“Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart” (Jeremiah 14:14).

False prophets have always twisted God’s truth. God told Jeremiah that they try to make it look as if everything is fine and dandy (tickle ears), when in fact things are in a mess. It pops into my mind that this is much the way that it is within the Christian community. Pastors seem to allow more and more false doctrine to replace God’s truth. Instead of equipping saints to stand against the enemy, they are promoting Satan’s lies and deception. How many women pastors do you see? How does that line up with Scripture? It doesn’t.

“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2).

This brings into question the Catholic view of forbidding priests to marry. If a bishop is to be the husband of one wife, then a bishop cannot be a woman. I guess if a lesbian was put in charge of a congregation, she might say she’s married to another woman, but that whole scenario is false teaching since Scripture confirms a marriage is between one man and one woman. Can you see how far this thinking is from sound teaching of Scripture? God hasn’t changed, and we must align our beliefs with His truth. Look to God, not to false prophets.

The Apostle Paul was very concerned that the men he put in charge of congregations didn’t water down their teaching or stray into false doctrine. When he wrote to the young pastor Timothy, Paul encouraged him to stand on God’s word.

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:2-4).

That time has come. Today, instead of the full word of God being preached from Genesis through Revelation, people want to hear that their sin is acceptable. By hopping through Scripture like a stone skipping across a pond, preachers only choose happy verses to teach on. The reasons behind Noah’s Flood and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah are ignored, and prophecy is avoided. This actually fulfills prophecy.

The final letter, which Jesus dictated to John in the Revelation, was to “the angel of the church of the Laodiceans.” It describes the church today. He described a lukewarm church filled with worldly riches but being far from God. Jesus isn’t welcome in Laodicea.

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).

Come out of this pitiful excuse for a church and invite Jesus into your heart and insist He be honored in your congregation. Look to God, not false teaching.

Prophecy is an important part of Scripture, yet too many preachers ignore it. Nearly 30% of Scripture is prophecy, so obviously God thinks it’s important. The study of prophecy can give much insight to the problems of today. People have questions about what’s happening in the world, and many are afraid. I know quite a few Christians who are very fearful, but many pastors seem to be more interested in teaching like the false prophets of Jeremiah’s time who spoke “… a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.”

Equipping the saints for battle is far from their hearts. Shallow preaching tickles ears and makes for a warm and fuzzy feeling, but doesn’t equip the congregation to be ready for spiritual battles, or to know that God holds the future so we need not fear.

Peter walked with Jesus and saw many miracles, but in spite of all he saw, he said prophecy was more certain. “We have also a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).

When we study prophecy and see that so many prophecies have been fulfilled, we can have confidence that the rest will be fulfilled. False prophets can only give false hope, but God gives eternal hope.

When you study prophecy, pray for understanding, and the Holy Spirit will help you. When prophecy isn’t taken seriously, it can mean the downfall of nations. One key to understanding Scripture is understanding that God loves His chosen people of Israel. God chose Abraham to be the father of a great nation, but Abraham and his wife were very old and had no children. Still God had made it clear that there would be a great nation come from Abraham. Before Abraham could be used for God’s purpose, he had to leave the idol-worshipping community and family that he was part of.

God made him a promise: “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:2-3). 

God means what He said, and Israel is a blessing to all nations. I’m thankful that President Trump supports Israel.

Because Abraham and Sarah were very old, they couldn’t understand how God would accomplish this. Instead of believing God, they took it upon themselves to “help” Him. Abraham had a child with Sarah’s handmaid, but Ishmael was not the child that God promised them. To this day, much trouble has come from Ishmael, but Isaac was the child promised by God. Only studying Scripture will open your understanding.

Because God gave His prophets His word, and they shared it, we can see that many prophecies have been fulfilled. That means we can trust prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled. They will be fulfilled just as God says.

Daniel was shown amazing things that were impossible for him to understand. He didn’t have the knowledge to understand, but he was faithful to write what he was told. The angel who presented him with the prophecy told him to seal the book until the end times.

“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” (Daniel 12:4).

Today, we can look back and see that parts of this prophecy have already come to pass, but some are still future. As our knowledge increases, so does our understanding. Daniel wanted to understand, but this prophecy was for the time of the end…our time. “And I heard, but I understood not, then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, Go thy way Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end” (Daniel 12:8-9). 

