9 members (Fdemetrio, VNORTH2, Perry Neal Crawford, couchgrouch, Sunset Poet, Guy E. Trepanier, bennash, Bill Draper, David Gill),
3,725
guests, and
277
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Welcome to the Just Plain Folks forums! You are currently viewing our forums as a Guest which gives you limited access to most of our discussions and to other features.
By joining our free community you will have access to post and respond to topics, communicate privately with our users (PM), respond to polls, upload content, and access many other features. Registration is fast, simple, and absolutely free; so please join our community today!
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
Here's to another year of "Wide Awake" vigilance ya'll! Expectations—2023 By Hal Lindsey At the beginning of a new year, we usually take stock. We look back on the previous year and ahead to the new one. To us, the future is obscure. But to God, everything is present tense. He sees future and past as a single, all-encompassing “now.” So, when we wonder about that which lies ahead, we can look to His word. What has He told us? He gave many promises and revealed much about our futures as individuals. He also laid out what’s coming for planet earth. That does not mean we can give the precise geopolitical conditions of 2023. Bible prophecy is not arranged in 365-day intervals. But the Bible gives a great deal of information about the time just before Christ’s return. And that fits what we now see. By looking at where the world is and where it will be, we can have a good idea about the road we are on and where it will lead. Here are a few trends that will probably apply to 2023. Some are encouraging, but many are not — at least not in the short term. Widespread mental chaos. As people turn from truth, they are left with lies (Romans 1:18-32). The world seems bent on turning away from God, and toward Satan. Jesus said of the devil, “He is a liar, and the father of lies” (John 8:44, NASB). Following a liar sets people adrift on a sea of confusion, darkness, and despair. In talking about the last days, Jesus repeatedly warned that it would be a time of deception — i.e., fake news, gaslighting, hype, duplicity, and fraud. Confusion. When people lose the ability to discern truth from error, it affects everything. They question basic and obvious concepts, such as the differences between “boys and girls.” Many begin to see their Christian and Jewish neighbors as dangerous, leading to increased antisemitism and persecution of Christians. A darker world. Chaos of the mind leads to anguish which in turn leads to more drug abuse — just as the Bible predicts. Drugs feed into increasing levels of crime and violence. Trying to protect itself from crime and violence, society further restricts human rights. Lawlessness leads to the loss of freedom, and Jesus said the last days would be a time of lawlessness. Opportunities for witness. Drowning people long for buoyancy and stability. The followers of Jesus may be increasingly shunned by society, but they will have increased opportunities for personally sharing the Gospel with others. Dying churches. The real Church will not and cannot die. But there are organizations everywhere that claim Christ, even as they reject His word. These will fall deeper and deeper into darkness. The real Gospel of Jesus stands in stark contrast to the increasing ugliness of a Satanic world order. 2023 will provide unique opportunities to express God’s love by sharing His word. For that reason and others, I can still say… Happy New Year!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 11,534 Likes: 28
Top 10 Poster
|
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 11,534 Likes: 28 |
I was at a multifaith event national in scope a ways back and had an interesting conversation with someone who was particularly loud about his point of view and strident in getting it across it a public forum
I asked him afterwards if he really thought his approach would bring results.
He said no but his followers had to hear him say it.
If writing ever becomes work I think I'm going to have to stop
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
Lol... The Jews have been doing that for thousands of years
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990 Likes: 15
Top 50 Poster
|
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990 Likes: 15 |
All this time, still nobody has given me an clue about God.
I see alot of gum flappin, jibber jabber if you will. But nothing concrete.
Can we put the speculation to an end and finally settle this?
I have things to do
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
Dom, do you invest in the stock market? Or, bet on football games?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 11,534 Likes: 28
Top 10 Poster
|
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 11,534 Likes: 28 |
Everybody's clue is equal Dom.
If writing ever becomes work I think I'm going to have to stop
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29
Top 100 Poster
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29 |
All this time, still nobody has given me an clue about God.
I see alot of gum flappin, jibber jabber if you will. But nothing concrete.
Can we put the speculation to an end and finally settle this?
