Why are Christians so gullible?

Posted: May 6, 2012 in Christian Living
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According to his website, evangelist Bill Wiese has been traveling around the country, selling books, and making lots of money by exploiting people’s fear of the unknown… Hell in particular.  Although compelling, and definitely frightening, there is no Scriptural support for many of his claims.

In his alleged vision he saw enormous sized demons with giant jaws and huge teeth with claws sticking out that simply aren’t taught in the Word of God. The Bible plainly teaches that the fallen angels (demons) aren’t in Hell as workers tormenting people. That false idea came from pagan beliefs and later adapted by some in the Church. Numerous Scriptures; such as Ephesians 6:12 and 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, are evidence that the demons are living amongst humanity, seeking to deceive and destroy lives. Satan is the god of this wicked world. (2 Corinthians 11:4)

Mr. Wiese states… “God took it out of my mind that I was a Christian.” This is deception! The Bible declares in Titus 1:2 that God cannot lie. Why would God do such a thing and violate His own Word? Is God a liar? No Mr. Wiese, you are the liar, not God. God has promised eternal life to all who believe upon His only begotten Son for the forgiveness of sins. God would never forsake us, making us believe that He had abandoned us, not even for one second! (Hebrews 13:5) Although this may seem harmlessly beneficial to some Christians, such bizarre claims are damaging to the truth.

Bill Wiese’s Gospel invitation:

“The Bible is real plain, we are all sinners, and whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved. Jesus said if you will confess me before men, publicly, then I will in turn; confess your name before my heavenly Father and the Holy angels. But if you deny me before men, I will deny you before my Father. I want to ask you to do something. If you’ve never publicly, in front of other people, if you’ve never publicly declared Jesus Christ as your Savior, and made Him the Lord of your life, or if you’re unsure whether heaven is your eternal home, remember Jesus hung naked on a cross, in a market place, he hung there for you, He endured your shame.”

As you can see, the basic plan of salvation is given; but Mr. Wiese adds (and perverts) the gospel of Jesus Christ when he mandates people to “publicly” declare Jesus as their Savior and make Jesus “the Lord of your life” to be saved. All a person needs to do to be saved is to come as an undeserving sinner to Jesus Christ for forgiveness. All Jesus asks is that we believe on Him (John 3:16). Salvation only requires people to surrender to Christ to be saved, ceasing from one’s sins. Lordship Salvationists, such as John MacArthur claim to believe that salvation is by grace through faith alone; but then they teach that a person cannot be saved if they don’t make Christ their Lord. My friend you don’t make Jesus Lord… HE IS LORD!

Repentance means a “change of mind,” not necessarily a change of lifestyle. The changed life comes later as a person grows in the grace of God. (2Peter 3:18) A changed life is the fruit of genuine repentance (James 2:18-21) and not the root of saving-faith. (Romans 4:5-6) If you add as much as a drop of water to faith alone in Jesus Christ for salvation, then you’ve fabricated a false gospel and a dangerous heresy. Salvation is received, not achieved. Salvation is receiving, not giving. Eternal life is the gift of God—freely offered (Romans 10:13) and freely received. (Revelation 22:17)

We read in Hebrews 1:1-2, “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.” How does God speak to us? Through His Son, the WORD of God. (John 1:1; Revelation 19:13). If you want to find God today, and hear from God, then you must look to the Scriptures. (John 5:39) This is the key to truth; for the Word of God is truth. (John 17:17)

Beware!

Beware of modern evangelists who teach about spirituality and appear to be Christian, but who don’t teach and promote the Word of God. God doesn’t need to speak through any individuals today through private revelations today like He did in the Old Testament. We have His Word; and the Word of God is complete!

Hell = Sheol – the OT designation for the abode of the dead; the grave.

Hades = death, hell; the grave.

Gehenna = the lake of fire.

Hades and Sheol are Greek and Hebrew words used for “the grave”. That is where everyone goes when they die. (The righteous and wicked alike) Gehenna should scare people—Because Gehenna is very real. The Bible clearly describes Gehenna as a place of horrible fire and death for those who reject God’s forgiveness and salvation through His son Jesus.

