The End is Near?

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Daniel

Do you remember last year when Harold Camping sponsored a million dollar billboard campaign to spread his message across America? He thought that the apocalypse would begin on May 21st, 2011 and tried to warn the world. We all had a good laugh about that one didn’t we? I remember people staging pranks with “raptured” peoples clothes laying haphazardly in malls and such. I laughed too because I knew it was sure not to happen on that day because he predicted it, for Jesus has said that no one knows the day or the hour.

An Apology:

As I thought more about this, I also imagine that this episode disillusioned some who bought into his prediction. I want to apologize to you on his behalf for his foolish actions that may have caused a strain on your faith.

I also feel sorry for all the rest of you who mocked him and his prediction. His actions gave you cause to be inoculated to the very vibrant hope of Christ’s coming.

DECEMBER 21st, 2012

Disclaimer: I in no way think that the turn of the Mayan cyclical calendar in any way indicates the end of the world. That is ridiculous and superstitious. I do however think that God has given us plenty of signs that indicate “the end is near” which we all ought to pay attention to.

THE BOOK OF REVELATION

I just finished a sermon series by Adrian Rogers on the book of Revelation. I have a new healthy respect regarding what is coming soon upon the whole world. I am concerned for people who haven’t read the word of God or do not have a respect for God’s word. People are either skeptical or they just don’t believe he is coming anytime soon, yet Jesus says emphatically:

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” (Rev 22:12 NIV)

Do we believe him? Even when it isn’t popular or “cool” to do so?

Skepticism, disbelief, and mockery are the attitudes that the Bible predicts people will have regarding the second coming of Christ and the “end of this world as we know it”.

But, I ask you, isn’t the second coming of Jesus closer now than it ever has been? Shouldn’t we be more expectant and more ready for his return as we see the day approaching?

Yet expectancy seems to be the last thing that I observe among many “believers” I know. Some don’t seem to think he is coming. Many “believers” just don’t believe anymore. Even Jesus is old news. We’ve moved on. Jesus return has become irrelevant and sadly, the person of Jesus himself is no longer relevant in the lives of many who call themselves Christians. (At least this is the impression I get.)

The apostle Peter:

“Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation…” 2 Peter 3:3-15 NIV

ARE YOU RAPTURE READY?

Yes, I am serious. I can just imagine some reading this who mock the idea of a rapture. It’s all a big joke to those who don’t believe. But Jesus is indeed coming soon! A rapture for faithful believers is also part of the story and it could happen at any moment! The thought crossed my mind that I could be raptured before I was able to finish writing this blog and so I even scheduled this to be published automatically if I wasn’t here to press the publish button.

Remember this song by DC Talk?

Who is the rapture for?

“Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6

I seriously had questioned whether I would have been raptured considering the careless way I had lived and failed to love and submit my heart to Jesus. Every time I lose my wife in a grocery store I think the rapture has happened and I am left. I don’t fear this so much anymore because I’ve come to trust Jesus and he is faithful to his promises.

Is it silly of me to actually believe in the rapture and biblical prophecies? Wouldn’t it rather be silly to not believe? Wouldn’t it be silly and foolish to be among the mockers and scoffers? I tremble at God’s word. I respect it and hold it in high esteem because Jesus did and I trust him.

The Bible has a hundred percent accuracy rating for all the prophecies that have been fulfilled thus far and there is absolutely no reason to doubt that the future prophecies will happen as well. We would be fools to mock and disregard for one more day the certainty of that which will come soon to test the whole world. Instead the only right response is to fall to our knees, humble our hearts, and beg God for mercy. He will give us mercy as we truly repent. You can be sure of that.

We don’t often think what a gift it is to be able to repent. Repentance puts our hearts right with God and we get to part ways with our sin and most of it’s consequences. We won’t always have this opportunity. I wrote more on this here: Repentance.

Jesus tells a story about 10 virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. Five were wise and had oil in their lamps. Five were foolish and had none. The bridegroom came and the five wise were welcomed into the wedding feast while the five foolish lost their opportunity and found themselves shut out from the wedding feast.

No doubt these foolish ones (unprepared believers), that Jesus is referring to, went on to be refined by the tribulation and overcame the enemy “by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11) and were among the saved to come out of the tribulation. Will most in the church end up in this predicament? Jesus seems to indicate it will at least be half of us. If we don’t get our act together and start taking Jesus seriously, we too will be found shut out of the wedding feast and have to endure the tribulation and will likely have to die a martyrs death.

