The Bridegroom is Coming

“Go Ye out to Meet Him”-

“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”  (Gen. 5:24)

“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”  (Heb. 11:5)

The Bible says that God has chosen us. It says that before we were even conceived in our mother’s womb, He knew us and He loved us.

God has also called us. He has called us to walk with Him, to be His bride, and to follow in His steps.

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:”  (1Peter 2:21)

However, the Bible says:

“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”  (Amos 3:3)

We cannot walk with God if we are not in agreement with God. We come into agreement with God when we know His Word and we submit our lives unto it.

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”  (John 14:15)

If we are to walk with God, our attitude has to be, “If God said it, then I believe it. If it comes from Jesus, then I receive it. If God tells me or asks me, then I will do it.”

Anything less and it dishonors the Bridegroom.

In the Old Testament, when a man chose his bride he gave gifts unto her as a token of his love and commitment. The gifts were also a sign that He would return for her. We do the same thing today with the giving of an engagement ring.

Jesus also honored this tradition in the New Testament.

“Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.”  (Eph. 4:8)

Whether they are salvation and forgiveness, His Spirit, His word, or His grace; whether they are the abilities to preach, teach, give, govern, or help; whether they are spiritual gifts or spiritual fruit; they are all given by God and they are for His honor.

We honor Him by accepting them, cherishing them, and adorning our life with them.

“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”  (Rev. 21:2)

When Jesus returns as a Bridegroom for His Bride, will He find us walking in agreement with Him?

Will He find that we have accepted everything that He gave His life for?

Will He see that not only have we received every gift that He purchased with His own blood, but that we have adorned our life with them for all the world to see?

Will He find us following in His steps, doing His works, and obeying His Word?

If He does, then we will be as a “bride adorned for her husband.” We will be His bride “not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing” and He will catch us away to the “marriage supper of the Lamb.”

“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.”  (Rev. 19:7)

“And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”  (Rev 19:8)

“And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.”  (Rev. 19:9)

Until He returns and we are called, we can be assured that He will walk with us and preserve us in these last days, so that we too will hear those wonderful words,

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord.”

The choice is ours to make.

Tomorrow- Walking in Peace

All twelve books in the “How to Walk Christian Series” by Raymond Candy are available now in one collection of two volumes for $6.99 each at bn.com for the NOOK, amazon.com for the KINDLE, on iTunes at the iBookstore for the iPad and iPhone, and at Lulu.com for the PC and all e-reading devices

How do We do the Works of God?

The Works that Jesus did shall We do Also-

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”  (John 14:12)

“And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:”  (Rev. 2:26)

Not only does our walking with God in the last days involve our faith and lifestyle, but it also involves the works that He has called us to do before His return.

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”  (John 9:4)

There are those who might say, “God never called me to preach or teach. I don’t believe that He has called me to work for him.”

Perhaps you may not be someone that God has called to stand before a congregation, or in front of a classroom, or to go to a foreign country.

Nevertheless, we as believers have all been given a job and works to do.

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,”  (Eph. 4:1)

In our English language today, the word “vocation” means our job or livelihood. In the original Greek the word translated “vocation” means an invitation or a calling.

Before we can understand what the works are that God has called us to do, we must understand what they are not.

“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”  (Heb. 9:14)

Dead works are those religious works done in the name of God for the wrong reason.

“Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?”  (John 6:28)

“Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”  (John 6:29)

The night before Jesus spoke these words, He had multiplied the loaves and fishes to feed the multitude, and now they had awoke hungry and came looking for Him to feed them again.

Jesus knew their hearts and told them that the only reason they sought Him was for the loaves and fishes to feed their hunger, not for the words which He had to say.

Their reply was to ask Jesus how they could do the works of God. Their meaning was that if they knew how to multiply loaves and fishes then they would not have to seek for Him to do it.

Jesus said that the work of God was to “believe on Him” whom God hath sent. The word “believe” in the Greek means to “entrust” or to “commit”. It does not mean to have a “head knowledge” of something, but it means to totally commit and entrust one’s life to what we believe in our heart.

Dead works are works done for the wrong reason. The works of God are birthed in faith and love.

“Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”  (James 2:18)

One group believes that by witnessing they will receive a better resurrection. Another believes that by having a large family they will obtain favor and a better place with God. Some believe that by repeating certain prayers it will earn God’s forgiveness.

Then there are those who believe that perfect church attendance, tithing, praying, helping the needy, or visiting the sick will prove their devotion to God and to others.

