Christ – Page 3 – Resounding Shophar Ministries

The Point of No Return

The other day I was approaching a traffic light that was green. I knew it was going to turn yellow soon but didn’t know when so I approached it with caution. There came a point when approaching it that I knew even if the light turned yellow I was going to have to keep going. It was what is commonly referred to as “the point of no return”. Ever been faced with such a situation?

The other night my wife and I were with some friends and we were talking about different cultures reaching their “point of no return” regarding the direction they were going. We talked about how America is speedily reaching its point of no return as it is racing as far from God and the Judeo-Christian values it was founded and built upon. Some may argue that there is no such point for a culture, a country, a family, or even an individual. We like to hold out hope that the God of the impossible, the Judea-Christian God, can always reach and restore those who are far from Him, and He’s more than able to do so. But the problem with this line of thought is that while they believe God is sovereign and there is nothing He can’t do, they forget that He’s given humanity a free will to choose whether or not to serve Him, and with that free will He will respect each person’s decision.

While there have been some who many thought would never change or give their lives to following and serving Jesus were reached, a testament of His abilities to reach people especially when prayer is involved, there are many more that won’t be reached because they’ve passed the point of no return. At some point in their life they made a conscious decision to have nothing to do with God, or to even allow Him to be a part of their lives, and God has honored that decision. Does that mean we don’t need to pray for those who seem to be unreachable with the Gospel? Absolutely not! We need to keep praying for them because we don’t know what is ahead, and it could be Gods response to our prayers that afford them more time in this life to change their mind.

Only God, and I want to emphasize only God, knows when a person has gone past the “point of no return” and that they will not have any more opportunities to accept and follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior. With that in mind, we need to keep reaching out to and praying for people, especially loved ones that don’t truly have a saving relationship with Jesus, that God will in some way be able to capture their hearts for salvation. Time is short and eternity lies in the balance. Eternity in Hell is an eternity no one really wants, but sadly enough many won’t believe that statement until they are there and it’s too late.

There are people that are so adamant against the God of the Judeo-Christian faith that they will not hear the Gospel, and in some cases will even fervently oppose Him and anyone who represents Jesus one way or another. Some will even go so far as to keep their eyes out for any possible discrepancy in a Christian’s life, or to twist and misrepresent things spoken by them, thereby giving them more of an excuse to reject Jesus. But, when it’s all said and done, when they stand before the God of all creation, the only thing they will be judged for is what they did with Jesus, and any excuses they have to offer now will not be allowed then. God can reach these people, but we need to keep them in prayer and hope they haven’t gone past the point of no return, the point that ONLY God knows.

Let’s keep these people in prayer, asking God that they have an encounter with the risen Savior, Jesus.

John Johansson

The Triumph of Truth

Have you ever had someone lie about you before? More than likely, most, if not all of us, have had that happen to us at one time or another. And for some of us, we are still feeling the impact of such lies several years after the fact. How many of you would agree with me that going through something like that isn’t real fun?

Lies can destroy someone, including their reputation, faster than most anything else. Lies hurt, and often times are accompanied with betrayal, where someone you trusted apparently thought it okay to speak so negatively about you. I knew someone years ago that taught me that there are always two sides to every story, and how true that is. While we know that to be true there is a tendency by many to make a judgment before hearing both sides. This is another situation where betrayal can be felt, when someone you trusted and respected, a friend, decided to make a judgment against you without first getting your side of the story. The impact of lies can make the person lied against feel alienated and alone, thinking that no one really cares about or likes them. Lies can forever taint or twist the perception of people against the one who was lied about, destroying relationships that have been decades in the making in one fail swoop. Lies can even lay to waste any opportunity for that person to advance themselves in any way.

