God's Patience Is About To Run Out

 I personally believe that God is at work in the affairs of mankind, moving to set the stage for what was long ago predicted (prophesied) to occur just before the "time of Jacob's trouble", "the wrath to come", or better known as "the Great Tribulation".

It is true that our God, as revealed in your Bible is a God of love.  However, that same Bible also reveals that the God of Love is going to pour out His Wrath upon an unbelieving and unrighteous world, which is drifting faster and faster away from God and His revealed truth to help mankind.

As humanity adopts every possible perversion, vice and wickedness imaginable to their lifestyles, it is leading us all into greater human suffering throughout the world.  All the while these same people believe that their's is the best way to live in this world; seemingly oblivious to the certain outcome that their beliefs and actions will lead.

God would not be a righteous Being if He allowed mankind to continue along his chosen path, which will ultimately lead to the annihilation of mankind.  God's patience IS ABOUT TO RUN OUT.

Your Bible reveals a better way of life that actually reaps  benefits in this life, as well as in the life to come. That life was summed up in the Ten Commandments given to the nation of Israel some 3,500 years ago. (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5)

If everyone lived by those laws (and they haven't and they will not) then we would have an extremely better life to live on this Earth in the here and now.

It should be clear to everyone reading this that the leaders over this world system don't know the way to real and lasting world peace, nor does it seem to know effectively how to solve the most common problems plaguing humanity today.

"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." (Psalm 118:8, the center verse of the Bible.  Notice that the center two words of this verse are "the LORD"!).

In order to find peace and real answers that make sense, we must turn to another source mostly ignored by those in positions of power and authority.

The Bible, God's Word.

The Bible has answers for us, that if heeded, will give us inner peace and direct us to God's plan and purpose for all of humanity.  Resting in His promises and acting upon them will give us the peace that passes understanding, so needed in this present time.

The Way to Peace

God, through His only begotten Son, Jesus the Christ, has made a way whereby humanity can have peace in this life, and a blessed hope for the future in God's eternal plan.

The way to forgiveness of sins and to receive the promise of life everlasting in heaven - including a BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED PLANET EARTH (as things once were in the Garden God Himself planted in Eden - Genesis 2:8) - can be found in the gospel that Jesus Christ Himself revealed to the apostle Paul. (Galatians 1:12)

That message is plain and simple.  It was and still is a message made available to the unbelieving Gentile (and Jewish) people in this world.  It is recorded in the apostle Paul's letter written to believers in the ancient city of Corinth in A.D. 59.

Here's what he wrote for them and for US to read, as recorded in the fifteenth chapter of First Corinthians.

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you THE GOSPEL which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;  2 By which also ye are saved, IF YE KEEP IN MEMORY what I preached unto you, unless ye have BELIEVED IN VAIN.  3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS according to the scriptures;  4 And that he was BURIED, and that he ROSE again the third day according to the scriptures:"

Let's break this down together.

Paul calls it "THE gospel." - It's as if it is the ONLY gospel to be received.  And that's exactly what it was...and is!

In the book of Galatians he wrote a very fearful warning regarding the gospel he preached.  He wrote, "...though we, or an ANGEL from heaven, preach ANY OTHER GOSPEL unto you than that which WE have preached unto you, LET HIM BE ACCURSED.  9 As I said before, so say I now AGAIN, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, LET HIM BE ACCURSED."  (Galatians 1:6-8)

Could it have been put any stronger than that?  The gospel he preached was to be believed in order to be forgiven and spiritually saved!

"Keep in memory" - It is vital that you have the CORRECT understanding of what the gospel is.  It the good news that those who believe from their hearts that Jesus Christ died, was buried and then rose from the dead on the third day are spiritually saved by God!  You see, he doesn't ADD ANYTHING to his message like good works, human goodness, church membership, giving money to the poor, baptism in water, saying memorized prayers over and over, etc.  Some of these things may be good in their proper place, but they are NOT a part of getting saved and receiving God's FREE gift of salvation.  (Ephesians 2:8 & 9;  Romans 5:15-16)

Don't believe "in vain". - When Paul wrote to the believers in Rome (A.D. 60) he made it clear that the gospel he preached was a message to be believed FROM ONE'S HEART.

