"Want To Live Longer?"

A recent Time-Health & Longevity article reports 5 lifestyle habits to minimize threats to our health.

"When it comes to staying healthy, most people have the same motivation: living as long and fulfilling a life as possible. And while science has yet to find a true fountain of youth, researchers have identified certain behaviors that can increase longevity."

1. Eating a healthy diet (Mediterranean)
2. Exercising regularly (at least 30 minutes a day)
3. Maintaining a healthy body weight (BMI under 25)
4. Drinking only in moderation (no more than 1 drink for women, 2 for men -per day)
5. Not smoking (ever)

Want to live forever?

According to Got Questions.org, we will.

"The Greek word translated 'everlasting' means 'perpetual, eternal, forever.' Perhaps the word perpetual best explains the biblical concept of everlasting life; it is life that, once begun, continues perpetually into eternity.

"This speaks to the idea that man's life is not merely physical. Rather the true life of human beings is spiritual, and while the physical life ends, the spiritual continues throughout eternity."

In other words, life will never end. The Big Question is where we  will spend it--with God and all that is good, or apart from Him?

"When God created humans, He intended that they would live joyously forever, both physically and spiritually, but they sinned and brought death to themselves and to all subsequent generations (Romans 5:12-14). However, our merciful God sent His Son as a perfect sacrifice to suffer, once for all time, the punishment due to everyone who has sinned."

So what must we do to live joyously forever?

Believe Him.

A wise man once said: "We receive everlasting life by dying to our own efforts and receiving Christ Jesus into our hearts as our Lord and Savior, and, when we do, we are instantly reborn and made alive in Christ. We may not feel any immediate change, but there has in fact been a rebirth in the heart (John 3:6-7), and we are now free of the fear of death; we have the promise of God that we will never die spiritually, but instead will live forever with our Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 5:9-10). Later, when we die physically, our soul will immediately be with the Lord, and still later, when He returns, the Lord will resurrect our bodies to meet Him in the air. As for those Christians who are alive at His return, their bodies will be changed "in the twinkle of an eye," and they will not experience even physical death (1 Corinthians 15:5-52) -- Got Questions.org

"But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn--not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God" (John 1:12-13).

How To Go To Heaven

News:

• AFP: US threatens 'swift and decisive' response to any Iran attack: Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, in escalating statements
• DEBKAfile: Russia and China blame U.S. for Iran's withdrawal from nuclear pact
• Reuters: North Korea launches more missile; U.S. announces ship seizure in mounting tensions

"Israel Turns 70: Prophetically Significant?"

On May 14, 1948, the nation of Israel was "reborn". (predicted in Isaiah 66:8).

On May 14, 2018, the nation of Israel will turn 70 years old.

Prophetically significant? We report, you decide.

In Matthew 24, Jesus details the signs and events that will happen at the End of the Age. He includes the parable of the Fig Tree. "The Fig Tree " often represents the nation of Israel in Scripture (but certainly not always).

"Now learn this parable of the fig tree: when its buds become tender and its leaves begin to sprout, you know without being told that summer is near. Just so, when you see the events I've described beginning to happen, you can know His return is very near, right at the door. I assure you, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but My words will remain forever" (Matthew 24:32-35).

Whether the Fig Tree represents Israel in this passage or not, the generation meant is the generation that sees the signs Jesus just described beginning to happen and all of them revolve around...you guessed it! Israel.

Once one realizes that all of God's promises are interwoven with the nation of Israel, the puzzle pieces of Bible prophecy begin to fit together.

For instance: Anti-Semitism.
Hitler wasn't the only one driven by a passionate desire to rid the world of Jews. There have been an amazing number of crazed lunatics throughout history all with one rabid intention: Destroy the Jew. Why? It's completely irrational...unless one considers the spiritual dimension: Destroy Israel and you destroy God's credibility. Mmmm...I wonder who'd want to do that?

Bible prophecy is a two-edged sword. On the plus side, God reveals His plan in advance, giving us reliable proof of His existence and authenticating the Bible as the infallible word of God. On the downside, The Adversary, Satan, is also privy to the plan.

This creates a dilemma that God solves by using a bit of obscurity. While He can't be so veiled that we don't get the message, it prevents Him from giving us all the detail we might want. Ever wonder why God doesn't just spell it all out for us? He's got good reason; there's a certain demonic element intent on sabotaging God's plan.

From the time of Moses to the time of Christ, Satan tried over and over again to kill all male Hebrew children. Why? Because he knew the Messiah would be a Jew. If he could get rid of the Hebrew babies, the Messiah would never be born. When that failed, he thought he'd nailed it (no pun intended) at the cross. But no, foiled again! The crucified Savior was resurrected. Satan had played right into God's hand--not realizing that the only begotten Son had to die--it was God's plan all along: The Savior would die so we could live.

Even now, the Devil and his minions are working overtime to crush the Jew. Is it a coincidence that Israel is surrounded by enemies?

The Bible predicts the Messiah will return to Jerusalem when the Jews are back in their homeland and besieged on every side. If there are no Jews, there is no Messiah. If there is no Israel, then Satan wins and there is no God. That's how interwoven the nation of Israel is with God's promises.

A wise man once said: "Outside the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ nothing proves God's faithfulness to His Word like the Jews and the nation of Israel. Satan would like nothing more than make God look like a liar, which explains his obsession with destroying Israel." -- Hal Lindsey, author.

How to go to Heaven? click here

News:

• DEBKAfile: Iranian units in Syria launched heavy missile barrage at IDF in Golan; Israel blasted Damascus Int'l. Airport in response as regional tensions mount.
• FNC: Israel calls up reservists, amass tanks on Syrian border, and warns Iranians against starting a war.
• White House: Israel Has The Right To Self-Defense

"Endtimes Cash Crash?"

If the Bible does not speak directly about a global economic collapse, why have prophecy teachers always taught there would be one? Because, just as the doctrine of the Trinity is never spelled out for us, it is undeniably there. An economic collapse is there too--by implication.

