Tuesday, February 13, 2018

The Pure Bride Of Christ [Christians & The Church]





She is lovely, delicate, faithful, and chaste.  She is watching,  waiting, saving herself for her Groom.  While waiting for Him to return, she has neither compromised her high standards nor conformed to the ways of this world.  She has kept her bridal gown clean and white - free from the stains of infidelity.  She has not given away her innocence to the seductive lurings of those around her or given her heart to the tempters of wealth and fame.  Her eyes have been fixed only on the skies and to the promise of her Groom's words: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." - John 14:3 (KJV)  She is the pure bride.

The pure bride represents the true Christian and the sincere Church.  As mentioned in the Holy Scriptures, we are to keep ourselves pure in body and in heart. "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." - Matthew 5:8 (KJV)  If we have accepted the gift of Salvation, we must shed our old snake skin of sin and adorn ourselves in the clean garments of a new beginning with Christ.  We are to leave the past behind us and walk the new, clear path that has been outlined for us in the Holy Scriptures of our Lord.


Our Groom (The Lord Jesus Christ) wants a pure bride.  Always remember this.  What is the difference between just an ordinary bride and a pure bride?  The pure bride does not give herself (neither in body, mind, or spirit) to unclean things/people.  She is virtuous and chaste.  What does virtuous mean?  One dictionary says: "A virtuous person behaves in a moral and correct way."  What does chaste mean?  It means "abstaining from extramarital, or from all, sexual intercourse."  According to the Bible, such a woman is of more value than fine jewels, so naturally, the honorable groom who finds such a one is blessed among men. "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." - Proverbs 31:10 (KJV)  Now you can understand why the Groom (our Lord) does not want to find His bride wearing a bridal gown stained and spotted with the shame of fornication or adultery when He comes some unexpected day.  This is not what His heart desires at all.  No.  What He really wants is to know that after his bride has accepted his proposal of marriage (His lovely free gift of Salvation) that she has kept herself clean and honorable for Him, has remained faithful to Him, has been obeying Him, has lived uprightly, has stayed committed to Him, and has not given up on Him but has rather endured with strength and determination - knowing that she would one day be rewarded by His presence and the crown of His Love forevermore.  "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." - Matthew 24:13 (KJV)  He wants a bride who is waiting for the wedding day with all eagerness and is preparing each day for that blessed event.  The Groom loves her with all of his heart and goes to great lengths to show His affection and to prepare her a future of splendor and safety - unlike anything that any other groom could ever offer her!  He has promised her a Home with Him forever - in fact a mansion - greater than anything her eyes had ever seen before.  "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." - 1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV) 

A woman would be a fool to sin against such a Groom while He is away preparing her mansion!  She would be a fool to throw away such a gift of True Love and hurt Him by committing fornication with another during his absence!  Sadly, this is what so many Christians do after accepting the gift of Salvation.  They love it for a while and then they are willing to throw it all away for the temporal pleasures of sin and worldliness.  They walk away from the bridal path and cheat themselves out of the blessed assurance of eternal rest and happiness in Heaven and exchange it for the destructive path that leads them down to eternal damnation and unending torments in Hell.  The torments of forever asking themselves "Why did I do this to myself?  Why did I choose the darkness after being given the Light?  How could I have given up such a beautiful Gift of Love?"  Before allowing one more day of your life to go by, while living more for the world than for your God, pause and consider this:  "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" - Mark 8:36 (KJV)

How We (the bride) Are To Keep Our Lives Pure And Holy For The Groom (Christ) [A Bible Study For Today's Christians - The Church]:

 "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." - Ephesians 5:25-27 (KJV)

The Bible does not just give us a mere suggestion of how we are to live and conduct ourselves as Christians.  No.  In fact, the Bible gives clear and concise instructions, distinct guidelines and important commands by our Lord Jesus and His disciples.  There are rules and laws that must never be taken lightly.  They are not put in the Bible to simply fill up space or to be ignored.  Quite the contrary!  They are put in the Bible for a reason.  An important reason.  That we may live by them and abide by them - so that we can grow closer to our Lord rather than farther away from Him and so that we can make Heaven our eternal Home instead of Hell.  The Bible is our manual for life.  Without reading it and following the directions, we will stray off course and ultimately find ourselves in a place far from God.  Oftentimes, Christians prefer to avoid certain chapters of the Bible (particularly in Paul's Gospel) because the teachings disrupt their comfortable, casual, flippant, secular way of living. Oftentimes, these same so-called "Christians" will read only from the book of John, as it speaks of love and eternal life, and that feels better on the conscience than some of the other Gospels that give warnings about how Christians can fall away from the faith or even be denied access to Heaven.  If it's something that they don't like, they just choose not to read it.  That is how they try to "erase" God's Truth from their lives and make way for more worldliness.  They focus on "a God of Love" and forget that He is also a God of wrath who HATES sin and the committing of sin.

Does the Bible actually say that God hates sin?  Yes.  In fact, contrary to popular belief, God also hates workers of iniquity - all those who commit sins and live in unrighteousness.  See the following eye-opening verses. 

"The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity." - Psalm 5:5 (KJV)

"The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth." - Psalm 11:5 (KJV)

"Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." - Psalm 45:7 (KJV)
If our Creator hates sin, we should too.

"Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked." - Psalm 97:10 (KJV)

"The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate." - Proverbs 8:13 (KJV)

"Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way." - Psalm 119:104 (KJV)

When you follow Christ, you must put away worldliness and sin and you must be willing to walk the road less traveled, like Noah and Lot did. Jesus Himself was humble and lowly, He was not popular or accepted in this world. If we are to follow Him, we need to be more like Him. If our King was rejected, we are to be rejected. Otherwise, we are no different than the rest of the world. . When we are born again, it means that we are starting anew. We are born into a fresh and different way of life, a whole new direction. One that is changed. "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." - 1 Peter 1:23 (KJV)

As Christians, we are to become new men and new women, completely different from how we lived prior to becoming Christians. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) "That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." - Ephesians 4:22-24 (KJV) 

Have you ever searched for the meaning of "righteousness" in a dictionary?  One online dictionary describes it as "the quality of being morally right or justifiable" and another describes it as "acting in accord with divine or moral law : free from guilt or sin".  Yes, our Lord expects us to live righteously - hence the meaning of being a "pure" bride for Him.  He wants us to live in true holiness, as His Word says. 

