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Friday, September 22, 2006
Monday, September 18, 2006
The End Times of the 18th Century
This is a very good article that was most likely written in the late 17th or early 18th century (I can't locate the exact date). It is extremely accurate concerning the state of this modern (and post-modern) world. His arguments are convincing, and his theology, while it may be questionable on other topics, is on target here. It definitely gives us a good reason to not only study prophecy, but get the Gospel out there before it's too late. I think it's amazing that he was so able to capture what studious Christians experience still today.
~Kristy
~Kristy
The Importance of Prophecy
By Sir Isaac Newton
(Article from the August 2006 Prophecy in the News magazine.)
By Sir Isaac Newton
(Article from the August 2006 Prophecy in the News magazine.)
Editor's Note: Sir Isaac Newton's book, Principia (1687), is recognized as the greatest scientific book ever written. In it, Newton analyzed gravity and the motion of bodies, demonstrating that the planets were attracted toward the Sun by a force of gravity, and suggested that all heavenly bodies mutually attract one another.
His greatest achievement was his work in physics and celestial mechanics, which culminated in the theory of universal gravitation. He was the father of the mathematical discipline called, Calculus.
In 1703 he was elected president of the Royal Society and was re-elected each year until his death. He was knighted in 1705 by Queen Anne, the first scientist to be so honored for his work.
The following is an article by Sir Isaac Newton, on the importance of studying prophecy. Its grammar is updated somewhat for clarity in modern English.
His greatest achievement was his work in physics and celestial mechanics, which culminated in the theory of universal gravitation. He was the father of the mathematical discipline called, Calculus.
In 1703 he was elected president of the Royal Society and was re-elected each year until his death. He was knighted in 1705 by Queen Anne, the first scientist to be so honored for his work.
The following is an article by Sir Isaac Newton, on the importance of studying prophecy. Its grammar is updated somewhat for clarity in modern English.
______________________________
If the prophecies that concerned the Apostolic Age were given for the conversion of the people of that age to the truth, and for the establishment of their faith; and, if it was their duty to search diligently into those prophecies; why should we not think that the prophecies, which concern the latter times, that we might be able to discern the truth; and be established in the faith? Consequently, it is also our duty to search with all diligence into these prophecies.
If God was so angry with the Jews for not searching more diligently into the prophecies, which He had given them to know Christ by; why should we think He will excuse us for not searching into the prophecies, which He has given us to know Antichrist by? Certainly, it must be as dangerous, and as easy an error, for Christians to adhere to Antichrist, as it was for the Jews to reject Christ. Therefore, it is a much our duty to endeavor to be able to know him that we may avoid him, as it was theirs to know Christ that they might follow Him.
You see, therefore, that this is no idle speculation, no matter of indifference, but a duty of the greatest importance. Wherefore, it concerns you to look about narrowly, lest you should, in do degenerate an age, be dangerously seduced and not know it. Antichrist is to seduce the whole world and, therefore, he may easily seduce you, if you are not well prepared to discern him. However, even if he has not yet come into the world; living amidst so many religions, of which there can be but one true (and perhaps none of those that you are acquainted with), it is possible that you may be deceived; and, therefore it concerns you to be very circumspect.
Consider how our Savior taught the Jews with parables: "By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall hear, and shall not perceive." (Matt. 13:14). As these parables were spoken to try the Jews, even so, the mystical Scriptures were written to try us. Therefore, be aware; so that you are not found wanting in this trial. For if you are, the obscurity of these Scriptures will not excuse you; as the obscurity of our Savior's parables did not excuse the Jews. Consider also the instructions of our Savior concerning that "latter times" by the parable of the fig tree:
"Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
"So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors"
"Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come" (Matt. 24:32, 33, 42).
Wherefore, it is your duty to learn the "signs of the times" (Matt. 16:3) that you may know how to watch, and are able to discern what times are coming on the earth by these things that come to pass. If you watch, you may know when it is at the door; just as a man knows by the leaves of a fig tree that summer is near.
