I Thought I Saw It Coming

[FaithInChrist]

Wow, FaithInChrist, that is really disturbing! It is a real shame that some of these seminaries seem to have become apostatized.

It would be hard to keep your cool in that kind of situation. Your leaving comments to your friend may have been the very words that needed to be heard, especially since what he's saying blends right into the world "it's all good" view and not many would challenge him.

I think it actually took a lot of courage on your part to say what you said. If you think about it, Paul rebuked Peter in the New Testament when Peter was reverting back to Judaism...and probably not in a super sweet, oooey, gooey way either. There is a time to have forceful words and it sounds like that was the right time.

It's beyond frustrating, frustrating would be somebody not taking my advice on something that I was well accomplished at. This is rebuking the Lord and I feel this urgency and he won't listen. I seriously feel like a toddler that needs to express something very badly but does not yet know how to use language as a tool for communication. All I can do is show by my actions the truth of the Bible. I pray that I can reach people, and I pray for wisdom. I hope seeds were planted, I have faith that God will do His will and in the end I will understand.

[Saved Through Jesus]

It is the strangest thing, seeing the prophecies unfold and seeing people seemingly blind to the events. Even other Christians, who know the Bible inside and out. It's like standing in a building with all the walls on fire and nobody can smell the smoke, much less see the flames.

There is an incomprehensible urgency to spread the word, and all people want to hear is that they can do whatever they want and their hippie Jesus is okay with it. I personally know three people who have melded Jesus and Buddha into one. In fact their facebook status says their religion is BuddhaChrist. I asked why Buddha gets first billing. They were offended that I did not respect their new, zen, laidback take on Christianity. There is another friend of mine from college that has been corrupted by a seminary that has caused him to doubt the validity of the crucifixtion, the resurrection and the entire Bible in general. His new religion is "God is love" and you can only bring others to God by teaching them to love each other and when the entire world loves each other and there is no more hate, violence, wars...then the world will be good enough for Christ to come back. He has been fed a line of bull that will lead him straight to the anti-christ and when I quoted him this scripture

"I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

His response to the scripture is to again question the validity of the Bible. I did ask him if billions of people suddenly disappeared off the face of the Earth if he would then believe and he said if that happened he would go on doing the work that God has asked him to do. It is so frustrating...it is very hard to keep my cool, in fact after going back and forth for quite a while I told him that I was disgusted that he was leading people away from the truth and if he didn't change he was going to pay for it one day and have many regrets. (I know threatening won't get me anywhere), but sometimes you really feel like you are talking to a brick wall.

I know all too well the frustration you speak about. I'm only 19, a lot of the people i hang out with and are friends with are unbelievers. It breaks my heart that their hearts are so stubborn. To me, you, and others who have been blessed with the True knowledge of God, it seems so obvious. God has really opened my eyes, and it's like i want to scream at them to wake up, look around and see what's happening in this world. I never cease to be amazed at the prophecy that is being fulfilled each and every day.

Too many people, especially young ones my age, are too focused with "living in the moment for pleasure". Matthew 16:26 - "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" I like to say, think of each grain of sand in all of the beaches around the world... there's too many to count. If each represented a trillion years, it wouldn't even come close to "forever" - a concept that we just can't even grasp. Keep preaching to them, keep fighting the good fight, and God willing, in both our cases and in many many more, those who are blind will see the Truth, which is only found in Jesus.

God Bless.

