1Co 15.55 +

1Co 15.55

“O death, where is thy sting?

O grave, where is thy victory?”

 

“But where formalism, worldliness & unbelief have crowded the Comforter out…they pay thousands of dollars to a quartette to perform the service which their backslidden souls refuse to render.”

– M W Knapp

 

A major event took place some time ago. It was important, so important that you know the date of it. In fact, you were there – though you have no memory of it. It was YOUR birth. You had zero control over it, but it started everything else you know. A second major event cometh. It is YOUR death. The actual means of dying you know not but if you’ll obey the Father, Son & Holy Spirit you can be prepared for what lies just beyond death’s door. Are you Obeying? Are you Trusting the blood of Christ? – 5/24/20

 

“Every man whose heart is full of the love of God is full of humility

for there is no man so humble as he whose heart is cleansed from all sin.”

– Adam Clarke

 

FAMILY HISTORY

It matters not the long valley

From which your family hailed,

Nor the salty ship, on ocean lip

In which that family sailed.

 

It matters not about their grub

Rhubarb or roastin’ ears,

Nor if their shack, was by an old track

In Greek-Roman suburb.

 

It matters not if long they stood

By slowly sifting sands,

Nor if their soul, was close to a “pole”

In frozen, far, white lands.

 

Were they “bad” warriors (I hope not)

Who have shed angry blood?

Were they worshipper (not much better)

Whose sword raised a small flood?

 

Were they farmers who knew the smell

Of soil newly turned?

Or bakers whose bread, the hungry fed,

Light brown, but never burned.

 

Did they know an ancient wisdom:

Parables and proverb?

Or did they just spurn, such light to learn,

Adjective, noun or verb.

 

Did your family? – ah, there’s no lack.

Diversification.

None mattering, not a single thing,

If they missed salvation.

 

Brag not of where your family’s been:

Valley, plain, or high slope,

If they fled or felt, the angry welt

Of gen’ral or of pope.

~ Ÿ ~Ÿ ~ Ÿ ~ Ÿ ~

Did family know here below

The Lord in His glory?

OH, if they knew, the One the Jews slew –

Tell, tell ALL their story.

– eab,   5/24/09

 

Some get their “highs” out of biking: part of them powered by their legs & part of them powered by “vroom-vroom.” Some getting their highs from boating: from kayaks, to sails using winds, to yachts. Others seek their happiness in a 100, no, make that 10,000 other ways but many of, most of, these ways are earth bound: air, sea, land. Friend, your soul is not earth bound. Begin, now begin, to talk to the Lord & literally find highs of happiness with which you can grow old & happily die. – 5/24/20

 

*Negative quote*

“The Bible is the cause of all the troubles in the church.”

– Dr. Usinger – 1 of Luther’s teachers while still with Rome

 

Mat 7.15

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing

but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

 

Are there false prophets today? My computer thesaurus lists synonyms for “charlatan” which is what false prophets really are: impostor, fake, fraud, swindler, con, quack, counterfeit, pretender, con artist, & sham. Do you listen/watch one on radio/TV? “Come on, Bryan, I’m smarter than to pay attention to crafty guys.” I hope so, but having worked with & watched humans “foibles” & stronger, “carnality” for 70 yrs: when I was still a student & as teacher & pastor; I warn YOU are not above being deceived. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you hear what he really is saying *and what he is NOT saying* (that he should). – 5/24/20

 

“There is no body of literature in the world

which enjoys such a wealth of good textual attestation as the New Testament.”

– F F Bruce

Read Full Post »

1Co 15.19 +

1Co 15.19

“If in this life only we have hope in Christ,

we are of all men most miserable.”

 

“Consistent living on the part of God’s people

is the condition to obtaining the answer to prayer.”

