When “praise and worship” songs come to my mind, I do not include very many from today’s contemporary offerings. Some, like “God’s Not Dead,” and “I Can Only Imagine” are exceptions that fit in very well. My preference is Southern Gospel, and especially the older ones. (all emphasis mine)

Much of what’s being offered today are what I call “7-11” songs. The same seven words repeated eleven times to finger-snapping upbeat music. For some, this may be exactly what they’re looking for. Many people today also like to attend “church services” that are designed for entertaining and “ear-tickling” messages, but are not very scriptural. No mention of sin and hell, just pure “soul-lifting” experiences. After all, it’s great to get an uplifting message that makes us feel happy, and puts the world’s problems on the sideline.

Being told certain activities are sinful and certain lifestyles are an abomination to God just adds to our daily stress, and we surely don’t need that pressure. Sadly, numerous evangelical services are catering to today’s wishes rather than presenting God’s true word. We’ve been told that false prophets and antichrists would become more prevalent during the end times; and for some churches, the goal is to keep seats and collection plates full no matter what it takes. Church members are not encouraged to read God’s word, but to hear what the speaker says and take it as “gospel.” If the “pastor” gives a truly uplifting (though unbiblical) message that makes everything seem right, what more can one possibly expect?

It will be interesting to note just how many of today’s organized churches will have any reduction in members present immediately after the Rapture. Some will not see any change from the Sunday before to the Sunday after. These will be the ones where it’s taught that all religions worship the same god, (note the small “g”) and Jesus isn’t necessary for our Salvation. The teachings are straight out of Satan’s playbook that started back in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3).

Thinking of actual Praise and Worship songs, I would offer the following as examples: “Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross”; “Praise Him – Praise Him,”; “He Hideth My Soul”; “I Am Thine, O Lord”; “Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior”; “Safe In The Arms Of Jesus”; “Tell Me The Story Of Jesus”; and many more such as these. In fact, one person wrote these and about 8,000 others during her lifetime between 1820 and 1915. I have already presented “Blessed Assurance” from Fanny Crosby, and would like to offer one more: “To God Be the Glory.”

This song was written about 1875 and shows the plan of Salvation. That would be to confess we are sinners, ask the Lord’s forgiveness, and know that only through Jesus can we be saved. Appropriate Bible verses that are implied are John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:23; Romans 8:1; Romans 10:9-13 and so many others. In all the hymns that were done by Ms. Crosby, there is not one word that is false, or would lead anyone away from Jesus, Our True Lord and Savior.

When we fully realize we are all sinners, and without Jesus we are lost, we will see a real need to seek a true relationship with Him. It’s not God’s words that make us feel condemned, but our very own acts. When we have a relationship with the Savior, the Holy Spirit convicts us each time we sin, and encourages us to seek forgiveness. God’s words are truly the “gift” of eternal life if we will turn our hearts over to Jesus. On this earth, and in these human bodies, we will never be pure enough for the Father to accept us. We are as lost as lost can be.

However, the good news (gospel) is that God Himself provided the means to how we can appear pure and holy, and ultimately have a home with Him. This is because of what Jesus did for us when He took our place on the cross and shed His pure lifeblood that would cover every sin ever committed on this earth. It’s almost overwhelming that God sees every sin ever committed of every minute of every day. What amazes me is He hasn’t destroyed us yet just for what’s taking place in this sin-filled world today.

God’s covenant with everyone is that all who will call on Jesus to be their Savior will be saved (Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:13). Likewise, all who refuse to accept this wonderful gift will be condemned to the Lake of Fire forever. This is about as righteous and just as it can be.

Jesus took upon Himself the punishment, the pain, the humiliation, and the death that we totally deserve. When He arose that third day, the blood He shed became our gift that completely covers our sins. Just one drop of His sinless blood is more valuable than all the treasures combined on this earth. When God looks at anyone who has received and accepted Jesus, He no longer sees our sins, but sees that we are a member of Jesus’ precious flock.

For this, all praise and glory belong to the Father who has not given up on all humanity. He loves us beyond our frail human comprehension, and wants everyone to succeed and be with Him forever (2 Peter 3:9).

Please consider the words of this inspirational song:

“To God be the Glory; great things He has done. So loved the world, that He gave us His Son. Who yielded His life, an atonement for sin, and opened the life gate that we may go in.

