God’s Giving You A Snapshot (Part 2)

On July 2, I wrote a post about how these days are a snapshot of what it will be like during the Tribulation Period (God’s Giving You A Snapshot, to read it, click here) – that period between the Rapture of the Church, and the Thousand Year Millennial Reign of Christ.

I spoke, for example, how the churches were shut – just like the Tribulation Period – when the church is gone for all intents and purposes – as it’s the end of the church age.

Today, I’d like to speak of the Antichrist – and I truly believe that he’s among us today.

What does it say in Revelation 13, about the Antichrist?

Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. (Revelation 13:17-17)

What do we have today, that is mandatory to buy and sell? What do merchants need to sell anything? What do we need to get into a store?

That’s right – a mask.

Now – this is not the “mark of the beast” – but God is giving us a picture of what it will be like to have something required of you, by a government, in order to purchase anything – or to sell anything.

You don’t want to take that mark! If you’re left behind, it will be tempting to take that mark, because you’ll be hungry, or you’ll need money and need to work – you won’t be able to without the mark, just as you’re not able to now (in most cases).

Governor Newsome of California has ordered churches shut yet again.  If they open, there can be no more than 10 people and no singing or standing. Pastor John MacArthur of Grace Church in Sun Valley, California, has told the governor, in no uncertain terms, that the church will follow God, not man, in this case – and their elders concurred.  See their statement here (Click here), and see a video of John MacArthur regarding this here (Click here).

Pastors need to wake the heck up!

God is showing us that the end of the Church Age – the Rapture of His Church – is very near. The signs are all around us. We need to be evangelizing like never before, Every sermon needs to center on salvation and evangelism with an altar call at the end of every service.

Why evangelism? Because God’s people are all called to be ministers – even though they may not be called to be pastors. Everyone – and I mean everyone – has a responsibility to be spreading the Gospel.

“But pastor, I might get made fun of…” or “What could I say to someone else?”

Well, to that first one, I say “boo hoo – cry me a river!” – the Apostle Paul languished in prison for years for Christ! Eleven of the Twelve Disciples were crucified for Christ! And you’re worried about a few mean words? How many missionaries have given their very lives in the work of evangelism? And you’re worried about a little persecution? You get no sympathy from me!

As for the second one – you have mouth, and a testimony! Use both! What has God done in your life to bring you to a point of humility, a point where there was no place to look, but up? You never know – that other person may be in a similar situation.  God allows us to go through trials to show us how to trust Him – and to use these to tell others!

In my case, I have no voice – so I write. God’s been bugging me to write for the last week – and I’ve been putting it off. You don’t do this – because God just piles it up until your mind is scrambled with His Words to you, and you have no place to look, but up – “God, I repent for not doing this earlier – where do you want me to start, and please guide me through it.”

You’re seeing the first part of that right now.  More will be coming.

You see, we get busy in our lives – and Satan just loves that.  In my case, doctor’s appointments, the grass needs cut, the dog needs to go to the groomers, we need to pick up some things at the drug store – all of these things took precedence over what God wanted – and that won’t happen again – and never let it happen to you.

God is first and foremost in our lives – we must remember that. Every time God gives you the opportunity to be a witness – take it.

In my case, I have a caregiver that comes each morning to help me (and give my wife a break) – she helps me get ready for the day, get breakfast, feed and walk our dog, Micah. My wife and I truly believe that God puts them here, to hear the Word of God, and for a witness.  One of these caregivers gave her heart to the Lord at our dining room table.

Many of you know – but some may not – I have advanced Parkinson’s Disease with Traumatic Brain Injuries from falls. I have trouble walking and speaking – even typing this is a challenge as the dexterity in my fingers is just not there. If it weren’t for the Holy Spirit giving me these words to say, the TBI itself would prevent me from putting together a coherent message. If I can evangelize – so can you!

Yes, these posts are God’s messages to you, not mine.

So pastors – wake up and smell the coffee! Stop trying to be politically correct and start preaching right and wrong! There is so much wrongdoing in the nation – and the world – today, and we as Christians must stand up against it.

Pastors – stop dealing with Black Lives Matter – and start dealing with “Every Spiritual Life – and Every Eternal Life – Matters!”

Your job isn’t social justice, it’s not ensuring that your collection plate is full and that there are butts in seats. Your one job is to shepherd your local flock, and to preach the gospel – and the rest will fall into place. Yes, we help our fellow man – but not at the expense of God. His will comes first and foremost. We take a knee for no one – we kneel for God, not for any man!

People of the Body of Christ – you may not be a pastor, but you are a minister! You must fulfill the Great Commission:

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20)

You don’t have to be a pastor to fulfill the Great Commission – as a wonderful preacher I admire and respect – who used to live and preach around here – put it: “God gave you a mouth – Use It!”

Couldn’t have said it any plainer myself.