– T M Anderson

 

You are NOW deciding who YOUR heroes are: 1.) A guy who carries a ball so many yards, 2.) A man who builds the Indy 500 winner, 3.) A fellow who took a bullet in Vietnam, 4.) Or, hear it, OR God’s servant who’s being faithful to many (or few) at his preaching/educating/medical center on foreign soil. AND, who your hero is, may well decide who your child’s is. – 5/18/20

 

“Sin cannot remain alone,

it must win others.”

– E B Annable

 

CHOOSE THE MILD

A day of choice comes to every man and child,

To follow the Meek & Lowly, or satan, mean & wild,

To take the way, narrow and right

Or the way of confusion, sin & blight.

O choose, friend, the Christ, He is so mild.

– eab, May  2013

 

Have you heard of Fox’s Book of Martyrs? Have you read it? (No, not read a brief abridgement; No, not have your seen it made into “a movie” – nearly, of not exactly, impossible.) This Classic was once 2^nd only to the Holy Scriptures in the readership of English Christians.  I’ve told students &/or church people read it in the morning – it could scare you to read it after dark. His historical accounts (some brief, some more detailed) covering over 350 pages are factual. Facts too few moderns know. I urge you to read it. – 5/23/20

 

“Ignorance of the Holy Scriptures is the cause of all evils.

If we go unarmed to battle how can we escape?”

– Chrysostom

 

Mat 7.22-23

“Many will say to me…Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? & in thy name have cast out devils? & in thy name done many wonderful works?

“…Then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

 

As an adult you shouldn’t have to be told, all who name the name of Christ are not true followers. Nor, should you have to be told all churches (or clusters thereof) who call themselves “christians” are not Christians. The “ecumenical folks” want you to overlook this second sentence. “Oh, they use a bible (many times not the preserved Text – reason for small “b”). “They respect an historical Jesus” etc. Friend, for the sake of your wife & children, for the sake of the group with whom you worship, for the sake of Your Never Dying Soul. Don’t accept the ecumenical push we’ll may feel (IMO) coming down the pike. 5/23/20

 

“…How far is love even with many wrong opinions

to be preferred before truth without love!”

– John Wesley

Read Full Post »

1Co 14.40 +

1Co 14.40

“ Let all things be done decently and in order.”

 

“If you don’t have a hungering for holiness

you have reason to question your relationship with God!”

– V O Agan

 

“Women get preached at so much – it seems unfair.” Be honest now; haven’t women been a snare to men with their low neckline, high hemline, & flirtatious eye liner? It’s a pleasure to speak to a woman without having to fight the temptation to look at a part of her body she’s purposely revealing. Be lady-like gals, teach your daughters to dress careful, & encourage your granddaughter when/where you can be to ladies. One more thing, please stand, sit, & walk like a lady. It’s all parts of the whole. – 5/17/20

 

“The carnal nature is the thing that makes you sore

when you get hurt.”

– T M Anderson

 

IT’S REAL NAME    

Some call  it Humanity,

Which in all  Reality,

Is the gall of Carnality.

– eab, 5/18/09

 

Why are Christians drawn to “christian speakers” who believe less than they believe theologically? who aren’t as careful about separation from the world as they are? and whose life lacks depths they view as Biblical? Why do they travel miles to hear, seek autographs, read his books, watch his videos? [I hasten to say there’s a difference between a one-time-curious visit & becoming a fan.] I fear too many have become a follower of “X” because they heard/saw a church/college leader show too much admiration for “said speaker.” Pastor, school official, I can’t urge you too much, be very careful who you “set up.” Pray for discernment – he may, someday, prove a huge disappointment. – 5/21/20

 

“Whatever the sin-made world happens to be clamoring after at the moment

is cleverly shown to be the very thing the gospel offers only the religious product is better.”