(c.) Praise the Lord; Praise the Lord; let the earth hear His voice. Praise the Lord; Praise the Lord; let the people rejoice. Oh come to the Father through Jesus the Son, and give Him the Glory; great things He has done.

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood. To every believer, the promise of God. The vilest offender, who truly believes, that moment from Jesus, forgiveness receives.

Great things He has taught us; great things He has done. And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son. Bur purer and higher and greater will be our wonder, our transport when Jesus we see!”

One thing we must remember is that we will sin all the way to the instant that we leave this earth. God knows this will be so, and has provided for us a pathway to forgiveness in 1 John 1:8-10. We try to turn away from habitual sin, but occasionally will slip. Jesus gave us an example of how forgiveness works with the Father, as an illustration for us to likewise forgive others.

Matthew 18:21-22; “Then Peter came to Him and said, Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother who sins against me? As many as seven times? Jesus said to him, not seven times, I tell you, but seventy times seven” (NET). This does not mean 490 literal times, but represents an infinite number. God will forgive us when we ask in the name of Jesus, but He expects us to forgive others as well. This is given in Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive others their sins, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

This is not to say you are to leave yourself open to further abuse; but forgive, and then turn it over to the Father. Then, if the situation warrants it, remove yourself from further contact with the abuser. Ms. Crosby gave a great example of this when she was old enough to realize that a faux doctor had caused her permanent blindness. She had no further contact with him ever, but told others she forgave him for that deed.

Joseph gave an example of God’s will when he forgave his brothers in Genesis 50:20. “As for you, you meant to harm me, but God intended it for a good purpose, so He could preserve the lives of many people as you can see this day.”

On our own, we can never measure up, but “To God Be the Glory” for all He has done for us. The hardest part is having faith, and believing it is the truth. The time is rapidly approaching when all believers will be taken from this earth in the “twinkling of an eye.” Those left behind will face a very terrible period as never has been before on this earth.

Call out to Jesus today; ask Him to forgive your sins; ask to be added to His precious flock of true believers. You will have the “Blessed Assurance” of an eternal home with Him. Finally, at the sight of our Jesus for the first time, we will declare, “To God Be the Glory!” Amen

Maranatha (come, Lord Jesus)

huebshman46@gmail.com

 

It’s time to look at 4 questions regarding the COVID 19 situation from a perspective of reality. Where the virus came from, who is to blame, how bad it is, and what effect will it have on the future. Of the 4, there are two sides to each question: what we know for sure, and what we don’t know for sure.

Questions 1 & 2. COVID 19, where did it come from and who is to Blame?

We can all speculate on the details, and believe what we choose to believe. But in reality, no one but God knows everything about this situation. There are a few things we can know with certainty, but without being directly involved or responsible, there are many details we just can’t know for sure.

We are told from many sources that COVID 19 came from a mutated virus found in Bats in China. Others say there is evidence that suggest it was created in a lab in China, and that it’s a weaponized virus. There are those who claim it was originally smuggled out of Canada; some say the U.S. military was involved. There are literally dozens of speculations and accusations floating around. Many, including myself, have spent many hours researching this subject, but can any of us really do enough research with our limited resources to know with any certainty where it came from, or who’s to blame? I don’t think so.

God is sovereign. He was not caught off guard by COVID 19, nor has He ever been caught off guard by any disaster. Personally, I choose to believe God, in His infinite mercy and grace, as societies stray too far, chooses to get our attention from time to time and reveal just how fragile, weak and vulnerable we really are. I think He also uses circumstances like this one to help us realize this current world is under a curse, and that it offers no real safety or security. After all, sooner or later we’re all going to die, right?

Sometimes, especially in a nation like our good old USA, we can get so caught up in the false sense of security that comes from living a life of ease and comfort, we choose not to even consider our own mortality or future. God, who is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance, sometimes gives us a glimpse of just how uncertain life really is, and how fast things can change.

God allows circumstances like this one to get us to consider our mortality, and what He has provided for humanity through the sacrifice of His only begotten Son. I think He would like us all to know the peace and security that comes from putting our faith and hope in the finished work of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sin, and the free gift of eternal life.

This brings us to the final two questions.

How bad is COVID 19 and what effect will it have on the future?

