Rumblings and Ramblings

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I taught on Genesis 6 this evening in our Prayer Meeting/Bible Study time.  This afternoon I received this email from one of my mentors in ministry.  He gave me permission to put it on my blog.  In my opinion there is heartbreaking correlation between now and the day of Noah.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I would love to write the normal devotional that will bring positive advice to you, but today my heart is heavy.

I write this email with a very concerned heart.  I believe God has shown me what is taking place in our world today.   It appears to me, that we are rapidly approaching the day that each of us will have to take a stand about being a Christian.  What about you?  

There are many forces at work.  But, there is a physical and spiritual war going on against Christians and the values of Christ.  I believe as a result of this, in the next 10 years, many who call themselves Christian will fall to the wayside.  So NOW is the time to evaluate your heart and see if you deserve to be called by a name that associates yourself as a follower of Christ.

The forces at work are on the political, economic, social and religious areas of life that we all participate in.  But the anti-Christian forces are moving fast and I see signs that we need to be prepared for.

What brought about this concern?  First let me say, this is not an anti-Republican or anti-Democrat concern, because our citizenship is in heaven, however the forces of Satan are working in ALL areas of life on earth.   Also this is a world wide situation.

Here is what is now taking place in America

1. One state just signed a law that will affect ALL of our public text book where you can no longer refer to the family as mom and dad, but you have to refer to other lifestyles as being normal.  
2. Today, in many states marriages are being performed between 2 men or 2 women.  This is being promoted as acceptable alternative lifestyle.
3. In California, a law just went into effect where boys and girls may use either restrooms, locker rooms, and if a student says anything incorrect, could be cited for hate crime.  
4. Congress is recognizing a religious leader of a faith that is leading close to 1 Billion people to eternity without God.
5. In some states and Canada, Australia, Switzerland, pastors have been arrested for preaching against certain topics.  This has already taken place in Madison, Wisconsin;  St Petersburg, Florida; Elmira, New York; Crystal Lake, Illinois, just to name a few.
6. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Arlene Elshinnawy, a 75-year-old grandmother, and Linda Beckman, a 70-year-old grandmother were arrested for sharing their faith on the public sidewalk.
7. “Christian” religious leaders are taking stands and promoting beliefs and practices that Jesus would never support.   (this includes Baptist)
8. “Christians” are berating other Christians who share their faith in Jesus as being wrong because all religious have “god” in them.
9. Major corporations, beginning 10 years ago, started indoctrination courses through their Human Resources department that goes against many of our core beliefs.  
10. We are seeing the fastest growing religion today as being Islam.
11. Technology is moving so fast that microchips are moving rapidly to being an “essential” element of life and in some countries government employees are REQUIRED to use them.   The indoctrination is taking place with the recent VISA commercials.
12. YOU probably already have a microchip card for buying products.
13. There is increased tension all over the world and is getting greater every day.
14. Churches in our area and across the nation are seeing a drastic decrease in baptisms and involvement.

I could go on, but this is the world we are living in the 21 Century.  While we cannot engage the entire world, we can look at ourselves and our church.   

ARE YOU WORTHY to be called the name CHRISTIAN which was derived from a group of people that followed a person called Christ who died for their sins?  (Antioch)   Who named them after a man called CHRIST who died for their sins!

If we cannot be faithful to God in the “good” times, what make you think we will be faithful when everything is on the line?

My heart is weary but at the same time, I have made a personal vow, commitment to God, that I AM A CHRISTIAN, A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST; I will wear that name proudly even if it means the ultimate sacrifice.  No person on earth can make me compromise the basic Gospel that Jesus came to die for me and give me life in heaven.

WILL YOU EXAMINE YOUR HEART?   WILL YOU ASK YOURSELF; Am I worthy to be called Christian?   Will you commit you and your family to being faithful?   To worship together with other believer where you will gain the strength to face anything that the future hold.

HAS ANYBODY, who does not know you, called YOU CHRISTIAN  just because they have watched the way you live your life?

BE FAITHFUL!   

TOGETHER AS A CHURCH FAMILY WE FIND STRENGTH TO STAND UP FOR JESUS! 

WE HAVE A WORLD TO LEAD TO JESUS CHRIST

WHO IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH and THE LIFE!