ECCE

      Both of what we call the Old Testament and the New Testament reveal details about the soon coming day of the Lord, or, as we know it, the return, or second coming, of the Lord. The signs that we see around us in world events and spiritual wickedness indicate that the return of our Lord is very soon.      The prophet Zephaniah wrote: "Hold thy peace at the presence of the LORD God: for the day of the LORD is at hand : for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests...I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil...The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkn...

      Sin is the ruinous force in the life and, ultimately, the death of a person. Sin separates us from the presence and fellowship of God. Sin is mentioned in scripture 448 times in 389 verses. Sin is universal in mankind as Paul wrote: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Rom. 3:23). John states even more emphatically: "...If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he (Christ) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us...these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 Jn. 1:7-10 and 2:1-6, excerpts).      Jesus' sacrifice of Himself for our sins moved us from de...

            Scripture reveals the wisdom of God, and this is especially so in the Book of Proverbs. As we read the Proverbs, we will compare these verses with other verses in scripture to get the understanding that we need to have, especially in these times.          Beginning in Proverbs 16 :1 it is written: "The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD." God created the tongue in man, and He will use it as He pleases. Psalm 37:30 says: "The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment ( mispat - judgment, right, lawful, worthy, justice, rectitude)." The righteous are supposed to speak with wisdom and justice. In Luke 6:45, Jesus said: "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mou...

     We see indications that our nation is turning away from the idea of having trust in the LORD. We have often turned away from Him to follow our own ways.      The Book of Revelation prophesied about the release of four horses that bring death and destruction to the earth including: conquering, war, famine, Death and Hell through sword, hunger and beasts. Martyrdom has come to many of the faith across the globe. All of these are and will bring terror to the hearts of men. (see also Lk.  21:26 ). However, scripture offers us a prevailing truth in all circumstances: "Trust in the LORD with all ( kol - everything, all, whole, totality) thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge ( yada - know, knowledge, perceive, recognize, discern) him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil." (Prov. 3:5-7). We have to know God in order to set a difference between dar...

      We are in the middle of holy days, which are Hanukkah and Christmas. Many people, especially young people, as they get older and go through the educational system, even Christian educational institutions, are losing their faith. I sought the Lord as to why this should be. This resulting message is vital to the sheep but also to the shepherds. Our education is often by rote and memorization, not delving into the deeper areas of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in the Lord. Our churches have often become centers of entertainment, rather than places where the true and deeper things of the Lord are taught and experienced. This brings us to the question that must be asked: "Do you know Jesus ?"       As opposed to being educating and entertaining, what does it mean for the church to be equipping the saints? Paul wrote that equipping the believers was one of the main focuses of the ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers....

      There are many examples of lives transformed by the Gospel. Those transformed lives went on to affect many other lives. Paul wrote: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature ( ktisis - thing created, creation, the act of founding, converted ): old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Cor. 5:17). Through Christ, God has reconciled us to Himself, and in addition, has given to us the ministry of reconciliation and the word of reconciliation that reconciles others to God through Christ in the same manner. Paul calls us "ambassadors for Christ", beseeching others, "be ye reconciled to God." (v. 18-20). This reconciliation and new creature are the result of the Father's work through His Son, Jesus: "For he (God) hath made him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (v. 21). We, as ambassadors of reconciliation, have the responsibility to tell ...