Thursday, March 23, 2017

* WHAT IS GOING ON AND WHERE ARE WE?


It has been an extraordinary period.  And it is currently a wildly disturbing period.  And exciting too.

Just what is going on in the world?   Where are we in time?

Right where I said all along.  We are at the time of Jesus’ return to earth.  The timing is imminent.  It is going to be soon.  Now the precise date we don’t completely understand, but we do know it has to be soon, for Jesus himself made the point that all those prophecies in Luke 21 happen within one generation, and that includes his return.  There is not a whole lot of time left for him to return, whether it is in a day or week or year or a few years; soon is the word.

We have been marching right through the completion of the prophecies and right up to the beginning of the Tribulation.  For years now the one-world gang, those in government in Europe and in the United States and in the United Nations and some other places too, along with all the supporting media and others, have been taking steps and moving their governments and their conception of the world to get to that one world government.  Remember, it is that type of government the anti-christ leads.

All those many actions in recent years that continually increase the power and authority of government, that take away the individual freedoms and rights, that prop up world institutions such as the United Nations, such as the European Union, such as global trade agreements – that has all been in the direction of the one-world government, and that has been in line with what is to happen here at the end of the age.

Then, suddenly, surprisingly, when all these globalists and one-worlders were feeling pretty good about how rapidly things were evolving, the people of the United Kingdom voted to withdraw from the European Union.  What?  Really?  Yes they did.  Known as Brexit, it was a great shock to the rulers of the western world especially.

But the United Kingdom is not really a world leader today.  It is important to be sure, but not a world empire anymore.  Still, what a shock. 

While that was resonating in the background, a strange phenomenon was happening in the United States.   Bizarre, over a period of months that culminated last November 8 with the election of a revolutionary president determined to redo and turn out all these one-world activities.  His focus is on America, not the world.  Highly successful in business, he really is not a politician but a negotiator.   An independent that captured the hearts of so many American citizens who were fed up with the national government and Washington and the media.
So right when everything was going swimmingly for the globalists, the one-worlders, there suddenly was a shocking change of events.

What does this mean?  Isn’t the anti-christ supposed somehow to preside over a one-world government at some point, or at least an attempt at that?  Yes, he is. 

Well, is it going to happen?  Yes, it is.

So what happened here?

Two ways of looking at it, both accurate:

First, this election in the US – and likely the Brexit one in the United Kingdom – are great examples of God stepping in and turning things around.  Against great views of the so-called leaders, these events happened.  Just look at the opening of the word I received late at night in February and sent out just a few days ago: “God puts kings in places.  And God takes them from their thrones.”

So now we see extraordinary actions being taken in Washington.  We do see the US supporting Israel more, although maybe not entirely as it should.  We see Christians in America feeling they have a little more breathing room, although the courts and so many government structures and rules and the general media seem to be to the contrary.

It surely appears that God has given humanity a window, a breathing period, perhaps one last gasp, a time to reach as many as possible for the Lord.  How long will this last?  Who knows?  The appointed day of the return has not changed.  That is the meaning of appointed.  It is.  Appointed.

But for right now there is a tiny interruption in the smooth cakewalk to Armageddon that was under way.

Second, there is this other way of looking at what has happened and is happening.  It is not so positive as the first.  With the shocking election results, I suppose we might expect some in the one-world camp to be greatly upset.  But have you noticed the wild, irrational behavior of many prominent people in politics, entertainment, sports, and academia who were shocked at the presidential election results (I’m sure you have.)?  Have you noticed the wild and inconsiderate behavior of so many, unlike any behavior after an election that we have ever seen (I’m sure you have.)? 

Are you paying attention to all the efforts to delegitimize the election results, to throw the leader out even though he was elected under the existing system?  Are you aware of the organizing efforts of some in society to put forth violent demonstrating groups, agitators, maybe as some reports indicate even paramilitary groups in support of the “opposition?” 

Have you noticed the great growth in evil in our society, the end of civility in discourse of ideas?  Have you seen the recent rise of absolute evil very publicly, such as New York City putting up the arch of the temple of baal, the ceremonial opening of the big tunnel recently in Europe which was described as a long satanic demonstration, efforts to organize satanic clubs in schools for after hours, the organized witchcraft attack on the president? 