I have things to do If a being, so incomprehensibly powerful that it created all that we can see of the universe and likely infinitely more...wants you to know something...I suspect that you will get your answers then. A being that created "all" could surely answer any questions that you have. Could tell you whether or not to take the line on tonight's game even. If and until that occurs...you will need to decide if your want to take Hal and Tony's "word" for it. Sidenote: the term is gum bumping. Might be regional.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
I don't know why, but the answers are so obvious to me. It certainly has nothing to do with heritage, tradition, discipline, or lifestyle lol. It's simply like the Bible says... I earnestly asked and the Spirit answered
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29
Top 100 Poster
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29 |
I don't know why, but the answers are so obvious to me. It certainly has nothing to do with heritage, tradition, discipline, or lifestyle lol. It's simply like the Bible says... I earnestly asked and the Spirit answered Would you ask the spirit if I should take the line in tonight's game.? TCU is a 13 point underdog. I think they can beat that. I think they can beat Georgia. But I'd like to get it from someone who actually knows. Anything that you can do would be appreciate it.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
Sorry, I just recently retired in Atlanta and moved back home to Alabama... No way the Toads beat the Dogs!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990 Likes: 15
Top 50 Poster
|
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990 Likes: 15 |
Dom, do you invest in the stock market? Or, bet on football games? More similar than you imagine, i would imagine. But for some reason people who invest in stocks are good citizens. sports not so much....
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990 Likes: 15
Top 50 Poster
|
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990 Likes: 15 |
All this time, still nobody has given me an clue about God.
I see alot of gum flappin, jibber jabber if you will. But nothing concrete.
Can we put the speculation to an end and finally settle this?
I have things to do If a being, so incomprehensibly powerful that it created all that we can see of the universe and likely infinitely more...wants you to know something...I suspect that you will get your answers then. A being that created "all" could surely answer any questions that you have. Could tell you whether or not to take the line on tonight's game even. If and until that occurs...you will need to decide if your want to take Hal and Tony's "word" for it. Sidenote: the term is gum bumping. Might be regional. So you're going with a sci fi version of what God is, the folks here are going with the assertion God WANTS himself to be known. And if we are in a sim, perhaps they want themselves to be known eventually too. Many things are possible and maybe they are all the same thing, same story in the end. OR, Maybe Kansas had it right with Dust In The Wind. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/flap_one%27s_gums
Last edited by Fdemetrio; 01/09/23 08:39 PM.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990 Likes: 15
Top 50 Poster
|
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990 Likes: 15 |
Sorry, I just recently retired in Atlanta and moved back home to Alabama... No way the Toads beat the Dogs! Georgia are 12 point favorites. Not that who's favored matters, but TCU is not beating Georgia tonight. But I do love a good underdog story myself. The key question is who COVERS the spread. tough one. Total of 63, id lean on the under because everybody and their mother likes the Over. Contrarian rules.
Last edited by Fdemetrio; 01/09/23 08:44 PM.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
All this time, still nobody has given me an clue about God.
I see alot of gum flappin, jibber jabber if you will. But nothing concrete.
Can we put the speculation to an end and finally settle this?
I have things to do If a being, so incomprehensibly powerful that it created all that we can see of the universe and likely infinitely more...wants you to know something...I suspect that you will get your answers then. A being that created "all" could surely answer any questions that you have. Could tell you whether or not to take the line on tonight's game even. If and until that occurs...you will need to decide if your want to take Hal and Tony's "word" for it. Sidenote: the term is gum bumping. Might be regional. So you're going with a sci fi version of what God is, the folks here are going with the assertion God WANTS himself to be known. And if we are in a sim, perhaps they want themselves to be known eventually too. Many things are possible and maybe they are all the same thing, same story in the end. OR, Maybe Kansas had it right with Dust In The Wind. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/flap_one%27s_gums Dom, what if I offered you some documentation (some insider trading) from a source with a reputation for always being 100% accurate?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990 Likes: 15
Top 50 Poster
|
Top 50 Poster
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990 Likes: 15 |
All this time, still nobody has given me an clue about God.
I see alot of gum flappin, jibber jabber if you will. But nothing concrete.
Can we put the speculation to an end and finally settle this?