Are these guidelines just for some Christians and not for all Christians?  Some think that they are just for old fashioned, narrow-minded believers or Christians from centuries past.  They feel that these guidelines are not "realistic expectations" and they do not pertain to the modern-day Christian, as times have changed and therefore we need to upgrade for the current generation of Christians.  This belief is a complete heresy!  These guidelines are intended for EVERY person who claims the gift of Salvation and the title of Christian.  Past and present. Young and old.  New Christian and seasoned Christian alike.  Those who lived centuries ago and those who are living in the present day. Keep in mind that there is absolutely no expiry date on God's rules and guidelines for Christians.  We do not serve a changeable, unstable God.  We serve a mighty, all-knowing God who does not change nor does His Word.  "For I am the LORD, I change not." - Malachi 3:6 (KJV)  His Word is true and strong and powerful.  It does not lose its effect or meaning over the centuries, no matter how much people may try to water down, change, or update its meaning to fit the times.  "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) 

"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,  Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness."  - Ephesians 4:8 (KJV)

"That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;" (Philippians 2:15 KJV)  The Lord wants His bride (his followers/church) to be a light in the darkness.

We are to be set apart from the rest of the world.  We live in the world but we are not of the world.  "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 12:2 (KJV)  "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.  They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." - John 17:14-16 (KJV)

We are not keep company and have close friendships with those who live in a way that is not pleasing to God - with lives that are filled with parties, music, fornication (sex outside of marriage, which is sadly considered "normal" today), and all manner of unclean things. We need to stay away from people who actually take joy in unrighteousness.  We need to separate ourselves from the world and the things of the world.  "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." - 2 Corinthians 6:17 (KJV) 

Does this mean that we should not be kind to people who are living apart from Christ?  Absolutely not.  As Christians, we are to show kindness to everyone and anyone that we meet - Christians and non-Christians alike.  We are to shine our Light and Love for all to see.  However, just because we are to be kind to them does not mean that we should show approval of their sinful lifestyles or be partakers of their wordliness.  We are to keep our distance from them in a polite and sensible way, choosing rather to please God than to please man.  Choosing rather to be lonely and make God happy than to join them and compromise our morals and values - thus giving our blessing on their sins. 

It is inevitable that we must encounter worldly people while dwelling on this earth, so if and when we are ever in the company of such individuals, we should always remember to be like Jesus when He ate with the sinners.  He did not partake of their sins in any way - neither in conversation or in deed.  Nor did He indulge in worldly pleasures while in their company just to fit in and be like the crowd.  Quite the contrary!  Read the Bible and see that the only reason that Jesus ate with the sinners was to take the opportunity to share parables that were all about recovering lost souls. The people in that house were all lost and He knew it.  He wanted only to show them the way to come to the Father and that was all.  He did not in any way partake of their lifestyles and thus remained sinless in body, mind, heart, and soul.  In fact, Matthew was surprised that Jesus would enter his home, so he acted respectfully and honorably.  Were the people acting inapropriate while Jesus was there?  Probably not, as He had captured their attention with His parables and they seemed to have been in awe of the moral lessons that He was delivering to them. 

Many people, including modern-day Christians, like to use the commonly-used "Jesus ate with sinners" line to justify putting themselves in compromising situations by hanging out with immoral people.  They forget that Jesus is the Son of God and He had parables to tell.  That is why He was there.  He also had plans for Matthew to become one of His disciples and that is also why He was there.  Let us remember that Jesus also smashed the money-changer tables at the Temple but we cannot go out and do the very same thing!  Firstly, it would be illegal for us to walk into a church that sells products and smash their tables and secondly, it is not our place to do it.  Think about it.  Some things can only be done by the Lord and in His own way and thus must be left to the Lord.  We cannot step out of His Will and do things that are immoral or go against the law and then try to say "Well if Jesus did it, I can too!" to justify it.  He is God.  We are His children.  There are no lifestyle guidelines for Him.  There ARE lifestyle guidelines for us.  Is the servant greater than his/her Master?  Is the child given authority over his/her parent?  The answer is a solid NO.  So take your place as His child and obey your Father and Lord.  Keep these Biblical words in mind before you begin spending time in the company of worldly people:  "But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.” - 1 Corinthians 5:11 (KJV)  Let that scripture be "food for thought" before your next get-together with family, friends, co-workers, or acquaintances.  Keep in mind:  Just because they are your family does not mean that God wants you to be in their company while they are doing worldly things - for example attending their parties of music, drinking, and sexy dance, watching modern TV shows and movies with them, swimming at the beach with them while they are wearing immodest apparel and flaunting their bodies.  God wants us to "be separate" from that immoral scene.  "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 (KJV)  Many Christians believe that this scripture pertains to marriage with unbelievers when in fact it pertains to any closeness with unbelievers, including friendship.  It is telling us not to have fellowship with those who shamelessly sin and live for the world.  Righteousness has no place in the midst of unrighteousness, so what is a Christian doing in a place where people are doing things that are immoral in the sight of God?  Do these Christians feel no shame?  Do they not feel the Holy Spirit is grieved inside of them while they are communing with those who walk in darkness?  Read that scripture once again and allow it to speak to your conscience until its meaning becomes clearer and clearer to you.  Knowing this, there is no excuse for any of us Christians.  We have been given rules to stay away from such people. 

Here is another scripture to ponder: "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." - Psalm 1:1-2 (KJV)  There are special blessings for those who keep themselves "set apart" from the world, continuing in obedience, and keeping their minds on God's laws and thinking on those laws constantly.

As you can see, we are to keep our distance from those who proudly live in sin.  Are we to hate them?  No.  We are to hate their deeds and lifestyles, as stated in the scripture verses that we shared earlier in this article, but Jesus said: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." - John 13:34 (KJV)  So, if we are to love people does that mean that we will just smile when they brag about the sinful, worldly things that they are doing?  No.  We will show our displeasure of it.  When Jesus tells us to love all people, including those who sin, that means that we are to love their souls too and if we love their souls, we will want to help them find the Lord.  We will not partake of their lifestyles but we will rather help lead them to the Savior.  We need to love them enough to deliver the Truth to them while there is still time because we may be their only chance at coming to the Lord  - and these are the end times - so we cannot delay!  If you care about people and love them, tell them about Jesus and His Love now.  We implore you.  Also, if you know of any struggling or wayward Christians, please talk with them and try to help them find their way back.  The consequences of falling away from God are too great, so if you see a Christian living immorally, guide them back.  Do not be afraid that you might offend them by doing so.  Just remember that if they are offended, it is God who offends them, not you.  It is our duty, as Christians, to use our voices and minister to others.  If you have no other means of helping others, use your Facebook as a mini-ministry.  Post scriptures that remind believers of what God requires of Christians.  This is a powerful tool to reach people and call them back to Him.  You are not "judging" when you remind people what God expects of a Christian, it is called "correction", according to the Bible.  "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)

But.... BEFORE we try to minister to other Christians, let us make certain that we ourselves are right with God.  We need to make sure that we are living uprightly and are not currently sinning against God - doing the same things that we are preaching to others about.  "Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?" - Romans 2:21-22 (KJV)  If we tell someone not to sin, and we are committing the same sin, we are a hypocrite. 