These are all works done for the wrong reasons. They are all works done to obtain something. Whether it be to obtain something from God or to obtain something from others, they are all dead works.

“And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”  (1Cor. 13:3)

The only works that please God are those works done out of love and faith. We don’t do works to obtain God’s love and acceptance, but we do works out of gratitude because of God’s love and acceptance.

“We love him, because he first loved us.”  (1John 4:19)

Works done out of love and faith are the works that please God. These are the works that will remain. These are the works that will endure the last days.

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”  (1Cor. 3:11)

“Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;”  (1Cor. 3:12)

“Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.”  (1Cor. 3:13)

“If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.”  (1Cor. 3:14)

Every work that we do shall have eternal ramifications, whether it be for the good or the bad.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”  (2Cor. 5:10)

Just as God desires that Jesus Christ be revealed in every aspect of the Word of God, He desires that every aspect of our life be a reflection of Christ.

Whether it’s being a parent, a guardian, or a spouse; whether it’s being a student, an employee, or a worker in a church or ministry; or whether it’s just deeds we do to help our fellow man, it all needs to be built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ.

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”  (Col. 3:17)

The works done out of love, compassion, and faith are the works of gold, silver, and precious stones. When built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ, they shall abide the fiery trials and endure unto eternal reward.

The works done for pride, duty, gain, or for any other carnal reason are the works of wood, hay, and stubble which shall be consumed by the fire and cause the doer to suffer loss.

“In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:”  (Eph. 2:21)

“In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”  (Eph. 2:22)

We are God’s building, the temple of the Holy Ghost, built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. If we build our building with works of faith and love that glorify God, then we will walk with Him and our building will endure the perilous times of the last days.

Tomorrow- The Bridegroom Cometh

All twelve books in the “How to Walk Christian Series” by Raymond Candy are available now in one collection of two volumes for $6.99 each at bn.com for the NOOK, amazon.com for the KINDLE, on iTunes at the iBookstore for the iPad and iPhone, and at Lulu.com for the PC and all e-reading devices

Those following Peace and Holiness shall see the Lord

A Glorious Church Without Spot or Wrinkle-

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:”  (Heb 12:14)

“That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”  (Eph. 5:27)

Another area of our life in which God has given us talents to trade with or to be occupied with is the area of our lifestyle.

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:”  (1Peter 2:9)

The Bible tells us that we are a chosen generation. As the prophets of old prophesied of the coming of Christ and the Church age, they longed for the time yet to come which they prophesied of.

“Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:”  (1Peter 1:10)

“Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.”  (1Peter 1:11)

The Holy Ghost would come upon them and fill the Old Testament prophets with the power to prophesy and do great works for God. They knew the Holy Ghost as the Spirit of Prophecy but not as the Comforter whom Jesus said the Father would send.

The Bible teaches that they were men no different than us, with similar emotions and passions.

“Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.”  (James 5:17)

Moses was a man prone to anger, and because of it he struck the rock in the wilderness after God had told him to speak to it for water. He was denied entrance into the Promised Land because of his disobedience.

Elijah became depressed and hid in a cave.

David lusted after another man’s wife and plotted her husband’s death.

Elisha’s pride was hurt and he caused the death of taunting children.

They knew the power of God for miracles but not the power of the indwelling Spirit who changes men’s hearts and desires.

We long for their time and the glory that God received because of the power and miracles they performed. However, they longed for our time and the glory that God receives in our changed lives.

We are a chosen generation. We have been given the indwelling Spirit of God who shall never leave us nor forsake us. We have been given the power to change our lives and be a holy people different than the rest of the world.

We have been given the power to resist temptation and put away sin.

“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.”  (Rom. 6:12)

We have been given power over addictions and habits.

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”  (Gal. 5:1)

We have been given power over our carnal lusts.

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”  (Rom. 8:13)

We have been given power over our emotions.

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:”  (Eph. 4:26)

We are the chosen generation that knows the salvation of God and has His indwelling Spirit. He has chosen us to be kings and priests with Him. He has also called us to be a holy nation.

We know a nation’s location because of its geographical borders. The borders may be rivers, or mountain ranges, or lines marked by signposts. Whatever they may be, they separate that particular nation from all others.

The border that separates our nation from all others is the godly and holy lifestyle which the Holy Spirit empowers us to live.