One only has to read the Book of Revelation to get a glimpse of what's coming. There will be wars, pestilence, famine and terrible natural disasters, like massive earthquakes, unprecedented drought, heatwaves, and humungus hailstones. Revelation 6 releases the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse; #3 mentions food prices. "When the Lamb broke the third seal, I heard the third living being say, "Come!" And I looked up and saw a black horse, and its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. And a voice from among the four living beings said, "A loaf of wheat bread or three loaves of barley for a day's pay. And don't waste the olive oil and wine." This rider on the black horse takes prosperity from the earth and replaces it with famine and hyperinflation.

The Book of James doesn't mince words when it says in Chapter 5: "Look here, you rich people, weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. Your wealth is rotting away and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. Your gold and silver have become worthless. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh in hell. This treasure you have accumulated will stand as evidence against you in the last days."

These Scriptures (among others) paint a bleak economic picture, but Revelation 13:16-17 is the clincher: "He (Antichrist) required everyone--great and small, rich and poor, slave or free--to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. And no one could buy or sell anything with out that mark..."

Well, we don't know about you--but most people would probably balk at giving up their money in exchange for a mark...unless, of course, their money didn't cut the mustard anymore. The Bible makes it clear these judgments will encompass the entire planet. Who could have guessed 2,000 years ago we'd end up with a global economy?

This doesn't necessarily mean that our current global economic troubles are in any way connected to Bible prophecy. It's possible the world will recover, (or at least seem to do so).

In fact, some Scriptures imply things will appear to be humming along like normal just before the end. In Luke 17, Jesus says: "When the Son of Man returns, the world will be like the people were in Noah's day. In those days before the flood, the people enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat and the flood came to destroy them all..yes, it will be 'business as usual' right up to the hour when the Son of Man returns."

1 Thessalonians 5 says that Day will come "...expectantly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, 'All is well; everything is peaceful and secure', then disaster will fall upon them as suddenly as a woman's birth pains begin when her child is born. And there will be no escape."

Sounds contradictory until you remember that there are yet two comings of Christ:

1. The Rapture of the church. The church will be rescued, but the world at large will be caught completely off guard and left behind to endure the time of trial that will come upon the whole earth. (Revelation 3:10).
2. The Second Coming of Christ.  Comes 7 years later, when the world is neck deep in judgment.

We're betting the final economic collapse comes sometime between these two events. It's possible the sudden disappearance of millions of people triggers the collapse. Imagine the panic, the absolute chaos.

So, if the Bible predicts a global economic collapse, are we seeing the beginnings of it now? We don't know. It could be just another economic cycle, or it could be one of those famous 'birth pains'. Only time will tell.

Market Crash Coming (USA Watchdog.com)

A wise man once said: "There is no doubt that we are in financial fantasyland...there is going to be a moment of reckoning." -- Gregory Mannarino, Market Report

News:

• Sun Times: Illinois Capitol on lock down ahead of budget vote; incident sparked by disgruntled women.
• The New York Times: Hopes of 'Trump bump' for U.S. economy shrink as growth forecasts fade.
• CNBC: Marc Faber has a warning for investors: "Brace yourselves for another financial crisis;" cites high level of global debt.

"How Authentic Are You?"

"Although large crowds followed Jesus wherever He went, Jesus knew that not all who followed Him were genuine disciples," says Sim Kay Tee, author of Can I Really Trust the Bible?

"Jesus taught often of the radical commitment needed if we want to follow Him," cautions Tee.

"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me," Jesus said in Luke 9:23.

"Deny yourself?Take up a cross?

Who wants to do that?"

John MacArthur, one of today's foremost Bible teachers, dares to teach the hard facts: "The world is filled with millions of people who think they are headed for heaven--but they are deadly wrong.

"Probably most people think heaven awaits them, but it doesn't. But what is especially sad is that many of those people sit in evangelical churches misinformed," says MacArthur.

Why? Because many churches "adjust the message" fearing the truth will make us uncomfortable.

"It's not my truth," contends MacArthur. "I don't have any saving truth, neither does anyone else but God."  Jesus said, "I assure you, unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God" (John 3:3). "Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven" (John 3:6).

According to MacArthur (and the Bible): "The true gospel is a call to self-denial. It is not a call to self-fulfillment.

"Salvation is giving up your life and embracing His. It is taking in Christ by faith, acknowledging the reality of who He is and what He did."

In other words, we need to understand that Jesus Christ was God in human flesh. He led a perfect, sinless life so He could die an agonizing death to pay the price for our sin. He rose again on the third day in a resurrected body to eternal life. All who receive His substitutionary death and turn away from their sin will also rise to eternal life. Simple, but not easy. Free, but not cheap.

The Gospel message is offensive and exclusive. It offends those who believe they're okay the way they are and it excludes all the offended.

So, is the church full of phonies? A more accurate description is: The modern church is full of unconverted people who don't know the Scriptures. And if they don't know the Scriptures, they don't know Christ. They've been taught a watered-down, feel-good, anything-goes gospel. The Bible says "be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22).

And let's face it gang-it's impossible to "do" the word if we don't know the word.

Solution? Read the word of God and just do it!

A wise man once said: "As a Christian, you are called to live like Jesus--a life of courage, joy, passion, and purpose. The same Jesus who walked with such resolve and determination throughout His own earthly life has a distinct and daily purpose for yours. God does not call us to happiness, but to holiness." --John MacArthur

"Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those being saved and by those perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a fearful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume" (2 Corinthians 2:15-16).

How To Go To Heaven...

News:

• The Jerusalem Post: President Trump's top adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner in Israel pushing Mideast Peace negotiations; peace deal top priority.
• CBN News: Witches worldwide cast spells against Trump attempting to #BindTrump on summer solstice.
• World News: Canadian District Bans Christian School From Teaching "Offensive" Parts Of The Bible

"Like a Thief in the Night"

As far as most people are concerned, Christ's return is irrelevant. If they think about it at all, it's mostly to mock those who believe in it.

And who can blame them? False dates and fanaticism have deceived and damaged the faith of millions.

