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Showing posts with label Jesus Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus Christ. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Is Saturday Really THE END?



Artist depiction of the End of the World
You can probably call this deja' vu, because this has happened many times before and if history is true to form this recent prediction will go by without any consequence. However, the attention this prediction has caused seems to be continuing to grow. This seems to be yet another elaborate publicity stunt to draw attention to a person, a cause, or even a church that wouldn't normally get noticed under normal circumstances. I remember watching an episode of the "Simpson's" cartoon, which this such scenario was the storyline for this 30 minute cartoon series. During an archeological dig Lisa discovered a cleverly placed artifact of a what appeared to be a the skeletal remains of some sort of angelic being.  This discovery caused a great stir in the little town of Springfield. And, then to add to the discovery the angelic being; after being erected in the middle pf town, mysteriously came to life and made a prophetic declaration that the end of the world was near and gave an exact date and time of which everyone in Springfield feverishly prepared for.  This angelic being instantly became the center of attention in this small town, and people begin to treat it as an angel sent from God to give them this special message of His return.  However, on the day of the prediction; as people anxiously awaited the end of the world, what they found that not only was the angelic being not a real, but it was all apart of an elaborate hoax to get people excited about a new shopping mall opening in town. Wow, what a let down!

And, so it is we are here yet another time because of the prophetic declaration, by a radio evangelist named Harold Camping who has gotten the word out through his radio show and other media outlets about his belief that the world is going to come to end this Saturday, May 21st.  And, in my search for information about this man I ran across a site called "Life's Little Mysteries" that helped me to understand more about this 21st Century Prophet.

They're site stated:
Radio Evangelist - Harold Camping
"The May 21 Judgment Day meme is the brainchild of an 89-year-old radio evangelist named Harold Camping. Using a mathematical system of his own creation to interpret obscure prophecies in the bible, Camping originally predicted Sept. 6, 1994 as Judgment Day, or the day of the "Rapture" when Christian believers will ascend to heaven, leaving the rest of humanity to its deservedly dreary fate. But 1994 came and went relatively uneventfully, and Camping has since reworked his equations in such a way that they now point to a May 21, 2011 Judgment Day. Once the 200 million true Christians (in Camping's estimation) have been whisked away this coming Saturday, he says hell on Earth will ensue and last for 5 months, until Oct. 21, at which point the world will end. Here's the gist of Camping's calculation: He believes Christ was crucified on April 1, 33 A.D., exactly 722,500 days before May 21, 2011. That number, 722,500, is the square of 5 x 10 x 17. In Camping's numerological system, 5 represents atonement, 10 means completeness, and seventeen means heaven. "Five times 10 times 17 is telling you a story," Camping said on his Oakland-based talk show, Family Radio, last year. "It's the story from the time Christ made payment for your sins until you're completely saved."


So there you have it,  all of this is the result of one man's fuzzy numbers. Don't get me wrong, I do believe in the Rapture and the "catching away of the saints of God." But, in Matthew 25:13, Jesus says "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour, wherein the Son of man cometh." The Bible also speaks of Jesus Christ coming as a "thief in the night." And, one of the most telling characteristics of a thief is that they don't let you know when they're coming. I have yet to hear about a case of burglary that took place, where the burglar alerted the victims that they were on their way to burglarize the victims homes. This happens for several reasons, one of which the thief wants to catch the victims by surprise. If the victims knew the day and time their home would be burglarized, they would be prepared for the robber when he came to their home. Much in the same way, Jesus Christ return is going to be for the entire world... a SURPRISE! God is too intelligent to allow his coming to be leaked to mankind, and if there is anyone that can keep a secret is God-Himself.  He does leave us clues in the word of God of his coming, "wars and rumors of wars", "father against son, daughter against mother" and vice versa. But, he does not divulge the day nor the hour of His return, because He wants it to be a SURPRISE. However, it will not be a complete surprise for everyone, because His children (believers of Jesus Christ) are instructed to always be prepared or "Be ye also ready." Our constant preparation is a sign to God of our faith and belief in not just His return but His existence as the eternal God of the Universe.