When the rest of the world sees us have peace and faith in the midst of perilous times, when filthy language and cursings fill their daily conversation but they hear us refrain from sinning with our tongue and speaking evil, when they feel the need to escape by yielding to every carnal desire, yet they see us hold fast to our faith and refuse to partake of things contrary to our beliefs;

Then God is glorified among them and they have hope that there is a better way.

They see not a hypocritical Church that says one thing on Sunday but lives in the same manner as they do on Monday. They see a “glorious church” not having “spot or wrinkle”.

This is the Church that Jesus is coming back for to be His Bride.

The Bible tells us clearly what God considers to be sin. The Holy Spirit convicts us as to what is right or wrong.

It is time for us to make a decision and a commitment to obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit, to choose the right over the wrong, and the godly over the worldly in everything we do.

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”  (1Peter 4:17)

Tomorrow- The Works that Jesus did shall We do Also

All twelve books in the “How to Walk Christian Series” by Raymond Candy are available now in one collection of two volumes for $6.99 each at bn.com for the NOOK, amazon.com for the KINDLE, on iTunes at the iBookstore for the iPad and iPhone, and at Lulu.com for the PC and all e-reading devices

What must we do until Jesus comes back?

We must Occupy until He Comes-

“I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?”  (Luke 18:8)

The Bible tells us that these last days which we are living in shall be “perilous times.” It says that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Tim. 3:13)

There shall be “perplexity” and “distress of nations.” (Luke 21:25) Men’s hearts shall fail them because of fear “for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.” (Luke 21:26)

There shall be a “strong delusion” upon the earth to believe a lie, that they “all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2 Thess. 2:12)

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”  (Matt. 24:24)

Now, more than ever, in these last days, it is imperative that believers know and understand the written Word of God in order to not be “carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” (Eph. 4:14)

There are and shall be many voices arise in these last days. No matter how pious, religious, respected, or prestigious the speaker, there is one thing believers must remember in order to not be deceived.

GOD NEVER CONTRADICTS HIMSELF.

No matter how miraculous the miracle, how vivid the vision, how powerful the preaching, or how real the dream, if it does not line up with the written Word of God then it is not from God.

It will take the faith of the Son of God to stand in these last days, not be deceived, and walk with God.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”  (Gal. 2:20)

When the economy is failing, jobs are scarce, money is tight, and friends and family forsake you; when voices arise and the powers that be tell you that God has forgotten His people; it will take the faith of God to trust and not be afraid, and to wait upon the Lord.

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”  (Isa. 40:31)

“For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.”  (Psalm 37:9)

God gives the gift of faith to every believer when they accept Christ.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”  (Eph. 2:8)

It is the fruit or produce of the Holy Spirit who comes to live inside of you upon salvation.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,”  (Gal. 5:22)

In the same way that fruit begins as a seed, so it is with faith.

“And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”  (Matt. 17:20)

God wants your seed of faith to be nurtured and grow. It is nurtured by hearing and the Word of God.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”  (Rom. 10:17)

It does not require intelligence, a diploma, or a degree to understand the Word of God and have the faith that it will bring.

But it does require the Holy Spirit and belief that God is faithful.

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”  (1Cor. 2:14)

“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.”  (1John 2:27)

If we are faithful to read and study the written Word of God, then God will be faithful to give us the understanding and the faith that we will need to walk in these last days.

“Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”  (1Tim. 4:13)

Tomorrow- A Church without Spot or Wrinkle

All twelve books in the “How to Walk Christian Series” by Raymond Candy are available now in one collection of two volumes for $6.99 each at bn.com for the NOOK, amazon.com for the KINDLE, on iTunes at the iBookstore for the iPad and iPhone, and at Lulu.com for the PC and all e-reading devices

When will the Antichrist be Revealed?

When “He” shall be Taken Out of the Way-

Since the Temple of God was destroyed in circa 70 A.D. by the Roman armies, it has never been rebuilt.

One of the events that must happen before “the man of sin” can remove the daily sacrifice, sit in the Holy place, declare himself to be God, and be revealed as the Antichrist is that the Temple must be rebuilt and the sacrifice be reinstituted.

Jerusalem today is a divided city between Jew and Muslim, with the Temple mount occupied by the Muslim Dome of the Rock.

What could possibly happen that would be of such cataclysmic proportions as to upset the balance of power and embolden the Jews to rebuild the Temple of God in the place of the Muslim temple?

