A work in progress!

Best-selling novelist, the Anglo-Canadian author Arthur Hailey (1920-2004), is recorded as having said of his fictional characters: "I don't think I really invented anybody. I have drawn on real life." When readers open a book by this author, they encounter ordinary people who have been placed, by the author, in extraordinary situations.

Do you realise that Father God often does the same thing?! In Dr Luke's second volume - known to us as the Book of the Acts of the Apostles (although, more accurately, the Acts of God the Holy Spirit, through apostolic men!) - and in chapter 4, we find two ordinary people, the fishermen Peter and John, having been placed in an unexpected situation, being witnesses to the reality of the risen Lord Jesus. These men who, with the rest of the band of disciples had fled when their Master was arrested, were now boldly facing threats and punishment, for nothing other than telling people about Him.

The context is that, on the previous day, they "... were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at that gate of the temple which is called Beautiful to ask alms of those who entered the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, with John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention upon them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him." (Acts 3:1-10)

The two responded to this amazement by proclaiming the Gospel message - 3: 12-26 - and, we read in Acts 4, that "... the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead." (4:1-2). The Sadducees, of course, did not believe that there was any such thing as a resurrection (that is why they were "sad, you see"! Theological humour!).

Having been kept in custody overnight, Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin - the supreme Jewish Council - who wanted to know how they had performed the miracle on the lame man. This gave Peter another opportunity to preach the Gospel! (vs.8-12). His preaching was so powerful that even these authorities, who opposed the followers of "the Way", were astonished as "... they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men,". But "... they recognized that they had been with Jesus."! (v.13).

Most, if not all, of us are ordinary people in a real life of work, relationships, and everyday circumstances. But Father God is looking for ordinary people to do extraordinary work for Him! Our opportunities to demonstrate the reality of the Lord Jesus may sometimes come disguised as difficulties - as they did for Peter and John, and other disciples as recorded by Dr Luke.

However, if you read Peter's response to the Sanhedrin, you will have noticed the secret in v.8 - "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said ...". Even as ordinary people, we can have an extraordinary impact for the Saviour if we will trust the Author of our circumstances, and rely on the indwelling power of God the Holy Spirit. We are, as a friend from many years ago often pointed out "works in progress"! However, if it is true that we are "with Jesus" then that work will continue under His masterful guidance. Paul, writing to the believers in Philippi, assured them that "...  I am sure that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (1:6). They, too, were "works in progress", but that work would be completed. 

May that be the ongoing experience of all who read this post, as we see all around us, indications that the final prophecies are being fulfilled, and the Rapture of the saints of God is rapidly approaching!

Signs in the heavens, Pt 3.

Isn't it funny (strange, not humorous!) the way things sometimes work out. If I hadn't left my laptop and "banana pouch" behind on that Monday morning, I would have been in my bed, fast asleep, at the time of the storms that I witnessed by having had to return to the home of my hosts, and then start my journey to my own home all over again! And, of course, if I hadn't witnessed the storm, I would have been unlikely to write three posts about the Rapture! "God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform;" as the 18th century hymn writer, William Cowper claims!

Anyway, we have considered that, at the Rapture, there is a departure that disciples of Jesus will make; there is a destination we will have; and, in this post, I want to share that there is a delight that we shall know. 

“… we, who are still living on the earth, will be swept up … into the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And, after that, we will be with Him for ever.” (I Thess.4:17; J.B.Phillips).

Each of us, I am sure, knows the joy of being in the presence of a loved one.  It may be a husband, or a wife; it may be a father, or a mother; it may be a brother, or a sister.  It may well be that it is “just” a friend – someone who is as close to us as our dearest relatives.  For me, that person is my wife.  And words alone cannot express my feelings when I am with her – which is, I would contend, exactly as it should be!  Sometimes, I think to myself: “Well, if I experience such an intense happiness when I am with my wife, what’s it going to be like when I am “with the Lord” which, Paul assures us, “is far better” (Phil.1:23)”?!   And I find that I can’t even begin to comprehend the intensity of that delight!  “The principal happiness of heaven”, writes Matthew Henry, “is this: “to be with the Lord”, to see Him, live with Him, and enjoy Him for ever”. (Commentary, I Thess., in loc). 

But, as we think of the intensity with which we will behold Him, we must also rejoice in the eternity for which we will be with Him.  “we shall be with Him – for ever.”  Not only do we have an intense delight in being with a loved one; we also, usually, hate to have to tear ourselves away, to be parted from, that loved one.  We might even go as far as to say that we dread the very thought of separation – and, indeed, is not separation the main factor behind our natural grief on the physical death of one to whom we were at all close?!  But this situation won’t arise for the believer, when the Christ calls us to Himself.  Because we are to be with Him for “the eternity of eternities”.

Our feeble, finite, minds cannot even begin to grasp the vastness of eternity (but it's dealt with, certainly to some extent, in my book "Great Words of the Faith"!).  Even “for ever” is too much for us.  Yet this is the way it will be with Jesus.  We will never be separated from Him, if we truly belong to Him, and He to us.

And that is so important! You see, although it’s exciting to think of the Rapture of the Church - to think of the departure we shall make – the certainty of it, and the suddenness of it; to think of the destination we shall have – the Person we will meet, and the perfection we will gain; to think of the delight that we shall know – in the intensity with which we will behold Him, and the eternity for which we will be with Him. But if you are not "in Christ Jesus" and He is not in you, then that Rapture will only serve to show you that you have missed an amazing opportunity - and that you have only yourself to blame! I happen to believe that there will be those who will be saved during the period following the Rapture, but they will suffer terribly! 

John records: "Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, clothed in white robes, and whence have they come?" I said to him, "Sir, you know." And he said to me, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night within His temple; and He who sits upon the throne will shelter them with His presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and He will guide them to springs of living water; and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Rev.7:13-17; emphasis added).

Those who are saved during that time will have suffered - perhaps more than any others before them. so may each of us be ready for that trumpet-sound (I Cor.15:52), that we might avoid such persecution, and that ours might be that departure; that destination; that delight.

Death - the final frontier!