I have things to do If a being, so incomprehensibly powerful that it created all that we can see of the universe and likely infinitely more...wants you to know something...I suspect that you will get your answers then. A being that created "all" could surely answer any questions that you have. Could tell you whether or not to take the line on tonight's game even. If and until that occurs...you will need to decide if your want to take Hal and Tony's "word" for it. Sidenote: the term is gum bumping. Might be regional. So you're going with a sci fi version of what God is, the folks here are going with the assertion God WANTS himself to be known. And if we are in a sim, perhaps they want themselves to be known eventually too. Many things are possible and maybe they are all the same thing, same story in the end. OR, Maybe Kansas had it right with Dust In The Wind. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/flap_one%27s_gums Dom, what if I offered you some documentation (some insider trading) from a source with a reputation for always being 100% accurate? I dont want you going to prison for insider trading Japov, it may not seem like it, but I kind of like you. So you have a lock? Cant tell you how many "locks" were no locks.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
Not a "lock" Dom, more like common sense... If the ancient prophets of the Bible were inaccurate, this debate would have ended thousands of years ago
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29
Top 100 Poster
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29 |
Not a "lock" Dom, more like common sense... If the ancient prophets of the Bible were inaccurate, this debate would have ended thousands of years ago Tony For my education, please cite three examples of the exact words of ancient prophets that came true, showing cause-and-effect. Thanks Marty
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29
Top 100 Poster
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29 |
I'm not interested in getting immersed in the world of Hal Lindsay or Jack and Rexella etc. I am interested in the Tonester' viewpoint. So please, isolate just 3 clear examples of biblical prophesy that later proved to be proven out...and clearly showed examples of cause and effect. If you asked me for 3 examples of the most significant buildings in architectural history, I wouldnt refer you to somebody's architectural books...I'd give you 3 examples OR would say that I didn't truly know any for certain. Yet, I have made no claims to know what they would be with certainty. So please....you made a claim. Substantiate it with 3 clear examples. Thanks Marty
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29
Top 100 Poster
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29 |
I'll look at this when I have time to set aside.
But...quoting from the Book of Marty... If a simple question takes 20 plus minutes to answer, then there is probably something wrong with the answer. Usually the issue is vagueness.
We'll see.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
For the record... Please don't mistake me for something or someone that I'm not. I'm not perfect. I'm not a crusader. I'm not even religious lol. I'm not like the Jehovah's Witnesses, the Mormons, or the Muslims. I don't have a "religion" to prove or promote. Religion requires effort to prove and convince. Religion requires diligence and mental submission. Religion requires regimental discipline as demanded by the authority of an organization. Religion requires you to conform and be a proper uniform member of a conglomerate.
The Spirit does not.
I'm merely a Christian. So, from my perspective, God has already proven Himself... and no man can possibly add to that. Greater minds than mine have been putting that together for thousands of years.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 11,534 Likes: 28
Top 10 Poster
|
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 11,534 Likes: 28 |
God has already proven Himself... and no man can possibly add to that. Greater minds than mine have been putting that together for thousands of years.
When you take things as a given, you no longer question their veracity.
Some people, when faced with such a consequential figure as God and Jesus and The Holy Spirit all in One with specifically ascribed powers and character and desire, need to assess the truth of that for themselves before going beyond that to step 2, whatever that might be.
If writing ever becomes work I think I'm going to have to stop
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
God has already proven Himself... and no man can possibly add to that. Greater minds than mine have been putting that together for thousands of years.
When you take things as a given, you no longer question their veracity.
Some people, when faced with such a consequential figure as God and Jesus and The Holy Spirit all in One with specifically ascribed powers and character and desire, need to assess the truth of that for themselves before going beyond that to step 2, whatever that might be. But, once you find the "truth", isn't that enough? Step two...Lol. That's "religion" talking
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29
Top 100 Poster
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29 |
For the record... Please don't mistake me for something or someone that I'm not. I'm not perfect. I'm not a crusader. I'm not even religious lol. I'm not like the Jehovah's Witnesses, the Mormons, or the Muslims. I don't have a "religion" to prove or promote. Religion requires effort to prove and convince. Religion requires diligence and mental submission. Religion requires regimental discipline as demanded by the authority of an organization. Religion requires you to conform and be a proper uniform member of a conglomerate.
The Spirit does not.