But, if through ignorance of the signs you say in your heart,
"My Lord delayeth his coming:
"And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
"The Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
"And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matt. 24:48-51).
If you do not watch, how can you escape more than other men?
"For as a snare shall it come on all them that dew on the face of the whole earth" (Luke 21:35).
Consider that the same prophets, who foretold our Savior's First Coming, also foretold His Second Coming. And, if it was the main and indispensable duty of the people, before the First Coming of Christ, to have searched into and understood those prophecies beforehand; why should it not be as much the duty of the Church, before His Second Coming, to understand the same prophecies beforehand (so far as they are yet to be fulfilled)? Or how do you know that the Christian church (if they continue to neglect) shall not be punished , even in this world, as severely as were the Jews? Yea, will not the Jews rise up in judgment against us? For they had some regard to these prophecies, insomuch as to be in general expectation of our Savior about that time when He came; only they were not aware of the manner of His two comings. They understood the description of the Second Coming, and only were mistaken in applying that to the time of His First Coming.
Consider, therefore, if the description of His Second Coming was so much more plain and conspicuous than that of the first; so that the Jews (who could not so much as perceive anything of the first) could yet understand the second, how shall we escape, who understand nothing of the second, but have turned the whole description of it into allegories? And, if the Jews were so severely punished for not understanding the more difficult prophecy, what can we plead, who know nothing of the more conspicuous?
We have this advantage above them -- that the first, which is a key to the second (and was hidden from them), is made manifest to us; and that we have the second, also much further explained in the New Testament. Again, consider how the Apostles instructed the churches of the first age in the knowledge of these "latter times" (I Tim. 4:1). And, if it was the duty of those Christians to understand them, which were not to live in them, shall we think that the knowledge, thereof, is of no concern to us?
Consider also, the design of the Apocalypse. Was it not given for the use of the church, to guide and direct her in the right way? And, is not this the end of all prophetic Scripture? If there was no need of it, or if it cannot be understood, then why did God give it? Does He trifle? But, if it was necessary for the church, then why do you neglect it? Or, how do you know that you are in the right way, and yet do not understand it?
Lastly, consider the blessing, which is promised to them that read an study and keep the things, which are written in prophecy:
"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand" (Rev. 1:3).
To reinforce the invitation to take these things into consideration, the same blessing is repeated in Revelation 22:7. Does God ever annex His blessings to trifles, or things of indifference? Wherefore, be not wise in your own conceit; but, as you desire to inherit this blessing, consider and search the Scriptures, which God has given to be a guide in these latter times; and be not discouraged by the gainsaying, which these things will meet with in the world.
They will call you a bigot, a fanatic, a heretic; and tell you of the uncertainty of these interpretations, and the vanity of attending to them; not considering that the prophecies concerning our Savior's First Coming were of more difficult interpretation; and yet, God rejected the Jews for not attending better to them. And whither they will believe it or not, there are greater judgments that hang over the Christians for their remissness, than ever the Jews felt.
But the world loves to be deceived. They will not understand. They never consider equally, but are wholly led by prejudice, interest, the praise of men, and authority of the church they live in -- as is plain, because all parties keep close to the religion they have been brought up in. And yet, in all parties, there are the wise and learned, as well as the fools and ignorant. There are but few that seek to understand they religion they profess. And those that study for understanding, therein; do it rather for worldly ends, or that they may defend it; rather than to examine whither it be true, with a resolution to choose and profess that religion, which, in their judgment, appears the truest.
As is their faith, so is their practice; for where are the men that do no yield to anger; nor seek revenge; nor disobey governors; nor censure and speak evil of them; nor cheat; nor lie; nor swear; nor use God's name idly in their common talk; nor are proud; nor ambitious; nor covetous; nor unchaste; nor drink immoderately? Where are they that live like the primitive Christians -- that love God with all their hearts, with all their souls, and with all their might, and their neighbors as themselves?