Another important reason for Jesus Christ coming being a secret to mankind is this, God is not going to let the scores of people who have rejected Him off the hook by letting them know of his return so they can get their lives together before His return. Our lives are gifts that He has given to us to use as we chose, some of chosen to live their lives without God in mind whatsoever. They live riotously and without thought for tomorrow, and to those Jesus Christ coming is designed to be a complete SURPRISE. It is those individuals, who live their lives as if Jesus Christ is not coming back anyway, and those are likened to the victims who live their lives as if their home will never be burglarized. They leave the house unlocked; they don't have a security alarm; windows are open, garage door open, they live recklessly and haphazardly  Not only do they conduct themselves as if their home will never be violated, but this is also a sign that they do not appreciate what they have been given. And, it is these types of individuals who abuse the "temple" that is our physical man, with drugs, alcohol, pre-marital sex, and all other kinds of evil things. And, this lack of appreciation of God's gift of life is not going to be rewarded with the date and time of God's return. Conversely, there are others who have chosen to appreciate this gift of life God has given, and everyday live their life in preparation for His return. They are intimately concerned with what God thinks of their lives; am I living according to His will, am I reading His Word, have I recieved His salvation (Acts 2:38), am I in constant communication with him? These are the questions that guides the lives of those who follow Jesus Christ.

My advice to those who are not ready for His return, whether it be this Saturday, next Saturday or Saturday two years from now. You need to get ready and stay ready, because you never know when He's coming back. The only thing that is guaranteed is that HE IS COMING BACK, my question to you is WILL YOU BE READY, OR WILL YOU BE SURPRISED? Which one are you?

Your thoughts?


Pastor Nimmons
www.MichaelNimmons.com

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

The Gloves Are OFF!


I must admit that I am personally infuriated with Lady Gaga's latest antics, which seemed to be pointed directly towards God and Christianity. From her controversial song "Born This Way" to a song that supposedly leaked today called, "Judas," it appears that Lady Gaga is sending a clear message to God and even to the church that we are ENEMIES. And, any enemy of God's is an ENEMY of mine. Check out what King David says in Psalms 139:19-22.  And, whenever the world is bold enough to speak out for what they believe in, I believe the church should be just as bold. In fact, Paul declared in Romans 1:16, that I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power unto salvation." So, today I'm an exercising my boldness today to declare unequivocally my allegiance to God and my utter distaste for this song and this artist.


It is obvious that as we are living in the "last of the last days", and the gloves have come off for the music industry, because what was once off limits and sacred is now fair game. There was a time when certain things were off limits and sacred; there was a time when there a mutual understanding between the world and the church to as Dr. King once put it, "disagree without being violently disagreeable." There was sort of a "You stay on your side and we'll stand on our side" mentality. But, today it seems like all of that has changed. From Jay-Z's lyrics in the "Empire State of Mind" to Lady Gaga's latest antics, the music industry is sending the church of God a message on today that the "gloves are off." So, I believe its time for the church to send one back.

And, this message became even clearer when today I was made aware of a song that was leaked this week from Lady Gaga called "Judas." A song that expresses her love for Judas Iscariot; the disciple that betrayed Jesus Christ with a kiss and ultimately turned Him over to the Roman Govt to be crucified.
Here are the lyrics to this song;

"Judas"


Oh-oh-oh-ohoo
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as

Oh-oh-oh-ohoo
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as

Judas Juda-a-a, Judas Juda-a-a, Judas Juda-a-a, Judas GaGa
Judas Juda-a-a, Judas Juda-a-a, Judas Juda-a-a, Judas GaGa

[Lady Gaga - Verse 1]


When he comes to me, I am ready
I'll wash his feet with my hair if he needs
Forgive him when his tongue lies through his brain
Even after three times, he betrays me
I'll bring him down, bring him down, down
A king with no crown, king with no crown

[Chorus]


I'm just a Holy fool, oh baby he's so cruel
But I'm still in love with Judas, baby
I'm just a Holy fool, oh baby he's so cruel
But I'm still in love with Judas, baby

Oh-oh-oh-ohoo
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as

Oh-oh-oh-ohoo
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as


Judas Juda-a-a, Judas Juda-a-a, Judas Juda-a-a, Judas GaGa


[Lady Gaga - Verse 2]