There is a lot more we could report, but the point is made:  the devil, satan, the evil one is running amuck and his intensity is increasing.  Attacks on those serious born-again, spirit-filled persons who step out for Jesus are serious and real – attacks on them and their families, personal and financial and in all areas.
The reason things seem so irrational in the world system today is that they are being greatly influenced by the most irrational being ever.  So many of those who behave so horribly now in our society and we see speaking so deceptively in the various media are people who quite apparently do not know Jesus.  Imagine, can you, what this world must look like to people who do not know the Lord.  It must look horrible, frightening, out of control, wild, random.  Yes, random.  Things just happening for no reason at all.

Except – that is not how things happen.  Proverbs 21:1 (NKJV) makes it clear:
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord,
Like the rivers of water;
He turns it wherever He wishes.

Not random.  Not crazy.

The second Psalm asks why does the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?  It notes the kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed.  And then the truth of the matter is made:  He that sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision.

It is laughable to think that all those unbelievers so violently opposed and confused and behaving so badly really have a long-term chance in their efforts.  Still, we know from the prophecies, from the only book of truth the world has, the Bible, that indeed things will get wildly out of control in the last days.  (see 2 Timothy 3:1-5 which describes these perilous times).

So where are we now?

We have passed through many of the birth pangs.  We have come through many of the prophecies.  Now we are in the deeper prophecies, as I like to refer to them, the one where Jesus warns us not to be deceived and the one where Paul says the day of the Lord will not come until there is a falling away (a rebellion, an apostasy) and the man of lawlessness has been revealed.

The only thing that has not happened is that the man of lawlessness has not been revealed.

May God keep and protect you and your family always.  Be sure to put on God’s armor and wear it and use it – live behind that shield of faith and wield that sword of the Spirit always.  That sword is God’s word, his quickened word from the Bible.  And thank God and be aware of the wonderful ministering spirits, the angels, he has sent to serve each person who will inherit salvation.  They are eagerly attentive to listen to and to do God’s bidding.

It’s only a matter of time now.  God’s time.  His plan.  It always was. 

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus!

                                                                                   (March 2017)
                                                                                   Copyright © 2017 by John Newlin

[NOTE:  This article may and should be copied, printed, or forwarded by email to others so long as it is copied, printed, or forwarded in its entirety with appropriate attributions included (including the copyright and the ministry contact information).  It may also be quoted in part as long as appropriate attributions are given.  We in fact encourage you to do all this and to give printed copies to those who you know would benefit and do not have access to computers.]

                                                                                                                                                                               
P. O. Box 15797, Wilmington, NC 28408       910 395 1465        
www.johnnewlinministries.org          

Email: info@johnnewlinministries.org       Twitter.com/johnnewlinmin       
Blog:  johnnewlin.blogspot.com

Friday, March 17, 2017

* STANDING IN YOUR FAITH

What a wretched time we live in.  And what a wonderful exciting time we live in.

Yes, all at the same time.  We are living in the last of the last days, in the time leading up to and the actual return of the Lord.

We are getting to see the fulfillment of all the Biblical prophecies of things to happen before and right up to that return.  Much of that is not pleasant and some of that is quite dangerous, as we have already seen. 

Even now we live in the midst of behavior by many that is outrageous and horrifying to any true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.  It is startling and difficult for true born-again, Spirit-filled believers in the Lord Jesus Christ to even comprehend how and what many people think today - their opinions and decisions seem so confused and lost.  The national and local media seems full of such people, and especially the entertainment world and much of the sports word.  And of course much of the political world.  Even the universities seem laden with many lost students and professors and administrators who don’t know and obviously cannot see the truth of the Lord.  They have even given up on free speech and freedom of ideas, the very cornerstone of the academic world.

The wheat and the tares are growing together.  Frightening and evil things and possibilities are everywhere.  And yes there are reported awakenings to the Lord occurring in several countries throughout the world.  Certainly not in the United States, at least not in any visibly big way!   As has been the custom in recent years, those most lost in society and with the loudest voices dominate the airwaves and the public discourse.  And thus the concern and anguish of the true believers in our modern society.