As I have mentioned before, I am an avid reader, and enjoy reading not only my Bible, and various theological books, but also a good novel. I especially enjoy a good detective story - trying to figure out  the identity of the perpetrator of the crime involved (usually a murder!). Often, I fail miserably, and it is only in the final chapter that the criminal is exposed! Some of the novels I have read have been real 'cliffhangers', and it has been almost the last page before I discover "whodunnit"!! However, there is one cliffhanger that none of us will ever resolve until we experience it for ourselves - what happens after physical death?

Anyone who has watched, in sadness, as someone close to them has died may wonder about their new existence (if they believe that there is "anything" after physical death, in the first place!). Our hearts may ache to know what they are doing, or where they are. Some appear to have the idea that the after-life is just a continuation of this one. How often have I read, on the pages of Facebook, "birthday anniversary" wishes being sent to someone who died, perhaps many years ago? I even read one 'tribute' (and I have no doubt that that was what was intended) to a mother who had died. I can't recall the exact wording, but the wish was expressed that, now that she and the father who had died many years previously, were able to celebrate their wedding anniversary together, the father would be treating the mother to a nice meal in an Italian restaurant "up there"!

That, I would respectfully suggest, is simply wishful thinking. The Bible clearly teaches that if a person had a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus, the Christ, then that person's spirit is with Him, awaiting that call, and sound of the shofar, to which I referred in the previous post. Awaiting the resurrection if the body as it is instantly transformed into the new body that will be theirs throughout eternity. 

So we do have some clues regarding those who have died, in Jesus. We know that they are enjoying God's presence. Paul, inspired by God the Holy Spirit, writes these words to the early disciples of Jesus in Corinth: "We are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord." (II Cor 5:8; emphasis added).  We also know that they are recognisable, and conscious of their surroundings - just like the rich man and Lazarus the beggar, of whom the Lord Jesus spoke (Luke 16:19-31). We also know that they haven't yet received that perfect body that will be theirs at the Rapture, as stated above.    

There is more that we may know - but that refers to after the Rapture; the seven years of the Tribulation; and the Second Advent when the Lord Jesus will vanquish His enemies. That is yet another topic for another post!  The only other truth that I would share just now is that Father God, in His matchless love and power, has a glorious reunion planned. Then, our eternal rejoicing will truly begin. The last page of the mystery has a very happy ending - if you are in Jesus! If not ... !!!

This is why I so often end a post by urging you to, if you have not already done so, turn to the Lord Jesus, confessing your sinfulness, and your sins; accepting the forgiveness that He gained for you at Calvary; and handing over the reins of your life to Him. It's something I did more than 60 years ago and, although I have let Him down more often than I care to remember, He has never let me down. He won't let you down, either!

"I shall return"

The words that head this post are those referred to in the previous post. They were spoken by American General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur, to the people of the Philippines in 1942, as he left for Australia to command the Allied Forces in the Southwest Pacific Theatre in the Second World War.

Some 1900 years earlier, very similar words were spoken by Jesus of Nazareth to His closest disciples. One of those present has recorded the words for us: "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also." (John 14:1-3; emphasis added)

We know that Gen. MacArthur fulfilled his promise to the people of the Philippines. But what about Jesus? It's now heading towards 2,000 years since He made His promise - but it hasn't yet been fulfilled! 

Listen to another of those who were present when the Lord Jesus made that promise: "... do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up." (II Peter 3:8-10).

The event to which Peter refers - "... the day of the Lord ..." is, I would contend, the Second Advent when the Lord Jesus will return to deal with the forces of evil, once and for all. However, there is a prior event to which His words also apply. This is the event referred to by Paul when, in his first letter to the church at Thessalonica, he writes: "... this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first; then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." (I Thess 4:15-18; emphasis added).

This event is referred to as "the Rapture" of the true church. It is that event to which the Lord Jesus referred when He said: "But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch; for you do not know when the time will come." (Mark 13:32-33). There will be no warning. It will happen in an instant. Paul writes to the Corinthian believers: "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed." (I Cor 15:51-52; emphases added).

There are, in fact, three "stages" to the Rapture. The first of these is the sound that will be heard. That will be the voice of an archangel with "a cry of command" - the command to those who have already died in the Christ; true believers from all previous generations; to rise to meet with Him, “… in the air …”!  That will be followed by the sound of the shofar (not the man-made metal trumpet, but that which is created by Father God). Vance Havner, an American preacher of an earlier generation, used to say, "I'm not looking for signs; I'm listening for a sound"! – the sound of the voice of the archangel, and of the shofar.

The second stage concerns the ascent that we shall make. Paul writes: "And the dead in Christ will rise first; then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds…" At the Rapture, there will be two kinds of believer. There will be those who have already died, in the Lord.

This, it would appear, was the big concern of the Thessalonian believers. “… we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.”  Sleep is used in the New Testament to describe death. So Lazarus was “asleep”; the centurion’s daughter was “asleep”.

The disciples of Jesus in Thessalonica knew that the Lord would return for His people. But they also knew that some of their number has already died. Had these brothers and sisters in Jesus missed out? Paul confirms that this is not so! Indeed, he states that those who have died in the Lord Jesus will rise first!   That is, they will actually rise before the second group - those who are alive, who are left.  “… then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds …”. The Greek word that is translated “caught up” is much stronger than that. It means to “snatch up”, “to seize”, “to pull forcibly”.  This, of course, is in line with Paul’s inspired words to the Corinthian believers: "... we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,". 

I learned, recently, of a period of time known as a “nanosecond”! I use the expression “period of time” because I cannot think of anything more suitable. But a nano-second is one one-billionth of a second! That is, quite honestly, beyond my comprehension. I believe that if Paul had been privy to such information, he might well have written “… we shall all be changed in a nano-second.”! 

But Paul mentions another aspect of the Rapture that we must consider. He writes “… the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable nature must put on the imperishable, and this mortal nature must put on immortality." The resurrection body is not going to be a body of flesh and blood as are the bodies that we now inhabit, for "... flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable." (I Cor 15:50). At the Rapture, we shall receive our new, and perfect, bodies, designed for eternity in the close presence of Almighty God!