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine HEART that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  10 For with the HEART man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

He went on to say in verse thirteen, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord SHALL be saved."

There is only ONE gospel for us today and it is the very same gospel preached by the apostle Paul.

One must come to realize their personal NEED for forgiveness from God.  This comes in acknowledging that we "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."  (Romans 3:23).  God requires perfection, but He knows that "there is NONE righteous, no, NOT ONE." (vs. 10)

This being true then how can one ever be saved and fit for God's eternal plan?

The answer is in God's provision of a Redeemer.  All sinners are lost and separated from God.

Solution: the Lord Jesus Christ.

God the Father sent His Son to live a life in perfect obedience to all of the righteous laws He had made known to the nation of Israel.  Laws that all of humanity have broken at one time or another in their lives.  In fact we are born into this world with the very nature TO sin!  Just as it is the nature of a bird to fly and a fish to swim, it is the nature of every human being to go against God and His perfect, righteous standard of living.  Your Bible teaches you that YOU were born into this world, "dead in trespasses and sins." (Ephesians 2:1)

So God Provided a Redeemer

"But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made UNDER THE LAW, that WE [that's You, that's Me] might receive the adoption of sons." (Galatians 4:4 & 5). That means He makes us a part of the very spiritual family of God!

At the precise time on God's  schedule He set in motion the plan to Redeem mankind.  That is...all who will believe that  gospel as presented by the apostle Paul: Jesus "Christ died FOR OUR SINS...was BURIED, and that he ROSE again the third day according to the scriptures."

My dear friend.  Have you believed FROM YOUR HEART that gospel message preached by the apostle Paul?  NOT, is it in your brain as head knowledge, BUT have you believed it from the depths of your heart - from your innermost being?

This is what you MUST KNOW and BELIEVE in order to share in the glories to come.

Won't you here and now acknowledge before God that you do believe this wonderful plan of salvation offered by God, Who loved you enough to give His Son to die the cruel death on the cross, shedding His sinless blood as PAYMENT IN FULL for all sins, for all time, and then rose again the third day from the dead for your justification?

His promise is sure: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord SHALL be saved."

Yes, God's Purpose and Plan will not fail.  It will be completed on His timetable and on His terms.  Amazing prophecy is being fulfilled in our life time.  Won't you believe the gospel and then go about living a life of faith and trust in God that will bring honor and glory to our Lord Jesus Christ?

His inner peace and love can be yours right now.

-David Cosma

Each Day I Live (song)

Abide With Me

 Abide with me - fast falls the eventide,

The darkness deepens - Lord, with me abide;

When other helpers fail and comforts flee,

Help of the helpless, O abide with me!

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;

Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away;

Change and decay in all around I see -

O Thou who changest not, abide with me!

I need Thy presence ev'ry passing hour -

What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'r?

Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?

Thru cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;

Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.

Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?

I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy word before my closing eyes,

Shine thru the gloom and point me to the skies;

Heav'n's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee -

In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!

~ Henry F. Lyte

Perilous Times - The Tribulation of Those Days (video sermon)

Revelation

 There is one book that has occupied the minds of men more than any other for the last two thousand years- Revelation. The finale of the Holy Bible that tells how the world will end.

There are many curiosities in this book that are merely referenced by authors like Daniel, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Details that make many scratch their heads and wonder how such things could be possible.

If anyone says they understand everything in the Bible, they are lying. Even those who penned the words were stumped by their meaning.

One such passage is found in Revelation 5:1- And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

Who wrote the book and when was it written? Who sealed the book and why did they seal it?

I can tell you that I've searched the scriptures and have only a slight understanding as to the answer.

Hebrews 5:9- And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Hebrews 12:2- Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

I believe the author of the book is the Lord Jesus Christ. He it is that is the Word of God in John 1. He is not only the author of eternal salvation, but is also the finisher of our faith in that salvation.

So, if Christ is the author of this book, then when did He write it?