Well, maybe actually it is time for a kick in the backside to those true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.  So many of these just remain silent in their anguish, they don’t seem to want to speak out, to stand up.
I remind all of us of these extraordinary and challenging words from the Lord:

 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.  But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.” – Mt 10:32-33 NIV
“If you do not stand in your faith, you will not stand at all. -Isaiah 7:9b NIV.
An editorial posted under Fox News Opinion on March 12 deals with the subject of why are Christians such wimps.  I recommend you read it.   The writer makes the point that some Christians “have confused Christ’s command to love others with being likable, as if that were an attribute of God. (It isn’t.)”  Being likeable is not the point of God’s love.  Sometimes standing up for Christ might make a person appear bold and strong and firm in the eyes of unbelievers.  How do you think David looked to the Philistines?  Or Moses or Joshua in the eyes of the groups they opposed?
If ever there was a time for believers in the Lord to stand firm in their faith it is now.  Remember, when Paul writes of putting on God’s armor to protect yourself, he concludes by telling you to stand.  Stand!  Stand!  Don’t retreat.  Be firm and bold in your faith. 
And remember what Peter said in Acts 4:29 when he prayed for himself and all Jesus’ followers around him in Jerusalem who lived in the midst of those who were a threat to them all: “Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness (NIV).”
Now at the same time I am encouraging you to be bold in your faith, to stand and not retreat, to speak up for Jesus whenever the opportunity presents itself, I also am not encouraging you to be stupid.  You certainly must be guided by the Holy Spirit as to when and where and how to speak up, as to whether a certain moment is the right time to address someone about their faith or perhaps publicly oppose some government or newspaper or even false religious leader.  And you must always remember that the god of this world (the devil) has blinded the minds of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4).  So unless God is opening the minds and hearts of the person or persons you are speaking to about Jesus, you likely may not get a friendly or positive response.  Jesus himself said in John 6 that no one can come to him unless the Father draws the person to him.  Still, how are people ever to hear the truth unless someone who knows that truth presents it to them?
The Lord Jesus Christ is returning very very soon.  I know that.  It is not debatable.  I trust if you have read our writings in the past, heard our CDs or watched our programs or videos and more, you know that. You should know that just by reading the applicable books of the Bible, such as Luke 21, Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 17, and many more.  The evidence is right there before your face and in the daily occurrences of our lives.
When he comes is he going to find faith on earth?  Is he going to find faith in you?  Is he going to find you out there standing up for him, representing him in a lost, confused, dark world?
Well, you have to answer all that.  And you have to seek his face to understand ever more what he expects of you at this time.

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus!

                                                                                                  (March 2017)
                                                                                             Copyright © 2017 by John Newlin

                                                                                                                                        

[NOTE:  This article may and should be copied, printed, or forwarded by email to others so long as it is copied, printed, or forwarded in its entirety with appropriate attributions included (including the copyright and the ministry contact information).  It may also be quoted in part as long as appropriate attributions are given.  We in fact encourage you to do all this and to give printed copies to those who you know would benefit and do not have access to computers.]





P O Box 15797, Wilmington, NC 28408       910 395 1465      

           Email: info@johnnewlinministries.org       Twitter.com/johnnewlinmin    
                                        Blog:  johnnewlinblogspot.com

Friday, February 17, 2017

* OUR WEAPONS FOR TODAY'S CONFUSION AND DECEPTION


We live in a time of bizarre happenings internationally and at home, in the government and the media and the entertainment world and really everywhere.  It is a time of great confusion and great deception.
But there is also great help for all this in the Word.  First consider where all this confusion and deception is coming from:
·         “…God is not the author of confusion…” (1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV). 
 ·         Referring to the devil, Jesus said “…He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of liars.” (John 8:44 NIV)
 ·         “…the god of this world [the devil] has blinded the minds of the unbelievers…” (1 Corinthians 4:4 NRSV)

 “…satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14 NIV)

