₦airaland Forum

ikh777:
Will it help you? or you just want to make a case from it?

EVEN YOUR JESUS SAID LAZARUS WILL NOT DIE, AND YET HE DIED..... go and argue with that first before coming here looking for who is accurate or not....PROPHESY IS NOT A FINAL VERDICT..... It is just a prediction of what can happen if all forces are aligned.

John 11:4
When Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness will not end in death... (yet he died o, and it didnt make him false...)


A TRUE PROPHET CAN GIVE PROPHECIES THAT WILL NOT COME TO PASS.... because we are human.

Infomaz:
QUESTION 1. WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT? BEING OR FORCE?

ANS: The Holy Spirit is the third person in the Godhead. He is as much a person as the Father and Son. He was actively involved with the Father and Son, in the creation, incarnation of Jesus and is actively involved in the redemption of mankind.

The Holy Spirit is a being. He feels love and empathy and therefore can COMFORT us. Our actions can make Him sad - grieve Him. As God knowing all, He's omniscient. (See Gen 1:2, Is 66:1, Luke 1:35, Jn 14:16-18, 1Jn 1:5-7)

QUESTION 2. WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OR FUNCTIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?

ANS:
1. He convict (reprove) us of sin, righteousness and judgement. That is He tells us what we've done is bad, that it is good to do the right thing, and that God will judge us. (Jn 16:

2. He testify of Jesus and glorify Him in our lives. (Jn 15:26, 16:14)

3. He teaches us, lead us into all truth and helps us to remember things. (Jn 16:13)

4. He comforts us (Jn 14:16, 26. 16:14)

5. He helps us to keep God's law. (Rom 8:4)

6. He reproduces the character of God in us... Through Him we become partaker of the divine nature (Rom 8:5-6 and 9)

7. He makes us bold and fearless and give us what to say before our persecutors (Mark 13:9-11)
8. He enables us to bear fruits of righteousness. (fruits of the Spirit - Gal 5:22)

9. He blesses us with spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12:4)
10. He guarantees or seal our salvation. (Eph 1:13-14)
11. He reveals secrets to us. (Jn 16:13)

12. He fills us with POWER for witnessing (Acts 1:

QUESTION 3. WHAT IS BLASPHEMY AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT OR THE UNPARDONABLE SIN?

ANS:

1. When we deny the power of the Holy Spirit but instead attribute the workings of the Holy Spirit to a devilish power, we're in danger of this sin (Mark 3:28-29)

2. The perpetual, constant resisting of the drawing love of God’s Spirit, so much so that you lose the capacity to hear the Holy Spirit’s voice. The conscience becomes seared (1 Timothy 4:2). This deadly blasphemy is also called “grieving away” the Holy Spirit. Paul refers to “Grieve not the Holy Spirit, wherewith you are sealed,” meaning we can permanently grieve away the Spirit.

Eventually, a person loses the capacity to repent, and therefore cannot be saved. It is for this sin that a person cannot be forgiven, because they have rejected the Spirit that convicts of sin (John 16:. So if we still feel convicted of sin and have the desire to repent, then we have probably not committed the unpardonable sin. (See also Hosea 4:6, Rev 22:11)

QUESTION 4: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FRUIT AND THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?

ANS:

The fruit of the Spirit are character traits that manifest in a believer's life as a result of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the person. There are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (self control). Matt 7:16, 20. Jn 15:4,5 and 8. Gal 5:22-23.

The gifts of the Spirit on the other hand, are special endowments given to the believer to help establish him or her in faith and for the edification of the Church. They include: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healings, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, different kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues. Rom 1:11, 1 Cor 12:4-11, 28-31.

So while fruit are character or behavioural changes in the life of the believer, gifts are spiritual endowment given to the believer to be established in the faith and to edify the church.

Part 2 continues tomorrow.

God bless.

Infomaz:
Climate change or global warming as it is sometimes called, is the change in weather conditions resulting in the increase of the earth temperature. This is due to the increasing depletion of the earth’s ozone layer caused by gas flaring, bush burning, carbon monoxide emissions, industrial waste chemicals, population growth and human activities amongst others. As a result, the ice-caps at the Antarctic regions of the earth are melting, leading to rising sea levels and record levels flooding. Other effects of this climate change includes heat waves, hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions and other extreme weather conditions. In addition, the increase in amount of ultraviolent rays reaching the earth have led to increases in skin cancer, eye cataracts, genetic, immune system damage, etc.

