THERE IS NO CONEMNATION FOR THOSE BORN IN CHRIST

 

by Pastor Mike Taylor

8 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who[a] do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,
4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

“For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.” through (Romans 8:1-4....29-30)

How I love the book of Romans, especially the 8th chapter. Here the Apostle Paul chronicles the blessings and promises of God. Many will look at their Christian walk and ponder why things don't seem to work out as they envisioned. They grow discouraged and become listless in their daily walk with God. They wonder if God is really on their side. They fail to take hold of the promises of God, grasping it with both hands and endure what they must suffer in this life. Let us examine some of these promises and why you should be joyful and singing the praises of Almighty God for His wondrous mercy.

Look at the opening verses to this message and ponder for a moment the ramifications of what Paul is attempting to preach to them, and to us. This is not a confirmation of predestination, but God in His infinite knowledge, knew that you would accept payment for your sins through the blood of Jesus Christ. God who knows the beginning from the end, and saw you make that heart felt decision to accept the gift provided by His Son, long before you even knew it yourself. In no way does this foreknowledge affect your own self will to make that decision on your own. It's just that God saw you do it.


God has a purpose for all this and it was for your salvation before time began. Some will say, “Then why does God allow suffering in this world, if He called me out of it before time began.?” Why does God allow Christians to go through trials and tribulations of this world? God has a specific plan in place for refining each of us into the image of His Son through sanctification. It's not random occurrences that we have no control over .



“But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” (Isaiah 64:8)

God is the Potter, we are the clay. He is the One doing the shaping, the molding, the creating. "It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves."

I am a firm believer that God does not allow one thing to happen to a born again Christian unless He allows it. Why would God do that?

BORN IN SIN

Understand that man is a mortal being that has a sin nature that wars with the spiritual man daily. He will never totally escape it, until Jesus comes and perfects him by changing him from a mortal being into immortality and remove our sin nature for eternity.
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” (1st John 3:1-3)



That will come when Jesus breaks through the clouds and calls His church to join Him at the changing of us, “in the twinkling of an eye” we know as the Rapture. But, Paul lamented over his sin nature in the previous chapter of Romans :

15 “For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.”(Romans 7:15-20)


Paul was distraught that he could not, nor could any other man escape his sin nature. But what does Paul say in the final verses?


“24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.”

Many don't know that Paul was making reference to a Roman practice for those condemned to be chained to a corpse and the soldiers betting on how long it would take for the condemned to resort to cannibalism to prevent their own death. It was an analogy that many during Paul's day would have recognized and being chained to a sinful nature of death. Who frees them from that body of death? Jesus Christ is Who frees us.

If God allows us to be tested, to be refined, and to experience difficulties in this life, then what is the purpose for God allowing this to happen?

The Bible says that even a sparrow in the sky is so important to God that not one of them shall fall to the ground without His knowledge and permission.


29 “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)


What is the purpose here? Does God have a purpose? Concerning the analogy of a sparrow, it is more than mere rhetoric. If God cares about a sparrow and not one falls from the sky without it being part of His plan, then how likely is it that He allows you to undergo trials and tribulations for no purpose?


God foreknew us and determined to call us before He ever made His summons known to us. By doing so, He was making a prognosis. We are in this elite group, (the called), only because the great God of heaven and earth specifically and personally summoned us by forcibly bringing the good news to our attention so we would be motivated to choose to respond freely to it. But that is only the beginning. We are then in the school of God's Holy Spirit that will refine us, smooth off the rough edges and make us into the image of God's only Son. It is a lifelong process of being molded, or sanctified.

THE LESSON OF JOB

Remember the story of Job? Here was a righteous man who endured unspeakable trials in his life. This was allowed to test Job and to refine him even through boils that raised up on his body, the loss of his family and all of his wealth. Now granted, this is an extreme case of God allowing adversity to come into a man's life, but can we draw a lesson from the book of Job? In the final analogy, Job learned that you must have total faith and reliance on your Heavenly Father. For He cares for us with a Divine love that was shown by the death of His only Son. It comes down to value.


If God values even a little sparrow and we are worth more than many sparrows, and worth more than the life of His only Son, then what was God's purpose? It was that God saw you as valuable. Your value, in God's eyes, is such that Jesus Christ died in your place so that you might have everlasting life. Your purpose is also clearly outlined in Scripture. When you were lost, your purpose was to be saved. God had a desire for a “family” and made man in His image. God was ultimately “reproducing Himself” when He made man. God was not content to just throw man away, when he fell at the temptation brought forth by Satan and man sinned against God. It is why God sent His only Son, to be the propitiation (substitute) sacrifice for our sins, so that we may be justified because of HIM. Jesus redeemed what had been lost, as our “Kinsman Redeemer”.

It really isn’t that difficult a concept, if we are willing to accept God as He describes Himself and accept the Bible as a true record.

You were to be conformed to His Son through being justified then for the rest of your life, sanctified as the opening verse testifies. “Conformed” is the English rendering of the Greek word, “summorphos” meaning, “jointly formed, fashioned like unto.” Note that you didn’t conform yourself to the image of His Son, it was done for you. You were foreknown, predestinated, called, justified, sanctified and destined for glory– all in the past tense indicating that it is already accomplished.


It doesn’t say you will be justified, sanctified or glorified when you get to heaven. It says it was already accomplished in heaven before the world began. I have often mentioned that there is only one reason that you and I were born into this world, ultimately. That is, what will you do with the man, Jesus Christ? See, God knows everything...because He is God. He knows if you will accept, but He also knows you who will reject the call of the Holy Spirit. God will not override a man's freewill to choose.