As Christians, we are to fear God and His wrath.  Yes, He is a loving Father but, like any parent, He becomes angry at those who have known and accepted the Truth but are living in unrighteousness.  Imagine how He feels when He sees us throwing away His gift of Love in exchange for Satan's cheap thrills!  "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness" Romans 1:18 (KJV)  We should fear Him too much to ever risk making Him angry by choosing sin over Him.  We should respect Him enough to never give Him reason to become jealous over our unfaithfulness.  "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ." - 2 Corinthians 11:2 (KJV)  We should fear Him too much to ever betray Him.  "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." - Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)  If you fear the Lord, you are indeed wise and if you have knowledge about holiness, then you have understanding of the Bible.  We are to study our Bibles, not leave them to collect dust in a corner somewhere or leave it all for the Pastor to teach us on Sunday.  We need to study it and read it for ourselves. "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." - Psalm 119:11 (KJV)  By reading and storing God's Word in your heart, you are less likely to choose sin over Him and more likely to build up a spiritual wall of defense against the enemy and his fiery darts of temptation.

We are to be holy in our conduct.  Not acting sexy, promiscuous, vulgar, ignorant, immodest, immoral, violent, hateful, unkind, and unclean. "Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." - 1 Peter 1:16 (KJV)  Another Bible verse to consider is this one about keeping our bodies holy for the Lord.  "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." - Romans 12:1 (KJV)

Our homes and even our social media accounts (like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) should also reflect the Christian life so that when people enter, they wonder what it is that makes us different, why we have the hope, the joy, the love in our hearts and in our words and in our deeds.  Let them find the reason for all of this just by looking at us, walking into our Godly homes, visiting our social media accounts, etc.  Let them see it clearly that we live for Christ - and He is the reason.  Let it be no secret that you serve the Lord.  "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.." 1 Peter 3:15 (KJV) Do not let these people enter your home or visit your social media accounts and find immorality where morality should be.  Let them not find worldliness where Godliness should be.  Let them not find contradictions and hypocrisy mingled with the Truth.  Be a living testimony of how God changes lives.  Be a personal ministry to the world. 

And....let us now shine the spotlight on another area of holiness.  In addition to our conduct, our worship should also be holy and pure, not fleshly and worldly.  It should reflect the Lord's holiness, not reflect the sounds and actions of the world.  When we are giving Him worship, we must do it to please Him, not to please ourselves.  It is not about what makes us feel good or what gives us fleshly satisfaction and entertainment (such as the ungodly, unholy music of so-called "Christian" rock, rap, hip-hop, metal that is performed by many professed Atheists).  It should be all about God and what makes Him happy, not what makes us happy.  If worship is truly and honestly for Him, then should it not be about what He desires instead of what we desire?  Naturally.  "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." - John 4:24 (KJV)  He wants true worship.   "Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day." - Psalm 71:8 (KJV) We are to honor Him with our actions and words.  Modern "rock concerts", flailing bodies, jumping, moving and grooving, sensual singing, crashing drums, ripped jeans..... this is all of the world and it is far from Christian.  Whom are these modern-day "Christians" serving when they attend such concerts or purchase and listen to such music?  It would seem that by the unholy nature of their worship that they are serving a god in black leather, tattoos, holding a steel guitar in one hand and the hand of Satan in the other.  For they are certainly not serving the pure, dear, gentle, sinless, spotless Lamb of God - our precious Savior and King Jesus Christ!  These modern-day "Christians" are rather serving themselves and a god of their own making.  The God of the Bible wants beautiful, pure, holy worship, just as the Psalmist declared: "O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth." - Psalm 96:9 (KJV)  The next time that you plan to attend one of those so-called "Christian" concerts (featuring the popular artists of the industry) or before opening your mouth to sing along with their secular "Christian" songs, ask yourself this one question:  "Is this the kind of worship that a pure and holy God desires or is it only fleshly entertainment for my own enjoyment?"  Be honest with yourself and with God.  You know the truth and so does He.

We are to keep ourselves away from filthy, dirty things.  Pornographic websites, magazines, photos, videos are among the most common modern-day tempters - snaring even believers into a web of darkness and unthinkable fornication!  "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me." - Psalm 101:3 (KJV)  In addition, unclean or hard music, sexy and immoral celebrities, TV shows with mature and sexual subject matters, TV talent shows that feature singers or sexy dance contests, movies about fornication and adultery and violence, and places like bars or dance clubs that promote improper lifestyles).  "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." - 1 John 2:16 (KJV)  The life of a Christian is to be refreshing and clean.  "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." - 2 Corinthians 7:1 (KJV) 

We cannot hold hands with the world and hold hands with God at the same time.  "And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." - 2 Corinthians 6:15 (KJV)

We are to think like Christians. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." - Philippians 4:8 (KJV)  Also, we are to talk like Christians. "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." - Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)  We are not to think or talk about immoral things or tell dirty jokes that corrupt the mind. People are listening to what we say. Let's use our voice to share the hope and truth of the Gospel.  Let us spread a little kindness so that through our words others can see the Light that dwells within us.

We are to speak about the Bible, talk of our love for God, tell what good things He has done for us, share our testimonies and the Gospel with others.  "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh." - Luke 6:45 (KJV)  Those who spend any time in our company will know that we are Christians by the way we talk and the way that we act.  If our hearts and thoughts are filled with Christ, then we will talk about Him.  If our hearts and thoughts are filled with things of the world, then we will talk about them instead.  "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." - Colossians 3:2 (KJV)  It is not hard to detect a true Christian amid false Christians.  The true Christian does not hide their faith when in the company of unbelievers.  They let their light shine.  "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16 KJV)  The true Christian lets it be known who they are and what they are.  They do not keep it a secret.  Their zeal shows in their faces, is heard in their words, and it shines from within them for all to see.  They are not ashamed of Jesus or His Gospel.  "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" - Romans 1:16 (KJV)

"Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness." - 2 Peter 3:11 (KJV)

A sincere Christian is happy to put away the things of the world and walk with God. We need to let our light shine brightly so that all who see us may know that we are followers of the King.  Therefore, we should not resemble the world in any way.  We are not to act or look like the people of the world.  It is easy to profess "I am a Christian" and wear that title but do people know that we are Christian by how we act or look?  Do they look at us and see someone who acts and looks different than other people or do they look at us and see just another worldly person in their midst?  We cannot act or dress inapropriately and expect to be a good example to others.  People are watching us, so we must present ourselves as a light in the darkness, wearing modest clothing, acting clean and holy in our conduct.  Because of this "sexy generation" that we are living in, we must especially adhere to these guidelines for how our young ladies should present themselves:  "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety" - 1 Timothy 2:9 (KJV) Women (both unmarried and married alike) are to act soberly, not showing off their bodies for all to see, but keeping themselves covered in decent clothing which allows the true beauty of their heart to be seen instead of their flesh.  Sexy is not how the pure bride should act or dress.  That is not what the Groom wants.  He does not see sexy as beautiful.  It is abominable in His eyes!  "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." - Proverbs 31:30 (KJV)  The Groom (our Lord) values purity and obedience (this does not just apply to women but to men also). 

