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Satan is CONSTANTLY trying to change our CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE to the "HERE and NOW" instead of on "HIM and THEN!" IF he can get us to focus on the TEMPORAL, we can easily lose sight of the ETERNAL!
We as CHRISTIANS can SO EASILY become entangled in meaningless activities and vain arguments and suddenly, find ourselves "spiritually EXHAUSTED and FRUSTRATED."
Similar to "fighting windmills on horseback," we can easily become SO DESTRACTED from what is the ESSENCE of the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST, that we can lose our way! In so doing, we can inadvertently place our own souls at risk along with the souls of others whom we influence!
In HIS final INSTRUCTIONS to HIS disciples, JESUS used a parable of TEN VIRGINS. Five were wise and kept their proper perspective and prioritized that which was IMPORTANT! Five foolish virgins lost their perspective of what was REALLY IMPORTANT and missed out ENTIRELY participating in the celebration!
Similar to "fighting windmills on horseback," we can easily become SO DESTRACTED from what is the ESSENCE of the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST, that we can lose our way! In so doing, we can inadvertently place our own souls at risk along with the souls of others whom we influence!
In HIS final INSTRUCTIONS to HIS disciples, JESUS used a parable of TEN VIRGINS. Five were wise and kept their proper perspective and prioritized that which was IMPORTANT! Five foolish virgins lost their perspective of what was REALLY IMPORTANT and missed out ENTIRELY participating in the celebration!
Keep in mind that ALL TEN met the criteria at first for being able to enter into wedding! In other words, had the bridegroom not delayed, ALL TEN LADIES would have been welcomed into the wedding feast.
ALL TEN MET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY.
Then how were the FIVE FOOLISH VIRGINS not allowed to enter even though they begged to be let in later?
GOD HONORS EACH PERSON'S FREEDOM OF CHOICE until the moment of each person's DEATH! Even if a given person had served GOD FAITHFULLY for MOST of his or her life, but before DYING, that person WILLFULLY abandoned the PRINCIPLES of the FAITH as CLEARLY defined in the WORD of GOD, then that person will have WILLFULLY turned away from REVEALED TRUTH and will have given in to the doctrines of DEMONS, and will have put at RISK their ETERNAL SOUL!
GOD JUDGES EACH PERSON IMPARTIALLY AND INDIVIDUALLY BASED ON WHAT EACH PERSON DECIDES CONCERNING REVEALED TRUTH!
ALL TEN MET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY.
- ALL TEN WERE VIRGINS.
- ALL TEN HAD LAMPS.
- ALL TEN HAD OIL.
- THE LAMPS OF ALL TEN WERE LIT.
Then how were the FIVE FOOLISH VIRGINS not allowed to enter even though they begged to be let in later?
GOD HONORS EACH PERSON'S FREEDOM OF CHOICE until the moment of each person's DEATH! Even if a given person had served GOD FAITHFULLY for MOST of his or her life, but before DYING, that person WILLFULLY abandoned the PRINCIPLES of the FAITH as CLEARLY defined in the WORD of GOD, then that person will have WILLFULLY turned away from REVEALED TRUTH and will have given in to the doctrines of DEMONS, and will have put at RISK their ETERNAL SOUL!
GOD JUDGES EACH PERSON IMPARTIALLY AND INDIVIDUALLY BASED ON WHAT EACH PERSON DECIDES CONCERNING REVEALED TRUTH!
1 Timothy 4:1-5
Amplified Bible
Amplified Bible
1-3 But the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons, [misled] by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared as with a branding iron [leaving them incapable of ethical functioning], who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from [certain kinds of] foods which God has created to be gratefully shared by those who believe and have [a clear] knowledge of the truth.
4-5 For everything God has created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified [set apart, dedicated to God] by means of the word of God and prayer.
4-5 For everything God has created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified [set apart, dedicated to God] by means of the word of God and prayer.
I am part of a HOLINESS DENOMINATION. We believe that VICTORY over SIN is achievable through the INFILLING of the HOLY SPIRIT. We also believe that one can die spiritually in contrast to those who hold to the doctrine of ETERNAL SECURITY, popularly referred to the doctrine of "once saved, ALWAYS saved!"
In light of this doctrinal distinction, it amazes me at how many "holiness friends and colleagues" have subscribed to DOCTRINES of DEMONS! Dear brothers and sisters in the FAITH that today not only ACCEPT but PROMOTE doctrines that are CLEARLY CONTRARY to the WORD of GOD!
For example, one CANNOT accept "GAY MARRIAGE" in light of ROMANS 1!
People who claim to live in "HOLINESS" but who accept practices and life-styles that are CLEARLY CONDEMNED in the WORD of GOD are putting their eternal souls at GREAT RISK!
