God's Word #3

The gospel of Jesus Christ is "the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes."

1 John 5:11-12 – 11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. (NIV)

Merry Christmas to one and all! May God richly bless you. May the coming year be better than this one for each of you and yours. 

How can we possible grasp the significance that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us”—the Second Person of the Holy Trinity—through whom and by whom all things, both visible and invisible, were created (Col. 1:16), “became mortal man”? The answer is, we can’t. 

Col 1:16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him [Jesus] and for him. (NIV)

These are unusual times, with far too many celebrating the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ isolated and alone. Nevertheless, we are blessed in that even if it’s only on a computer screen, we can still join in congregational worship via livestream. One thing we can all agree on is just how much we took pre-2020 Christmases for granted. The true meaning and spirit of Christmas are captured in these words from Isaiah the Prophet …

Isa 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  (NIV)

God chose a humble Jewish maiden to be the mother of the Savior. Mary was not a random choice. Everything was preordained (Eph. 1:4). For generations God prepared a people, the Hebrew nation, and the House of David, as the chosen host for His Son, Jesus Christ as Savior of the world. 

The angel didn’t come with a question: “will you” or “are you willing”, but he informed Mary that she was chosen by God to “give birth to a son” (v.31). 

These verses tells Mary that it would be, what Catholics call an “immaculate conception”, a supernatural birth by the power of the Holy Spirit. Why was this necessary and not a natural birth via a man and woman? If Jesus had been born with a human father, He would have inherited Adam’s fallen nature and original sin. Original sin is passed down from Adam through the man to every human ever born. God chose Mary, and Mary acknowledged her acceptance of God’s blessing (v.38). Which says much about election and predestination that God chose us even before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:3-6)—our next study?

Matthew 1 shows the moral integrity and kindness of Joseph. We don’t know much about Joseph, but we can be certain he was God’s exclusive choice to protect and care for Mary and the baby Jesus. 

Matt 1:18-25 – 18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"-which means, "God with us." 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.  (NIV)

While Mary was pregnant with Jesus, in compliance with a Roman census, all Jews had to return to their ancestral hometown—for Mary and Joseph, it was Bethlehem, a five-day journey of about 65 miles from Nazareth. Jews generally avoided Samaria in their travels as shown on the map. 

Luke 2:1-5 – 1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. (NIV)

The Roman census also fulfilled Bible prophecy (Micah 5:2). The Romans were record keepers and empire builders. Censuses were also a means of collecting taxes to maintain Rome’s army and empire. Localized censuses also took place regularly in certain areas of the Roman Empire; Judea faced at least three censuses around the time of the birth of Christ, in 8 B.C., 2 B.C., and 6 A.D. Joseph had to go to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-5), because Bethlehem was the town of David, and Joseph was of the line of David. As God preordained, Mary was also of the lineage of David.

Not only did God choose a humble Jewish maiden to be the mother of Jesus, but while in the late stages of her pregnancy she had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, in compliance with the Roman census, and fulfillment of Bible prophecy. On their way to Bethlehem, her time had come but there was no vacancy at the local inn, since others were also traveling in compliance with the census. So they used a stable for the birth of Christ the King. 

Luke 2:6-7 – 6 While they were there [in Bethlehem], the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.  (NIV)

There were shepherds in a nearby field tending their sheep. We can only imagine their shock and fear when an angel appeared, the sight of which must have been brilliant since Luke tells us “the glory of the Lord shone around them”. To heighten the experience, a whole host of angels also appeared, giving praise to God. Of course, they were terrified.

Luke 2:8-15 – 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."  15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."  (NIV)

The Son of God, Second Person of the Holy Trinity, came to be our personal Savior, took unto Himself a human body, and yet, becoming 100% man, he remained 100% divine. The Apostle John tells us in the opening verses of his Gospel who Jesus was…

John 1:1-3 – 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. (NIV)

And the “Word” Who spoke everything into creation, became flesh. 

The first visitors most likely were the angels. The second visitors were the shepherds, an occupation that was not held in high esteem in Judea. God selected humble people of low stature, to be among the first to visit the Christ Child. The Magi men came later. Tradition says that the Magi arrived about 12 days after the birth of Jesus. 