When someone or some group begins to spread lies about you, it hurts and can trigger a desire to retaliate in some way. It is in these times that bitterness and resentment can begin to take root within us if we are not careful, and we do need to be careful. Oh, we may not become vindictive and seek to avenge ourselves, but we may hang onto it through unforgiveness. As Christians, to not forgive is not an option if we want God’s forgiveness for ourselves. It’s just that simple. I’m not saying that it’s always easy to forgive, or that the person even deserves the forgiveness, but then again when and how did we deserve God’s forgiveness? Forgiveness is not necessarily emotional, though emotions can follow and become a part of it, but forgiveness is a conscious choice we make. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that it is far easier to forgive someone right away than if we wait till later. The longer we choose to not forgive someone, not only does it become harder to forgive them in the future, but it also makes it easier to not forgive others when they hurt or offend us even though they have absolutely nothing to do with it.

We need to remember a couple things when lies are spoken against us, things that will help you remain healthy emotionally and spiritually. I already commented on the first one, being forgiving, and the sooner the better. I might add that God is always ready to help us forgive when it’s hard to do so, but we have to want to and to let Him help us. If we choose to not forgive, we will be miserable and full of anger, both of which will continue to eat us up, either until we decide to forgive or throughout eternity apart from God. So, forgive, and don’t waste any time in doing so. Don’t wait!

The second thing to remember when lies are spoken against us comes from a comment I heard a minister once make. He made the comment, “The truth will always outlive the lie”. Wow, what a statement. That is so very true when you think about it. It doesn’t matter how powerful the lie was, how impacting and destructive it is, or even who was behind it, it will at one time or another be exposed for what it was. No, it may not be exposed in the very near future, but it will one day be exposed. It may not even be in this lifetime, but it will be exposed. When we, and we all will, stand before God the lies will be exposed and the liar will be judged accordingly. When the lies are exposed and the liar judged, the judgment will be final. So, if we can remember this truth and rest in it then we have nothing to fear. God will take care of us and defend us against our accusers. It may not come as we think or how we would like it, it may not even come when we want it to, but He will defend us if we keep our hearts right before Him. If we keep our hearts right before Him, which requires forgiveness on our part towards the liars, we will see Him defend us and He will do a much better job of it than we could ever imagine.

Are you forgiving? Or should I ask is there anyone that you haven’t forgiven? If so, you need to forgive them because God desires to forgive you, otherwise He won’t forgive. It’s our choice to make, but as followers of Jesus to not forgive is not an option.

And, if we can rest in the fact that the truth will always outlive a lie, trusting that God is watching over us and will defend us, then retaliation and vengeance is not an option and we can have a peace that goes beyond the wisdom of man. Can you trust God knowing that He will take care of and defend you?

Truth will triumph over lies. Truth will outlive the lies. And, God’s truth will triumph!

John Johansson

Distractions

I remember a time more than 15 years ago when there was a tremendous amount of anxiety within the Church in America. At the time “special interest” groups were attempting to push their agenda against churches and Christianity through political processes. I remember sitting in a church service where many were voicing their concerns and fears regarding what was happening and one could feel the heaviness in the atmosphere. It was as if God wasn’t around and the issue was too great even for God to deal with.

As I sat there I remembered something a friend of mine once told me and I asked the Pastor if I could share something to the congregation, to which he allowed me to do. I began to share with the congregation how that God is greater than the issues we were facing, and that this was merely a distraction. I told them that no matter what God was still in control and that He has us covered. I reminded them that our primary concern was to live for God, and to let the light of Jesus shine through us to those around. As I began to share these things to the congregation I could see the countenance of the people dramatically change. Where they at first we’re caught up with fear of what could happen they began to relax and be at peace.

Zipping through time to the present we can see many things that have become a distraction, pulling our focus and energies away from where they should be. It’s not that any of these aren’t good, because many of them are good, but they are a distraction. For many, these distractions become a ‘cause’ that they embrace and fight for, all the while they lose sight of our primary calling to be Ambassadors of Christ with the ministry of reconciliation, reconciling man back to God. Often times, these distractions do very little, if anything at all, about promoting or building the Kingdom of God, and in some cases even hurt or destroy the influence of the Church to a lost and dying world.

