January 2021 - Receive the Holy Spirit

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The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. The Trinity is the Godhead manifested as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is also referred to as the Comforter. The Comforter is our guide and teacher of God's truth which is the word of God. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth.

John 14:26

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

1 John 5:6

This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

John 17:17

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Matthew 1:18-25

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Matthew 3:16-17

16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Acts 2:38

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28:18-19

18 And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Acts 1:8,22

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

Acts 2:1-4

1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 19:5-6

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.

2 John 1:9

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

2 John 1:10-11

10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

God loves us so much. We are his creation. He wants to be our God forever as we honor, glorify, and praise him in his new kingdom. Now is the time to repent and be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Please God and let the Holy Spirit be your guide and teacher of God's truth so you will be ready for the new kingdom that will replace this evil world. This earth age is going away. Why not make a decision in your favor that will last forever. Soon your flesh body will be replaced with a spiritual body at the seventh trumpet. Are you ready for the new kingdom of God? 

Matthew 18:4

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

God wants us to come to him like a little child. Children have not learned the ways of the world. They have an innocence about them. Their soul and heart are still pure. They see people without a prejudice eye. Everyone to them are on an equal level. They do not see people with disabilities, different races or skin colors, class distinctions (rich vs. poor), or other human differences. They are a joy because of their wonderment.

Children are curious and are willing to listen. They have a sense of loyalty and will trust you. They have a willing spirit to learn and are impressionable. Children are joyful and have a pleasant demeaner about them. They can be bold and will not waver or let anything or anyone stand in their way.

1. Practice your listening skills so you can take the focus off of yourself. Self-centeredness is not a good thing. You do not learn anything. 

 2. Be aware of your surroundings so you can thank God for all that he has given you. Show your appreciation by volunteering and giving to those who are less fortunate.

3. Focus on the present and not the past. Learn to do God's will and not your own will. God's plan is the only thing that counts.

4. Choose your words carefully so your words match your actions and are not full of pride.  

5. Have a teachable spirit. Being a know it all is not a likeable trait. God cannot use a person who is unteachable, knows it all and will not listen.

6. When you need assistance then ask for it. Seek guidance from the Lord and ask for the Holy Spirit's help when you need it.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

When we study the Word of God, Jesus gave us a mindset to follow that will help us serve our family and community. We are to emulate him and be humble toward one another and we will receive God's grace.

Philippians 2:5-11

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

James 4:6

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

1 Peter 5:6-7

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

There are many examples in the bible that we can follow.

Think about Luke 14:12-14. 

12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.

13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,

14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” NIV

Jesus Christ came to us riding on a donkey with all manner of humility at the first advent. At the second advent, Jesus Christ will come to us in all his glory and majesty. He brings God's truth which is the word of God and is used as a two-edged sword that cuts both ways.

Revelation 1:16

And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

When we are humble in spirit, we honor, glorify, and praise God. God controls everything. We can receive his blessings or his curse. God wants to be our God and we will be his children forever in the kingdom of heaven. Strive to acquire the humble attitude of serving rather than the attitude of being served. Remember God rewards the humble rather than the proud.

2 Chronicles 7:13-14

13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;

14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

1 Peter 3:8

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

The LORD has given us time to repent of our evil ways and perverse thinking. We do not seem to want to heed his warnings and have chosen the way of the world. The disasters of the world and the immorality of people are getting worse and worse. Thus, we will reap what we have sown. And when God punishes us, we will curse him. We are a stiffnecked people.

The LORD tells Ezekiel the prophet that the fierceness of his wrath will come when people least expect it. Three times in the book of Ezekiel chapter seven God says, "ye shall know that I am the LORD".

Ezekiel 7:1-9,14,15,19,23,25,27

1 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

2 Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land.

3 Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations.

4 And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

5 Thus saith the Lord GOD; An evil, an only evil, behold, is come.

6 An end is come, the end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold, it is come.

7 The morning is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the land: the time is come, the day of trouble is near, and not the sounding again of the mountains.

8 Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense thee for all thine abominations.

9 And mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will recompense thee according to thy ways and thine abominations that are in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I am the LORD that smiteth.

14 They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.

15 The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him.

19 They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumbling block of their iniquity.

23 Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence.

25 Destruction cometh; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none.

27 The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled: I will do unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.

Yes.