“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.” (Titus 1:2)
God cannot lie. Eternal life was promised, not according to our works, before the world began. You were foreknown, predestinated, called, justified, sanctified and glorified to the Glory of God the Father and His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

It isn’t a linguistic trick. It isn’t a mistranslation or a misunderstanding of either the original Greek or in our English translation.

To every thing there is a purpose, the Bible says, and for every purpose God has appointed a time.


“ No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44)



God works even to make sure that His people have the faith they need! God supplies everything except one's decision—and even in the decision a person makes, He keeps poking us in the ribs, shoving us in the back, to move us in the right direction. He does not give up easily once He sets his mind to do something. We must come to God by faith, but even that faith to believe on the FULL payment for our sins, by Jesus Christ was given by the Father God in heaven.

THE COMING TRIBULATION

If we are being refined now, sanctified into the image of His Son after conversion and being baptized, then what is the point of the Church going through the Tribulation that is coming at us like a locomotive? What is the purpose of the Tribulation? In my discernment of what the Bible teaches, the only answer is two objectives by God.

To bring Israel to the knowledge and recognition of her Messiah that they had crucified 2000 years ago and to cry out in agony, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”
To completely destroy all rebellion of a Christ rejecting world and purify the world of those who take the mark of the beast, as prophesied in Revelation. God will wipe this planet clean of rebellion.
It is called the Tribulation Period. (Greek: thlipsis: “affliction, anguish,

burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble”). And, it is called, “The time of Jacobs trouble" for an obvious reason. It is the time when God will return His full focus on saving Israel as He promised.

The affliction, anguish, burden, persecution, tribulation and trouble of this time is to be inflicted upon all those that dwell upon the earth. The Bible tells us that it will be meted out in the form of 21 judgments. God will purge Israel, not leaving them unpunished, but will save a remnant through this awful time.
25 “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father's sakes.
29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” (Romans 11:25-29)


Those that hold to a literal “refining” of the church during the Tribulation in addition to the defined two reasons noted above, negate the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus Christ. To embrace a mid-tribulation, Pre-wrath, or a post-tribulation model is to diminish the work of the cross. Was Jesus sacrifice not good enough? Was it lacking in its freeing the Christian from the penalty of enduring God's wrath that shall cover the whole earth? Is this not the same as the false doctrine of Catholic purgatory, which we know is a lie?



When are we forgiven our sins? Is it not when we accept Jesus by faith and the Holy Spirit dwells within our spirit? Then why must we be refined? So if there are extra requirements that must be brought to the table, they are extra requirements imposed by you, not by God. God says, “whosoever will.”


At the moment of salvation, the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit takes up residence in us and bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. “ (Romans 8:16-17)


That leads to another problem with the concept of error that the church of Jesus Christ must endure the Tribulation. Jesus promised us that He would send us the “Comforter” the Holy Spirit and He would never leave us or forsake us.

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17, Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

18, I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:16-18)


Jesus said He would never leave us alone, but the Bible says that the Holy Spirit is taken out of the world to allow the indwelling of the spirit of Satan in the Anti-Christ and he will overcome the “saints”

4 “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1st John 5:4-5)

But Paul reveals that the Holy Spirit will be taken out of this world!!


6, “And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

7, For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

8, And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: “ (II Thessalonians 2:6-8)
But the Anti-Christ overcomes the Tribulation saints........

“And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” (Revelation 13:7)

So which is it? God dwells with us forever, but leaves us defenseless and powerless to the conquest of the Anti-Christ? Since God cannot lie, it is obvious that if the Holy Spirit is removed to make way for the spirit of Anti-Christ that shall overcome the saints, then since the Holy Spirit was removed, then so is the Church. Each Child of God has an earnest deposit of God's Holy Spirit which is our guarantee of future glorification at the return of Christ. So if the Holy Spirit is withdrawn, as Paul reveals through Divine inspiration, then so are the vessels He dwells within.



GOD HAS A PURPOSE


Christians undergo trials and tribulations in this life according to His purposes. What is the purpose behind Blood-bought, eternally-saved, indwelt Christians being separated from the indwelling Holy Spirit so that they can undergo half or all of the judgment period set aside for those that rejected Christ?

Why would the Lord subject His own Bride to judgment for sin after He had already redeemed that Bride from judgment for sin at the Cross? It is a conflict that those who don't discern the purpose of God make the error that the Church must be refined, right along with the rest of a God rejecting world.

We endure the consequences of sin all the time because the world is created in sin, but consequences aren’t the same as judgment.

WE ARE BEING TRANSFORMED NOW


“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2, And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

3, For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Romans 12:1-3)


The church has a glorious future that no one can begin to imagine. As it is written “eye hath not seen, or ear heard, or entered into the heart of man, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1st Corinthians 2:9)

And the Bible states further......

14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15, For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16, The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17, And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18, For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:14-18)

WILL YOU BE AMONG THOSE WHO ARE HEIRS OF GOD?


One fly in the ointment so to speak, those who are being made into the image of God are those who have accepted the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and God knows in advance who that person is, each of us. Those who read this message, or have not taken the free gift of eternal life with a repentant heart (meaning change your mind about sin and about God) cannot embrace the glory that awaits those that have. God will not beat you into submission, but will continue to convict you of your condition, until you are beyond hope of recovery. God knows when that time is, that you are “irredeemable”. So you ask me, what must I do to have this type of eternal existence and a glorious future?

Realize you are a sinner. “ For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
Realize that God made a way for those sins to be forgiven and live with God forever.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
Confession before God in a broken and contrite heart calling out to God,



“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

You say, that “sounds simple”...yes, it is simple that a child can understand it...I did when I was 10 years old. But you must believe in your heart, not just in your head with “childlike” faith. It must enter into a humbled and contrite heart that knows that without God you are doomed for a devil's hell, or to experience that hell on earth, called the Tribulation and possibly even the Lake of Fire if those years of the Tribulation don't call you to repentance before God. The horrors of the period are too gruesome to even ponder, as hardly any flesh will be saved and many will be martyred by beheading. Sounds awful and it's all right there in your Bible in the last book of Revelation. You don't want to find out I'm right by first hand experience.