I’m not saying that we shouldn’t be willing to take a stand for morality, plead the case on behalf of others, or even be influential in the world and culture around us. What I am saying is if these distractions are distracting from or undermining our influence to build the Kingdom of God then we need to take another look at our focus and priorities. Sometimes we tend to jump to fight or defend something that God hasn’t called us to do, and when we do we bring about more damage to the Kingdom than if we hadn’t. And, just because God calls someone else to embrace a distraction doesn’t mean He’s calling you to it.

When we let go of the distractions in our lives and realign our focus to what God has called us to, then we don’t have to worry about what is happening in the world around us or what is on the horizon. We can have a peace that God is in control and that He will take care of us. It’s when we lose sight of our calling or even of Jesus, Himself, that we become apprehensive and struggle with anxiety and fear, fear of either being taken advantage of or suffering in ways we may not like. We become fearful that God has forsaken us or can’t protect us from those who threaten us or our way of living. We become fearful that the God we said “yes” to will not be there for us when we need Him. All of this leads to a pride that says we can do it better ourselves.

If you find that you’ve been caught up with distractions, or even suspect that you may have been, I encourage you to take some time aside and ask God about them. Get alone with God and share your heart with Him, and then ask Him to share His heart for you. Be open to hear what He may have to say to you and don’t be so quick to shoot Him down or say what you’re hearing isn’t from Him. And before you end that time with Him make sure what you’ve heard is in unity with and supported by scripture. If what God has shared with you requires a change on your part, then make the necessary changes including in the area of priorities. What’s more important, embracing and fighting for a distraction that keeps you from what God has for you, or pursuing God and what He has for you which brings true peace and contentment to your soul.

What’s It Going To Take?

As we see Bible prophecies unfold before our very eyes at breakneck speeds, a thought that crosses my mind is, “what is it going to take?” What is it going to take for people to get serious about their relationship with Christ?

There are so many things happening that it’s almost dizzying trying to keep up with it all. It doesn’t matter if it’s local or on a state level, or even on a national or global scale, there is just so much happening that people know that something is up. There’s talk of an impending economic collapse not just here in America, but also in other countries and foreign economic institutions. In America the government is developing more and more into “big brother” where we have less rights, less say, and less privacy. Natural disasters are almost becoming common place and their impacts are immeasurable. Let us not forget that there are wars all over the place with the grim projections of major wars on the horizon.

With everything going on in the world around us, and seeing Bible end-times prophecies being fulfilled right before our eyes as never before, what is it going to take for people to take their relationship with Jesus more seriously? It’s as if people would rather play a fiery game of “Russian Roulette” with eternity. Does this make sense to you? Is ones eternal destination really not all that important to them? Do they not truly understand what Jesus offers them in regards to eternity in Heaven, or even how bad hell is?

Often times it take a pretty traumatic or devastating chain of events or experiences that causes one to change and take things seriously with their relationship with Jesus. For some, it takes a devastating economic setback of some sort. For others, it’s the loss of a loved one, and for others poor health or the onset of a serious and potentially terminal disease or health condition. It may be the end of a marriage or the betrayal of ones you love and trust. The list of things that could cause one to stop and re-evaluate where they are in their relationship with Christ can be limitless. In any case, something had to happen in order for God to get their attention.

When these things happen, people have two options presented to them, so to speak. They have the option of allowing whatever it was that got their attention to propel them into the loving and gracious arms of Jesus, or they can choose to be angry, mad, and bitter towards God. The choice is theirs to make. The choice is yours to make.

So, if your relationship with Jesus is not of utmost importance to you, or it isn’t something you even care about, what is it going to take for that to change? What is it going to take for God to get your attention? What is it going to take? Think about it.