I'm merely a Christian. So, from my perspective, God has already proven Himself... and no man can possibly add to that. Greater minds than mine have been putting that together for thousands of years. Tony I hear that the Egyptian National Swim team is holding tryouts at this time. I think that you could make the team. You should look into it.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
Naaaah... I can't beat that Iranian gorilla!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29
Top 100 Poster
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29 |
Naaaah... I can't beat that Iranian gorilla! It's not about that. They spend a lot of time in Da' Nile too.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
Naaaah... I can't beat that Iranian gorilla! It's not about that. They spend a lot of time in Da' Nile too. "Da' Nile".... lol, OK I'll bite. What'cha thinkin' about Lewis?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29
Top 100 Poster
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29 |
Naaaah... I can't beat that Iranian gorilla! It's not about that. They spend a lot of time in Da' Nile too. "Da' Nile".... lol, OK I'll bite. What'cha thinkin' about Lewis? denial
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
Yeah', I get that lol... Who's in denial?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
You'd think the Egyptians would be GREAT swimmers... if they can outswim a crocodile.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29
Top 100 Poster
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29 |
Yeah', I get that lol... Who's in denial? Read that last treatise that you wrote "for the record" about not being this and actually being that. Then, take off your tin foil hat and read it again. At that point, it should be clear that you are.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,044 Likes: 16
Top 40 Poster
|
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,044 Likes: 16 |
Thanks Tony for this video. This should be proof that the word of God is true. Many people question the bible because they don't want it to be true and it convicts them of their sinful life style that they enjoy living. The gospel is an offence to those that are being lost. Denying the truth will not save them but accepting the truth and God's plan of salvation can and will save them.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
Lol, Go back and re-read this entire thread... Face it Marty, prophecy is an interesting subject; Especially these days when there's so much to discuss. Here's the truth of it... All I wanted was to discuss prophecy. However, ya'll have been attacking me on the basis of my faith since day one! Not to mention your disdain for Hal Lindsey... Exactly who is in "denial" here? Why don't you explain why Biblical prophecy is such a threat to you; As evidenced by your refusal to even acknowledge the validity of it... I don't have anything to "prove" Marty. I didn't write the Bible lol
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
Thanks Tony for this video. This should be proof that the word of God is true. Many people question the bible because they don't want it to be true and it convicts them of their sinful life style that they enjoy living. The gospel is an offence to those that are being lost. Denying the truth will not save them but accepting the truth and God's plan of salvation can and will save them. Yeah', he's pretty good. I like his up-beat matter of fact style Hal hasn't been "hip" since the 60's lol...
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 11,534 Likes: 28
Top 10 Poster
|
Top 10 Poster
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 11,534 Likes: 28 |
I learned about Isaiah as a kid for sure and have come to learn he is important to all Abrahamic faiths
Seems he lived throught Kings 10 - 13 of Judea and may have been sawn in half by #14 Manasseh
Had important things to say about someone who would become someone like JC 7 hundred plus years later but I cannot believe that is proof of God's word speaking through prophecy though I would never deny the possibility it is.
It's one of those unknowables and improvables but intriguing possibilities for our enquiring minds to ponder. We have a rich individual creative, artistic spiritual enquiring life pondering our relationship with our amazing, gifted universe in which we are of such insignificance and so significant at the same time. It is why I love Eve and the Awareness Apple as part of our Origin story in Genesis.
Having said that, I do believe the Bible was written and accumulated by those who were very inspired and passionate by their belief in God and concerned with what God may want of mankind and were driven to speak their prophecies to their times and believers onwards.
If you can pick up their threads to anchor your life to and enrich it, mission accomplished.
If writing ever becomes work I think I'm going to have to stop
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29
Top 100 Poster
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29 |
Thanks Tony for this video. This should be proof that the word of God is true. Many people question the bible because they don't want it to be true and it convicts them of their sinful life style that they enjoy living. The gospel is an offence to those that are being lost. Denying the truth will not save them but accepting the truth and God's plan of salvation can and will save them. Well, maybe that's it Everett. But my mind won't allow me to close out the possibility of maybe not.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29
Top 100 Poster
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29 |
Lol, Go back and re-read this entire thread...
