January 31, 2021 – End Times Prophecy Report

Touched By One’s Own Mortality

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment”
–Hebrews 9:27

This past week brought news that a person one had known for years had breathed her last.

Perhaps NOTHING else brings a man face-to-face with his own mortality than KNOWING a fellow member of mankind who had just died.

Actually, perhaps NOTHING else focuses one’s attention on one’s OWN mortality than the passing of someone known WELL.

No, perhaps there is NOTHING else which forces a man to confront his own mortality than the news that someone one had known SINCE CHILDHOOD is no longer among the living.

And so, a number of nagging thoughts intrude when the word arrives that someone one has known for years has shuffled off this mortal coil.

First come the thoughts SPECIFIC to that person.

“Did I pray for this person’s salvation–other than the general pleas of 1TIMOTHY 2:1?”

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men”
–1TIMOTHY 2:1

“Would this person have rejected the offer of eternal salvation if given the choice?”

“Did this person forsake all other sources of power in this world for the ultimate source of truth and power?”

Next come general thoughts which are usually only entertained at a time of death.

“Where did all of the customs and traditions come from which we use when someone dies?”

“What do people say when they don’t want to say a person has died?”

“The believer KNOWS that dying is the gateway to a better, more secure eternity. Why then does the news of someone dying sometimes make a believer sad?”

“A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.”
–Ecclesiastes 7:1

[It finally was decided that the believer is sad because it is relized the deceased–for good or for bad–will no longer be available. It also was decided that sometimes CHANGE brings thoughts of sadness to a person when what is known will no longer be around.]

FINALLY, there comes a renewed determination to pray for the salvation of as many as one is able–EVEN IF the person praying has a hard time comprehending how those he prays for can be saved.

A determination to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost is also resolved.

And for the believer, this might be the most productive result of being touched by one’s one mortality.

“And he [Jesus] spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint”

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: January 29-31, 2021.]

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

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by Jeremiah Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier

image: Photo by Tanner Ross on Unsplash.com

© Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report, 2012-20. © Mondo Frazier and End Times Prophecy Report, DBKP 2007-2020. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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Pray Always: A Chosen Lifestyle

“Pray without ceasing.”
–1THESSALONIANS 5:17

When one first learns of 1THESSALONIANS 5:17 (‘Pray without ceasing.’), one probably thinks “Here is a nice turn of phrase.”

Perhaps the one coming upon the verse believes that it is merely a figure of speech or a rhetorical device like hyperbole.

Hyperbole is often used for emphasis or effect. In casual speech, it functions as an intensifier: saying “the bag weighed a ton” simply means that the bag was extremely heavy. The rhetorical device may be used for serious or ironic or comic effects.

Hyperbole is where the word “hype” originated.

So, when first encountering “Pray without ceasing,” the reader may be excused for thinking that here is something written solely for the effect; just another way of saying “pray a LOT.”

But the follower of Jesus Christ soon discovers that “Pray without ceasing” is just another way of saying “Pray always.”

Jesus Christ Himself repeated this advice several times.

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint”
–Luke 18:1

“Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”
–Luke 21:36

And this is mentioned elsewhere in God’s Word.

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints”
–Ephesians 6:18

The believer in Jesus Christ soon discovers that continuing constantly in prayer is a chosen way of life: a lifestyle which yields results. It is like having a hotline to God Himself.

And God HEARS the prayers of the believer–and IF God hears one’s prayers, one will see RESULTS from those prayers. Big things, little things: the believer sees RESULTS.

“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

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
–1CORINTHIANS 3:16

“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

Prayer is talking to God.

And the believer CHOOSES to talk to God on a nearly-constant basis, not only because it is commanded of him, but because he sees results in his life from these chosen actions.

Praying always or “without ceasing” is a CHOICE one makes.

“Pray without ceasing.”

This is NO hype.

It is a commandment which adds the power of God to the life of all who choose to follow this directive.

DID the reader believe “pray without ceasing” was a commandment?

OR, just a well-worded suggestion?

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: January 27, 2021.]

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

MORE

RELATED ARTICLES

by Jeremiah Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier

image: Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay.com

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

ALL such links appearing in End Times Prophecy Headlines, such as those below, should originate at ETPR.

God Equips ALL Who Go Forth To Do His Work

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
–Hebrews 13:20-21

At first sight, Hebrews 13:20-21 might be a little on the difficult side for some to wrap their heads around.

But basically, what Hebrews 13:20-21 is saying is that “If God has work for you to do, He will make sure you have the right tools to do His job.”

Even more basically, the passage means “God will EQUIP all those He sends forth to do his work.”

VERSE 21 – Make you perfect in every good work to do his will: may this God dispose, incline, and fit you for, may he finish and perfect in you, grace to perform all the forementioned duties, and every other good work, which he enjoineth on you towards God, one another, and all men, 2Co 13:9; Eph 4:12; Tit 3:14; 1Pe 4:2; 5:10, according to his written will and law, Eph 2:10.
–Matthew Poole Commentary on the Bible

Again, God does not send those to do His bidding on their way empty-handed.

It has been said, “God does not call the equipped: He equips those he calls.”

And God’s Word declares that God gains great satisfaction from using flawed humans to do his work. This is said to abound to God’s glory because the work was done by those who HAD to employ the power of God in order to be successful.

” But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.”
–1CORINTHIANS 1:27-29

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”
–2CORINTHIANS 4:7

“…for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
–2CORINTHIANS 12:9

So, while God has declared that he uses the lowly to confound the mighty, he has also declared that the lowly will be fully equipped to do His work.