We will NOT be judged by our "DOCTRINAL INTERPRETATIONS" but rather by the condition of each of our hearts before GOD at the moment of our DEATH or at the moment of the RAPTURE!
JESUS clearly taught that REPENTANCE after the RAPTURE will NOT keep one from facing the WRATH of GOD, as seen in HIS parable of the TEN VIRGINS.
In light of this doctrinal distinction, it amazes me at how many "holiness friends and colleagues" have subscribed to DOCTRINES of DEMONS! Dear brothers and sisters in the FAITH that today not only ACCEPT but PROMOTE doctrines that are CLEARLY CONTRARY to the WORD of GOD!
For example, one CANNOT accept "GAY MARRIAGE" in light of ROMANS 1!
People who claim to live in "HOLINESS" but who accept practices and life-styles that are CLEARLY CONDEMNED in the WORD of GOD are putting their eternal souls at GREAT RISK!
We will NOT be judged by our "DOCTRINAL INTERPRETATIONS" but rather by the condition of each of our hearts before GOD at the moment of our DEATH or at the moment of the RAPTURE!
JESUS clearly taught that REPENTANCE after the RAPTURE will NOT keep one from facing the WRATH of GOD, as seen in HIS parable of the TEN VIRGINS.
Speaking of the RAPTURE, maintaining one's PROPER PERSPECTIVE is going to prove to be of EXISTENTIAL IMPORTANCE as we enter the PROPHETIC time of TRIBULATION that HELL has prepared for the CHURCH!
We are at that time of "DELAY" as referred to in the PARABLE of the TEN VIRGINS.
This "DELAY" will "WEED OUT" the BODY of CHRIST. Those who "ARE" will be even "MORE SO!" Those who "AREN'T" will abandon their "PRETEND FAITH" and follow DEMONIC LIES!
We are at that time of "DELAY" as referred to in the PARABLE of the TEN VIRGINS.
This "DELAY" will "WEED OUT" the BODY of CHRIST. Those who "ARE" will be even "MORE SO!" Those who "AREN'T" will abandon their "PRETEND FAITH" and follow DEMONIC LIES!
1 Peter 4:17
Amplified Bible
For it is the time [destined] for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not respect or believe or obey the gospel of God?
Amplified Bible
For it is the time [destined] for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not respect or believe or obey the gospel of God?
The "DELAY" will also include a time of "GREAT TRIBULATION" when evil mankind will even "KILL" those of the FAITH while feeling justified that they are "doing GOD a favor!"
We MUST keep our eyes on JESUS to keep everything else in its proper perspective!
To illustrate this TRUTH, take a few moments to stare deeply into HIS EYES. Once you see "3" "2" "1" "0", look around at other objects. If you are like me, for a moment, other FIXED OBJECTS will appear to be MOVING and changing shape!
Since this is a GIF LOOP, you may need to STARE at HIS FACE for two 30-second cycles to be certain to at least observe one complete cycle before the illustration works for you.
We MUST keep our eyes on JESUS to keep everything else in its proper perspective!
To illustrate this TRUTH, take a few moments to stare deeply into HIS EYES. Once you see "3" "2" "1" "0", look around at other objects. If you are like me, for a moment, other FIXED OBJECTS will appear to be MOVING and changing shape!
Since this is a GIF LOOP, you may need to STARE at HIS FACE for two 30-second cycles to be certain to at least observe one complete cycle before the illustration works for you.
This is a PC version. Scroll down for a SMARTPHONE version.
READ THE STORY FOR WHY I CHOSE
THIS PARTICULAR PORTRAYAL OF JESUS.
THIS PARTICULAR PORTRAYAL OF JESUS.
Click on this image to read to "REST of the STORY" about the painting that I chose to use.
Hebrews 12
Amplified Bible
1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of GOD'S absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on JESUS, WHO is the AUTHOR and PERFECTOR of faith [the FIRST incentive for our belief and the ONE WHO brings our faith to maturity], WHO for the JOY [of accomplishing the goal] set before HIM endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the RIGHT HAND of the THRONE of GOD [revealing HIS DEITY, HIS AUTHORITY, and the completion of HIS WORK].
3 Just consider and meditate on HIM WHO endured from sinners such bitter hostility against HIMSELF [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12
Amplified Bible
1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of GOD'S absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on JESUS, WHO is the AUTHOR and PERFECTOR of faith [the FIRST incentive for our belief and the ONE WHO brings our faith to maturity], WHO for the JOY [of accomplishing the goal] set before HIM endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the RIGHT HAND of the THRONE of GOD [revealing HIS DEITY, HIS AUTHORITY, and the completion of HIS WORK].
3 Just consider and meditate on HIM WHO endured from sinners such bitter hostility against HIMSELF [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.