gfellowships

Here is an article to consider on this topic, it would be interesting to hear others thoughts. ==== I recently watched a short documentary on the sad events of the December 26, 2004, tsunami that hit Indonesia and caused almost a quarter of a million deaths. It is well known as the Boxing Day Tsunami. The video showed the Tsunami spreading to different regions, hitting the shores of heavily populated areas. What struck me was the complacency of the people in the different areas, even the amusement of it all. At one beach they see a white crescent on the distant horizon spreading across the entire large bay. People watch mesmerized as this white crescent comes nearer and nearer. When the wave swallows up two ships in the bay some of the watchers realize the magnitude of the event that is about to strike but for most it is too late. In another shoreline people smile and laugh in amusement as the entire bay is emptied of water and ships are beached. It begins as a spectacle that is full of fun and amusement as people take pictures. As the water came back in they considered it something fun to watch. When the wave struck that shoreline, many were caught unawares; their running was in vain and multitudes were screaming as they were swallowed in the waves and dragged back out to sea, never to return. As I watched the video a great sobriety came over me—not just over the deaths of so many people—of what is about to come upon the Christians of the world, with some of us not being aware of the times we are living in. Many of us do not believe this could be the end of time. Just as the tsunami came without warning, so will the end times persecution come upon many Christians unawares. I am not arguing for any type of position of the rapture of the church, whether pre or post, in this short article. Yet I believe firmly that we will all feel like we are in the great tribulation when this end time persecution wave hits the Church. The birth pains will become worse and worse, and many of those that have believed in a pre-tribulation rapture that would have them escape from all suffering will be 100% unprepared for what is going to come upon them. Persecution of Christians has not diminished, but has been increasing yearly world wide. *** removed link ***

we must be ready to suffer persecution. If we are not ready for tribulation then that will be dangerous. God is able to save us out of great trials or also preserve us in the midst of great tribulation. There will be many martyrdoms in the end times world-wide.

I do not believe that it is easy to splice up the bible in different ages. Many use that type of thinking to teach that passages like Matthew 24 or the sermon on the mount do not apply to modern disciples of Jesus Christ today.

There will be responsibility in heaven so it matters how we live here on the earth. Praise God that we will be in a place of pure joy, peace and love in God's presence in heaven.

I believe it is wise to judge ourselves and not others. We must all stand before the judgement seat of Christ.

" I AM" I believe God reveals Himself in many names and that He is so holy we cannot fully understand Him. Holy means totally other than (seperate). I am that I am, God exists always and from eternity past. He is all. He sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world. Hallelujah.

"What do you say to someone who hates God?" I believe everyone if they are honest hate God before them come to know God's Son and repent of their sins. Jesus said that men love the darkness and not the light. People need to know the great love of God and for us to share this love with others will have great impact.