We are to keep ourselves clean just as Jesus kept Himself clean.  The Bible gives distinct guidelines for us.  "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." - 1 John 3:3 (KJV)

Are we professing Christianity and still committing fornication and adultery?  Are we, who actually know God's commandments, still disobeying them?  "Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." - Romans 1:32 (KJV)  As Christians, are we still living in sin?  God forbid!  "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting , which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks." (Ephesians 5:3-4 KJV)  We cannot expect that the spirit of the Living God can dwell in a heart that loves sin.  We cannot be "sleeping with the enemy" and expect that God's Holy Spirit is still dwelling in our soul.  He is a Holy God and cannot be in an unholy place.  Therefore, His Holy Spirit will depart from us. If Jesus were to return and find you committing fornication or adultery, would you be told "well done good and faithful servant"?  That is very unlikely!  For the Bible says "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (KJV)  Why do you suppose that the Bible says "be not deceived" in this particular passage of scripture?  Because many Christians are deceived into believing that they can do anything and still go to Heaven.  This is one of the most deceptive doctrines out there today!  It is an untruth.  It is heresy.  A Christian cannot play the dangerous game of committing fornication/adultery and still expect to find themselves in Heaven.  Sadly, they are "Christian" in name only and they need to repent and become "one new man/woman" for the Lord.

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." - Revelation 3:19 (KJV)

There is a constant battle going on for our souls - a battle between good and evil.  The devil would love to put stumblingblocks of sin in our way and steal our souls away from God.  "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." - 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)  This is a warning to Christians, so do not let your guard down.  Temptations come when we least expect them.  So stand strong!

We must be willing to fight the good fight of faith everyday of our lives.  "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." - 1 Timothy 6:12 (KJV)  We must guard our minds from sin and be soldiers for Christ - always warring against the enemy.  "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." - Ephesians 6:11-13 (KJV)  Yes, "having done all" is a very important line to remember.  We have to strive to live for God - doing everything that we possibly can - to stand until the end.  We need to hold tightly onto God's Truth and the gift of Salvation that He has given to us with all of our strength and all of our might!  

"Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee."  - Revelation 3:3 (KJV)

"Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." - Revelation 3:11 (KJV)

Do you really love God, dear reader?  If we really love God, we will obey ALL of His Words and not just a select few. We will keep His commandments in their entirety.  "If ye love me, keep my commandments." - John 14:15 (KJV)  "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." - John 14:21 (KJV)  "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." - John 14:24 (KJV)

Christians, we need to stay close to our Lord and give Him our whole hearts - our undivided love.  We need to resist the devil and his temptations to sin.  We need to be cleansed and live purely for the Lord. "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." - James 4:7-8 (KJV)  We cannot be double-minded Christians - wanting to sin and wanting to be good at the same time.  We need to either choose God or choose the devil.  We cannot have both at the same time!  The spirit of God cannot dwell in the same place as the spirit of the devil.  You must choose one or the other to dwell in your heart and soul.  Otherwise, you are double-minded and unstable!  "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." - James 1:8 (KJV)  You are either a Christian or you are not a Christian.  Being "almost Christian" will get you "almost to Heaven" but it will not get you inside the gates.  A lukewarm Christian is one that has one foot on the narrow path that leads to Heaven and one foot on the broad path that leads to Hell.  They cannot decide which path they really want to walk, so they walk on both, and try to intertwine both paths.  "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." - Matthew 6:24 (KJV)

As Christians, we must run the full race and not give up half way.  It is not the beginning of the journey that matters as much as the end of the journey.  We must stay on the right path (the narrow one) and not allow ourselves to stray onto the path that everyone is walking.  "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." - Matthew 7:13-14 (KJV)  Very few people will actually stay on that path, so make sure that you are one of the faithful who stays on it and endures to the end!  "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." - Matthew 24:13 (KJV)  The Christian walk is all about endurance.  Standing on the solid ground of Truth instead of standing on the quick sand of sin.  "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." - Revelation 3:5-6 (KJV)  This is being said to the Christians - the Church!  We must strive to keep our names from being blotted out of the Book of Life!  "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." - Revelation 3:21 (KJV) 

If you were to stand before our Lord Jesus Christ tomorrow, would He recognize you as His pure bride?  Would your gown be clean and white?  Would He know you or would He turn you away in shame?  This is a serious thing to ponder for all who profess Christianity.  "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." - Revelation 3:15-16 (KJV)  Yes, God will spit us out of his mouth - cast us away - if we appear at Heaven's gate as "almost Christian".  Keep in mind that the book of Revelation tells us that this particular message was to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans - which means that it is a strong warning for the lukewarm Church (Christians who are neither cold nor hot for God).  Do not take this warning lightly, we implore you!  "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." - Revelation 3:22 (KJV)

A true Christian is intent on reaching the finish line victoriously.  They are intent on obeying their Master.  They are determined to flee from the sins of their past or the temptation to stray off the narrow road and they put on the whole armor of faith.  Their eyes are focused on their reward of Eternity with Christ and they realize that they will only receive that reward if they endure to the end.  Therefore, they will work out their Salvation with fear and trembling and not allow themselves to fall away.  Their hearts do not belong to this world, their hearts belong to God.  These are the true Christians who will be met at Heavens Gate with the words:  "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." - Matthew 25:21 (KJV)  When we reach the end of our lives here on earth, may we hear our Groom (the Lord) lovingly say those words.  BUT... keep in mind....."Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." - Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV)  Will He say this to you?  Our prayer, here at Abide In The True Light, is that all Christians reading this will search their hearts and ensure that they are obeying God right now - preparing themselves for when they stand before Him on Judgement Day.  We pray that you will never hear those dreadful, heartbreaking words: "depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

"Be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless." - 2 Peter 3:14 (KJV)

Brides of Christ, get ready!  The day of His return could be closer than you think.  "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready." - Revelation 19:7 (KJV)

Be watching, be waiting, be preparing ..... for we do not know when the Groom will come!  "And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.  But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." - Matthew 25:10-13 (KJV)

Thankfully, as of right now, we still have time to correct our lives and prepare ourselves as a pure bride for our Groom. 