Referencing the Companion Bible, the authorized version of 1611, published by Kregel Publications, we read the 195th appendix explaining in detail the different ages and dispensations of God's dealings with men. There are seven times or dispensations; each with its own beginning and end, except No. 7, which is without end for it is the eternal state of glory.

We have completed the first, second, and third dispensations. We are in the fourth dispensation beginning with the period of grace and ending with the "day of the Lord".

The "day of the Lord" is the return of Jesus Christ at the seventh trumpet. Keep in mind that there are two things that must happen before the return of Jesus Christ. They are:

1) the apostasy and

2) Satan being worshipped as though he is God.

The definition of apostasy is a willful falling away from, or rebellion against Christianity.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 (the apostasy)

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

2 Thessalonians 2:4 (Satan being worshipped)

Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

2 Timothy 4:3-4

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

2 Thessalonians 2:8-12

8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Daniel 12:1

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

Leviticus 26:29

And ye shall eat the flesh of your sons, and the flesh of your daughters shall ye eat. 

Matthew 24:21

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Mark 13:19

For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. 

We are approaching the end of the age. Seek God before it is too late. Serve God with a willing spirit and you shall reap the rewards. Will your name be written in the book of life? Will you be ready for eternity described in Revelation chapters 21 and 22?

God's promise to us is the new covenant.

Hebrews 8:10-11

10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

Words of wisdom

Luke 21:36

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Thoughts can be good or evil. God does not condone a person who cannot control their evil thoughts. It takes self-discipline to control evil thoughts. Evil thoughts can become words. Words can become weapons. People do not consider the consequences of their words. Words destroy relationships and people. You can never take back the words that come out of your mouth.

Mark 7:20-23

20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.

21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

23 All these evil things come from within and defile the man. 

Margaret Thatcher had a famous quote and said, “Watch your thoughts for they become words. Watch your words for they become actions. Watch your actions for they become habits. Watch your habits for they become your character. And watch your character for it becomes your destiny. What we think, we become. My father always said that... and I think I am fine.”

We cannot do the will of God if our thoughts are evil, and we act on them. We become a sinner. God will not hear our prayers or requests. We are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. 

John 9:31

Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

Romans 12:1-2

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Philippians 4:8-9

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

If you were to search the question: How many religions are there in the world 2020? The answer by most scholars estimates that there are around 4200 active religions in the world as of March 21, 2020. 

Something to consider: James 1:26 

If any man among you seems to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

So how many of the 4200 active religions are vain?

It might be tempting to try to think like God. But it would be in vain.

Isaiah 55:8-9

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

We must make every attempt to control our thoughts, especially in the latter days. The bible says in Daniel 12:1 that there will be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: a time of trouble such as man has never seen.

God cannot have undisciplined servants who have no control of their thoughts. For thoughts ultimately lead to words which lead to actions, whether they be good or bad. 

When confronted with a situation let our response be the following so we stay out of trouble.

Matthew 5:37

But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Our goal is to focus on God regardless of the situations in the world. God has a plan, and he is executing that plan. When we experience a change of leadership, God puts the powers to be in and God takes the powers to be out. Remember God is in control. Trust God. There is no reason to get upset when there is a change of leadership.

Romans 13:1-2

1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

When you control your thoughts, words and actions, God can protect you in this evil world. Be obedient to God and he will neither forsake you nor destroy you. Come quickly dear Lord Jesus.

God is watching his creation on earth. He loves us. He wants to be worshipped, honored, glorified, and praised by his people. God has prepared a new kingdom for us. He does not want anyone or anything to defile the new kingdom. He wants to reward us according to our works whether they be right or wrong, good or evil.

Matthew16:27

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

God has made many promises to us if we will do things his way. He will reward us for being obedient to his voice. We can be assured that God always keeps his promises. God will never give us more than we can handle. For example, God could reward us with power to get wealth. Everyone would like to live a comfortable life and have the bills paid. However, we must remember this warning from God as we receive the rewards.

Deuteronomy 8:17-20

17 And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.

18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

19 And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.

20 As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.

When we put our trust in God and make him our refuge, he will protect us. He has promised to deliver us from our enemies, from the pestilence, from the terror by night, and no evil shall befall us providing we use common sense.

Read Psalms 91 for more detail.  

Psalms 91:2-10,16

2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

He has promised to reward our hearts with peace.

