Bible Sermons Online

Archive for July, 2009

The Letter ‘N’ – Nuture your Spiritual Roots

It is crucial that when we go through trials, we have our feet strongly rooted in the ground so that we do not be swayed about by the winds. There are many Christians whose roots are not strongly grounded in the word of God. Mark 4:16-17 tells us of the parable where the seed (word of God) falls on stony ground but because the seed does not have any root, it soon dies away when tribulations and persecutions come as a result of the word. These are people who give up easily when they have to go through hard times and they succumb to temptations to look for an easy way out. Why is this so? The reason is because there is no depth of character which explains for them falling away when trials come.

When you are going through a difficult situation, go back to the instruments you have on hands that God has given you, that is, the word of God and what the bible has to say about it. Clearly, in Isaiah 54:17 and Deuteronomy 28:13, the word of God says that no weapon and words form against you shall prosper and He has made you the head and not the tail as long as you heed the word of God. Luke 8:15 tells us that those who receive the word of God with a noble and good heart, keep the word in their heart and bear fruits with patience. Such a Christian does not give up on God and the word of God. Instead, he holds on to the word of God in his heart and nurtures it. No matter how tough the situation is, the bible says that all things (good and bad) work for the good of those who love God.

The Bible is your best weapon and tool in times of trials. But why do we keep going back to the word of God? First of all, the Bible is like a lamp unto our feet, guiding us what to do (Psalms 119:105). The purpose of lighting a lamp is to illuminate the darkness so that you can see clearly what is before you. Similarly, the word of God is like a lamp. It will clearly illuminate the areas of darkness and show you what you have to do to get out of the situation. Secondly, the word of God is our best weapon for it is like a double-edged sword that cuts right through to separate the truth from the lies and it is alive and active – Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12. It will show you a new revelation to the situation that you are not able to see with your own naked eyes. Thirdly, Romans 15:4 tells us everything in the scripture was written down for our encouragement and for our reference. When we read about other Christians, their sufferings and God’s deliverance, it will give us encouragement and comfort, knowing that our God will do the same for us just as he had done for those in the bible. Cultures will change. The world will change. But there is one thing that will never change – the principles and truth of God’s word will never change nor will it be returned back to God void.

Root yourself in the word of God strongly so that in times of trials and difficulties, you will not be tossed and swayed by the winds and waves of life as well as people’s opinions.

We will look at part 1, 3 and 4 at Sermon Alive

Compiled by C. H. Spurgeon

Thomas Watson’s Body of Practical Divinity is one of the most precious of the peerless works of the Puritans; and those best acquainted with it prize it most. Watson was one of the most concise, racy, illustrative, and suggestive of those eminent divines who made the Puritan age the Augustan period of evangelical literature. There is a happy union of sound doctrine, heart-searching experience and practical wisdom throughout all his works, and his Body of Divinity is, beyond all the rest, useful to the student and the minister. Although Thomas Watson issued several most valuable books, comparatively little is known of him – even the dates of his birth and death are unknown. His writings are his best memorial; perhaps he needed no other, and therefore providence forbade the superfluity. We shall not attempt to discover his pedigree, and, after the manner of antiquarians, derive his family from a certain famous Wat, whose son distinguished himself in the Crusades, or in some other insane enterprise; whether blue blood was in his veins or no is of small consequence, since we know that he was the seed-royal of the redeemed of the Lord. Some men are their own ancestors, and, for ought we know, Thomas Watson’s genealogy reflected no fame upon him, but derived all its lustre from his achievements. He had the happiness to be educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, which in those days deserved to be called the School of Saints, the nursing mother of gigantic evangelical divines. In Kennet’s ‘Register and Chronicle,’ is a list of eighty-seven names of Puritan ministers, including many well-known and loved as preachers and commentators; such as Anth. Burgess, W. Jenkyn, Ralph Venning, Thomas Brooks, T. White, Samuel Slater, Thomas Watson, John Rowe, Dr. W. Bates, Stephen Charnock, Samuel Clarke, Nathaniel Vincent, Dr John Collings, William Bridge, Samuel Hildersam, Adoniram Bifield, followed by this remark, ‘These are most of them mentioned in the list of sufferers for Nonconformity, and appear upon the registers to have been all of Emmanuel College, beside great numbers, no doubt of the same society, who were forward preachers up of the unhappy changes of 1641,’ etc. In the margin of the book is the following observation on the foregoing: ‘It may not be improper to observe how much young students, in both Universities, fell in with the prejudices of their governors and tutors. This was the reason that this single College of Emmanuel, in Cambridge, bred more of the Puritans and Nonconformists than perhaps any seven of the other Colleges or Halls in either University.” Such a fact as this should attract the prayers of all believers to our seminaries for the sons of the prophets, since upon the manner in which these institutions are conducted will depend under God the future well-being of our churches. The Pastors, College, for the use of whose students this work is published, earnestly petitions for a place in the intercessions of the saints.