Luke 2:16-20 -- 16 So they [shepherds] hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (NIV)

The Bible does not give us the exact location or country from where the Magi started their trip (Matt. 2:1). It’s safe to presume that the Magi traveled with an entourage and not alone. The Jews considered the area of northern Arabia, Syria, and Mesopotamia as the “East.” A trip of 400 miles would have taken them approximately two to three weeks on camels or around a month’s journey by foot. If we assume that they traveled by night to be able to be guided by the star, this would mean that their journey would have taken an even longer time.

Matt 2:1-2 – 1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi  from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." (NIV)

Satan cannot see the future, and the New Testament was yet to be written. Working through Herod, Satan’s goal was to kill God’s promised Messiah (which he did in the future through the Pharisees and Romans in accordance with God’s timetable and plan).  

Matt 2:3-6 – 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5 "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: 6 "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’”  (NIV)

The Magi (wise men) came to inquire of Herod where the King of the Jews was born so they could go and worship Him. Herod’s jealousy and anger raged secretly inside. There was more than one Herod. The first Herod during Jesus’ life is believed by scholars to refer to “Herod the Great,” who ruled for 33 years. Most historians date Jesus’ birth between 6 and 4 B.C. to coincide with this Herod’s reign—if we add the date of the Roman census, it could also be 2 B.C. It is this Herod who ordered the “slaughter of innocents” mentioned in Matthew 2:16, which was the primary reason why Joseph was warned by an angel to take his family into exile in Egypt.

Matt 2:7-8 – 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."  (NIV)

Who exactly was Herod the Great?  From the “Ancient History Encyclopedia”. 

His palace was at the Herodium, a fortress and mausoleum (next slide). 

Herod’s fortress was built on the Jebel Fureidis mountain, 11 km (6.8 miles) south of Jerusalem, and completed around 15 BCE. It included a palace structure within its walls and a town at the foot of the mountain (background image). Photo on right is what it would have looked like during the time of Jesus. 

The Holy Family would soon have a major threat looming over their newborn baby. Herod the Great was a Roman client king of Judea, referred to as the Herodian kingdom. He is known for his colossal building projects throughout Judea, including his renovation of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the expansion of the Temple Mount towards its north, which was the temple destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. 

Herod felt threatened that another King could potentially take his throne, especially one that was prophesied. Surely the Jews would follow this new King who was prophesied in Scripture. Yet, Herod life and his reign would soon come to an end. He is believed to have died round 4 B.C. and would have to account for all the children he had killed. How deep is hell? 

The Magi after visiting with Herod to inquire about the newborn King, saw the star in the east again, and they followed it (v.9). When they came to the house (v.11), they saw Mary with the young child Jesus. The Bible doesn’t tell us how many Magi there were. There were three gifts, which implies there were three Magi. And after the Magi left came a warning to Joseph (v.13)

Matt 2:7-13 – 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him." 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. 13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." (NIV)

The Magi being warned of Herod’s intentions by an angel, took a different route home (Matt. 2:12). When Herod, realized that he had been deceived by the Magi by not returning to report to him, he became furious, and sent his soldiers to kill all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old and under, based on the time that he determined from the Magi’s visit. 

Matt 2:16-18 – 16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 18 "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."  (NIV)

Mary and Joseph, with baby Jesus, had to flee because King Herod wanted to kill their child. After Herod died around 4 B.C., Joseph has a dream where an angel tells him it is safe to return to Israel. The family's trip to and from Egypt is a fulfillment of Bible prophecy (Hosea 11:1). They then began their journey back to Galilee. 

Matt 2:13-15 – 13 When they [the Magi] had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." 14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."  (NIV)

Most likely, Joseph walked the entire journey, going to and returning from Egypt, while Mary and Jesus rode on a donkey. I’m not sure of the accuracy of the map showing their return trip through Samaria. Perhaps Joseph being aware of angelic protection, chose that route being it was the shortest journey and easiest for Mary and the child Jesus. 