– A W Tozer

 

Mat 4.10

“…Get thee hence, satan: for it is written,

Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

 

I’ve loved America, have enjoyed driving in 49 states (many of them multiple times) & was always glad to return to her after the several times I crossed the Atlantic, Pacific, or parts thereof. But, hear me – Please hear me – now is not the time for you to become more “patriotic.” Now is the time for you to increase your Loyalty to Heaven & to The Trinity. Christ does not approve of His child dying for some earthly patch of rock, water & soil. But He wants us ready to stand for Him & His eternal Word. Are you? Am I? -5/22/20

 

“The only protection against compromise is a continual growth in grace.”

– author unknown (Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist?)

Read Full Post »

1Co 13.2

1Co 13.2

“…Though I have the gift of prophecy & understand all mysteries & all knowledge &

though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains & have not charity, I am nothing.”

 

“Love is without hate, faith is without doubt,

humility is without pride, meekness is without anger.”

– Wm McDonald

 

START – This very day depending on God’s Word. If you think you’re already doing that, amend your reading/studying habits to rely on It more. It is true. When we understand It – It is true. When we don’t understand It – It is true. Nothing is as reliable as the Bible. In this age of dependence on media we’re surrounded by a swirl of lies & lies will drown us, if we don’t stand on the Rock of Truth, God’s Word. -5/19/20

 

“Our greatest responsibility besides prayer

is in study.”

– Richard Miles

 

GOD OR GOLD

You will serve God or you will serve gold.

Make your contrary assertions ever so bold,

And claim the truth has not been told.

But the love of money is the root of all evil,

The love of gold leads directly to the devil.

Gold can be shaped in various known forms,

It can appear average or far from the norms,

One is pulled to the sciences, another to the arts,

One is lulled to amalgamations, one leaves things in parts,

One seeks gold directly, another seems it to “hate,”

But gold’s the one attraction of sinners, early or late,

And – – – you will serve God or you will serve gold.

– eab, 5/21/08

 

I’m glad I don’t’ see, after the death of Mr X or Mrs Q, people saying “I’m sure he’s burning in hell now” nor “Hell’s gained another prisoner” etc. We shouldn’t wish anyone eternal torment nor assign a soul to go below. “Bryan, why are you saying this?” Because, Friend, we too freely assume Mr Y or Mrs R are in heaven. Going to heaven is Very Special! Only those who’ve repented & obtained a holy heart are admitted. Going to church won’t “Get your in.” Doing good deeds won’t “Get you in.” Be more concerned about being ready yourself, than assuming a deceased friend is in heaven. – 5/21/20

 

“…Modernists…are…happy to talk about Jesus but they do not want the Jesus who denounced

the Pharisees & told them they were of their father the devil.”

– Carl McIntire

 

Luk 16.23

“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, &

 seeth Abraham afar off & Lazarus in his bosom.”

 

At times I’ve posted a quote by a man with an earned PhD. He spent hour upon hour, for yrs in serious study at a recognized collegiate institution or seminary & produced a required paper or book. I respect his dedication & effort. I’ve known several men who’ve been given an honorary degree, some of whom did creditable but non-academic work & some who were given it as a favor. Though I may agree they should receive honor, often their accomplishments didn’t equal the strain of an earned doctorate & seldom, if ever, should they be called “Dr.” The desire to be called “Dr.” is a dangerous – 5/19/20

 

“Fellowship is precious in the Lord.

He alone gives it. It is an unspeakable gift.”

– Carl McIntire

Read Full Post »

1Co 13.1 +

1Co 13.1

“Though I speak with the tongues of men & of angels & have not charity

I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.”

 

“A backslider is one

who has lost his spiritual eye-sight.”

– M W Knapp

 

Friend – Do you know you are saved? Are you living e-v-e-r-y day without sinning? (Not mistakes, sins!) Have you sought & by faith, found a Holy Heart? You’ve never lived in a day when it’s more important that you be Up-To-Date with Jesus. Nothing catastrophic may happen to your country (or you personally) in May – yet it may. Get right – – – Stay right. – 5/19/20

 

“Welcome this chain for Christ’s sake.”

– John Huss [death scenes]

“I would not change my joy for the empire of the world.”