Pretty clear and obvious is it not?  The devil is the author of confusion.  He is the sower of deception and lies.  There is no truth in him.  And of course he hides his actions.  By the way, please note above that he was a murderer from the beginning.  He is not just a liar and the spreader of lies.  He is a murderer too.  He wants all of you dead – believers so that you do not have the opportunity to work to spread the gospel, and unbelievers so they will not have the opportunity to receive the gospel. Again,
  • “The thief [the devil] comes only to steal and kill and destroy;…” (John 10:10 NIV)
Some churches falsely spread the view that the devil and his demons are easily dealt with, that demons are just little things that you kick out the door.  The devil has obviously been very active in deception in those churches.  We give no respect to the devil and we realize that in Jesus certainly we have the victory, we overcome the world.  But the fact remains that the devil is a horrible opponent far worse than any Hollywood horror movie villain.  Only in Jesus do we have any protection from him and any chance of a victory and survival when he attacks.  Unbelievers have no protection against the devil (unless you are praying for them).
How do we stay calm and at peace in all this?  How do we know truth from falsehood?  How do we go forward as God would have us? 
Consider these mighty weapons we have in the WORD:
·       “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;” (Proverbs 3:5 NIV).  God knows a lot more than you do.  And his word is truth.
 ·         DO NOT FEAR!  “ So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God…” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)
 ·         “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5 NIV)
·         “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 NIV).  I have seen this work in very dangerous situations time and time again.  Speak it out loud!! Personalize it.  I submit myself to God, I resist the devil, and he will flee!  And he does flee!
 ·         “…do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…” (1 John 4:1 NIV).  An evil spirit is a liar just as its leader the devil.  Test any evil situation or confusing word or action against God’s Word which is always true.  Read what John says about testing a spirit in John 4.
 ·         And in Jesus’ name cast out any attacking demons, any evil spirits.  Jesus said we can do that in his name (Mark 16:17)!  So do it!

 “… take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (Corinthians 10:5).

The Word is a real weapon, a powerful weapon.  It is the great weapon you have against the evil world.  It is the Sword of the Spirit in the armor Paul described in Ephesians 6.  Exercise it all in Jesus’ name. 
God’s words are true.  His commands are to be obeyed.  Now it is up to you to step out and act in and on the Word.  God’s words.  Step out in faith.  That is how it all works.
You must stand firm in your faith, or you will not stand at all.  (Yes, that is scripture too!  See Isaiah 7:9).
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus!

                                                                                               (February 2017)
                                                                                             Copyright © 2017 by John Newlin

                                                                                                                                        


[NOTE:  This article may and should be copied, printed, or forwarded by email to others so long as it is copied, printed, or forwarded in its entirety with appropriate attributions included (including the copyright and the ministry contact information).  It may also be quoted in part as long as appropriate attributions are given.  We in fact encourage you to do all this and to give printed copies to those who you know would benefit and do not have access to computers.]

P O Box 15797, Wilmington, NC 28408       910 395 1465     
           Email: info@johnnewlinministries.org       Twitter.com/johnnewlinmin     
                                           Blog:  johnnewlinblogspot.com

Friday, February 10, 2017

* A CULTURE OF HATE


Where does hatred come from?  Real wrathful hate.  Hate that endures, that goes on and on, that will not listen to any explanation or appeasement or comments to help calm it down.

You know.  It is obvious. Pure out and out hatred for others comes from the devil himself.  A true manifestation of evil. 

We are living in a culture now where there are large numbers living in blind, stupefying hate, hate that cannot be rationally explained.  Some of those people were evident Saturday after the inauguration in their inane rants or speeches.  Some of these are obvious even occasionally in the news media, when as you watch suddenly vitriol spills out and untruths and challenges and absurdities suddenly come pouring forth.

This hatred has been spewing up on airlines lately, when suddenly a passenger will begin outrageously vocally attacking some other passenger just sitting there.  It happened just a few days ago, and thankfully the plane was still on the ground and the crew had the woman removed.  If you read the article or saw any of the video, you realize her remarks and behavior were straight from the evil one – insane, evil, full of hate, totally irrational and inconsiderate of others completely.  Not too long ago on a flight from New York City to Washington DC a passenger verbally berated the daughter of the new president who was traveling with her children.  The whole flight.  The crew did not evidently stop this.  Probably they did not know what to do.  It is to the shame of the surrounding passengers they did not stop this.  Maybe the old policy of air marshals must be brought back to all flights.

Those people involved in violent protests lately, burning cars, behaving violently – those are anarchists.  That is the word.  They are not peaceful demonstrators.  Those people are a great danger to the country and to you and me.  Unbelievers?  Yes.  Or at the least, highly deceived people.  The devil has been very active with this group.

Hate. 

No matter how awful and insane the behavior of these hateful people, no civilized person and certainly no believer in Jesus Christ can allow such behavior and words to be accepted.  That is the problem of weak government responses to such behavior, and that is the problem with the news media which often comes out in support of such horrible action.