But is fear of repeating past mistakes reason enough to avoid the subject? Not according to Luke 12:37: "There will be special favor for those who are ready and waiting for His return." Luke 12:45 gives us the consequences of not being ready: "But if the servant thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while', and begins oppressing the other servants, partying, and getting drunk--well, the master will return unannounced and unexpected. He will tear the servant apart and banish him with the unfaithful. The servant will be severely punished, for though he knew his duty, he refused to do it." Apparently, God expects us to know the general time of Christ's return.

Before we go on, let's get something straight: Christ will come twice: once at the Rapture of the Church which takes place before the 7-year period known as 'the Tribulation' and for which there are no signs. He will come like a thief in the night when the world at large least expects Him. Then, at the end of the seven years of tribulation, amid unmistakable signs, Christ will come a second time.

Got that? There are yet two comings. One to rescue the church (the Rapture) and the Second Coming to rescue the Jews. We'll go over all this in more detail later.

For now, here's a simple overview of prophetic events:

1. The Rapture. When God delivers us from the wrath to come. (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
2. The Judgment Seat of Christ (Bema). Where believers' lives are examined. If we've used our gifts and talents to help build the kingdom, we'll be rewarded. If we've squandered our lives on selfish living, we'll suffer loss. (1 Corinthians 3:13).
3. The Tribulation. When 7 years of trouble come on the earth consisting of deception, war/rumors of war, famines, pestilence, and earthquakes. (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, Daniel 9). These 7 years are divided into two, 3-1/2-year periods. At the beginning of the 1st half, the Antichrist makes a covenant with Israel and the Jewish Temple is rebuilt in Jerusalem. The 2nd 3-1/2 years herald the Great Tribulation when the Antichrist breaks the 7-year covenant. (Daniel 9:27).
4. Armageddon: armies from around the globe gather at Megiddo in Northern Israel to launch a massive attack against Jerusalem. (Rev. 16, Zechariah 12:1-3, 14:1-5, Revelation 19:19).
5. Second Coming of Christ to earth. to rescue His Chosen people, the Jews, from annihilation and set up His millennial reign on earth. (Dan. 2:44, Matt. 24:27-37, Zechariah 14:4, 1 Thessalonians. 3:13, Rev. 19:8).
6. Judgment of the Nations. (Matthew 25:31-46).

 (Scripture references are not all inclusive. There are just too many to list them all. Please check cross-references in your Bible).

Words to the Wise: Be like the Bereans, "...in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11).

News:

• Vox.com: Dems weigh "nuclear option" over Comey firing: shut down the Senate
• Daily Mail: N. Korea defector says war "unavoidable"; urges Trump to topple Kim.
• Associated Press: U.S. may send Patriot missile to Lithuania amid Moscow threat..

"U.S. Military Has A New Trick Up Its Sleeve ala "Revelation 9""

The U.S. military has been experimenting with new strategies that will drastically change the way wars are fought.

One of the most promising? Drone "swarm" technology, recently tested by the Office of Naval Research (ONR).

The new tool, dubbed LOCUST by the U.S. Navy, allows multiple drones to coordinate and swarm the enemy autonomously, and is designed to protect naval vessels against enemy attacks.

LOCUST--or Low-Cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Swarming Technology-is a program that marks a new era in autonomous warfare.

Imagine the tactical advantage of using a system that can launch swarming UAVs to overwhelm the enemy without any risk to the sailors or marines operating them.

"This level of autonomous swarming flight has never been done before," said Lee Mastroianni, program manager.

"UAVs that are expendable and reconfigurable will free manned aircraft and traditional weapons systems to do more, and essentially multiply combat power at decreased risk to the war fighter," he added.

Apparently, there's no down-side to the LOCUST and for an extra added attraction--according to "Prophecy News Watch", they might even be mentioned in the Bible.

Revelation 9: 3-11 describes a strange locust swarm that has "breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle..." Coincidence?

Maybe--or maybe 2,000 years ago the Apostle John, who was told simply to write down what he saw, couldn't quite figure out what he was seeing.

The LOCUST drones, with their swarm technology, look eerily insect-like. Isn't it possible John didn't have the vocabulary to describe 21st-century technology?

A wise man once said: "John had to describe in terms of his 1st-century knowledge what he saw. The prophecies can be understood only when we prayerfully seek to decipher what in today's vast arsenal of technical marvels fits best John's 1st-century description of them."  Hal Lindsey, Apocalypse Code

"This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave Him concerning the events that will happen soon...John faithfully reported the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ--everything he saw" -- Revelation 1: 1 & 2.

News:

• The Washington Free Beacon: China Tests Missile With 10 Warheads Amid Growing Tensions With U.S.
• Reuters: U.S. National Security adviser officially puts Iran on "notice" in response to Tehran's ballistic missile test; Trump says "nothing is off the table."
• DEBKAfile: Iran giving missile technology to anti-Israel proxy to use in terror attacks, says U.S. House Foreign Affairs Chairman
• Fox News Channel: Free Speech under attack at UC Berkeley as violent riots erupt to stop conservative speech. 

"2017 Doomsday Clock Announcement: Has The Donald Pushed The World Closer To The Brink?"

Exactly 70 years ago, the historic "Doomsday Clock" started its ominous tick...tick...tick. One of the most recognizable and lasting icons in popular culture, The Clock's hands move based upon whether events push humanity closer to or further from existential apocalypse.

For two years now, the Doomsday Clock has remained silent...but...

On January 26, 2017, The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists hosted a live international news conference at 10:00 a.m. EST to announce "an adjustment" of the infamous Clock.

The reason? Donald Trump, of course.

"Never before has The Bulletin decided to advance The Clock largely because of the statements of a single person," said the scientists. Apparently, the Science and Security Board, in consultation with the Board of Sponsors, which includes 15 Nobel Laureates, fears a nuclear tweet.

While President Trump isn't the only reason The Clock inched 30 seconds closer to midnight, his influence is all over the 2017 "adjustment" which was made because of:

• a rise in strident nationalism worldwide
• a darkening global security landscape that is colored by increasingly sophisticated technology
• a growing disregard for scientific expertise (uh-oh)
• and last, but not least--The President's comments on nuclear arms and climate issues (you never wanna touch them climate issues, people. Not with a 10-foot pole)

And wait...there's more...

According to a brand-spanking-new Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists Poll, 78% (of those who also fear a nuclear tweet) agree.