The summary is that we are facing a climate crisis that threatens our very existence and unless urgent drastic measures are taken, we will all be in trouble soon. It is this concerns and the need to avert a collective human disaster that has driven the emergent and fast growing “Green Economy.” By “Green economy” we mean all the activities connected with adopting friendlier environmental practices and sustainable developments.

Examples includes:

*Climate change education, training, public awareness, public participation and access to information
* The gradual replacement of fuel with electricity and natural gas so as to cut down on carbon emissions.
*Adoption of alternative source of energy…Solar, wind, hydro, etc
*Reduction in gas flaring and setting of legal limits for industrial air pollution.

These and many others are contained in the Paris Climate Agreement signed by over 190 countries of the world in 2015 under the framework of the United Nations.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUNDAY LAW

The foremost advocate for climate change is POPE FRANCIS. He has become a moral force mobilising statesmen, presidents, environmentalist, religious leaders, scientist, etc. in adopting measures aim at safeguarding our planets. In his latest encyclical, (A letter from the Pope explaining his teachings) he blamed human greed and selfishness for damaging the planet. He called on richer countries of the world to make changes in lifestyle and energy consumption, in order to avert the unprecedented destruction of the ecosystem.

But behind this concern for the environment, lies a subtle motive of world domination, expressed in this case, in the promulgation of a universal SUNDAY LAW, that will make rest and WORSHIP on SUNDAY COMPULSORY. Earlier this month, while lamenting the slow pace of progress towards combating climate change, the Pope called for the formation of a ‘Supranational’ body that will enforce climate change measures.

The following reasons have been put forward by the papacy and others as the reasons while a UNIVERSAL SUNDAY LAW should be made compulsory.

1. A weekly Sunday Sabbath which will amount to 52 days in a year, will mean abstaining from any economic or commercial activities. This will go a long way in protecting the environment by reducing the pollution that results from such activities.
2. A weekly compulsory Sunday rest day, will promote and enhance family life/values as parents will be able to spend quality time with their families.
3. A Sunday Sabbath will enable man to appreciate the spiritual aspects of life, redirecting his soul away from materialistic pursuits that does not offer peace or happiness.
4. A weekly universal Sabbath rest (Sunday) will restore the dignity of labour by recognising workers’ rights to balance living.
5. A universal enforceable Sunday law will help safeguard our environment , thus promoting a common good for everyone
6. It will meet with divine favour in obedience to God’s commandments that recommends a day of rest for mankind
7. Factor into our DNA is the need for a weekly rest by our Creator. Thus a universal Sunday Sabbath will promote healthy lifestyle

The aforementioned reasons are captured in the following quotations made by leading world figures across diverse sections of human endeavour.

1. (May 2, 2019)Italy’s Populists Want to Close Stores on Sundays. The idea is to give workers time to spend with their kids and go to church.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-02/italy-populists-seek-no-shopping-sundays-to-boost-family-values

2. Author, Economist and Religious Scholar, Dr.David Smadja calls for an INTERNATIONAL WEEKLY DAY OF REST to Combat 'climate change' (November 2018)

https://ceoworld.biz/2018/01/29/a-modest-proposal-for-a-day-of-rest/

3. Why Sunday Is the Most Important Day of the Week for Your Wellbeing (June 2018)
"Your business will benefit when you prioritize time for yourself and the important people in your life ... Former emergency-room physician and author Matthew Sleeth explained the importance of taking a day of rest in a recent interview with CNN. 'For almost 2,000 years,' Sleeth said, 'Western culture stopped -- primarily on Sunday -- for about 24 hours ... Sunday is prime social time ... Sunday is the perfect day for self care ... Sunday gives you a jump on planning ... Reclaim Sunday as a day of rest in your 24/7 world. https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/314269