I have no great solution to this, other than the obvious.  Be alert whenever you encounter such people.  They may have no limits to what they might do.  Keep your eyes on Jesus, listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and pray often as Paul urges in Ephesians 6.  Be wise and protect yourselves.  This culture of hate may be here until the Lord comes to get us.

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus!

                                                                                                   (February 2017)
                                                                                        Copyright © 2017 by John Newlin


[NOTE:  This article may and should be copied, printed, or forwarded by email to others so long as it is copied, printed, or forwarded in its entirety with appropriate attributions included (including the copyright and the ministry contact information).  It may also be quoted in part as long as appropriate attributions are given.  We in fact encourage you to do all this and to give printed copies to those who you know would benefit and do not have access to computers.]



P O Box 15797, Wilmington, NC 28408       910 395 1465     

           Email: info@johnnewlinministries.org       Twitter.com/johnnewlinmin     
                                             Blog:  johnnewlinblogspot.com

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

* MOVING ON - The Appointed Date of the Lord's Return Has Not Changed


We are now in a bizarre moment.  Middle America, conservatives, and evangelical Christians have risen up and put in the White House the most unique individual we have ever had there.  The only possible one close would be Andrew Jackson.  I think we all have to recognize this, regardless of whether we voted for him or not.

Many in opposition continue in opposition, even violent and vitriolic opposition, far different from what we have seen in the past.  Just think back to the time Mr. Obama was inaugurated in 2009.  No wild demonstrations and violent outbursts from the opposition.  Think back to 2001 when Mr. Bush the younger was inaugurated after the election was settled by one vote in the Supreme Court.  No wild demonstrations and violent outbursts.

We obviously are living in a vastly different time. 

Yes we are.  As the famous movie line goes, “We aren’t in Kansas anymore.”

We are living in the time when the wheat and the tares grow together, when people finally and eventually have to decide they are real true believers in the Lord or not. 

People who don’t know God truly, who look to the government for their help and source of supply, are terrified.  Frightened.  They don’t know what to do or expect, and they are believing all sorts of lies.

Spiritually, the evil one is making hay of the whole situation.  He is pressing now.  It is the home stretch.  Time is running out.  And he is not going to stop trying.

We all know who is the King, how this all eventually plays out, but that does not make the current time easy.

Our “Keep Your Eyes on Jesus!” statement was never more appropriate or needed.

Each of you must seek God’s guidance for your life daily.  Follow all Paul advised in Ephesians 6.   We do have available a laminated wallet-size copy of the verses there describing putting on the armor of God and standing in faith, an essential step in this time.  If you would like one let us know.  No charge.

The evil one and thus those confused and led by him and his efforts are going to keep going now, and you must be prepared.  Not long ago in prayer, God warned Cathy and me to prepare for war.  He noted it is his battle, but still, his advice is to prepare for war.  Now that just doesn’t mean physical war between nations.  It means war against the attacks of the evil side.  Our ministry and we personally have experienced that several times in recent weeks as you have read in our recent newsletters, and we do indeed know the scriptures, we do have faith, we do stand firm, and we overcome.  But none of this was enjoyable in the least!  Prepare for war.  If you don’t know how request our CD Fighting Evil from the web site or by contacting us by mail or telephone.  It is available for any donation.

The Lord Jesus is coming soon.  He is coming (1) to collect his CHURCH so that they might be spared from wrath, and then (2) he is coming at the end of the seven year tribulation period to win the battle of Armageddon by eliminating those fighting against him there and having the anti-christ and the false prophet thrown into the Lake of Fire, with the devil being put into an abyss, and then (3) to establish the Kingdom of God rule from Jerusalem.  Whether this all begins right now or happens sometime in the next several years, it is coming.  Absolutely nothing has to happen before he comes to collect his CHURCH, that body of people worldwide who truly believe in him.  You can carry all this to the bank. 

There are all sorts of false prophets out there today giving all sorts of false prophecies and interpretations, including one view I hear from time to time that maintains Jesus really doesn’t come back in person but rather his presence just grows in each of us.  That just is not correct.  Yes his presence grows in believers as his return nears, but that eventual return is real and concrete and spelled out clearly in scripture.  Your essential role today is to stay focused on the Bible and the truths there, to keep your eyes on Jesus.  The Bible is true on many levels.  And it is absolutely true on the level of the literal reading of the words.  I have never found it false anywhere.  Keep your eyes on Jesus and be guided always by the Holy Spirit.  Use that gift of discernment to keep from being deceived.

