"god of this world?"

Question: "How is Satan god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4)?"

The phrase “god of this world” (or “god of this age”) indicates that Satan is the major influence on the ideals, opinions, goals, hopes and views of the majority of people. His influence also encompasses the world’s philosophies, education, and commerce. The thoughts, ideas, speculations and false religions of the world are under his control and have sprung from his lies and deceptions.

Satan is also called the "prince of the power of the air" in Ephesians 2:2. He is the "ruler of this world" in John 12:31. These titles and many more signify Satan’s capabilities. To say, for example, that Satan is the "prince of the power of the air" is to signify that in some way he rules over the world and the people in it.

This is not to say that he rules the world completely; God is still sovereign. But it does mean that God, in His infinite wisdom, has allowed Satan to operate in this world within the boundaries God has set for him. When the Bible says Satan has power over the world, we must remember that God has given him domain over unbelievers only. Believers are no longer under the rule of Satan (Colossians 1:13). Unbelievers, on the other hand, are caught "in the snare of the devil" (2 Timothy 2:26), lie in the "power of the evil one" (1 John 5:19), and are in bondage to Satan (Ephesians 2:2).

So, when the Bible says that Satan is the "god of this world," it is not saying that he has ultimate authority. It is conveying the idea that Satan rules over the unbelieving world in a specific way. In 2 Corinthians 4:4, the unbeliever follows Satan's agenda: "The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ." Satan's scheme includes promoting false philosophies in the world—philosophies that blind the unbeliever to the truth of the Gospel. Satan’s philosophies are the fortresses in which people are imprisoned, and they must be set free by Christ.

An example of one such false philosophy is the belief that man can earn God's favor by a certain act or acts. In almost every false religion, meriting God’s favor or earning eternal life is a predominate theme. Earning salvation by works, however, is contrary to biblical revelation. Man cannot work to earn God's favor; eternal life is a free gift (see Ephesians 2:8-9). And that free gift is available through Jesus Christ and Him alone (John 3:16; 14:6). You may ask why mankind does not simply receive the free gift of salvation (John 1:12). The answer is that Satan—the god of this world—has tempted mankind to follow his pride instead. Satan sets the agenda, the unbelieving world follows, and mankind continues to be deceived. It is no wonder that Scripture calls Satan a liar (John 8:44).

All I can think to say here is.... Pray toGod for eyes to SEE Him and a heart to love Him every day and night.

VENTI SUMATRA!

UNSTOPPABLE CHRIST

What about those "hungry" dudes who promised not to eat till they KILLED Paul?

We read about them in Acts 23:12, “When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.” It didn’t work. Why? Because a string of unlikely events happened.

(...And this is how I'm encouraged to SEE God working in my life) 

A boy overheard the plot.
The boy was the son of Paul’s sister.
The boy had the courage to go to the Roman centurion guarding Paul.
The centurion took him seriously and brought him to the Tribune.
The Tribune believed him and prepared “two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen” to take Paul to safety.

Highly unlikely. Strange. But that’s what happened.

What had the hungry men lying in ambush missed? They failed to reckon with what happened to Paul just before they made their plot. The Lord appeared to Paul in prison and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you *must testify also in Rome” (Acts 23:11).

Yeshua said Paul was going to Rome. And that was that!! No ambush can stand against the promise of Christ. Until he got to Rome, Paul was immortal. There was a final testimony to be given. And Yeshua would see to it that Paul would give it.

You too have final testimony to give. And you are immortal until you give it. WHOOOOWEEE!! 

-The Book is Bad! Read it!!-2 Cups of Coffee Later!

BOOK OF LIFE

All who dwell on earth will worship [the beast], everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. (Revelation 13:8)

Salvation is secured for all who are written in the book of life.

The reason that being written in the book of life secures our salvation is that the book is called “the book of life of the Lamb who was slain” (Revelation 13:8). The names in this book are not saved on the basis of their deeds. They are saved on the basis of Christ’s being slain.

So how then does the record of our lives contained in “the books” have a part in our judgment? The answer is that the books contain enough evidence of our belonging to Christ that they function as a public confirmation of our faith and our union with him.

Consider Revelation 21:27: “Nothing unclean will ever enter [the New Jerusalem], nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Here the result of “being written in the book of life” is not only not perishing, but not practicing detestable, sinful behaviors.

For example, consider the thief on the cross. Jesus said that he would enter paradise (Luke 23:43). But what will judgment be like for him when the books are opened? More than 99.9% of his life will be sin. His salvation will be secured by the blood of Christ.

Then God will open the books and will use the record of sin to glorify his Son’s supreme sacrifice, and he use the last page to show the change that was wrought in the thief’s attitudes and words. That last page — the last hours on the cross — will be the public confirmation of the thief’s faith and union with Christ.

