Have You Counted the Cost To Become a Disciple of Jesus? Is He worth it?

 

I've had a lot of time to reflect on the consequences of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. God has really challenged me to discern what I believe about some of Christ's discourse in the Bible. Add to that, I am amazed at the questions that have emerged in my spirit regarding the effects Charlie's life and death have had on Believers, skeptics,  and the Church. And as I look at the world today, and the growing animosity towards Christians and our faith, I am certain that it is more important today, than ever, that we are firmly committed to our discipleship.

First of all, let's establish what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. In the Greek language, the word used is Mathētēs, "a learner", from the root word math, indicating "thought accompanied by endeavor". I want you to remember that phrase. I'm going to return to it later. We can apply the following descriptors to Jesus's twelve Disciples in the New Testament. If we look at their example, they were described as "abiding" [staying] in His Word. They believed upon Him and confessed Him. They were not only pupils, but adherents [supporters, defenders, devotees]. And perhaps, most importantly, they were spoken of as imitators of their teacher. 

We know of the twelve disciples within His inner circle, but remember that Jesus also  appointed and sent out 72 [or 70, depending on which version of the Bible you are reading] to go before Him to spread His teachings that the Kingdom of God was near. We know that by the end of His ministry, only the original twelve [minus Judas] were still with Him. The rest had deserted Him. Many had avowed their allegiance to Him, but only a dozen were willing to pay the cost. He promised long, lonely days on the road, with no place to call home; they had to be willing to leave obligations to family and loved ones if they were to imitate Him. The cost was steep, and self-denial and suffering was to be their lot. 

In Luke 9:23, Jesus says, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me". I want to make sure you understand the seriousness of that statement. When Jesus used the terminology of "taking up one's cross", He didn't mean our twenty-first century interpretation of suffering from some lightweight burden such as a bad relationship with your parents or spouse; a job you hate; high blood pressure, or some other annoying difficulty in your life. To the people He was addressing, "the cross" meant one thing: death by crucifixion. It was the maximum amount of shame, humiliation, and torture that the Roman government could devise. Victims would literally carry the instrument of their own torture and death.

Jesus made it very clear that any one who does not renounce all that he has [family, home, money, reputation, pride] cannot be His disciple [Luke 14:33]. All of that belongs to this world. Among what He offers His true disciples is tribulation, because He suffered tribulation. BUT, He also offers us [perfect] peace in Him. We can expect tribulation, distress, and suffering in this world. But He reminds us that He has overcome the world! Hallelujah! And so shall we if we can remain confidant, undaunted, and filled with the joy of His promise of everlasting life in His Father's Heavenly Kingdom! So, I ask you ... If you call yourself a disciple of Christ, have you counted the cost? Is He worth it?  

Let me, once again, share the story of a man who counted the cost and was willing to pay the price. I have returned time and again to the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran pastor during the rise of the Nazi regime in WW2 Germany. He became alarmed as he witnessed the German State Church acquiescing to Hitler's anti-Jewish propaganda, demanding that Jews not be allowed to worship in Christian churches. He increasingly saw the Church compromising the Bible's demands of obedience to Jesus in favor of meeting the requirements of German society and the Third Reich. His spirit was in turmoil as he began to witness the cheapening of the power of the Gospel message, while obedience to the Living Christ was being buried and lost to religious formulas and rituals. 

In fact, one of the most defining quotes of Bonhoeffer is in regards to the distinction he makes between "cheap" and "costly" grace. According to Dietrich, "cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate."  In today's world, do Western Christians give discipleship any of this thought, at all? Do they contemplate the cost, or even realize that there should be a cost for something so valuable?

Well, we are told by our Savior that it is the lot of a true Disciple! "If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master'. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My Word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of My Name, because they do not know Him who sent Me...".