[readyforhome]

This reminds me of something that happened while I was at work. I was talking to a coworker and a Christian about some things that had happened in the news recently at that time. I remember the first thing I taked about was the Euphrates river drying up . Anyway someone at a table nearby said, "You know I've never had that put any money in my pocket." I was shocked to say the least. I mean money, material possessions and physical pleasure are NOT the point. Makes me more than a little sad. I'll be honest I'm not afraid or ashamed of my faith, but I do sometimes have a hard time knowing exaclty what to say in a given situation, though I have prayed on this. I've known quite a few people who have out right rejected God and Jesus, even though I know they've heard the word. I do pray for them, that they would turn to the Lord and repent, and believe with all their heart and all their mind and all their soul. Most of the time the reasons they reject the good news are all of the things mentioned above, and more. The same Christian coworker I mentioned earlier had an old friend who had been a Christian who used to watch her daughter for her called her up one day and told her that he was a Pagan now, and that she and her husband were sheep. Actually, that would be yes as she and her husband do have a shepard who watches over them.

[AndyM]

I know all too well the frustration you speak about. I'm only 19, a lot of the people i hang out with and are friends with are unbelievers. It breaks my heart that their hearts are so stubborn. To me, you, and others who have been blessed with the True knowledge of God, it seems so obvious. God has really opened my eyes, and it's like i want to scream at them to wake up, look around and see what's happening in this world. I never cease to be amazed at the prophecy that is being fulfilled each and every day.

Too many people, especially young ones my age, are too focused with "living in the moment for pleasure". Matthew 16:26 - "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" I like to say, think of each grain of sand in all of the beaches around the world... there's too many to count. If each represented a trillion years, it wouldn't even come close to "forever" - a concept that we just can't even grasp. Keep preaching to them, keep fighting the good fight, and God willing, in both our cases and in many many more, those who are blind will see the Truth, which is only found in Jesus.

God Bless.

Saved through Jesus - What a great name. I have young adult children and preach to them almost on a daily basis to what is going on in this world and that it is all of Gods plan for His Sons return. I can't save my kids souls but I pray to my creator that He gives me conviction in Jesus Christ to show my children and others that HE is the One for salvation.
All my neighbors think I am nuts becuase they have all heard of my discussions on the end times and that they need the fear of God for his wrath is coming. They just look at me with a strand facial expression. It is so clear that we are watching Gods plan in action but I do not understand why I am so into it but others are not. For sure many are blind but by the Grace of God we have been lead to the truth of Jesus Christ.
I do want to say that it is by the grace of God you have been lead at such a young age. It pleases me to know that you are a light for Jesus and I pray your light will open many lost souls to the truth. God bless and 'keep looking up for our redemtion draweth nigh'.

[Everlasting Life]

This really is a time of division. A time where the faithful and unfaithful are becoming more and more evident. The words of the faithful are used to warn and also expose who's the real deal and who isn't as far as believers and unbelievers.

I'm sure Christ is testing, pushing and prodding in order to see where people's hearts really are (and to wake people up) through the very warnings all of you are expressing to others. Proverbs 27:5 says: An open rebuke is better than hidden love!

Whether you realize it or not, it may be that these words and warnings are very much ordained by Christ for His purpose. So, don't be discouraged and know that you are loved dearly by God for your faithfulness to the truth.

[BobFin]

What a great original post...and all the other responses! Thanks Chris for starting this one! There are so many thoughts going on in my head right now... I became a Christian on October 19, 1991. At that time I couldn't "eat" enough of God's word. I devoured everything my pastor at the time suggested. As the years past, that hunger waned slightly, but God introduced me to His prophecies. It is what drives me.

I truly can't understand why other Christians can't see what God is so plainly showing all of us! Probably the biggest excuse I hear is, "People have said that Jesus is coming back for years and years. I know He's coming back because His word says it, but..." (then give the excuse that they don't know if it will be in their life-time or not). I share some of the prophesies that are always on the top of my head, pointing out that these things hadn't happened before when others had tried to predict that Jesus would return - and hadn't.