Therefore, when I say that what is written in the books is a public confirmation of our faith and of union with Christ, I do not mean that the record will contain more good works than bad works.

I mean that there will be recorded there the kind of change that shows the reality of faith — the reality of regeneration and union with Christ. That is how I enter the day, confident that my condemnation is past (Romans 8:3), and that my name is in the book of life, and that the one who began a good work in me will bring it to completion at the day of Christ.

Grace be with you.

Venti Vanilla Soy Latte

HOUR OF CRISIS

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (1 Peter 4:14)

The likelihood of dying because you are a Christian is closer than it used to be for Americans.

The freedom from such threats has generally existed in this country for a tiny portion of history (about 400 years). We have gotten used to it. It seems like the way things must be. So our first reaction to the threat that things might be otherwise is often anger.

But that anger may be a sign that we have lost our sense of being aliens and exiles (“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles . . .” 1 Peter 2:11). Perhaps we have settled in too much to this world and this country in particular. We don’t feel as homesick for Christ as Paul did: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).

Many of us need the reminder, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12).

Have you ever wondered how you will do in the hour of final trial? The gunman has you in his sights and asks, “Are you a Christian?” Here is a strong word to give you hope that you may do better than you think.

“If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you” (1 Peter 4:14).

This encouragement from Peter says that in the hour of unusual threat (whether insult or death) there will be “a Spirit of glory and of God resting on us.” Doesn't that mean that God gives special help in the hour of crisis to those who suffer because they are Christians?

I don’t mean he is absent from our other sufferings. I just mean that Peter -went out of his way- to say to those who suffer “for the name of Christ” will experience a special “resting” on them of “the Spirit of glory and of God.”

Linger over the stories of the martyrs. Meditate on the promises of Christ’s final help. I know that I am!
And pray that this will be true of you:

“They have conquered [the accuser] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” (Revelation 12:11)



Thanks for having coffee with me!!
Robbs

LOOK AGAIN & THINK

A warning which needs to be repeated is that “the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches,” and the lust for the other things, will choke out the life of God in us (see Matthew 13:22). 

We are never free from recurring waves of this invasion. If the front line of attack is not about clothes and food, it may be about money or the lack of money; or friends or lack of friends. Or the line may be drawn over difficult circumstances. It is one steady invasion, and these things will come in like a flood, unless we allow the Spirit of God to raise up the banner against it.

“I say to you, do not worry about your life” (Matthew 6:25). Our Lord says to be careful about one thing—our relationship with Him. But our common sense shouts loudly and says, “That’s absurd, I must consider how I am going to live, and I must consider what I am going to eat and drink.” Jesus  knows our circumstances better than we do, in many ways He ordains them, and He says we must not think about these things to the point where they become the primary concern of our lives. Whenever there are competing concerns in your life, be sure you always put your relationship with God first.

“Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). How much trouble has begun to threaten you today? What kind of mean demons have been looking into your life and saying, “What are your plans for today—or this week--or your childs future?” Jesus tells us not to worry about any of these things. Look again and think. Keep your mind on the “much more” (Matthew 6:30) of your heavenly Father.

27And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.30But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31Therefore do not be anxious, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" 32For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

"WATCH!" -WHAT EXACTLY DOES THAT MEAN?

Jesus and the apostles exhort us to actively "WATCH"! 

We need to understand all that they meant and the wide-ranging implications. Our survival and salvation could depend on that understanding and action!


Therefore, this blog post is a little longer than most. But I used Big Headings so you could read it in bite-sized pieces while highlighting your personal bible and doing further study or cross referencing; then easily finding your way back.

Paul wasn't telling us to be passive spectators—of entertainment or anything else. He meant something far different. The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth, "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13)
The rest of the verse is clear, but what does "watch" mean?

This blog post focuses on New Testament scriptures with the verb "watch"—important scriptures that are often misunderstood, ignored and neglected.

How important is it that we "watch"? Consider this: The biblical command to watch is several times coupled with the command to pray. Is prayer important? Extremely so!    And so is the command to watch!

WATCH means to stay wide awake

When the New Testament commands us to "watch," it is usually the translation of one of two Greek words ( gregoreuo and agrupneo ), which have similar meanings—to "stay awake" and to "be sleepless."  They are usually meant in the metaphorical and spiritual sense—to be vigilant and on your guard, fully awake, aware, alert and intently focused—with several applications and implications.

In Matthew 26:37-40, the meaning of "watch" is primarily physical.  Jesus was chiding the disciples for not remaining awake during the hour preceding His arrest.

But what Jesus next said to Peter had a deeper, spiritual meaning: "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing [i.e., intentions are good], but the flesh [mere human willpower] is weak'" (Matthew 26:41).

It is spiritual watching coupled with prayer that gives one the strength to survive temptations and difficult situations.