As I finish up this post, I want to return to that earlier phrase I wrote ... the root of the Greek word for "disciple", meaning "thought accompanied by endeavor". It takes some serious thought on our part to decide to become a disciple of Christ, don't you agree? We must first count the cost, and if we have decided to follow Christ, we must imitate His work and his labor in the harvest of souls. We must be willing to pay the price of death to remain in His service. Are American Christians willing to do that? Or are they counting on getting "Raptured" out of here, with no pain, self-denial, or sacrifice.

Because I will tell you that Christians around the world are in the cross hairs of those who hate our faith and our Savior! In Nigeria alone, between 2019 and 2023, nearly 17,000 Christians have been reported killed; 7,000 victims in just the first seven months of 2025. According to Intersociety, the International Society for Civil Liberties & Rule of Law (located in Eastern Nigeria), at least 52,250 have been brutally murdered over the past 14 years. This is just the tip of the iceberg. And according to Open Doors' World Watch List, more than 380 million Christians suffer very high or extreme levels of persecution. Christians have been targeted primarily in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East; but Mexico, Nicaragua, Cuba, and Columbia are now added to the Watch List. With the increase in political and ethnic rhetoric and violence in our own nation, it's not hard to see that religious persecution could easily be coming to us, as well. Jesus says it will!

But rather than live in fear, let us walk in the truth and strength of our Christian faith. Let us become true Christian disciples, drawing strength from Jesus's promises that He is with us. And we must lean on one another in community, encouraging each other as we face the persecution and trying times together. God has given us His Word as the foundation (and weapon) to face persecution with boldness and courage. Let us pray for our Christian Brothers and Sisters in Nigeria and around the world, and join with them in the Spirit, as they face their trials, even unto death. 

1 Peter 2:21     For [as a Believer] you have been called for this purpose, since Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you may follow in His footsteps.  

The World Desperately Needs to Understand the Biblical Meaning of Zion

Understanding the truth about who and what Zion is, is a very touchy subject in the world today, and it is at the root of so much conflict between peoples and nations. I know that even approaching this subject, I will be roundly criticized by Believers and Atheists, Christians and Jews, the Religious and the Secular members of society. But I hope I will be seen as someone who seeks to express God's heart rather than my own worldly agenda. And for that reason, I ask for a measure of Grace as I share what I have come to believe.

So, this post is not just for Christian readers; I have written it for secular readers, as well. We all need to understand each other and our different opinions concerning the land of Israel. But most of all, we need to understand what "Zion" means to God. And, as in the past [whenever I've written about my Biblical view of Israel and my interpretation of their role in these End Times], I'm sure I will be labeled a "Zionist Christian", and/or typecast as a "pro-Feast, Jewish apologist". To be honest, if I am forced to apply a label to myself, I prefer "faithful follower of Jesus Christ", which includes my Biblical worldview.

First of all, when I speak about Israel, most times I am referring to the land according to that Biblical worldview. I see the land of Israel [which I differentiate from the current nation state of Israel] as that land promised to God's Chosen People in the Bible. Although there has been an ongoing debate regarding Israel's right to occupy the land, in my opinion, that debate begins and ends with the authority of God in His Word: So that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that heavens are above the earth (Deuteronomy 11:21). In regards to that view, I recognize that there is a distinction between the future prophetic restoration of that land, and the Israel that exists there, today. Now, before everyone gets all riled up and assumes that I am dismissing the modern state of Israel as inheritors of God's promises, you would be sorely mistaken.

According to my Biblical worldview, I know and understand that Jesus will not return until God turns the focus of His saving mercies on Israel again, and Israel responds to God through Jesus Christ, calling upon His Name for Salvation and Deliverance. That hasn't happened yet in a national sense. And statistics have been reported that 45% of Israeli citizens identify as Secular, 33% as "traditional" Jews [in matters of their faith], and 10% as Ultra-Orthodox  [following strict Jewish religious laws]. Another 10% identify as Christian, and a small minority (10-20,000) boldly call themselves "Messianic Jews", who are Jews who believe in Jesus as their long-awaited Messiah, fulfilling the promise God made in Zechariah 12:10 ... Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayers, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a first son.