If you have trouble understanding prophecy, take heart. The closer we get to the end of days, the more we are able to understand.

As we enter a new year, we can expect many people to make big predictions. Remember, God will never contradict Himself. If a “prophet” makes a big prediction (quite often on social media) that the Rapture will happen on a certain date, that’s a false prophet. When the disciples asked Jesus about the end of the age, He began by warning about false prophets.

“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:11).

“False prophets” is from the Greek word “pseudoprophetes,” which describes a person who is acting the part of a divinely inspired prophet, but utters falsehoods under the name of divine prophecies. My strongest advice is to filter all new “prophetic words” through the lens of Scripture. God will never, I repeat never, contradict Himself. So, if a new prophecy comes along, that contradicts Scripture, disregard the new prophecy.

“But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray for ye know not when the time is” (Mark 13:32-33).

If the Father didn’t tell Jesus when the end would be, why would He trust this information to a mere human? It’s wise to live each day as if Jesus will call us Home any minute. That way, you won’t be caught slacking in your Christian walk. By all means, watch and be ready. There are many signs that the Tribulation is in the near future. That means that the Rapture is even closer.

There are many false teachers who disregard the Rapture, claiming it is a recent belief. It isn’t. It goes way back to Enoch being taken prior to God’s judgment by Noah’s Flood. Christians will be taken Home prior to God’s judgment of the Tribulation. Don’t let false teachers confuse you.

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

The Rapture is seen throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Please don’t send me a long dissertation about why the Rapture won’t happen. I have come to my conclusion from much study. If you disagree with me, then you have that right.

Jesus said that things would become very bad and that the Tribulation would be worse than anything that has happened before. When the disciples asked Jesus about the end, we need to read His answer in context. Jewish men asked their Jewish rabbi about the end. The answer was about a future event concerning Israel. The Christian church had not been born yet. The signs that Jesus described were signs leading to the Tribulation, not the Rapture.

The Rapture will be at least seven years before the Tribulation, so the signs are important to us. We look at them as indications that time is very short and the Rapture is very near.  In order to understand this, study Daniel’s 70-week prophecy. Understanding the times in which we live requires a study of Biblical prophecy.

Today, prophecy buffs are excited about all that’s happening in the world. Earthquakes are becoming more frequent and of a larger magnitude, strange objects are entering our solar system, the sun is emitting strong magnetic flares, and much more.

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:6-8). 

Israel is under great threat from the surrounding nations. The evil world leaders who attack Israel are Satan’s servants. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; God won’t forsake them.

We also see Russia continuing the war with Ukraine, and the citizens of Iran are rising up to overthrow the evil leadership they’ve been under. These are the wars and rumors of war spoken of by Jesus. It’s all coming to a head, and even the secular world can feel that there’s something big coming.

The only way to prepare for the Tribulation is to repent of your sin and ask Jesus to forgive you. Believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If you are sincere in asking Him for forgiveness, you will be taken Home in the Rapture prior to the Tribulation. That is our blessed hope.

There will be many false prophets who make headline news. Don’t be deceived by false prophets, but look to God for answers.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you would like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).

 

Happy New Year! Did you make any big sweeping resolutions last year? How many did you keep? It’s hard to change habits, but we keep trying. On January 1, it’s customary to take a harsh look at ourselves and see lots of room for improvement. The most popular resolution is to lose weight. Just a few pounds, so it should be easy. Unfortunately, there are leftovers from Christmas, such as cookies, fudge, candy, and more. So, the diet will start as soon as it’s all gone.

That resolution didn’t work out, but maybe resolving to go to the gym and getting the muscles toned is a good idea. A few trips to the gym will take care of it. First, those pesky leftovers need to be eaten. Maybe you’ll go next week, or the week after. The point is, we have good intentions to improve ourselves, but we seem to make the same resolutions every year. Could it be that we make the wrong resolutions?

It may be healthy to eat better and exercise more, but do you look at yourself and only see the negative things that need to be changed instead of seeing positive things that need to be strengthened? We all have struggles in life, but maybe instead of dwelling on the negative, we need to accentuate the positive. Take an honest look at yourself, and you’ll see that you have some very good qualities. Pray for God to lead you.