My pastor one time had shared information while at the pulpit and afterwards I talked to him and suggested he did more of it and he said that prophesy is a tough subject. He indicated that some people get scared and that Revelations really is a mystery that is hard to preach on. I told him that it's something that just really excites me. He kind of looked at me funny. I encouraged him to not back away from teaching it. Well, a long story short, he really hasn't preached it at the pulpit, but he did do a study on it on Wednesday nights. He does mention at the pulpit periodically that he has a feeling that things are changing and the world as we know it will not be as we are accustomed. I truly think God is working on him and introducing things slowly to our congregation. I think his "comfort zone" on the subject is becoming more relaxed and he is getting more bold. His preaching in the last 4-5 years has been so spirit-led and right on as far as God's word goes and what we need to hear. He does say he thinks His return is near. God is working on him and I love it!

We need to share, share and share. When we get tired or down we need to share some more! - But I think I'm now preaching to the choir!

May God continue to bless each and every one of you!

[Saved Through Jesus]

Saved through Jesus - What a great name. I have young adult children and preach to them almost on a daily basis to what is going on in this world and that it is all of Gods plan for His Sons return. I can't save my kids souls but I pray to my creator that He gives me conviction in Jesus Christ to show my children and others that HE is the One for salvation.
All my neighbors think I am nuts becuase they have all heard of my discussions on the end times and that they need the fear of God for his wrath is coming. They just look at me with a strand facial expression. It is so clear that we are watching Gods plan in action but I do not understand why I am so into it but others are not. For sure many are blind but by the Grace of God we have been lead to the truth of Jesus Christ.
I do want to say that it is by the grace of God you have been lead at such a young age. It pleases me to know that you are a light for Jesus and I pray your light will open many lost souls to the truth. God bless and 'keep looking up for our redemtion draweth nigh'.

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. Yes, it is by the Grace of God and nothing else that i feel so convicted at such a young age. It's good for any of us to be reminded that, and i try to remind myself this often, so not to build up any amount of pride. A lot of people are going to think were nuts.. i am sure many of my friends or people i've spoken with think i am (in respect to that subject). I am not ashamed, however, - Mark 8:38 - If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." I guess i just hold out hope that they'll remember the words i've spoken to them, or that your neighbors or your children remember the words you've spoken to them. But i know realistically many, even most, will not. it says their hearts will still be hardened and God will send them a great delusion. It scares me to no end the prospect that some of the people i know may be the same people that are talked about being in torment for ever and ever due to them taking the mark, and if God can work through me (glory to him alone) to save but 1 person, all the time and effort would be infinitely worth it.

God Bless

[mikhen7]

What a great original post...and all the other responses! Thanks Chris for starting this one! There are so many thoughts going on in my head right now... I became a Christian on October 19, 1991. At that time I couldn't "eat" enough of God's word. I devoured everything my pastor at the time suggested. As the years past, that hunger waned slightly, but God introduced me to His prophecies. It is what drives me.

I truly can't understand why other Christians can't see what God is so plainly showing all of us! Probably the biggest excuse I hear is, "People have said that Jesus is coming back for years and years. I know He's coming back because His word says it, but..." (then give the excuse that they don't know if it will be in their life-time or not). I share some of the prophesies that are always on the top of my head, pointing out that these things hadn't happened before when others had tried to predict that Jesus would return - and hadn't.

My pastor one time had shared information while at the pulpit and afterwards I talked to him and suggested he did more of it and he said that prophesy is a tough subject. He indicated that some people get scared and that Revelations really is a mystery that is hard to preach on. I told him that it's something that just really excites me. He kind of looked at me funny. I encouraged him to not back away from teaching it. Well, a long story short, he really hasn't preached it at the pulpit, but he did do a study on it on Wednesday nights. He does mention at the pulpit periodically that he has a feeling that things are changing and the world as we know it will not be as we are accustomed. I truly think God is working on him and introducing things slowly to our congregation. I think his "comfort zone" on the subject is becoming more relaxed and he is getting more bold. His preaching in the last 4-5 years has been so spirit-led and right on as far as God's word goes and what we need to hear. He does say he thinks His return is near. God is working on him and I love it!