Here's the truth of it... All I wanted was to discuss prophecy. However, ya'll have been attacking me on the basis of my faith since day one! Not to mention your disdain for Hal Lindsey... I don't know anything about Hal Lindsay. I always thought that he was Barney Miller. Didn't know that he moved into commercial proselityzing. Not real concerned that he did. No one is attacking you Tony. I am asking questions and questioning your faith...in order to see what kind of answers and evidence that you can give for the many many claims that you make, regarding your faith. With an occasional ribbing...because you deserve it.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
I know, right? Long-haired Christian METALHEAD pushing 60... What the hell am I thinking?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29
Top 100 Poster
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29 |
I know, right? Long-haired Christian METALHEAD pushing 60... What the hell am I thinking? From my viewpoint...not really a concern. The fact that you sound like the B52s male singer played to 80s Gibson metal guitar is enjoyable to me. Are there people who would think that you make the sounds of satan? Are there are people who would say that you cloak the satanic sound in Christianity yet are the devil's tool promoting the sinful, promiscuous, drug-riddled and demonic lifestyle that the sounds are associated with? Yes, I suspect that there are. BUT I AM NOT ONE! You put stuff forward in your various treatises and proclamations and I question what you present. Full disclosure...Every once in a while I stray from the main point and do a little ribbing...but you know that you deserve it.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
Winning and Losing By Hal Lindsey These days one of the worst things to call a person is “loser.” No one wants that word associated with his name. But is it even possible to apply words like “winner” or “loser” to human beings? The winning quarterback one week may be the loser in the week to follow. The successful entrepreneur may make a fortune in one business, then lose everything in the next. In various aspects of our lives, we all sometimes win and sometimes lose. But there is one part of life where every person on earth either wins or loses. And in this most basic and consequential area of life, any person alive can go instantly from loser to winner, and never go back. Human beings are engaged in a contest, but it’s not a game. Dictionary.com defines a “game” as, “an amusement or pastime.” Life is more than mere amusement. The same website defines a “contest” as, “a race, conflict, or other competition… as for a prize; a struggle for victory.” That’s what we’re in the middle of — a struggle for victory. While there are degrees to both winning and losing, ultimately you are in one category or the other. You either win or lose on the greatest scale imaginable. You either live forever or die forever. 1 John 5:19 lays out the situation. “The whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” Jesus confirmed the devil’s power over this world. He called Satan “ruler of this world” in John 12:31, 14:30, and 16:11. John 10:10 refers to the devil as “the thief” who comes to “steal, and kill, and destroy.” Satan’s ways lead to destruction. But before 1 John 5:19 speaks of Satan’s power over the world system, it says something crucial to those who have entered Christ’s eternal covenant of grace. It says, “We know that we are of God.” Verse 20 says, “And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding, in order that we might know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” Jesus gives eternal life to all who receive Him. That’s how to win. At any point in a person’s life, they can step out of darkness into life by believing on and accepting Jesus as their Savior. Those who reject Him over their entire lives suffer eternal loss. I said that there are degrees to both winning and losing. Jesus made it clear that those who reject Him will be held accountable for all their failings. That means some will have it worse than others. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 tells us that the reward Christians receive will vary according to the amount and quality of their work on earth. But the first step is the most important. It is a step out of death and into life. That part has nothing to do with our works and everything to do with the works of Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” We often say, “He died for our sins.” That’s true, but there’s more to it. The other part is, “that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” He took our sins onto Himself so that He can impute to us His perfect righteousness. He ran the race. He won the victory. And He gives His victory to all who receive Him. That’s you — or it can be you. If you have not accepted His provision for your salvation, you can. Right now. Just ask Him.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
You and I must be the same age Steve A My Dad was reading "The Late Great Planet Earth" in the early 80's, back when Rush Limbaugh was really gaining popularity and Reagan was doing a great job cleaning up Carter's mess... The good ol' days lol. Being raised in a Christian family, I was always aware that tribulation was allotted for "the wicked" generation. So, Revelation fascinated more than terrified me. And you're right about Lindsey, he always tells stories of how he learned about Bible prophecy as a young man. He would never claim to be a prophet himself, just a student like the rest of us. The "prophets" have already done their job... mostly
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