"Prepare to meet thy God" - Amos 4:12 (KJV)


Copyright © Abide In The True Light
Article: "The Pure Bride Of Christ [Christians & The Church]
Published: Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Friday, October 27, 2017

People Are Watching You

We, as Christians, must remember that people are watching our lives. What we do, what we say, how we act, what we watch, what we listen to, where we go, what we fill our lives with, etc. Our lives are a ministry. We are either going to be a good example of Christ's Love and Salvation and help lead them on a path of newness, peace, purity, refreshment, cleansing, and light OR we will be a shameful example and lead them on a path of destruction by showing them that a Christian can live no differently than the rest of the world in lust, fornication, worldliness, and uncleanness and still go to Heaven. If Jesus truly dwells in our hearts (we are the temple of the living God), we will not hide His Light but we will let His Light shine so that everyone can see. Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Monday, March 2, 2015

"BE YE SEPARATE": A Biblical Warning For God's People & The Church

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you," (2 Corinthians 6:17 KJV)

The message is quite clear. It needs no translation. It really needs no explanation. "Be Ye Separate". Frankly, this is a passage of scripture that speaks for itself. However, there are Christians who do not understand the importance of this scripture nor do they feel that this scripture needs to be taken literally or seriously, for that matter. It does not stand up to their "modern-day Christianity". They take the Holy scriptures and sand down the edges to soften the meaning, reshape it, water it down, and are left with a scripture that has been melted and molded to mean what they want it to mean. They are only deceiving themselves. They cannot deceive our all-knowing God. There are so-called Christians who create their own definition for what a "separate" life means and bend it until it fits perfectly in line with their comfortable lifestyle. They can try to convince themselves that they are walking in the right direction, but as long as they are striving to be popular and to fit in as "normal" in this world, their hearts are not right with God. Those who choose to dip their toes in the mire and play with fire, are walking a dangerous path. Yes, we do live in the world, but we do not need to be part of the world. Our hearts should desire the things of God more than the things of the earth.

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:1-2 KJV)

When you follow God, you must put away worldliness and be willing to walk the road less traveled, like Noah and Lot did. Jesus Himself was humble and lowly, He was not popular or accepted in this world. If we are to follow Him, we need to be more like Him. If our King was rejected, we are to be rejected. Otherwise, we are no different than the rest of the world. We need to be different. We need to separate ourselves from the world and the things of the world. When we are born again, it means that we are starting anew. We are born into a fresh and different way of life, a whole new direction. One that is changed. A sincere Christian is happy to put away the things of the world and walk with God. We need to let our light shine brightly so that all who see us may know that we are followers of the King.

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16 KJV)

"That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;" (Philippians 2:15 KJV)


As Christians, we are to be good examples, witnesses of God's light and love. We are to walk separately from the rest of the world on a path of faith and truth and goodness. Remember that there may be new and/or struggling believers out there who are watching you closely, learning by your choices, and being guided by your way of life. If how you live does not fall in line with what they read in the bible, they could become discouraged and turned away from religion....because of you. How you choose to live your life does indeed affect others! Only God knows who is affected by your walk.

LOST REVERANCE FOR GOD'S WORD:

Through the years, we have sadly seen many Christians (Pastors and church-goers alike)lose their way due to a gradual lack of reverence for God's Holy Word. They have been carried away by their own scholarly wisdom (thinking that Seminaries, Theology and Doctorates are where it is at!) and have lost touch with the straightforward beauty and simplicity of the scriptures. Becoming "Bible Scholars", they end up having the Bible in their heads but they end up losing it in their hearts.

"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof...." - (2 Timothy 3:5 KJV) "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." - (2 Timothy 3:7 KJV)

Many Christians, including pastors and authors, have tried to take the seriousness out of God's Word by watering it down and by also adding a touch of "humor" to lighten it up and to make it seem more appealing and acceptable in today's world. Pastors and church-goers are often found sharing "Christian funnies" and "Christian memes" on their social media. Christian jokes have no place in a real Christian church, in a real Christian home, or in a real Christian heart! This thing called "Christian humor" is something that sours, curdles, and sickens the sincere Christians' stomach. There is no such thing as a good joke where Christianity is concerned.

"But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting , which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks." (Ephesians 5:3-4 KJV)

Just recently, we were saddened to witness young Christians using precious passages of scripture on social media as "humorous" pick-up lines for singles. Do these young "Christians" have no fear of God? The Holy Scriptures say that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10 KJV). The Holy Scriptures also say that Jesus is "The Word", which means that when you are laughing at His Word or using His Word in a joke, you are mocking Him directly! The Bible is meant to be taken seriously, not lightly. It is meant to be sharp, not soft and pliable. Like salt on a wound, it may sting but it also heals. When watered down, it loses its effectiveness. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart". (Hebrews 4:12 KJV)

THE CHURCH & THE WORLD:

Very few churches today, only a remnant, are actually adhering to every word found in the King James Version of the Holy Bible. Very few church leaders are preaching the consequences of sin. Instead, they choose to preach feel-good messages about "prosperity" and "loving yourself" to cater to their congregations. The King James Version of the Holy Bible has been deemed as "too old fashioned" and has been replaced with newer, more contemporary versions (perversions!) of the bible, ones that take the Holy Scriptures out of context and change their beautiful meaning altogether!

"This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Matthew 15:8-9 KJV)

The cold, hard, beat of "Christian rock" and the seductive, sensual rhythms of "Christian pop" music have now crept into the church like a wolf in sheep's clothing. Leading the congregrations to believe that they are "worshipping God", the male musicians stand on stage with their unkempt hair and sloppy appearances and encourage their church "audience" to jump and dance and scream as if they are attending just another concert of the world. The female musicians sing with their promiscuous lilts and are dressed in their "sexy Christian" clothes, beckoning eyes to the unholy movements of their bodies. Gangster-style "Christian rap" has also invaded the church with a bold, blatant entrance and dark, depressing, nerve-grinding "Christian heavy metal" has also slithered into the church like the snake that it is. Directly inspired by Satan (as confessed by many of the singers), this form of music and its swirling smoke and hellfire has no place....ABSOLUTELY NO PLACE.... in the House of God. The Spirit of the Living God and the spirits of evil cannot dwell in the same place at the same time. We must choose one or the other. Not both.

This unholy, unedifying music has now replaced the sweet and simple hymns of faith that, in times gone by, had drawn so many of us Christians closer to our Heavenly Father. Just as there is no such thing as "Christian prostitution" or "Christian adultery" or "Christian robbery", there is no such thing as "Christian rock music", "Christian pop music", "Christian rap music", "Christian heavy metal music". Just because other so-called "Christians" are listening to this type of music and are enjoying it, does not mean that you should too. Remember, you are not serving man, you are serving God. You are not living for yourself, you are living for God. So, if your worship is for God, then make sure that it is holy worship because that is what He wants. We need to bring praise to our King in a way that pleases Him, not in a way that pleases us. We are serving a Holy God, so our lives and our worship time should reflect His goodness, His holiness, His purity, and His Light. It should not reflect the darkness and unholiness of the world around us. We are to worship our Lord in a pure, holy, beautiful, clean, sacred way.

