by DCarter | Sep 13, 2015 | Uncategorized
From the beginning of earth’s history, the faithful who trusted in God has had something special to look forward to. The Bible says, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13. Through this world of despair and sorrow, the second coming of Jesus has been the wonderful hope of God’s people. Throughout the centuries, martyrs gave their lives for this hope. In the face of the dungeon, the stake, the scaffold, the cross, these faithful witnesses stood bold in their defense of the truth. How were they able to endure? It was because they foresaw the promise of the resurrection and eternal life. The Bible predicts that at the end of time, the whole world will be as chaotic as never before. Depression, sorrow, and despair would be everywhere, and the faithful would have to remain standing in the face of such death. Just as the faithful of all times were able to endure by keeping their eyes on the promises of God, so are today’s faithful to do the same. What about you friend? Do you see the promises of God? Are you convinced that God will fulfill them? If so, then remember that you are a stranger on this earth; a pilgrim journeying to a better land.
by DCarter | Sep 13, 2015 | Uncategorized
The Apostle John, in speaking of Jesus, said that “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” John 1:11. God’s own people, the Jews, had separated themselves so far from God that they were ignorant of the fact that their promised Messiah was right in their midst. They were confused concerning the prophecies of the Messiah. They were looking for an earthly king and an earthly kingdom. This scenario is being played out in our time as well. Today, millions are expecting Christ to return again and establish an earthly kingdom and reign on earth for a thousand years, during which time there will be a worldwide conversion and worldwide peace. Friends, this is far from the truth. The Bible says, “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10. This does not paint a picture of worldwide peace when Christ returns; rather it is a picture of worldwide destruction. How can you escape this near event? Friends today if you hear His voice, speaking through the Bible, do not harden your heart; just listen and obey.
by DCarter | Sep 13, 2015 | Uncategorized
Jesus said to the religious leaders of His day, “O [ye] hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not [discern] the signs of the times?” Matthew 16:3. Wow, imagine that! Here were the religious leaders of the day, and yet Jesus called them hypocrites. They knew the weather forecast but not the signs of the time. When Jesus first came into the world, none of the religious people were proclaiming the prophecies of His first advent, yet these prophecies were right in their possession. They should have discerned the signs of the time! But sadly these signs were neglected by God’s own people, to their own destruction. Friends, this is a lesson for us today. Are we so familiar with the forecast of current events yet unaware of the signs of our time? Are we so wrapped up in the affairs of this life that we fail to prepare for the life that is to come? Jesus is soon to come again. The signs of His approach, as described in the Bible, are taking place in heaven and on earth. Can you discern them? Are you prepared for the day of your visitation?
by DCarter | Sep 13, 2015 | Uncategorized
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says: “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Known to God from the beginning of time are all His works and purposes, this includes the timing of Jesus’ birth. The Bible says, “When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son.” Galatians 4:4. The birth and mission of Jesus were known and first proclaimed to mankind in the Garden of Eden. In the hearing of Adam and Eve, God told the serpent that the seed of the woman, that’s the promised Christ, would crush the head of the serpent, that’s Satan. Now fast forward four thousand years from Eden and what do we have? Christ the king is born and His mission accomplished. Friends, like the stars that travel in their appointed paths, God’s plans have no haste and no delay. Everything that God has purposed has an appointed time and place, including His promises for your life. Jesus wants to restore in you the image of your Creator. He wants you to inherit eternal life. This is His plan, and to this purpose there is no time to waste. Why delay God’s plan for you? Friend, today is the day of your salvation.
