15 | June | 2019 | End Times Prophecy Report

June 15, 2019 • 09:00 0

Resources for the Lonely Path the Believer Must Walk

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
–Matthew 7:13-14

THE ROAD TO SALVATION IS NOT CROWDED

As Matthew 7:13-14 make clear, “the way which leadeth to life” is not a crowded path.

FEW there be that find that path.

Meanwhile, “the way that leadeth to destruction ” is broad and MANY are on that sad, broad way–including a great many which believe they are on the narrow path (because of their heritage, their church, their background, whatever).

So, when a man becomes a believer, he embarks upon a path with few others alongside him.

That narrow path will bring the HATRED of his fellow man–and at least some of those men will be from the believer’s own family.

“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.”
–Luke 21:17

“And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.”
–Matthew 10:36

That narrow way is sure to bring the believer PERSECUTION.

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
–2TIMOTHY 3:12

That narrow path is also sure to include MUCH TRIBULATION.

“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”
–Acts 14:22

So, the believer walks a path filled with hatred, persecution and much tribulation. Surely there HAS to be an upside somewhere.

There is.

The believer has resources he may use which are unavailable to all those who journey on the broad way to destruction.

What are a few of those resources?

Here are five. There are more than five, but these five are important, with several being fairly well-known–even among the heathen.

1- God watches out for the believer.

“If God be for us, who can be against us?”
–Romans 8:31

ALL that takes place on earth is under the control of God. This does not mean that the believer’s life will be without frustration or challenges. BUT, the believer is encouraged by knowing that the most powerful being in the universe has shown him mercy and has taken a positive interest in his comings and goings.

The believer KNOWS this to be true by many infallible proofs.

How many bad events DO NOT HAPPEN because of God’s attention to the believer?

No mortal knows.

How many good events DO HAPPEN because of that same godly focus?

Again, no mortal can know.

2- In times of trouble, the believer is able to call out to the LORD and know that the LORD hears him.

In fact, the believer is TOLD to call out to the LORD while he is near.

“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near”
–Isaiah 55:6

The effectiveness of crying out to the LORD is something which is repeated several times in the Bible–particularly in Psalms.

“This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.”
–Psalm 34:6

“Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.”
–Psalm 61:1-3

“As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.”
–Psalm 55:16

“I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.”
–Psalm 116:17

Lastly, we’re assured that ALL who cry out to the LORD will be saved.

“For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
–Romans 10:12-13

It should be noted that 1- Romans is referring to all who call SINCERELY upon the name of the LORD; and, 2- “saved” can mean in this life (from physical danger) BUT it also refers to eternal life; i.e., saved from an eternity of torment.
—Cry Out to the LORD

3- The believer may petition God, knowing that the LORD will hear–and GRANT–all of his prayers which are prayed according to the will of God.

This is perhaps the MOST IMPORTANT resource a believer may access.

In the realm of spiritual warfare, few things match the power of the prayers of the believer.

“Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.”
–John 9:31

Because a believer has the power of the Holy Spirit, his prayers are a conduit of dunamis (explosive, miraculous) power.

ONLY believers, THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT, have access to this mighty, miraculous power. With the Holy Spirit, believers may confidently engage in spiritual warfare.
—SPIRITUAL WARFARE: The Explosive Power of the Believer’s Prayers

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4- The Holy Spirit assists the believer in his prayers to God.

This is VERY IMPORTANT.

IF the believer prays according to the will of God, God will grant ANYTHING THE BELIEVER ASKS.

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”
–1JOHN 5:14-15

So, it is extremely important for the believer to pray ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD.

The Holy Spirit ensures that the believer prays ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD.

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”
–Romans 8:26-27
—Four Important Changes the Holy Spirit of God Makes in the Believer

Therefore, because the believer has the Holy Spirit’s assistance, he prays with the will of God–which means that his prayers are answered.

5- The believer may pray for the lost, knowing that God will hear his prayer and grant him his petition. No mortal knows when that petition will be granted, but God will ensure that the maximum good comes from it–including that which may well benefit the believer.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
–Romans 8:28

MORE: What Can a Believer Do For a Lost Loved One?

As earlier stated, there are other resources a believer may access.

But the believer should be encouraged: as much hatred, persecution and tribulation that Satan and the world has in store for the believer, God has so much more–and is infinitely more powerful and loving.

DOES the reader have his prayers answered?

It is not YET too late: there is still time to change direction (repent), place your faith (hope) for the future entirely on Jesus Christ and enter the kingdom of heaven.

DOES the reader believe he is saved?

Make Your Calling and Election Sure: End Times Survival

DOES the reader believe he is NOT saved?

Time is Running Out: Today is the Day of Salvation

THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. ”
–1 Corinthians 15:1-8

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

MORE: Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times Prophecy Report

[Portions of this piece appeared originally in End Times Prophecy Headlines: June 10, 2019.]

MORE: Four Important Changes the Holy Spirit of God Makes in the Believer

RELATED ARTICLES

by Jeremiah James
–with Mondo Frazier

image: Photo by Tom Swinnen from Pexels.com

© Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report, 2012-19. © Mondo Frazier and End Times Prophecy Report, DBKP, 2007-2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s authors and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jeremiah J. Jameson, Mondo Frazier and End Times Prophecy Report with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Link Disclaimer: inclusion of links to other blogs/websites is not necessarily an endorsement of all content posted to those blogs/website.

Filed under: Biblical Teachings, END TIMES PREPARATION, Eternal Salvation through Jesus Christ, Good News/Gospel, resources for the lonely path the believer walks

June 15, 2019 • 06:00 0

Chasten

Every day, an email is received from Merriam-Webster dictionary, which contains a “Word of the Day.”

