Revelation 13:1-14
We're giving another look today to Revelation 13 and John's vision about the Antichrist and the false prophet. This whole passage displays pretty vividly how extreme the anti-Christian bias will be during this time. But look around today. There is already quite a bit of anti-Christian bias and it seems to be growing. That's disheartening, but at the same time, motivating. We're called to proclaim Christ, and our world needs Him now more than ever. Even a tiny light seems bright in the darkness. So the darker, the less tolerant the world around us is of Christ, the more our lights will shine.
So let's think about what we can do to be more visible for Christ. There are lots of options, so think broadly. Here's one example. When I was growing up, my dad and mom had a plaque on the doorway coming into our house that said, "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:14). I loved that plaque because it told anyone entering our house what my parents stood for. Ok, one more time, what can we do--small, medium or large--to proclaim the name of Christ and be visible for Him? Tami W.
P.S. If you haven't checked out I Have a Favorite yet, it's a great way to make your faith visible! Find details on the Back to the Bible Facebook page (Favorite tab).
Good Morning
As I read the Bible passage getting ready for my day at work, I wondered how to let my life shine for God today. I realize today is no different than any other day---LET OTHERS SEE GOD IN YOUR FACE.
Last week marked the one year anniversary of my husband's death. I wondered how I would ever make it through that day. It wasn't easy and I never expected it to be, I asked God over and over to be near me that day---HE WAS---All of my co-workers said they wished they could be as strong as I have been through this ordeal. It is not me--I could not make it one day alone without God's guidance and I wonder how anyone can.
I am not alone and have faith that God brought me to IT and will bring me through IT---
GOD GIVE ME STRENGTH TO LET MY SMALL LIGHT SHINE FOR YOU SO THAT OTHERS MAY SEE YOU IN ALL MY WORKS AND DEEDS. GOD BE WITH YOU AND ALSO WITH ME.
As the wife of an unbeliever, I oftentimes struggle with using the full expression of God's love and walking/talking in His light because I feel like I have to cap all He's given me; however, my husband knows where I stand (he and I are both very committed to staying married...) and I see glimpses of where I can freely utter the love and grace of Jesus. For example, my husband is in the middle of some major job transitions and I know that God will provide some miraculous breakthroughs- I shared with him that I feel confident in Christ and that He will deliver us. I think that only those that are unequally yoked understand me about 'treading lightly' around a spouse but I know that God is making me visible to my husband and I love the Lord for loving me/us.
Final thought: When we're visible to Christ (daily prayers, worship, bible study) we are visible and invincible to face the world.
I have found opportunity on Facebook to be ripe with people needing God. I see it as a ministry opportunity. My daily prayer is to be used by God, and that I will have the courage to step in and say what God wants me to say.
Another important thing for me is to walk the talk - be consistent between what I say and what I do.
My sympathies,Kay. How you handle the death of your husband is a testimony to those around you. Bless you!
Jessica, while I am not in your position, I do know of others who once were. Bless you for being a light in a difficult situation!
I often forget that a light shines brightest when it is darkest. I have a great tendency to only want sunshine in my life, yet when we step out into 'our world' we are increasingly 'seeing' the darkness of the antichrists. It is time for some light!
Lord God, 'for such a time as this' you have put us here. May we not fail but stand firm, knowing that these days will require 'patient endurance and faithfulness'.
Thanks bloggers for always standing firm on God's ground. Kay, God has really strentghened you. Jessica keep trusting in God and when your husband sees this trust and love you have for God he too will want to belong to God. Janice, your idea of using Facebook is excellent. I am on Facebook but hardly use it so I will start sharing my testimonies and God's everlasting love. I also share devotions and sometimes I share the words of a hymn that has really touched me. I know some people read them but even if only one person was moved and accepted our Lord and Saviour that is good for me. I wil still continue yo see if others will start thing and get closer to Jesus. Charlotte, thanks for your prayer. Tami I like the plaque your parents had on their front door. A good idea so that anyone who would defile your home gets the idea not to up front.
First, I have to say that I'm going to get one of those t-shirts because t-shirts are a great witnessing tool. In fact, yesterday I saw a guy wearing a hat that said FBI ... JESUS...and in small letters between that it said Firm Believer In... and I thought it was cool. I also wear a lot of the Voice of the Martyrs t-shirts too and they work great.
But to answer the question, I LOVE to hand out gospel tracts every where I go, because you never know how the Lord is going to use those and it's fun.
i think to be visible for Christ i need to be available . nor with mere words but my actions as well need to reflect Jesus. i shouldn't have to tell anyone i love the Lord it should show through my life . and i should not deny Christ in my actions or in word .
Can someome recommend a very easy to understand Bible?
I listened to Dr. Kroll's message this morning. I really started thinking about the people who will be "duped" into believing satan, anti-christ, and false prophet. Later I was chatting with a cousin on facebook, who I know does not follow Christ. She is really messed up, so I know she won't go to a church until she can become right with God and understand His love. She told me she doesn't read the bible because she doesn't understand it. And she doesn't understand what she is reading. I offered a couple of webcasts including Back To The Bible, but she doesn't have internet at home (she uses facebook at work). That is why I am hoping someone can recommend a Bible that's not a child's Bible that is easier to understand.
Rachel,
One of the best easy-to-read modern English translations is the New Living Translation (NLT). This is not the same as the Living Bible which is a paraphrase. I have the Life Application Study Bible version (Life Application Study Bibles come in numerous versions). It has great background material and footnotes, but this might be a bit much for someone who's not a Christian. Realize, though, that any translation will have it limitations if a person is not a believer. Paul tells the Christians at Corinth, "Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don't understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God (2 Corinthians 4:4, NLT).
Allen
Biblical Correspondence
Rachel, there are times when a person is starting out, perhaps the most literal Bible translation is not the best choice.
For your cousin, I'd recommend the New Living Translation. This is a fairly direct and simple translation, but it is the choice of many adults. (This translation was developed from the older paraphrase of the Bible, the New Living Bible, that was Kenneth Taylor's). It was decided there was a need for an actual Bible translation, thus...the New Living Translation.
Also, Rachel, if you could encourage your cousin to enroll in 411GOD's cellphone ministry, her call would give out the Scripture to her in this same translation! Pretty cool!
I pray you might even get her to turn on her radio so she can hear good teaching, such as Back To the Bible. Bott Radio Network carries the program and many other good teaching programs, so internet is not necessary.
Blessings, Rachel, and to all on the P4 Blog. I'm trying to implement all those daily things in my life in my walk with the Lord, whether it's what I read, my phone, email, texting, mostly let's bring Jesus into all aspects of our daily lives. It won't go unnoticed!
Rachel the NEW LIVING TRANSLATION is the most easy to understand. It is said to only take a fourth grade education to understand. You can compare it to other translations on this site by clicking on NLT when reading the on line scripture. If you buy a BIBLE check out the LIFE APPLICATION version. It has practical applications at the bottom of the page for most of the verses.
Thank you all for your help!