4. Lawmakers in Poland approve a gradual ban on Sunday shopping after push by Catholic Church and Trade Unions (November 2017)
Poland's parliament has approved a bill that will almost completely phase out Sunday trading by 2020. The law - put forward by the ruling Law and Justice party and backed by unions and the Catholic church — will limit Sunday trade to two Sundays a month from March next year, and then one Sunday a month in 2019. From 2020, stores will only be allowed to open only on seven Sundays a year."
https://www.ft.com/content/f4438444-2227-3e4b-8dbb-fbcf621db9a3

5. Chairman of the German Trade Union Confederation Pushing for Sunday Rest (April 2017)
"The chairman of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), Reiner Hoffmann, spoke out for Sunday's rest. The DGB is very close to the churches ... Sunday must remain free of work."
That is a very powerful force, the trade union organizations and the churches working together to bring about the Sunday rest law.
https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?act=url&depth=1&hl=en&ie=UTF8&nv=1&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.co.uk&sl=auto&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=https://m.paz-online.de/Nachrichten/Wirtschaft/DGB-Chef-Hoffmann-wirbt-fuer-Sonntagsruhe&xid=25657,15700023,15700186,15700190,15700253,15700256,15700259&usg=ALkJrhhK1k-JpCaJcpYGJiEvrQb_kWh

6. Pope Francis calls for new ‘supranational’ authorities to enforce UN goals
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.lifesitenews.com/mobile/news/pope-francis-calls-for-new-supranational-authorities-to-enforce-UN-goals

7. BREAKING NEWS ///
Content: Ahead of EU elections: what is next for work-free Sunday? Brussels, 18 February 2019
The European Sunday Alliance discussed with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and electoral candidates the importance of common work-free time and decent working hours. In view of the EU elections, the European Sunday Alliance discussed with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and electoral candidates the importance of common work-free time and decent working hours. http://www.europeansundayalliance.eu

8. Legal victory for the protection of a work-free Sunday. Frankfurt sales forbidden by courts. The German alliance for a Free Sunday (which includes the ver.di trade union and the Catholic Employees Movement, KAB) has sued the city of Frankfurt, which had approved three Sunday sales. The courts confirmed the view of those in favour of a work-free Sunday and the sales were forbidden.
http://www.europeansundayalliance.eu

THE PROBLEM WITH A UNIVERSAL SUNDAY LAW

The book of Revelation tells us that the end time battle between Good and Evil, between CHRIST and SATAN will be on the issue of WORSHIP. (Rev 13:8,12,15, Rev 14:7,9). The reason God alone is deserving of WORSHIP is that He is our CREATOR. (Ps 95:5-6, 100:3, Jer 10:10-11, Rev 4:11) To mark, celebrate or commemorate this fact, the Lord instituted the SABBATH on the seventh day at creation. Thus, while God upholds the Seventh-day SABBATH (SATURDAY) as proof of His CREATORSHIP and hence rightful claim to WORSHIP, the devil, through the beast upholds the opposite – the first day of the week (SUNDAY), a counterfeit Sabbath as the MARK of her authority!

A UNIVERSAL SUNDAY LAW is therefore the MARK of the BEAST, of which the God warns us in the strongest language possible.

Says Rev 14:9-10 “…if anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or in his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation.”

This is a difficult message to preach and I would ordinarily not do so as I have friends, neighbours, colleagues, well-wishers, etc. caught up in this fatal error. I wouldn’t want to offend them. But motivated by a sense of love and urgency, I dare not keep quiet. Rather than be angry at me, we should be angry at the enemy of our soul who seek to destroy us even through the instrumentality of our churches. Such is the craftiness of the devil that he has transform himself appearing to be an “angel of light”, but working with all “deceivableness of unrighteousness.” (2 Cor 11:14, 2 Tim 2:10)

The Roman Church has contributed immensely to education, arts and culture, care for the less privilege many other noble pursuits. There are many in the Church and others too, who are worshipping God on Sunday out of the sincerity of their hearts and according to the limit of their knowledge. The Lord answers their prayers, accepts their worship and calls them “my people”. And because they are His, they will listen to His voice and come out of this false worship. “Come out of her my people” is the loving cry of the Lord before it is too late…that you partake not in her plagues and certain destruction, for the time has come when they that worship the Lord MUST worship Him “in SPIRIT and in TRUTH. “ (John 4:24)

Let me at this point say that none has received the mark of the beast. However, when the universal Sunday law is passed, howsoever shall obey the law, will receive the mark of the beast.