Tick-tock.

A wise man once said: "...we need not be so utterly vague in our discerning of the times. For Jesus gave a much fuller description of time markers that we must look for just prior to His Second Coming. For one thing, Israel is most certainly one of the Lord's most polished timepieces, in the countdown and close out.of this age." --Maranatha Ministries

"...Time is running out. Wake up, for the coming of our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So don't live in darkness. Get rid of your evil deeds. Shed them like dirty clothes...

Don't participate in wild parties and getting drunk, or in adultery and immoral living, or in fighting and jealousy. But let the Lord Jesus Christ take control of you..."          Romans 13:11-14 

"Yes, I am coming soon!" Revelation 22:20.

News:

• FNC: 2 Afghani immigrants accused of raping a Swedish woman for three hours live on Facebook; second rape by Afghani immigrants in 3 months.
• CBN News: State Department Blocks Transfer Of Funds To Palestinian Authority. In a stunning reversal, the U.S. State Department froze $221 million former President Obama quietly designated to the P.A. hours before Trump took office.
• NBC: North Korean Defector Says Leader Kim Jong Un's Days Are Numbered; control collapsing
• The Washington Times: ISIS-controlled drones drop precision bombs in new threat against the West; U.S. military alarmed for U.S. cities. 

 

"What's It All About (Alfie)?"

"Throughout the New Testament, the Christian life is compared to a race," says Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship.

"With that in mind, we need to realize that it is not a short sprint, but a long-distance run."

Throughout all the twists and turns, ups and downs, good times and bad, Laurie contends the answer is the same: "A successful runner must keep his eyes on the prize."

In other words, remember what the race is all about.

"We must bear in mind," says Laurie, "for Whom and to Whom we are running: Jesus Christ. In essence, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus."

Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who survived the horror of Hitler's concentration camps during World War II, often said, "Look within and be depressed. Look without and be distressed. Look at Jesus and be at rest."

"God will see us through to the end," says Laurie. "He has given us His word."

"And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again."-- Phil. 1:6 

 A wise man once said: "It's good to remind ourselves of God's faithfulness and the hope we have in Him...The same God who has been faithful in the past will continue His love for us in the future." -- James Banks, Christian writer

News:

• DEBKAfile: Syrian military spokesman confirms Israeli air strike on Damascus
• CBN News: Harvard study suggests millennials have given up on democracy; European millennials agree
• The Telegraph News: Russia hopes to 'normalise' relations with U.S. under Trump presidency, says Vladimir Putin in State of the Nation speech

"3 Important Facts You Need To Know"

According to Strong's Concordance, the word elpis (translated "hope" in Romans 15:13), is a Greek term that denote "confident expectation" or "anticipation", not "wishful thinking".

Romans 15:13 says,

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

According to Greg Laurie of Harvest Crusade fame, "this verse touches upon three important facets of the Christian life that should give you great joy:

• You have a new identity. When you accept Jesus Christ into your life, God gives you a new identity. You discover that you are not merely some product of random chance. You are not a speck in the universe. You are a child of God. And as God's child you can rest assured that you will be loved and cared for by your heavenly Father.
• You have power to face life. With that new identity and hope in Christ, you also have the promise of the Holy Spirit's presence and power in your life. The Holy Spirit works constantly in your heart, helping you to understand God's Word and to to transform your attitudes and behaviors.

          An expanded translation of Romans 15:13 says that by the power of the Holy Spirit, your whole life and outlook will be "radiant with hope". God has not left you to face life on your own. He has promised to guide you and strengthen you with His Spirit.

• You have hope for the future. As a Christian, you have hope and knowledge that there is life beyond the grave. Your last breath on earth will be followed by your first breath in heaven. (To know for sure you really are going to heaven, click here.  

The world offers many roads to happiness: sex, money, power, personal success. But they are all cheap and worthless substitutes in comparison to knowing that you are God's child and that you have the hope of heaven.

"This," says Laurie, "is the only road to lasting--indeed, eternal--joy."

A wise man once said: "There is only one kind of life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior. Until that is done, we are on an aimless course that runs in circles and goes nowhere."    --John Wooden, legendary UCLA basketball coach

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in Me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in Me and will never perish. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26

News: 

• Fox News Channel: Alan Greenspan warns: "Venezuela is now under martial law and America is next"; "a coming economy crisis" cited.
• Reuters: U.S.-backed forces open major front in Syrian War after weeks of quiet preparation.
• Star-Telegram: 3 dead, 6 missing after Army truck swept away in Texas flood.

"Are Muslims Having Dreams & Visions of Jesus?"

Apparently there's a strange phenomenon taking place across the Middle East: Dreams and visions of Jesus.

Reports from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Syria and the West Bank have a similar message," claims Tom Doyle, E3 Partners Ministry Director for the Middle East and Central Asia. "You're on the wrong path; you're on the wrong road. Leave this place and follow Me," is an example of what Jesus is saying.

"It's true," says Doyle. "Muslims are coming to Christianity through dreams and visions. Great things are happening in the Muslim world. It's all very unexpected. Of course no one is going to bed a Muslim and waking up a Christian, but often times the dream is the first step in their faith journey."

Former radicalized Muslim and current Christian minister, Walid Shoebat, wasn't convinced.

"I had first doubted the countless stories of Muslims becoming Christians as a result of dreams until I met some of them and heard their testimonies."

"My conclusion to this phenomenon is that Christ succeeds where the church fails."

Shoebat believes the Western church is missing a great opportunity to win Muslims to Christianity because sharing with them isn't "on the radar."

"Tourists and Christian pilgrims rarely would witness to us when they visited the Holy Land out of fear and respect to Islam," Shoebat said.

So is this phenomenon on the up and up?

"In the last days, God says,'I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.'" Acts 2:17

 Maybe God decided it was time to take matters into His own hands.