That brings me back to this discussion about "Zionism" and the truth about its Biblical significance. Remember, I'm not interested in promoting the world's interpretation of political Zionism, or Christian Zionism, or any other definition of Zionism that is not of Biblical consequence. I want to make it clear that from the position of my Biblical worldview, there isn't much about the state of modern Israel that coincides with the Biblical Israel. HOWEVER, that doesn't inhibit my belief that it will one day step into its prophetic and true role as Isaiah 35:10 says: So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee. 

And this confusion over the misinterpretation of the true Zion leads to so much of the conflict and hatred in the world today. From an initial understanding of the word "Zion" in the Bible, it is synonymous with "City of God", and it is a place that God loves and dwells with His people. But Zion is much more than a place or characteristic of its geography. Zion is the spiritual heart of Israel, representing God's presence among His people. It stands for the joy, holiness, and divine beauty that encompasses God's everlasting covenant with Israel; a sacred relationship that will endure forever. So, from one aspect, it can be identified as Jerusalem in the Old Testament; the place God dwelt on Earth. It is Mount Zion, the high hill on which David built a citadel. After King David's conquest of the ancient city, he built his royal palace there, and Zion/Jerusalem became the seat of power in Israel's ancient kingdom. When his son, Solomon, built the Lord's temple in Jerusalem, the word Zion expanded to include the temple area, what we call the Temple Mount today. 

As Biblical time marched on, Zion grew figuratively to mean Israel as the people of God in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, Zion refers to God's spiritual kingdom. I admit it is confusing and covers a wide scope of understanding. To make matters even more complicated, in this modern century, the word Zion and Zionist have taken on negative connotations among a wide variety of peoples and nations. There are those who see the reestablishment of a Jewish homeland as illegitimate, and desire to "drive them into the sea" or destroy them completely. And there are obviously those who do not know the history of the Bible, or what it says about the Jews and their ancestral lands, and why it is important to them, and specifically to God .

For centuries the Jews had been exiled around the world from the land that God promised them, and there was a collective desire to return and resettle their ancestral lands and to revitalize and cultivate their native Hebrew culture. They longed to return to the Biblical Zion. But after the atrocities of the Holocaust and with the establishment of the Jewish state in 1948, this love of Zion became a nationalistic and political movement, rather than a religious, spiritual, or cultural identity. Zionism, today, continues primarily to advocate on behalf of the nation of Israel and address presumed threats to its continued existence and security. It has little to do with God's view of Zion.

Let me be clear in explaining my sensitive position, and please read the next couple of paragraphs before you pass judgment. The state of Israel, as it exists in the Middle East today, does not represent the Israel that will say, "Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord" ... YET! As I stated earlier, it is largely a secular and political state, with no religious connection to Yeshua, their Messiah, at all. In fact, they are still waiting for Him to arrive and rescue them from their enemies. They are true political Zionists. Remember, the population includes a sizable number of religious Orthodox Jews who remain blinded to their future [as the Bible attests to], and most probably view themselves as Zionists from a historical, Old Testament perspective. But I want to remind you that there is a growing population of Messianic Jews, who know and believe in Yeshua as the Biblical Messiah, and are evangelizing "in the Name of the Lord". And I praise God for this remnant who are returning to the true identity of Zion in the land.

So, in my opinion, the current nation of Israel, as a whole, has a long way to go to return to their Scriptural identity. The are still in rebellion and refuse to recognize their Creator and Messiah. Indeed, Tel Aviv has declared itself "the gay capital of the world", [not exactly a descriptor of God's holy Israel]. As proclaimed by one gay Israeli citizen: "Israel isn't a regressive [Taliban] state based on ancient scriptures. It is a modern, democratic, and progressive society built on democratic values. The people of Israel have chosen to have a free, secular, democratic, and pluralistic society where gays are not only tolerated, but where gay culture is celebrated." Does this sound like the Biblical Zion?