The saints of the church are being sanctified, conformed and transformed into the image of Jesus Christ, one lesson at a time. I know that I will never be perfect in this life, but I will be perfect in the next life when Jesus comes for me and all who believe by faith in His death, resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of the Father in Heaven. But it's not about works, but His mercy and grace....and the best part...IT”S FREE FOR THE ASKING....We await the coming of our Lord with a trumpet blast, that could sound very soon...very soon. Because all the signs point to this great event on the near horizon. I've written extensively in detail of that coming period on my blog. If you have time, check them out.

Don't wait too long, as you are not promised even tomorrow. To stand before a Holy God and not have Jesus as your substitute payment for your sins, is a vision I wish for no one, no matter what you have done. Jesus awaits your decision...call on Him today...be justified today by the sacrifice of our Lord, then submit to Godly instruction on how to be sanctified and being made into the image of His Son, as humanly possible this side of the coming of our Lord for His Church.


This is pastor Mike Taylor, praying your acceptance of our Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Should you need counseling, prayer, or just a listening ear, email me at pastormiketaylor@yahoo.com, , or visit me online for more biblical teachings from the Word of God, at www.pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com, . God bless you all........

TILL WE MEET AT JESUS FEET

PROPHECY UPDATE...............8/18/2022

 

Why Do We Teach Prophecy? – The Coming Rapture/Tribulation - By pastor Mike Taylor - https://pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com/2022/08/why-do-we-teach-prophecy-coming.html   I wrote this a few years back, but as the world is rapidly changing, prophecy becomes more and more important, as Jesus could come at any moment....SO COME LORD JESUS.   19 “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”( 2nd Peter 1:19-21)   Here's the question...With the end of this age so obviously at hand, why teach Prophecy? This is a very broad subject and there are many reasons why we should pay attention to the signs around us that point to the fulfillment of the Words found in your Bible. But I will focus on a few of them to answer the question. Many of those who think prophecy has been fulfilled and nothing is awaiting out there save the return of Jesus, discount any mention of prophecy, as they are what is known as Preterist. These deceived people believe that all was fulfilled in 70AD with the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem by the Roman army and the nation of Israel was no more.   But has all prophecy really been fulfilled? I would question such folks as when the passages in Revelation had actually been fulfilled. Can they show me where the green grass all over the earth was burned up? Can they show me where 1/3 of the trees were destroyed, along with the sea and the rivers turning to blood as that of a dead man? How about the blazing mountain falling into the sea, which sounds like a comet, hitting the earth and destroying million of people who live along the coastlines, just to name a few of the destruction that befalls the earth?   “12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; 13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. 14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Revelation 6:12-17)   Noting that none of the plagues and environmental disasters spoken of in Revelation have been recorded in history as to when these events have actually happened. Reason being, they have not happened, and the time of their fulfillment is because it speaks of a future time period.   I'm reminded of the Bible verses that Jesus spoke of when men will not have a clue what is coming upon the earth and will be going about their lives, like nothing is going to happen.   37 “But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”( Matthew 24:37-42)   What was Jesus referring to? In the days of Noah, God commanded Noah to build an ark, as He was sad that he had ever made man.   6 “And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7 And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.” (Genesis 6:6-7)   But thankfully for all who live today, Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord:   8 “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. 9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. 10 And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. 13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.”( Genesis 6:8-14)   As the Bible story unfolds, Noah built the ark and it took him 120 years. And as he built, Noah preached a warning to the people around him. But the people laughed at him to scorn. “Who had ever heard of it raining from the sky?” is what they must have thought, as the dew watered the earth before this time. So they heeded not the warning of Noah, and only his family and two of every living creature on the earth was taken into the ark. The people of Noah's day thought Noah was mad. So they continued their sinful lives not knowing that the end of all things was close at hand.   AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH   We see some of the same things happening today, as it was in the time of the flood that covered the earth and destroyed all mankind, save a remnant. (As I have warned in the past, “Watch Israel because she is the key to the timing of the end of this age”.) But God said He would not ever again destroy the earth with a flood, but next time, it would be by fire.   6 “ I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant. 7 I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings. 8 Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the Lord, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.” (Zephaniah 3:6-8)   Men today are doing exactly the same thing that the people during Noah's age were doing. They are oblivious to the danger that is lurking right over the horizon.   “in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark”   WE ARE IN THE LAST DAYS   Jesus gave us markers to point to the time of His coming for His bride, the people of His “true” church, and people have been trying to figure out for the last 200 years when the Lord Jesus would come. They have made predictions, and they have all been wrong. Why have they been wrong? First Jesus said that “no man knoweth the day or the hour”   "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” (Matthew 24:36)   So trying to pinpoint the time of the coming of the Lord for His church is folly on anybody's part. Second to why the people have been unable to predict the coming of the Lord or even the season? It is because Israel was not yet a nation. It all hangs on Israel as the door to end time prophecy and Jerusalem being the key. Jesus told us the season of His coming for His church and it surrounds Israel's becoming a nation again and being back in her own land.   32 “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matthew 24:32-35)   As anyone should know, especially if you follow any of my messages in the past, the fig tree is Israel. She blossomed and put forth her leaves, and became a nation once again in May, 1948. But note that Jesus said that “this generation would not pass away, till all things be fulfilled”. What is a generation that Jesus spoke of ? If you search the Bible, God has been shortening the life span of man since the flood, when these people lived centuries of upwards of 900 years and more. Now modern man has an average of 70 years, as the Bible plainly reveals.   10 “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” (Psalms 90:10)   A simple bit of math will render the season of the coming of the Lord. If you take the first number of 70 years, which is the time of a generation and add that to the time of the rebirth of Israel, you see that you get 2018, which is over 4 years ago this last month of May when Israel was reborn as a nation.. Or if you take the greater number, you add that also, and you come up with 2028...That means by the words of our Lord, that He will be back on this earth, reigning and ruling for a thousand years. Then will begin the Sabbath rest of the earth, as man has had 6000 years for his rule, now God will rule righteously for a Millennium with a rod of iron. That gives us the season of the Lord's return for His Church at the rapture, but it doesn't point to the narrow window that only God knows.   But note that if Jesus is reigning and He said that ALL things would be fulfilled, and that includes the Tribulation period of 7 years, and being a solid proponent of a Pre-Tribulation removal of the Church of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul called the HARPAZO (interpreted as taken by force, which we call the rapture), you will see that subtracting from 2028 will result in 2021....That gives us a season of when Jesus said that all things would be fulfilled. But God is sovereign and this only gives us a season, as God is very patient until His patience wears out and judgment falls on a rebellious people.   9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But 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.” (2nd Peter 3:9-10)   WAIT IT GETS MORE INTERESTING   I was reading here lately of an old Jewish Rabbi that made a prophecy prediction in the time of the 1200s..into the 13 century. It all related to the year of the Jubilee. Some of you may know, but a Jubilee is the 50th year of four Sabbatical years which are 49. (7x7=49)...on this 50th year, this Jewish Rabbi, Rabbi Judah Ben Samuel prophesied the coming of the Messiah or more correctly, the Messianic period.   His prophesy predicted that Jerusalem would be conquered by the Ottoman Turks and hold it for 400 years, or 8 Jubilees (8x50=400) and that is exactly what happened, but he didn't see his prophecy come true for another 300 years after his death. It happened in 1517 AD and the Ottoman Turks held onto Jerusalem until 1917, exactly 400 years until they were defeated by the British.   “The Mamluks, who had been reigning in Jerusalem since 1250, were conquered in 1517 by the Ottoman Turks. They remained for eight jubilees (8 x 50 = 400 years), that is to say they were in Jerusalem for 400 years. Exactly 400 years later, in 1917, the Ottoman Turks were conquered by the British. The League of Nations conferred the Mandate for the Holy Land and Jerusalem to the British. Thus, from 1917, under international law, Jerusalem was no-man’s land.” (Word News Daily, 12th century Rabbi predicts Israel's Future)   As was predicted, another 50 years, or another Jubilee, and Israel would recapture Jerusalem in the 1967 Six Day War. He then predicts that when another Jubilee is finished, the period of the Messianic years would have been fulfilled. But to summarize:   -Ottoman Turks rule Jerusalem for 8 Jubilees, or 400 years from 1517-1917 -the British would put “Palestine” under British rule and Jerusalem would be recaptured by Israel at the end of one Jubilee or 1917-1967. -according to the Rabbi Samuel, from 1967-2017 is the Messianic “End Times”   My question? How could a 13th century Rabbi be so extraordinarily correct in his prophecy? Note that 2017 has already passed and we are still here. This rabbi made predictions in the past that came true. What he correctly saw was the Messianic period or the coming end of the age, we call the Age of Grace. Now take what this Rabbi predicted that actually came true and coupling that with what Jesus said in Matthew 24, we can see that if this Rabbi is to be believed, then the season of the coming of Christ is close at hand. Do I believe a 13th Century Rabbi? I find it amazing that his prophecy was spot on. But that's not all.   SIGNS IN THE HEAVENS SPEAK OF THE COMING OF THE LORD   I have written many articles about signs that we are seeing right now, and what has already been fulfilled with the blood moons that fell on Jewish Feast Days for two years in a row and how they have only happened when they gave witness to something prophetic happening to Israel. This all happened in 2014-2015. God told us that He put these signs in the heavens for us during creation.   “And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:” (Genesis 1:14)   Note the words “and let them be for signs”...? Note that the solar eclipses and blood moons were more than just naturally occurring phenomenon. Also note that there will not be another set of Blood Moons or solar eclipses that fall on another Jewish Feast day for another 500 years according to NASA...there will be blood moons, yes, but not on Feast Days in the order of what we just saw. I believe it is giving us a warning in the heavens that the “end of the age” is upon us.   NO MAN KNOWETH THE DAY OR THE HOUR   I've posted sermons on this very subject and don't want to get too involved in what Jesus was saying, that any Jewish man in the time of our Lord living on this earth would have immediately recognized what Jesus was talking about. But to refresh anyone's memory of that message, go here:   CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD: THE SUDDEN DEPARTURE OF THE CHURCH IN THE RAPTURE (pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com)   What the message reveals is that God has used the Feast of the Lord to mark prophetic events and fulfilled them on the very day of their observance. Those were:   -Passover: Jesus became our Passover Lamb -Days of Unleavened Bread-our sins were put outside the camp -Feast of First Fruits: Jesus was before the Father as the First Born of the dead -Pentecost: The Holy Spirit came in power and the Church was born.   