We need to share, share and share. When we get tired or down we need to share some more! - But I think I'm now preaching to the choir!

May God continue to bless each and every one of you!

Welcome Bob!! I am so glad to see someone with such a hunger for the Word as you have expressed. There are many on this forum like-minded. Stay on this Forum and you will be sure to be filled with great teaching on eschatology. Many on this forum have been studying the prophetic Scriptures for several decades. It does not matter the topic or the question it will be answered IMO with some of the greatest minds molded by God!

God Bless

[whitetulip]

First off, thank you Chris for posting this. I really needed to read this today. I have been feeling down in spirit, not sure why but I have been feeling spiritually down for quite a long time now.

I can relate to a lot of stories you guys have posted. My father passed away 4 years ago (he was a 100% disabled Vietnam Combat Vet) and I was his care taker. I developed an intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus since his death. He (Jesus) was my Comforter. And since my dad's death, I have felt this overwhelming urgency that the Rapture is on the horizon.
Anyways, none of my friends could understand views that I have on certain issues. I am labeled (behind my back) the "wierdo" in the neighborhood. I don't let my 12 year old daughter wear makeup, go to the dances, watch certain movies (including Harry Poter & Twilight to name a few), hang around people that I think are bad influences, ect. I have been criticized and questioned by parents and it gets really frustrating. Not only am I a weirdo to my friends, but even to my own siblings and husband. I try to talk to them about these last days, how close we are and nobody takes me seriously. They all think that I am off my rocker. I was even told by a really close friend that I am "taking this God thing way too seriously".
In the meantime, I have been working on/praying for my husband. Sometimes I think that he is almost there. And then the spark fizzles. And while we are at church I make sure to sit very close up front near the altar, hoping/praying that one day he will slip out of the pew to take the walk to the altar call. The only thing that I feel that I can do is pray about things.

Thanks to all that have listened to me!
God bless each and every one of you guys!

[MikeD]

My biggest prayer in these end times is that God, by the Holy Spirit, would keep the young ones that belong to Him, give them strength, pour His love and power on them, and guard them from the evils that befall so many. At 57 I guess I've grown kind of thick skinned to the insults of people around me when I share my beliefs. But to the young in Jesus, it's a tough thing to endure. HOWEVER! Our Redemption draws near, and, IS EVEN AT THE DOOR!

Be encouraged. We're almost there.

Thanks for sharing this article Chris. A good one, for sure...

[Everlasting Life]

Anyways, none of my friends could understand views that I have on certain issues. I am labeled (behind my back) the "wierdo" in the neighborhood. I don't let my 12 year old daughter wear makeup, go to the dances, watch certain movies (including Harry Poter & Twilight to name a few), hang around people that I think are bad influences, ect. I have been criticized and questioned by parents and it gets really frustrating. Not only am I a weirdo to my friends, but even to my own siblings and husband. I try to talk to them about these last days, how close we are and nobody takes me seriously. They all think that I am off my rocker. I was even told by a really close friend that I am "taking this God thing way too seriously".
In the meantime, I have been working on/praying for my husband. Sometimes I think that he is almost there. And then the spark fizzles. And while we are at church I make sure to sit very close up front near the altar, hoping/praying that one day he will slip out of the pew to take the walk to the altar call. The only thing that I feel that I can do is pray about things.

Thanks to all that have listened to me!
God bless each and every one of you guys!

Whitetulip

So glad this was encouraging for you! You are so not alone on some of the things you mentioned! Good for you for protecting your daughter, you are so very wise! While people around you may mock this, you can be sure that God is approving. Let me tell you a cool story!