La, la, la, la …

The other day I was reminded of something many of us did when we were young, and for some even as adults. You know what I’m talking about, when we would cover up our ears when someone was talking because we didn’t want to hear what they were saying. Often times this behavior would be accompanied with the sound of “la, la, la, la ….” or some other gibberish coming out of our mouths. Why did we do that? We did it because we didn’t want to hear what they were trying to say, either because we simply didn’t care what they had to say, or we were afraid of what we thought they were trying to say and didn’t want to be held accountable for it. Once we’ve heard something we are then accountable to respond accordingly, so if we can avoid hearing it then we’re off the hook. Or, are we?

Just because I choose to not hear someone tell me a car is racing down the street heading my way doesn’t make it suddenly disappear or bring the car to a stop. If I decide I’m not going to hear what the person is trying to tell me then the odds are pretty high that I’m going to get hit by the car. So, why is it that we try so hard not to hear what others are trying to say to us, especially when the intent is for our benefit and best interests? Could it be that pride is possibly the main reason for this, thinking that no one knows better than we do as to what is best for us?

I mentioned that I was reminded recently about this kind of behavior. The context was in regards to our relationship with Christ. It was said that we are only accountable for what God speaks and deals with us about, and that just reading about something in God’s word isn’t enough to hold us accountable for it. I wonder, though, how often God does try to speak to us about something but we’ve in essence covered our ears so we can’t hear him, and if that’s not enough we begin making all kinds of “noise” to make it clear we don’t want to hear him? Many times Jesus would state, “he that has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit (of God) says …”. As I’m writing this a thought comes to my mind. Ears on a dead body can’t hear, so if ears can hear that would mean one is alive? How can one hear what the Spirit of God is saying unless they are first alive in Christ? So, when Jesus makes the above statement, I can’t help but wonder if He’s referring to those who have entered into a relationship with Him. If that is the case, then He’s indicating that not everyone who has ears to hear will hear what He’s saying to them.

Why is it that we may not be hearing what He’s trying to say to us? Is it because we don’t care what He’s saying, thinking He doesn’t know what is best for us? Or, could it be that we are just afraid of what He may be saying knowing that if we hear it we are then accountable to it? And the “noise”, well that could be just about anything from boisterous behavior to a busy lifestyle, or even the projection of a spiritual mask that we want others to see. Either way, just as the car mentioned above won’t stop simply because we didn’t want to hear what was being said to us, even so we will still be accountable for what God is trying to tell us even though we figuratively cover our ears with our hands. Are you covering your ears to block what God may be trying to say to you? Do you think He’s asking or requiring something from you that you don’t want to give up or change, and if you don’t hear it He won’t hold you accountable for it? Are you keeping yourself preoccupied with other various activities to keep your mind off of it?

This is not the time to be plugging our ears to what the Spirit of God is trying to say to us. The return of Christ for His bride is believed by many, including myself, to be imminent, and if that is true then you don’t want to be caught off guard and unprepared with your “ears” covered up. If you’ve been busy covering or plugging up your ears, now is the time to uncover them and hear what God is trying to tell you. Does that mean you’ll hear everything He’s trying to tell you, not necessarily, but at least your heart will be telling Him that you’re open to His direction and correction which will help you become more like Jesus, and more importantly prepare you for His soon return. So, set some time aside and allow Him to speak freely to you about any and everything He desires to, allowing Him access and say over every area of your life.

John Johansson

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Is It For Itchy Ears?

Over the years I have heard many proclaim from the pulpits of local churches and on TV and radio that there was a great revival coming to America. Oh, wouldn’t that be awesome if that were to happen! I’ve been in places where God was moving in a powerful way among all those in attendance, I’ve heard of the great revivals of the past, and I would love to be a part of another one. Wouldn’t you?