“For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.”  (2Thess. 2:7)

There is only one power in the earth today that is able to hold back the powers of darkness and prohibit the enemy of God from performing his will at any time.

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”  (Luke 10:19)

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”  (Acts 1:8)

It is the power of the Holy Spirit that God has put in His Church, and until the Church is taken out of the way, that Wicked cannot be revealed.

The “He” that must be taken out of the way is the Holy Ghost, and “He” will only be taken out of the way when the Church (the born again believers) are removed from the earth.

Jesus said that the Comforter (the Holy Ghost) would never leave us nor forsake us, so when He goes then we go also.

There have been men in the past such as Adolf Hitler, filled with evil, who thought they could make the prophecies come to pass, destroy the chosen people of God, conquer the world, and assume the position of the antichrist.

However, as long as the Church is in the world to have faith, believe God, pray, and resist the devil, the Evil One is paralyzed and limited as to what he can do.

The Bible tells of a time when a worldwide miraculous event shall occur. In one single moment every true believer in Jesus Christ will rise up to meet the Lord in the air, and every born-again Christian will disappear from the face of the earth.

“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”  (1Cor. 15:52)

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”  (1Thess. 4:16)

“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”  (1Thess. 4:17)

Trumpets were used in the Old Testament not only for battle, but to assemble the congregation, to announce the feast, and to declare the changing of the season.

This is the last trump that shall sound, the last assembling of the congregation, the last call to the feast.

This is the end of the season, the end of the Church Age, and the gathering of the believers in Christ to meet the Lord in the air.

This is the next great event in God’s plan that we the Church are to be looking for.

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”  (Heb. 9:28)

Then shall the Holy Spirit who indwells the believers that make up the Church be “taken out of the way”, and the Scripture can be fulfilled:

“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.”  (Rev. 12:12)

What is Jesus looking for in His Church when He comes back? What is He expecting His Church to be doing?

“And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.”  (Luke 19:11)

“He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.”  (Luke 19:12)

“And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.”  (Luke 19:13)

The word “occupy” literally means in the Greek to “busy oneself with, to trade.”

We are to be busy. We are to “occupy” until He comes.

When Jesus ascended into heaven, two angels appeared and spoke to the disciples.

“Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”  (Act 1:11)

We are not to be standing and waiting, but in these last days we are to be walking with God and doing.

“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”  (Matt. 25:21)

How can we hear those wonderful words when we stand before Him on that day? We shall hear those words by being found faithful over a few things.

The Bible teaches that there are three areas in our life in which the Lord has given us “talents” to trade with as we “occupy” until He comes; three areas in which to be found faithful.

These are the areas of faith, lifestyle, and works.

Tomorrow- Occupy Until He Comes

All twelve books in the “How to Walk Christian Series” by Raymond Candy are available now in one collection of two volumes for $6.99 each at bn.com for the NOOK, amazon.com for the KINDLE, on iTunes at the iBookstore for the iPad and iPhone, and at Lulu.com for the PC and all e-reading devices

Great Darkness is Coming upon the Earth!

The Night Comes when no Man can Work-

 “And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.”  (Matt. 24:1)

“And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”  (Matt. 24:2)

“And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?”  (Matt. 24:3)

The answer Jesus gave to the disciple’s third question, “what shall be the sign…of the end of the world?” revolves around a prophecy given in the Book of Daniel.

“And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.”  (Dan. 12:11)

“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)”  (Matt. 24:15)

Jesus went on to explain that after the “abomination of desolation” would stand in the holy place, there would be a short period of time and then the end of the world would come.

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”  (Matt. 24:21)

“And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.”  (Matt. 24:22)

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:”  (Matt. 24:29)

“And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”  (Matt. 24:30)

This is a description of the third coming: the coming of Jesus as the Conqueror, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords; the time of the end of the world.

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.”  (Rev. 21:1)

The single event that “triggers” this time period which separates the coming of Jesus as the Bridegroom and the coming of Jesus as the Conqueror is the “abomination that maketh desolate.”

The Apostle Paul gives greater detail of this event, and in doing so explains two things which must occur before the time of “great tribulation” and the “day of Christ”:

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;”  (2Thess. 2:3)

“Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”  (2Thess. 2:4)

“Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?”  (2Thess. 2:5)

“And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.”  (2Thess. 2:6)

“For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.”  (2Thess. 2:7)

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:”  (2Thess. 2:8)

The Bible teaches that in the last days there is coming a man upon the earth who will be the epitome of evil. Even as Jesus Christ is referred to as the “fullness of the Godhead bodily”, this man will be so full of Satan that he is referred to as the “Antichrist.”