"Awake to righteousness, and do not sin" (1 Corinthians 15:34).
Being awake is equated with righteousness and not sinning. Paul was writing to the church at Corinth, which shows that even true Christians can be spiritually asleep to varying degrees.  Paul also wrote: "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed" (Romans 13:11, emphasis added).

In other words, the closer we draw to the second coming of Christ, the more urgent it is that we awake out of spiritual sleep!  Indeed, we have entered the fearful end-time years that are the grand climax of human civilization.  If ever there was a time to pay attention and get prepared, it is now!

Furthermore, none of us knows when he or she will die. Being spiritually prepared for the end of life should be our top priority.

WATCHING means properly using our minds

God gave us marvelous minds to use —to study, learn, observe, analyze, judge and think.

Life is time.  To waste time is to waste life.  Many people are mentally lazy—wasting a tragic amount of time on the trivial and temporal, mundane and materialistic.  Many squander countless hours vegetating in front of their TV or computer seeking only to be entertained, by the lastest show, ball game or facebook posts.

Real readers are becoming rare. A society becomes shallow and superficial when most citizens rely too much on pictures and images rather than words.  In-depth learning requires language.

It is quite significant that God's true religion is based on spoken and written messages that were compiled into what we call the Bible.  God's people are to be "people of the Book."  In contrast, most pagan religions emphasize images, idols, symbols and rituals.

You see, God wants His people to zealously read and study, to think and meditate. He wants us to be well-informed regarding the major geopolitical, cultural and spiritual issues and events of our time. God deplores ignorance, indifference and being "dull of hearing" (Hebrews 5:11).

This is where the Bible comes in, providing the essential framework for a godly worldview. The Bible is God's divine revelation of absolute truth, which is just as relevant today as it ever was.  Because of this, the Bible should be the prism, lens and filter by which we can accurately perceive and judge all other information. It enables us to develop a godly worldview—the framework and foundation by which we can accurately interpret all that is going on in the world. We can then understand our confusing world scene with amazing clarity, sense and logic!

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees for their hard-hearted mind-set. If they had not had evil attitudes and had believed the Scriptures, they would have been able to "discern the signs of the times" and to realize the Messiah had come (Matthew 16:1-3).

WATCH-we need knowledge of end-time prophecy

To know where to focus our attention, we particularly need to know the Bible prophecies of the end time, especially the prophecies surrounding the second coming of Christ.

We are to "eagerly wait for" Christ's return, not just passively wait around (Hebrews 9:28). 

Jesus was emphatic that His followers should hope for His return, expect His return and pray for His return! In addition, our enthusiastic anticipation and excitement will intensify as we see more and more world events fulfilling Bible prophecies—especially those that point to the increasing nearness of Christ's return.

Note the watching, waiting, anticipation and preparedness in the following passage: "Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching " (Luke 12:35-36).

Jesus concluded His message by saying, "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (verse 40).

Much later, Jesus echoed that point: "Behold, I am coming as a thief [meaning suddenly and unexpectedly ]. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame" (Revelation 16:15)
Wearing garments, especially white raiment, symbolizes a good spiritual condition (Revelation 3:1-5, 18). We must not be caught undressed—unprepared.

Christ's all-important end-time prophecy

Jesus gave a crucial end-time prophecy shortly before His crucifixion, recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21. It's valuable to study this prophecy often.

Jesus' disciples wanted to know what to watch for. "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3).

Significantly, the very first thing that Jesus responded with was a somber warning of what to watch out for: "Take heed that no one deceives you" (verse 4).  Sadly, many are deceived.  Many who call themselves Christians are deceived into thinking that Christ will not literally return to the earth, even though He repeatedly promised He would, or that He will return in some manner different from what He told us.

In the rest of the chapter, Jesus answers their questions by revealing the future key trends and conditions for which it would be critically important to watch.

Jesus then urged His disciples to "watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into" (verses 42-43).  It is because we don't know the exact timing that we must keep watching.

Continuing in Matthew 24, Jesus said, "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (verse 44) Watching reminds us and motivates us to remain ready. That's the main idea!

Shortly after, Jesus warns of the "temptation" to think, "My master is staying away a long time" (verse 48,). When a person thinks he has more than enough time to get ready, he is seriously tempted to be condemned (see verses 49-51).

The parable of the 10 virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) emphasizes staying spiritually prepared and ready. Keeping one's lamp filled with oil represents staying close to God and staying filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus concluded the parable by saying, "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming" (verse 13).

WATCHING, praying, staying sober and watching out for enemies

In Mark's and Luke's accounts of Jesus Christ's prophecy, we see that Jesus connected watching with praying. There is much to pray about regarding the present and the future. Watching helps our praying, and praying helps our watching.

