REJOICE AND BE GLAD WHEN PERSECUTION COMES

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“Dear friends, do not be astonished that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in the degree that you have shared in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice and be glad. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, who is the Spirit of God, rests on you.” 1 Pet 4:12–14

Peter does not want Christians to lose hope in the midst of adversity, which is the reason he exhorts them to keep perspective and look ahead and even rejoice of that future day when Christ’s glory is revealed.

Jesus gave the disciples the following warnings about the time of His second coming so we will be prepared for persecution in the “last days”.

“For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And many will be offended , will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up to deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:7-13

These are tough words and only those who truly know God, who trust God with all their heart will endure to the end.

We need to be able to say like David: ” You are my strength and shield; My heart trusts in Him and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him.” Psalm 28:7

You will be helped by God. He will be with you through the coming times of trouble, persecution. You need to keep an eternal focus. Hence the title of this blog: living eternal now.

ONE OF THE BEST ARGUMENTS FOR CREATION AGAINST EVOLUTION

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SEX AND ALL IT ENTAILS IS ONE OF THE MOST TELLING ARGUMENTS FOR CREATION.

I’m referring to everything from that first moment of attraction between a man and a woman, to the complementary anatomical structures and organs that work so well together, to the millions of interactions that happen on the physical/hormonal/emotional levels, to the love and pleasure of two people becoming one flesh, to cells smaller than the head of a pin contributing 1.5 billion letters of DNA each in order to form a new 3 billion-letter blueprint, to the nonstop application of that genome as it rapidly develops into over 20 trillion cells and 200 types of tissue and hundreds of organs and meters of blood vessels all interacting together, to the final moment a fully-functioning, crying, squirming baby emerges from its mother 6,480 hours later. Surely, you would agree that’s mind-boggling.

Of course, it’s only a tiny fraction of what actually goes on with sexual reproduction. Just pick up an anatomy or biology textbook, or a book on pregnancy, and you quickly realise there are a crazy number of interconnections that are infinitely interdependent.

Sex is the perfect example of inconceivable irreducible complexity and design.

According to evolutionary theory, all of it ultimately happened by chance. Sex just came to be through a series of random processes, over long periods of time, without any overarching purpose. However, they just focus on the smaller questions such as the usefulness of splitting the genome between a male and a female, or how certain behaviours developed, or single-cell sexual reproduction.

What they don’t tackle is how sexual complexity originated step-by-step over hundreds of millions of years. In fact, when you actually consider the magnitude of the situation, 540 million years—the conventional date for the start of complex life—doesn’t seem like nearly enough time.

After all, it’s not just humans we’re talking about. It’s millions of species of extinct and living animals that have been, and still are, engaging in sexual reproduction. Each process is almost as complex as that between two humans, although each is also extremely different.

Insects, fish, reptiles, birds, mammals—there are hundreds of thousands of variations of sexual reproduction. From mating rituals to copulation to pregnancy to birth, the complexity just multiples as you examine the diversity of life.

Furthermore, it appears from the fossil record that sea-dwelling trilobites (now extinct) were also male and female. Trilobites are found at the lowest levels of the fossil record, occurring during the Cambrian explosion. In other words, male and female creatures just appear as male and female.

So how did the division of sexes come to be? The question of which came first during this long development, the male or the female, is an impossible question: don’t you have to have both to have offspring?

The truth is that sexual dimorphism—different, unique characteristics between males and females—is also a hard thing to explain from an evolutionary origins perspective. Sure, it’s easy to recognise the benefits of separating and recombining genomes, but how did all the trillions of uniquely integrated processes and parts and systems in all the different species first originate? And why do they all work so well?

Talking about sexual reproduction in cells doesn’t really address the problem. It’s like saying you’ve explained football by pointing to a few blades of grass; everyone knows there’s a lot more going on. If it’s impossible for us even to understand all the aspects of sex, it’s clearly impossible for it to have evolved in a slow, step wise fashion.

Instead, when you stop and think about it, Genesis provides a far better explanation. The immediate, fiat creation by God in a short span of time (just a few days) is a far better reason for all the incredibly complex aspects of sex.

But it’s not just that. Genesis also explains the purpose behind sex. And it’s a lot more amazing than most people realise.

A Divinely Human Experience

Ultimately, sex is about the joyful pleasure of personal relationships.