The godly are not led by fashions and principles of gentility, but rather, by religion. And where fashions disagree, the godly do not account it rudeness to depart from fashions. I fear there are but very few whose righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees.
This is the guise of the world. Therefore, trust it not; not value their censures and contempt. But rather, consider that it is the wisdom of God that His church should appear despicable to the world, to try the faithful. For this end, He made it a curse under Law to hang upon a tree; that the scandal of the Cross might be a trial to the Jews; and for the like trial of the Christians, He has allowed the apostasy of the latter times, by calling it: "the hour of temptation, which should come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth" (Rev. 3:10). Be not, therefore, scandalized at the reproaches of the world; but rather look upon them as a mark of the true church.
And when you are convinced, be not ashamed to profess the truth; for, otherwise, you may become a stumbling block to others, and inherit the lot of those "rulers of the Jews" who believed in Christ, but yet, were afraid to confess Him lest they should be put out of the synagogue.
Wherefore, when you are convinced, be not ashamed of the truth, but profess it openly; and endeavor to convince your brother, also, that you may inherit, at the resurrection, the promise made in Daniel 12:3, that "they that turn many to righteousness [shall shine] as the stars for ever and ever." And rejoice if you are counted worthy to suffer in your reputation, or any other way for the sake of the Gospel, for then, "great is thy reward!"
If God was so angry with the Jews for not searching more diligently into the prophecies, which He had given them to know Christ by; why should we think He will excuse us for not searching into the prophecies, which He has given us to know Antichrist by? Certainly, it must be as dangerous, and as easy an error, for Christians to adhere to Antichrist, as it was for the Jews to reject Christ. Therefore, it is a much our duty to endeavor to be able to know him that we may avoid him, as it was theirs to know Christ that they might follow Him.
You see, therefore, that this is no idle speculation, no matter of indifference, but a duty of the greatest importance. Wherefore, it concerns you to look about narrowly, lest you should, in do degenerate an age, be dangerously seduced and not know it. Antichrist is to seduce the whole world and, therefore, he may easily seduce you, if you are not well prepared to discern him. However, even if he has not yet come into the world; living amidst so many religions, of which there can be but one true (and perhaps none of those that you are acquainted with), it is possible that you may be deceived; and, therefore it concerns you to be very circumspect.
Consider how our Savior taught the Jews with parables: "By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall hear, and shall not perceive." (Matt. 13:14). As these parables were spoken to try the Jews, even so, the mystical Scriptures were written to try us. Therefore, be aware; so that you are not found wanting in this trial. For if you are, the obscurity of these Scriptures will not excuse you; as the obscurity of our Savior's parables did not excuse the Jews. Consider also the instructions of our Savior concerning that "latter times" by the parable of the fig tree:
"Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
"So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors"
"Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come" (Matt. 24:32, 33, 42).
Wherefore, it is your duty to learn the "signs of the times" (Matt. 16:3) that you may know how to watch, and are able to discern what times are coming on the earth by these things that come to pass. If you watch, you may know when it is at the door; just as a man knows by the leaves of a fig tree that summer is near.
But, if through ignorance of the signs you say in your heart,
"My Lord delayeth his coming:
"And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
"The Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
"And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matt. 24:48-51).
If you do not watch, how can you escape more than other men?
"For as a snare shall it come on all them that dew on the face of the whole earth" (Luke 21:35).
Consider that the same prophets, who foretold our Savior's First Coming, also foretold His Second Coming. And, if it was the main and indispensable duty of the people, before the First Coming of Christ, to have searched into and understood those prophecies beforehand; why should it not be as much the duty of the Church, before His Second Coming, to understand the same prophecies beforehand (so far as they are yet to be fulfilled)? Or how do you know that the Christian church (if they continue to neglect) shall not be punished , even in this world, as severely as were the Jews? Yea, will not the Jews rise up in judgment against us? For they had some regard to these prophecies, insomuch as to be in general expectation of our Savior about that time when He came; only they were not aware of the manner of His two comings. They understood the description of the Second Coming, and only were mistaken in applying that to the time of His First Coming.
