Strange things are happening these days. It seems that the Bible, once again, as usual, has predicted the future.

The people of this generation, are beginning to show that they are against Christians, and Christ Himself. They do this in many ways. One way that is very peculiar is the mocking of Christians, by bumper stickers, or even more popular is the "fish" emblem that they have added feet to and put in the word "Darwin." Every time I see one of these on someones car, I am reminded of the Bible and the words of Christ.

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:11-12

You see, these people by mocking Christ, are in turn proving His knowledge of our present time. Proving that what He says will indeed happen. They are spoke about in the bible, over and over again.

It is happening right now. It is open season for mocking Christians. Why arent new age, and other religions being mocked? Because, they are simply of no concern to Satan. His war is with Christ alone and His church.

As Christians this should make us very aware and SHOULD motivate us to not only prepare ourselves for Christ's return to earth, but to also be prepared share the gospel with others.

We certainly don't know when He will return, but should we be any less ready? What if you die tomarrow? Don't you have to be prepared in that scenario as well? So we need to always be prepared. We need to be obediant to Gods word, we know what it says, its not some strange mysterious thing that we just can't quite get a grasp on. It is very basic, and it provides us with very basic steps to be prepared for Christ.

Recently, I have come under a bit of scrutiny about being a fanatic in my faith. I was told to "not be so fanatic, for my sake and the sake of others."

I'll tell you what, I am far from fanatic, but I wish I was stronger, and I wish I were a fanatic, willing and able to share the gospel at anytime and anyplace. This is my prayer.

Certainly I am not worried about my sake, I am fine, I have joy, thanks to Jesus. I am not a Christian because I think it is some great social club. I am a Christian because I finally humbled myself before God and asked Him to forgive my sins, and take charge of my life. Did He take charge? You bet!

Should we be afraid of being mocked or hated or losing friends, Christ tells us this will happen, should we expect less?

It is for the sake of Christ that I spread His word, it is for your sake, perhaps, that you listen. I am not saying anything new, just another messenger. Think of your heritage as a Christian, carrying on the work of the disciples, and of Jesus Himself!

If you dont agree with me, your battle is with Christ, a battle that He has already won. Christians have already won, Christ already did His work on the cross. This can never be changed. Some will humble themselves and join Him in eternity. Some will fight Him until they die, what a sad, sad, way to go.

Christians, standing strong in their faith, never lose. They may be killed, but that is not losing, that is standing strong in your faith 'till the end. Did the disciples lose, when they were beaten and murdered for their faith in Christ? Certainly not, for they are with Him for all eternity in paradise, a place called Heaven. These men were willing to die for what they knew was true. People don't die for what may be false. They are the examples which we should be following.

This brings up another point, being a Christian, willing to stand up for your faith isn't always fun. Jesus never said it would be fun, and certainly being spit on, beaten, exiled or crucified is not in any way fun. I remember a T-shirt that used to be out in the 80's, it said on it:
"Sworn to fun, loyal to none."

Think about that, sworn to fun, loyal to none. This T-shirt should be the motto of our nation. In the name of fun, abortions are performed. "If you have a baby, you wont have any FUN, be loyal to yourself". That was the message my generation had pelted into us, so many Americans have killed babies in the name of fun, over 35 million to estimation. Being loyal to yourself, is a ridiculous notion, you are a created being without a clue. You still have to get your information from somewhere, be careful of your sources. Here's a clue:

Gods written word, is a good source.

Is materialism fun?

We Americans leave our families and children in the name of fun.

We steal in the name of fun, we murder in the name of fun.

We drink alchohol, and do drugs in the name of fun. Having all this fun has lead us down a disaterous path.

It may be time for you to quit worrying about what is fun, convenient, or popular, and do what is right.

 

In fact, if you look up the word fun in your bible, you probably wont find it.

You will however find the word "joy."

Joy is something I could never relate to before I became a Christian. I knew "fun" though, I had destroyed others and myself with fun, never once waking up to joy.

What does the bible say about Joy?

'Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.

PSALM 4:6-7

Jesus said:

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Fathers commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy will be complete."

JOHN 15:9-11

Joy in heaven:

"In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." LUKE 15:10

So joy then, comes from God, through obedience in the love of Jesus, and is felt in heaven when just one repents and recieves Christ. Just one.

It worked for me, how about you?

Let us then, stand strong in Christ, who has already won, and go out in joy, regardless of the attacks from a defeated enemy!

Sworn to one, Loyal to the Son.

Amen

C. Jones