A wise man once said: "We are so often blind to the people--both to their spiritual needs and to their readiness and openness to Jesus. We see their lifestyle and forget that God is able to work powerfully in them when the time is right. This is a lesson about taking the blinders off, to develop new eyes to see the harvest." -- Dr. Ralph I. Wilson, Jesus Walk Ministry

News:

• Express: Four Major Earthquakes Strike S.Asia & The Pacific Within 48 Hours. Seismologists fear mega-quakes could follow.
• DEBKAfile: Russian warplanes buzzed dangerously close  to American guided missile destroyer 12 times despite warnings to stop in Baltic Sea.
• WSJ: U.S. Stationing Warplanes In Philippines As Part Of So.China Sea Buildup; Move comes amid growing tensions with China.

"Proof of the Existence of God"

The percentage of U.S. adults who say they are "absolutely certain" God exists has slipped, according to  Pew Research Center's Religious Landscape Study.

No surprise there--anyone with half a functioning brain cell can see God is no longer at the top of our national priority list.

And for the college student, the downward trend has accelerated even more. Christians are being mocked and ridiculed by a university system that insists science and God are mutually exclusive.

Physicist Frank J. Tipler, an expert in the field of quantum cosmology, begs to differ.

In his book, "The Physics of Christianity", the scientist "demonstrates that the essential beliefs of Christianity are wholly consistent with the laws of physics."

Tipler even illustrates a scientific foundation for the Virgin Birth, the Resurrection, and the Incarnation of Christ.

While interesting, scientific proof doesn't always result in saving faith.

Why? Because faith in Christ as Savior is not a head issue--it's a heart problem.

Simple belief in God will not get you into heaven. James 2:19 says: 

"You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror."

Saving faith takes God at His word. The Bible is His Word and it says every one of us is a sinner separated from God.

The Good News? "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and He was buried. He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures." 1Corinthians 15:3-4

The Gospel is centered on the physical death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God who became human yet never sinned (see Galatians 1:6-10).

Christ died for our sins. He suffered in our place to endure the just wrath of God against us, according to the Scriptures.

What does according to the Scriptures mean? Jesus Christ lived and died in accordance with the prophecies about Him in the Old Testament (see Psalm 16:10, Psalm 22, Isaiah 53:8-10). Thus, authenticating the Bible as God's inspired (read: God breathed) Word.

The Resurrection verifies the fact that Christ's death paid the full price for sin. The Greek term translated "rose" emphasizes the ongoing effects of this historical event.

In other words: Jesus Christ is alive and well today.

But only those who really believe this will turn away from their sin and be saved.

A wise man once said: "Here toward the end of the year, settle this issue in your heart once and for all. You can live with the full assurance of your salvation by surrendering your life to Christ--repenting of your sins and believing in His sacrifice on your behalf. Don't live another day unsure."  -- John MacArthur, pastor and author

"Don't be afraid, just believe" Matthew 5:36.

News:

• Fox News Channel: Life expectancy for Americans declines for first time due to drug and alcohol addiction; Drugs now top auto accidents and firearms as leading cause of death.
• CNN: Antarctic Ice Increasing Says NASA; Global warming theories thrown into doubt.
• Associated Press: NATO Chief Sounds Alarm Over Russian Build-up From Baltic Sea to Mediterranean; Calls on U.S. to respond.

"Is the Church Full of Phonies?"

"Although large crowds followed Jesus wherever He went, Jesus knew that not all who followed Him were genuine disciples," says Sim Kay Tee, author of Can I Really Trust the Bible?

"Jesus taught often of the radical commitment needed if we want to follow Him," cautions Tee.

"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me," Jesus said in Luke 9:23.

"Deny yourself?Take up a cross?

Who wants to do that?"

John MacArthur, one of today's foremost Bible teachers, dares to teach the hard facts: "The world is filled with millions of people who think they are headed for heaven--but they are deadly wrong.

"Probably most people think heaven awaits them, but it doesn't. But what is especially sad is that many of those people sit in evangelical churches misinformed," says MacArthur.

Why? Because many churches "adjust the message" fearing the truth will make us uncomfortable.

"It's not my truth," contends MacArthur. "I don't have any saving truth, neither does anyone else but God."  Jesus said, "I assure you, unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God" (John 3:3). "Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven" (John 3:6).

According to MacArthur (and the Bible): "The true gospel is a call to self-denial. It is not a call to self-fulfillment.

"Salvation is giving up your life and embracing His. It is taking in Christ by faith, acknowledging the reality of who He is and what He did."

In other words, we need to understand that Jesus Christ was God in human flesh. He led a perfect, sinless life so He could die an agonizing death to pay the price for our sin. He rose again on the third day in a resurrected body to eternal life. All who receive His substitutionary death and turn away from their sin will also rise to eternal life. Simple, but not easy. Free, but not cheap.

The Gospel message is offensive and exclusive. It offends those who believe they're okay the way they are and it excludes all the offended.

So, is the church full of phonies? A more accurate description is: The modern church is full of unconverted people who don't know the Scripture. And if they don't know the Scriptures, they don't know Christ. They've been taught a watered-down, feel-good, anything-goes gospel. The Bible says "be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22).

And let's face it gang-it's impossible to "do" the word if we don't know the word.

Solution? Read the word of God and just do it!

A wise man once said: "As a Christian, you are called to live like Jesus--a life of courage, joy, passion, and purpose. The same Jesus who walked with such resolve and determination throughout His own earthly life has a distinct and daily purpose for yours. God does not call us to happiness, but to holiness." --John MacArthur

"Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those being saved and by those perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a fearful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume" (2 Corinthians 2:15-16).

How To Go To Heaven...

News:

• USA Today: County Clerk Jailed For Refusing to Issue Marriage Licenses to Same-sex Couples.
• The Jerusalem Post: Donald Trump: Nuclear deal calls for U.S. to defend Iran against Israeli attack; "...we have to fight with Iran against Israel."
• PJ Media: Iran Commander: "We're Getting Prepared to Overthrow Israel"; vows to block inspections.

"A Matter of Life or Death"

"What you believe about life and death matters because it determines your eternal destiny," says J.R. Hudberg of RBC Ministries.

"We don't like to talk about death, yet it comes for us all," he says.

"When our hearts stop beating and our brains shut down and our last breath rasps from our lungs, is that the end?

"Death is not the end," Hudberg contends. "It's a doorway."