But we should not try to scare people into heaven. (Proverb 16:6-7) God is a God of love; not a God of fear. How sincere would our love for our earthly father be if that love was rooted in fear? Would we truly love him if we were afraid that if we did not we would be the subject of his wrath?

Our love for God should not be used as a fire escape or insurance policy. He wants us to freely love Him for the same reason we want our children to love us. – Because we are.

Why are Christians so gullible?

The answer is in the Scriptures: “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Click HERE for more links.

Are you in an abusive relationship?

Posted: May 5, 2012 in Christian Living
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I have heard of a lot of people who have found themselves in abusive relationships. Sometimes it begins very subtly. But there are always red flags for people if they only pay attention to them. Although abusers are commonly men, it is not uncommon for an abuser to be a woman.

Below are some tips to help you recognize the red flags that you may be in an abusive relationship:

1. They want you all to themselves and make an effort to keep it that way. They do not understand that you have a life outside of the relationship and work to keep you from family and friends.

2. They call you derogatory names then say they are joking. Abusers sometimes cover themselves by blaming you, saying that you need to lighten up or that you are too sensitive.

3. They throw tantrums or attack you verbally and blame everything on someone else, namely you.

4. They try to intimidate you with violence, dominance or power tactics.

5. They punish you if you do go somewhere or do something without them even if others are also there.

6. They feel entitled to be treated like royalty and expect you to be a willing servant, doing everything they ask.

7. They are often jealous of you, other people and even your dreams and goals.

8. They are manipulators and will sulk, threaten to leave, and emotionally punish you for not going along with his or her idea of how things should be.

9. They will try to make you feel guilty any time you exert your will and what is right for you.

10. At times the abuser may appear to be apologetic and loving but their “remorse” doesn’t last long; the abuse begins again when the abuser feels he or she has you back.

If you are in an emotionally abusive relationship, there is a good chance that eventually things may get physical.  At first, the abuser might pull your hair, push you, or grab you so hard that you bruise; these may only be warning signs that things can escalate further. A partner with an explosive temper who has reacted with violence before (breaking things, punching the wall, getting into altercations with others) may very likely physically abuse you.

Scripture plainly lays out what type of people we can have a healthy relationship with.

For women seeking a man:

They should be above reproach, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. He should be man worthy of respect, sincere, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. Don’t be afraid to test them; and then if they possess most of these qualities it is safe to pursue a relationship with them. (From1 Timothy 3:1-10)

For men seeking a woman:

She should bring good and not harm. She should eagerly work with her hands to provide food for her family. She works vigorously and her lamp does not go out at night. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are well clothed. She has strength and dignity so she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Remember guys, charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Seek after a woman with most of these qualities and you will save yourself much grief in the future. (From Proverbs 31:10-31

The most important thing for believers to remember is that no matter how attractive, wealthy, or witty someone may appear to be DO NOT become romantically involved with an unbeliever.

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 -

I have had my share of bad relationships because I didn’t pay attention to the red flags and what Scripture plainly teaches about it. Today, God has blessed me with a beautiful godly wife; but it took nearly 40 years! We knew each other in high school but at the time I was too self-absorbed to realize that the best thing in my life was right in front of me! Don’t make the same mistake I made and waste 40 years in unhealthy relationships. Get the very best that God has for you.

Are You the Light of the World?

Posted: May 4, 2012 in Christian Living
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“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”  Mat 5:14-16 (NIV)

Recently at a men’s get-together I was discussing with some friends the state of America today. Some stated that they feared that America was becoming more and more like something that resembled a dictatorship than a democracy. Others were worried that many American Christians will soon experience even more persecution for their faith.

Persecution? What persecution? Requiring that you’re insurance company provide coverage for birth control is NOT religious persecution. Even requiring that you not share your faith with others at work during business hours is NOT religious persecution. Religious persecution is getting arrested and placed in prison and being tortured and/or killed for simply living out your faith! The biggest problem in America is not big government trying to control our lives. Our biggest problem is Christians who refuse to let their light shine before men.