Another area of easy deception relates to the really positive feelings many have after this recent inauguration.  While many object still, many others are clearly elated at the new administration and hope for all sorts of wonderful things.  They hope for a true rebirth of the nation that has led the world in so many ways for so long.  Certainly this is a good hope.  Lots of people are caught up in this.  I just read a long article by Jonathan Cahn where he offers all sorts of good insights into the last eight years and the coming years, comparing the new president to Cyrus from  the Bible, comparing the new administration to that of Reagan in 1980,  and focusing greatly on the 2 Chronicles 7:14 verse most of us know.  Still, I give this admonition:  Jesus Christ is returning on the same schedule that God has always had planned.  The appointed day is still the appointed day.  This change in administration, whatever it accomplishes, is not a long term “new day in America” before the Lord returns.  My thought is that it may give believers a window of freedom and openness to evangelize even more in the US and elsewhere, while at the same time the evil forces will be stimulated to rage even greater opposition and violence and such.  Regardless of whatever great accomplishments come about through the new administration, the Lord is still to come soon to collect his believers, the tribulation period will begin, and it will all go forward.  

God is not changing the appointed time of the Lord’s return.  That’s the whole meaning of the word appointed.  It is set.  And the clock to that date continues to run.  It has not stopped.

Get out there!  Stand up for Jesus!  Protect yourself and your families.  Prepare for war!  Spread the gospel message wherever possible and as led by the Holy Spirit.  And be alert and ready for his coming.

In the last chapter of Revelation Jesus says he is coming soon three times.  Three times!  He is.  We are living in that “soon.”


Keep Your Eyes on Jesus!

                                                                                             (January 2017)
                                                                                             Copyright © 2017 by John Newlin

[NOTE:  This article may and should be copied, printed, or forwarded by email to others so long as it is copied, printed, or forwarded in its entirety with appropriate attributions included (including the copyright and the ministry contact information).  It may also be quoted in part as long as appropriate attributions are given.  We in fact encourage you to do all this and to give printed copies to those who you know would benefit and do not have access to computers.]

P. O. Box 15797, Wilmington, NC 28408       910 395 1465        
www.johnnewlinministries.org          
Email: info@johnnewlinministries.org       Twitter.com/johnnewlinmin        
Blog:  johnnewlin.blogspot.com


Tuesday, January 24, 2017

* BLIND BATS?

That is a good and appropriate term, isn’t it?
A term to describe all those horribly violent, angry, vicious, hating members of the politically correct world – many from the entertainment world, the academic world, the media, the political establishment including some elected officials, even the religious world.
Lost is another good word for them.  They don’t know the truth.  They can’t see the truth.  Once years ago God said to me regarding unbelievers and their cold and hard response to his word, “They can’t see because they really can’t see.”
Yes, they don’t know the truth and they can’t recognize it.
I don’t know if they will ever wake up, if these people will ever be enlightened and come to recognize the Lord and what is happening at this end of the age.  I don’t know that.  God does.  I don’t.
It is so easy for all of us to get to the point of outrage ourselves at their outlandish and dangerous behavior, at their lack of basic human respect for the rights of others.  We just have to remember.  They don’t know.  They don’t know the truths of God.  They don’t know the truths of the Bible.  Deep down in their hearts they do not have these truths and this great moral basis to stand on.  They don’t know what is going on in the spiritual realm, although some no doubt are influenced by the wrong part of that realm.
If you ever needed help in understanding what lost people are like, you shouldn’t any more. They are in front of your face.  You see them in the news every day.  You hear their confused and terrible opinions and views all the time.  You encounter them in daily life, maybe even in your family.  Recently Cathy and I have encountered various people telling of breakups in their family life, how a son hadn’t talked to his father in fifteen years, how an older father says his daughter for some reason he does not know just suddenly decided to separate herself from him, how communications between different branches of the family were severely chilled just because of the recent election.  Amazing.  I hope you have not forgotten that Jesus himself said he came to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, that a man’s enemies will be members of his own household (Matthew 10:34-36).  Much the same words are in Micah 7:6.
In your efforts to get the truths of the Lord and the gospel message and Jesus’ soon return out, you surely will encounter some of these people.  It is not for you to battle and seek over and over again to win the same people to the Lord.  That is his battle.  That is the work of the Holy Spirit.  Do not take offense.  Be led by the Holy Spirit always.  As a general guide, unless directed otherwise, present your case as and if possible and move on.  That is what Jesus did.  He did not hang around and argue and cajole and work over and over to convince someone.  He told the truth and left for new and other pastures.  You do the same.
The Bible encourages us all to the extent possible to live at peace with our neighbors.  That guidance is going to be tested more and more in these last days, really tested. 
We are getting down to the nitty gritty now.  It is all about who is with him and who is not, who are going with him when he comes and who are not.
In all things and always maintain your focus on the Lord and his word.  Ask him to love these difficult people through you.  And in prayer put them in his hands.  Give them to him.
Perhaps a poem I wrote many years ago serves us well now, so I reprint it here:

WALK AWAY 
            by John Newlin
Walk away.
Jesus did -
A few words,
Sometimes a parable,
Then departure.
The next step was theirs.
You can’t make
Others believe.
On to the next town,
The next house,
The next person.
Walk away.
[This poem was published in the July 20, 2003 issue of Purpose and the March 2004 issue of Bible Advocate. ]
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus!
                                                                              (January 2017)
                                                                              Copyright © 2017 by John Newlin
[NOTE:  This article may and should be copied, printed, or forwarded by email to others so long as it is copied, printed, or forwarded in its entirety with appropriate attributions included (including the copyright and the ministry contact information).  It may also be quoted in part as long as appropriate attributions are given.  We in fact encourage you to do all this and to give printed copies to those who you know would benefit and do not have access to computers.]

P. O. Box 15797, Wilmington, NC 28408       910 395 1465        
www.johnnewlinministries.org          

Email: info@johnnewlinministries.org       Twitter.com/johnnewlinmin       
Blog:  johnnewlin.blogspot.com

Thursday, December 29, 2016

* JESUS NOW


We have just come through what most probably consider the most joyous holiday season of the year – the season that remembers the birth of Jesus.  Indeed.  I have years of wonderful memories throughout my life of this great holiday.

On a more serious note, some of you will remember my describing a wonderful experience many years ago on Christmas Eve.  We were sitting in a local church.  Traditional hymns were being sung about Jesus, about the babe in the manger.  All of a sudden while I sat there, the Lord suddenly and very clearly spoke to me:  “John, these people are celebrating my birth, and here I am getting ready to come back soon.”

I never forgot that.
                        
Yes, it’s true.  Jesus is not in the manger.  He is not a baby.  He has already been born, grown up, lived and walked, gone about teaching, preaching, and healing, been arrested and tortured and killed horribly on the cross, risen from the dead, appeared to over 500, and ascended into heaven where he now sits at the right hand of his Father. 

Jesus is the King and he is returning soon as the ultimate ruler to eliminate his enemies and establish his kingdom rule from Jerusalem.  He did not come as the King the first time he came.  But that is how he is coming now.  That is where we are in time. 

The imminent return of Jesus is a celebration for all believers who understand its significance every day.  Jesus is our hope and future.  He is in fact our only hope. 
                                                                   
Remembering why and how he came the first time brings great joy to almost all of us who call ourselves Christians, as it did just a few days ago.

Truly recognizing where and who he is and what he is about to do now is essential for all living who have hope of a good future.

The words from Isaiah wonderfully apply to all of this:

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
-      Isaiah 9:6 NIV


Keep Your Eyes on Jesus!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 (December 2016)
                                                                                       Copyright © 2016 by John Newlin







[NOTE:  This article may and should be copied, printed, or forwarded by email to others so long as it is copied, printed, or forwarded in its entirety with appropriate attributions included (including the copyright and the ministry contact information).  It may also be quoted in part as long as appropriate attributions are given.  We in fact encourage you to do all this and to give printed copies to those who you know would benefit and do not have access to computers.]


P O Box 15797, Wilmington, NC 28408       910 395 1465      
           Email: info@johnnewlinministries.org       Twitter.com/johnnewlinmin     
                                        Blog:  johnnewlinblogspot.com