The change will be a metamorphosis – just like a caterpillar that, taking much longer, changes into a beautiful butterfly. I don’t know about you, but that makes me really excited – and eager for that Rapture to take place!

The third "stage" in the Rapture is the union we shall enjoy. That union is, of course, with the Saviour, the Lord Jesus. Paul continues in that passage to the Thessalonians with the words: “and so we shall always be with the Lord.” This stage is connected to the procedures in a Jewish wedding – which is somewhat different to a wedding in either France or Scotland! However, to go through it in detail would make an already longer-than-usual post much longer still! Perhaps I shall share that in a separate post. Suffice it, for now, to say that the Bridegroom will have come for His Bride and that, while she does not know the precise moment, she may have an indication of it.

The written Word of God provides us with so many signs of the coming of the Bridegroom, - our Lord Jesus. Arguably the greatest of these is Israel, the nation, being reformed on May 14^th, 1948 – the date on which, many are convinced, the prophetic clock started to tick!

As we look at the ‘signs of the times’, (yet another potential post!) there can surely be no doubt in any Bible-believing person’s mind, that we are in the very last days – that the Rapture is, to use an English-language idiom, “Just around the corner”!

This is the Rapture.

I want to leave you with just three questions;

1 Have you been washed – in the blood of the Lord Jesus?

2 Are you watching – for His ‘coming in the clouds’?

3 Are you waiting - ?

When that great shout is heard; when the sound of the shofar echoes throughout the world; may you and I be among those who are snatched up, in a nanosecond, to be forever with the Lord.

Note. I deal a little more fully with the Rapture in my first book, "Great Words of the Faith" - links at the top of the blog. ALL royalties sent directly to Release International. 

The year of cancellations!

This week, we (my wife and I) received the news that our flight to Israel, booked for September 30th, has been cancelled. It had been booked in January for a three-week visit to the Holy Land, as a "holiday of a lifetime" and our gift to one another for our Golden Wedding Anniversary - on September 4th. To celebrate the actual date, we had planned to visit Scotland and have a meal with our family. The ferry was booked just a week before the Prime Minister announced that France had been removed from the list of 'safe' countries. That meant that we would have had to spend our complete time there in isolation! This evening we amended the ferry booking to later in September - but, of course, may well have to postpone the date even further!

Sadly, we are experiencing no more than many have already experienced over the regular holiday months in the Northern Hemisphere. It's been that sort of year (and it isn't over, yet!). Some of us are not even fully convinced that all of the restrictions that have been put in place are necessary, helpful, or even fully enforceable!

The cause of all of this upset is, of course, something that is invisible to the human eye. It is a virus - Covid-19 - that has disrupted not just our own plans; not just the plans of so many in Western Europe; but people the world over. We have discovered the truth of the words of the Scots bard, Robert (Rabbie) Burns that "The best-laid plans o' mice and' men gang aft agley"! (from "To a mouse"). For those who need a translation, a rough one would be: "No matter how carefully we make our plans, be we mice or men, they often go awry"!

I was speaking by 'phone, just last evening, with my younger daughter. In the course of that conversation, we mused on previous plans that had not come to pass. At one time, it was my own plan to emigrate to Australia - but when the opportunity came to do so, I failed to seize the moment!

However, there is One Whose plans are always fulfilled. That One is Almighty God, the Creator and Sustainer of all that is. As we read His Word - the Bible - we discover that His plan is for this world that we know to eventually be destroyed, and to make way for a new heaven, and a new earth. He has not said precisely when that will happen, but He has given us some indications of the season in which it will take place. The first sign - and the one that will happen in a nanosecond - will be the rapture* of the true disciples of Jesus, the Christ (see I Cor.15:51ff; I Thess.4:13ff). That will be followed by a seven-year period of tribulation. It will be after that period that the Lord Jesus will return, with His church, and after that, the new heaven and the new earth.

The apostle John was given a glimpse of all of that which he recorded in what we know as the Revelation of Jesus the Christ. He wrote: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband; and I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them; He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away. And He who sat upon the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new."Also He said, "Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true." And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the fountain of the water of life without payment. He who conquers shall have this heritage, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, as for murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their lot shall be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur, which is the second death." (Rev 21:1-8).

It is only those who have a personal relationship with the Father, through the Lord Jesus and His atoning sacrifice at Calvary, who will inhabit that new heaven and new earth. The signs are all around us that the rapture - that will set this particular timetable in motion, is very close. The big, and extremely important, question is: "Are you ready?" If you are not, then I urge you to do something about it - and to do it now! Writing to the Corinthians, Paul stated "Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (II Cor 6:2; emphases added); while the writer of the Letter to Hebrew disciples of Jesus asked the unanswerable question: "... how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?" (Heb 2:3).

"Rapture ready" - should be the aim of each and every one of us!

* The subject of the Rapture is dealt with, in greater depth, in my book "Great Words of the Faith", available from Amazon in both paperback, and Kindle formats. Links are at the top of the blog. Please permit me to emphasise that I do not receive a single penny from sales. ALL royalties are sent, by Amazon, directly to the Bank Account of Release International, in support of the persecuted church.

Home! Home at last!

Yesterday morning, we (my wife and I) left our overnight lodging in Dover, and headed for the Ferry Port. Our first stop was the French Passport Control. Our explanation of why we had been in the UK; our passports; and, most importantly, my French driving licence; had us waved through. UK Passport Control also waved us through. The young lady at the P&O Ferries' Check-in put us on to the ferry that left an hour and a half before the one for which we had booked. The ferry was almost devoid of passengers. The crossing was uneventful. All was well!