Matt 2:19-20 – 19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead." (NIV)

How much humbler a beginning could God have destined for His Son, Jesus Christ? Not a palace or upper-class family, but a carpenter’s home in a small out of the way village. No one could ever imagine that in the modest village of Nazareth in Galilee, and a working-class family, resided the King of kings and Lord of lords. 

Luke 2:39-40 – 39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. (NIV)

One can only imagine—or not—what must have gone through Joseph’s mind as he taught Jesus skills of the carpentry trade. Quick learner” yes, but “Almighty God”, oh my. Jesus was 100% human. He had a human mind and matured over the years from a baby into adulthood. Being God with all the knowledge of the universe, yet, He limited Himself to His human nature and experience. 

Luke 2:52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (NIV)

Jesus came as a baby, but He also came as the Lamb of God to be an unblemished sacrifice for our sins. 

John 1:29 The next day John [the Baptist] saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God , who takes away the sin of the world! (NIV)

The primary reason Jesus was born was to be a blemish-free sacrifice to atone for our sins. During the O.T. temple sacrifices the lamb was totally innocent and without defect, making restitution for the sinful believer. Jesus is either our Savior (the innocent lamb who paid for our sins) or our judge. There is no alternative to those two. That is also the Christmas message, that we can be saved by Jesus Christ, who was born in a manger two thousand years ago. Not just a sweet, innocent baby lying in a crib, but as Savior OR as Judge—in His own words in John 9, Jesus tells us that He came into this world for judgment…

John 1:35-36 – 35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God !"  (NIV)

John 9:39-41 – 39 Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." 40 Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, "What? Are we blind too?" 41 Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.  (NIV)

If your name isn’t written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, it’s not too late to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Those who profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will have their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and avoid eternal separation from God. 

Rev 21:27 Nothing impure will ever enter it [heaven], nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.  (NIV)

Dr. Charles Stanley – 27-minute sermon: “Our Savior Who is Christ the Lord”. Like he said, we don’t have to understand everything about God, but it’s the Holy Spirit that opens our mind and heart to God. Just ask Him and He won’t disappoint you. 

https://youtu.be/QjjOFlKLBiQ

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A Christmas bonus: Mary did You Know?

https://youtu.be/-Uki0dkthzI

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America may not be perfect, no place is or ever was, but it’s better than every alternative. Our country is certainly in need of prayer, including our president. Also, pray that voter fraud doesn’t prevail in this election and that the truth may be revealed openly and without question. Pray for our church, our pastor and his family.

Join us for Christmas Eve (12/24) worship at 7:00 PM. https://covp.org 

Warning!!! Proceed at your own risk. 

Dear heavenly Father, I come to you with my plea for our Nation and our President, that this election fraud may not prevail and that our Nation may not be stolen by the far Left. That Christians may understand the importance of this election and what’s at stake. If America is lost by fraud, it seems obvious that Satan, with the decline of America, is using election fraud to establish the basis and groundwork for the Antichrist’s emerging on the world scene, only possible without America standing tall and free. Nevertheless, Thy will be done in Jesus name. Amen. 

America is a stumbling block for the Antichrist’s entry onto the world stage, but only by the grace of God. If the U.S. president loses power and prestige, the Nation will also loses all influence and gets sucked into globalization with Communist China at the helm. America is the only barrier to Satan’s taking total control of the world system. A personal message—with political overtones: If you follow the real news, not CNN or MSNBC or many of the local news programs, you will see that all of these concerns are legitimate and a threat to out Nation’s future and that of our children and grandchildren. These are the potential lifestyle changes under a Biden Administration, based on who he is appointing to his Administration. China would be the big winner with America’s loss of influence and decline on the world stage. 

A Christmas bonus: Mary did You Know?

https://youtu.be/ii0bcAmwYwk

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End of God's Word #3

(#1 & 2 are posted below)

God's Word #2

We concluded last week with John MacArthur’s sermon on a “post-truth world”. We witnessed congressional-contrived-conspiracies for three straight years; “fake news” by most of the mainstream media; and even churches catering to the culture in lieu of preaching the Bible. All of which raises the question, is truth no longer relevant in today’s America? We are reminded in Proverbs 1, that fools despise wisdom. Is that a message for today’s world? 