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work”
–2CORINTHIANS 9:8

Therefore, IF the reader is EVER hesitant about undertaking a labor for God, he should keep in mind that God does not expect him to begin his labor empty-handed. God not only provides the tools needed for the job, He provides advice, information, directions and other support as well.

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
–Philippians 4:19

God equips ALL who go forth to do work in His name–and He equips them well.

Because God takes an interest in maintaining a good reputation among His creation.

“For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.”
–1SAMUEL 12:22

“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
–Psalm 23:3

“Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.”
–Psalm 106:8

HAS the reader ever contemplated doing something for God, but worrying that he would not be able to complete the job?

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: January 27, 2021.]

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

RELATED ARTICLES

by Jeremiah Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier

image: Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay.com

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

ALL such links appearing in End Times Prophecy Headlines, such as those below, should originate at ETPR.

Four Things Satan Uses to Snare Man

Satan–the devil–has been man’s GREATEST ENEMY since the beginning.

And man has been falling prey to Satan’s come-ons since the garden of Eden.

How is this possible? After all, man has been warned of Satan’s tricks for CENTURIES.

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

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

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
–2CORINTHIANS 11:13-15

“Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.”
–Revelation 12:12

YET, Satan–the devil–harvests a new crop of souls EVERY DAY.

Again, how is this possible?

With all of the warnings about Satan, his clever tricks, traps and snares, how is it that man STILL falls victim to the father of lies?

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

What is it that Satan uses to FIRST, deceive men; and then, to, SECONDLY, appeal to those deceived souls–and why are these appeals so powerful?

1- Man is a creature of sensation.

God created man to experience many sensations: hunger, thirst, sexual frustration, sexual fulfillment, contentment, and so on. And these sensations–which are an important part of man’s makeup–were viewed by God as, not only “good” but “very good.”

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. “
–Genesis 1:27-31

Though God may create something which is pronounced “good” or “very good,” Satan has the power to MISUSE that part of God’s creation.

Man has a sensation which tells him to eat when he is hungry?

Satan can turn that sensation into the sin of GLUTTONY, which focuses the attention of man onto the PLEASURES of eating.

Man has sexual stimulations which ensure that man will procreate and further mankind?

Satan warps those sexual stimulations by focusing on the PLEASURES of satistfying those sensations.

So, Satan gets a LOT of milage out of focusing man’s attention on the PLEASURES he might receive from an act–not the act itself or what the act was orignally created for.

2- Satan has an intimate knowledge of man’s senses.

Man lives in a world which is largely governed by the SENSES: touch, smell, taste, hearing and seeing. Man is informed by his five senses–and Satan uses those senses to misinform man.

Much like #1 on this list, Satan fans the fires of man’s senses to a fever pitch–and then uses those enflamed senses (appetites) to entice–and eventually, snare–him.

“You sharpen the human appetite to the point where it can split atoms with its desire. You build egos the size of cathedrals. Fiber-optically connect the world to every eager impulse. Grease even the dullest dreams with these dollar-green, gold-plated fantasies until every human becomes an aspiring emperor, becomes his own god. Where can you go from there?”
–John Milton (Satan), The Devil’s Advocate (1997)

3- Satan uses the things of the world.

Satan’s great ally is the world and the things of the world.

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
–1JOHN 2:15

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
–James 4:4

And while Satan does use money, stuff and covetousness to his GREAT advantage, he probably snags the most souls using the world’s acclaim: the honors and recognition the world offers to those who do its bidding: what the Bible calls “the pride of life.”

“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
–1JOHN 2:16

Man has the desire to be known–to be recognized–among his fellows–particularly, for his ‘accomplishments.’ Satan uses this desire as a snare.

Solomon labeled this desire to be known–particularly to be known for one’s accomplishments–as a “vanity.”

“I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.”
–Ecclesiastes 1:14

Man has this deep-seated desire to “be somebody.”

Man wants recognition from his fellows for his “accomplishments.”

Satan misuses these desires to entrap and ensnare the unwary.

4- Satan does use the lusts of the eyes as a snare.

“Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.”
–Proverbs 27:20

Modern man can see this in action through the careful study of ADVERTISING.

Advertising strives to create desire where none previously existed–MOSTLY for the things of the world.

EXAMPLE: A car gets one from Point A to Point B. But, the manufacturers of cars need to keep selling new ones to make more money. SO, the car is advertised, NOT as a way to get from Point A to Point B, but as an EXPERIENCE; as a LIFESTYLE: as a way of life.

And so, desire for that automobile is created where perhaps none existed beforehand.

And Satan fans this heightened desire for the things of the world into COVETOUSNESS (which is a sin).

Coveting may start out as the desire for one item: a car, a particular video game, some music. But then, the person who is coveting begins looking around him and wishing he had MORE.

The devil is a tricky guy.

These are a few of his favorite tricks. NOT all of Satan’s tricks, but a few of his favorite ones.

God willing, some other tricks of Satan will be featured in the future.

What about the person who claims, “The devil made me do it!”

But–and this is IMPORTANT–the devil NEVER made anyone do anything.

MAN utlimately is responsible for his own actions–NOT Satan.

“You were right about one thing, Kevin: I have been watching; couldn’t help myself. Watching, waiting, holding my breath. But I’m no puppeteer, Kevin. I don’t make things happen—doesn’t work like that. No, I only set the stage. You pull your own strings.”
–John Milton (Satan), The Devil’s Advocate (1997)

Which is why man has the power–IF he uses it–to banish Satan from his presence.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
–James 4:7

However, Satan is a tricky fellow.

HAS the reader ever battled the devil?

OR, has the reader come to an “understanding” with the father of lies?

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: January 25, 2021.]

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

MORE