If you’re very honest with yourself, you might be surprised at the good qualities you have and find ways to use those strengths for God’s glory. We all fall short of God’s perfection, but we all have good qualities that can be developed. A good place to start is to study Scripture. Many people like to read the Bible through in a year. They race through it and then start again in the New Year. The race is on, but have you grown spiritually?

It might be better to do a deep study of Scripture. Take a subject and study it through the lens of Scripture. For instance, did God really give the Holy Land to Abraham forever? The answer is yes, but study Scripture to see for yourself.

God gave us Scripture as a guide. It’s filled with many examples of how He deals with imperfect people and changes them in order to accomplish great things. It’s important to study Scripture in order to answer questions and to be sure you have a Scriptural foundation for your beliefs.

Sometimes we can hold on to an idea or a sin and think we are in line with God’s will when, in fact, we need to change our ways. Your friends may question why you’ve changed, so it’s important to have answers.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ” (1 Peter 3:15-16).

That word, “conversation,” might confuse you a little if you don’t study. Some words have changed meaning over time. When we see that word, we think it means talking with someone. Maybe you do need to clean up your words, but the Greek word “anastrophe” means “manner of conduct, behavior, deportment.” So, if you start living in a way that pleases God, the worldly people around you may start asking you questions. They need good answers as to why you’ve changed your sin-filled lifestyle. Resolve to study Scripture.

What are your character strengths? Are you a person who encourages others? Resolve to make the encouragement be for God’s glory.

A man who stands out as one who encourages is Barnabas. He was from Cyprus and had a bit of wealth. His name was Joses, but the Apostles called him Barnabas. “And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus” (Acts 4:36).

Barnabas is seen throughout the book of Acts as a man who was filled with the Holy Spirit and followed God’s directions. It was Barnabas who saw Saul as a man who had been changed by meeting Jesus and encouraged the Apostles to accept Saul (Paul) as a Christian. Barnabas went with Paul on missionary trips, and I’m sure he gave encouragement during some difficult times. Although Barnabas encouraged Paul, he wasn’t one to compromise what he knew to be right. Paul told Barnabas they should revisit cities where they had preached to see how they were doing.

“And Barnabas determined to take with them, John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought it not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work” (Acts 15:37-38).

John Mark had gone on a previous trip but lost heart and returned home. This was a strong disagreement, and the ministry split. Barnabas and Mark went to Cyprus while Paul and Silas went to Syria and Cilicia. Barnabas saw something in John Mark that he felt should be nurtured to grow, just as he had seen qualities in Paul. On the other hand, Paul saw spreading the Gospel as a ministry that should only be undertaken by men who would not retreat. John Mark is mentioned in Paul’s letters as important to his ministry, so possibly Barnabas was able to encourage John Mark to grow in the Lord, and Paul was able to reconcile any differences. Resolve to encourage others to grow in Christ.

Are you a hospitable person who loves God? The Apostle Paul was the epitome of missionary work and established many congregations. His usual approach to spreading the Gospel was to first visit a Synagogue and boldly proclaim Christ to the Jewish people there. When he went to Philippi, this habit had to change. Philippi was a Gentile city, and there weren’t enough Jewish men there to establish a Synagogue. Those who believed in God would meet by the river.

“And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither” (Acts 16:13).

Were there Jewish men by the river? Maybe, but Paul sat by the women; the worship there was informal. “And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul” (Acts 16:14).

Lydia must have been a “progressive” woman. She made her living selling purple cloth, which was expensive. I was told one time that God doesn’t even know you exist until you’re baptized. What a misinformed statement that was. Belief in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection brings salvation, and baptism is symbolic of faith. Lydia was touched by Paul’s words, and the Lord opened her heart to the truth. After that, she was baptized and all of her household. Lydia’s example of faith affected her household, and she also invited Paul and those with him to stay at her home.

