Are you "watch"ing?

Redemption Draweth Nigh

"...Let us watch and be sober." I Thes 5.6

Watch for what? Well verse 2 says, "the day of the Lord..." What does that mean? Verse 3 states, "sudden destruction...they shall not escape." Who will not escape? Well if verse 4, then verse 5 calls the recipients of this letter, "brethren and children of light," it isn't referring to believers.

The rest of this chapter gives further instruction concerning "the day of the Lord."  Then, the believer can "Rejoice evermore."  Believers truly have much to look forward to.  Unbelievers or those who are not saved and do not have their hope in Him will suffer "the day of the Lord."  So, what are believers to be watching for?

Peter puts it this way in 2 Pet 3.10:  

"But the day of the Lord WILL come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein SHALL be burned up."   Amos tells us in 5.18, 

"Woe unto you that desire the day of the Lord!...(it is) darkness, and not light."  Bro. Joel prophesies in 2.1-3 that : 

"the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand; (it is) a day of darkness...clouds...thick darkness...A fire devoureth...a flame burneth...desolate wilderness;...nothing shall escape..." 

What to watch for? Well, 2 Tim 3.1-5 speaks of "perilous times."  Matt 24 gives a vivid account of events and things to "watch" for.  Much of Matthews words would've made sense during the greatest persecution of the early church.  However, it may also be accounted to modern times.  Bro. Luke 21.11, 12 also seems to apply to the early church.  However, this writer founds much hope in verse 14 where our Luke instructs to "settle it therefore in your heart..."

We are not of those who have no hope about such frightening words as "the day of the Lord."  (I Thes 4.13)  In the words of a wise old preacher of years ago, "we are looking for the upper taker not the undertaker.  This writer does not know, "the day nor the hour," (Mt 24.36) but I do know HE IS coming again! (Mt 24.44)

Are you ready?  Are you "watch"ing? Again, Mt. 24.44 warns that believers will not know when He is coming. 

Many verses could also be recited about escape of such a horrendous time.  

Thus, Are you saved, do you know HIM, Does HE know you? Our hearts desire is fulfilled in I Thes 5.9.  Acts 4.12 and 16.31 expresses the WAY of escape from these times.

So, when you see the signs of the times noted in Matthew 24, "lift up your head, redemption draweth nigh.

Redemption Draweth Nigh 

Believer or Non Believer?

Much has been said on the subject of the photo in this discussion.  However, the mind of this blogger questions whether folks who say they are saved but believe differently, a little or a lot, from my understanding of scripture, truly are.

The devotion that led me to study this matter is found in I Tim. 4.1-3.  "Now the Spirit  speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducting spirits, and doctrines of devils, Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron..."

The defining scripture as to whether these "shady" believers are saved is found in I Jn 2.19, "They went out from us, but there were not of us; for IF they had been of us, they would have continued with us:..."  These questionable folks act "sanctified" (2 Tim 2.21) but a real believer always feels a little off or unbalanced in their presence.  At least that is how this blogger would say it.  James 1.27 is clear on staying "unspotted from the world."

So it is that we understand separation with right conversation, dress and behavior. (Gal 5.22,23, Titus 2.12, I Tim 2.9, 10, Rom 13.10, 11) 

It would seem the difference is "the spirit" of these folks.  Real sheep may not recognize a wolf in sheeps clothing but "sense" a difference in manner and behavior. Thus, the following verses for guidance:  

• "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed (Pro 13.20) "But if Any provide not for his own...is worse than an infidel." (I Tim 5.8) 
•  "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ...He is proud, knowing nothing..." (I Tim 6.3,4) 
• "...brethren,...withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly..." (2 Thes 3.6) 
• "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers..." (2 Cor 6.14)

If these "brethren/believers" have the slightest tendency to "mock" or "smirk" at any of your convictions, separate from them. (Gal 6.7)

Current times demonstrate "Mega churches and lazy "believers" who think it's okay to stay out of church for any personal pursuit or pleasure.  Are you one of them? (Mt 7.15) OR One of these? (Jn 10.27, 28)

To distinguish even a hint of "apostate believer," one must enter the Throne Room in prayer guidance.  He is teacher and guide as well as Comforter. (Jn 14.26)

Submitted in His Blessed Name, Site Moderator