"O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness" - (Psalm 96:9 KJV)

These fallen, corrupt churches embrace the things of the world, the ways of the world, the styles of the world. Men are wearing ripped jeans and ball caps while women are wearing cleavage-exposing tops and body-hugging dresses to Sunday service. Casual attire has now replaced the prim and proper dresses and neatly-pressed suits of yesteryear. Church-goers are no longer required to enter the House of God with reverence, honor, praise, clean hearts, morality, and modesty! The church has become the social club with laughter and jokes, the concert hall with jumping up and down and dancing to the harsh so-called "Christian" rock music, and the home of parties and even wine! A place of weekly entertainment. The Holy Spirit is no longer welcome there. The door has been shut on biblical truth and has been locked with a dead-bolt. These apostate churches are walking hand-in-hand with the world....and it is of their own accord!

"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." (James 4:4 KJV)

THE LIFESTYLE OF A COMPROMISING CHRISTIAN:

Compromising is not only found within so many churches today, but also within so many individual Christian homes as well. These so-called "Christians" are playing the deadly game of "I can live like the world and still go to Heaven"! They want the best of both worlds and justify their worldly lives by saying, "God knows that I am human and that I need to be happy and live a successful life while here on earth". They shamelessly watch all of the modern television programs and go to all of the latest movies, despite the subtle and not-so-subtle sexual references, scenes, messages, and distasteful language. Keep in mind that most of the movies that fall into the "family" category actually contain very questionable material as well and are not suitable for a Christian audience! Use your conscience. Use discretion. Be cautious. Keep it clean. Keep it family-oriented. There are plenty of old movies and old retro television programs that are fit for Christian families to watch. Why settle for anything less than clean, moral, and decent?

So many Christian parents allow violent video games and rebellious worldly music into their homes, not giving a care to the filth that is being fed into the innocent minds of their children and teens! So many Christian hearts have pushed out the Holy Spirit to make room for immoral indulgences, sexual lusts, selfishness, and greed. They shamelessly fill their lives with wine, riches, and secular song! They accept all forms of adultery, twisting God's Word to fit their loose lifestyles. They have become "lovers of their own selves" and "lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God".

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:1-5 KJV)

Something which never fails to shock and sadden us is the immodest clothing which is worn so shamelessly among those who call themselves "Christians"! Bathing suits and bikinis which sinfully display large portions of body that God NEVER EVER intended the public eye to see, plunging necklines that disgracefully expose the cleavage, crop tops that indecently reveal the naval area....you name it! They have no shame before Almighty God, whose Word distinctly includes an important passage about women dressing modestly and behaving soberly.

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;" (1 Timothy 2:9 KJV)

You can continue to walk with the world and call yourself a "Christian" and you can keep trying to convince yourself that, "if so many other Christians are doing it, it must be right".....but that will not excuse your daily moral choices when the day comes that you stand before The Great Judge, your Creator, and have to give account of your life. Do not follow man. Follow only God. Do not be guided by the decisions of others but rather let God's Word, The Truth, guide you.

QUESTIONS FOR YOU & SCRIPTURES:

Ask yourself these three following questions and give an honest answer.
Read God's Word below each question and apply it to your life.

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1) Do you suffer rejection because of the stands that you take and because you are "not of this world"? Or are you accepted by the world?

"If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." (John 15_19 KJV)

"I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil." (John 17:14-15 KJV)

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2) Do you love God with your whole heart? Do you love Him more than you love the things of this world?

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." (1 John 2:15-16 KJV)

"No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Luke 16:13 KJV)

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3) Does your heart long for success and popularity in this world? Do you love money, luxury vacations, costly clothing, large homes, wine, and lavish parties? Or do you flee from these things and cling close to the things of God?

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:" (1 Timothy 6:6-14)

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WALKING SEPARATELY:

If you are reading this and something deep within your heart is telling you that you are not walking "the separate life", it is time that you devote yourself to earnest prayer and scripture reading. Please do not wait another moment. Ask God to open your mind, your heart, your eyes to His Truth. Ask for Him to help you let go of the things of this world and to grasp on to the things that matter most. Ask for Him to help bring back the purifying "salt" and "savour" in your life.

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." (Matthew 5:13 KJV)

And a word of warning for those who are content to love God only at a distance, while mingling with the world, and living a secular life...

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 7:21 KJV) "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (Matthew 7:13-14 KJV)

Friend, we care about you. Keep in mind that it is not our intention to "judge" other Christians but to use God's Holy Scriptures as a means of "correction" in a world where wrong has become right and right has become wrong.

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV)

FIND A GOOD CHURCH:

Be careful of the company that you keep. If your church is walking with the world, it is time to walk away from that church.

In this day and age, a good church is hard to find. Ask for God's guidance in finding a church that preaches the true gospel, a biblically sound doctrine. Ask God for wisdom and for discernment in sifting out the good from the bad, the true believers from the false prophets. If you are unable to find a church to attend in your area, do not be discouraged. Where there is no church, there is still a Living God who is Faithful and True. Try forming a small bible study group with one or two other believers or friends. "For where two or three are gathered togeher in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20 KJV) If you are all alone, with no fellow believers to join you, try tuning in to a television ministry or internet-based ministry/community that can provide encouragement. Also, be sure to set aside time for deep earnest prayer and worship time....a time for you and your God. It is not a matter of "where" you serve God, but "how" you serve God. The bible says that God "dwelleth not in temples made with hands" (Acts 17:24 & Acts 7:48 KJV). God's Spirit dwells within your heart. You are the temple of the Most High God. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). Whether you serve Him in a church made with hands or in the privacy of your own home, God is there with you...right where you are. He is omnipresent.

Please see: The Church Walking With The World - a poem by Matilda C. Edwards.

Also, See Related Posts...

Please see: Ready To Meet Him?

Please see: Salvation - How To Be Saved to re-invite God into your heart and re-dedicate your life to Him.



Copyright © Abide In The True Light
Article: "BE YE SEPARATE": A Biblical Warning For God's People & The Church
Published: Monday, March 2, 2015

Sunday, March 1, 2015

"The Church Walking With The World". A Poem By Matilda C. Edwards.



The Church and the World walked far apart
On the changing shores of time,
The World was singing a giddy song,
And the Church a hymn sublime.

"Come, give me your hand," said the merry World,
"And walk with me this way!"
But the faithful Church hid her gentle hands
And solemnly answered "Nay!

I will not give you my hand at all,
And I will not walk with you;
Your way is the way that leads to death;
Your words are all untrue."

"Nay, walk with me but a little space,"
Said the World with a kindly air;
"The road I walk is a pleasant road,
And the sun shines always there.

Your path is thorny and rough and rude,
But mine is broad and plain;
My way is paved with flowers and dews,
And yours with tears and pain.

The sky to me is always blue,
No want, no toil I know;
The sky above you is always dark,
Your lot is a lot of woe.
There’s room enough for you and me
To travel side by side."