And what we believe about Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection determines where that 'doorway' leads: Heaven or Hell said Jesus Christ Himself.

According to literary scholar, C.S. Lewis' famous argument (or "trilemma" as it's become known), Jesus was either a "Lunatic, Liar, or Lord".

Your choice between these three options will have eternal ramifications. Says Lewis, a former atheist:

"I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him:

"I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God.

"That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic--on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg--or else he would be the Devil of Hell."

"You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is the Son of God, or else a madman or worse.

"You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronising nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to...

"Now it seems to me obvious that He was neither a lunatic nor a fiend; and consequently, however strange or terrifying or unlikely it may seem, I have to accept the view that He was and is God," Lewis opined.

So, was Jesus mad, bad, or God?

Your choice in life determines which doorway will open for you at death: Heaven or Hell.

A wise man once said: "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." -- C.S. Lewis

"Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me."  John 14:6

"I am the door. Those who come in through Me will be saved." John 10:9

News

• Free Beacon.com: Russian Warships Dock in Iran For War Training
• Reuters: Desperate Venezuelans Facing Food Shortage; Looting on the Rise
• The Guardian: China Devalues Yuan for Third Straight Day--Adding Fears of Currency Wars

 

"Global Trends:15 Years in Advance?"

The National Intelligence Council (NIC) introduced Global Trends 2015 way back in the fall of 1999.

The purpose? To predict the future. (Yes indeedy, friends and neighbors, our tax dollars have been hard at work!) using the analysis of:

• academia
• think tanks
• the corporate world

Former CIA Director George Tenet launched this ambitious project enthusiastically declaring,

"Global Trends 2015, which takes a look at the world over the next 15 years (2000-2015) from the perspective of the national security policymaker. This is not a traditional intelligence assessment, depending on classified sources and methods. Rather, it reflects an intelligence community fully engaged with outside experts in a constructive dialogue about the future."

So far, so good. It truly is remarkably accurate (granted, they expected more global-warming than actually materialized, but at least there were no flying cars). Then...just as you think you're out of the woods...there's more.

Waaaay at the end, buried in the appendix, are four Alternative Global Futures...four Alternative Trajectories if you will.

Each scenario highlights "key uncertainties, discontinuities, and unlikely or 'wild card' events": from the use of WMDs to a global pandemic, we're sorry to say, none of these "alternative" scenarios bode well for the good guys.

But guess what gang--every one of these "wild card" events (and more) are suggested in Bible prophecy.

Like what, you ask?

Read Ezekiel 39:11-16. If that isn't describing a military protocol for burying bodies contaminated by WMD--#we'll eat our hats.

Zechariah 14:12 gives a very graphic idea of what may be the end result of using a modern weapon:

"...something so powerful and so sudden it will burn away flesh, eyes, and tongues while people are yet standing upon their feet." (from Atomic Bombs in the Bible).

Then there's Matthew 24 featuring:

• wars
• famines
• pestilences
• earthquakes

And that's just a small sample of coming attractions--time does not permit us to go into the book of Revelation or the many other prophecies detailed throughout Scripture.

Our point? If trends analysts and think tanks believe these "wild card" events are possible, how much more should we believe God's word?

"Come now, and let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall become white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."  Isaiah 1:18

A wise man once said: "'The phrase 'Let us reason together' is a legal term.God is prepared to pardon our sins if we repent and turn to Him. He can forgive us based on the payment for sin in the death of the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." -- Andrew Hill, Ph.D.

News:

• Associated Press: Russia appeals for calm as crisis forces it to cut budget amid surging inflation; country faces worst economic downturn in 15 years.
• Forbes: Layoffs Hit Oil Companies; Enormous Shock in Texas Economy Expected
• Reuters: "Global economic outlook glum despite cheaper oil," International Monetary Fund warns; nightmarish deflationary spiral may loom.

"How Many Minutes Before Midnight?"

According to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists and their famous Doomsday Clock--it is 5 minutes before midnight.

Headlines from 2014 seem to prove their point. Consider:

• US and Russian relations have cooled to the point of a new Cold War over Moscow's perceived role in Ukraine's separatist conflict. 
• The Islamic State (ISIL) terror group is still rampaging across the Mideast, kidnapping and torturing children. ISIL has now spilled into Lebanon, close to the Israeli border.
• The Ebola outbreak has spread to multiple West African countries, affecting tens of thousands. The possibility of it spreading further cannot be ruled out.
• Cyberwars are keeping the DHS up nights. Russia is the most likely suspect behind a destructive "Trojan Horse" malware program discovered in critical US software that makes what North Korea did to Sony look like child's play.

Not to mention: international unrest in various countries, the recent racial unrest right here at home, the massive security breach that is the US border, and the ever present threat of a nuclear Iran.

In 1948, the nation of Israel was born (again) and with it many Biblical prophecies were fulfilled, each graphic, literal, and exact.

In fact, the entire Scripture is woven through and through with provable, precise prophecy in regards to God's chosen people--the Jews. (For a detailed account of those prophecies, see archived posts from July 2011: Israel: The Key to Prophecy-Part 1 Part 2

The Scriptures seem to indicate the Jews will only be back in their Land for one generation (See Matthew 24) before the return of the Messiah.

Is it possible the Atomic Scientists are correct in setting The Clock @ 5 minutes before midnight - or are they  just alarmists? You do the math.

"So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be sober. Night is the time for sleep and the time when people get drunk. But let us who live in the light think clearly, protected by the body armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. For God decided to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out His anger on us. He died for us so that we can live with Him forever, whether we are dead or alive at the time of His return."  (1Thess. 5:6-10)

A wise man once said: "Paul warns us that God will hold all people accountable for their attitudes and actions. So don't procrastinate. God wants us to act immediately to receive His forgiveness and power to help us change."  -- David Stoop, author

News:

• Reuters: East-West aerial confrontations heat up with Russia and China pitted against US and allied pilots on a scale not seen since Cold War Era
• AgenceFrance-Presse (AFP): Islamic State downs warplane over Syria, claims capture of Jordanian pilot
• Reuters: Japan fears North Korea cyberattack, works to secure infrastructure

"Prophecy Signs Converging?"