I too did not want my son to watch Harry Potter, he was very interested in it, and understandably...the previews sure make it interesting looking. We talked about what God says about that kind of stuff, etc. One day, while we had family over (unbelieving, or not practicing), I came home with my son and he ran right into the living room where Harry Potter was being played. I was frantic, I did NOT want him watching that but I also didn't want to create undue drama, etc. So I began to pray. Even before I barely started praying, all of the sudden a big bolt of lightening struck right outside my house!! Now, mind you..our weather was NOT stormy at all! Our electricity turned off for a minute and then came back on. In the meantime, Harry Potter was completely gone because my brother had it on dvr, and it was on delay in order for him to go through the commercials!

I was so very thankful, I KNEW that was God! It was also very validating...obviously God is not a fan of Harry Potter either!

As far as your husband. Keep praying for him and whatever you do, don't get in God's way. Just stay quiet and nuetral. Let God, through the Holy Spirit work on his heart. If your husband is going to church with you that is wonderful! Be patient and wait on God, in time, here a little and there a little God will use the pastor's words (and life) to work on his heart. Always forgive him and put him in God's hands to deal with and don't worry, keep praying. I promise you, it's worth it! I've seen it happen to me and many other's husbands. Oh, same goes for the friends and family. Prayer is your very best weapon!!

Also, when the "spark fizzles" know that it's just the enemy and that may be a sign that good things are happening with hubby's heart and he doesn't like it. Don't react....just keep praying!

Take good care!

[mattfivefour]

As far as your husband. Keep praying for him and whatever you do, don't get in God's way. Just stay quiet and nuetral. Let God, through the Holy Spirit work on his heart. If your husband is going to church with you that is wonderful! Be patient and wait on God, in time, here a little and there a little God will use the pastor's words (and life) to work on his heart. Always forgive him and put him in God's hands to deal with and don't worry, keep praying. I promise you, it's worth it! I've seen it happen to me and many other's husbands. Oh, same goes for the friends and family. Prayer is your very best weapon!!

Also, when the "spark fizzles" know that it's just the enemy and that may be a sign that good things are happening with hubby's heart and he doesn't like it. Don't react....just keep praying!

Take good care!

EXCELLENT godly advice!

[whitetulip]

Whitetulip

So glad this was encouraging for you! You are so not alone on some of the things you mentioned! Good for you for protecting your daughter, you are so very wise! While people around you may mock this, you can be sure that God is approving. Let me tell you a cool story!

I too did not want my son to watch Harry Potter, he was very interested in it, and understandably...the previews sure make it interesting looking. We talked about what God says about that kind of stuff, etc. One day, while we had family over (unbelieving, or not practicing), I came home with my son and he ran right into the living room where Harry Potter was being played. I was frantic, I did NOT want him watching that but I also didn't want to create undue drama, etc. So I began to pray. Even before I barely started praying, all of the sudden a big bolt of lightening struck right outside my house!! Now, mind you..our weather was NOT stormy at all! Our electricity turned off for a minute and then came back on. In the meantime, Harry Potter was completely gone because my brother had it on dvr, and it was on delay in order for him to go through the commercials!

I was so very thankful, I KNEW that was God! It was also very validating...obviously God is not a fan of Harry Potter either!

As far as your husband. Keep praying for him and whatever you do, don't get in God's way. Just stay quiet and nuetral. Let God, through the Holy Spirit work on his heart. If your husband is going to church with you that is wonderful! Be patient and wait on God, in time, here a little and there a little God will use the pastor's words (and life) to work on his heart. Always forgive him and put him in God's hands to deal with and don't worry, keep praying. I promise you, it's worth it! I've seen it happen to me and many other's husbands. Oh, same goes for the friends and family. Prayer is your very best weapon!!

Also, when the "spark fizzles" know that it's just the enemy and that may be a sign that good things are happening with hubby's heart and he doesn't like it. Don't react....just keep praying!

Take good care!

Thank you for your response Everlasting Life! (I was so nervous posting a comment on here even though I have been reading this thread for about a year :) )
Anyways, What a great story! God is soo incredibly amazing.

[Everlasting Life]

You are so welcome! It's nice to know we are not alone on God's path. I just wanted to cheer you on.