He is also called the Beast, the man of sin, the son of perdition, and the abomination of desolation.

The Bible teaches that when he is revealed he will go into the Temple in Jerusalem, remove the daily sacrifice, enter into the Holy place, sit down and declare that he is God.

The Roman Empire had become so oppressive against the Church in the days of the Apostle Paul, that some in the Church believed they were living during this time of The Great Tribulation.

They believed that the saints coming out of their graves after the resurrection of Jesus (Matt. 27:52) was the Resurrection, that Caesar was the Antichrist, and that the Roman Empire was the kingdom of the Beast.

The Apostle Paul wrote to them in 2 Thessalonians explaining that this was not so. Caesar could not be the Antichrist because two things were yet to happen before the Antichrist could be revealed.

These two things are still yet to happen as of the writing of this book.

They are that “He who now letteth will let until he be taken out of the way”, and the Antichrist must sit in “the temple of God shewing himself that he is God.”

What does the Bible mean when it says, “He who now letteth will let until he be taken out of the way”?

Tomorrow- Until He be Taken Out of the Way

All twelve books in the “How to Walk Christian Series” by Raymond Candy are available now in one collection of two volumes for $6.99 each at bn.com for the NOOK, amazon.com for the KINDLE, on iTunes at the iBookstore for the iPad and iPhone, and at Lulu.com for the PC and all e-reading devices

The Bridegroom is coming for His Bride!

The Second Coming of Christ-

“And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.”  (Matt. 25:6)

Our salvation, our hope, our faith is based upon the fact that we believe  the Redeemer of all mankind, the Savior of the world, our suffering Messiah Jesus Christ has already come and gave His life a ransom for all.

The belief that Jesus Christ lived, died, was buried, resurrected, and ascended into heaven is the very core of our being “born again” and without which we are eternally lost.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”  (Rom. 10:9)

By raising Jesus from the dead, God not only confirmed that every word Jesus said about Himself is true, but that every word He spoke concerning all things is true.

If we believe that Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God came the first time, then we must believe His promise that He is coming back again.

“Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”  (Acts 1:11)

The only question that remains is which return are we anticipating? The return of a Bridegroom or that of a Conqueror?

 “And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.”  (Matt. 24:1)

“And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”  (Matt. 24:2)

“And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?”  (Matt. 24:3)

As Jesus and His disciples passed by the temple, they pointed out to Him its grandeur, but Jesus replied by saying that all the stones of the temple would be cast down.

They responded by asking Jesus three questions.

The first question was, “when shall these things be?” referring to the destruction of the temple.

Jesus went on to prophesy of events they would see happen in their generation and that there would be “wars and rumors of wars,” but “…the end is not yet.” (Matt. 24:6)

History tells us that after the Crucifixion of Jesus in circa 30 A.D., there were rebellions and wars amongst the Roman Empire until finally in circa 70 A.D. the Roman army took over Jerusalem and destroyed Herod’s Temple, even tearing apart every stone to retrieve the gold between them, thus fulfilling the prophetic answer to “when shall these things be?”

The second question was, “ what shall be the sign of thy coming?”

Jesus prophetic answer to this question was a long description of a time period filled with nations and kingdoms rising up against each other. He described famines, and pestilence, and earthquakes which He called the “beginning of sorrows.”

He told of a time of false prophets, persecutions, and betrayal. He spoke of afflictions, deceptions, and that “iniquity would abound.” He said that because of these things many believer’s love would “wax cold,” however; Jesus also said:

“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”  (Matt. 24:13)

He then gave the greatest sign that answers the second question the disciples asked, “what shall be the sign of thy coming?”

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”  (Matt. 24:14)

This long description that depicts an age of wars, famines, pestilence, earthquakes, and persecutions aptly describes the time since the destruction of the temple until now, culminating to our time in which iniquity abounds and the “love of many” has “waxed cold.”

This day and age that we are now living in has seen the rise of unlimited internet access and satellite communications. Now like never before has the gospel through these mediums reached every corner of the earth and been “preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations.”

We are seeing the fulfillment of Jesus prophetic answer to this second question, “what shall be the sign of thy coming?”

We are the generation that is in anticipation of the return of the Bridegroom.