We are not at all surprised to learn that Thomas Watson enjoyed the repute, while at Cambridge, of being a most laborious student; the great Puritanic authors must have been most industrious workers at the university, or they never would have become such pre-eminent masters in Israel. The conscientious student is the most likely man to become a successful preacher. After completing his course with honour, Watson became rector of St Stephen’s, Walbrook, where in the very heart of London he executed for nearly sixteen years the office of a faithful pastor with great diligence and assiduity. Happy were the citizens who regularly attended so instructive and spiritual a ministry. The church was constantly filled, for the fame and popularity of the preacher were deservedly great. Going in and out among his flock, fired with holy zeal for their eternal welfare, his years rolled on pleasantly enough amid the growing respect of all who knew him. Calamy, in his Nonconformist Memorial, says of him: – ‘He was so well known in the city for his piety and usefulness, that though he was singled out by the Friendly Debate, he yet carried a general respect from all sober persons along with him to his grave. He was a man of considerable reaming, a popular, but judicious preacher (if one may judge from his writings), and eminent in the gift of prayer. Of this, the following anecdote is a sufficient proof. Once on a lecture day, before the Bartholomew Act took place, the learned Bishop Richardson came to hear him at St Stephen’s, who was much pleased with his sermon, but especially with his prayer after it, so that he followed him home to give him thanks, and earnestly desired a copy of his prayer. “Alas!” (said Mr Watson) “that is what I cannot give, for I do not use to pen my prayers; it was no studied thing, but uttered, pro re nata, as God enabled me, from the abundance of my heart and affections.” Upon which the good Bishop went away wondering that any man could pray in that manner extempore.

But the hand which of old had oppressed the church was again stretched forth to vex certain of the saints. The most learned, holy, and zealous of the clergy of the Church of England found that the Act of Uniformity would not allow them to preserve a clean conscience and retain their livings, and therefore they submitted to the loss of all things for Christ’s sake. Thomas Watson did not hesitate as to the course he should pursue. He was not a factious hater of royalty, a red republican, or fifth monarchy-man; in fact, he had in Cromwell’s day been all too loyal to the house of Stuart; he had protested against the execution of the King, and had joined in Love’s plot for the bringing in of Charles II; yet all this availed nothing, he was a Puritan, and therefore must not be tolerated by the bitter spirits then dominant in the Establishment. What seeds of discord were sown on that black Bartholomew history has not had space to record; yet the ultimate results have been fraught with results scarcely then imaginable. Comprehension might have hindered truth; the crown rights of King Jesus might have lacked advocates had monarchs and priests been more tolerant; as it was good men were forced into a truer position than they would otherwise have occupied, and the beginning of a real reformation was inaugurated. From that commencement in suffering what progress has been made! Every day the cause of the ejected gathers force and pushes on its adversary towards the brink of the precipice, a down which all establishments must fall.

With many tears and lamentations the congregation of St Stephen’s saw their shepherd about to be removed from his flock, and with aching hearts they listened to his parting words. He himself speaking as one bereaved of his dearest delight, and yet suffering joyfully the loss of all things, bade them adieu, and went forth ‘not knowing whither he went.’