Or so we thought! We had already booked in a (budget!) hotel in Dreux for one night, in order to break up the journey. However, when we arrived, we discovered that the hotel was closed due to the restrictions that had been put in place by the French Government. We looked around, but were unable to find any alternative. Driving on to Chartres, we were stopped by the Gendarmerie! Thankfully, we had been warned about the need for a Certificate of Attestation, and so I had hand-written one! We also had retained our ferry-crossing documents, and all was accepted. Mind you, as we were about to drive off again, there was a knocking on the window. I lowered the glass, to be asked about the large, helium-filled, balloon in the back of the car! I guess it was, indeed, unusual, but when I explained that we had been enjoying a belated celebration of a special birthday anniversary for my wife, and that the balloon came from that, the two young gendarmes laughed, and waved us on! We then discovered that Chartres, too, was without any available hotels. Having wasted a lot of time in searching, we decided to drive straight home - a distance of some 560 kms (350 miles). We had purchased a couple of salads to eat in the hotel, so we stopped for a half-hour to have "dinner". Then, about midnight, we were able to park in an "Aire de repos", and sleep for about an hour and a half. We arrived home at 0530 - and went straight to bed. We awoke about 1030, but didn't arise immediately! 

So, it was really good to be home - even if we are forbidden to visit for purely social reasons. However, as I lay in bed this morning, my mind running through the journey home, I found myself thinking of a much longer journey - the journey of life. It's a journey that may be long or short. It's a journey that some don't even have the opportunity to commence. It's a journey that is filled with a multitude of different experiences - some enjoyable; others less so.

And it's a journey that, sooner or later, comes to an end! We refer to that end as "death", and it is the lot of each and every one of us. Our financial worth is not sufficient to avoid it (although a very rich person may be able to postpone it for a time!). Our position in society is not sufficient to avoid it (a dictator, monarch, or president will die just as surely as the poorest, and least socially important, person). 'Religious' people die as readily as those who are totally agnostic (I omit "atheists" because there is no such person as a true atheist - or, at least, who is not also arrogantly ignorant!). Children die as well as adults - and I have just received the very sad news that a former pupil who had recently announced that the child she was carrying had been diagnosed with Downs' Syndrome (but that, to her - and her partner's - great credit, she was determined to keep, and care for) has died in the womb. Death is no respecter of persons.

Yet, for some of us, death will come as a welcome experience! Perhaps not the actual experience of dying - that is, for some, incredibly painful - but the "end result"! That is because we believe firmly that physical death is not the end. There is, indeed, life after death! The only variable is "what kind of life will you have?"

For those of us who are disciples of Jesus, the future is secure. We have the promise in His Word that, our physical deaths are not the end, but that our spirits (the real "us") will go to be with Him (II Cor.5:8). Not only that, but He has assured us that He is already preparing a place for us! (Jn.14:2). And all of this is not just for a specified time, but for eternity (read about that in my first book: "Great Words of the Faith". ALL royalties go directly to Release International in support of the persecuted church).

When that happens, although there is much to take place after it (and, of course, if the Rapture takes place during my physical lifetime, then I shall not experience physical death! Read more of this in the relevant chapter in "Great Words"!), I shall be home! It is something to which, every passing day, I look forward with great anticipation. I shall, after the return of the Lord Jesus, and His vanquishing of all evil, spend eternity in His presence on the new earth that He has ready for me!

Then shall I be able to say, with great joy, "Home! I'm home at last!" Hallelujah! Will you be there with me? Will you?! If you are unsure, please feel free to contact me using the e-mail address above. It is not my primary e-mail address, so it isn't checked every day - but as soon as I read your e-mail, I shall respond. 

Mountains!

Today, my wife and I were in the Pyrenees - that mountain range between France and the Iberian Peninsula. We went, specifically, to visit some ruins about which my wife had been reading -  the Château de Montségur. When we arrived at the car-park, we were already more than 1,000 metres (heading towards 3,500 feet!) above sea-level – and we had to climb a vertical height of more than 200 metres (the length of the necessarily zig-zag path was closer to 600 metres! See the additional pictures, below.) to the ruins themselves. Climbing Tinto is an afternoon stroll, by comparison!

I have to admit that, especially after the physical effort involved (neither of us comes into the “young” category!) the ruins were a bit of a disappointment. However, the view of the surrounding valleys was awesome. The journey to the car-park was also magnificent, as we drove through that mountainous region, with its snow-capped mountains and vast forests. It was when we had reached about 700 metres above sea-level, and with the thought of a number of recent tsunami warnings in my head, that I found myself thinking: “At least, up here, and so far inland, one wouldn’t have to worry about tsunamis!”

Certainly, although the power of the sea, in a tsunami, is frightening, those mighty mountains will not be moved by any body of water, however large, and at whatever velocity! Then my mind started to wander, and I realised that a day is coming – and many believe that it will be very soon – when even the mountains, the symbol of strength and solidity, will perish!

In that fascinating – but so open to misinterpretation – book, The Revelation of Jesus, the Christ, given to the agèd apostle John, we read these words:

 "The seventh angel poured his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" And there were flashes of lightning, voices, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as had never been since men were on the earth, so great was that earthquake. The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered great Babylon, to make her drain the cup of the fury of his wrath. And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found; and great hailstones, heavy as a hundred-weight, dropped on men from heaven, till men cursed God for the plague of the hail, so fearful was that plague." (Rev 16:17-21; emphasis added).

The Greek word translated "It is done" is the word "Gegonen". This not the same as the single word uttered by the Lord Jesus, on the cross: "Tetelestai" (my apology to purists, but Blogger doesn't support Greek script!), usually translated into the English language as "It is finished" (John 19:30). That particular word "Finished", was Jesus' mighty cry of triumph. He was proclaiming that the work that the Father had given to Him had been completed. Full atonement was now possible through His shed blood - the blood of the perfect Lamb of God that, alone, cleanses us from all sin.

"Gegonen" is somewhat different. It means that the series of judgments, already referred to, is about to be completed, and that the dominion of the beast is about to come to an end forever. The meaning here is, that that destruction was so certain, that it might be spoken of as now actually accomplished.

The two stages of the end of all that currently is, are the Rapture of the true Saints of God (nothing to do with any formal declaration by any specific organisation), and the Second Advent/Coming of the Lord Jesus, the Christ. The first will happen without any warning; the second will be prefaced by certain signs. Many see these signs being fulfilled in these days.