Ephesians 1:4- According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

1 Peter 1:18-21- Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

John 17:24- Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

If you look at what the Bible says took place before the words "Let there be..." were ever spoken, you'll understand that a plan was made before the earth was formed. God had decided what the ending would be in the event of every possible outcome of humanity.

It was before time that the Word of God wrote this book. 

So, then the question remains, who sealed it? And why?

Again, searching through Scripture I could find what I believe may be the answer to these questions.

Isaiah 8:13-16- Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken. Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.

One of the seals was placed there at God's command by Isaiah. It would seal the law so that those who would use it to for wickedness could not. God goes on to tell Isaiah that there would be those who would seek out devils while trying to pass it off as God's Word.

That's why there's a sealing of the law.

Daniel 9:24- Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Daneil 12:4- But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. 

Another seal was placed there at God's command by Daniel. It would seal the vision and prophecy of the future of Israel. Mankind would go all over the globe and their knowledge of almost every subject imaginable would increase. But the understanding of the end times prophecies would be sealed until God says it's time for mankind to know them.

Daniel 12:9- And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

The words are sealed until God is ready for them to be let loose, and I believe that is why the seal in Revelation 10 was placed.

Revelation 10:4- And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

Whatever these thunders say, it is not for men to know until it happens.

The other sealed things in the Bible don't make much sense to me, but I will list out what I have found. Perhaps it is not for me, the post writer, but for you, the reader, to comprehend fully.

2 Timothy 2:19- Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

The rest of the seals seem to be on people, and not words or knowledge. The seal of the Lord knowing them that are His is mentioned in 2 Timothy. And there are a few types of seals, or people sealed, that are specifically mentioned in the Bible.

Christians, those who have believed the gospel of Christ as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, are sealed by the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 1:13- In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Ephesians 4:30- And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

This seal is placed on believers in the church age. A dispensation of time after the resurrection of Christ and the calling away of Christians before the Tribulation. The unique seal keeps their souls from being polluted with the sins of the flesh during their life here on earth. Any and all who put their trust in Christ as the only way to heaven by believing the gospel receive this seal.

Paul said that he had the seal of an apostle. 

1 Corinthians 9:1-2- Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

An apostle of the Lord had to walk with Christ during His earthly ministry and be present at the ascension of His glorified body into heaven.

Paul had not been a disciple of Christ while on earth. He was against the Christian movement and even persecuted the Church of Christ! But, God mad an exception for him and an example out of him.

Galatians 1:1- Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

I Corinthians 15:8-10- And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

God showed Paul what he needed to see and then called him out to be an apostle. Because of Paul's past in persecuting the church, he went above and beyond what all the rest of the apostles did. He not only preached to the Jews, but also to the Gentiles, opening the door of salvation to mankind worldwide!

I Timothy 2:7- Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

It is possible that this is one of the seals that is on the book.

Another seal, somewhat similar to the Christian's seal is that of the Tribulation saints.

Revelation 7:2-4- And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

The seal of the Tribulation saints is a very limited one. Only 144,00 Jewish male virgins will receive this seal. They are known as the elect of God (Romans 11:28) who will preach during the Tribulation.  

The final seal that I find is the one that holds the devil in the bottomless pit for a thousand years.

Revelation 20:1-3- And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

Almost before the end of the world, a time of great peace happens. This golden age is where Christ Himself reigns on the earth for a thousand years. We call it the Millenium. It's going to be a paradise after the Tribulation period!

The seal is only there for a thousand years, and then Satan is once again loosed to prey upon humanity. You would think after having Christ around for that long there would be no one who would fall for the devil's deception. But, alas, the only thing we learn from history is that mankind never learns from his past.

Are these the seals of the book? I can't answer that. What I can tell you is that those seals will soon be completely broken and poured out onto humanity.

Revelation 5:2- And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

Only the author of the book and the signature of the seals can be the one to break them.

Revelation 5:5-7,9- And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

The seven seals won't stay bound forever. The time is swiftly drawing nigh. Christ even has John end the book of Revelation with this:

Revelation 22:10- And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.