In the collection of Farewell Sermons there are three by Mr Watson, viz.: two delivered August 17th, and the third on the Tuesday following. The first, preached in the forenoon, is on John 13: 34. ‘A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another.’ It discovers much of the spirit of the gospel, particularly in recommending love to enemies and persecutors. The second, preached in the afternoon, is on 2 Corinthians 7: 1. ‘Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.’ In the former part of it, he insists largely on ‘the ardent affections of a right gospel minister towards his people.’ This head he closes thus: ‘I have now exercised my ministry among you for almost sixteen years; and I rejoice and bless God that I cannot say, the more I love you, the less I am loved: I have received many signal demonstrations of love from you. Though other parishes have exceeded you in number of houses, yet, I think, none for strength of affection. I have with much comfort observed your reverent attention to the word preached; you rejoice in this light, not for a season, but to this day. I have observed your zeal against error in a critical time, your unity and amity. This is your honour. If there should be any interruption in my ministry among you, though I should not be permitted to preach to you again, yet I shall not cease to love you, and to pray for you. But why should there be any interruption made? Where is the crime? Some, indeed, say that we are disloyal and seditious. Beloved, what my actions and sufferings for his Majesty have been is known to not a few of you. However, we must go to heaven through good report and bad report; and it is well if we can get to glory, though we press through the pikes. I shall endeavour that I may still approve the sincerity of my love to you. I will not promise that I shall still preach among you, nor will I say that I shall not. I desire to be guided by the silver thread of God’s word and providence. My heart is towards you. There is, you know, an expression in the late Act, “that we shall now shortly be as if we were naturally dead;’’ and if I must die, let me leave some legacy with you. Then follow twenty admirable directions, well worthy the fervent perusal of every Christian. He closes them thus: ‘I beseech you treasure them up as so many jewels in the cabinet of your breasts. Did you carry them about you, they would be an antidote to keep you from sin, and a means to preserve the zeal of piety flaming upon the altar of your hearts. I have many things yet to say to you, but I know not whether God will give another opportunity. My strength is now almost gone. I beseech you, let these things make deep impressions on all your souls. Consider what has been said, and the Lord give you understanding in all things.’

The last discourse, August 19th, is on Isaiah 3: 10, 11. ‘Say ye t0 the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him, for the reward of his hands shall be given him.’

After his ejectment, Watson preached occasionally whenever he could do so with safety. Fines and imprisonments were insufficient to close the mouths of the witnesses of Jesus. In barns, kitchens, outhouses, or dells and woods, the faithful few gathered to hear the message of eternal life. Those little secret assemblies were doubtless charming occasions for devout minds: the word of the Lord was precious in those days. Bread eaten in secret is proverbially sweet, and the word of God in persecution is peculiarly delightful. Little can we realise the joyful anticipation which preceded the appointed meetings, or the lingering memories which clung to them long after they were over. After the great fire in 1666, when the churches were burned, Mr Watson and several other Nonconformists fitted up large rooms for those who had an inclination to attend. Upon the Indulgence, in 1672, he licensed the great hall in Crosby House, on the east side of Bishopsgatestreet, then belonging to Sir John Langham (a Nonconformist). It was a happy circumstance that the worthy baronet favoured the cause of Nonconformity, and that so noble a chamber was at his disposal. Here Watson preached for several years. Rev Stephen Charnock, B.D.’ became joint pastor with him at Crosby Hall in 1675, and continued so till his death in 1680. What two shepherds for the flock! Men of such most extraordinary gifts and graces were seldom if ever united in one pastorate. They both attempted a Body of Divinity, and the goodly volume on the Divine Attributes was Charnock’s first stone of a colossal structure which he was not spared to complete. Our author was more modest in his attempt and the present volume shows how he succeeded.

Mr Watson at length returned to Essex, where he died suddenly, in his closet at prayer, as is supposed, about 1689 or 1690. The time either of his birth or death is nowhere mentioned.