In this case, the sexual marital relationship between a man and a woman mirrors the spiritual marital relationship between Christ and the church. Paul explains it from Genesis, saying: “‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.” (Eph 5:31-32)

Genesis explains why there is sexual dimorphism in people. We are made in God’s image to reflect His attributes and show forth the divine/human relationship as male and female: “in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Gen 1:27)

In other words, the man is to Christ as the woman is to the church. Paul explains: “For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church” and “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” (Eph 5:23,25)

Genesis explains why sex is placed within the structure of marriage. The covenant bond between a man and a woman reflects the covenant bond between Christ and His bride. (Rev 21:2)

Genesis also explains why sex is considered a wonderful, spiritual experience by many people. Unlike evolutionary theory—which sees sex as just a higher animal function—the Bible sees sex as an incredible gift from God, uniquely given to man to show forth His image. In fact, there are numerous Christians who have had spiritual experiences that rival or surpass what they have felt having sex.

Genesis explains why sex has an essential moral nature to it that everyone intrinsically understands. It’s why adultery is considered wrong in almost all cultures, Christian or not. It’s also why those who have had adultery committed against them always feel betrayed. The prophet Jeremiah observes that adultery is the same as idolatry (Jer 3:9), and mirrors the emotions of God when man betrays Him on a spiritual level.

In fact, almost all the sexual sins of our society can be traced back to spiritual issues.

Homosexuality emerges in a society as the result of worshipping the creature instead of the Creator (Rom 1:25-27); it mirrors man worshipping himself rather than worshipping Christ. This looks more like ‘the wife is the head of the wife as the church is the head of the church.’ Created similarities replace created differences.

As well, attempts to change gender are ultimately doomed to failure. The essential sexual dimorphism embedded in every part of the creation points to the essential distinctions between God and man. Just as man cannot truly become God, so too, a woman cannot truly become a man, nor a man a woman. In each of us, our maleness or femaleness is unchangeably stamped on over 50 trillion of our cells.

It is not until we understand the nature of sex, with all its power and complexity and importance, that we can begin to understand its significance both to God and to ourselves.

Talking about Sex

I realise many Christians avoid talking about sex and even get uncomfortable when it comes up. Few have heard it discussed openly in their churches or families.

Considering what’s going on in our culture, that probably needs to change. Sex is one of the essential parts of God’s creation, something only He could create in order to show forth His glory. If He dedicated an entire book of the Bible to it (The Song of Songs), it’s something we should strive to understand from a Biblical perspective.

After all, God put a deep fascination within us toward sex because He wants us to get a sense of the complex relationship He has with us. It’s no coincidence that the Bible begins with a marriage and ends with a marriage.

So when evolution comes up next, start talking about sex, it will lead to a very interesting and unexpected conversation.

NO TO ISRAEL, NO TO THE USA, NO TO PEACE

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Death of Oslo? Palestinian council votes to end recognition of Israel

Whoever does broker a peace deal with Israel, and it will happen as prophesied, the world will shower accolades on this man. He will look good and even the elect may be deceived. Perhaps the Antichrist’s appearance on the world scene is not too far distant.

Death of Oslo? Palestinian council votes to end recognition of Israel

The Palestinian Central Council (PCC), which met in Ramallah over two days, decided on Monday to end all commitments in the agreements the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) has signed with Israel, to end security coordination and to revoke the Paris Economic Protocols which govern the economic cooperation with Israel.

Such moves mean the end of all peace protocols with Israel and the complete collapse of the Palestinian Authority (PA).

The PCC alleged that “in view of Israel’s continued denial of the signed agreements,” it again recommends eliminating end all of the PLO and PA’s commitments under their agreements with Israel, as well as suspending their recognition of the state of Israel until it recognises the non-existent state of Palestine on the June 1967 borders with the eastern portion of Jerusalem as its capital.

By way of background, “Palestine” never existed within the 1967 “borders,” which are in reality boundaries. Jordan occupied these areas for 19 years prior to their liberation by the IDF in the 1967 Six Day War.

Security cooperation with Israel, largely aimed at protecting Abbas from his rivals in the Hamas terror group, is unpopular among Palestinians but has survived repeated crises and years of deadlock in talks with Israel, as it is first and foremost in Abbas’ interest.

Abbas’ unelected government would likely collapse if he cuts ties with Israel.

The PCC gave the power to PA head Mahmoud Abbas, who chaired the PCC meetings, and the PLO’s executive committee to implement these decisions, and Abbas has the final say on such drastic moves.

The PCC also expressed support for Abbas’ opposition on the US’ as-yet unreleased peace plan, accusing the US of “siding with the Israeli occupation” and of being “part of the problem and not part of the solution.”