For proof of this all one has to do is look at someone’s Face Book page. It’s as if they believe that God can’t read their posts since He’s not on their “friends” list. Many times I’ve read posts by those who claim to be Christians that include Scripture verses with words of encouragement on one post, and then soon after, they will post an obscene picture with a clever caption! I can’t tell you how many of these type of posts I’ve had to hide from my page!

Maybe it’s time for believers in America to experience real persecution. That may be the one thing that will bring about true spiritual revival. Here in America we use the term “Christian” so flippantly that in many cases it doesn’t mean anything. I’m sure that would change if we knew that acknowledging our faith in God would be a possible death sentence.

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” Romans 5:20

Charles Finney is credited with being one of the most forceful American evangelists and was greatly responsible for the rise of religious fervor in western New York from the 1820s to the 1850s. At the close of the eighteenth century the prospects of Christianity in the United States were unfavorable. A low standard of religion and morals prevailed. Family worship was neglected, and little attention was paid to the training of youth in the fear of God. The 49ers Gold Rush added an abundance of prosperity to the economy. Manufacturing and farm production doubled and the railroad more than tripled. While the railroad company was trying to tie the nation together east and west, the slavery issue was threatening to split it apart North and South. Some felt so strongly against slavery that they felt it was their duty to kill some of the slave-owners.

In October of 1857 the boom period ended with a banking panic that shocked the public and converged on the New York City financial institutions. The nation’s banking system collapsed.  Many believed that the panic was the Divine Hand of retribution because of the idolatry of money.

On the day of the crash about 100 people joined together in prayer. There was a great many added to those prayer meetings during the next two months and by January, 1858 revival spread across the nation!

There is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9

During the 1980s Silicon Valley and Wall Street added an abundance of prosperity to our economy. Manufacturing and farm production increased and profits of companies like Apple and Microsoft more than tripled. Today family worship has been neglected, and little attention is paid to the training of youth in the fear of God. At the same time the abortion issue has threatened to split our nation apart. Some feel so strongly against abortion that they felt it was their duty to kill some of the abortion providers.

Sound familiar? There has been much talk in recent years about whether America is ready for another “Great Awakening”, but I don’t believe that will happen until more of us decide to get serious and shine our light before men that they may see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven.

Making disciples of all the nations

Posted: April 26, 2012 in Christian Living, World Events
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So many believers here in the United States have become so apathetic towards spiritual matters that it is sometime hard to differentiate between believers and non-believers. And to make matters worse, many Christians are aggressively divided  on matters of doctrines that have nothing to do with salvation. This should not be!

Below is a follow-up email from my friend in Russia. His words should serve as an example for all of us in the states to use every opportunity God gives us to share the Gospel.

I think of you all every day and pray that God will give each of you boldness to share the love of Jesus with others. Jesus commanded us in Matthew 28:18-19, “Go into the world and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This is the very last thing Jesus said to his followers. It is the great commission. It is not the great suggestion. We must pray that God will use us to reach our neighbors. We live in a world of REAL spiritual darkness. I relay the following story to not only show you this darkness, but to encourage you in knowing that God is in control of everything and will lead us in and out of every situation. I did not previously share the experiences of this particular day, primarily because I did not want my parents and family to worry. Now, however, as I as I am preparing to again return to the states it is time to let you know more of the spiritually struggle that is going on here in Russia.

Not every witnessing encounter has an outcome that you would hope. We make our best plans and pray that God will use our efforts and the power of scriptures by His Holy Spirit to win souls to Jesus. Sometimes, despite our best preparations for these trips, God takes things in entirely different and unexpected directions. We were in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia on our second witnessing trip in two weeks. The first trip was fruitful and we saw four people come to the Lord in one day. So we naturally wanted to return. This trip, however, was not only different; it unfolded as a nightmare that had some of us concerned about serious jail time and deportation.

When we arrived, we were met by our friend, Bill Parson, who would spend half the day with us before heading in to work. We began walking the busy pedestrian area south of the Riviera Hotel complex. This area was being renovated, but despite the construction was quite busy. We had shared the gospel with about eight people when we encountered Roman. He was a man who seemed pleasant enough, but after speaking with him for about ten minutes, he suddenly changed. His expression became so filled with hatred and rage that we decided to wish him a good day and to leave him alone. Roman, however, followed us for an hour at a distance, shouting curses and insults in the Tatar language. We decided to call it a day and try again the next day.

