Are there any clear messages?
The Bible states that Babylon is confusion, and what I hear all around me is nothing but confusion. It seems as if a whirlwind of beliefs on what the Bible foretells will occur is spinning in all directions of the spectrum.
Some ascertain that the bishop of Rome is going to set up his world kingdom in Israel, and rule from Jerusalem. Others, claim that there will be a 3 1/2 year tribulation of the saints before Jesus returns to Earth. Many believe that there will be a secret rapture when the saints will be snatched up to heaven, and spared the tribulation. Still, others assure us that the United States was founded as a Christian nation; While others say that the country was actually founded upon Masonic principles, and was to lead the world into a Luciferian/One World Government.
The Bible states that Babylon is confusion, and what I hear all around me is nothing but confusion. It seems as if a whirlwind of beliefs on what the Bible foretells will occur is spinning in all directions of the spectrum.
Some ascertain that the bishop of Rome is going to set up his world kingdom in Israel, and rule from Jerusalem. Others, claim that there will be a 3 1/2 year tribulation of the saints before Jesus returns to Earth. Many believe that there will be a secret rapture when the saints will be snatched up to heaven, and spared the tribulation. Still, others assure us that the United States was founded as a Christian nation; While others say that the country was actually founded upon Masonic principles, and was to lead the world into a Luciferian/One World Government.
Another hypothesis is that a great chastisement is coming to mankind because of its reluctance to worship Mary the mother of Jesus (supposedly the Jesuits are preparing this). There is a great chastisement coming to mankind, but, not because men refuse to acknowledge Mary, who is resting in the grave; But, judgement is coming upon mankind for refusing to worship the Creator of the universe, the giver of life; Judgement is to mankind because it prefers to worship idols, and the dragon Satan.
In spite of the diversity of doctrines that fill the airwaves, I rely on the tried and true source of all prophecy, The Holy Bible. And, my Bible states what we are to expect. It also cautions me on speculating on what it hasn't revealed.
When we examine what the Word of God states will occur, we must accept as true doctrine that which is written in its pages; When we rely on any other source we are treading on shaky ground; And, to believe in such dogmas is utter presumption, which will lead to destruction.
Many winds of doctrine are blowing in our midst. But, we must not believe them unless they are founded on sound doctrine. We were cautioned by our Lord and Savior to expect all manner of deception.
18For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. ....Revelation 22:18, 19.
When we examine what the Word of God states will occur, we must accept as true doctrine that which is written in its pages; When we rely on any other source we are treading on shaky ground; And, to believe in such dogmas is utter presumption, which will lead to destruction.
18And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.
19We 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:
20Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.....2 Peter 1:18-20.
Many winds of doctrine are blowing in our midst. But, we must not believe them unless they are founded on sound doctrine. We were cautioned by our Lord and Savior to expect all manner of deception.
4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
6And 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.....Matthew 24:4-6.
And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. ...Luke 21:8
The Messiah warned us not to believe all those that preach that "He" is the Christ; The anointed one, the awaited one. We must examine why they are preaching of Him; Whether it is to deceive us with an antichrist substitute, or to truly give the good news of His salvation by grace, and the soon establishment of His Everlasting Kingdom. If they do not fit these criteria, we should not believe their suppositions (theories). Deception is the main mode of operation of Satan and his fallen angels. We were warned by Jesuschrist that the false gospel would resemble the "true" Gospel so much, that only those firmly grounded in the truth would not be fooled. A visible indication of whether what we hear is truth (besides the Bible) are the manifestations of those that preach it. We shall know them by their fruits. Profession of the truth is only half of the task. Faith in action is the "whole" truth. How has that knowledge changed the bearer of that truth?
9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of
God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.....1 Corinthians
6:8,9.
I recommend that the brethren examine every doctrine they hear, and compare it to the Holy Scriptures. Let the Bible be your standard, not the opinions of men. What does the Bible say? That should be our source of information, not fallible men.
We can not set dates for Jesus return, or safely speculate on the duration of the tribulation.
If that were the case men would (could) sin until a few days prior to the actual event ,then heed and repent.
3 and 1/2 years?
How will the remnant survive such a prolonged persecution? Remember, that the Lord will cut time short, if not no one would be left alive? The 3 1/2 years refers to 1260 years that Papal Rome persecuted the Saints between 538 A.D. and 1798 A.D.
One thing I will surely say is that only Our Father in heaven knows the times and the seasons. Nobody can predict with certainty when His coming will be; Though, we know the event is near.
32But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
33Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
34For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
35Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
36Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
37And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.....Mark 13:32-37
Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. ....Revelation 18:4b.
Arsenio.