Prov 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.  (NKJV)  

Are we living in the last days? Many believe we are. So, let’s take a journey and see for ourselves. Keep in mind that I see the church, history and current events, all intertwined, because God is in every aspect of life, and His Word is foundational in and through it all. But the question has to be asked, is the groundwork for the Antichrist being laid out right now? 

The Book of Revelation focuses on the End Times (a.k.a. last days). If I were to write a novel it would be about the End Times because there’s so much that’s relevant to the topic. The pandemic and its impact would certainly fill the early chapters. 2 Peter reminds us that there will be last days, but, of course, the question is “not if” but “when”? With availability of the covid-vaccine, can we expect that things will return to a semblance of normal some time soon? Or is it just the beginning of the End? 

2 Peter 3:3-4 – 3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." (NIV)

The Church’s role is to preach the Gospel. Paul explains the Gospel in Romans 1:16-17. When Christians refer to the “Gospel” they are referring to the “good news” that Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for our sins so that we might become children of God through grace alone, by faith alone, in Christ alone. With this thought, prayer should also be a time of praise, glorifying Almighty God in mind and heart. 

Rom 1:16-17 – 16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." (NIV)

"In God We Trust" is the official motto of the United States. It was adopted by Congress in 1956, supplanting “E Pluribus Unum” (out of many, one), which had been used since the initial 1776 design of the Great Seal of the United States. Every American president was sworn in with their hand on the Bible, from George Washington to Donald J. Trump. America had always considered itself a Christian nation—until now. Are we now a post-Christian nation? Is God’s Word no longer relevant? Courts no longer use a Bible when administering the witness oath and even stopped using “so help me God” with the oath. We seemed to be turning away from Him more and more with each passing day. Will God, at some point, abandon America totally? 

Isaiah 14:26-27 – 26 This is the plan determined for the whole world; this is the hand stretched out over all nations. 27 For the LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?  (NIV)

E Pluribus Unum: Latin for “Out of Many One” – from the original 13 colonies to the 50 states joining together to form the United States. Yet in 2020, ideological differences seem to be undermining the strength and integrity of that union. What will the United States look like in the End Times? Will America forfeit its influence and leadership role on the world stage? Was the 2020 election a turning point for America? In 2 Thessalonians, Paul tells us that the Lord is faithful and will strengthen and protect us from the evil one. 

2 Thess. 3:3-5 – 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.  (NIV)

Was the Civil War God’s judgment on America for slavery? When Abraham Lincoln became president, he faced a divided America like no other president before or after. Some will claim the Civil War was over states’ rights, others, that it was over slavery. They’re both right. Many in the North opposed slavery on biblical values, whereas the economy in the South rested on slave labor to work the large cotton plantations that their economy was based on. As Lincoln prophetically stated, if America is destroyed it will be from within. Let’s explore that further with a question: Does the WWII generation and today’s generation share similar values?  When we say “generation” it doesn’t mean every person, but it does reflect a majority. Scripture tells us that every nation will be judged. Is the Covid-19 pandemic, God’s judgment on a sinful world?

Ps 9:19-20 – 19 Arise, O LORD, let not man triumph; let the nations be judged in your presence. 20 Strike them with terror, O LORD; let the nations know they are but men. (NIV)

The Civil War almost irreparably tore our nation apart. Even though the war ended, its repercussions carried over for generations. Yet both sides believed in and prayed to the same God. Both read the same Bible. Yet both fought for different causes. At the time of the Civil War if the South had successfully succeeded from the Union, other nations may very well have formed from the unincorporated territories (map on next slide). There would have been no United States of America to rescue Europe and Asia during WWII. Tyranny most likely would have prevailed and still rule in those regions today. Not only are there consequences to sin, but God even uses man’s evil to accomplish good. Will the same be true of the events of 2020? 

Many scholars believe the North American continent would have fragmented into at least three nations, and potentially more. The cost of preserving the Union was great with between 620,000 and 850,000 soldiers who died from combat, disease and starvation, plus civilian casualties. 