In the life of Colonel James Gardiner, there is this remarkable account: ‘In July, 1719, he had spent the evening, which was the Sabbath, in some gay company, and had an unhappy assignation with a married lady, whom he was to attend exactly at twelve. The company broke up about eleven, and he went into his chamber to kill the tedious hour. It happened that he took up a religious book, which his good mother or aunt had, without his knowledge, slipped into his portmanteau, called, “The Christian Soldier,” written by Mr Watson. Guessing by the title that he should find some phrases of his own profession spiritualised in a manner which might afford him some diversion, he resolved to dip into it: while this book was in his hand, an impression was made upon his mind, which drew after it a train of the most important consequences. Suddenly he thought he saw an unusual blaze of light fall on the book while he was reading, and lifting up his eyes, he apprehended, to his extreme amazement, that there was before him, as it were suspended in the air, a visible representation of the Lord Jesus Christ upon the cross, surrounded with a glory, and was impressed as if a voice had come to him, to this effect: “O sinner, did I suffer this for thee, and are these thy returns?” He sunk down in his chair, and continued for some time insensible. He then arose in a tumult of passions, and walked to and fro in his chamber, till he was ready to drop, in unutterable astonishment and agony of heart, which continued until the October following, when his terrors were turned into unutterable joy.’

Mr Watson published a variety of books upon practical subjects, and of a useful nature, for the titles of which, see foot-note.* But his principal work was a body of divinity, in one hundred and seventy-six sermons, upon the Assembly’s Catechism, which did not appear till after his death. It was published in one volume folio, in 1692, and accompanied with a portrait of the author, by Sturt; together with a recommendatory preface by the Rev William Lorimer, and the attestation of twenty-five other ministers of principal note in that day. For many a year this volume continued to train the common people in theology, and it may still tee found very commonly in the cottages of the Scottish peasantry. Rev George Rogers, Principal of the Pastors, College, has carefully superintended the issue of this present edition, and in a note to us he writes: ‘I know of no work with so much sermon matter within the same compass. In Howe, and Charnock, and Owen, we must often read much before we are tempted to close the book and think out a whole sermon, but Watson teaches us to make short work of it. The whole may be utilised. On this account it would be, I think, of great value to all our students who have pastorates. It is for their benefit, I suppose, you wished the reprint. As several select sermons, which are usually bound up with this work, will appear with his whole works, after a time, in Nichol’s series, they are not included here. This is a distinct work by itself and complete. All editions extant which we have seen, abound in errors and imperfections. These have been rectified, not entirely we fear, but in a degree as nearly approaching to accuracy as in revision of another’s composition could be expected. No alteration of sentiment has been made, but every shade of the author’s meaning has been scrupulously retained. The style has been modernised, so far as could be done without detracting from its own peculiar characteristics. Long sentences have been divided into two or three, where it could be done without injury to the clearness or force of the signification. Modern words have been substituted for such as had become obsolete; Latin quotations restored to their correct form, as far as their sources could be ascertained; and divisions of subjects more perspicuously arranged. The whole, in fact, has been rendered more readable, and consequently more attractive and intelligible, which in our estimation far outweighs all the supposed advantages that could arise from perpetuating the crudities and vulgarities, as they now appear to us, of former times. By popularising ancient works, their readers are multiplied and their meaning may often be more readily apprehended’.

For more information about books by Thomas Watson please visit:

http://www.gracecovenantchurchofholland.com/bookstore.htm

Book of readings, useful for meditation and reflection at Advent and Christmas

The writings and excerpts from the Bible seep into the reader after a time, inviting meditation and offering an education for Advent and Christmas. Certainly, an Advent and Holiday time reading, the works are not authored as a standard series of Advent readings, but they are traditional: “It is our hope that this book will encourage profound exploration and contemplation, but it is not, perhaps, a conventional Advent book of readings and prayers, for that the reader will have to look elsewhere.” Good. This is just the kind of book I wanted this past Advent and Christmas, one published by Morehouse Publishing. I must say that I have been looking at books published by the Episcopal publishing house, and for a few years have been intrigued by this one whose cover is a mother with her baby. It’s an intimate cover, and so I was and am intrigued by the intimacy of the book. If you, like me, look for books for the season like Advent and Christmas, you will find this a good one with its readings and reflections for each day of the season, into the first day of Epiphany. This “Come, Lord Jesus,” had me thinking of the end of times, when we all go to heaven and are judged. Previous years I hadn’t thought so much of it. Now I don’t want to burden you with my own needs and interests so much, but this does more pointedly demonstrate how the readings go. First there is the Gospel, as this one of Day 4 in Advent. From Matthew: “When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him…” This of the second coming, the end of the world, and the question asked by Christ is this, “…for I was hungy and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me…” Good thoughts for reflection about a man who taught important things and as the incarnate God would ask us to be with our fellow man in ways that are good and helpful. The reflection, which is the second part of the reading, asks, “Such grace transforms situations, delivers from sin, heals our brokenness, floods our hearts with light and encircles us in the communion of love.” Of course, for the sake of brevity, I must truncate the text. But you see that there is a grace offered to us, which we look forward to in the birth of Jesus, during the Advent season, that is “…that which goes byond that moral demand–God’s accepting love, his forgiveness and mercy, his overwhelming free gift, his loving-kindness.” This seems like a kind of sermon, and it is a kind of sermon. “Passages for reflection were drawn for the most part from sermons, addresses and meditations on passion themes that I have given throughout my ministry both as chaplain for many years…and as a bishop.” This from the Preface. Too, there are the reflections of musician Julien Chilcott-Monk. He, I think, wrote the Mary reflections and the shorter reflections for each day, a kind of note to the reading. The longer and introductory readings and remarks by Geoffrey Rowell, Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe (of the Anglican Church), and the almost point making writings of Julien Chilcott-Monk make this a team written book where the writing and the team impact is helpful to the meaning and for the writing of the book. Like a prayer, “The Sequence” of each day focuses the reader. So these are really meditations and prayers, subtle sometimes. “With thy favoured sheep, O place me; nor among the goats secure me…” Perhaps you are not so steeped in the Bible, for the book relies on the Bible, and therefore here is the end of that quotation: “…but to thy side please upraise me.” Asking to go to heaven, something most people who live their lives in a religious manner desire. Continuing with the format, the book has an imaginative (fictional) statement by Mary on the Biblical text. Afterall, this is about Jesus and Christmas, and Mary is a key player. Here the writer gives mature thoughts to the young mother, and she is religiously profound. As I understand it, Mary was a Jewish woman who was well educated in her faith. That adds credence to her thoughts, as fictionalized here: “Is Jesus to establish the New Eden so that mankind can realize God’s original intention for his creation? If so, mankind will have to turn, to respond.” I found these very satisfying and they kindled in me the desire to imagine myself what Mary would think, and what kind of woman she was, as a mother to be. The readings, which are not so long nor do they take a great deal of time, end with a statement for “…consideration…” In this reading, “The King is concerned with the reality of response to human need, not our tally for engagements.” As a means of inspiration, information, and intelligent readings for reflection and mediation, albeit guided worthily by the text, the book “Come, Lord Jesus!” makes a worthy addition for the season. The daily readings guide the pilgrim through Biblical and reflective texts, engaging the individual with the season, and educating him in the sense that these ideas can grow. I want to add a personl note about my own reading during this season of Advent in 2005. The book grew on me as I went through it, as I found it a gentle and easily taken series of introductions as guidance to the seasons of Advent, Christmas and entry to Epiphany. –Peter Menkin, Epiphany

When Jesus roamed the earth over 2,000 years ago he would speak using illustrations and parables. When he would teach us not to judge others He used a parable about removing a board from your own eye before attempting to pull a piece of dirt from someone else’s. When He spoke about caring for your enemies He relayed a parable we know as the Good Samaritan.Now churches all over the world are recapturing the benefits of preaching through the use of illustrations. We have at our disposal the best story-telling medium in the world…video. Thousands of churches are now equipped with quality video projection tools which makes using video and mediaan incredibly appealing way to teach people the Gospel.Because of the relative small expense of video production gear many churches are starting to use their own creativity to tell relevant stories using this medium. But other congregations that don’t have the money, time or creativity to create video elements are now also able to benefit from this exciting tool by using videos created by other churches or production companies.Churches from all around the globe are now making short sermon videos a part of their regular service. With the benefit of the internet they are able to watch, buy and download high quality videos straight to their computer. After download they are able to easily create a DVD or show it straight from their PC.Churches are also using other creative media such as countdown clocks (five minute clips that countdown to the start of the service), images, and sermon outline packages to build captivating and relevant sermons of the Word of God. For those congregations that make the decision to step out and embrace technology they are finding that the old comment of church being “boring” is a thing of the past. Jesus was certainly not boring in his sermons and it is up to the congregations in our time period to present the Good News in as captivating of a way as possible.So today is the day to start using worship videos to create dynamic sermons!More info on Worship Videos.