Of course, there are those who scoff. This is only to be expected. Peter wrote: "First of all you must understand this, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own passions and saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming ? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things have continued as they were from the beginning of creation.' They deliberately ignore this fact, that by the word of God heavens existed long ago, and an earth formed out of water and by means of water, through which the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist have been stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. 

But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up." (II Peter 3:3-10).

The question is - "If He were to call His own this very night, would you be ready?" I recall someone saying, many years ago, that we should live as if He is returning today; and work as if He will not return for another hundred years! I am considering, over the coming weeks, and as the Lord permits, a series of posts on this very important subject. I shall not be providing a 'time line', but will seek to show, from the written Word of God, what current events may be saying to us. I hope that you will follow the series - and learn from it.

Why "go to church"?

My current daily readings are in Paul's letters to the believers in Thessalonica. These letters are perhaps most used when one is considering the Rapture, and/or the Second Advent (they are not the same thing! See my book "Great Words of the Faith" - details above. ALL royalties go directly to Release International in support of the persecuted church.). It is true that the main reason for this correspondence is the problems that were being encountered by the Thessalonians due to some unhelpful teaching on these matters. However, as I reached the end of the first of these letters, I realised how much Paul had to say about another matter that is dear to my heart.

As he draws this letter to a close, the apostle deals with the local church. He writes: "... we beseech you, brethren, to respect those who labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,  and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit, do not despise prophesying, but test everything; hold fast what is good, abstain from every form of evil." (I Thess 5:12-22).

There is sufficient material in that section for a short series of sermons! However, permit me to simply throw out a few "blessèd thoughts"! The first of these is that it is really tragic when believers neglect, or ignore, the local church. The New Testament knows nothing of the "solitary believer" (except where fellowship is physically impossible, as for many in the persecuted church, today). The church is meant to be a family - and a family requires a number of people. The church is a building - but one cannot build much with just one, or two, bricks. The church is a group of fellow-workers - not a "congregation of two"! (see I Cor.3:9).

Now, of course, no family of which I have ever had any knowledge - including my own - is perfect! However, without a family to protect and nurture, a child would suffer and die! It is also the case that no Christian Fellowship is perfect. However, there is the well-known saying: "If you ever find the perfect church, don't join it. You'll only spoil it!" You see, the church - any fellowship, congregation, or ministry, is composed of imperfect people! However, the true child of God needs a church family in order to grow, and thrive, and develop the gifts that God the Holy Spirit gives to him, or her. It is in, and through the local church that we may best serve God, and receive spiritual support in our serving.

Now I know that, in this modern world, I can go to YouTube and find many fine messages, and good teaching, from sound and experienced brothers who are true ministers of the Word. But where is the fellowship? Where is the relationship? To whom may I go when I have a difficulty? Is singing a chorus/hymn/song by myself a genuine experience of worship? It may be - on occasion! However, there is something that blesses me when I ma worshipping in concert with others of like mind.

When I was a young man, in the British Merchant Navy, I was also a very young, immature, and inexperienced, disciple of Jesus. Each Sunday, when my ship was at sea, there was what was referred to as "Divine Service"- held in the First Class ballroom (I sailed in a large passenger liner!). This consisted of the Captain reading through the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, and then the congregation - mostly passengers, but with a few crew members - singing the "sailor's hymn": "Eternal father, strong to save". It was, on my part, an attempt to witness to my faith - but spiritually uplifting it was not!

How happy I was when we were in port on a Sunday! I checked the local churches and, if possible, found one of my own denomination. If that was not possible, then I went to a congregation close to the docks. I worshipped with Presbyterians; Free Presbyterians; Baptists; Anglicans; and Independents. I made friendships that lasted for many years - and am still in contact with the then Assistant Minister of the Scots Church in Margaret Street, Sydney, Australia. I learned lessons that I would never have learned as a "solitary Christian". I discovered that, if I was with other true believers, then whether I was in Southampton, or Kowloon; in Sydney or San Francisco; in Vancouver or Melbourne; in Honolulu, or wherever; I was "family". These were my brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus, and we were "... all one ..." (Gal.3:28) in Him.

I know those, today, who appear to believe that they can survive without the family. I would lovingly suggest that, at best, they can "exist". But one is more vulnerable to the attacks of the evil one if one is not in a family. When a lion is tracking a herd of antelope, it looks for the one that is separated from the herd. That is the vulnerable one - and is more easily taken down. It doesn't have the strength of the family to protect it.

You want to be "church"? Then be part of a family of believers - and may you know the blessing of the Father as you find your own place of service in that family (because the true church of the Lord Jesus, the Christ, is not a spectator sport!).

My ornithologist friends will, undoubtedly, immediately recognise the birds in the picture as "Brown Boobies". The picture is courtesy of a regularly changing background that I receive when I go online! I now have quite a varied selection of shots - from the simply beautiful to the very interesting.

My reason for saving this particular picture is that I am currently reading through Paul's letters to the early believers in Thessalonica - generally accepted as being among his very earliest correspondence. I wonder if you can work out the connection!!

Paul's Thessalonian correspondence has a lot to say about the rapture - that unannounced event in which the true church (not CINOs - Christians in name only!) will meet with the Lord Jesus "in the air". By the way, it is interesting that Paul uses a specific word that refers to the lower reaches of the atmosphere of planet Earth. There is a different word for the higher, more refined, atmosphere. This, of course, is significant. It us the same word that he uses when, writing to the Ephesian believers, he refers to the adversary as "... the prince of the power of the air ..." (2:2). In other words, he is declaring to the Thessalonians that the Lord Jesus over-rules the satan - even in the domain in which he thinks that he has the power! Hallelujah!

The relevant words in I Thessalonians, are found in chapter 4: "... this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first; then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord." (vs. 15-17).