Mark records Jesus saying: "Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time [of Christ's coming] is. It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch" (Mark 13:33-34; see also verses 35-37).

Christ was quite emphatic here in commanding us to do four things:

1. Take heed to what He had just said.

2. Watch for the signs He had outlined.

3. Pray regularly and earnestly so that we stay close to God.

4. Keep doing God's work!

In Luke's account, Jesus tells us that "when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near" (Luke 21:31). Then He warns about not letting "that Day come on you unexpectedly" (verse 34).

Jesus concludes by saying, "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:36).

"All these things" refers to all that is recorded in this chapter, including the "great distress in the land and wrath upon this people" (Luke 21:23). Mark uses the term "tribulation" and Matthew says "great tribulation" (Matthew 24:21).

Of course, Jesus did not mean that we are to only focus our prayers on our own survival and salvation. He meant that if we keep watching our spiritual condition and world events and praying for the Kingdom of God and for all that God tells us to pray about, we will be changing, repenting and accepting Christ's sacrifice and help. Then we will be accounted worthy to escape the end-time tribulation and to be with Christ in His Kingdom!

Paul urged that we pray "for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence" (1 Timothy 2:1-2). This implies that we know who our leaders are and what issues might impact our lives and our freedoms to worship God and carry out His work.

You can learn more about the connection between watching and praying in Ephesians 6:18, Colossians 4:2 and 1 Peter 4:7.

And watching is sometimes connected with staying spiritually sober, meaning sober-minded (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8; 2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Peter 1:13; 4:7; 5:8). This includes staying alert to our own spiritual condition, as mentioned.

Some scriptures about watching emphasize watching out for spiritual dangers and enemies such as "savage wolves," deceivers who want to take advantage of God's "flock" of followers (Acts 20:29-31).

Peter warns us, "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Staying aware of the powerful behind-the-scenes role of Satan and his demons enables us to understand the atrocious evil and madness of this world. It also enables us to "resist" them (James 4:7).

WATCH OUT - Mistaken attitudes that entrap Christians

In light of the above, we see that in addition to concern we should have in personally drawing close to God and over what is happening in God's Church, we are clearly also to watch, listen and read to keep up with world news, events, conditions and trends.

In doing so, we should focus on news that is significant rather than sensational. Let your knowledge of end-time prophecy guide you in your selections. If you're quite busy, and many of us are, still make "watching" a high priority and dedicate time for it.

In spite of Jesus' command, many Christians don't stay well informed. Why? We can name several reasons.

Some feel that paying serious attention to news is not "spiritual" enough. But true spirituality is based on obeying our Master, Jesus Christ, who commanded us to WATCH!

Some people ignore news because it's mostly bad news that interferes with feeling happy and comfortable. But that's choosing escapism over facing reality and obeying Christ's command to "deny" yourself (Luke 9:23). We are not to selfishly shut our eyes and hearts to the suffering of others, becoming indifferent, complacent or fatalistic.

People get depressed when they feel helpless. But by watching and praying, we are strengthened. We can help others to understand what's happening, plus we are more effective helpers with God's work in other ways!

A Christlike attitude is one of sympathy, empathy and compassion for your fellow countrymen and for all humanity. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). If we grieve for others, God will comfort us in this life and much more in the next life.

Our God-ordained responsibility is to watch and pray. Ignorance comes from ignoring, and God does not want us to be ignorant and "in darkness" (see 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10). Our Master and role model Jesus Christ certainly understood the issues, politics and personalities of His day. We should do likewise.

At the same time, we must avoid the mistake of going to the other extreme—studying world affairs, history and even conspiracy theories more than the Bible. Without a sound understanding of God's Word and a dedication to live by it, little else matters.

Will you become one of God's WATCHMEN?

God called the prophet Ezekiel to be a "watchman" to the nation of Israel to warn them to repent of their wicked ways or else suffer dire consequences (Ezekiel 3:17; 33:7). God told Ezekiel that He would hold him accountable—that if he didn't warn the people he would share the guilt for their suffering (Ezk 33:1-6).

So this is another application of Christ's command to "watch." He means for us to act as watchmen! How can we best do that?

First, we must strive to be "the light of the world" by being a godly example for others to follow (Matthew 5:14).

Second, we must study the Bible so that when people ask us important questions, we'll be prepared to give them biblical answers (1 Peter 3:15). Also we should stay well-informed regarding world affairs so we'll be able to help them understand those events from a biblical perspective.

Third, we must learn how God is using His Church to "go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation" (Mark 16:15). We should learn how we can support and be a part of that great collective commission of "preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God" (Mark 1:14).

The role of the Church has some similarity to the role of the Old Testament prophets. They taught the godly standards of good versus evil, the promise of God's blessings on those who do right, and the warning of God's punishments on those who do wrong.