– Philip Sidney, Sir [death scene] quoted by M W Knapp

 

RIPPED BY PARENTS

Look closely and you’ll find it there

Some grown men have a rip, a tear;

Not a planned line with a surgeon’s knife

Nor an unplanned slice by his hunting knife

But a tear jagged and a bit rough

Also unplanned – “sure enough.”

Looking involves more than mere skin

Some of the worst tears are within;

Like the huge tear in his little heart

When Dad and Mom’s marriage “fell” apart

They (the closest kin) separated – sad result.

And sadder for him – he imagined it his fault.

– eab, 5/19/17

 

Fall in love with Truth. No Book will help you detect a lie better than the Bible. Ask God to give you a spirit of discernment. (I wouldn’t ask Him for the full gift of discernment – it would wear you out – but to discern truth from lies for your immediate needs.) AND, ask God to give you the Holy Spirit who “…will guide you into all truth…”(John 16.13). Christians don’t have to be deceived – not even in this terribly age of media & political lies. – 5/19/20

 

“God be with you, my children; I have breakfasted with you &

I shall supper with my Lord Jesus Christ this night.”

“Robert Bruce (1554-1631) Presbyterian, Scotland

 

Pro 23.23

“Buy the truth, and sell it not…”

 

The roman catholic system is not a denomination – It’s “pope” sees himself as the representative of Christ on earth – No, all Christians are His representatives. They want you to call a priest “father” – Christ said, “…Call no man your father upon the earth…”(Mat 23.9). Catholics have taken million$ for supposedly praying “x” out of purgatory – there’s no such place. They want you to believe Mary had no other children – Mat 13 & Mar 6 name 4 more sons she had. – 5/19/20

 

It is NOT another denomination – Catholics believe their wafer becomes the body of Christ – how sad & wrong. They have idols – “…We know that an idol is nothing…”(1Co 8.4) & they expect a priest to be single – “A bishop…must be…husband of one wife…”(1Ti 3.2). Never dislike any catholic person. But oppose most of what the catholic system teaches. – 5/19/20

 

“ ‘Some time’ is the chloroform with which satan drugs

people while he robs them of their souls.”

– M W Knapp

Read Full Post »

1Co 11.15 +

1Co 11.15

“But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her:

for her hair is given her for a covering.”

 

“Revivals are born after midnight!”

– Glen Griffith (1 of the most compassionate preachers I’ve heard)

 

You & I’ve been lied to. Please awaken & know it’s not just this group or that, (NOR is it just the last few months). We’ve been lied to for years & the man in me, the dad in me, the American in me, doesn’t like it. Thankfully (for us) it’s not a sin to be lied to. Horribly (for X.Y.Z.) it is a sin to lie & “…All liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire & brimstone…”(Rev 21.8). Every liar (public official, or no) will, unless he/she repents suffer forever for his lies. Pray for their salvation. Hell will be terrible. – 5/18/20

 

“The only sin that can be forgiven

is a fully confessed & fully forsaken sin.”

– Glen Griffith

 

approval rating

Your approval rating with man,

Might be great or might be bland.

But when you go below the sod

What counts? Your “approval rating” with God.

– eab, 5/16/09

 

It is 100% Biblical that our Lord, Jesus Christ, is going to return to earth. Never, NEVER allow anyone to make you doubt that. He is coming in the clouds, just as Mark was inspired to pen (Mar 13.26). Now. Think. For. A. Moment. satan also knows Jesus is coming – could there be a more masterful move for satan, than him getting people confused about this event? What if satan sends his antichrist (but “billed” as Christ) before our Lord comes? Be Watchful. – 5/17/20

 

“I am forever sick of this dilly-dallying with the truth & professed Christians standing up

& saying, ‘I can’t quit sinning.’”