I couldn't love a man so purely
Even darkness forgave his crooked way
I've learned love is like a brick, you can
Build a house or sink a dead body
I'll bring him down, bring him down, down
A king with no crown, king with no crown


[Chorus]


I'm just a Holy fool, oh baby he's so cruel
But I'm still in love with Judas, baby
I'm just a Holy fool, oh baby he's so cruel
But I'm still in love with Judas, baby

Oh-oh-oh-ohoo
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as

Oh-oh-oh-ohoo
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as


[Bridge]


In the most Biblical sense,
I am beyond repentance
Fame hooker, prostitute wench, vomits her mind
But in the cultural sense
I just speak in future tense
Judas kiss me if offensed,
Or wear ear condom next time
I wanna love you,
But something's pulling me away from you
Jesus is my virtue,
Judas is the demon I cling to
I cling to


[Chorus]


I'm just a Holy fooll, oh baby he's so cruel
But I'm still in love with Judas, baby
I'm just a Holy fool, oh baby he's so cruel
But I'm still in love with Judas, baby


Oh-oh-oh-ohoo
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as

Oh-oh-oh-ohoo
I'm in love with Juda-as, Juda-as


Judas Juda-a-a, Judas Juda-a-a, Judas Juda-a-a, Judas GAGA
Judas Juda-a-a, Judas Juda-a-a, Judas Juda-a-a, Judas GAGA

Here it seems like she is attempting to poke fun at what ultimately happened to our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. By saying she loves Judas, it seems as if she she's an admirer of what he did. At the very least her lyrics say exactly that. This songs makes an open mockery of the gruesome last days of Jesus Christ, and seeks to romanticize the betrayer. And, to leak the song during one of the most sacred and holiest of weeks of the entire year, makes it even more blasphemous. This obviously is a blatant attempt to steal some of the limelight from Jesus Christ during a week when His greatest sacrifice for mankind is celebrated. The song itself almost serves as Lady Gaga's profane response to the Holy Week Christian's around the world recognize and celebrate.  And, for those that believe that the leaking of this song was coincidental, I think not, this was strategically planned and designed to be released during one of the most celebrated religious season in the entire world. Especially, when the worldwide release of Lady Gaga's newest album, "Born This Way" isn't set to be released until May 23rd. So, this was another blatant attack against the Christian Church. Christians around the world should be thoroughly appalled by this, and this type of nonsense should not be tolerated by the Christian Community. And, I believe if we-as Christians, were more vocal about our disdain for this type of music maybe, just maybe the music industry would think twice about promoting such filth. Of course, this blog may never be seen or read by those who should see it. It may never reach the boardrooms of the record labels across our country that create this kind of music. But, it really doesn't matter to me, just as long as our readers know an understand what I believe and what I stand for. So, as long as there are Jay-Z's and Lady Gaga's out there, there will be a 21st Century "John the Baptist" proclaiming and declaring the way of the Lord. So, yes the gloves are off and we are not going to tolerate this kind of blasphemy of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. I encourage you- our readers to spread this message of truth to counteract this message of filth and degradation. In the end, this is yet another example of the last days that we are living in.

But, what Lady Gaga unwittingly achieved by planning this sneak attack against Christianity today, is called greater attention to the greatest man that ever lived; the God/Man "Jesus the Christ." What, I believe will ultimately come of Ms. Gaga's sinister plot is God getting the glory out of it all in the end. Because Jesus said, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me." So, even in what appears to be a strike against Jesus, the plan will still backfire, because God is going to get the glory in the end. I'm reminded of Joseph's poignant words to his brothers, after he revealed to them his identity, and they were reminded of all of the bad things they had done to him. He could have sought revenge, he could have had them killed, but instead he shared these awesome words with them, "...what you meant for evil God meant it for my good to save much people alive." And, that's my message to Lady Gaga, what you meant for evil, God is going to turn this around for HIS ultimate good. You watch and see!

If you missed our interview on MaxExpo Radio last night you can listen to it right here.


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Pastor Nimmons
www.michaelnimmons.com