We are now in the harvest time, between the spring Feast and the Fall Feast, when God is saving mankind through His Son Jesus Christ as in the parable of the wheat and the tares. I would call this the Age of Grace, or the Church Age.   But we are fast approaching the end of this Harvest Time, and the next marker for the plan for the redemption of mankind is the Feast of Trumpets, or blowing of trumpets to signal the return of the King. And the thing that made me stand up and take notice and found in the above article, what is the term used for the Feast of Trumpets. “NO MAN KNOWETH THE DAY OF THE HOUR”...Why? Because it is the only Feast day where they must wait for a sliver of a new moon for the time to begin, and since there is a discrepancy on counting days via their calendar, they keep two days, just to be sure. This year, that Feast of Trumpets fall on September 25-27, 2022.   SO AGAIN, WHY TEACH PROPHECY?   With all the quickly enumerated signs, predictions, the words of Jesus and the return of Israel as a nation being a generation will see all things fulfilled, I think it most important to warn those who have grown tired and slumber, or so enamored with their unrighteous living, that they are as in the days of Noah. They are eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage and have not a clue what is happening all around them. People in this world think they have their lives to live and not worrying about what is coming right over the horizon.   That is why we teach prophecy. To warn those who are not aware of the signs of the times, and will be taken totally by surprise when millions of people suddenly disappear. Now some will say, that this precedes the second coming of our Lord, but will men be living their lives in the usual manner leading up to this time? No, I think everyone that is still alive, will be totally focused on their very survival, and know that God in His Divine judgment has caused what has come upon the earth, but still they will not repent.   Some ask why can't we just live our lives, and love one another, and let everyone be whatever makes them happy and judge not anyone on their lifestyle...True to a point...we are not anyone's judge, as that is God's role and I will not judge anything but what is inside the church. We are commanded to judge righteously what goes on inside the Church, as instructed by Paul.   2 “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.” (1st Corinthians 6:2-4)   But to the rest of the world, we warn that the time is growing short to get on the “ark of salvation” much like the Ark in Noah's age, the ark today, is Jesus Christ. Only He can save those who are approaching the worst time in all of history of this world, as Jesus said:   21 “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.” (Matthew 24:21-22)   Note that unless He shortens those days, “NO FLESH WILL BE SAVED”. Let those words sink into your mind for a moment. No flesh, nobody would be saved, as the carnage will cover this earth. Environmental disasters, Divine judgment that only be attributed to a Holy God in righteous indignation, and the earth convulsing in earthquakes that will level every mountain and move every island out of it's place. Men will not have confidence even in the earth they stand on. A conservative estimate is 6 billion people dying in 7 short years with the majority in the last 3.5 years. Can you imagine the carnage? The inability to bury that many dead in so short of a time space? The wild animals coming out of the forest and the wilderness to eat dead bodies lying all over the ground, in the streets, and looking for food, as they are starving too. Can you imagine the smell of death filling the air around you?   “24 “And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. 25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” (Luke 21:24-26)   IN CONCLUSION..   Why Teach Prophecy? Because God commanded that we warn those who in peril of their life, and their very souls to what is coming...a sword is coming upon the land.   7 “So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. 8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.” (Ezekiel 33:7-9)   But all we can do is warn, but as in the days of Noah, many...no, most will not hear, but will scoff at such a warning..   3 “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” (2nd Peter 3:3-7)   But that is why we teach prophecy, as a warning to those who are asleep, or scoffing, or acting as it was in the days of Noah. I hope as you read this, that the evidence found in your bible points to this end of days. We may not have much time longer to preach the Word of God and warn those who are too busy to give God a second thought, but have rejected the plan of salvation found in Jesus Christ. Our King Jesus is coming soon so don't make that mistake of ignoring the signs.. The signs say so, the Bible says so, and the evidence I've presented, hopefully, gives you an idea of what I speak of. Jesus could...I SAY COULD, as I don't know for sure, as God has not revealed it to me personally, but with the evidence, Jesus COULD come even this fall or any fall thereafter. I know I will be watching and listening for that Trumpet call and the Lord Jesus coming in the air to bring those who have been sealed with His Holy Spirit and obtain VICTORY IN JESUS.   I want everyone to be right there with me and others who have accepted Jesus as personal Savior standing before our Lord in worship and praise...How?   8 “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”( Romans 10:8-10)   16“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 God sent not His Son into the world, to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:16-18)   Prophecy is being fulfilled right now in front of our eyes, and the next moment of your life, Jesus could come and those who are found in Him will be taken out of this world. Those who are not found in Jesus will be thrown headlong into this coming horror known as the Tribulation and most likely, die a horrible death, one way or another. ..I beg you, don't let that happen...Accept Jesus today as your personal Savior and be ready for when He breaks through the clouds and as with a sound of a trumpet, yells “Come up here”...And so shall we ever be with the Lord.   This is pastor Mike Taylor, praying you hear the sound of this warning in your mind and in your hearts...if you need prayer, counseling or just a listening ear, email me at pastormiketaylor@yahoo.com , or visit me online at my blog at www.pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com , . God bless you all, TILL WE MEET AT JESUS FEET