What Do These Things Have in Common? By Hal Lindsey The price of eggs… a Mall of America security guard threatening the wearer of a “Jesus saves” t-shirt… attacks on the US power grid… a worldwide obsession with pornography… another wave of nuclear threats coming out of Russia… a universal weakening of democratic institutions… a global reshuffling of leaders… threats of “civil war” in Israel… corruption in the highest levels of government across the world… weaponized Artificial Intelligence… deep fake audio and video enabling previously unimagined levels of deception… global economic chaos… and on and on. What do these and hundreds of other things like them have in common? They are signs of the soon coming of Jesus. Planet earth is in the throes of the birth of a new world. It’s difficult — even excruciating — but it is also thrilling. We are entering the days foreseen by the prophets. In this end-times world, we are increasingly surrounded by foolishness, rage against God, arrogance, and by people who devise and delight in evil. It’s important for us, our loved ones, our churches, and our communities that Christians respond well. So, how does God say to respond? First, let’s look at how not to respond. Jesus taught us not to respond in kind. We are not to spew expletive-saturated vitriol at perceived enemies over social media. We are not to become fearful or violent. Fear and rage go hand in hand. Extreme anger often comes as a result of feeling afraid or threatened. That’s why it is so important for Christians to walk in faith. How can you win people to Christ while living in fear of them and feeling unrelenting anger toward them? In Mark 11:22, Jesus gave us the answer in only four words — “Have faith in God.” If your faith is in your own strength or the strength of your political associations or in a particular leader, you will naturally be afraid. You will be outraged by every potential threat. But faith in God allows you to exhibit and grow the fruit of the Spirit — “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23, NASB) Don’t pass over that list too quickly. Consider each word. Don’t you want that? Doesn’t the world need that? Those words represent light in an ever-darkening age — “love… joy… peace… patience… kindness… goodness… faithfulness… gentleness… self-control.” Proverbs 24:19 says, “Do not fret because of evildoers.” Social media and cable news networks teach us just the opposite. They want us to do nothing but fret over the actions and attitudes of others. If your concern is only for your own worldly well-being, then you will be obsessed with what evildoers are up to. But if you take God’s perspective, you won’t agonize because of evildoers, but over the future of evildoers. The next verse, Proverbs 24:20, says, “For there will be no future for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out.” For that reason, verse 19 and many other scriptures admonish us not to envy evil men. They may be flying in lush private jets to conferences about the terrors of climate change. They may have celebrity and power. But unless they turn to Christ, eternity will not be a happy place for them. Meanwhile, the lowliest (by the world’s standards) man or woman in Christ will live in an eternity full of love, joy, and peace. And we who have faith in God, can live in the same heavenly love, joy, and peace — now.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,044 Likes: 16
Top 40 Poster
|
Top 40 Poster
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,044 Likes: 16 |
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,212 Likes: 45
Top 200 Poster
|
Top 200 Poster
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,212 Likes: 45 |
Hal Lindsey wrote...
What do these and hundreds of other things like them have in common? They are signs of the soon coming of Jesus. Planet earth is in the throes of the birth of a new world. It’s difficult — even excruciating — but it is also thrilling. We are entering the days foreseen by the prophets.
No they are not signs of the soon coming of Jesus...
VNORTH2
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29
Top 100 Poster
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29 |
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.........zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Wake me when it's over. Not the world as we know it, but this thread.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,212 Likes: 45
Top 200 Poster
|
Top 200 Poster
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,212 Likes: 45 |
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.........zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Wake me when it's over. Not the world as we know it, but this thread. I just woke up after leaving this thread a couple of weeks ago....hoping someone would put it out of its misery ...oh well...I'll send you pm if anything positive happens, Marty...in the meantime, pleasant dreams LOL Steve
VNORTH2
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85
Top 100 Poster
|
OP
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3,973 Likes: 85 |
Fine... I'm Done... Finished.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29
Top 100 Poster
|
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126 Likes: 29 |
Fine... I'm Done... Finished. Are you kaput? You didn't mention kaput?
|
|
|
We would like to keep the membership in Just Plain Folks FREE! Your donation helps support the many programs we offer including Road Trips and the Music Awards.
|
|
Forums117
Topics125,717
Posts1,160,950
Members21,470
|
Most Online37,523 Jan 25th, 2020
|
|
"If one man can do it, any man can do it. It is true. But the real question is, if one man did it, are you willing to do what it takes to do it as well?" –Brian Austin Whitney
|
|
|
|