So, having said all this, when I look at modern Israel, I choose to focus my prayers on the small, but growing numbers of Messianic Jews who see the real reason they are "back in the land", and who recognize their calling and purpose. When I say I love and support Israel [as God calls us to], I am looking beyond the nationalistic, political reality of the current state of Israel and seeing them as God sees them ... His beloved Zion, the people that He longs to dwell among. I see the devoted Jews who have surrendered their lives to their Savior Messiah and are faithfully working to bring about His return.

For any Christian who believes in "Replacement Theology" and accuses me of not supporting Israel, as the Bible demands of us -- or conversely, of supporting a Zionist state -- I understand that I will likely be condemned by both sides of that coin. For the adherents of Replacement Theology, please know that I do not share in the belief of your doctrine. I do not believe that the Church (and especially not the Western Church!) has replaced Israel as God's chosen people. I read Romans 11 and do not try and corrupt it. I accept it, word for word ... God's gifts and His call are irrevocable [He never withdraws them once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call] ... and so all Israel will be saved. As it is written, The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will banish ungodliness from Jacob. And this will be My covenant [my Agreement] with them when I shall take away their sins.

And for the secularists and atheists who discount the Word of God, I will agree with you that the Zionist, political State of Israel is not perfect. I do not blindly uphold it as the Israel of the Bible. But I would like you to understand that it is not yet that Biblical nation of Israel who whom God established a covenant ... but one day it will be. And it is the future Israel that I pray for and long to see come out of its rebellion and recognize its Messiah. I have close friends who are among the beginning of that true Biblical remnant in Israel, and they have shown me the hope and the promise of Israel's restoration.

I do not expect this post to change anyone's mind. To those that hate Israel as an aggressor in the Middle East, and who vehemently disagree with its divisive government and policies, I will tell you that I acknowledge your viewpoint. And I see the spiritual forces that are behind the efforts to encourage that hatred and hostility. And for those who believe we should worship and pray for the modern state as the embodiment of Biblical Israel, I would say this to you: If you say we should love Israel and stand with her, no matter what, this is my response ... we must love Israel through a Biblical lens. We must support her and pray for her to come out of her rebellion and reclaim the covenant of her ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and we must long to see her restored to the fullness of her power in God; restored to her true character and purpose in leading the world to Yeshua. For all this, I make no apologies. BUT, I must also declare that I do not yet see that version of Israel. So I continue to pray and hope.

Finally, I will pray that the land and the people of Israel will be returned to the holiness that YHWH bestowed on Zion. May the God of Israel remain patient as He waits for His chosen people to call upon the Name of the Lord. May they fulfill their destiny soon, turning from their rebellious nature in the world, and spiritually living out Psalm 137:1 ... By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion. Let us keep God's view of His land and His people in perspective. And may the world come together over the Truth of Zion. 

Isaiah 2:3-4    .... For out of Zion shall go forth the law [the teaching], and the Word of the Lord  from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. 

         

Personal thoughts: Keeping Hope Alive In a Battered America

Today is Veteran's Day, and I'm thinking of all the men and women who have served in the wars of this country, dating back to the American Revolution. I'm grateful for their service to our nation; for the sacrifices they made in the name of Liberty and Freedom. The wars that they fought in were not always for virtuous causes, and sadly, there were too many who profited off of them at the expense of millions of young lives throughout the existence of America. 

And that brings me to the other thoughts occupying my mind these days ... we are rapidly approaching the 250th anniversary of our nation. While many consider the United States an empire, and therefore wish to come to the foregone conclusion that "empires rarely last over 250 years", I'm not willing to give up on us just yet. First of all, I don't consider America an empire. While empires are usually distinguished as being a central power which exerts control and power over conquered territories and peoples, occupying those territories and enslaving the conquered peoples, America has favored the promotion of democracy and self-determination, and post World War II, has championed national independence and sovereignty. Additionally, our American culture is most often voluntarily embraced, rather than enforced.

I know that we are not a perfect nation and there are those who will argue that our expansion and acquisitions of Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines in recent history, along with our military interventions and economic influence, argue for the "empire" label. The debate is legitimate, but my purpose for writing today covers whether the idea that America still exists as the land of opportunity where people can still dream of the freedom of self-determination, economic self-sufficiency, security, and the hope of a peaceful and prosperous future. Some call that "the American Dream". I like to think of it as God's will for all people.

