Back in the 1960’s, there was a movement that declared that God was dead. This was not a new concept, as some have believed this lie of Satan’s for several hundred years. However, it took on a popular theme when the April 8, 1966, issue of Time Magazine had “Is God Dead?” on its cover in bold red letters. When that issue came out, debate started between Christians and atheists, and continues today. Sad commentary is, it’s not as intense today on the Christian side as it was then. The world (Satan) is gaining ground just as the Bible said it would at the end of this era.
During the 1960’s, another group formed, calling themselves “Jesus Freaks.” This Christian attitude spun out of the “hippie” movement on the West Coast, and spread all over this country and even into some other countries. It pretty much faded in the early 1980’s. Some conservative ministries, and some cults, evolved from this, and many books were written. Two Christian movies over the past decade were produced stating, “God’s Not Dead.” Christianity has been changing, and not all for the better.
During the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s, there were definite differences between Christianity and Atheism, with more leaning toward Jesus than Satan. From the late 1990’s, and especially from about 2008 to the present, the emphasis has been shifting the other way. There is more talk about all religions worshiping the same god and, therefore, are the same; there’s many ways to heaven; wiccans are Christians too; anything God declared an abomination is no longer wrong; and just being male and female is out of date.
Regarding that last point, the Bible plainly states that, “Male and Female He created them, and named them humankind” (Genesis 5:2). Also, “…but from the beginning of creation, He made them male and female” (Mark 10:6). There’s no reference to any other types than these two, and God doesn’t make mistakes.
A song written by Kenneth Morris and released by Don Gibson in the late 1950’s pretty much sums up my feelings. It has been recorded by various artists and is a classic today.
“My God Is Real”
(v.1) There are some things I may not know; There are some places I can’t go. But I am sure of this one thing; My God is Real, for I can feel Him in my soul.
(chorus) My God is Real. He’s real in my soul. My God is real, for He has washed and made me whole. His love for me is like pure gold. My God is real, for I can feel Him in my soul.
(v.2) I cannot tell just how it felt when Jesus took my sins away. But since that day, yes, since that hour, God has been real, for I can feel His mighty power. (chorus)
We have definite dividing lines today. There is open worship of Satan; and in front of some city government buildings, satanic statues have been put up next to displays of the 10 Commandments. There are churches of Satan that no longer are hidden, but even have a page on Facebook. Nativity scenes are being attacked as somehow illegal. Organizations even travel from state to state to file suits against these displays. Anything that displays a cross is definitely in their sights as well.
The common cry, “Freedom from religion,” is a misnomer, for the Constitution says, “Freedom of Religion.” It is plain that this provides people the freedom in America to worship, or not, as they wish. The Constitutional amendment was drafted to keep Congress from controlling how people worship the deity of their choice. Separation of Church and State has been turned around in a way that was never intended. Thomas Jefferson stated it was to keep government out of legal Church business, not to say that a religious display was wrong. The satanic attacks are increasing all over our country. Any worship of other religions or gods is not being targeted; only Jesus worship.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Satan is very real. Further, there is absolutely no doubt that our Triune God is real. He is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit – three in One – and how this works will be explained when we get Home. I just take this by faith to be truth.
Not only is My God Real, He does not lie (Titus 1:2); and when His message to us (Bible) says there will come an end to this age, it will be so. We were given signs to look for; and for the first time ever in history, all of them are present. The very next event on the prophetic calendar is the Rapture as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-53. We just don’t know the day or hour this will take place.
Therefore, to sum it up, My God would like for all of us to call on the name of Jesus and be saved (Acts 2:21; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:13 and 2 Peter 3:9). He will force no one to do so, but will accept everyone who truly accepts Jesus as their Savior.
If someone choses to reject Jesus, God will allow them this choice; but that outcome will be eternity in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:11-15). There is no third option. The Great White Throne Judgment determines the degree of punishment unbelievers will receive, and that punishment will last forever.
All true believers will end up at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). There we will receive, or lose, rewards for what we did on this earth. However, we will still have an eternal home in Heaven with the Savior. It’s not a punishment judgment, as the judgment in Revelation is. Everyone has been given talents, and how we used them while here is what will count.
Jesus said in Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him/her, and he/she with Me.”
It’s an open invitation from our Creator, who gave His life for us so that we could have the opportunity to be with Him forever. God truly loves all of us (John 3:16; Romans 5:8), and provided a straight and narrow way that we could all be with Him (John 14:6 and Matthew 7:13-14). It is totally up to you what you choose to believe – Your Eternity; Your Choice.
Maranatha