End Times Believing

But do you have a problem with it being understood in the context of its origins and the times in which it was written ??

Here’s what the Bible says -
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12
Before every man there lies a wide and pleasant road he thinks is right, but it ends in death. Proverbs 16:25

But there are so many different translations .. and scholarly interpretations … that it is not reasonable to think that one particular ’ Brand" in one particular time and place has a full and complete understanding of what is actually the exact interpretation ….

Modern translations of the Bible exist because the old language is hard to read but the message remains the same. Here is the same Bible verse in both new and old versions:

Timothy 3:16-17 – Living Bible:
The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God’s way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone. 2

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Message Bible:
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – King James Version:
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 – Amplified Bible:
All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the [a]man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.

I don’t think that detracts from the core message of the Gospel at all .
What DOES detract is the rigid insistence that " MY WAY IS THE ONLY RIGHT WAY ??? ..and which’ Way’ totally depends on where and when you happened to be born …. but you don’t need to violently or rigidly prevent that from happening ? …. in the scope of Christianity there are literally hundreds of ways that all seem right to each group of " man" . .. and which often don’t agree with each other :-) !

Our way of thinking has nothing to do with the plan of God. Once we accept that Jesus is Lord of our life there is nothing we need to think about. The Bible has been given as a blueprint for life, containing all that we will ever need to know about every situation we will face. God asks us to accept what it says. Once we start questioning what God says in His Word we have stopped listening to the Holy Spirit and been caught up with what the world thinks.

God says this:
The unspiritual self, just as it is by nature, can’t receive the gifts of God’s Spirit. There’s no capacity for them. They seem like so much silliness. Spirit can be known only by spirit—God’s Spirit and our spirits in open communion. Spiritually alive, we have access to everything God’s Spirit is doing, and can’t be judged by unspiritual critics. Isaiah’s question, “Is there anyone around who knows God’s Spirit, anyone who knows what he is doing?” has been answered: Christ knows, and we have Christ’s Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:14

We need to come with simple faith as a little child.

My way is the only right way???

Lets begin with the basics. The popular thought that all roads lead to God so we can do what we think is best completely contradicts what The Bible says – that Jesus is the only way!

There is increased pressure to accept the view of minorities who have their own reasons to completely undermining the words of the Bible so that they can life the way they want.

Standing up for what God says is becoming distasteful even by christians who believe that Jesus is all about love so everyones rights should be accepted no matter what they believe, because as long as we don’t live a bad life, all roads lead to God, right? And things written in the Bible so long ago are ‘not for today’.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Yes … that is absolutely True … and the Pope and The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Grand IMAM for that matter … will all agree on that ! …. but then we get into the ’ details and interpretations … and then it gets tricky..

When you refer to the Pope, the Archbishop and the Grand Imam you are talking about religion. Jesus is not about religion at all. Religion is man’s attempt to do what they think would be a good idea to honour what they believe – that’s why we get such variation. Things get ‘tricky’ because man put’s his spin on what he believes God was trying to say, or decide that it will suit them better, interpreting things the way they see fit.

That’s why Jesus when He was ascending into heaven said:
“If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can’t take him in because it doesn’t have eyes to see him, doesn’t know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you!

When the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit, is living in you the scales fall off and your eyes are open to the truth, not what you ‘think’ something might mean. That’s why the Bible says about man’s search for God:
There’s a way that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to hell. Proverbs 16:25 -

“Not all who sound religious are really godly people. They may refer to me as ‘Lord,’ but still won’t get to heaven.’ Matthew 7:21-25

The Pope, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Grand IMAM that you mention are just men and won’t be excluded from the judgement to come!

If we accept Jesus as the Lamb but disregard Him as the Lion of Judah who will one day judge the world is a huge mistake and will bring each of us consequences – no-one is exempt!

“Watch out! Don’t let my sudden coming catch you unawares; don’t let me find you living in careless ease, carousing and drinking, and occupied with the problems of this life, like all the rest of the world. Keep a constant watch. And pray that if possible you may arrive in my presence without having to experience these horrors.” Luke 21:33-38

“No one, not even the angels in heaven, nor I myself, knows the day or hour when these things will happen; only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when it will happen, stay alert. Be on the watch for my return. Mark 13:31-33

Matthew was in agreement with Mark also adding that no-one knows when Jesus will return so we need to be ready – see here Matthew 24:35 – As was Luke – Luke 21:33-38

There is a spiritual battle going on right now and the forces of darkness will get you if they can.They will trick you into believing you just have to be a good person to get to heaven. They will point out the wrongs displayed in religion to convince you it’s all a waste of time. They will get into your head and tell you you are worthless, your life is going no-where, your a totally unworthy of love and you might as well just kill yourself and end your misery if things for you are hard to deal with right now for whatever reason.

Drugs and alcohol will only bring more pain, self abuse will only pain you but not relieve your suffering, even suicide won’t free you from your unhappiness because whether dead or alive, our spirit lives on and we we will all stand before God one day and each give an account of what we’ve done with this gift called life.

God gives us all the same invitation to accept Jesus as our personal saviour.
For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:11-14

God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go!
For all who are allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Romans 8:14

And He’s only a prayer away…

If you care, please share and help bring light to our increasingly dark world in Jesus’ sake – Amen
2018 Elaine Costin – Capturing Sunrise / Blog