According to Martin Armstrong, a secular economics expert, international unrest is the worst it has been in 300 years. Martin Armstrong on USAWatchdog.com

"This is not just Ukraine, Russia and the US. You have the Middle East going crazy. Gaza is starting up again with Israel. You go over to Asia and you have civil unrest in Thailand, and the overwhelming part of the population in China wants to go to war with Japan as payback."

Armstrong believes the global unrest is a byproduct of the global economic downturn. "Both of these cycles are converging at the same time," he says.

Eric Barger of  Take A Stand! Ministries also sees a convergence taking place. "A convergence of multiple prophetic signs."   Barger in a message @ CCOD lists 10 reasons why Jesus is coming soon:

1. Widespread deception (spiritual, political, business, etc. Matthew 24:4) and apostasy in the church with false teachers (1Thess. 2:3-4, 1Tim. 4:1-2)
2. Worldwide unrest (Luke 21:10)
3. Changing weather patterns (Luke 21:25-26)
4. Persecution of Christians, with an estimated 146,000 martyred this year alone (and that's before ISIS!) (Mark 13:9)
5. Advancing evil (abortion, homosexuality, and unbridled lust which has become "normal" in our society (2Tim. 3:1-9)
6. Lawlessness (2Thess. 2:7)
7. Signs and lying wonders (with an explosion of the occult becoming mainstream (2Thess. 2:9)
8. Increase in knowledge (especially in regards to understanding of Bible prophecy (Daniel 12)
9. Apathy--people and most of the church are willfully ignorant when it comes to Bible prophecy. Don't know, don't care. (Matthew 24:38)
10. Increase in scoffers (2 Peter 3:3-8) Those who mock the coming of Christ.

The sheer volume of all these events happening all at once in the generation that witnessed the rebirth of Israel in 1948 (which in itself is a super-sign) is a warning that we need to be ready.

"For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God, while we look forward to that wonderful event when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave His life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us His very own people, totally committed to doing what is right" (Titus 2:11-14).

A wise man once said: "The proper response to God's grace is right conduct." -- Steve Arterburn, author

News:

• Reuters: US pledges 3,000 troops to fight West Africa's Ebola crisis; health experts say 'not enough to contain epidemic.'
• FNC: US Congress approves arming Syrian rebels to battle ISIS; despite rebel group's pledge of allegiance to al-Qaeda.
• USA Today: 13 years after 9/11, terror threat undiminished. ISIS now as big a threat as al-Qaeda ever was

"A Cure for Death?"

Doctor Sam Parnia claims raising the dead, even after 24 hours have passed, could be commonplace someday soon.

Impossible?

Not according to his new book, Erasing Death, where Dr. Parnia details his study of resuscitation science. The critical care physician writes, "With today's medicine, we can bring people back to life up to one, maybe two hours, sometimes even longer, after their heart stopped beating and they have thus died by circulatory failure. In the future, we will likely get better at reversing death."

For now, the average resuscitation rate for cardiac arrest patients in the US is roughly 18%. But at Stony Brook University School of Medicine (New York) where Sam Parnia is leading the research, that rate jumps to between 33 and 38%. And, according to Parnia, "Most, but not all of our patients, get discharged with no neurological damage whatsoever." We've come a loooong way baby...at least when it comes to resuscitation.

A specialized and complicated field much like cardiology, resuscitation science has made tremendous progress in the past decade. Parnia believes "it is possible that in 20 years, we may be able to restore people to life 12 hours or maybe even 24 hours after they have died."

Dr. Parnia's basic message? "The death we commonly perceive today in 2013 is a death that can be reversed."

That may be so--but only temporarily. Let's face it gang, unless Christ returns in our lifetime--nobody gets out alive. We've got a survival rate of exactly ZERO. While that's a bummer for the unbeliever, it's not a problem for the Christian. We are only sojourners and pilgrims here. This earth is not our home. We are foreigners with a job to do, traveling to our eternal home, hoping to bring as many with us as are willing to come.

There is only One who has conquered death once and for all time. So yeah, resuscitation is a marvelous thing, but Resurrection is infinitely better. If you're looking for a permanent cure for death, click below:

 How to Go to Heaven

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26

A wise women once said: "Real wisdom is looking at the world from God's point of view." --Anne Cetas, Our Daily Bread

News:

• Debkafile: Israeli, Palestinian negotiators set goal of peace deal in 9 months
• Wired: Lawmakers who upheld NSA phone-spying received double the defense industry cash; House votes not to rein in NSA's phone-spying dragnet
• MSNBC: Fed keeps stimulus going, leaves rates unchanged
• Infowars: Report exposes NSA for tracking Americans thru web searches and social media
• FNC: Massive rate hikes due to Obamacare hit many states with 198% insurance premium increases; Group of Republicans push to de-fund the law

 

"Same-Sex Marriage?"

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Gen.1. And the Lord God said, "It is not good that man should be alone' I will make him a helper comparable to him." Gen 2:18. And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from the man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. Gen. 2:21,22. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. Matt. 19:5. 

I am the Lord. You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination. Lev. 18:22. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the women, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. Roms, 1:24-27.

Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 18:3. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.

There is no judgment awaiting those who trust Him. But those who do not trust Him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God. Their judgment is based on this fact: The light from heaven came into the world, but they loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. They hate the light because they want to sin in the darkness. They stay away from the light for fear their sins will be exposed and they will be punished. But those who do what is right come to the light gladly, so everyone can see that they are doing what God wants. John 3:16-24. Repent therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out. Acts 3:19.

Blessed is the man who endures temptation' for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Rev. 2:10. For what is our hope, or joy or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you at His coming? 1 Thes. 2:19.  For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. Heb. 10:37.
.

As the Scriptures say, "A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one." This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. Eph. 5:31-32.

If you love Me, obey My commandments. John 14:15. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Eph. 6:24.

A wise man once said: "And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to Him. Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with His blood. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen" (Hebrews 13:20-21)
Paul the Apostle

News:

• MSN.com: The Supreme Court overturned the law blocking federal recognition of same-sex marriage.
• USA Today: Justices open door to same-sex marriages in California; despite the vote against it.
• NOAA: Extreme heat wave over the interior West reaches dangerous levels, challenges records and elevates wildfire threat.