As we began to walk to our hotel, Roman attacked Alex, screaming and violently wrestling him to the ground. At first we didn’t understand what Roman was screaming and to be honest, we were a little stunned and confused concerning what to what to do. After a split second, we all joined in to pull Roman off Alex. It took all four of us to get him under control. Alex told us that Roman had been screaming the words “You can’t have him” in the Chuvash language. As quickly as he had become violent, Roman’s anger subsided. He was calm, but upset that four men were sitting on him on the sidewalk.

At that time, two policemen who had heard the commotion arrived and separated everyone. It was then that Roman claimed very calmly that we had attacked him!! As we all sat in the back of police cars, we wondered what we would do. Charges against us would certainly result in deportation for Bill and me and some sort of jail time for Saha and Alex. We were praying with every fiber of our hearts, minds, souls, and spirits. No witnesses would come forward to refute Roman’s claim. No one wanted to get involved.

We were all taken several blocks to the local precinct where Roman repeated his claim that we had attacked him. The police questioned each of us and we all said the same thing; that we were simply trying to share the gospel of Christ with Roman when he suddenly seemed to “snap”, and violently attacked Alex. We were there for several hours, answering questions as to why we would be talking to people on the street in the first place. We explained, as best we could, why we share the love of Jesus with others. We each explained what the gospel message was, pointed to our Bibles and quoted to the officers the scriptures that urge us to be witnesses for Jesus. We again and again explained why we feel compelled to tell others about the good news of Jesus but to our dismay, these policemen were a cold group. Mostly expressionless and callous, they offered virtually no response. I heard one officer shouting angrily at Alex in the next room. I began to wonder if we would all go to jail.

At that time, we were all put together into one room. Roman was brought into the room, and we were again asked to confess to attacking Roman and to explain why. Alex again said that we only wanted to tell Roman how much God loved him. Instantly, Roman, screamed, jumped to his feet, and flying across the table, lunged toward Alex. Four startled policemen were struggling to restrain him when Alex shouted, “In the name of Jesus, be silent and come out of him!” Roman was suddenly silent and relaxed as if he was sleeping. The police then saw that we had been telling them the truth. They then knew that Roman had indeed first attacked Alex as we had claimed. There was, however, a palpable sense of fear and confusion coming from the officers. The commotion had drawn several other officers into the room, their guns drawn. It was very tense. I knew they were wondering how Alex had so swiftly silenced Roman. I finally, at that time, understood the spiritual battle that had been going on. Alex spoke what we all had come to understand. He told the officers that Roman was obviously oppressed by a demonic force. Alex wanted to pray for Roman. The officers would not allow it and carried him to a different room.

In the end, Roman was taken to a hospital for observation and we understand that he was released the following day. As we were escorted from the police station and released, one of the older officers told us in an almost fatherly way that he was Russian Orthodox and that he was basically sympathetic to us. He then, however, then gave us the sternest of warnings. He said that if we were the cause of any additional commotions in Kazan, Bill and I would be on the first plane out of the country, and Alex and Sasha would be in jail.

This day did not seem to have a happy ending. We were free to go, but we wondered about the day’s events. In the end, we gave praises to God that we were safe. Despite all the problems; we had shared the gospel with six officers who were required to take our statements. I do not know what happened after we left, but we know and trust that God is in control.

It is important to share what Christ did with others. It should be the most important thing in every believer’s life. We are called to share because we love others as Christ loved us and died for us in order to pay for our sins. If we don’t love others in this way, then we are simply noisy gongs and clanging cymbals and of no use to our heavenly Father. Ask God how He can use you in your “world”. You may be the only Christian some of your friends, family, and co-workers will ever meet. God commands that we set our light on a hill and let it shine. We are never to hide it under a bushel basket. For there, what good does it do? Many of you know that I was a musician playing Christian music and concerts for many years all the while participating on the worship team at Trinity as well. Recently God showed me how all this was of much less value compared to the value of sharing the gospel one on one with even one of my neighbors. Every week, ask God who you can befriend in order to bring them the gospel message. Strike up conversations with people, always having an eye to the possibility of sharing the gospel. Ask God to use you in new ways. I guarantee that if you do this, God will use you in ways that you could have never imagined! God needs only a willing and submissive heart that is prepared to be obedient and to serve.

