"Zero Hour"

In his classic commentary on The Book of Revelation, What The World Is Coming To, the late Chuck Smith, founder of Calvary Chapel states:

"The world is moving toward its zero hour.We're in the final countdown...The "birth-pains" have begun." (Matthew 24:8; Mark 13:8).

Doom & gloom? You betcha--if the birth-pains (or doom & gloom) were the only message.

"The Book of Revelation delves into grave details using remarkable symbols of judgment," proclaims S. Douglas Woodward of Faith-Happens. "Each broken seal discloses a new horror; each trumpet portends a new calamity; each vial grows increasingly more horrible."

"If we dwell on these images of doom, no doubt we too would become gloomy," cautions Woodward. "Nevertheless, the Bible consistently offers a starkly contrasted message: the greatest day for those who believe in Christ, comes on the worst day for those that don't."

In other words, the doom & gloom has a purpose. For the unbeliever, these "birth-pains" are a warning: seek God while He may be found; receive the redemption His Son suffered and died to purchase for you before it's too late.

For the believer and student of Bible prophecy, these same birth-pains are an amazing, faith-building, fear-of-God producing, awe-inspiring wonder to watch as events unfold exactly as God said they would in His word.

Remember, the purpose of Bible prophecy is not to predict the future, but to authenticate the message.

And what is the main message of the Bible?

Hope! God is the creator of everything. He has a plan and a purpose to redeem not only those of us who believe that Jesus died in our place and rose again as our Savior, but His entire creation as well.

"Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for His children...It will be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead..." 1 Peter 1:3-6

Eventually, there will be a new heaven and a new earth where everything (including us) must be born again. But first, like any birth--there are birth pains.

A wise man once said: "Night is coming...a darkness that will cover this globe in suffering and sorrow such as we have never known. But we must not sit and wring our hands about the state of the world. God has provided a way to escape the coming night. Now is the time to tell everyone about the hope of a brand new world waiting for us." -- David Jeremiah, author

"So I pray that God who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in Him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Find out HOW TO GO TO HEAVEN! 

News:

• Natural News: The West Coast is a literal toilet: 80% of coastal areas infected with toxic feces as 80,000 homeless defecate in gutters daily
• U.S. News & World Report: California ranks @ bottom for 'quality of life' due to state's astronomical cost of living & progressive leadership
• CBN News: Gay Hollywood Designer Has Dramatic 'Damascus Road' Conversion to Christianity. (to listen to his interview  click here ).

"Supernatural Instructions: Read This First"

"The words Read This First have taken an important role in the packaging of modern consumer products," says Bible editor Barry J. Beitzel, Ph.D.

Why? Because most of us think life is too short to read instruction manuals.

The Bible is a supernatural instruction manual; all of it "is given by the inspiration of God" (2 Timothy 3:16), but the Gospel of John is the Read This First of the Bible.

The Gospel of John was written "to tell individuals how to find eternal life" (John 20:31), says Beitzel.

"This clearly identified purpose sets the Gospel of John apart from the other Gospels. It is not so much a life of Jesus as it is a powerful presentation of His deity.

"Every chapter presents evidence--both signs and statements--for His divine authority. According to John, believing that Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, is the beginning of eternal life (John 3:14-17).

"What could be more important? John's statement about his Gospel is as good as a Read This First sticker for one's eternal life."

A wise man once said: "The Gospel of John is a persuasive argument for the deity of Jesus. It concentrates on presenting Jesus as the Word, that is, God (John 1:1) who became a man (John 1:14). Thus John meticulously records the statements and describes the miracles of Jesus that can only be attributed to God Himself." -- Barry J. Beitzel, Ph.D.

"Jesus said, 'I assure you, unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God...Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven. So don't be surprised at My statement that you must be born again.'"                   -- John 3:3, 5-7

Learn how to be born again here 

News:

• The Jewish Press: IDF Prepares For Nuclear, Biological And Chemical Warfare; launches special unit for training
• Ynet News: France to convene Middle East peace conference involving 70 countries including Israeli and Palestinian leaders
• Vocativ: Exclusive: ISIS Puts Out Holiday Attack List Of U.S. Churches; threatens "bloody celebrations in the Christian New Year." 

"Prophecy Bomb"

"Matthew, Chapter 24 is one of the most significant, prophecy-loaded passages in the entire New Testament," says prophecy teacher Randal Ross.

"It comes during the final week of Jesus' life. He knows that the agony of the cross looms just ahead. And here, while His focus is fixed firmly on eternal matters, His disciples want to party and talk politics," Ross says.

"Jesus is focusing on Calvary, trying to prepare Himself for inevitable death--His earthly destiny--and His disciples just don't get it."

"That's when Jesus drops the prophecy bomb," says Ross.

 "More than cryptically-coded predictions about famines, wars, pestilence, and deceptions, Matthew 24 contains vital information for a pathway of safety through the End Times."

In other words: Matthew 24 is not meant to frighten us. Its purpose is to enlighten us and to prepare us for what will surely come.

 "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Matthew 24:42-44).

Whether it's the hour of our death or the resurrection of the saints, we can't know when Jesus is coming for us. But rest assured--He is coming.

So how can we be ready?

Second Corinthians tells us to examine ourselves to be sure we're in the faith. And with good reason.

Many, Jesus said, who believe they are saved are in for a nasty surprise.

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord', shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven" (Matthew 7:21).

What?! You mean there's more to salvation than just believing Jesus existed?

You bet there is.

We must be living our lives based on a proper relationship to Christ that is ongoing. A decision made in the past that has not radically transformed us will not cut it.

The key?

We must be 'born again'.

"Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). 

The new birth, or regeneration refers to the work of the Holy Spirit. True repentance and the continual process of Christian living is enabled by the Holy Spirit, resulting in growth in character and good works" (Titus 3).

Jesus said the Holy Spirit is like the wind--invisible--though everyone can see evidence of it. Likewise, if the Holy Spirit is really living in us, there will be evidence. So let's continually examine ourselves to be sure we're in the faith since we can't know when He will come for us.

A wise man once said: "True faith in Christ delivers us from the ultimate consequence of our sin--eternal separation from God. It also empowers us to change and live a new life" -- Stephen Arterburn, author.

"And how  can we be sure that we belong to Him? By obeying His commandments. If someone says, 'I belong to God', but doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and does not live in truth. But those who obey God's word really do love Him. That is the way to know whether or not we live in Him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Christ did" (1John 2:3-6).

News:

• CBC News: Obama warns of 'consequences' for Russian actions destabilizing Ukraine.
• USA Today: Jews ordered to register in East Ukraine and provide a list of property they own "or else have their citizenship revoked, face deportation, and see assets confiscated.
• DEBKAfile: Temple mount closed for second day due to Muslim riots; police are evaluating situation.