The Slippery Slope: Harbingers of Total Tyranny – Jan Markell - https://harbingersdaily.com/the-slippery-slope-harbingers-of-total-tyranny/   The world is groaning in every category, and it lacks a leader. Biden, Macron, Trudeau, et al, have all demonstrated behavior that resembles the Keystone Kops. So what’s ahead?   I hear from a lot of people! Here are some of the scenarios they see playing out in the near term. They can’t all be right, but here’s a brief run-down of what many suggest is ahead of us. You may disagree with one or all points, but millions of people believe one of the following scenarios will play out.   1)  A great awakening is coming. A tremendous revival. The days of Joel 2:28 are coming when God pours out His Spirit upon all people. This will precede the Rapture of the Church.   2)  God is long suffering and patient and wants all to be saved, thus we have decades left to share the gospel and rescue the lost. Let’s occupy until He comes and not be so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good. We’ve heard about the Lord’s return for decades yet nothing happens.   3) In America, the forthcoming elections in 2022 and 2024 are going to turn America around. We can and will make America great again. Prosperity will return. Life will go back to normal. With the right people in office, earthly government works.   4)  The church is being perfected and tried by fire. But she will prevail and the church will correct the problems on this planet, fulfilling “On earth as it is in Heaven.” The church will have dominion over the whole earth and then Christ can return. (Kingdom Now/Dominion Theology)   World Governments Are Collapsing   Sorry, folks, but points one through four are not what I see outlined in the Bible! World governments are in a predicted state of collapse thanks to the meddling of the globalists. They are causing instability, famine, war, poverty, and obsessing on the fake news called climate change.   The capitals of the world are preparing for the Antichrist and are taking directions from the World Economic Forum, Klaus Schwab, Yuval Harari, Bill Gates, and other globalists who delight in trampling on the people. They are acting as lawless and reckless as is every leftist in Washington, D.C. and the right isn’t pushing back!   Living When Truth Does Not Matter   Former White House correspondent Bill Koenig writes in his weekly e-newsletter, “The late conservative journalist and pundit Charles Krauthammer said once, ‘We are living at a time when truth doesn’t matter.’”   Koenig continues, “We see this in the liberal media every week and with many of the Congressional Democrats. They are dishonest and/or incapable of processing the truth, denying truth because the end justifies the means, or they are totally deceived. A spirit of delusion is prevalent in our county today.”   And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie. (2 Thessalonians 2:11)   Harbingers of Total Tyranny   Journalist Bill Wilson says we are on a slippery slope to tyranny.   He writes, “The FBI raid of Donald Trump’s home should be a wake-up call to all Americans that the Democratic Party leadership is intentional about re-imagining the homeland into a statist nation.   “From David Koresh and Elian Gonzalez during the Clinton years, to IRS treatment of conservative and Christian organizations, to the Russian influence scam, to spying on Trump’s campaign and the news media under Obama, Democrat regimes increasingly have abused government power. “   Wilson concludes, “This week, people should at least consider that the FBI raid on Trump’s home and the passage of the misnamed Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 are harbingers to the tyrannical agenda of the extreme left.”   But evil men and seducers will wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13)   Curtain About to Rise   The stage is being set daily for a drama that will be the story of the ages. The players are on the stage right behind the curtain. Our Heavenly Father is the writer, director, and producer of what is to come. An angel is holding a trumpet with his hands clasped around it. The Bridegroom has had enough of the foolishness of Godless men and is calling His bride, the Church, Home very soon.   There will, indeed, be a revival, but it will be during the seven-year Tribulation, the Time of Jacob’s Trouble. The Four Horsemen may be out of the barn soon. They’ll appear over a ridge once the Church is called to meet her bridegroom.   The Disappearing Act is Next   I believe the scenario I represent does not allow time for “turning things around,” a “great awakening,” “making America great again”, or for the church to crush the evil of our day (Dominion Theology). Instead, the church is going to suddenly disappear and fade off the scene! So, soon and very soon, we are going to see the King. Is Monkeypox a Plague of The End Times? - by Michael Snyder - http://endoftheamericandream.com/is-monkeypox-a-plague-of-the-end-times/   This monkeypox outbreak is now far worse than most of the experts originally anticipated. The number of confirmed cases has continued to rise at an exponential rate, and many victims have experienced extreme agony for weeks after contracting the virus. So could it be possible that monkeypox is a plague of the end times? The Bible does tell us that “pestilences” will be one of the signs of the end times, and we have certainly seen multiple “pestilences” erupt over the past couple of years. At first, a lot of people were dismissive of monkeypox because the corporate media made it sound like it wouldn’t be that serious. But now we are learning the truth, and it is pretty horrifying.   As I write this article, there are now 39,791 confirmed cases around the globe. The WHO says that the number of confirmed cases has risen another 20 percent in just the last week, and that is extremely alarming.   If the number of cases continues to double at the current rate, it won’t be too long before there are millions of victims.   One aspect of this disease that a lot of people don’t know about yet is the fact that it can leave you disfigured for life…   Silver Steele was covered in agonising blisters around his mouth that took around 20 days to worsen before getting better.   He still fears that what he initially thought was “razor burn” will now scarr his skin for life.   Silver Steele, the patient’s professional name as a porn actor, bravely used social media to share the picture to spread awareness.   Of course that isn’t the worst part of the disease.   The worst part is the pain.   Steele says that there were times that it felt like he was being repeatedly stabbed by knives…   “It hurt most when I ate. But there were times when I was literally just sitting there watching TV and all of a sudden it’s just like knives stabbing you,” he said.   “The pain was pretty intense.”   Many other victims have told us about the extreme pain that can come with this disease.   Some have described it as the worst pain that they have ever experienced in their entire lives.   Monkeypox can have some other terrifying consequences as well. In Germany, one man actually had the skin on his nose turn black and start to die…   A monkeypox patient’s nose started to rot in one of the most shocking cases documented in the current outbreak.   The 40-year-old man, from Germany, went to his GP with a red spot on his nose which was initially dismissed as sunburn.   But within three days the skin on his nose started to die and turn black, leaving him with a painful, swollen scab.   You can see a photo of this right here, but I want to warn you that it is quite graphic.   There is still so much that we do not know about this plague.   