When I first heard these people proclaim a great revival yet to come, I was one that was excited and looking forward to it. But in recent years I’ve begun to view things from a different perspective, wondering if the great revival some are talking about would be post-rapture. When I look at the Biblical description of the end times, the last days, I don’t see a great revival taking place before the rapture. Instead, the Bible is very clear that those days will get bad, and it’s not just referring to the world at large. We also read that there would be a great falling away from the faith (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12), not the revival that is so often times promoted.

Several years ago it was easy to believe for a great revival coming to America, partly because America appears to be absent from Bible end-time prophecy, and partly because no one would ever think that the persecution experienced in other countries would ever come here in any form. Well, we live in a very different America now compared to just 10 years ago. We’re seeing the very liberal, anti-Christian movement infiltrate every aspect of our society more and more all the time. The very real threat of both domestic and foreign terrorists is growing every day, not to mention that there have been reports of ISIS within our borders. We’re experiencing an exponential increase of illegal aliens cross over into our country relatively unhindered, tremendously increasing our vulnerability to terrorist’s attacks within our borders, greatly increasing the threat of uncontrollable and incurable diseases to our citizens, creating an overwhelming demand on our economic system and financial stability, all of which could mark the end of America as we have known it to be since its inception in more than 200 years ago. This doesn’t take into account all the other aspects that seem to be tearing away at this great nation we call America, chipping away at it with greater enthusiasm than we’ve ever known before.

Despite all these things, I find it interesting and disheartening at the same time that many not only proclaim great revival is on its way, but also that things are going to get much better. They proclaim that things are going to get better, prosperity will increase for the believers, and that the threats facing America will suddenly be defeated by God before America is destroyed.

I’m reminded of Hananiah the prophet in the Old Testament. Do you remember him? In Jeremiah 27, God told Jeremiah to put yokes upon his neck to signify the bondage and captivity of Israel under King Nebuchadnezzar. We also read that God spoke with the kings, the priests and all the people that they were to be under Nebuchadnezzar’s rule until God said otherwise. God also told them that if a prophet, or someone else, were to tell them the time for them to break the bonds and come out from under the bondage of Nebuchadnezzar had come, that they were not to listen to them because that was a lie that did not come from Him. In Jeremiah 28, the prophet Hananiah came to rest of the prophets, the priests, and all the people telling them that the time of their bondage would end within two years. Because he was a prophet everyone took notice of what he had to say, including Jeremiah. Hananiah went even further by breaking the yoke that was around Jeremiah’s neck to symbolize that the time of bondage was about to end. It wasn’t until Jeremiah left and went his own way that God spoke to him letting him know that the words of Hananiah was not His words. So Jeremiah went back and confronted the prophet Hananiah, telling him that because he misled the people of God into thinking a lie as though it came from God, God would take his life within a year. I say that to say this, it doesn’t matter who it is that says it (a pastor, a teacher, a prophet, etc.), if they are proclaiming things that are contrary to what God says in His word, then it’s not from God and we ought not to listen to it.

Whether you look at Matthew chapters 24-25, the book of Revelation, or even some of the prophets of old who prophesied regarding these last days, and we are in the last days, you will find that the days we live in only get worse as time goes by until Jesus returns at the end of the tribulation period to defeat His enemies and establish His reign here on earth. The people that promote the idea that things are only going to get better are either “sticking their head in the sand” regarding what is in the news and happening all around them and how it all relates to Bible prophecy, or they’re reading from a different Bible. The difference between what they are promoting and what the Bible foretells about these last days is great.

I’ve recently became aware of a theology embraced by some that says it is the churches responsibility to overcome the enemies of Christ in any way they can, primarily through the government system, and that Christ cannot return until they do so. Obviously this group of people seems to think that things will get better because it has to in order for Christ to return, but there is a problem with this way of thinking. To begin with, they are not referring to the rapture, or the catching up of the Bride of Christ, because they don’t believe in it. So when they talk of Christ’s return, what they describe lines up with what we know to be Christ returns at the end of the tribulation period. Second, their idea that the church must first overcome the enemies of Christ before He can return is faulty and flies in the face of scripture. In Revelation 13:1-10, in the midst of the tribulation period, the Apostle John tells us that when the beast arises from the pit he was going to be given power and authority for 42 months, and with that he will be given the power and ability to not just make war with the saints, but also to overcome them. Third, in Revelation 17:12-14, John also tells us that when Christ returns the beast and those who are with him will make war against Jesus, but when they do Jesus will overcome and defeat them.