The word gospel means good news, and the true gospel includes the wonderful news that Jesus Christ will soon return to give us true peace on earth! And before that, God will give forgiveness and protection to those who repent of their sins and make the commitment to obey and serve Him.

Jesus told us to regularly pray to God, "Your kingdom come" (Matthew 6:10). How can we convince others of the urgent need for God's Kingdom if we can't explain what's wrong with the present world?

This blog and my Facebook posts are part of my effort to be God's watchman to the world. 

Keep watching! Perhaps the best summary of this subject is this sobering warning from Jesus Christ in Mark 13:35-37: "Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning—lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!"

YOU JUST NEVER KNOW

YOU JUST NEVER KNOW

All the promises of God find their Yes in him. (2 Corinthians 1:20)

When Christ died he purchased for you the Yes to all God’s promises (2 Corinthians 1:20), and that includes the promise to use his sovereign power to govern all the inexplicable, maddening detours and delays of your life for wise and loving purposes. He is doing a *thousand things* RIGHT NOW for you and for His glory in your *disappointed plans.

Richard Wurmbrand tells a story that illustrates the "necessity of believing God for good, unseen purposes, when all we can see is evil and frustration:"

A legend says that Moses once sat near a well in meditation. A wayfarer stopped to drink from the well, and when he did so his purse fell from his girdle into the sand. The man departed. Shortly afterwards another man passed near the well, saw the purse and picked it up.

Later a third man stopped to appease his thirst and went to sleep in the shadow of the well. Meanwhile, the first man had discovered that his purse was missing, and, assuming that he must have lost it at the well, returned, awoke the sleeper (who of course knew nothing) and demanded his money back. An argument followed, and irate, the first man slew the latter.

Whereupon Moses said to God, “You see, therefore men do not believe you. There is too much evil and injustice in the world. Why should the first man have lost his purse and then become a murderer? Why should the second have gotten a purse full of gold without having worked for it? The third was completely innocent. Why was he slain?”

God answered, “For once and only once, I will give you an explanation. I will not do it at every step. The first man was a thief’s son. The purse contained money stolen by his father from the father of the second man, who finding the purse only found what was due him. The third was a murderer whose crime had never been revealed and who received from the first the punishment he deserved. In the future, believe that there is sense and righteousness in what transpires even when you do not understand."
(100 Prison Meditations, pages 6–7)

Drink deeply.
Robbs

HOPE FOR FELLOW STRUGGLERS

JESUS! REMEMBER ME!

And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42)

One of the greatest hope-killers is that you have tried for so long to change and have not succeeded.

You look back and think: What’s the use? Even if I could experience a breakthrough, there would be so little time left to live in my new way that it wouldn’t make much difference compared to so many decades of failure.

The former robber (the thief on the cross next to Jesus) lived for another hour or so before he died. He was changed. He lived on the cross as a new man with new attitudes and actions (no more reviling). But 99.99% of his life was wasted. Did the last couple hours of newness matter?

They mattered infinitely. This former robber, like all of us, will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of his life. “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Corinthians 5:10). How will his life witness in that day to his new birth and his union with Christ?

The last hours will tell the story. This man was new. His faith was real. He is truly united to Christ. Christ’s righteousness is his. His sins are forgiven.

That is what the final hours will proclaim at the last judgment. His change mattered. It was, and it will be, a beautiful testimony to the power of God’s grace and the reality of his faith and his union with Christ.

Now back to our struggle with change. I am not saying that struggling believers are unsaved like the robber was. I am simply saying that the last years and the last hours of life matter.

If in the last 1% of our lives, we can get a victory over some longstanding sinful habit or hurtful defect in our personality, it will be a beautiful testimony now to the power of grace; and it will be an added witness (not the only one) at the last judgment of our faith in Christ and our union with him.

Take heart, struggler. Keep asking, seeking, knocking. Keep looking to Christ. If God gets glory by saving robbers in the 11th hour, he surely has his purposes why he has waited till now to give you the breakthrough you have sought for decades.