Consider, therefore, if the description of His Second Coming was so much more plain and conspicuous than that of the first; so that the Jews (who could not so much as perceive anything of the first) could yet understand the second, how shall we escape, who understand nothing of the second, but have turned the whole description of it into allegories? And, if the Jews were so severely punished for not understanding the more difficult prophecy, what can we plead, who know nothing of the more conspicuous?
We have this advantage above them -- that the first, which is a key to the second (and was hidden from them), is made manifest to us; and that we have the second, also much further explained in the New Testament. Again, consider how the Apostles instructed the churches of the first age in the knowledge of these "latter times" (I Tim. 4:1). And, if it was the duty of those Christians to understand them, which were not to live in them, shall we think that the knowledge, thereof, is of no concern to us?
Consider also, the design of the Apocalypse. Was it not given for the use of the church, to guide and direct her in the right way? And, is not this the end of all prophetic Scripture? If there was no need of it, or if it cannot be understood, then why did God give it? Does He trifle? But, if it was necessary for the church, then why do you neglect it? Or, how do you know that you are in the right way, and yet do not understand it?
Lastly, consider the blessing, which is promised to them that read an study and keep the things, which are written in prophecy:
"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand" (Rev. 1:3).
To reinforce the invitation to take these things into consideration, the same blessing is repeated in Revelation 22:7. Does God ever annex His blessings to trifles, or things of indifference? Wherefore, be not wise in your own conceit; but, as you desire to inherit this blessing, consider and search the Scriptures, which God has given to be a guide in these latter times; and be not discouraged by the gainsaying, which these things will meet with in the world.
They will call you a bigot, a fanatic, a heretic; and tell you of the uncertainty of these interpretations, and the vanity of attending to them; not considering that the prophecies concerning our Savior's First Coming were of more difficult interpretation; and yet, God rejected the Jews for not attending better to them. And whither they will believe it or not, there are greater judgments that hang over the Christians for their remissness, than ever the Jews felt.
But the world loves to be deceived. They will not understand. They never consider equally, but are wholly led by prejudice, interest, the praise of men, and authority of the church they live in -- as is plain, because all parties keep close to the religion they have been brought up in. And yet, in all parties, there are the wise and learned, as well as the fools and ignorant. There are but few that seek to understand they religion they profess. And those that study for understanding, therein; do it rather for worldly ends, or that they may defend it; rather than to examine whither it be true, with a resolution to choose and profess that religion, which, in their judgment, appears the truest.
As is their faith, so is their practice; for where are the men that do no yield to anger; nor seek revenge; nor disobey governors; nor censure and speak evil of them; nor cheat; nor lie; nor swear; nor use God's name idly in their common talk; nor are proud; nor ambitious; nor covetous; nor unchaste; nor drink immoderately? Where are they that live like the primitive Christians -- that love God with all their hearts, with all their souls, and with all their might, and their neighbors as themselves?
The godly are not led by fashions and principles of gentility, but rather, by religion. And where fashions disagree, the godly do not account it rudeness to depart from fashions. I fear there are but very few whose righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees.
This is the guise of the world. Therefore, trust it not; not value their censures and contempt. But rather, consider that it is the wisdom of God that His church should appear despicable to the world, to try the faithful. For this end, He made it a curse under Law to hang upon a tree; that the scandal of the Cross might be a trial to the Jews; and for the like trial of the Christians, He has allowed the apostasy of the latter times, by calling it: "the hour of temptation, which should come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth" (Rev. 3:10). Be not, therefore, scandalized at the reproaches of the world; but rather look upon them as a mark of the true church.