Maybe your resolution should be to offer hospitality to brothers and sisters in Christ. Lydia started immediately serving the Lord. Maybe you could open your home to a Bible study or prayer meetings. God will use you if you’re willing, but be sure you’re within Biblical ways. Don’t overstep your boundaries. It’s sometimes easy to think that there are no Christians around you. You might attend a worship service but never see those people anywhere except sitting in pews.

The prophet Elijah was a wonderful servant of God. He fought against the prophets of Baal and won. Well, God was behind the win, but Elijah willingly and sarcastically fought. He had no other prophet standing with him. Because Elijah spoke God’s words instead of twisting them and lying about what God said, the evil King Ahab and Queen Jezabel wanted to kill him.

Elijah thought he was the only one left who served God, and he had enough. He withdrew into a cave to have a pity party and pout. God spoke to him, but he wouldn’t listen. Then, God spoke quietly to Elijah, who finally heard God’s voice. God gave him directions about what he had to do, and said, “Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him” (1 Kings 19:18).

So, Elijah wasn’t alone; he just hadn’t seen others who rejected the world and honored God. Is that true in your neighborhood? Does it seem as if you’re the only one who loves God Almighty? Chances are that others around you feel the same way. It might be a blessing to everybody if you hosted a potluck so everybody can get acquainted. It might be a good time to join with fellow believers and pray for your nation and other prayer needs in your community. God will use you if you stop withdrawing and let God open doors. Resolve to go through doors He will open for you.

Do you have a talent? Can you play a musical instrument or sing? Maybe you’re able to listen to people and help them talk out their sorrows or worries. I have a friend who loves to sing. Most of his life was spent singing secular songs in his living room. Twenty years ago, he and his wife came to know Jesus. Through a set of circumstances, one day he led the singing for a worship service. From then on, he realized he had a ministry. He gradually sang more and more, then purchased equipment specifically to sing for the Lord. This has led to singing in retirement homes and hospitals. The people who are confined there enjoy it so much.

I know another man who loves the Lord and has a talent for music and songwriting. He has written many songs praising God and recorded them on a CD. He doesn’t sell them for his own profit, but will give them to anybody who he feels needs the message in his songs.

Many songs of praise and worship are found throughout Scripture. Music can be used as a ministry and a blessing to the Lord. For instance, Moses sang a song of praise after God led Israel to safety. “Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea” (Exodus 15:1).

The song continues for many more verses, all praising God. Need I mention Asaph and King David who wrote many, many songs which are collected in the Book of Psalms. Maybe your talent isn’t music but some other useful talent. Are you a strong reader? Use that for the Lord. You can read to an elderly person in a rest home. Do you have a powerful speaking voice? What if you publicly read Scripture?

When Nehemiah returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple after the Babylonian captivity ended, the priest Ezra understood the importance of knowing God’s word. “And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law” (Nehemiah 8:2-3).

Many Christians yearn for our nation (whichever nation you call home) to turn to God. Yet we aren’t willing to speak publicly for the Lord. We allow our voice to be censored and decline to pray publicly. Yet, we allow people who skew God’s word to influence our children and draw people (even pastors) away from truth. If you’re a bold speaker, put on the armor of God and resolve to make God’s word known publicly. Resolve to use your talents for God’s glory, and He will open doors for you.

There are many things that you can do to honor God with your good characteristics, such as leadership, organization, praying, and more. As we take a look at ourselves to try to better our life in the coming year, don’t forget that you have gifts from God, and He will use you if you allow it. Be sure that you include Bible study in your resolution. If you don’t study His word and understand what He says, then you may use your talents in the wrong way.

I hear many very bad interpretations of Scripture, and it saddens me when these wrong ideas are believed. For instance, I was talking with a friend who is a Christian, and she went on and on about people she knows who are very good people but don’t believe in Jesus. She knows they will go to Heaven because they are good people. She also knows people who are Jehovah’s Witnesses who only believe Jesus was a good man, not God incarnate, but she is sure they will also go to Heaven because they have faith. Faith in what? She is a good speaker but speaks error.

Bible study will correct errors in theology. She is also a good talker but leaves no room for listening. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness” (2 Timothy 2:15-16).

Pray that God will show you how to serve Him, and then follow His lead.

Have you made any resolutions yet? It’s not too late to make ones that could be more important than losing weight but will influence eternity.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you would like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).