Half shyly the Church approached the World
And gave him her hand of snow;
And the old World grasped it and walked along,
Saying, in accents low:

"Your dress is too simple to please my taste;
I will give you pearls to wear,
Rich velvets and silks for your graceful form,
And diamonds to deck your hair."

The Church looked down at her plain white robes,
And then at the dazzling World,
And blushed as she saw his handsome lip
With a smile contemptuous curled.

"I will change my dress for a costlier one,"
Said the Church, with a smile of grace;
Then her pure white garments drifted away,
And the World gave, in their place,
Beautiful satins and shining silks,
Roses and gems and costly pearls;
While over her forehead her bright hair fell
Crisped in a thousand curls.

"Your house is too plain," said the proud old World,
"I’ll build you one like mine;
With walls of marble and towers of gold,
And furniture ever so fine."

So he built her a costly and beautiful house;
Most splendid it was to behold;
Her sons and her beautiful daughters dwelt there
Gleaming in purple and gold.

Rich fairs and shows in the halls were held,
And the World and his children were there.
Laughter and music and feasts were heard
In the place that was meant for prayer.

There-were cushioned seats for the rich and the gay,
To sit in their pomp and pride;
But the poor who were clad in shabby array,
Sat meekly down outside.

"You give too much to the poor," said the World.
"Far more than you ought to do;
If they are in need of shelter and food,
Why need it trouble you?

Go, take your money and buy rich robes,
Buy horses and carriages fine;
Buy pearls and jewels and dainty food,
Buy the rarest and costliest wine.

My children, they dote on all these things,
And if you their love would win
You must do as they do, and walk in the ways
That they are walking in."

So the poor were turned from her door in scorn,
And she heard not the orphan’s cry;
But she drew her beautiful robes aside,
As the widows went weeping by.

Then the sons of the World and the Sons of the Church
Walked closely hand and heart,
And only the Master, who knoweth all,
Could tell the two apart.

Then the Church sat down at her ease, and said,
"I am rich and my goods increase;
I have need of nothing, or aught to do,
But to laugh, and dance, and feast."

The sly World heard, and he laughed in his sleeve,
And mockingly said, aside:
"The Church is fallen, the beautiful Church;
And her shame is her boast and her pride."

The angel drew near to the mercy seat,
And whispered in sighs her name;
Then the loud anthems of rapture were hushed,
And heads were covered with shame.

And a voice was heard at last by the Church
From Him who sat on the throne:

"I know thy works, and how thou hast said,
‘I am rich, and hast not known
That thou art naked, poor and blind,
And wretched before my face;’
Therefore from my presence cast I thee out,
And blot thy name from its place."

Poem: The Church Walking With The World
Written by: Matilda C. Edwards


Monday, February 23, 2015

Ready To Meet Him?

Are you ready to meet God? Would you be ready to meet Him today? Would you be able to stand before Him right now, in all of His holiness, and honestly say that you have known Him, lived for Him, and loved Him with your whole heart? There are those who feel that they have plenty of time to get to know God. "Someday," one well-educated young man said, "I will set things right with the Lord. I am still young and have my whole life ahead of me." Unfortunately, that "someday" never came. A sudden diagnosis of cancer left him with only a few months to live. "I'm not ready to die!" he cried helplessly, pleading for one more chance at life. "I'm not ready to meet God. Not yet!" It was not long after this that his last breath was snatched away by the cold and merciless grip of inevitable death. Such sad finality. He was never again to return to this world and make things right. Never to take back those wasted and empty days that he had lived so selfishly. He had missed his only chance to get to know his Creator on a personal level. He had passed up the free gift of salvation that was offered to him and he would never be able to come back and experience the heights of joy and the depths of peace that can only come from a close relationship with the Most High God. He had never known the kindness, the compassion, the faithfulness, the security, and the love that is poured out on those who invite God to dwell within them. He had missed his chance at happiness for all of eternity. Death did not wait until he was ready. Death waits for no man, as they say. It will be the same for all of us. When your time on earth is done, it is done. Forever.

"...it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" - Hebrews 9:27 (KJV)

The bible says, "Prepare to meet thy God" (Amos 4:12 KJV). That means that you need to begin preparing right here and right now. Do not wait another moment. Do not wait until "someday" when you have more time. Time is running out and the opportunity may never present itself again. The silent and unseen clock of your life is ticking away the seconds until midnight. Will you be ready to meet your God when the clock strikes twelve and the chimes ring out? Do not wait until it is too late. The time for God in your life is now.

We will ask this again: Would you be ready to meet God today? Upon looking back at your life and the choices that you have made, would you be able to say that things have been right between you and your Creator? Has He been precious to you? Has your soul overflowed with a deep love for Him? Have you called Him your Friend, your Father, your Savior, your King, your Everything? Have you strived to please Him and to obey His Word? Have you lived your life in a way that would bring honor and glory to His name? Search your heart for the answers. Be truthful. If you find that you either cannot answer or your answer is "no" to any of these questions, now is the time to make things right. Listen to the still, small voice inside of you that is saying, "Come unto me" (Matthew 11:28 KJV). God is speaking to you. Do not put him off until another day. It could be that you end up waiting until it is one day too late. That is a risk that is not worth taking. God has given you this day and you need to give this day to your God. Spend time getting to know Him. Find time for prayer. Devote time to the holy scriptures of your King James Bible. Draw near to The One who knows you by name and loves you unconditionally.

"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." (James 4:8 KJV)

God is faithful and kind and He wants you to "come boldly to the throne of Grace" (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). He wants you to approach Him. He wants you to kneel before Him in earnest prayer and ask Him to help you get to know Him better. He will hear you. He will not turn a deaf ear on your prayer. He loves your voice. He loves your prayers, no matter how few words they contain. A simple "I love you, My Lord" is just as special in the ears of our God as any long and eloquent prayer. He is not looking for perfection, He is looking for sincerity. If you sincerely want to know Him and sincerely want to love Him, He will become yours and you will become His. He will open the doors and let you enter into a lifetime with Him. You will then be able to face death with the certainty that you will be spending eternity with Him! There is no fear in death for those whose hearts are right with Almighty God!

Would you like to invite God to come into your heart today or perhaps re-dedicate your life to him? Please visit our How To Be Saved page.




Ready To Meet Him?
Copyright © Abide In The True Light
Published: Monday, February 23, 2015

Sunday, April 20, 2014

THE SACRIFICE: Why Jesus Died


Let us reflect upon the hill of Golgotha where our Saviour Jesus bled and died. How He was beaten and bruised and nailed to a cross. How He was mocked and forced to wear a crown of thorns, which pierced His flesh. How He was given vinegar to drink when He cried out "I thirst".