Matthew 24:36-44 (NIV)
The Day and Hour Unknown

36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Well, I’d love to hear your opinion on this topic. What do you think? Let’s dialogue. Leave a comment!

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A letter to my facebook “friends”

Posted on August 25, 2012 by Daniel

Dear facebook friend,

coffee-shop-mugI wish I knew you a great deal better than I do and wish that we could meet for coffee and talk about life. (Seriously, if anybody does want to meet for coffee – let me know!) I recognize that you are a beautiful, intriguing, and infinitely valuable person and I want to do a better job at recognizing and valuing that.

This letter is both an apology and an invitation.

THE APOLOGY:

First things first. I am sorry if I have offended you.

Someone has said, “If you have to ask, “Should I post this?” The answer is most definitely, “No!”” It has taken me a long time learn this. Sometimes I react to someone’s post when I should take some time and thoughtfully respond remembering there is a person on the other end of this. Forgive me for forgetting that you are a precious human being that God loves and for valuing “being right” more than loving you. I want to change. I want to grow. I want to learn to love well.

I’m ashamed to admit that I am a recovering self-righteous judgmental prick (I could think of worse adjectives, but, considering that children may be reading…). I recognize that some of you have had to endure many posts and updates as I work out my issues and grow as a person. Thank you for your patience, forgiveness, and grace!

I have scared myself sometimes about how thoughtless I can be and I sometimes think that people are better off without me. When I think this way I will often crawl into a cave and avoid the world for a while until some well meaning person comes along and encourages me to crawl out of my cave telling me I have something to contribute… and I am naive enough to believe them. So here I am again… on my best behavior.

THE INVITATION:

I enjoy dialogue! Especially about issues regarding faith in Jesus. I would enjoy it if you would interact with me on my posts and blogs.

I want to thank everyone who has engaged me in conversation and responded to my posts. I honestly do want to hear from you. ESPECIALLY if you disagree with me! Let’s pull up a chair, pour the proverbial cup of coffee, and dialogue about life’s most important issues. I want to hear where you’re coming from, and I want the opportunity to change if I am mistaken about an issue. Give me a chance! Don’t just judge me and walk away. I will do the same for you.

I will always consider opposing views… but, ultimately it comes down to what the Bible has to say on any issue.

I wish I could take you along the same journey I have been on that has led me to view God’s word as the ultimate authority on absolute truth. In short, it has everything to do with Jesus, his resurrection validating him as God and Savior, and his view and respect for the word of God. I love God’s word and of course I see it as the basis to determine what is true.

I want to make your life better, not any more difficult then it already is. I want to encourage you and bless you and be a good friend to you. Ultimately I want you to be grateful that you know me for a friend.

Thanks for listening,

Daniel

Categories: Gospel | 3 Comments

He is Love

Posted on June 30, 2012 by Daniel

A message of hope for all who may despair and are in need of some encouragement today:

LYRICS:

If you can’t see past your pain and confusion
If you feel alone and overwhelmed by what you faced
If the circumstances of your heart feel too hard to navigate
& you feel so very far, far away

You’ve got to know there is joy beyond this heartache
You’ve got to see there is peace behind this storm
It all can change in a moment with Jesus
As his light drives the darkness away

He is love, He’s all around you
He is love, He’s come and found you
Feel His loving arms surround you
He is love, He is love, He is love

And if you’re broken and bewildered
And if you’re drowning in your pain
And if the sadness of depression
weighs you down every day… just know that…

He is love, He’s all around you
He is love, He’s come and found you
Feel His loving arms surround you
He is love, He is love, He is love

He knows your name, He feels your pain
He cares more deeply than you’ll ever know
He knows your name, He feels your pain
He cares more deeply than you’ll ever know

He is love, He’s all around you
He is love, He’s come and found you
Feel His loving arms surround you
He is love, He is love, He is love

If you can’t see past your pain and confusion
If you feel alone and overwhelmed by what you face
and the circumstances of your heart feel too hard to navigate
Jesus is here to heal you now, for He is love

I am depressed

So many of us are living lives of quiet (or not so quiet) desperation. We are desperate for a more meaningful life, more meaningful relationships, for a love that we hardly even know exists or have only caught fleeting glimpses of. We forget these glimpses as we pursue distractions and vain things to numb the pain, quench the longing, and occupy our restless minds.