The Palestinians reject any notion of a US-brokered diplomatic solution and have boycotted Washington since December 2017, when President Donald Trump announced official US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Since then, the Palestinians have escalated their rhetoric and actions against the US.

Abbas has also blamed Hamas for failing to implement the reconciliation agreements signed with his Fatah party over the years, which would have brought an end to bitter and bloody internal Palestinian enmity.

The PLO also stressed the Palestinians “right to resistance by all means as per international law,” which represents a call to arms for intents and purposes.

LAST DAYS RUMOURS OF WARS

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RUMORS OF WAR: Putin warns that Russia will target nations hosting US missiles

RUMORS OF WAR: Putin warns that Russia will target nations hosting US missiles

(ABC News) Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Wednesday that if the United States deploys intermediate-range missiles in Europe, Russia will have to target the nations that would host them. The stern statement follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement over the weekend that he intends to opt out of a 1987 nuclear arms control pact over alleged Russian violations. Putin said he hoped the United States wouldn’t follow up by positioning intermediate-range missiles in Europe.

Such a move would be a repeat of a Cold War showdown in the 1980s, when the U.S. and the Soviet Union both deployed intermediate-range missiles on the continent, the Russian leader said. “If they are deployed in Europe, we will naturally have to respond in kind,”

RUMORS OF WAR: Retired General warns “War with China likely in 15 years”

RUMORS OF WAR: Retired General warns “War with China likely in 15 years”

(Military Times) The former commander of the U.S. Army in Europe says it’s likely the United States will be at war with China in 15 years. Retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges said at a Warsaw security forum on Wednesday that European allies will have to do more to ensure their own defences against Russia as Americans focus more on the Pacific. Hodges said: “I think in 15 years — it’s not inevitable, but it is a very strong likelihood — that we will be at war with China. The United States does not have the capacity to do everything it has to do in Europe and in the Pacific to deal with the Chinese threat.”

Hodges, now with the Center for European Policy Analysis, was U.S. Army commander in Europe during 2014-17.

NATO shows military might in giant exercises… Largest since the Cold War

NATO shows military might in giant exercises… Largest since the Cold War

(Yahoo News) NATO began its biggest military exercises since the end of the Cold War in Norway on Thursday, proof of the US’ “rock-solid” commitment to the alliance’s collective defence, US Navy Admiral James Foggo said, as Moscow denounced the maneuvers as “anti-Russian”. Around 50,000 soldiers, 10,000 vehicles, 65 ships and 250 aircraft from 31 countries were taking part in Trident Juncture 18,

which is aimed at training the Atlantic Alliance to defend a member state after an aggression. The show of force comes amid recent concerns over US President Donald Trump’s commitment to NATO, in particular, the “Article 5” mutual defence clause which requires all member states to come to the aid of another member state

GOD APPOINTS LEADERS – BRAZIL NOW HAS A DEVOUT CHRISTIAN PRESIDENT

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Victory of Brazil right-winger Jair Bolsonaro latest shock in global politics

The Wall St Journal:  The rise of the right-wing firebrand is the latest shock in global politics as voters turn against the status quo, starting in 2016 with the Brexit vote in the UK and Donald Trump’s election in the US It also likely shifts politics in the world’s fourth largest democracy sharply to the right.

Mr Bolsonaro’s victory was the culmination of deep shifts in Brazilian society over recent decades, including the rise of evangelical Christianity. Mr Bolsonaro himself is a devout Christian baptised in the Jordan River. His middle name in Portuguese is “Messiah.”

Now comprising a third of Brazilians, evangelicals are on track to outnumber Catholics by 2035, according to pollster Datafolha. Bishop Edir Macedo, the billionaire founder of one of Brazil’s biggest evangelical churches who also owns the powerful TV Record network, endorsed Mr Bolsonaro shortly before the vote.

Before the results were known, but with much of the country now behind him, Mr. Bolsonaro said in a radio interview recently that he saw no reason to change or moderate his message. “I’m not going to become the little ‘peace and love’ Jair.” His name Jair means “He enlightens or one giving light”

I sincerely hope he lives up to his name.

THE TIMING OF CHRIST’S RETURN AND WHY IT MATTERS

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IRAN’S ROLE IN END TIMES PROPHECIES

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God has revealed in His Word what will take place in the end times prior to Jesus return to rule and reign from Jerusalem. He said He would return to the exact site on Mt Olives where He ascended into heaven. I believe we are living in the last days before the prophesied last seven years before His return (Daniel’s 70th week).