PARABLE OF THE SUPER BOWL

Super Bowl XLVII - Dark Night of Fire I saw Satan laughing with delight The day the music died [From American Pie, Written by Don McLean] Super Bowl XLVII was held on the anniversary of The Day the Music Died, an expression that denotes the date in 1959 when Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P Richardson (The Big Bopper) died in a plane crash. Singer/Songwriter Don McLean memorialized the occasion when he wrote the song American Pie which became immensely popular, and has been much in focus in recent years. This song was sung by a crowd of 500,000 Americans in front of the Lincoln Memorial during Barack Obama’s first inauguration in Washington, D.C.. Numerous lyrics from this song have relevance to last night’s Super Bowl held in New Orleans, one of the most wicked cities in America. I will make reference to some of the song’s lyrics throughout this post. Let's review the parabolic meaning of the Super Bowl.  This Super Bowl was unique in that the opposing head coaches were brothers. Prior to Jim and John Harbaugh becoming head coaches of their respective teams, brothers have never coached NFL teams simultaneously, and have never faced off against one another in the Super Bowl. The theme of “brother against brother” evokes a correspondence to a looming civil war among Americans. Brother Against Brother  (Notice the Nike  - God of War - symbol on the left arm of the SF jersey) It was anticipated that a theme of civil war would be observed during this contest. Not only was a great conflict of brother against brother carried out on the field, but the commercials also contained a recurring theme of civil strife arising. One of the most pronounced examples of this was the Oreo cookie commercial that was set in a library. Libraries are known to be peaceful places. They are places where people are generally quiet, soft-spoken, and respectful toward others who come to read or study. It was striking that in the Oreo commercial the library patrons erupted into a greatly exaggerated conflict over something as trivial as whether the cookie or the creme filling was the better part of an Oreo. Note in the commercial that fire is also a part of the drama. Fire was a central theme of the Super Bowl. Oreo Cookie Commercial http://youtu.be/ufu5sqJh24Q In the Oreo cookie commercial, civil strife erupts suddenly and with great violence in an unexpected place. A place that was formerly peaceful and tranquil became a place of chaos and bitter fighting. This is a foreshadowing of that which is coming to America. Another commercial was titled Gaspocalypse. It was an advertisement for Hyundai’s fuel efficient Sonata Hybrid. http://youtu.be/Mldum9YGNEs Again, a peaceful drive in the country turns suddenly menacing and violent. Note that the commercial ends with the driver of the Hyundai saying, “Aren’t you guys taking this week-end warrior thing a little too far?” The phrase “week-end warrior” is a term used to describe part time soldiers who are members of the National Guard. It is the National Guard that is typically called out in times of national emergency and times of civil unrest. The implication is that these “week-end warriors” will soon be viewed as acting in extreme ways by the average American. I do not own a television, but the entire Super Bowl was broadcast over the Internet at the CBS Sports website. It was the first time such a major sporting event was broadcast in this manner. There were some differences between the Internet broadcast and the televised broadcast. One of the major differences was in the commercials. There were a limited number of commercials on the Internet. I began viewing about twenty minutes after the game began, and the first commercial I saw was for a video game called God of War Ascension. The commercial shown is titled “From Ashes.” The game focuses on a man who became a deity. Having rebelled against the gods, he is chained, but later breaks free of his shackles and leads a revolt against the gods. This, of course, is a parable of Satan who rebelled against Yahweh, was judged, but has risen again “from the ashes.” This “ascension” of Satan is commonly depicted among Freemasons and other Illuminati groups as the Phoenix that is destroyed in fire but is reborn to ascend into the heavens again. The Phoenix was a symbol employed in last year’s Super Bowl half-time show, as well as during the closing ceremonies of the London Olympics. For those who have eyes to see, this theme was also present in yesterday’s Super Bowl broadcast. God of War Ascension Commercial http://youtu.be/1aDhfTGkLTg It is apparent from these witnesses that a time of civil war, of brother against brother, is approaching for the nation. In this Super Bowl contest there was a parable given that reveals the error of Christians entering into a carnal struggle with flesh and blood. Colin Kaepernick, the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, is a professing Christian.  He has interpreted a number of Scriptures about fighting with enemies in a literal sense.  His body is heavily tattooed, and on each arm he has a Scripture written from the Psalms. Psalm 27:3, on one arm, reads: “Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.” (NLT) Psalm 18:39, on the other arm, says:, “You armed me with strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet.” (NIV) Colin Kaepernick The apostle Paul wrote: II Corinthians 10:3-4 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful... Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. A part of the parable of this game was to show what happens when a Christian engages in a conflict with flesh and blood. Yahweh has NOT promised His sons and daughters that they will prevail in a physical conflict. Christ told Peter to put away his sword, for those who take up the sword must perish by the sword. Colin Kaepernick is a fleshly Christian. This is revealed by his attention to adorning his flesh with tattoos. It is also seen in that action which has become a type of trademark. He kisses his bicep whenever he makes a touchdown pass, or has some significant success on the field. This is boasting in the arm of the flesh. Despite the Scriptures on his arms, the 49ers did not triumph over their adversaries, and the Ravens did not bow at their feet. The Christian is not promised physical victory over their adversaries. Quite the contrary. Romans 8:36-38 "For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered." But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death.” There is a great warfare coming to the nations. Civil strife will be rampant. It is NOT the will of Yahweh that the disciples of Christ wage a carnal war against flesh and blood. Our victory is a spiritual one. Christ triumphed on the cross though it appeared outwardly that He was being overcome by evil men. When we can return blessings for curses, love for hate, and forgiveness for offenses, then we have demonstrated that we are sons of God walking in His divine power. I would return to the beginning of the Super Bowl broadcast and share some signs in the order in which they occurred. The Super Bowl, as many sporting events in America, begins with the singing of the National Anthem. For this occasion, Alicia Keys was chosen. Just a few weeks prior to this, Alicia Keys was invited to perform at Barack Obama’s inauguration. She sang a very bizarre song whose lyrics have raised many an eyebrow. “He’s president and he’s on fire, hotter than a fantasy, lonely like a highway.  He’s living in a world and it’s on fire, filled with catastrophe, but he knows he can fly away.  He's got both feet on the ground and he’s burning it down, got his head in the clouds and he’s not backing down... Everybody knows that Michelle is his girl. Together they run the world. So we’re gonna let it burn baby... ” http://youtu.be/ivLLtyFvd8E The relevance of Alicia Keys being invited to both of these events and being offered a starring role is profound. A time of catastrophe when the world will erupt in flames of destruction and in the fire of civil strife is fast approaching. The next musical performance during this broadcast was during the halftime show. Significantly, Beyonce’s program lasted for 13 minutes. This number is associated with Satan and the Illuminati. In the Scriptures the number 13 signifies “rebellion, apostasy, defection, corruption, disintegration, revolution, or some kindred idea.” (See E.W. Bullinger’s book Number in Scripture.) The halftime show began in darkness, punctuated with flames of fire rising into the night. Destiny’s Child The amount of fire throughout this 13 minute performance was extraordinary. There were even flames shooting forth from a guitar played by one of the musicians. This emphasis upon fire is found in the lyrics of the song American Pie. So come on: jack be nimble, jack be quick! Jack flash sat on a candlestick Cause fire is the devil’s only friend. Oh, and as I watched him on the stage My hands were clenched in fists of rage. No angel born in hell Could break that Satan’s spell. And as the flames climbed high into the night To light the sacrificial rite, I saw Satan laughing with delight The day the music died. Remember, this is all occurring on the anniversary of The Day the Music Died. Beyonce’s performance ends with a sacrificial rite as she lies as if slain on the stage floor. The music has ended, which is a symbolism employed in the Scriptures to indicate judgment and destruction upon a land. Isaiah 24:6-8 Therefore, the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men are left.  The new wine mourns, the vine decays, all the merry-hearted sigh. The gaiety of tambourines ceases, the noise of revelers stops, the gaiety of the harp ceases. Revelation 18:21-22 And a strong angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “Thus will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down with violence, and will not be found any longer. And the sound of harpists and musicians and flute-players and trumpeters will not be heard in you any longer...” “Jack flash” is a term for the devil. In the lyrics of American Pie it states, “Jack flash sat on a candlestick.” A brother in Christ pointed out that the San Francisco 49ers play their home games in Candlestick Park. In a sense, the 49ers were “sat upon” as they were defeated by the Ravens. The last song that Beyonce performed was from her album I Am... Sasha Fierce. In 2008 Beyonce announced that she had an alter ego named Sasha Fierce that took over when she was onstage. This persona enabled her to do things that she would not normally do. She became much bolder, much more sexually demonstrative, when under the influence of this “spirit.” Watching her face during the performance, it was apparent that a great transformation came over her at times. She was truly fierce looking. At times she looked as if she was in rage as she was no doubt under the influence of the evil spirit she has opened herself up to. The song she sang from the Sasha Fierce album was Halo. Halo alludes to a fallen angel taking possession of her body. The lyrics include the following. Remember those walls I built? Well, baby they're tumbling down And they didn't even put up a fight They didn't even make a sound I found a way to let you in But, I never really had a doubt Standing in the light of your halo I got my angel now It's like I've been awakened Every rule I had you breakin' It's the risk that I'm taking I ain't never gonna shut you out! Recently, Beyonce announced that she was dropping the Sasha Fierce persona for she had now merged the two sides of her being. This seems to be what was depicted on the stage of the Super Bowl as there were outlines of two faces pointed toward one another. In a sense, this stage also symbolizes brother against brother, facing off. America is deeply divided, yet in truth the majority are identical to one another. They have fallen under the influence of Satan. The strong wage war against the weak, yet all are seeking selfish gain. As a result the entire nation will go up in flames. America is about to be plunged into darkness. Not coincidentally, shortly