– Sam Jones, quoted by M W Knapp

 

1Jo 4.20a

“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar…”

 

Did you tell your child there was an “easter” bunny? (Or did you take an open stand against this myth?) Do you have any hint that the colored eggs which festooned your home are connected to astarte or easter, a heathen goddess? [1] “Bryan, don’t be so serious. Having a bunny & bright eggs was so fun & we enjoyed the children’s reaction.” The lie of bunnies laying eggs is still a lie, even if it’s a part of a tradition. Please stop using traditions with heathen backgrounds for the sake of truth AND your child’s never-dying soul. – 5/18/20 ¹ Alexander Hislop, The Two Babylons, (1959) 109

 

“Good thoughts word & acts are the luscious grapes which always grow upon every believer s branch…Their absence is infallible proof …Christ is not crowned within.”

– M W Knapp

 

Read Full Post »

1Co 11.14 +

1Co 11.14

“Doth not even nature itself teach you, that,

if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?”

 

“If remorse is confounded with repentance

hell is filled with penitents…”

– John Fletcher

 

Money is not a part of heaven. (Proof? Gold is walked on up there.) The only references to money in hell (IMO) are the regrets of how bound hell’s “prisoners” were to it. If the above are true – I believe they must be – earth is only place where money is valued. Here it’s esteemed far, FAR too much. “And having food & raiment let us be therewith content”(1Ti 6.8). Die out to dollars. – 5/16/20

 

“…Puritans whipped the Quakers, men & women, cut off their ears…hanged four of their preachers…in the last century for preaching up the Christian perfection of faith & obedience…”

– John Fletcher

 

No divorce

No man and his wife

Walking the true Christian life

Can the devil ever force

Into a deadly divorce.

– eab, 5/13/09

 

“Jesus…said…‘Take heed that no man deceive you’”(Mat 24.4). “Jesus answering…‘Take heed lest any man deceive you’”(Mar 13.5). “…He said, ‘Take heed that ye be not deceived…’”(Luk 21.8). Jesus KNEW there was danger of trickery. Jesus knew satan could represent himself as an angel of light. Jesus knew the devil has “his ministers also…transformed as the ministers of righteousness…”(2Co 11.15). The three NT chapters dealing with the future all begin with a warning about being fooled. Friend, oh friend I can’t warn your heart (nor mine) enough – stay awake; be alert; watch & pray. – 5/17/20

 

“Success is the progressive fulfillment of the will of God for your life.”

– G R French

 

Mat 7.22

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? & in thy name have cast out devils? & in thy name done many wonderful works?”

 

You may have heard a well-known evangelical say “X,” you may’ve heard a famous holiness preacher preach “Y,” perhaps you sat under the ministry of Bro So-n-So as he expounded “Z.” With all due respect to the above men (I mean those words) they could’ve been mistaken about X,Y,Z. You & I are to search the Scriptures. When we face the Judge of all the earth on the most solemn day we ever lived, He won’t be interested in what a man preached – we’ll be judged by what His Word taught. Read the Bible for what It says, not what What’s-His-Name said it meant. – 5/17/20

 

“Attacks on the Bible are

really attacks on Christ.”

– Eldon Fuhrman, PhD

Read Full Post »

1Co 11.6 +

1Co 11.6

“For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but

if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.”

 

“[Saints] have scorned the sinful, renounced the carnal, triumphed over the natural

& found a new realm of spiritual relationship in Christ.”

– Harry Jessop

 

God could have made every shoreline straight, every tree perfectly perpendicular to its growing place, & every cloud a square. How boring. Thank You Lord, for your love of variety (among the many wonderful “traits” I love about You)! The devil wants humans to hate God & accuse Him of being a dictator. No, God is the greatest of all Liberators – He wants to liberate you: Body, Soul & Spirit to be the real you, He created you to be. Let the Father cleanse you & give you, your unique variety. – 5/15/20

 

“‘Jesus findeth him in the temple’- not the moving picture show or the circus,

not with high wines & low ideals…”

– Andrew N Johnson

 

PREACHER’S BOY

Many a preacher’s boy

Has been led by the devil astray,

Stumbled down the wrong path

Further and further away,

Sampled sin a little and then a lot,

Until dad’s God was almost forgot,

But God changed all that

When He found a saint that would pray.

