even if false doctrine is present and promoted alongside such manifestations. Some focus on building the kingdom of God here on earth and establishing a strong Christian presence in the “seven mountains of influence”, forgetting that this is not our home to create a “Christian Utopia” in. Some even focus on and take the role of what I’ve called for years, the doctrine police, focused more on identifying and exposing false doctrine than pointing people to truth and the need to be prepared for Christ’s soon return. Amid such distractions, Christians in America seem to lose sight of what we are to be focused on, and that is to live a life pleasing to God while actively watching the signs for His imminent return for us.

We are clearly living in the last days, and the signs we’ve been given in Scripture to be watching for are clearly converging together for their ultimate fulfillment. It is imperative that we be paying attention to them. Some see the signs but have become desensitized to them because their fulfillment is not happening as quickly as they want or in the manner that they anticipated, and that is something we need to be guarded against happening within our own heart and mind. We’re told in 1 Peter 3:3-4 that in these last days’ people would mock and scoff of the fulfillment of God’s promise to us because that’s all we’ve heard about since the beginning but nothing has happened so far. We live in a “microwave” society, where we think things should happen quickly and in a preconceived manner, and because of it many are becoming disillusioned to the reality of the days we are now living in. Unlike any other time in history, all the signs we’re given pointing to the last days are happening all at once, and we need to be aware of them and making sure we’re prepared as we ought for when Christ returns for His bride.

Are you watching the signs, or are you distracted with other things of life, or have you been choosing to “stick your head in the sand” because you don’t want to see or hear them being fulfilled. Jesus makes it very clear, that those who are not watching but are otherwise distracted with life and other pursuits will be left behind when He returns for His Bride, and I don’t want that for you. That doesn’t mean we stop living and sit in a chair watching and waiting, but that rather in all we do it is with the awareness that the signs being raised all around us are pointing to His very soon return, and our life needs to reflect that as we live in a way that is pleasing and honoring to Him in every way, not being ashamed to live for Him even if it means offending those who don’t understand or feel the same way. Our eternity hinges on it.

Mark 13:37 – WATCH!

John Johansson (Pastor John)

[thrive_leads id=’457′]

The Bible, Our Compass

As we approach 2017, with all the unknowns it has for us, we need to remember God’s word to us. We live in a time when we are constantly bombarded with information way beyond what the world has ever experienced before. Everywhere we look, there is no lack of information. We hear it on the radio, we see it on television, we read it in books and magazines, and we find it in the information storehouse we call the Internet. It’s everywhere we want to look or give our attention to, the good and the bad, the true and the false, and it’s up to us which we will embrace and which we will discard or discount.

As we navigate through all this information that is at our fingertips and bombarding our senses, to distinguish between what is right and true, we need to remember that it’s not always clear-cut. The most dangerous information out there is that which is not clear-cut, “gray area” as some would call it. In this field of life we live in, some of the most dangerous mines that seek to destroy us is found in this “gray area” of information. How can we navigate around them without getting blown up, especially when there is so much false and twisted information out there? To do so, we need both a map and a compass, both of which is found in what we call the Bible.

A person that goes on a long journey hiking to a destination, or a person seeking to sail across the oceans and seas of the world, or a person taking flight in a jet from one country to another, they all need a map of sorts with a compass. Without a map, the compass is useless not knowing where to point you. Without a compass, the map is useless because it can’t keep you on course. The Bible gives us a map to our eternal destination in heaven, and it also provides us a compass to help us stay on course, which also gives us things to look for that would indicate we are getting off course.

When you use a map, it’s important that you make sure you have the latest most updated map possible. Without that, you may encounter times when the map will direct you down a road that no longer exists, or it won’t have you go down a recently added road that would be easier to travel. The Bible is the latest update God has for us, and it will never be outdated. In Psalms 119:105, we read that the word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our paths. The Bible shines a light both with where our feet are, as well as the path we are traveling. To go through life without the Bible to light your way is like a blind man trying to hike across a mountain range to a specific destination, especially without a guide of any kind. It’s just not going to work, and it will lead to nowhere but destruction.

To properly use a compass, you need to make sure it is calibrated correctly. An uncalibrated compass will lead you somewhere different from where you were intending to go. You might think you’re going north-east because the compass is telling you that, but because it’s not calibrated you are actually going north-west, far from where you’re wanting to go. The Bible is our compass, perfectly and permanently calibrated to the heart, mind, and will of God, and it never needs to be recalibrated. As our compass, not only does it point us in the direction we are to go in, but it also shows us when we’re starting to get off course. With a compass, if you are wanting to go south, the dial will show you if you start going south-east, and it will help you get your bearings and start heading south once again. The Bible, if you study and pay attention to it, will with the leading of the Holy Spirit let you know when you start getting off track, and it will help you get your bearings and make the necessary adjustments to get back on track.

The Bible, all of it from Genesis to Revelation, is vital to the health and well-being of the Christian. In it we learn more of who God is and His nature. We learn about God’s redemptive plan for mankind, Jesus paying the price of our sin so we could have relationship with God, and ultimately how we can spend eternity with Them in heaven. We find in it what it means to be Christ-like, a disciple and an ambassador of Christ. It brings to light the deceptive ways and tactics that the enemy of our souls employs as he seeks to destroy us and keep us from what God has for us. It shows us the difference between true followers of Christ, and those who are not. Within its pages, it gives us a map to eternal life, and it gives us indicators to let us know if we are getting off track.

The world has tried to discredit the Bible, to get people to question if it’s true and relevant for today, as well as to question the intent behind the scriptures compared to what they actually say. This started way back in the Garden of Eden, when the serpent deceived Eve into questioning not only what God said, but also His intent and reasons behind them. In church circles, some of these same mindsets are beginning to infiltrate. For some, the faceplate of the compass has become scratched and cracked, and thus it becomes more difficult to clearly and accurately read what it is attempting to tell us. In some cases, people haven’t learned to read and interpret what the compass is telling them, and as a result they end up going in directions they had not planned on going in, and in some cases even leading people who are following them astray in the process.

In these last days, more and more people are not paying attention to the compass and what it’s telling them. They look ahead and think they know the direction they should be heading in, especially if it’s appealing in some way, and without taking heed to what the compass is telling them they dart off on the path they think is best. In Proverbs 14:12 and Proverbs 16:25, we are told that there is a way that seems right to take, but the end only leads to destruction. Don’t ignore, neglect, or even discount the compass of life God has given us in the Bible, because if you do only destruction and death awaits you. As you read it keep the following question in mind; “Do you read in the Bible what you believe, or do you believe what you read in the Bible?”

The Bible is God’s map for humanity, showing them the path to eternity in heaven, but it’s also God’s compass to help us stay on course to our eternal destination. Never make light of it! Never discount it as being non-relevant for the day we are living in, because it is always relevant. Never adopt the mindset that what it says, or the message it conveys to us, needs to change for any reason because that is not true. Never discount what it actually says to identify what you think the intent behind it really was, because then you’re saying that God “doesn’t mean what He says, and that He doesn’t say what He means”.

The Bible. The vital tools of the Christian life are found in it; the map and the compass.

John Johansson (Pastor John)

[thrive_leads id=’457′]