Philippians 4:7,9

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

He has promised to reward us with long life and peace for our obedience.

Read Proverbs 3 for more detail.

Proverbs 3:1-2

1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they added to thee.

He has promised to reward us with the desires of our heart.

Psalms 37:3-4

3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, defines and references the five crowns. In the Greek language, stephanos (στέφανος) is the word for crown and is translated as such in the Bible, especially in versions descending from the King James Version. These five crowns can be earned by believers, according to the New Testament, as "rewards for faithfulness in this life". The five crowns are the Crown of Life, the Incorruptible Crown, the Crown of Righteousness, the Crown of Glory, and the Crown of Rejoicing.

The Crown of Life is referred to in James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10; it is bestowed upon "those who persevere under trials and have remained faithful unto death."

James 1:12

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Revelation 2:10

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

The Incorruptible Crown is also known as the Imperishable Crown, and is referenced in 1 Corinthians 9:25. It is therefore given to those individuals who demonstrate "self-denial and perseverance".

1 Corinthians 9:25

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

The Crown of Righteousness is mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:8. It is given to  "those who love and anticipate" the Second Coming of Christ.

2 Timothy 4:8

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all of them also that love his appearing.

The Crown of Glory in 1 Peter 5:2-4 is granted to those who "shepherd the flock in unselfish love being a good example to others".

1 Peter 5:2-4

2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

The Crown of Rejoicing in 1 Thessalonians 2:19 is given to people who engage in evangelism of those outside the Christian Church.

1 Thessalonians 2:19

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

Every person should work heartily and do their best as is capable in every endeavor. To make a conscientious or concerted effort while doing the will of God. To demonstrate a willing spirit to do good while pleasing our Father in heaven. 

Ephesians 1:11-14 

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Colossians 3:17, 22-24

17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

God wants to reward us. He would prefer that we receive rewards for good behavior. However, God is ready to give us the punishment we deserve for our bad behavior or evil doings. Be careful and keep a watchful eye. Your adversary, the devil, Satan, does not want you to have any rewards. He will try to set you up so you will finish the race with no rewards. He wants company in the lake of fire. 

Revelation 3:11

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

According to Merriam-Webster the definition of "by design" means according to plan; by intention.

We know from reading the King James Bible, that God does not do anything in vain. Through the scriptures, God had a plan from the beginning and will complete his plan right to the end of this age and into eternity. 

Isaiah 45:18

For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.

It does not matter what men think and do with the so called "peace process". Men's efforts for peace on earth are imperfect, sinful, and motivated by self-interests which is why we cannot resolve the issues of the world. 

How many times have we tried to negotiate peace in the history of the world? There will never be peace on earth until Jesus Christ returns. That is why Jesus Christ is called The Prince of Peace. His purpose is to bring God's "Peace by Design" plan for the inhabitants of the earth. Jesus Christ will rule as King of kings and Lord of lords of a perfect government in the new kingdom of God.

Isaiah 9:6 

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

1 Thessalonians 5:3

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

At the first advent, Jesus Christ came as the sacrificial Lamb of God crucified on the cross to take away the sin of the world. 

John 1:29

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

At the second advent, Jesus Christ is returning with a two-edged sword (the Word of God which is God's truth) to destroy Death which is Satan.

1 Corinthians 15:26

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

Hebrews 2:14 

For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.

1 Corinthians 15:54,57

Death is swallowed up in victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 14:33

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

James 3:16

For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

Our focus should be on God and his truth which is the Word of God. We are to give attention to reading and understanding the Word of God; to encourage others in the faith by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and making sure that what we are reading is the true doctrine taught by Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

1 Timothy 4:13

Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

2 John 1:9

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

John 7:16 

Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Soon we will be at the crossroads to decide to worship God or mammon (the accumulation of wealth or money). The one world system is being developed with many components to it. The world leaders want global peace, a debt-free world, and a restored-clean planet. Sounds terrific. The problem is life on earth is temporary. All flesh dies.

Do you want eternal life with God or a temporary life on earth idolizing mammon? We are not taking anything of this world with us when we die. So why accumulate the things of this world and ignore God? Think about it.

Read the last three chapters of the book of Revelation and make your decision. God is a great creator and will fulfill all his promises.

Titus 1:2

In hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began.

Revelation 21:1-5

1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.