But at this point, health experts are telling us that it is primarily being spread by men that have sex with other men. The following comes from NBC News…   Since the outset of the global monkeypox outbreak in May, public health and infectious disease experts have told the public that the virus is largely transmitting through skin-to-skin contact, in particular during sex between men.   Now, however, an expanding cadre of experts has come to believe that sex between men itself — both anal as well as oral intercourse — is likely the main driver of global monkeypox transmission. The skin contact that comes with sex, these experts say, is probably much less of a risk factor.   But that isn’t the only way that it is spreading.   There have been lots of victims that have developed monkeypox without having sex with anyone. Here is just one example…   A man noticed his first lesion and subsequently developed a rash about two weeks after attending a “large, crowded outdoor event at which he had close contact with others, including close dancing, for a few hours,” according to researchers from Stanford University School of Medicine. He tested positive for monkeypox after seeking care at an emergency department about a week later.   The patient’s “primary risk factor was close, nonsexual contact with numerous unknown persons at a crowded outdoor event,” the researchers wrote, and the case “highlights the potential for spread at such gatherings, which may have implications for epidemic control.”   And it is being reported that at least eight children in the United States now have monkeypox…   There have been at least eight confirmed cases of monkeypox in children in the United States.   According to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, the eighth confirmed case of monkeypox in the United States is believed to be a child under the age of two, and this is also the first pediatric case of monkeypox reported in Texas.   The more this virus spreads, the more opportunities it is going to have to mutate.   And this will especially be true as it spreads to animals…   A family dog has tested positive for monkeypox virus in what may be the first human-to-dog transmission case ever recorded. Researchers raised the alarm after an Italian greyhound contracted the virus 12 days after its owners began to show their onset symptoms.   Two men attended Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, in Paris, France, on June 10, after developing anal ulceration six days after having sex. One man had been experiencing anal ulceration and a rash on his face, ears, and legs, while the other developed a rash just on his legs and back.   We are still only in the very early chapters of this crisis, and I have a feeling that it is going to get a whole lot worse.   So what does all of this mean? Well, the truth is that I’m not sure. We were specifically warned to watch for another pandemic that would involve sores on the skin, and now a global outbreak fitting that description is here.   Sadly, this is probably only just the beginning. If we really are living in the end times, more pestilences will be coming.   I know that a lot of people out there may not be excited to hear that, but it is the truth. Evil Company - Nathele Graham - twotug@embarqmail.comssa   "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.". 1 Corinthians15:33. The congregation in Corinth is an example of how we are not to live. It’s also an example of a congregation that was rebuked and took the rebuke to heart. The second letter which Paul wrote to them found a lot less fault in their practice of their Christian faith. One of the main problems in Corinth was the fact that they accepted all manner of evil into their midst. Instead of standing strong upon God’s word, they let the secular ways corrupt their congregation. Paul was very concerned for them, and urged them to live for Jesus, not for the world. The above verse speaks mountains of truth. Let’s take a closer look. The word “communications” is a word that has changed meaning over the years since the King James translation of Scripture first happened. In the original language the word “homilia” is used and it means “companionship”. The word “manners” is translated from the word “ethos” and means “custom, usage, morals, character”. The verse, as translated in the New King James Version, reads as “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 1 Corinthians 15:33. When we accept Christ’s finished work on the cross, we are a new creation in Christ. Our life should reflect that change. The ways of the world should no longer appeal to us. It may not be easy to leave old friends and old ways of thinking, but our faith in Christ means we need to walk close to Him and we need to walk in His footsteps. It most likely won’t be easy, but He never said it would be easy. He did say it would be a sacrifice. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24. Taking up one’s cross means death. The old man, which is our selfish sin nature, is nailed to the cross and the new creation in Christ no longer takes pleasure in sin. If we say we accept Christ but continue associating with evil company, the old ways will draw us far away from Christ. If the old ways of walking in darkness hold more appeal than walking in the Light with Jesus, then you need to examine your faith. Have you truly accepted His sacrifice?   How do we reconcile this with the fact that Jesus spent time with sinners and was accused of being a winebibber? Jesus was God incarnate and entered His creation to bring salvation to lost sinners. When He spent time with sinners (which was everyone but Himself) it wasn't to be one of the crowd. He never compromised. We need to be careful when we judge others by their behavior. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were extremely judgmental and Jesus brought this to their attention. “For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!” Luke 7:33-34. John the Baptist was chosen by God to prepare the way for Jesus. Because of a Nazarite vow, John didn’t cut his hair or drink wine. He must have looked pretty wild. There is no prohibition in Scripture against drinking wine; the only prohibition is against drunkenness. Neither John nor Jesus did anything wrong. The Pharisees compared Jesus to John, when they should have been comparing themselves to Jesus. He is the standard to strive for. Today, we need to be around sinners in order to witness to them, but we aren’t to be buddy buddies. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?” 2 Corinthians 6:14. This means marriage, as well as business partnerships and friendships. Evil company may not always look evil, but there’s a good chance that if you become yoked with a non-believer, you’ll eventually walk a path in which you stumble rather than walking the path Jesus walked.   We do have freedom in Christ, but that freedom isn’t a license to sin. We need to become more Christ-like. We need to control our actions and our words. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:1-2. God’s love for you knows no boundaries. He gave His life. Jesus left the glory of His home in Heaven and entered His creation to save sinners. He came knowing that He would be slandered, mocked, beaten, and crucified. He loved us so much that He willingly came into this world as a baby, grew and ministered to everyone around Him. Is there anything in your life that is worse than what Jesus faced because of His love for you? Shouldn’t you present your life to Him as a living sacrifice? Yes, you should. Even if that means walking away from evil company.   Don’t be deceived. Truth is only found in Scripture. We can find evil company in television shows, movies, songs, and books. Christians need to be careful of what we choose to set our minds to. Do you watch movies that promote sin and violence? Is your hero Dirty Harry or Thor? Don’t choose the evil company found in books and movies which are accepted by the world. Evil company can even be found among so-called Christians. There are many seemingly Christian fellowships, with sweet and wonderful people who attend, but there is deception in the pulpit. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Matthew 7:15. Many popular books are written by an author who claims to be Christian, but if you read them, use caution. Unless the book holds strongly to Scripture, it is promoting false doctrine. Discernment is a gift from God, and only studying Scripture will give you the knowledge to discern false teachers from Godly men who speak God’s truth. Paul gives a list of some of the gifts given by God to those who seek His truth ”For to one is given by the Spirt the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” 1 Corinthians 12:8-11. It’s not easy to receive gifts from God when you’re spending time with evil company.   Old friends will probably ridicule you, and accuse you of being “holier than thou” and a “goody two-shoes”, but the way you conduct yourself will be a witness to former friends. The Apostle Paul was never ashamed of his faith, even when among heathens. When he was chatting with a group of non-believers in Athens, he was discussing the gods they worshipped as contrasted by God Almighty. The people of Athens, had a god for just about everything and made altars for these false gods. As Paul walked by these altars, he saw one dedicated “To the unknown God” (Acts 17:23). He used that “unknown God” to tell them about Jesus. Paul never used gimmicks in his witnessing, no shoeboxes, or bribery of “good works”. He always came right to the point no matter what danger there might be for him. As he spoke to these men who worshipped the false gods, Paul spoke clearly. “And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul departed from among them.” Acts 17:32-33. Witnessing is a very important part of Christianity. We have to be bold, but know when the seeds have been planted, and when to walk away. Paul didn’t become best friends with these people, but knew when to let the Holy Spirit work in their hearts. Notice that some of the group mocked. Usually if someone mocks your faith, you’ve hit a chord and they will think about what you’ve said. Trust the Holy Spirit to lead them into salvation. Because Paul spoke words inspired by the Holy Spirit, some of the group wanted to hear more and some came to faith.   Seek the company of others who seek to serve the Lord. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. God will provide for all you need. Seek Him instead of seeking evil company.   God bless you all, Nathele Graham twotug@embarqmail.comssa ron@straitandnarrowministry.com   Recommended prophecy sites: www.raptureready.com                                                    www.prophecyupdate.com                                                www.raptureforums.com   All original scripture is “theopneustos” God breathed.   If you’d like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries just drop me an email and let me know.   Daily Jot: The tyranny of “democracy” - Bill Wilson – www.dailyjot.com   Congresswoman Liz Cheney (R-WY) is now former congresswoman. She was the poster child for everything anti-Trump and Wyoming voters turned her out to pasture. Some Democrats and leftists are using it as an example of how Republicans want to end democracy in America. They are attacking all Republican voters, characterizing them as misogynists and racists—their “go to” hate points, as if they have the higher moral ground. In reality, Cheney’s demise was the power of the vote. And that power should be celebrated by the very people who say they champion “democracy” and call themselves Democrats. But when “democracy” goes against them it is given some unsavory hate-filled label.   The Democrats are more into tyranny than democracy. They name a bill “The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022” and ram it through Congress on a party line vote. Not one Republican voted for this legislation, not one. And this is the democracy of the Democrats. One would think that if there is such opposition to legislation of this magnitude that some compromises would be made to make the bill more acceptable. But not in this case, nor in the Obama Affordable Care Act nor in the Build Back Better Act. Democrats in the House of Representatives allowed no amendments. These bills were rammed through both Houses of Congress strictly on a party line vote, and they were monumental change agents for socialism.   The wealth redistribution of these laws is incredible. They take your hard-earned tax dollars and distribute them to cronies in the green energy business, the LGBTQ+ agenda, the open borders benefactors, and so on. They destroyed the healthcare system in the US, making it more expensive and less effective while jamming dollars in the pockets of big pharma. And these pieces of legislation made it possible for unelected administrative agencies to possess dictatorial powers like mandating healthcare protocols against the rights of body autonomy. They empowered unconstitutional agencies like the IRS and EPA with authorities of life and death of businesses and individuals.   As Congressman Steve Scalise (R-LA) wrote in his Whip Notice to House Republicans: “Democrats are now moving forward with this newest iteration of their economic death spiral that includes budgetary gimmicks that don’t actually reduce the deficit, raises taxes for every American including a “heat your home” tax, empowers an army of IRS agents to harass Americans and small businesses, forces socialist price controls on drugs that will cost lives, and wastes billions of dollars in Green New Deal slush funds and handouts to big business.” That’s the Democratic Party brand of democracy—replacing God with government. Christ said in Matthew 24:4, “Take heed that no man deceive you.” When these people accuse others, they are acting out their own accusations. We can only hope that the Liz Cheney example works in November. Daily Devotion: Small Things Become Big Things - by Greg Laurie – www.harvest.org   If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities —Luke 16:10   https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/small-things-become-big-things-2/ - Listen   I read about a study that a business group conducted on infidelity in the workplace. Not surprisingly, they concluded that extramarital affairs in the workplace ultimately led to breakdowns in other areas of life.   In other words, if people were being unfaithful to their spouses, they also would pad their business expenses and cut corners in other areas of their jobs. It makes sense, doesn’t it? If someone is willing to take down one wall, then why not kick down other walls too?   Small things become big things. If you’re willing to cheat on a test in school, then will you also lie on your résumé? And if you’re willing to cheat in school and lie on your résumé, then in what other areas will you be willing to cheat?   Little compromises turn into big problems. Little things turn into big things.   We don’t think about this sometimes. We’ll say, “It’s all right. This is just a minor infraction.” But we’re not thinking about the repercussions yet.   In the Bible we find story after story of lifelong repercussions that came as a result of a single decision. Adam ate of the forbidden fruit, and it cost him paradise. Esau compromised for a single meal and lost his birthright. Samson’s sexual compromises cost him his strength, his eyes, and ultimately his life.   Are there some small areas where you’re making compromises now?   Deal with those, because the Lord is revealing them for your own good. Little compromises turn into big problems. Jesus said, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities” (Luke 16:10 NLT).   In a single moment in time, you can make a decision that affects your entire life.