Jesus could have called ten thousand angels to deliver him from His hour of death, but He endured the suffering and the anguish, the pain and agony.....for us. He, who was pure and without sin, took upon Himself the shame and punishment of our sins. When we were held captive in our own sin, He paid the ransom to free us. He rescued us from the dark pit, the sinking sand, the horrors of spending eternity in Hell. He made a way that we could escape the darkness and enter into the true Light of peace, love, comfort, and safety. He gave His life to save us. He did it all for us. He looked ahead in time and saw us, each one of us individually, before we were ever born. He knew us better than anyone, yet He loved us despite our many faults and was willing to die in our place. Why did He do it? Because He loved us. "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8

How can we not love Him for this? How can we not bow our heads in humbleness and praise His holy name? He shed His precious blood to save the world from sin and to give everlasting life to all those who truly love Him, obey Him, and believe upon His name. "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

Why was it necessary that Jesus die for our sins, you ask? The Old Testament scriptures needed to be fulfilled in order for Salvation to be available for all mankind....both the Jew and Gentile alike. In early times, the Jewish people would sacrifice the blood of spotless lambs on a altar for God. This was required by God, in the Old Testament, when He gave His laws to Moses. The Old Covenant was that the blood sacrifice of a pure lamb was the only way for atonement. It signified that an innocent life needed to be taken in order for another to be set free. God hates sin and darkness. Without something being punished and its blood being shed, for example a pure lamb, man could not come into the presence of God and seek forgiveness. For this cause, Jesus, God's own dear Son, took our punishment and paid the Ransom. "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." - Matthew 20:28

Jesus is the Lamb of God. The perfect sacrifice. A sacrifice that was made once and for all. Jesus' death made a way for us to freely come to God, through prayer. There is no longer any need for the blood of real lambs to be sacrificed on an altar in a tabernacle or temple. Because of Jesus, the temple is now right here in our hearts and He, the Holy Spirit, dwells within us if we accept His gift of Salvation and are willing to change our lives and follow the true Light. "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God." - Revelation 21:3-4

The only sacrifice that is now required is a sacrifice of praise to Him. God longs for the praises of His people. He loves to hear us speak His name and to hear us worship Him in song. He delights in our praises.

------------------- Hebrews 9:11-28-------------------

11 "But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.

17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.

19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,

20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.

21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.

22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.


------------------- Hebrews 10:1-18-------------------

1 "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.

4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;

9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin."



Jesus is the New Covenant. He is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, as you will see in the following Old Testament scriptures...


-------------------Jeremiah 31:31-34 -------------------

31 "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord:

33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."



-------------------Isaiah 53:2-12 -------------------

2 "For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."



Jesus may have died on that cross over 2000 years ago, but His death on the cross was not the end. It was the beginning. The beginning of something more wonderful than the world had ever known. It was the beginning of a New Covenant which is available for everyone, both Jew and Gentile alike. Jesus (Yeshua, in Hebrew) is the Christ (meaning: Messiah or rather Mashiach, in Hebrew) that was promised to Israel and to the world. No words can possibly describe the beauty and perfection of Jesus and God's plan for Salvation. He is the very reason for life itself.

Immediately following the death of Jesus, there was darkness in the middle of the day and a great earthquake. Most importantly, the veil of the temple was split in two...from top to bottom. This veil held people back from entering the Holy of Holies (God's presence) in the Temple. The splitting of the veil symbolized that all mankind could now enter freely into the presence of God (the spiritual Holy of Holies) and be forgiven....with nothing holding them back. Jesus made this possible.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." - John 14:6

Is Jesus dead? No. After Jesus had died, His body was placed in a borrowed tomb and on the third day he rose again. He is not dead. He is alive! Even death could not hold our King. We serve a risen Saviour. "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?" - John 11:25-27

Today, He sits on the right hand of God, but lives in the hearts of all those who choose to follow Him and who believe on His holy name. He is as close as the very mention of His name and He is with us always. "...and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." - Matthew 28:20

Would you like to invite God to come into your heart today or perhaps re-dedicate your life to him? Please visit our How To Be Saved page.

Copyright © Abide In The True Light
Originally Published as: The Sacrifice: Why Jesus Died
Originally published on: Sunday, August 4, 2013

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Blood Moon Tetrad: A Sign In The Heavens?


In the coming days, there will be many eyes gazing upward toward the heavens in hopes of catching a glimpse of the unusual red-colored total lunar eclipse, known as Blood Moon. This event will take place in the early hours of Tuesday, April 15, 2014. There will be four of these lunar events, called a Tetrad, within a year and a half span. Amazingly, each one will be coinciding with the significant Jewish holidays of Passover and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) in both the years 2014 and 2015. Following the April 15th Blood Moon, there will be another Blood Moon which will occur on October 8, 2014, another on April 4, 2015, and one more on September 28, 2015. There has been much speculation, excitement, curiosity, and mystery surrounding this, by both believers and non-believers alike.

Is there a reason for this Blood Moon Tetrad? Is it a sign? Is it God's way of telling us to start preparing for His return? Only God knows. We are to always be prepared and to be watching for His return. He will come when He is ready. In His time. We will not know when. We will not know what day. We will not know what year. He did tell us, however, that there would be signs pointing to His return. He told us to watch for those signs so that we would know when it is near.

Luke 21:25-26 (KJV) - "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; 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."

Joel 2:30-31 (KJV) - "And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come."

Our God created the moon. He placed it there. He created these lunar events. He alone knows the reason for it. He alone knows what lies ahead. He is all-powerful and all-knowing. Whatever the reason for this Tetrad, we know that our God is in control. There is a purpose for everything that happens in the heavens and on the earth. Everything works according to the Creator's will and according to His Word.

Genesis 1:14 (KJV) - "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:"

Whether this Blood Moon be in the sky only for our pleasure or be it there as a reminder of things to come, let us stand in awe of our Creator as we look up and witness the beauty of these rare lunar events.

Psalm 8:3-4 (KJV) - "When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him?"

1 Chronicles 29:11 (KJV) - "Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all."

Let us worship our God and declare His greatness as we marvel at His wondrous works in the heavens above!

Psalm 19:1 (KJV) - "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."

Psalm 89:11 (KJV) - "The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them."

We will not speculate further on the reason for the Blood Moons but we will encourage you to study God's Holy Word for yourself and determine for yourself whether this be a "sign" of His imminent return. We need to be watching and waiting and looking upward at all times. Not only during the Blood Moons.....but always. For, you see, our Lord's return could happen at any moment and at any time. It could be today. It could be tomorrow. It could be in the coming months. It could possibly be years from now. Only God knows.

Matthew 24:36 (KJV) - "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."

In the meantime, let us be vigilant. Let us be ready. Let us be continually preparing ourselves for that joyful day when we finally meet our Creator and behold Him in all of His glory!

Matthew 24:42 (KJV) - "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come."

Are you ready for His coming? Have you asked God to come into your heart? If not, please visit our Salvation: How To Be Saved page for more information.

Revelation 22:20 (KJV) - "Even so, come, Lord Jesus."