We need not fear, for the Lord is able to save to the uttermost all who called on Him. “Lo, I am with you even to the end of time, says the Lord. “And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” Rev 12:11

I invite you friends to take your stand with the Lamb. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Ask God for the power of the Holy Spirit so that His character can be reproduced in our lives, and the righteous requirements of his law, shall be fulfil in our lives, because we walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

It is my earnest prayer that by God’s grace, you and your family shall be numbered among the saved that will gain the victory of the beast and her mark. “The saints who keep the commandment of God and have the faith of Jesus.” Rev 14:12

Infomaz:
HOLY SPIRIT : QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - Part 2.

QUESTION 6. WHAT EXACTLY IS SPEAKING IN TONGUES?


BACKGROUND
(Acts 2:1-13)

"1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine."

From the above, we can extract the following "

1. The disciples were in one accord, studying, praying.

2. They were all Galilean speaking Jews.

3. People came from all over the world. Nigeria for example.

4. When the Holy Spirit descended on them, they started telling of God's wonderful works in the various earthly languages of those around

5. They were understood by those around who came from all over the world.

NOTE:

The purpose of the Holy Spirit in the day of Pentecost was to break the communication barrier by enabling the disciples to preach the gospel to those who came from afar, so that they can take the good news with them to their various places.

Recall that the Lord had earlier told them to "tarry" in Jerusalem until they receive power from the Holy Spirit, so that they can carry the good news starting from Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the world.

Acts 1:8. "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

Mark 16:17 "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;"

The tongues (languages) spoken by the disciples were not ecstatic meaningless gibberish that characterize most speaking in 'tongues' today.

IT WAS THE AUTOMATIC ABILITY TO SPEAK OTHER LANGUAGES SO AS TO ENABLE THEM FULFILL THE COMMISSION TO PREACH THE MESSAGE ALL OVER THE WORLD

Note also that other believers received the gift of speaking in tongues just as the disciples had.

Acts 10:44-47

"While Peter was speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.... Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit JUST AS WE HAVE? "

Acts 11:15

" And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, AS ON US AT THE BEGINNING "

Acts 15:8

" And God, which knows the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as HE DID UNTO US"

* SO WHAT EXACTLY IS SPEAKING IN TONGUES?

ANS: SPEAKING IN TONGUES IS THE ABILITY TO SPEAK OTHER LANGUAGE (S) WITHOUT HAVING TO LEARN IT

IT IS THE AUTOMATIC ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE GOD'S WORDS IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

A real life story I read of will suffice.

A preacher went to Spain for a crusade. He was the guest speaker and so needed an interpreter as he could only speak English. So whenever he says something, the interpreter will interpret... It got to a point when he said something, the interpreter said nothing, so he repeated himself thinking his partner did not hear him clearly. Again the interpreter kept quiet...

Then he asked the interpreter why he's not interpreting?. .. But the interpreter said but "Sir, you are speaking our language so there's no need."

In Paul's day, some believers were already abusing this gift, by breaking into tongues at meetings to the consternation of those who could not understand. So Paul advised

"If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let HIM KEEP SILENT IN CHURCH, and let him speak to himself and to God. " - Acts 14:27-28
Verse 33 says for " God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.. "

QUESTION: So where did the popular modern day speaking in tongues come from?

ANS:

IT IS ROOTED IN PAGAN INCANTATIONS AND IS A COUNTERFEIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT GIFT OF TONGUES

Rev 16:13-14

"And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty."

The ecstatic, meaningless gibberish that is popularly but erroneously called speaking in tongues today is symbolically likened to unclean spirit from FROG who catch their prey with their TONGUES!

IT IS PART OF THE PLOY TO UNITE COUNTERFEIT CHRISTIANITY WITH PAGANISM, OTHER WORLD RELIGION AND THE KINGS OF THE EARTH, THROUGH UNBELIEVABLE MIRACLES ... AGAINST GOD AND HIS CHILDREN.

QUESTION 7 CAN SOMEONE BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND NOT SPEAK IN TONGUES?