Tomorrow- The Hour Comes when no Man can Work

All twelve books in the “How to Walk Christian Series” by Raymond Candy are available now in one collection of two volumes for $6.99 each at bn.com for the NOOK, amazon.com for the KINDLE, on iTunes at the iBookstore for the iPad and iPhone, and at Lulu.com for the PC and all e-reading devices

Jesus Christ is Coming Back!

We are in the Last Days-

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”  (2Tim. 3:1)

“For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,”  (2Tim. 3:2)

“Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,”  (2Tim. 3:3)

“Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;”  (2Tim. 3:4)

“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”  (2Tim. 3:5)

These Scriptures describe the condition of society just before the coming of Christ. The Bible is filled with prophesies that pertain to the coming of Christ.

As a matter of fact, the Spirit of God through David declared that the entire Bible was actually given by God for the sole purpose of directing men to Christ and His coming.

“Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.”  (Psalm 40:6)

“Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,”  (Psalm 40:7)

Jesus Christ is such the complete fulfillment of Scripture, that the Bible even calls Him the Word.

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”  (John 1:14)

It is God’s desire that in every Bible story, in every account of the tabernacle, in every jot and tittle of the Mosaic Law, in every Biblical record of the history of Israel, and in every prophecy, we would see Jesus, His fulfillment, and His coming.

If one were to categorize these prophecies of His coming, it would be evident that there are three distinct and different descriptions.

There are the prophecies pertaining to His coming as the suffering Messiah, our Redeemer.

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”  (Isaiah 53:5)

Next there are the prophesies of His coming as the Bridegroom who goes away to prepare a place, but then returns for His Church, the Bride.

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”  (John 14:2)

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”  (John 14:3)

“And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.”  (Matt. 25:6)

Finally, there are the prophesies of His coming as the conquering King of Kings and the Lord of Lords at the end of the world.

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.”  (Rev. 19:11)

“And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.”  (Rev. 19:13)

“And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.”  (Rev. 19:14)

“And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”  (Rev. 19:16)

Most of the Jewish leaders at the time of Jesus did not understand these three comings. They were hoping and looking for the conquering hero to rid them of the Roman Empire, so they missed the coming of the suffering Redeemer, the Lamb of God.

Then there were those during the time of the early Church, who because of false teaching that had entered in, said that the resurrection was past.

They preached that the Bridegroom had already come for His Bride, thereby causing their followers to lose faith and believe they had missed the marriage supper of the Lamb.

“Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.”  (2Tim. 2:18)

It is important that we as believers know the times that we are living in so that we will have faith concerning His return and not be caught unaware when Jesus comes back.

Some are quick to say, “I’ve heard of Jesus coming my whole life but He hasn’t come yet, so I don’t even think about that.”

However the Bible says:

“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”  (Matt. 24:44)

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”  (Heb. 9:28)

Tomorrow- The Second Coming of Christ

All twelve books in the “How to Walk Christian Series” by Raymond Candy are available now in one collection of two volumes for $6.99 each at bn.com for the NOOK, amazon.com for the KINDLE, on iTunes at the iBookstore for the iPad and iPhone, and at Lulu.com for the PC and all e-reading devices

How are we “Led by the Spirit”?

By Looking at Jesus-

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”  (Psalm 32:8)

God wants us to grow up in Christ to a point where the circumstances around us are not directing our decisions nor are they having to drive us to prayer crying for God to intervene.

God wants to direct us with his eye, but the only way that can happen is if we are looking at Him instead of looking at circumstances.

In the Gospel of Matthew we read of the time that Peter walked on the water:

“And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.”  (Matt. 14:28)

“And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.”  (Matt. 14:29)

“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.”  (Matt. 14:30)

As long as Peter was looking at Jesus, he walked on the water. It wasn’t until he turned his eyes to look at the wind and waves (his circumstances) that he began to sink.

Just as someone can direct us to the right or left by glancing in that direction if we are looking at their face, God wants to direct us if we are looking at Him.

Whether we are reading the Bible, in prayer, in worship, or even in our daily routine, the mature Christian is always looking to Jesus.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  (Heb. 12:2)

In conclusion, walking in the son-ship of Jesus Christ, walking in spiritual maturity, is setting your heart to walk as Jesus walked:

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:5)

To be like Christ is not in the amount or degree of religious activity, but in love for your fellow man.

To be like Christ is to not be moved by adversity or circumstance, but to know the love of the Father and trust in him.

To be like Christ is to deny self, to be humble, and say “Thy will not mine be done.”