I look forward to seeing you all back in the Midwest. I plan to speak at several regional churches, telling them what our Lord is doing in Russia and through the believers here. May God keep you all from harm and danger, but above all from sin.

Blessings to you all,

Sharing the Gospel with Roman

Only Four More Days!

Posted: April 24, 2012 in Events, Music & Videos
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CD Release Concert!

Only four more days until the release of our latest CD, Living In Babylon!

So if you’re in the Omaha area Saturday, April 28th stop in at Cafe 110 to celebrate the release of our latest CD, ‘Living In Babylon’ with special guest, Kyle Knapp. Admission is a $2.00 donation to benefit the Open Door Mission. We also ask that you bring non-perishable items to be donated to the Sienna/Francis House.

Owner Allan Zeeck recently closed his Benson Grind restaurant but you can be sure that he will continue the same family friendly atmosphere and great food that you’ve come to love. So come out and enjoy some great music and delicious food, while helping out some very important ministries to our community.  Cafe 110 is located at 1299 Farnam St. Suite 110 Omaha, NE.

If you’re unable to attend the concert you can download the MP3 version at:

https://www.reverbnation.com/store/index/artist_558766

 

 

 

 

Love the world, and the world loves you

Posted: April 21, 2012 in Christian Living, Music & Videos
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*Adapted from Bogatzky’s Golden Treasury 1734

All indeed, all who want to live a godly life united with the Messiah Yeshua will be persecuted – II Tim 3:12(CJB)

“I have given them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world just as I myself do not belong to the world.” – John 17:14(CJB)

The children of God do not love and please the world, and are often greatly afflicted on account of abounding wickedness, and particularly the profaning of the Lord’s name. Therefore if you love the world, and the world loves you, there must be much worldliness in you; for the world loves its own.

Many pretend to be believers, but they will not endure persecution. Instead, they blame others for too much rashness, and not acting prudently enough, to avoid the mockings of the world. Therefore they propose to take wiser measures; and in order to do more good, take great care not to be despised and rejected. But under this pretense of wisdom and prudence there often lies concealed a dangerous love for the world, and fear of man.

We should be more noble-minded; live as a believer indeed, and be not ashamed to bear the execution stake of the Messiah. “The talmidim (servant) is not above his rabbi.” Was it not the lot of Him who is eternal love, wisdom, and power, to endure the reproach of sinners? You would be wiser than Him indeed, if you could escape the scorn and hatred of the world!

May His grace my soul renew,

Let sinners reproach, and hate me too,

The Word that saves me does engage,

A sure defense from all their rage.


The Mark of the Beast

Posted: April 20, 2012 in Christian Living
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The subject of Revelation and the “Mark of the Beast” is one of the most often discussed subjects in the entire Bible among Christians today. There are many varying opinions as to what this “mark” is.  Most limit the definition to the last days and promote it as being some sort of literal or visible mark, logo, stamp, implant, or identity chip. The understanding that many will be deceived and take the mark should take the heart of God into account.

Rarely do those defining the mark derive their understanding solely from Scripture, even though it is easily obtained without ever having to leave the pages of the Bible.

Revelation 13:16 (KJV)

    16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

Revelation 14:9-11 (KJV)

    9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

Instead, they prefer to theorize about all manner of exciting scenarios that are defined beyond the safe boundaries of the pure truth of God’s eternal instructions.

I first came upon the obvious truth some years ago during my personal reading of God’s Written Torah (Genesis – Deuteronomy) and was shocked at how such an easily recognized truth could go unnoticed by Christian leaders.  Or, perhaps it isn’t unnoticed.  Perhaps it is noticed by Christian leaders and they have purposely confused the issue by sowing deceptive teachings with the hope that the real truth will not be discovered.

First, let us forget the mark of the beast for a moment and remember the direct opposite, the mark of the Lord. The only thing that matters is that followers of Messiah would never take the mark. They cannot because they are already marked by the Lord just as the followers of the beast are marked for him. Those that are Messiah’s are marked for Him showing that they are His and His alone.