ANS: Yes! Example - JESUS CHRIST

1 Cor 12:8-10

The Holy Spirit distributes gifts to believers as He deems fit. Some are given the gift of wisdom, others healing, prophecy, speaking in tongues, etc.

"For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 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:"

1 Cor 12:29

"Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?"

The answer of course is NO.

QUESTION 8.HOW CAN YOU KNOW THAT YOU HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT?

ANS.
1. When you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
2. When you feel godly sorrow for the sin you commits, repent and forsake them by God's grace
3. When spiritual things interests and gives you joy... Bible study, prayers, fasting, fellowship, witnessing, when you hunger and thirst after righteousness.

4. When the law of God no longer seem "burdensome" but a delight, pleasure and joy to you.

5. When you find yourself manifesting the fruit of the Holy Spirit habitually

6. When the kingdom of God and His righteousness becomes your topmost priority

7. When you find yourself devoting more and more of your time, talents, treasures or resources towards advancing the work of God.

8. When your love for Jesus gets deeper and deeper

9. When you like to share the gospel with as many as possible.

Etc.

God Bless You All.

alBHAGDADI:
All my life, I've always believed in a rapture doctrine which says before the great tribulation and before the unveiling of the Antichrist, Christians will be raptured into heaven to meet Jesus. They say Jesus will come like a thief in the night, secretly to help his believers escape the tribulation which the Antichrist will unleash.

This concept has been made popular by movies like LEFT BEHIND and some America. televangelists. Before 1800, there was no church or preacher holding such doctrine. It was started by a man named John Darby who even wrote his own Bible which lacked key verses. Today, the doctrine is held by roughly 65% of Christians. The doctrine that we will escape the tribulation is false and not Biblical.

Jesus himself spoke of when the rapture will take place. Notice how his disciples asked him to tell them what the signs of his coming will be.

Mathew 24:3
And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

Now read the further

24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand)
24:16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
24:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
24:18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
24:19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
24:25 Behold, I have told you before.
24:26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
24:28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

In verse 9, Jesus spoke of Christians getting delievered up for persecution and are killed. That is the tribulation. But false teachers have taught that the people who will face such are unbelievers who are left behind after Christians have been raptured. Well, basically we all agree that the tribulation involves persecution. But the confusion here is who are the people to face the tribulation? Some believe it is unbelievers after Christians have been raptured, while some say it is Christians who will be persecuted by the Antichrist for failing to received the mark of the beast. Let's allow the Bible settle this confusion.

First, let us see whether Christians will be raptured before the tribulation or not.

[Mathew 24:29-31
24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Did you see the bold part in the passage above? Did you also see that the rapture takes place immediately after the tribulation of the end times? The events in verse 30 to 31 are the same as described by Apostle Paul in...

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

But some people have deceived many by saying that what Jesus said in Mathew 24 cannot be the rapture because he was talking to the Jews and not to Christians. Why is it not the rapture when it is the same event described by Paul? Trumpet, angels, God's people getting caught up to heaven etc.

Yes, Jesus was talking to the Jews because his disciples who asked him to tell them about the end time were still under Judaism. But if you read Mark 13 and Luke 21, you will see that it's the same thing Jesus said in Mathew 24. At the last verse of Mark 13, Jesus said what he's saying to the people whom some quarters are saying is not the church, he's saying to ALL which includes the church.

Mark 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Now, we see that the tribulation occurs before the rapture, but who carries out the tribulation and what is it exactly? The tribulation is the persecution of Christians at the end time such as never was and never will be.

Mathew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Christians will be beheaded and persecuted all around the world. This persecution will be carried out by the Antichrist engineered by Satan himself.

Mathew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand)


The Abomination of Desolation is the Antichrist who exhaust himself above everything called god and forces people to worship him.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4
2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

Did you read the passage above? Did you see where it spoke about the coming of our Lord Jesus? Did you see in verse 3 that the day which Jesus will come will not exists until the man of sin (Antichrist) is revealed? Read verse 4 as well.

Yet some people say Christians won't face the tribulation even when the Bible says the Antichrist who will persecute during the tribulation will come first before Jesus Christ who will come and deliver Christians from his grip. Many will mistake him for Christ.

Mathew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

This Antichrist will wage war against the saints.