When the disciples asked Jesus regarding the signs of His return to set up His kingdom, and the signs of the end, the first thing He told them was to not be deceived (Matthew 24:3-5). A lot is said in the New Testament about being deceived, but for Jesus to indicate that is the first thing to watch out for tells us how bad the deceptions will be in these last days. The Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 4:1-5 that people will not listen to sound doctrine, but instead their own desires and because of their itching ears they will heap upon themselves teachers, turning their ears away from the truth and to fables. When I think of some of the things that people are saying in the times we live in, how that things are going to get better and things will be restored, including America, I can’t help but wonder if it is merely wishful thinking and having itching ears to those who support that wishful thinking. Yes, I would love to see God stop the surge of wickedness in all its forms and restore us into what He would have us to be, individually and as a nation, but the Bible tells me that is not the case for the days we now live in.

What does this mean for Christians? What this means is that we are in for some very rough days ahead, but we also have that blessed hope of His return for us, and if not then most assuredly on the other side of eternity. Some people like to scoff or attempt to discredit what the scriptures say about a rapture of the church, saying it is a doctrine of escapism, and I would like to know what is wrong with that? Jesus told us in Luke 21:34-36 to watch and pray that we’re counted worthy to escape that which is coming to pass. In Revelation 22:12-20 we read that the Spirit and the Bride both say “come quickly!” to Jesus, which must be a cry made before the rapture since the Bride will be with Him forever more from that time on. What we need to remember, though, is even though we are watching for His return to escape that which is coming to the earth, it is also important for us to be about the Father’s business while we’re here. Be mindful of the signs pointing to His return, and reaching out to others as His ambassadors until He returns. This is what we must be doing, both to be watching and praying and also to be working for the Father.

The good things that we’re hearing promoted and proclaimed regarding revival and the restoration of America, is it for itching ears?? I wonder.

Recruiting for Followers

The recruiting push is on. The recruiter is looking for those willing to give their all for the cause, even if it means their very lives. This isn’t for the weak at heart or for those obstinate in their ways and in their own opinions. This is for the hurting, the rejected, the despised and the humbled. This is for those who acknowledge they can’t continue on their own, for those who desire the best available retirement plan.

What am I talking about? I’m talking about Jesus. He has issued a call for ANYONE who will follow Him. There are no pre-qualifying conditions to be met, just a willingness to surrender and give ones all for Him, no matter what. ANYONE can follow Him, but it has to be on His terms, and not our own. Is that you?

We live in a time when there is more of a push to make converts of Christ, than there is for making disciples of Christ. Not everyone signs on to be a convert, but it is much easier to make converts than it is to make disciples. One way of describing those who are just converts is to call them fans, while we can describe disciples as followers. Fans, like those we encounter at a sporting event, can have varying levels of passion and enthusiasm, knowing all the stats and facts and participating in all the events and fundraisers they can, but that’s where it ends. Followers can, much like fans, have a lot of passion and enthusiasm, knowing all the stats and facts and participating in all the events and fundraisers they can, but there is a significant difference between the two. Fans “follow” on their terms. They decide the limits of their “following” based on convenience, their own plans and goals, and even how much their willing to pay to follow Jesus. Followers, on the other hand, have totally and completely surrendered everything about themselves to Jesus, and have a total commitment that has no limits of any kind for as long as they live.