Isa 59:2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.  (NIV)

The Civil War officially ended with a gentlemanly handshake between two generals, Ulysses  S. Grant for the Union Army of the North, and Robert E. Lee for the Confederate Army of the South. Both generals had graduated from West Point Military Academy. But ill will and animosity ran deeper and lasted longer. One thing is certain, that even professing the same God and reading the same Bible, mankind can still justify its opinions and actions. Paul explains in Romans 7.

Rom 7:18-20 – 18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do — this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. (NIV)

The 2020 election is clear evidence of a divided America, further amplified by the mainstream media and in the Halls of Congress. If the U.S.A. loses it position and prestige on the world stage, the president will lose all influence on world events, all of which opens the door for someone to assume that leadership role. That someone may very well be the Antichrist with the full power of Satan (Rev. 13). The question isn’t “if” but “when”.

Rev 13:13b …The dragon [Satan] gave the beast [Antichrist] his power and his throne and great authority. (NIV)

Will Joe Biden be officially sworn in on January 20, 2021? If so—like it or not—God decreed it as such. Sin has consequences—it has personal consequences; national consequences; and global consequences. Whatever we sow as a nation, we will reap as a nation. God will not overrule the law of sowing and reaping. In other words, we get what we deserve. 

Gal 6:7-9 – 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (NIV)

The evidence is clear that the America is locked in a spiritual battle—some will see it as one distinguished by red vs. blue—in reference to political policies, like abortion on demand, gender-equality (when people pick their own gender), banning the law by defunding the police, and much more. This is not just about political views, but very much about biblical views. I am not trying to offend anyone’s political choice, just stating the facts. If you’re offended, you’ll have to work it out with God. 

Eph 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  (NIV)

James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  (NIV)

Political or biblical? The biblical differences are flagged on the chart. Of course, this doesn’t tell the whole story regarding differences between the two major political parties. For a Christian, political values are not a substitute for moral, biblical values. 

Isa 59:3 For your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with guilt. Your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters wicked things. (NIV)

There were other times in our history when good and evil clashed. Even active Christians’ good intentions can have the wrong consequences. In a desire to do good, God-fearing Christians promoted and supported the 18th Amendment of the Constitution prohibiting the sale of alcohol. As well intentioned as it was, man’s desire for alcohol and willingness to break the law, gave us the “Roaring 20s”. As shown on the poster, it was referred to as “The Era of Change.” Except the change opened the door for Al Capone and organized crime, giving us the speakeasy for sale of alcohol behind close doors. It was also a time when almost everyone played the stock market like a roulette game. Instead of a long-term investment it became a short-term game of chance—with dire consequences… As bad as those times were, these times are different for different reasons. But in both cases, sin has consequences. 

Job 42:1-2 Then Job answered the LORD and said: 2 "I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. (NKJV)

Pictures are for those not familiar with speakeasies, which were the results of the 18th Amendment. In 1933, the 21st Amendment repealed the 18th Amendment, ending Prohibition and with it, the end of the speakeasy. 

All of America was hard hit by the Great Depression that brought devastation on both the Nation and the entire Western world. Rural America suffered even more with the “Dust Bowl”, a period of severe dust storms that damaged the ecology and agriculture in the prairies in the 1930s—accompanied by a severe drought. It resulted in an upheaval of the population seeking relief and work elsewhere, mostly in California. Did God have a lesson for America? Does He have a lesson for American and the Church, with the Covid-19 pandemic? 

Eccl 7:13-14 – 13 Consider the work of God; For who can make straight what He has made crooked?  14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, So that man can find out nothing that will come after him.  (NKJV)

In Germany the Great Depression, coupled with WWI reparations, led to the rise of Adolf Hitler. Joseph Goebbels was Hitler’s propaganda minister who helped convince the German people that Hitler was their savior—in essence, Goebbels was Hitler’s false prophet, similar to the Antichrist’s false prophet (Rev. 16:13). Goebbels’ carefully crafted false news that gave Hitler prominence that led to political power, and total control of Germany. At first the German people saw Hitler as a savior, until it was too late to do anything about it, then he was their dictator. Something that the Antichrist will accomplish on an even larger scale. The Antichrist will come in peace (the White Horse in Rev. 6:2). Hitler’s scapegoat for Germany’s woes—were the Jewish bankers. The Antichrist will reign destruction on Israel and the Jews as God’s Chosen People. Hitler was only a dress rehearsal for the Antichrist’s rise to power. 