Revelations 13:4-8

13 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
13:6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
13:7 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.
13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

As you can see above, the Antichrist exhalst himself and blasphemes God's name. Is this not the same man Paul spoke of in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, whom he said must first come before Jesus Christ comes back?

Now as seen in verse 7 above, the Antichrist wages war against the saints and will overcome many. Why is he waging war against the saint if some people believe the saints wont be around during the tribulations? In verse 13, everyone on earth is seen worshiping the Antichrist. Those who won't worship him are those whose names are written in the book of life. This is what will anger the Antichrist and make him wage war against them with great tribulation and persecution.

Revelations 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

What we see so far is that people with their names in the book of life won't worship the Antichrist. But I ask, what are they doing on earth? I thought some people said they would have been raptured and escaped.

The proponent of a pre-tribulation rapture doctrine have said that the people left behind will be unbelievers who will now have to pay with their blood to get saved. They are the ones the Antichrist will persecute. This is a lie. If all Christians will be raptured before the tribulation, then those left will be unbelievers who are already tools of Satan. Do you expect someone who doesn't give a damn about Jesus to stand with Jesus when a cutlass is placed on his neck? He will gladly received the mark of the beast because he's not used to suffering for Christ whom he never believed in.

In revelations 12:17, we see that Satan will make war against those who hold the testimony of Jesus Christ. How some people believe that the people that Satan will make war against are unbelievers is what baffles me. Do unbelievers hold the testimony of Jesus? No.

Basically, what we've seen so far is that the Antichrist comes first, then follows a great tribulation which involves the persecution of Christians. It is immediately after the tribulation that Jesus Christ will appear and will redeem his people through a rapture.

Don't let anyone deceive you. Prepare yourself for that day which is fast approaching.

jonatoye:
~~~Daily Spiritual Digest~~~ 
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               [14-05-2020]

Focus: Confidence in the Fairness of God II

WORD FOR TODAY
Your confidence is only rooted in the fact that God is fair, when things work well for you in wrong doings. The fact that all seems to be well each time you sin doesn't change the fact God isn't displeased with every act of sin!!!
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Scriptural Reference
"Say to them, As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?" (Ezekiel 33:11 AMP).
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The nature of a man is the type that can be so eaten up with the fact that nothing happens despite the degree of sin and disobedience to the will of God. However, when it appears as if nothing happens, God is only making allowance for your repentance.

The fact that you are committing sin, dragging the name of God in the mud, using His name to fulfill your selfish desires, bringing strange fire on His altar and living consistently in disobedience to His will and yet nothing seems to be happening to you; does not amount to the fact that what you are doing is right nor stop you from facing the consequence if you fail to repent. The only grace you might be enjoying is the fairness of God in that He takes no pleasure in the death of a sinner.

You don't have to grow wings in your wrong doings. Therefore, let not your confidence in whatever you do be rooted in His fairness. Don't take the grace of God for granted repent from all your sins.
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Question For Meditation:
+ What is the basis of your confidence in God?

Prayer Point:
Lord! I receive the grace to keep my confidence in you in Jesus name. Amen!!!

Main Emphasis:
In the fairness of God; Grace is always made available to ensure that men get it right with Him!!!

Have a Gracious Thursday!!!

jonatoye:
~~~Daily Spiritual Digest~~~ 
________________________________
               [13-05-2020]

Focus: Confidence in the Fairness of God I

WORD FOR TODAY
There is a general blessing of God on all mankind. Irrespective of a man's status, believe and consecration, the fact still remains that God is fair to all and He cares for all His creation!!!
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Scriptural Reference
"For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:45b NKJV).
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There are several evil men on earth (both believers and unbelievers alike) who are living fine and in riches despite the evil works of their hands. Infact, most times they appear to be much more favoured among men but in the actual sense they are only enjoying the period of Grace made available for all men.

Every creation of God is entitled to some measure of His blessing. This is because the only One and true God is fair to all. Come to think of it; we have those who don't know God but pray to mere wooden idols and still get what they desire. In what they do, they still get inspiration though not from God but from the fact that they get result.