On another note, fans try to maintain their own identity of who they are, but followers give up their identity in exchange for having their identity found in Christ. Do you know what “Christian” means? It means to be like Christ. To be like Christ means to be a follower of Christ to such an extent that our identity is found in Him and in Him alone. We are to mirror and to reflect Jesus and the mind of Christ to those around us in all we say and do. When we are fans our own image is still seen on top of Christ’s, but as followers our own image cannot be seen. Now, if this isn’t you don’t get yourself down. The important thing is that you decide and commit to being a follower of Christ now and begin to make the necessary changes to reflect that decision, changes that will be reflected in your priorities.

So, Jesus is recruiting followers, people that will give their all for him holding nothing back. Have you heard of couples having pre-nuptials going into marriage? Well, just as you’re not really committed to the other person you’re marrying if you have pre-nuptials; even so with Christ you are not really committed to Him if you have a ‘bailout plan’ or plan “B” if it doesn’t work out like you want. Jesus wants your all with no time-limits.

Will you sign on to be a true follower of Christ? It will cost you everything, but the reward so outweighs the cost it is more than worth it. You decide. What will it be?

Ever ask yourself, “What is going on????”

Okay. Here in America we’ve seen Obamacare survive the examination of the United States Supreme Court. We’re also seeing very out of the ordinary weather and various types of natural disasters throughout the country.

In the world we’re seeing things heat up in the middle east as countries try to find a away to stop Syria’s internal war which involves killing civilians. Countries are hurriedly positioning significant amounts of troops and military equipment into key positions preparing for war. We also have Iran pursuing nuclear weapons with the determination to use those same weapons on both Israel and the United States.

And then there is both the European and United States economies which are both on the brink of collapse. The United States is teetering on the edge of an economic cliff, and it’s trying through counterproductive measures to avoid that. The European economy is crumbling and one wrong move in an attempt to reverse this could spell its quick demise.

Oh, and let us not forget about the recent deal between Saudi Arabia and China, a deal that guarantees China an unlimited supply of oil through 2035, no matter what happens on the world scene, in exchange for supplying Saudi Arabia with both nuclear weapons and the construction of military nuclear sites within Saudi Arabia that both countries will protect with their militaries. The interesting thing about this is that it gives China a very strong interest in the middle east, an interest that would give them all the incentive they need to send 200 million troops into the middle east to protect. Isn’t that prophesied in the Bible?

These are just a sample of the things going on in the world today, both within the United States and abroad. There is no question that things seem to be heating up in all areas of life, politically, economically, militarily, socially, technologically, and spiritually, just to name a few. The world is bracing for some pretty significant solar flares that could really mess things up for electronically dependent societies, and Israel is working hard to protect it’s right to exist as a people and as a soverign state.

What does all this mean? More specifically, what does this mean for you? It would be one thing if Christians were alone in making these observations, but that is not the case. People throughout the world, non-Christians, see clearly and comment about what is happening and have significant concerns regarding what is in store for all of us in the very near future, some even experiencing fear from them. For those of us who are followers of Jesus, and please note I did not say ‘Christians’ as many call themselves but do not truly follow Jesus, it is a time to be looking to the sky with excitement as we know our redemption draws near. The trumpet will sound and those who are followers of Jesus, both among the living and the dead, will be called away to join Jesus to forever live with Him. For those who are not followers of Christ, this is a time to be very concerned about your future and eternal destination and to enter into a saving relationship with Christ on His terms. For those who are not followers of Christ this is a time that will be filled with great fear and/or great deception of better times ahead. The great people of ‘spin’ will do their best to add their ‘spin’ to what is happening in order to get people to buy the lies they are ‘selling’ and perhaps believing themselves.

If you are one of those who are concerned about what is happening in the world, I strongly encourage you to surrender your lives to Jesus. That is your only hope in light of what is ‘coming down the pipes’ as we watch the evening news. This is not the time to be playing Russian Roulette with your eternity and gamble that the Bible is wrong and that true, pure Christianity is just a fantasy of imaginations.

John Johansson – www.resoundingshophar.com