If we listen Democrat politicians and policy makers, it is very bad, and things can never be the same again. Some are saying society cannot be restored to normal until we have a vaccine. There is also talk of mandatory vaccinations with a digital ID system for verification before society can return to normal. If we listen to the mainstream media, they seem to go along with everything without questioning anything.

When talking with average citizens and freedom-loving Americans, most are beginning to wonder what is really happening. Many are saying something is not right about this, things are not that bad, and society must be re-opened as soon as possible or there will be real trouble.

I also find it interesting that more and more information coming to light suggests the mortality rates from COVID 19 are being fraudulently inflated to show a much higher death rate from the virus than what is really happening. If this is true, it would show this situation is being used for unseen motives and evil intent. With all the differing information floating around, can we with certainty really know just how bad it is? Again, I don’t think so.

All of this is leaving the average community leader stuck in the middle, afraid to take any action at all. Like the proverbial deer standing on the highway at midnight, frozen in place as he sees the coming headlights, afraid move to the left or the right for fear of the consequences.

My personal opinion, for what it’s worth. I believe the personal freedoms this country was founded on are worth standing up for. I believe everyone should do their own due diligence and decide for themselves what they should or should not be doing. I personally believe hang gliding is far too dangerous for me to participate in, so I choose not to do it. But, should my personal fear of hang gliding dictate whether or not others should have the freedom to do it? No! That’s why we live in America; it’s called freedom.

If a restaurant owner believes the threat from the virus is not bad enough to warrant shutting down his business, he should have the freedom to keep it open. If his customers feel the threat of the virus is too great for them to go to his restaurant, they have the freedom to stay away. If Christians are not afraid and want to meet together for worship, they have the guaranteed freedom to do so in this country. That’s what this country was founded on, and that’s what our Constitution guarantees. If they choose to stay home for fear of the virus, they have the right to do that as well.

As for me, I don’t want, or need, politicians making my choices for me. I want the freedom to do what I think is best for me.

This brings us to the final question: What effect will COVID 19 have on the future?

How will this situation turn out? Not knowing God’s timeline for future events, we cannot know with certainty how COVID 19 will affect the future. However, having knowledge of the scriptures, we can know a few things regarding some of the rumors floating around with certainty. For example, until the born-again Christians are removed from the earth, no one, no matter how much money they have, or how hard they may try, will ever successfully cause all to take a digital tattoo or mark on their body for Identification or to function in our society; it will not happen.

We know this with certainty, because the Bible speaks of that happening, and makes it very clear who will be responsible for making that happen. It is the man of sin, AKA – the antichrist, and the false prophet that will force people to take the mark needed for buying and selling, Revelation 13. And they cannot make that happen until Jesus Christ opens the first seal of the judgments of God, allowing them to do it. And that will not happen until the true believers have been safely removed from the earth. See *Rapture – Part 3.

If what is happening now is preparation for what will soon take place as prescribed in the Bible, it means the rapture of the church is imminent. If that is the case, and it could be, I suggest everyone humble themselves before God, repent, and believe the gospel while there is still time. In doing so, you will be saved, and will be taken to Heaven before the identity mark is given and before everything hits the fan. Those with hardened hearts, those unwilling to put their faith in Christ Jesus, had better be ready to go through the worst time of trouble the world will ever know or go through.

It does appear that we are approaching God’s appointed time to call the believers home, but if we are not quite there yet, things could return to normal, or they could still get much worse. End-time events are unfolding very rapidly now, but because we really do not know with certainty where we are in God’s timeline of events, we don’t know for sure what will happen next. This is reality.

My position is to be ready for anything, and no one is ready for anything until they are ready to face death. I do not look forward to the time of my death, but I’m not afraid to die. For I possess eternal life, by the grace of God, through faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I know God has given me eternal life. So whether I live or die, in the end I will live.

One need not be a rocket scientist to know that evil exists in this current world, evil that is trying to remove freedom and control the people. It is also trying to deny and discredit the truth of God, because it is God’s truth that sets people free. So, as long as I live, I choose to expose evil, proclaim truth, and stand for freedom.

Jesus is the rightful heir of this planet. He will remove the Christians, judge the world in righteousness, and then set up His kingdom. Without question, circumstances continue to move us ever closer to that time, but we just can’t know with certainty how soon it will happen.

This is reality. Are you ready?