First let me explain what is meant by the end times. The ‘end times’ is a reference to the end of time remaining before the lord Jesus returns to remove the christians (his believers and followers) out of the world before the 7 year tribulation starts.

Whenever normal every day life is threatened by something abnormal such as a massive earthquake, meteor shower, war, famine, or something else, there was always someone who thought or said ’surely this must be the end times!’, this type of thinking has happened from right after Christ died on the cross over 2000 years ago, until present day.

These people surely did not read or study the bible, for if they had then they would of known that the end times could of not been here or had not even started, not until at least the year 1948. Once the year 1948 arrived, a great thing occurred that started what I call the ‘winding of the prophetic clock key’ this event was the creation of the independant state of ‘Israel’.

Jesus talks about the end times in the bible and says that when the fig tree blossoms the end is near. Jesus used the descriptive analogy of a “fig tree” as pertaining to Israel, to instruct his disciples about how we could discern the timeliness of his return. Before 1948 there was no Independent state or nation of Israel.

Another thing Jesus tells us will signal the closeness of the end times is that Jerusalem will be controlled by the Jews. Since 400 B.C. the city of Jerusalem has been controlled by one Gentile superpower after another. Here are a few of the dates when Jerusalem was under control of forces other than the Jews: A.D. 70, the Romans; 614 the Persians; 637 Caliph Omar; 1099 the Crusaders; 1187 Saladin; 1250 the Egyptian Mamelukes; 1517 the Turks; 1917 the British and others, then in 1967 during the 6th day war from June 5 to 10 of that year the jews captured Jerusalem.

Jewish control of Jerusalem is one of the most important signs because of Jesus’ statement in Luke 21:24. The disciples had asked Him, “When are you going to return and what will be the sign ?” Jesus replied, “Jerusalem shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” What was the Savior saying? Simply that the Jews would be scattered throughout the world and the city of Jerusalem controlled by Gentile powers until the time of His return. All the various Gentile groups—the Romans, the Persians, the Crusaders, the Egyptians, and others controlled Jerusalem from A.D. 70 until May 1967. Then, in June 1967 the Jews took control of Jerusalem for the first time in more than nineteen hundred years.

The disciples also asked jesus, not only what the signs would be that signal the countdown to his return, but also what the signs of the actual end times would be. There are many signs we are told that we will see in the last days just before jesus returns, they include:

Earthquakes – Famines – Pestilences – Signs in space (sun, moons, stars, planets)

Luke 21:11 (King James Version) – “And great earthquakes shall be in divers (various, several) places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.”

Famines:Since 1975 to present, there has never been a year, that there wasn’t a famine some place on the earth.

Earthquakes:Earthquakes are happening more frequently and are getting stronger. From 1920 – 1990 a period of 70 years, there was 10 Major Quakes. From 1990 – 2005 a period of 15 years, there was 15 Major Quakes. And this is only the major quakes, in the year 2000 there were 22,256 total earthquakes detected. In 2004 there was 31,199. of course most were not even hardly noticed or occurred in unpopulated areas, but there numbers are growing rapidly every year, as well as the major quakes.

The United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Disaster Reduction Just reported that between 1950 to 1959 there was 20 Major calamities costing $38 Million (1989 Dollar Value), in 1990 to 1999 there was 82 Major calamities costing $535 Billion.