"Has God Chosen You?"

Let's face it gang, the Bible says "many are called, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14). The word called in this instance refers to being 'invited'. Tragically, not all those invited will be among the chosen of God.

Romans 8:29 says, "For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son."

Wow. Does that mean that God "foreknew" certain people? And what about predestination? Are we to understand that only certain individuals are picked out beforehand to be saved?

Apparently so. Jesus says in John 15:16, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should bear fruit." In fact, the doctrine of election, or being especially chosen by God, is woven throughout the Bible.

It is also one of the most hotly debated mysteries of the Christian life.

There are two basic positions (excerpted from pg. 1984 of the Nelson Study Bible) :

• Some understand foreknowledge to mean God's knowledge in advance of those who would repent of their sin and believe the Gospel. In other words, in eternity past, God looked down the corridors of time to see all who would one day accept the offer of salvation through Christ. Those who accept salvation are the elect. The fact that they would eventually believe in Christ was the condition that prompted God to choose them or predestine them to eternal life.
• Others understand foreknowledge as a 'relational' term. In other words, foreknowledge refers to God's intimate knowledge of and love for His elect before they came into existence. It is God's sovereign choice, and not a person's exercised faith, that determines who the elect are.

Got that? In the first view (known as Arminian), election is defined as: the conditional choice of God that is the result of our faith. In the second view (known as Calvinism), election is defined as: the unconditional choice of God that is the cause of our faith.

Regardless of one's stance on the matter of election, this much is clear: God is infinitely wise, powerful, and good. We cannot accuse Him of being unfair in His dealings with humans. It was our own sinfulness that has entrapped us and condemned us. Yet God, out of His infinite mercy, chooses to save us.

The ultimate inconvenient truth is this: Not everyone is chosen.

Go back and reread Romans 8:29, "For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son" (emphasis added).

If we are not being conformed to the image of His Son, odds are we haven't been chosen. If our "salvation" hasn't had a profound impact in the way we live our life here on earth, it probably hasn't actually taken place. Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me 'Lord, Lord', shall enter the Kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father" (Matthew 7:21).

Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1:1). If we don't know or love the Scripture, we can't know or love Jesus. We can't be conformed to His image if we have no knowledge of who He is. In other words: Knowing Jesus = Knowing His word. Because Jesus said, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should bear fruit", shouldn't we be careful 'fruit inspectors'? The fruit of the Spirit is: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These attributes describe Jesus. And over a lifetime, they should begin to describe us, too, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in us. In other words: No spirit = No salvation (Romans 8:9).

"So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the special blessings that will come to you at the return of Jesus Christ. Obey God because you are His children. Don't slip back into your old ways of doing evil; you didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God--who chose you to be His children--is holy. For He Himself has said, "You must be holy because I am holy" (1 Peter 1:13-16).

A wise man once said: "If you haven't chosen God, He probably hasn't chosen you. But if you are blessed to be among the chosen, leap with joy and follow hard after Him." -- unknown

News:

• Fox News Channel: Extreme drought continues to plague Plain states while devastating flooding swamps much of the Midwest
• Drudge Report: New bird flu strain "one of the most lethal" with potential to spark global pandemic, surfaces in China
• Reuters: U.S, confirms Syrian government used chemical weapons on its own people
• Debka Files: Tsarnaev brothers double agents who betrayed U.S. by defecting to jihadist networks instead of infiltrating them. Police: Bombers had plans to target NYC next.

"Bill O'Reilly Attacks War on Easter"

The PC police strike again.

First they took the 'Christ' out of Christmas and now they want to ban Easter.

Why? Because nothing outrages secular progressives like the idea of children being exposed to Christianity.

Last week, political commentator Bill O'Reilly said in his Talking Points memo, "The Judeo-Christian tradition is under attack" in certain American public school districts. These institutions are guilty of replacing the traditional Easter celebration with something a little more politically-correct: "Spring Events."

That's right, folks, Easter eggs are out. So's the Easter Bunny. And anything else containing the "E" word.

According to O'Reilly, this is about the secularization of the country. One more step in an ongoing attempt to dismantle the religious heritage of modern America. O'Reilly believes the ultimate goal of the secular progressives is to marginalize religion in all forms. "If the far left can marginalize Santa and the Easter Bunny, they can tell the children those symbols are obsolete and unnecessary and they set the stage for a totally secular society in the future."

O'Reilly's heart is in the right place even if his theology is off. He's worried about the de-Christianizing of the country.

And while most Christians realize Easter and its traditions have pagan roots and use the term "resurrection day" rather than "Easter", Bill O'Reilly's premise is correct: This move by secular progressives is yet another attempt to wipe Christianity out of the minds of our children.

A wise man once said: "Of the many world religions, only one claims that its founder returned from the grave. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the very cornerstone of Christianity. If Jesus overcame the the grave, He's still alive and available for me to personally encounter. If Jesus conquered death, He can  open the door of eternal life for me, too. If He has divine power, He has the supernatural ability to guide and transform me as I follow Him. As my Creator who has my best interests at heart, He rightfully deserves my allegiance and worship." --Lee Strobel,  author of The Case for Easter

News:

• Huffington Post: A Florida Atlantic University student suspended for refusing to stomp on a piece of paper with the name "Jesus" written on it as part of classroom assignment.
• Drudge Report: Supreme Court debates ban on gay marriage; Gay activists: 'We've won--in the court of public opinion
• Debka File: Russia orders large-scale military exercise in Black Sea sending a hands-off warning on Syria from Moscow to the U.S. and NATO
• Associated Press: U.S. sends nuclear-capable B-2 bombers to South Korea in show of force amid threats from North Korea that include nuclear strikes on Washington and Seoul
• Sky News: Cyprus's banks have opened their doors after the longest enforced bank holiday in Europe's history
• Daily Record: Rep. Leonard Lance, R-NJ, demands "a full explanation" from Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on why the agency want to stockpile 2 billion rounds of ammunition
• MSN Money: More Americans than ever using food stamps, up 70% since 2008 despite so-called 'economic recovery'