And when you are convinced, be not ashamed to profess the truth; for, otherwise, you may become a stumbling block to others, and inherit the lot of those "rulers of the Jews" who believed in Christ, but yet, were afraid to confess Him lest they should be put out of the synagogue.
Wherefore, when you are convinced, be not ashamed of the truth, but profess it openly; and endeavor to convince your brother, also, that you may inherit, at the resurrection, the promise made in Daniel 12:3, that "they that turn many to righteousness [shall shine] as the stars for ever and ever." And rejoice if you are counted worthy to suffer in your reputation, or any other way for the sake of the Gospel, for then, "great is thy reward!"
Friday, September 08, 2006
~Click here for animation~Thursday, September 07, 2006
Monday, September 04, 2006
Eyes
What kind of eyes do you have?
Eden
You have eden eyes. Eden is the color of water. Your eyes symbolize your great flexibility. You are a creative person. You can think of many good ways to get your point across to people as you have very good communication abilities. When someone feels down or is hurt, you have the remarkable ability to help them and heal them. If you have too little going on in your life, you may be withdrawn and depressed, timid, manipulative, unreliable, stubborn, or suspicious. Some words to describe you: peaceful, sincere, affectionate, tranquil, intuitive, trustworthy, pure, loyal, healing, and stable.
My Generation
This is generation 'I'. Ours is the plight of possessing knowledge without understanding; being wise in the world yet ignorant in life.
--Elizabeth Kristy
--Elizabeth Kristy
Is Legalism or Liberalism Worse?
There may be something seriously wrong with your walk and relationship with God if instead of "How can I become more holy and Christ-like, and do things that please Him not my flesh?" the question you find yourself asking is "What can I get away with - how long I can swim in the wordly waters - and still be considered a Christian?" Which one of these does your heart dwell on?
All things may be permissable, but not all things are profitable. Just because you may be allowed to do certain things as a Christian, does not mean it will augment your growth, and it does not mean that it is pleasing to your heavenly Father. Do you find yourself saying and doing things that, while they may not be damnable, you know in your spirit they are not "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely"? Do you find yourself listening to secular music, admiring art, or watching movies and television that have ungodly content, or are based on a worldview that opposes the Truth?
The answer to those questions may shed some light on the inward struggle, and guilty feelings. We tend to focus on one part of our imperfections that we admit to being "wrong" about, and then we won't have to worry about the other side of the coin. If we focus on our supposed prejudice or judgmentalism, then we won't have to worry about our tolerance of sin. If we focus on our supposed legalism about the way others act and what they say, then we won't have to worry about our own actions or words. So many of these balancing acts could be settled if we just asked the question "Is it Biblical and does it please God?"
Yes, legalism may be wrong... but liberalism is just as wrong. Wouldn't you rather err on the side of pleasing, rather than displeasing, God?
All things may be permissable, but not all things are profitable. Just because you may be allowed to do certain things as a Christian, does not mean it will augment your growth, and it does not mean that it is pleasing to your heavenly Father. Do you find yourself saying and doing things that, while they may not be damnable, you know in your spirit they are not "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely"? Do you find yourself listening to secular music, admiring art, or watching movies and television that have ungodly content, or are based on a worldview that opposes the Truth?
The answer to those questions may shed some light on the inward struggle, and guilty feelings. We tend to focus on one part of our imperfections that we admit to being "wrong" about, and then we won't have to worry about the other side of the coin. If we focus on our supposed prejudice or judgmentalism, then we won't have to worry about our tolerance of sin. If we focus on our supposed legalism about the way others act and what they say, then we won't have to worry about our own actions or words. So many of these balancing acts could be settled if we just asked the question "Is it Biblical and does it please God?"
Yes, legalism may be wrong... but liberalism is just as wrong. Wouldn't you rather err on the side of pleasing, rather than displeasing, God?
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