In the world today, there are several beliefs and religions. Those who practice these religions are not doing it for nothing. There is a level of inspiration they get from doing it, not because what they are doing is correct nor a way to eternal life but just because of the fact that God is merciful and at the same time fair in meeting the needs of all His creation.

Therefore, when these people show a kind of confidence in what they are doing because of the result they've seen; such confidence is only rooted in the fairness of God. There is only One true God; Him alone you must serve.
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Question For Meditation:
+ On what basis does your faith and belief lie?

Prayer Point:
Lord! I receive the grace to keep my confidence in you in Jesus name. Amen!!!

Main Emphasis:
Your confidence is only rooted in the fact that God is fair, when things work well for you in wrong doings!!!

Have a Splendid Wednesday!!!

davidinchrist:
We must avoid all arguments or debates by all means. Arguments many times lead to strife or anger, and anger doesn't work the righteousness of God. It is the Holy Spirit of Jesus that convinces and converts people: a witness of Jesus is to just preach the Word and move on; no debating. The flesh can't convert anyone. The flesh could through many intelligent means convert people to become church members or workers, christian fans, and the likes, but not necessarily a disciple of Jesus. To be a disciple of Jesus, we got to Repent and obey Jesus from the heart.

2 Timothy 2:23 KJV
But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

2 Timothy 2:24-26 KJV
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men , apt to teach, patient, [25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

[26] And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

May Jesus Bless You.

herlecks:
Yes, hidden. There's no problem, I've got a place of rest. Thanks

HazardMan:
1 woman can give me the number of kids i want so i won't be going around and even if i do it won't be termed as wickedness as the girls will be fully aware of what they will be going into.

herlecks:
Thank you very much. I've been trained and nurtured by the Holy Ghost, direct indoctrination. I won't be going there to learn because most of their doctrine is erratic, I'm going there to keep myself hidden for a time.

Kobojunkie:
Christ was not in the story of Gideon. And there is really no logical parallel to be drawn between Gideon's story and this particular thread topic.

That said, since Christ sent his disciples out asking them to take with them no money for their purses(basically no protection), I ask again that those who choose to step forward on this mission should be prepared to do so without PPE if they intend to be taken seriously

Rashforrd:
Surely, since I went to market

IANAGI:
Thank you very much this is more like the clarity i needed.

solite3:
please where is it written that the devils believe in Jesus?

Kingpele:
my dear I can see that many has spoken the truth to u here but u are still doubting the truth and the power of God in his word the first thing Jesus Christ preached while on earth is taken from Matthew 4:17 turn away from your sins because the kingdom of God is at hand, is Paul greater than Christ himself, if your faith does not make you holy and strong in Gods love, you are only deceiving yourself, this is why Jesus said some will say in your name I prophecy, in your name I rise the dead and work miracles in your name but I will tell them depart from me all u workers of iniquities... He said also in Matt 18:8-10 if your hand or foot will led u to sin cut it off for it is better for u to enter life without your hand and foot then to have your whole body thrown into hell... Here Jesus is telling those who have real faith in him to avoid sin at all cost, heb 12 :4 for in your struggle against sin. U have not yet resist to the point of being killed, this and more verses in the Bible make it clear you have to see sin first as God sees it before u could be able to overcome the temptation of sin, the love for God opens one eyes to truth about sin and Gods own way, there is many pastors, evengalists, church elders and bishop that are in hell and some of them here is still who are on their way to hell cos of this your kind of mindset, faith is not immunity to continue in sin. But rather immunity to stop sinning..

davidinchrist:
Right, but I personally don't quite think there is need for the titles anyway. I think because is the norm in most organization everywhere, that's why it gets a bit more difficult for some genuine, Christlike servants of God to not have light on it. Moreover, I'm sure that not using titles doesn't make anyone necessarily holy either.. I think some has got no titles but have the wrong spirit alike: you call them brother, but must spell it out with the B in capital (Brother... Not brother...). All exalting the flesh. We must just ensure to seek to decrease and let Christ increase in our lives.

May the grace and peace of The Lord be with you.

Skillzystick:
Happy Sunday nairalanders
Most people give thanks to God before asking for mercy, knowing to the fact that you sinned against him. Does God accept such thanksgiving?
Or should one ask for mercy before giving thanks to God. Attach scriptures if possible.