– eab, May 2013

 

A congregation’s official stance (manual or other “paperwork”) may be aligned with the NT in nearly a perfect manner. Its pastor may say he adheres to the Bible in many areas. Its hymnal may not have gone modern & all these are to be appreciated. But – serious question coming – who is daily living the Life of Christ? Is there even one old saint? When she/he dies will the light of holy living be extinguished in that group? Do some churches face this problem? God help us. 5/15/20

 

“The Bible is the best of all books, for it is the word of God & teaches us the way to be happy in this world & in the next. Continue therefore to read it & to regulate your life by its precepts.”

– John Jay, First Chief-Justice of the US Supreme Court.

 

Rev 15.3

“…They sing the song of Moses the servant of God & the song of the Lamb, saying, Great & marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just & true are thy ways, thou King of saints.”

 

When’s the last time you prayed for a country where Christ is desperately needed? Have you ever prayed for a revival to strike a country in Asia? Does an African country “call for” your attention? “…Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth laborers into his harvest”(Luk 10.2). Pray this for a territory you may not have visited but God wants you to be burdened for. You may not be able to go – but your prayers can. – 5/15/20

 

“…She[mother] trained me to habit of early rising;

she made me devote the first waking hours to reading the Bible.”

– John Jacob Astor I

Read Full Post »

1Co 10.31 +

1Co 10.31

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do,

do all to the glory of God.”

 

“O give us GENUINE &

save us from VOLUNTARY humility!”

– John Fletcher

 

I doubt there’s a man on earth who fully understands the powerful OT prophet, Daniel (finished reading him again, recently) & the even more powerful NT prophecy, Revelation (have read It thrice in 2020). Both Books let us know the world is going to end. I’m not trying to be dramatic (we all know we’ll die if we don’t live to see the world’s end) but factual. If you are not saved – seek God today, promise to obey Him & then do so till you die. If you are Born again – seek to be made perfect in love. Your world OR The World, could end soon. – 5/9/20

 

“…Can there be a greater sin…than to make

the lying devil a god & the true God a liar?”

– John Fletcher

 

Corinthians Eleven  

How does the good Book read,

You should take serious heed!

“That was just for that town in Greece;

It’s not for me – disturbs my peace.”

– eab, 5/12/09

 

“ ‘X’ is so heavenly minded he’s no earthly good.” No. That is an unkind lie. The people who’ve done the earth the MOST good, without question, were those with heaven on their mind, heaven in their thoughts, & heaven even being “worked out” with their hands. – 5/13/20

 

“So preach that those who do not fall out with their sins

may fall out with thee.”

– Martin Luther

 

2Ti 4.10

“For Demas hath forsaken me,

having loved this present world & is departed…”

 

Backsliding is easy it seems: just stop doing “this” & “that,” be lazy, do nothing, & soon you’re completely backslidden inside, & maybe outside as well. Coming back to what you once were is Work. It’ll take all the Manhood you have dear friend, all the Womanhood you can possibly muster, to get back to where you once were with Christ. Worth the effort? Oh, yes, a 1000 times yes. – 5/14/20

 

“Jesus is the Word. The Bible is Words about the Word.

Theology is words about the Words about the Word.

All the time you’re getting farther from Christ.”

– Richard Wormbrandt

Read Full Post »

Mat 10.28 +

Mat 10.28

“…Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul:

but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul & body in hell.”

 

“God is to human souls

what light is to the world.”