Pestilences:Since the 1980’s to present the number of new diseases that have formed is incredible. We now have SARS – AIDS – Herpes – West Nile – New Drug resistant TB – Mad Cow – New monkey pox virus with human-to-human transmission – and now the H5N1 (avian bird flu).Data shows that both the incidence and severity of outbreaks of multi-drug-resistant pathogens have experienced a sharp upturn within the past 10 years. For example, Salmonella infections have gone up 25-fold in some countries in Europe since 1998. Similar increases are reported for haemorrhagic E. coli 0157 food poisoning: between 2002 and 2005, the frequency of infection increased 10 – fold in England and Wales, and 100 – fold in Scotland.

Signs in the sun and space:The sun has been going wild, every 11 years or so we were told that the sun goes through cycles where it produces numerous solar flares or storms. This past cycle has been the strongest and strangest ever recorded since scientists and others have been studying solar activity, because even though the time for this solar phase should have passed. the sun is still producing massive flares and outbursts, and it’s getting worse. In fact the sun is getting brighter and hotter each recent year. This increase in warmth from the sun is warming the entire planet, and global warming is not longer just speculative, it’s a fact. The 14 hottest years ever recorded occurred after 1980.

The U.S. Geological Survey says Antarica is warmer now then it has been anytime in the past 4000 years. Half the glacier ice in the European Alps has disapeared in this century.

The following news reports were just released: ‘Warmest September Globally Since Beginning Of Reliable Instruments: The United States experienced its fourth warmest September on record, while global land surface temperatures were the warmest on record for the month, according to scientists at the NOAA National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C.’ and it’s not just the U.S. but reports are coming in from around the globe, here’s one from Australia: ‘Australia headed for hottest year on record – SYDNEY (AFP) Nov 14, 2005 – Australia is having its hottest year on record and experts blame global warming for the trend, the government weather bureau reported Monday.

Signs in society – peoples thinking and actions:

2 Timothy 3:1-4 (King James Version) – “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.”

These things are occurring every day and it seems everyplace, listen to peoples conversations, read the newspapers, watch tv shows, etc…. morals and putting others before ones-self are thinking that is almost gone. Sinful thoughts, and sexual perversion is becoming a common way of life.

Preachers will not preach the biblical truth, and many will seek false and evil religions:

1 Timothy 4:1 – “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”

Churches and sermons have become watered-down to please church members. Many Pastors don’t preach sermons anymore on the horrors of hell and the effects of sin. They have begun preaching about an all loving god, that loves everyone. This is true he does, but he is also a holy god, that cannot tolerate sin. And if someone lives a life of sin, they will be cast into hell. If you accept Jesus Christ as lord and saviour, the bible says you must also repent, a dictionary explanation for ‘repent’ says: ‘To feel such regret for past conduct as to change one’s mind regarding it’, so you cannot just ask for salvation, then live your old life, the bible clearly tells us that, read this carefuly, it’s right from the bible: 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”

Some Pastors are now even saying that Jesus Christ is not the only way to Heaven. We have removed the biblical truth and facts and have replaced it with what people want to hear, so they can continue their ways of living a life of sin.

Wars and rumors of wars:

The 20th century has been known as the century of warfare. We have had the big ones of course like World War 1, and World War 2, and the cold war (the ultimate era of ‘rumors of war’), we also had the vietnam war, korean war, and literally hundreds of other battles, including the gulf wars and other middle east conflicts to the present day rumors of possible war with Iran and North Korea over their nuclear programs.

Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:

Ethnic unrest and tribal warfare has killed millions in this generation alone, and it’s getting worse.

Massive Hurricanes and freak storms:

Does the bible mention Hurricanes when it tells of signs of the Lords return ? It sure does, Jesus tells the disciples in Luke 21:25: “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring.” See them last 6 words: ‘the sea and the waves roaring’, the exact effects of hurricanes. 2004 was said to have been the costliest hurricane season on record, that was true until the 2005 hurricance season. At the end of Oct 2005, Beta, the 26th named storm of a record Atlantic hurricane season, made landfall near La Barra, Nicaragua. And now on Fri, Dec 30 2005 we have this NEWS – Tropical Storm Zeta drifts across the Atlantic. The 27th named storm of a record-breaking hurricane season, Zeta had top sustained winds near 50 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. Forecasters said Zeta was not expected to become a hurricane or threaten land. This Atlantic hurricane season has seen more named tropical storms and hurricanes than at any point since record-keeping began in 1851.