But, you and I were created by a loving God for the love of Jesus. Nothing else will satisfy our hearts. No one else will satisfy… except Jesus alone. Do you believe this?

When I was in depression I came across a song about the comforting presence of Jesus that spoke to me. It lifted me out of my depression by reminding me that Jesus was with me and that made all the difference.

My hope for this song is that it will bring people comfort and encouragement to come to believe that Jesus love really does make all the difference. He gives us a reason to live.

Categories: Love of God, Reflect Worship Music | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

A K-19 Kind of Love

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Daniel

So, how do we love like that?

On our own. Impossible. “But with God all things are possible”, Jesus says.

Romans 5 says this:

“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

“Christ in you the hope of glory”

I wonder if is as simple as surrender.

“Jesus will you love others through me sacrificially with your Agape Love? Will you pour it out and in and fill me with your love? Teach us how to remain in and operate out of your perfect Love! Amen”

Categories: Love of God | Tags: | 1 Comment

The Amazing Race of Life

Posted on June 23, 2012 by Daniel

LIFE IS AN AMAZING RACE!

Here are a few Scriptures that present our lives as a race that God has set before us:

“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” – Paul (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT)

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” – Paul (2 Timothy 4:7 NLT)

And also in Hebrews:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrews 12:1 NLT

SO… What are we racing for? Are we, as Paul does, running with purpose in every step? If we look only at these texts of Scripture what can we learn about what’s needed to run this race well?

WHY EVEN RUN?

We are told we are running for an eternal prize. So what is the prize? Is it worth all the effort running requires? Will we even want the prize?

The first thing that comes to mind when I think about what the prize might be is a phrase Jesus often uses: eternal life. I’m not refering to what many think when presented with this phrase (heaven instead of hell) but to a quality of relationship with God. This is how Jesus defines eternal life:

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” – Jesus (John 17:3 NIV)

Looking at how this phrase “eternal life” is used by Jesus and throughout the New Testament would leave you with these impressions.

  • It is defined as a relationship with God (knowing him) John 17:3
  • It is something that those who believe in Jesus already possess. 1 John 5:13
  • John seems to indicate that eternal life is Jesus himself – 1 John 5:20 (which makes sense when you consider that Jesus says, “I Am the way the truth and the life” (John 14:6 NIV) and “I Am the resurrection and the life” (John 11))

Other prizes include reigning and ruling with Christ in his coming kingdom . Does this even register on our radar? Do we ever even given it a thought? Are we even aware Christ has a coming kingdom and that how we live here and now determines our place in that kingdom?

How about commendation from God for a life well lived. To hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant”. Does this matter to us? This reminds me of a Francis Chan video:

What’s needed to run this race well?

Hebrews brings up the vital issue of being unentangled and free of sin. For this we need to be disciplined. But disciplined to what end? What’s the goal?

I firmly believe it all boils down to this: To live a life of love. Love is the goal of discipline.

Sin is, after all, anti-love. So how do we discipline ourselves away from sin and toward a life of love?

I think it’s so important to always keep in mind that love is the goal of a disciplined life, not just simply to avoid sin. And I think, herein lies the victory. Think about it.

If we are actively pursuing a life of loving others, waking up each morning with the thought, “How can I show love to ____ today?” and then by God doing it, then we are living and walking in the life God wants for us. In fact, whether we know it or not, we are living “in God” for the bible says, “those who live in love, live in God”. (1 John 4)

Amazing. If we are actively loving others, God is all over and in and all around us. You can’t escape God when you are loving others… even if you aren’t even aware of it. For God is love.

However, If you aren’t actively loving others then you are about as far from God as you can be. I don’t care how much of the Bible you have memorized or how big a church it is that you pastor.

“Without love, you are nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13)

RUNNING WITH PURPOSE IN EVERY STEP

I will end with a Scripture that sums up this conversation:

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction;whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:7-10 NIV)

So what do you think? Does this spark any interesting thoughts for you that you’d like to share? Please leave a comment!

(share this post if it blessed you!)

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