When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941; along with the draft, many young men volunteered for the military. Most didn’t know where Pearl Harbor was, yet it was an attack on America, and that was good enough to stir their patriotism. We saw ourselves as “Americans”. They are rightly called the “Greatest Generation”. At that time in our history, the church was at the center of most towns and villages across America, which was largely rural. Back then the term “Christian Nation” did apply for most areas of the country. Of course, sin existed, just as it did in every generation all the way back to Adam and Eve. 

Post WWII generations—from 1945 to 2020—saw changing values and less church-influence. 2020 is a whole new world for different reasons, especially the corona-virus lockdowns, even church closures. The most recent decree by CA Governor Newsom (1967--age 53: baby bust generation) is that churches will also be shutdown for at least the next three weeks. My particular generation is called the Silent Generation—those born between two world wars—having experienced good and bad, with saving and rationing in their blood. A perfect description of our life and times back then.

There was a time when generational differences in the workplace was routine and beneficial, where older more experienced workers passed their knowledge onto the next generation. A practice that created a more efficient work environment for all. When I first started out in engineering, an older and more experienced supervisor gladly shared his knowledge and expertise with me, making me more effective and beneficial to the company and its success, as well as my own career over the years. I have never forgotten him. The same can be said of the church as noted in Titus 2. America as a nation will only survive as such, as long as we pass our values unto the next generation. Without it, the nation will cease as we know it. 

Titus 2:6-8 – 6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.  (NIV)

World War II ended in 1945. Returning vets and their sweethearts began families that resulted in a baby boom beginning in 1946. Some Baby Boomers (ages 56-74) who served as president or aspired to be president: Bill Clinton, age 74; Hillary Clinton, age 73; Barack Obama, age 59; George W. Bush, age 74; Donald J. Trump, age 74)—most of whom helped shape today’s America, for worse and for better. 

The returning WWII veterans also changed the face of America. They needed jobs and housing for their new families. Abraham Levitt (1880-1962), son of Polish immigrants—and his two sons, met the housing needs of many returning vets by building large tracts of affordable homes, including Levittown, NY, on Long Island. Noted as America’s first suburb consisting of more than 17,000 single family homes, built between 1947 and 1951. Most of the veterans who bought those homes came from urban NY. The face of America was changing. 

A brief description of Levittown in 1947: “Nation’s 1st Planned Community Transformed Suburbia.” Most of the veterans who bought those homes, had grown up on NYC’s streets, were now able to give their own children a green lawn and secure and safe neighborhood. 

Prov 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.  (NKJV)

Levittown was the beginning of the American dream for many, including me. Levittown was my first house, purchased on the G.I. Bill with no down payment, which made it possible.

St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church (top left) was built, as part of the housing development, providing not only homes but a sense of community for the new families. Churches are not built as part of any housing tract in today’s America, signaling the cultural changes that separate the generations. There were large Catholic populations in N.Y. at the time. 

Have you ever heard the phrase “Going to hell in a handbasket”? It was very common back in the day. Today, few have even heard of a handbasket. Merriam Webster’s definition—is related more to an expression than as an actual basket: a small portable basket—usually used in the phrase “to hell in a handbasket” denoting rapid and utter ruination.  

“Going to hell in a handbasket” raises the question regarding the USA with reports of widespread election fraud and members of Congress or family members, having financially rewarding ties with Communist China. Even social media and the mainstream media including Google, all of which are censoring/banning conservative views that differ from their liberal-progressive ideology. How did we get to this point as a Nation and as a people? Is Satan possibly laying the groundwork for the Antichrist? Anyone paying attention will soon realize their intent and goal is to destroy anything even remotely resembling “One Nation Under God!