Iran (Shia) is a significant player in last days events. The Bible prophecies it will invade and dominate and control Muslim countries in the Middle East and this it is what it is doing, directly in Syria and Iraq, but also indirectly with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza (Daniel 8:4,20 – Iran is the ram). Bible prophecy then reveals that Turkey (Sunni) overcomes Iran ( Daniel 8:5 – Turkey is the goat). Remember, Turkey was previously in control of the Ottoman Empire. It will not tolerate Iran taking its leadership role. Sunni represents at least 80% of Muslims. The following video provides a detailed report on Hezbollah. These are the next significant events in End Times Bible prophecy concerning wars and rumours of war.

 

 

JESUS IS BUILDING HIS CHURCH

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Another video from Torben that will encourage you as to what God is doing to build His church. Listen to the testimonies of three young people who were sent out as Jesus sent His disciples with no money, no two pairs of shoes. They were to be dependent upon God as provider, and their instruction was to find a person of peace in the town who would invite them into their home. Who is the person of peace – one whom the Holy Spirit is already at work in their life. Jesus told them to stay in that at home and bless them and train them. The stories are powerful and an inspiration for us all to do likewise.

BE ONE OF THE NEW AWAKENERS REGARDLESS OF WHAT STAGE YOU ARE ON

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Pete Vargas has been hearing the MANY epiphanies people are having once hearing how valuable stages can be to speakers, coaches, and businesses regardless of the niche they belong to.

To tell you the truth – Pete has only scratched the surface in explaining what’s possible with stages and maximising your message.

He and Lance Wallnau are going to host a LIVE webinar this Monday called, “The 3 Steps to Reliably Grow a 6 to 7-Figure Business” – and this is the place Pete is going more in depth, this is something you won’t want to miss!

Get the details and register for this free webinar here >>
onehourlaunchworkshop.com/lance-live

Here’s just a taste of what you’re going to discover at this online training event:

– How to “gold mine” and win the most suitable stages for you in order to grow your business

– Exact Step-By-Step “Template” for Crafting a Signature Talk That Rocks (Pete has seen hundreds of speakers and 9 out of 10 are NOT aware of this)

– The power of scale: learn how to leverage stages to grow your message and sell your Products and Services without being a road warrior who only relies on keynote fees

– How to Tell Your Story in a compelling way that allows your customers to go deeper with you

– The 5 types of revenue generating stages

– The 5 marketing mediums you can utilise and how to combine them to create what Pete calls “The Unstoppable Stage Campaign”

– How to 10x the Revenues of EVERY Stage You Are On– And much more…

Get the details and register for this free training here >>> I have registered and you need to as well.
onehourlaunchworkshop.com/lance-live

TO LIVE AS IF GOD DOES NOT EXIST IS ABSURD

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And yet, our educational establishments lead the way with this foolishness. clinging to the notion that nothing can produce something, even more obtuse, a big bang can produce the complex universe in which we live.

Image result for beauty of God's creation pictures

Our children are taught there is no right or wrong, no meaning or purpose in life, despite the fact that our Creator God has revealed the true history of the universe through His prophets, His covenant people Israel, His Word, and finally stepping into history just over 2,000 years ago as the God/Man, Jesus Christ. Is it any wonder that false science is now a major problem when people call evil good and good evil.

The Bible gives us an accurate record of this world and even more important reveals to us the end of the story. Twenty five percent of the Bible is prophecy and just as it accurately predicted Jesus first coming to earth, it also tells us of His second coming. Moreover, the events unfolding on earth at this time indicate we are fast approaching the final seven years prophesied by Daniel in the 70 Weeks prophecy (Daniel 9:24).

It is now inconceivable to think that nations would repent of their past godless actions as President Abraham Lincoln  did just one hundred years ago. His April 30, 1863, call expressed timeless sentiments that remain applicable to us today, including:

“It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognise the sublime truths announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord. 
. . . We have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth, and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God; we have forgotten the gracious hand which served us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us! It behoves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness…”
We know this: the Lord will do His part. As He sees “His people called by His name” turning from our sins, He will hear once again, will forgive our personal and national sins, and will heal our precious land.”
Sadly, as mentioned, we know the end of the story, for Christians the last six years of history this side of the Millennium will be a serious challenge, but also exciting for those who stand firm, who overcome. “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Revelation 3:21