What a wonderful prospect for those who are truly, "... in Christ Jesus." (Rom.8:1). We shall meet the Saviour, and spend eternity in His presence. That word "meet" is also significant. The Greek word is only used three times in the pages of the New Testament. In each case it refers to an 'advance party' that has been sent to meet a visiting dignitary and escort him to the one who had sent them. It is used in Acts 28:15 where, we read: "And the brethren there [i.e. in Rome], when they heard of us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them Paul thanked God and took courage." The other reference is in Matt.25 where "... ten maidens ... took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom." (v.1). The five wise maidens, who had brought additional oil for their lamps, then "... went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut." (v.10).

The Matthew passage is, of course, also speaking of the return of the Lord Jesus, and the basic message is that 1. "... you know neither the day nor the hour." (v.13); and that 2. because of that, we should always be ready. That was my first thought when the picture of the Brown Boobies appeared on my screen. You see, they are "looking up"! I have no idea what it is that they see; or if they are all looking for something in particular. However, they are, to me, looking upward, expectantly.

That, of course, is how every disciple of Jesus ought to be. Looking upward (not always literally - I don't wish to walk into a lamp post!) in anticipation of that call of the archangel, and the sound of the trumpet (which, I suspect, may actually be the sound of the shofar!), "... awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for Himself a people of His own who are zealous for good deeds." (Titus 2:13-14).

A belated, but no less sincere, wish for a blessèd 2020 to all of my readers.

It's good to be home!

This afternoon, I drove almost 100 kms (c.63 miles) to the airport at Bordeaux. It wasn't a simple drive for the pleasure of driving (that particular journey seldom is!), but because I was collecting my dear wife who was returning after two weeks in Scotland, visiting our family.

I was about twenty minutes away from the airport, and was thinking about how soon I would see my wife again. "I can barely wait", I thought to myself. "I am looking forward so much to her return".

That was when the further thought hit me! There is another, world-shattering event, when there will be another return. I refer, of course, to the return of the Lord Jesus, the Christ - not as a helpless infant, but as the King of kings and Lord of lords. 

I then had to look, honestly, at myself and wonder - am I as excited at the prospect of the Lord's return, after some 2,000 years, as I am about the prospect of my wife's return after a mere 2 weeks?

Of course, although I had spoken with her, by telephone, this morning as she waited at Glasgow airport, I had no absolute guarantee that I would see her at Bordeaux! So many things could have upset our plans. I could have been fatally injured in a road traffic accident; I might have had a heart attack; my wife might have suffered the same; the plane might have crashed. Thankfully, none of these did take place, and we are safely back in our own home. But nothing will be able to stop the return of the Lord Jesus when He comes back with His bride - the previously raptured church.

One final thought in this (unusually!) short post. As we arrived at the sign for our little village, my wife said "Ah! home at last!" When Jesus takes His bride - seven years before He returns - those who constitute that body will be able to say, as have the true saints of God down through the centuries, "Home at last!" We will share in the marriage supper of the Lamb and, when we return with Him, we will share in His millennial reign.

What a prospect for those who are the called, according to His purpose; those of whom it has been said that they "love His appearing" (see II Tim.4:8). Are you in that happy band? Are you looking forward, with great excitement and anticipation, to His return? I trust so but, if not; if you aren't assured that you will rise in the Rapture; please do something about it now! Tomorrow may be too late!

Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose !

It was Solomon, the last king of a united nation of Israel, who wrote the book in the Bible that is known as Ecclesiastes (not to be confused with the Apocryphal book, Ecclesiasticus!), who gave us the well-known adage "... there is nothing new under the sun." (Eccl 1:9).

I was reminded of those words during my personal devotions this morning, as I read from Psalm 83. There were three specific passages that spoke to me, the first of which was "Come, let us wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Israel be remembered no more!" (v.4).

Scholars are unsure as to the exact background to this psalm, but these words, in context, make clear that Israel is under threat from those who are referred to as the enemies of God (v.2). They are working together with just one aim in view - the total destruction of the Children of Israel. I had to look twice to ensure that an article from this morning's newspaper hadn't found its way into my Bible!

There was certainly nothing new in those words. The Chosen People of Almighty God have been the object of hatred and opposition since their years of exile in Egypt. The Egyptian Pharaoh sought to destroy them - but the Lord preserved a baby who was given the name of Moses and who, in God's timing, led the nation out of Egypt. Later, a senior civil servant in the court of the Persian (modern Iran) king, Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), a man named Haman sought to destroy the Jewish people - but the Lord had Mordecai, and his niece, Esther, ready, and it was Haman who perished on the very gallows that he had had especially constructed for Mordecai (read the full story in the Book of Esther). Fast forward many more centuries, noting the Roman attempt to disperse and destroy the national identity of the Jews, and the many more local persecutions particularly in western Europe (including England!), and we come to the 20th century and the rise to power of Adolf Hitler. His attempt at the genocide of the Jewish nation also failed - even although he was responsible for the deaths of some six million. Indeed, every would-be destroyer of the Jews has been, in one way or another, defeated and humiliated.

Today, the same aim is expressed by a number of groups - either explicitly, or implicitly. One of the best-known Islamic terrorist organisations is Hamas (the Islamic Resistance Movement, and one of the wings of the Muslim Brotherhood). In its Charter, it states that "... our struggle against the Jews is extremely wide-ranging and grave, so much so that it will need all the loyal efforts we can wield, to be followed by further steps and reinforced by successive battalions from the multifarious Arab and Islamic world, until the enemies (i.e. the Jews) are defeated and Allah's victory prevails." Other groups - Hezbollah; the Palestinian Authority; Iran; etc - have the same aim: the destruction of the Jewish people.

The second verse that particularly caught my attention, reads: "Let us take possession for ourselves

of the pastures of God." (v.12). This time, the context shows that this is the aim of the enemies of God, from historical events. However, one does not need to be a Biblical scholar to be aware that this is also part of the aim of the various Islamic groups who make quite clear that they wish to take over the whole of the Holy Land. "From the river to the sea, "Palestine" shall be free" we have all heard chanted at various pro-"Palestinian", anti-Israel gatherings. By the way, there is no such land as "Palestine" - but that is too big a subject for a digression here!