Here in Northeast Pennsylvania, from November 6-12, we were struck with multiple severe thunderstorms and a tornado watch. This wouldn’t be anything abnormal if it was summer, but this is November and we had not only multiple severe thunderstorms but a tornado watch and then a warning. According to local tv weathermen, we have never had as many severe thunderstorms and a tornado warning in this area so late in the year since record keeping began.

I could go on and on, but this article would be to large for what I wanted. The facts are plain and simple folks, according to what jesus and the bible says, the signs of the end times are happening right now. There are some folks that say ‘oh it says in the bible that the city of Damacus in Syria will be destroyed’ and this hasn’t happened yet, or something else hasn’t happened yet. yes, that is very true but the signs that have happened or are occurring are the ones that the bible says will signal the return of Jesus, the other signs may occur during the great tribulation after his return.

So what does it all mean, ‘The time of Jesus Christ’s return is here !’, I believe the countdown began in 1967 when the Jews took control of Jerusalem. .

Jesus told his disciples that the Generation that sees these things, ‘The creation of israel as a nation, and most importantly ‘Jerusalem under jewish control (1967) “This generation will not pass away (die)”, before he (Jesus) Returns.

So how long is a generation in the bible ? bible scholars used to say a generation is 40 years. So if the countdown to the ‘end times’ began in 1967 when the Jews re-took control of Jersualem, Christ may return (rapture of believers) before Dec 31, 2007. Now some other bible experts like ‘Jack Van Impe’ are saying that a biblical generation is 52 years. This is pretty amazing, because it falls in line with some other amazing date predictions. If the end time countdown began in 1967 when the Jews re-took control of Jersuale, and if you add 52 years to that date, that gives you the year 2019. Now if we subtract 7 years from 2019 (7 years being the time of the tribulation period), that gives us the date 2012. Strangely, both the Mayan and Aztec calendars end on the year 2012, predicting some major event that changes the whole earth in that year. Is this event the rapture, the return of Christ ? When it comes to exact dates nobody on the earth really knows when Jesus will return. Jesus himself says no man knows the day or the hour when he will return. In Mark 13:32 (KJV) — “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.” But Jesus doesn’t say we cannot know or figure out the year that he may come.

I say, don’t wait for the year 2012, I believe the time may be much shorter, the best thing to do is to be ready, give your heart and life to Jesus today, except his free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ before it’s too late. You never know if you will have a tomorrow, a car wreck, heart attack, stroke, murder, or the return of the lord may happen this very hour, and then it’s too late. All you have to do is believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins, and ask him to forgive you of your sins, say the ’sinners prayer below’ then repent, change your lifestyle and thinking by not living in sin, and if possible start going to a bible believing Church whenever you can, and be baptised if possible. The gift of eternal life is a free gift from the lord Jesus, all you have to do is want it, and ask for it. Here is a simple sinners prayer, it’s all you need to say, just believe it: “God I know and confess that I am a sinner in need of your forgiveness, I believe that your son Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins. I now accept and receive Jesus’s pardon for my sins, I want Jesus into my heart and life as my personal saviour, forgive me lord and save me, Amen’.

If you have just prayed that simple prayer and believed, you are now granted the gift of eternal life, Praise the Lord.

As I finish this article, the year 2005 has now ended, and 2006 has just begun, I sit here wondering what terrible things will happen in the world, and in our own country this year, but as the Bible says. “Don’t let you heart be troubled, all these things (end time signs) must occur, but look up for your redemption draws near.”

If you want to learn a lot more about end time events that are happening every day, and Biblical things such as the Rapture, Armageddon, the Tribulation and more, then visit this website: ‘ Signs Of The End Times ‘, for daily End Times news articles, and lots of other great Christian reading.

The ‘ Signs Of The End Times ‘, Website can be found here:http://www.rb59.com/end-times

By Robert W. BenjaminCopyright © 2006

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