after the halftime show concluded, the Super Dome was plunged into darkness as the power went out. The game was delayed for 35 minutes as engineers worked to get power restored and the lights back on. Let us follow the sequence of events. The halftime show which begins and ends in darkness, but which is punctuated by fire, has just concluded. On the first play of the second half Jacoby Jones of the Ravens receives the kick-off deep in the Raven’s end zone. He runs it out and is untouched as he travels the entire field to score a touchdown. It is announced that his run was 109 yards, setting a new NFL and Super Bowl record. This claim is made repeatedly for about the next half hour until it is announced that the NFL ruled that it was actually only an 108 yard kick-off return. I believe it is part of the parable that it was announced confidently and repeatedly that his return was 109 yards, and a new NFL record. When I heard this it occurred to me that there is only one chapter of all 66 books of the Bible that bears the number 109. I looked it up to see what was written there. Following is a portion of the 109th Psalm. O God of my praise, do not be silent! For they have opened the wicked and deceitful mouth against me; They have spoken against me with a lying tongue. They have also surrounded me with words of hatred, and fought against me without cause. In return for my love they act as my accusers; But I am in prayer. Thus they have repaid me evil for good, and hatred for my love.  Appoint a wicked man over him; And let an accuser stand at his right hand. When he is judged, let him come forth guilty; And let his prayer become sin. Let his days be few; Let another take his office. Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow. Let his children wander about and beg; And let them seek sustenance far from their ruined homes. Let the creditor seize all that he has; And let strangers plunder the product of his labor. Let there be none to extend lovingkindness to him, nor any to be gracious to his fatherless children. Let his posterity be cut off; In a following generation let their name be blotted out. This Psalm of David is a cry for vengeance upon the ungodly. This is also a prophecy, for it foretells of Judas being cut-off for betraying Yeshua. Judas’office of an apostle was given to another. The Secret Service codename for Barack Obama is “renegade.” One of the definitions of “renegade” is someone who betrays another, a traitor. There has been some consideration of whether the President will meet a similar fate. Since he took his oath of office with his hand upon the Bibles of Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, both of whom were assassinated, and his first inaugural event was held in front of the Lincoln Memorial where He sang the lyrics of American Pie that include “This’ll be the day that I die,” there is some basis for pondering these things. Many have also noted Vice President Joe Biden’s recent gaffe where he introduced himself by saying “I am proud to be President.” http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/reliable-source/post/quoted-joe-biden-proud-to-be-president/2013/01/20/0e6d47ba-633b-11e2-85f5-a8a9228e55e7_blog.html Could there be a fulfillment of another taking Obama’s office? As mentioned in previous posts, the Democratic National Convention that saw Obama nominated for a second term featured a large sand sculpture of the President. The sculpture was damaged by rain and had to be repaired, possibly symbolizing injury and recovery. I had only enough time after the announcement of the 109 yard return to switch out to my Bible program, open to Psalm 109 and do a quick reading. When I returned to the CBS site I found that the stadium had been plunged into darkness. These things occurring on the heels of one another seemed strongly prophetic. Just a moment later a commercial for the new Blackberry Z10 phone came on. The tag line for the commercial was “Who knows what tomorrow will bring?” It was 3rd and 13 for the 49ers when the power went out. There was 13:22 remaining on the clock in the third quarter.  It was 9:11 pm EST when they came back on.   The preponderance of 13s was striking as this followed hard after the 13 minute Halftime show. CBS was running a live Twitter feed. One commentator tweeted the following: I just walked out of the Superdome to assess the scene. The outside lights are completely out. Very, very eery. In a recent post I mentioned a teaser commercial for Mercedes Benz. The only words spoken in the ad were: Something powerful is coming. See it February 3rd. Mercedes Benz Super Bowl Teaser Adhttp://youtu.be/FWjycKOsI2o We did see something relating to “power” on this date. What could be more “powerful” than to cut the power to the stadium when the Super Bowl is being broadcast to an audience of more than 100 million worldwide? What could be more powerful than to plunge the world into darkness? The dark night is rising. Civil war and fiery destruction are being foretold. The black clad Ravens, those unclean carrion birds signifying spiritual forces of wickedness, defeated the Patriots on the date of Obama’s inauguration, and they have conquered the golden 49ers on The Day the Music Died. Final Score Ravens 34, 49ers 31 EXTRAS: Mercedes Benz Commercial with -Willem "DaFoe" http://youtu.be/oPNr0_6MnDo The young man didn't have to sign the contract. Just by desiring the car, Satan knew he already HAD him.  That's the "trick."  One doesn't have to blatantly "Sell His Soul" to belong to the devil.... simply covet the world system.  (Satan "showed him what he desired".... He wanted girls chasing him, to be popular, to drive a fast car, to get into A list clubs...the deception was showing him the price and letting him see..HE COULD HAVE IT!)  MILK  http://youtu.be/KmbFtu1L0Kc Depicting Chaos in the streets. (among other things with the use of the clowns and the LION ROARING) DORITOS GOATS, AND SENIORS "LIVE MORE", MEN IN DRAG, DEFAMATION OF THE WEDDING DRESS, ETC... This is not "theology" but I wanted to share my thoughts.