The expression—common when I was growing up—implies that everything was about as bad as it could get. Is that why it’s beginning to resurface on the world-wide-web, especially with the Covid-19 lockdowns? Even in regard to the United States. Are they right, are we as a nation, going to hell in a handbasket, which is probably as close to hell as we can get in this world. Of course, they haven’t taken the Tribulation into account—which will be a literal “hell in a hand basket”.  

Matt 24:29 "Immediately after the distress of those days "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ (NIV)

As the End Times draws near, people will be blinded to the Word of God, and the day of darkness will come (Rev. 6 & 8), just like the flood in Noah’s day (Gen. 7:6). No one will escape the wrath of God. 

2 Cor 4:4 The god of this age [Satan] has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.  (NIV)

A Nation’s changing sense of identity begins within its institutions of learning. About 115 colleges got monetary gifts, contracts or both from sources in mainland China in the six and a half years through June 2020, according to a Bloomberg analysis of U.S. government data. The leader is Harvard, receiving $93.7 million, the majority as gifts, leads U.S. colleges that received $1 billion from China. The University of Southern California and University of Pennsylvania were second and third. Anyone watching Newsmax or OAN, will be aware that young minds are not getting what had been considered a classic liberal education, being taught to think, reason, and evaluate ideas, but are instead being indoctrinated by progressive-liberal professors. It was noted that there was close to a 50 to 1 ration of progressive to conservative professors and administrators. Many if not most of American universities and colleges have censored, or prevented, conservative speakers on campus. 

Many joyful faces, but according to Barna Research (2019) nearly two-thirds of U.S. young adults, ages 18-29, who grew up in church say they have withdrawn from church involvement as an adult after having been active as a child or teen. So goes our youth, so goes our Nation. Apparently, America’s youth are more influenced by political ideology in college, than by church programs and sermons, all of which makes getting into the Word very important. 

It’s easy to envision increased government control over the nation and people, with the help of the mainstream news media (indoctrination), ultimately a path to dictatorship, the biblical dictator being the Antichrist. A carefully laid out takeover plan that God is allowing in response to sinful disobedience and prideful rebellion. 

Rom 1:18-20 – 18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.  (NIV)

Besides Newsmax and OAN, there are only so many places you can get the truth in today’s media. Dennis Prager is one of them. Most of what he says is aligned with biblical values and is worthwhile sharing. The following slides include just a few of the 11 points made by Dennis in regard to the liberal media, published on worldtribune.com (link posted below)

https://worldtribune.com/life/state-of-the-nation-nov-10-2020-disturbing-unprecedented-indisputable/  (has to be copied and pasted into your web browser)

Political? Yes. But corruption in any form is evil, even media fake news. There is no such thing as truth for them. Fake news are lies and their weapon against righteousness from the depths of their dark hearts as we are told in Romans. 

Rom 1:21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. (NIV)

Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). 

John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.  (NIV)

Even certain mainline denominations have not only ignored but rejected Bible verses that inhibit their chosen lifestyle (Rom. 1:18-26); as we saw last week.

Rom 1:18-19 – 18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.  (NIV)

Members of Congress, the clergy, and universities professors, who are responsible for shaping the minds of the next generation—will be held accountable before God, just as the religious leaders of Jesus’ day were accountable. 

Luke 16:14-15 – 14 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. 15 He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight. (NIV)

We are told in 2 John that there will be many antichrists. People of power doing Satan’s bidding to implement his plans of destruction at every level. So, we shouldn’t be surprised at evil, even at the highest levels of government; where else would you expect to find the Antichrist if not at the very highest seats of power? [*Material for an End Times novel? What do you think? Who would be the Antichrist?]

2 John 7 Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. (NIV)

Pastor Adrian Rogers’ 35-minute sermon on "The Nature of the Beast" (Rev. 13). Even though Pastor Rogers died 15 years ago, he could see signs of the End Times beginning to unfold. He warned of big government’s control, which we are seeing now with the shutdowns. The Antichrist may very well be on the scene, rather behind the scene in today’s world. Will there be a Church rapture? 

https://youtu.be/tAF8ZhfvmtY

(copy and paste into your web browser) 

Pray for America, including truth in the election results, for our president and his family, for our church, our pastor and his family. 

END OF GOD'S WORD #2

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