To be like Christ is to be a mature son led by the Holy Spirit.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”  (Rom. 8:14)

Tomorrow- In the Last Days

All twelve books in the “How to Walk Christian Series” by Raymond Candy are available now in one collection of two volumes for $6.99 each at bn.com for the NOOK, amazon.com for the KINDLE, on iTunes at the iBookstore for the iPad and iPhone, and at Lulu.com for the PC and all e-reading devices

How do we “Grow Up” in Christ?

Spiritual Maturity-

We have seen what God considers to be spiritual immaturity, to be a babe in Christ. But what does God consider to be spiritual maturity, to “grow up in Him”? (Eph. 4:15)

The first step to spiritual maturity is what we have already learned from the story of the “prodigal son”, which is to make a decision that we are no longer going to entertain unrighteous thoughts toward others.

It does matter to God when we talk about someone behind their back. It matters to God when we criticize someone’s appearance or actions whether verbally or in our heart. It matters to God when we harbor anger, or resentment, or unforgiveness no matter how justified we feel in doing so.

When we ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and reveal these hidden sins so that we may repent, we have begun to mature in the spirit. We may stumble in our attitude toward others, but when we do if we repent and determine to do better with God’s help, then we will begin to pass from “glory to glory as by the Spirit of the Lord”.

We also grow spiritually when we make a commitment to understand the Word of God for ourselves, not just to believe what others may tell us:

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;”  (Eph. 4:14)

The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit will teach us all things, but that we must ask in faith. We need to realize that our Bible reading is not just a daily exercise, but an opportunity to hear from the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. Whether reading or listening, it takes the Holy Spirit to show us what the true meaning of God’s Word is so that we do not fall prey to error.

 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”  (James 1:5)

“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”  (James 1:6)

“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.”  (1John 2:27)

Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding are signs of spiritual maturity and will build you into a mature (finished) house of God filled with every spiritual blessing:

“Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:” (Prov. 24:3)

“And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”  (Prov. 24:4)

Any type of deceit or untruth is a sign of spiritual immaturity, but he who is spiritually mature determines to be truthful within and without.

“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” (Eph. 4:15)

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;” (Eph. 6:14)

This does not only mean truth between you and others, but also truth between you and God. In other words, not coming to God and making excuses about what you have done or why you did it, not trying to convince God that you are something you are not, but coming to God and totally opening your heart to Him in honesty and truth so that He might search your innermost being and help you in your time of weakness.

“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.”  (Psalm 62:8)

“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.”  (Psalm 51:6)

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  (2Cor. 12:9)

Finally, the Christian who has begun to mature in his spiritual walk has come to a place in his life where he is not ruled by circumstances.

The Bible tells us, and experience shows us, that babies are ruled by their circumstances and needs.

“Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:” (Gal. 4:3)

If a baby is hungry, needs changing, or wants something, he cries. If he is tickled, he laughs. If he is rocked or cuddled, he falls asleep.

As it is in the natural, so it is in the spiritual.

When we are babes in Christ, our prayer life is filled with constantly asking God for the things we need or want, much like a baby crying. The things happening around us and to us consume our thoughts and efforts.

We seem to jump from emergency to emergency, constantly asking God for His help or deliverance without much communication or communion with Him in between.

But just as most children begin to grow and trust that their parents love them and will take care of them, God wants his spiritual children to grow and trust in the love of their Heavenly Father.

“Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”  (Matt. 6:8)

“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?”  (Matt. 6:31)

“(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”  (Matt. 6:32)

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  (Matt. 6:33)

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,” (Rom. 8:38)

“Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  (Rom. 8:39)

The Bible says:

“Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.”  (Psalm 32:9)

When we first become Christians, our Heavenly Father will allow circumstances to come into our lives that will drive us to prayer so we may learn that God hears and answers our prayers.

In the same way that the bit and bridle direct the horse, these circumstances direct us to put our trust in God. But as we grow and see God supply our need and answer our prayers, He does not want us to be driven by these things any longer.

He has a better way and a higher calling. This “better way” is to be “led by the Spirit”.

Tomorrow- To be Led by the Spirit

All twelve books in the “How to Walk Christian Series” by Raymond Candy are available now in one collection of two volumes for $6.99 each at bn.com for the NOOK, amazon.com for the KINDLE, on iTunes at the iBookstore for the iPad and iPhone, and at Lulu.com for the PC and all e-reading devices