– Adam Clarke

 

The World Is Coming to an End. I don’t refer to a recent “virus” – too many people were too concerned about it. I refer to Revelation – too few are concerned about the teachings of “The Revelation of Jesus Christ…” It’s even been taught that everything after Rev 3 is in the future. You shouldn’t blindly accept this theory. The words “…things which must shortly come to pass…”(Rev 1.1) doesn’t fully fit with it. There’s a lot of material in ch.4 – 22 & we may be living in one of those chapters. – 5/10/20

 

“Let – the key word in Christianity.”

– Ray Chamberlain

 

EXTRA L-O-N-G POEM @  LOT

A purchase was made in a town that had class.

The house had a decent and well-shaded plot.

How “lucky” they were to have found it at last,

And soon it was handsomely bought.

 

His missus was pleased, “The location is great.”

Amenities? Yes!  There had flowed thru her thought;

A vision of high entertainment of late,

T’was something her soul had long sought.

 

His daughters were also in love with the place,

(Though daily the four of them selfishly fought.)

They loved the attention; they loved the fast pace,

Incredibly more than they ought.

 

Did this town have action? At night it was “wired!”

(That – long before current men knew the term “watt.”)

Adulteries and shows, fornications were hired.

The city was full of such rot.

 

The house is so perfect, so very “upscale;”

The garden, the orchard, the gold apricot.

But is it not time to consider a sale?

A single look shows such a blot.

 

Oh, see how the married girls all have become.

Each husband is drinking or is a sad sot.

The two who remain, are unmarried at home.

They’ll likely get, just what “sis” got.

 

But mom has her Garden Club, daughters have peers,

And dad has a seat at the city’s prime “slot.”

They’ve each gotten used to sin’s grime – without fears.

Besides, who would buy their big yacht?

 

Two angels appeared in the evening, like men.

The man, wife, and daughters reverted (as taught).

They offered protection from Sodom’s sad sin,

But leaving there seemed a “long shot.”

 

“My city, so fair on the plains of my dream,

“My Sodom will burn? Get exceedingly hot?”

The son-in-laws doubt him, “Things are what they seem”

“Your daughters will stay. They’ll go not!”

 

Reluctant to flee, yet forbidden to stay;

So closely aligned there, so tight was the knot.

They waited, they stalled, “Was there no other way.”

Must they flee their loved “Camelot”?

 

So pulled out by angels – reluctant to start,

Reluctant to leave her young daughter’s new “tot,”

The mother so slowly, but surely lost heart,

And turned – That’s as far as she got.

 

The city soon burned, scorched by heaven’s own fire.

Position and influence, mansion; were shot.

Hot brimstone consumed all of one man’s desire,

Sulfuric clouds reigned o’er the spot.

 

“Roll back in your journey, swift suns of my life.”

“Return my lost son-in-laws, children, and wife.”

“I give you my Sodom, so foolishly sought –”

“I, Lot, lost a lot – on that lot.”

– eab, May 2001

 

The anti-christ will be religious; he’ll want you to see him as “christ.” The deceived world may wear his “inking” with pride, as a badge of honor. They may try to make you (ones without the “mark”) embarrassed that you don’t have one. They may see antichrist as “saving the earth” & you as a traitor, for not supporting him. *Warning* If you can’t stand on the job, in the family, even in the church, now when there’s a degree of freedom, how will you stand when the pressure of the MARK is pressed on you? – 5/10/20

 

“It is when there is no revival that it is difficult to get men to enter the ministry

or to go to the mission field…”

– Oswald J Smith

 

Rev 13.16

“…he causeth all, both small & great, rich & poor, free & bond

to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:”

 

You shouldn’t spend too much time “figuring out” who the anti-christ is. (You could devote months conjecturing who he is, & even be right – but fail to be wholly right with Jesus & therefore so weak you’d take the mark.) Be alert to “trial runs” (if we have such). Be aware of preparatory steps & avoid all you can. The BEST way to be prepared for Biblical future is be saved & Spirit-filled now. “The Lord is my helper & I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Heb 13.6). – 5/10/20

 

“God’s Word contains the best evidence

of its own inspiration.”

– J Hudson Taylor

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