Asaph, the inspired composer of this psalm (we often refer to "the Psalms of David", but the psalmist-king actually penned slightly less than half of those in the Psalter!) then prays about this situation. It is that prayer that constitutes the third point that "jumped out" at me. It reads:

"O my God, make them like whirling dust,

like chaff before the wind. 

As fire consumes the forest,

as the flame sets the mountains ablaze, 

so do Thou pursue them with thy tempest

and terrify them with Thy hurricane! 

Fill their faces with shame,

that they may seek Thy name, O YHWH. 

Let them be put to shame and dismayed for ever;

let them perish in disgrace. 

Let them know that Thou alone,

whose Name is YHWH,

art the Most High over all the earth." (vs.13-18).

There are two things of note, I believe. The first is that, in spite of the request for the destruction of Israel's enemies, Asaph also seeks their salvation! "Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek Thy name, O YHWH." (emphasis added). He is asking that these enemies would be ashamed, and dismayed, and turn to the Living God. Wow! Secondly, all of this is for the honour and glory of YHWH, the God of Israel. He isi the Sovereign God of the universe - and every nation on earth, whether or not any of them accept His sovereignty. As we look at our contemporary world - and not just the situation in the Middle east - we could be tempted to despair. That, however, is one thing we should never do!

Remember the words of the second of the Psalms:

"Why do the nations conspire,

and the peoples plot in vain? 

The kings of the earth set themselves,

and the rulers take counsel together,

against YHWH and His anointed, saying, 

"Let us burst their bonds asunder,

and cast their cords from us." 

He Who sits in the heavens laughs;

YHWH has them in derision. 

Then He will speak to them in His wrath,

and terrify them in His fury, saying, 

"I have set my king

on Zion, my holy hill." (vs.1-6).

He is still in control. He is still working all things in accordance with His plan and purposes. He is still the God Who inhabits eternity, and Who is worthy of all of the honour, and praise, and worship, and adoration, that we can bring to Him - and of much more besides! 

One day - I believe much sooner than many expect - He will "call time". There will be the rapture of the true church, followed by the time of tribulation, and then the Lord Jesus, the only-begotten Son, will return with His bride (the church). Then "... at the name of Jesus every knee [shall] bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Phil 2:10-11; emphasis added).

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus.

The end of time!

I believe that it was no less a person than Albert Einstein who established that 'time' has a beginning and an end. Of course, students of the written Word of God, the Bible, already knew that, as the fact is clear in that Word! There have also been many who have claimed, in spite of the clear statement of the Lord Jesus to the contrary (Mk.13:32), to be able to predict the very day on which the Son will return and herald the end of time.

However, although we can not know the precise point at which time will end, we may discern the seasons - and there are many indications that we are rapidly approaching that momentous event known to Biblical theologians as "the rapture". There are a few differing views as to when, in the overall scheme of things, that event will take place. The Bible speaks of a time of tribulation for the human race. I am among those who believe that the rapture will occur immediately before that seven-year period.

One of the clear signs of the times is the increase in the persecution of disciples of Jesus. Those of us who live in what is often called "the West" are often blissfully unaware of the severe difficulties faced by our brothers and sisters in the Lord, in more than fifty countries in the modern world. However, even the secular world is beginning to realise something of the extent of the persecution that these dear people face. Indeed, a recent report ordered by British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, stated that the persecution of Christians in parts of the world is at near “genocide” levels!

Having been interested in, and supportive of, the persecuted church for decades, I am aware of some of the current increase in persecution in, e.g., China, India, Sri Lanka, and the Central African Republic. I know that North Korea remains the most dangerous country in the world in which to be identified as a disciple of Jesus. I know that Muslim extremists will target Jesus' followers as much as they will Jews. This is seen, particularly, in Nigeria where two Islamic groups - Boko Haram and militant Fulani tribesmen are responsible for the slaughter of more believers than in any other country - more than 75% (if I recall correctly) of all of those murdered, are in Nigeria! Of course, there are fates worse than death!

There are, of course, many other such signs, so it is a wise person who will ensure that they are ready for the event itself! How may one do that? Simply by being "born again" (John 3:3). That, in turn, involves the ABC of admitting that you are a sinner in the sight of Almighty God; believing that the death of Jesus, the Son, is sufficient to atone for your sins; and confessing to others that you are now committed to following Him.

That is the shortened version! May I recommend two of the links below - "Do you need God?"; and "New Christian UK"? Of course, you may also contact me using the e-mail address at the top. I would also recommend the first two of my own books (remember, I receive no financial benefit at all. All royalties go directly to Release International - supporting the persecuted church). Of course, the third book is worth reading - but start with the first two!

Blessings, and shalom.

48 - and counting!

It would be very nice, in some ways, to have the heading refer to my biological age. However, I must confess that it doesn't. 😞

What it does refer to is the number of years of marriage that my wife and I have celebrated, today. 😊

Yes, it was a full forty-eight years ago that I stood at the front of the sanctuary of St George's-Tron Parish Church, facing my minister, the late Rev George B.Duncan, and with one of my brothers standing by my side. Adam Hair, the organist, was playing a gentle medley of familiar Christian tunes when, suddenly, he stopped and, after a moment's pause, the strains of Handel's beautiful 'Largo', from his opera Xerxes, wafted from the organ pipes.

I knew what that signified, and turned to look over my left shoulder to see a vision in white come walking down the aisle, on her father's arm. If Mr Duncan had leaned forward at that moment, and asked me if I was certain that I loved this girl enough to be willing to spend the rest of our lives together, I would have replied that it was impossible for any human being to love any other human being as much as I loved this girl who was about to become my wife. And I would have meant every syllable!

Forty-eight years later I realise that I would not have known what I was talking about! My love for my wife, today, is a million times greater that it was all of those years ago. She has been my wife, my lover, my support, my encourager, the mother of our two beautiful daughters, homemaker, friend - the list could go on. My life would certainly not have been the same without her by my side. She has stuck with me through good times, and not as good times. I thank Father God for her every day, and pray that, as the Rapture is delayed, we will be granted many more years to love, and share, and be with one another; and to serve Him both as individuals, and as a couple.