Exodus 13:9 (NASB)

    9 And it shall serve as a sign to you on your hand, and as a reminder on your forehead, that the law of the Lord may be in your mouth; for with a powerful hand the Lord brought you out of Egypt.

Exodus 13:16 (NRSV)

    16 It shall serve as a sign on your hand and as an emblem on your forehead that by strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt.

Most Christians are not even aware of the verses above since they rarely or never read the Torah or the Tanakh (Old Testament), which Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) and ALL of his followers considered to be THE Holy Scriptures!  They rarely read it because they have been deceived into believing that study of the Old Testament is unnecessary or “legalistic”.

Second, I don’t believe for a moment that this mark is a physical one. Otherwise we will have to have microchips, tattoos, or something else that all can see that we are Messiah’s. In the mind of God, no mark is needed since He knows who are His. It is a matter of the heart, which only God knows. We were marked the moment we accepted Yeshua as our Lord and Savior. There is no physical mark necessary because an outward physical sign is irrelevant; it is the heart that is important. It is based on faith, not an outward sign. Since all Christians understand this, why is it that the opposite, (the mark of the beast) now has to be a physical one when it is one also of the heart?

The Hebrew word rendered “sign” is presented by the Strong’s Lexicon to be a sign, a distinguishing mark, an omen, a token, etc.  The root word from which it derives implies “to consent” or “to agree.” This is almost certainly the word John considered when he penned Revelation, since John was a Hebrew man that spoke Hebrew as his native tongue and lived, thought, and wrote entirely from his Hebraic world view.  So, the word used in Revelation and Exodus mean exactly the same thing! The word translated as “mark” in Revelation and “sign” in the Old Testament are the same word that has simply been written in the separate languages of Hebrew and Greek and translated into English.

Deuteronomy 6:8 (NRSV)

    8 Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead,

Deuteronomy 11:18 (NRSV)

    18 You shall put these words of mine in your heart and soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and fix them as an emblem on your forehead.

Even though I believe that both marks are not physical but a faith issue, let me take the rapturist futuristic point of view. Even if the mark is physical (for the sake of argument) it cannot be an outright deception because the mark is something that is an outright rejection of the Lord. Let me explain. If the mark of the beast in the future is in the form of a credit card or microchip, the fact that it would be used simply to purchase or sell is NOT an outright rejection of the Lord. Even if it was given by Satan himself, the fact that someone takes something to buy food and such is NOT by itself rejecting Jesus Christ. The only way to reject the Lord is to make a conscious choice to accept one, (The flesh and the Devil) and reject another. (God and Messiah)

Revelation 14:9-10 (KJV)

    9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God…

We must remember God’s heart. Someone taking simply a Visa card to buy food regardless of who gives it does not damn one’s soul. Only the outright rejection of Messiah’s glorious work on the Cross does. What about babies that will be born during that time and doctors are forced to implant a microchip in them? What does it say about God’s heart if someone before Judgment does not know they took the mark of the beast but thought it was simply a way of buying or selling? I don’t believe that God would condemn someone for that.

To take the mark of the beast means that the person knows exactly what they are doing — rejecting Yeshua the Messiah. It is a proclamation to the world that they belong to the beast and reject the Lord. That is the only thing that will condemn a person’s soul. Rejecting the Lord is putting faith in anything or anyone other than Him.

The mark alone does not condemn one’s soul, only the rejection of Yeshua the Messiah leads to this, not accepting a physical mark to buy or sell. With that being said, no believer would take it because they would never bow before anyone but the Lord their God. We all sin, but we know the only one who can forgive sin and reigns forever and ever.

In conclusion, all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. One’s eschatology is not a salvation issue. When all is said and done, it comes down to: Do you belong to Messiah or not? Not if or when will the rapture happen, or who is the anti-Christ, etc. If you love the Lord your God with all your heart you are marked for Him. If you do not, you are marked for Satan. It is a mark of the heart, nothing more. Salvation is the greatest gift in the world. It is only determined by if you accept Yeshua as Lord. Nothing else matters.

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