The emails are the result of someone else signing up this writer.

The emails are almost always informative.

Today, the “Word of the Day” was “chasten.”

The definitions of “chasten” are given as follows.

1: to correct by punishment or suffering If he commit iniquity,
I will chasten him with the rod of men— 2 Samuel 7: 14 (King James Version)
also: PURIFY

2a: to prune (something, such as a work or style of art) of excess, pretense, or falsity :
2b: to cause to be more humble or restrained: SUBDUE
He was chastened by his team’s defeat.

When later discussing the Word of the Day with someone else, it was pointed out that “punishment” seemed to be the central theme of the definitions (at least main definition #1) offered by Merriam-Webster.

It was also pointed out that this is a different emphasis than the manner in which “chasten” is used in the Bible.

In the Bible, “chasten” is a discipline/tool used to TEACH, as a loving father teaches his son. It is also emphasized that God ONLY chastens the ones He loves.

“I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men”
–2SAMUEL 7:14

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”
–Revelation 3:19

“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?”
–Hebrews 12:6-7

“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.”
–Proverbs 13:24

Chastening also involves a humbling during the lesson being taught by God.

Learning to be humble is one of the most important lessons to be learned.

“A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.”
–Proverbs 29:23

“When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.”
–Job 22:29

“Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.”
–Proverbs 16:19

“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”
–Matthew 23:12

“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”
–1PETER 5:5

The believer KNOWS that God only chastens those He loves.

The believer also knows that one can either be chastened or judged.

Therefore, it makes sense to the believer to prefer the temporary discomfort of being chastened (taught) over the permanent torments of eternal judgment.

ONLY those who have received the mercy and grace of God may be chastened.

In addition, the believer also KNOWS that God exalts those who are humble (chastened).

Therefore, occasions when the believer is chastened are occasions for rejoicing, as this means 1- God loves the one being chastened as a father loves a son; and, 2- God is spending time teaching the believer important lessons.

Being chastened is an important part of learning to be a Son of God.

DOES the reader know if he is chastened by God?

It is not YET too late: there is still time to change direction (repent), place your faith (hope) for the future entirely on Jesus Christ and enter the kingdom of heaven.

DOES the reader believe he is saved?

Make Your Calling and Election Sure: End Times Survival

DOES the reader believe he is NOT saved?

Time is Running Out: Today is the Day of Salvation

THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

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

MORE: Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times Prophecy Report

[Portions of this piece appeared originally in End Times Prophecy Headlines: June 12, 2019.]

MORE

RELATED ARTICLES

by Jeremiah James
–with Mondo Frazier

image: Image by Rebecca Matthews from Pixabay.com

Link Disclaimer: inclusion of links to other blogs/websites is not necessarily an endorsement of all content posted to those blogs/website.

Filed under: Biblical Teachings, END TIMES PREPARATION, chasten

June 15, 2019 • 02:00 0

Rumors of War

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.”
–Matthew 24:6

When referring to “signs-one-is-to-look-for-to-know-it-is-the-end-times,” Jesus spoke of “wars and rumors of war.”

To what was Jesus referring?

WAR is clearly armed aggression. In the modern world, this usually means nation against nation OR a non-governmental organization (terrorist organization?) against a nation.

The meaning of “war” is pretty straightforward. Most readers can identify when “war” is taking place.

But what does “rumors of war” refer to?

Over the past ten years or so, the government/media has, with increasing frequency, trotted out one world location after another, while “reporting” about aggressive actions and behaviors of one country or group of individuals or another. The locations change about ever three-six weeks and then the process repeats itself, using ANOTHER location.

For example: one week, it will be reported that Iran is making dangerous moves against the United States, the allies of the United States, or the American way of life. The US government will either 1- make a few troop movements OR 2- the media will find a general or two to make a public, provocative statement (“Iran is now dangerous!” OR “Iran is crossing the line!“) OR 3- someone (usually a second-tier government official, but occasionally someone higher up in Iran’s government) will respond with a belligerent rebuttal (“The US is a war monger!” “Iran will destroy the USA!“)

After a few weeks of the government/media ratcheting up tension, then the reporting of that location will die down and the attention of the world’s press will shift to ANOTHER hot spot (Syria, Israel, Korea, Libya, Ukraine, Russia, South China Sea: the list continues to grow) and the process will then be repeated, with a new “threat of war” regularly occurring, about which the world will worry.

IF the reader is interested, he might keep a journal of these reports which promote wars which never seems to occur.

These constant “Hey! We-might-go-to-war” stories in the press are RUMORS OF WAR.

At some point, there WILL be war. The Bible assures of that.

Not only Matthew 24, but multiple places in Revelation assure that war is coming–worldwide war in some cases.

“And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.”
–Revelation 6:4

“And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon. And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.”
–Revelation 16:16,19:19

So, God’s Word assures the reader that there will be future wars–some of them great wars.

In the meantime, it looks like the reader will continue to hear rumors of war.

MORE: Wars and Rumors of War: The Beginning of Sorrows

DOES the reader believe what he reads in the newspaper or sees on the TV or computer or smartphone?

It is not YET too late: there is still time to change direction (repent), place your faith (hope) for the future entirely on Jesus Christ and enter the kingdom of heaven.

DOES the reader believe he is saved?

Make Your Calling and Election Sure: End Times Survival

DOES the reader believe he is NOT saved?

Time is Running Out: Today is the Day of Salvation

THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

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

MORE: Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times Prophecy Report

[Portions of this piece appeared originally in End Times Prophecy Headlines: June 12, 2019.]

MORE: Wars and Rumors of War: The Beginning of Sorrows