The Word of God makes much use of the marriage analogy. In the Tanakh (the Old Testament), the nation of Israel is referred to as the wife of YHWH; in the New Testament (the BritHadasha), the church is seen as the bride of the Christ (HaMashiach). The obviously common theme is that of love. "For a brief moment I forsook you, but with great compassion I will gather you. In overflowing wrath for a moment I hid My face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you, says YHWH, your Redeemer." (Is.54:7-8). "I feel a divine jealousy for you, for I betrothed you to Christ, to present you as a pure bride to her one husband." (II Cor.11:2) However, the love of God is infinitely greater than even the greatest love that any couple may have for one another - even after 48 years (or 50, or 60, or 70, or more!). Indeed, as John writes in his account of the Gospel: "God loved the world so much that He gave His only-begotten Son - the unique One - that whoever places their trust in Him may not perish but have, here and now, eternal life." (3:16; slightly paraphrased).

It is also the case, certainly for the true disciple of Jesus that, as we live our lives with Him, and are drawn ever closer to Him, we love Him more, and long to love Him more than even that. And we try to please Him in all that we do. That, I would claim, is my desire towards my wife. Of course, as a mere mortal, I don't always achieve that desire - when the jokes have all been finished, I know that I am not, and never have been, the 'perfect' husband. And I am not a perfect man. However, I am so grateful that my dear wife is still with me, and that we have been able to work through the difficult times. And I am so grateful that the Lord forgives me as I come to Him in repentance and faith. It must also be said that He has never, ever, let me down! 

This is where the Third Persona (see my book 'Great Words of the Faith', the chapter on 'The Trinity') of the Trinity, God the Holy Spirit, comes in. It is as He works in me, that I am, little by little, made to be more like Jesus. A little home-made plaque on my study wall reads: "In this life I shall never be sinless; but by the grace of God, I may sin less." That is sanctification - and that is the Work of Holy Spirit, Himself, in my life.

I don't know if you are married, or not. If you are, I don't know for how long you have been married. I do know that even the best marriage is no substitute for the relationship that you may have with your Creator. My marriage to my wife is "until God shall separate us by death". My relationship with Father God, through the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus at Calvary, is not only for time, but also for eternity. Married, or not, have you entered into that relationship? If not - why not?!

Playing with prophecy.

You may have read, or heard, of Pastor Salazar, from the Global Church of the King of Israel, in Tokyo, Japan, who claims in an online video that is going viral that, on May 16 2016, a five-mile wide "murderous" asteroid will crash into the Earth - wiping out life on the planet as we know it!

The horrific event will, he informs, initially kill 1,200 million people and leave a world at the mercy of famine and disease for four years before the Antichrist descends to Earth!

According to the predictions by an American preacher in the past few days, the world was to end on, I think, Wednesday.  Well, that one was wrong - as have been so many over the years.  Now, a serious study of end-time events can be fascinating; and novels such as those that were popular in the 1960s and 70s (In the Twinkling of an Eye; The Mark of the Beast; The Late Great Planet Earth: etc.) can make for enjoyable, and even challenging, reading.  However, trying to predict the precise date on which the world will end, or the Rapture take place, or any other cataclysmic event occur, is foolishness of the first order!

At the height of World War II, the German protestant pastor and theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, was imprisoned for having taken a stand against Hitler and the Nazis.  A group of Christians, who believed that Hitler was the Antichrist, asked Bonhoeffer, "Why do you expose yourself to all of this danger?  Jesus will return any day, and all of your work and suffering will have been for nothing!"  The pastor replied: "If Jesus returns tomorrow, then tomorrow I will rest from my labour.  But today I have work to do.  I must continue the struggle until it is finished."

Jesus told the disciples, in advance, about his death, so that they wouldn't be alarmed by it, but they missed the message.  They didn't understand that HaMaschiach (the Messiah) had to die before He could reign as King.  Even after the resurrection, they wanted a Kingdom timetable (Acts 1:6ff).  Jesus informed them that such knowledge was the Father's, and His alone.

Prophecy is not for playing - and seeking to predict that which is only in the Father's domain is, surely, tantamount to blasphemy.  Prophecy is to keep us working, confident that God is in control.   Someone has said that we should, "Plan as if Christ's return were years away; but live as if it were today!"  That's not a bad position to take!

Seeing the signs!

It was not  a matter of national importance but, about a year ago, the Dartford Crossing over (and under!) the River Thames, closed its Toll Booths, and "went automatic"!  Now, vehicle registration numbers are scanned by special cameras, and payment is made online - with a heavy fine for failure to pay within the allotted time! 

Recently, a number of people have mentioned to us that they, or friends, have received notice of the fine - and that they had not realised that the system had changed, but thought that the tolls had simply been cancelled!

Yesterday,  my wife and I drove from Wishaw to Maidstone (Kent) to spend the evening with longstanding friends before boarding the ferry for France this afternoon.  The first mention of the new Dartford Crossing was a full 171 miles from the crossing.  Then, at 137 miles, there was a second warning of the tolls that have to be paid.  And so it went on.  I simply fail to understand how some people can claim that they didn't know!

There is a coming event of cataclysmic proportions.  It is the Rapture of the Body of the Lord Jesus Christ, when He meets with His people "in the air" (I Thess.4:17).  It will be followed by a time of tribulation that will make the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to which I referred yesterday seem like a playground scuffle!  That will last for seven years, at the end of which the Lord Jesus will return, with His bride (His disciples) to reign on earth for a thousand years.

My point is that no-one should be surprised by all of this.  He is constantly providing 'warning signs'.  The Bible is full of them -

• The return of Israel to their land (1948)
• Decline of morality
• Natural Disasters
• Wars and rumors of wars
• Increased Technology
• Global Government
• False Prophets and False teaching
• People will follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.
• Exponential global population growth
• Translation of the Gospel and preaching of the Gospel to the whole world. 

 
      The tragedy is not simply that so many seem to ignore the signs, but that the consequence of               doing so will be, not a monetary fine, but eternity cut off from the God Who longs to have them         with Him.

     Jesus said: "You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the        signs of the times." (Matt 16:3).