But I cannot deny that, as a civilization, I see the warning signs of our decline. We are experiencing economic decline [due to government overspending, inflation, and excessive taxation]. We certainly have political instability, and the growing threat of marxist/socialist ideologies within our educational and political institutions, is causing social upheaval. And when the governing power grows increasingly centralized in Washington D.C., rather than being determined by a representative democracy among the people, it fractures our founding principles of individual liberty and self-determination. Finally, the deterioration of our moral and spiritual belief systems serves to cause division and decay within our society. The loss of faith, in both our religious and societal institutions, has the potential to be the final blow to this "great experiment" called The United States of America.

So, now that I've cited the current woes of our nation, I want to tell you why I still have hope for us. At the heart of America lies a legacy that I believe still offers the embers of Freedom and Faith; waiting to be revived and restored in the hearts of those who appreciate and honor the liberty that America can provide. I grew up loving the ideals of our nation's history -- that when we work hard, we can be rewarded with opportunities to make our dreams for our families come true; and that at the heart of the American populace is a shared identity, but also the right to disagree and express our differences. But we must remember that unique heritage. We cannot let our history disappear from our schools or our collective memories. It must be taught and preserved, or the core values and identity of America will be lost.

All I have to do is watch the various newscasts of young people being interviewed across our land to discover that they cannot name the country we fought that gave us our Independence. Some do not even know the name of our first President, nor who wrote the Declaration of Independence. They cannot even name one of the Ten Commandments. Civics classes have been removed from most school curriculum, along with the statues and names of the Founding Fathers. Remember when we memorized and recited the intro to the Gettysburg Address? They have no idea what that is or why it is important to our history. 

Yet, I have hope when I read the our U.S. Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, is praising an Independence Day Ceremony activity book that teaches children about our American ideals of liberty, limited government, and Judeo-Christian values -- and in less than 15 minutes, to accommodate their attention span. I have hope, knowing that there is a growing number of parents who home-school, and a growing number of college-age young men and women who are now recognizing the extraordinary good that is in America. I am grateful for the dedication and commitment that the late Charlie Kirk instilled in these young people. Through his example, I have hope they will become the leaders of tomorrow, instilling the goodness that is America, while rooting out the dangerous seeds of materialism, radicalism, and anti-God ideologies.

I want to reiterate that I know America is not perfect. We have made lots of mistakes, and have tried to correct them. We still have a ways to go. But in the midst of the lawlessness and false identity that is trying to overtake this country, I see rays of sunlight and hope. I have faith that God is not done with us yet. I am encouraged by those who have the courage to stand up and call for unity and shared purpose; to bravely pronounce their faith in God and seek to join hands with our fellow citizens of all colors, ethnicities, and creeds in order to preserve this great land in unity. And, by the way, did you know there is an actual American's Creed? Here's a key except: 

I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed, a democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.

I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies. -- Written by a public servant, William Tyler Page in 1917, accepted by the United States House of Representatives on April 3, 1918. How appropriate for Veteran's Day! Thank you to all our veterans who answered that call.

So, I hope you will continue to pray with me for the future of our nation... that we might sustain the hope and promise that is the United States of America, and that it is God's will that we persevere in righteousness for generations to come, turning away from all evil influences and keeping His statutes forever. Amen!

Romans 15:4    For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

The Corruption in "The Days of Noah" is Being Repeated, Just as Jesus Said!

It's been more than 15 years since I first began writing about Genesis 6 and the perplexity that this subject has caused the established Church. And I believe perplexity is the proper word to use in this instance. It means "inability to deal with or understand something complicated or unaccountable". Throughout the centuries, the topic of what happened in Genesis 6:1-4 has been mysterious, debated, and contested throughout the Western Church. And it still is!

My husband, Mark,  and I host a small Home Church in our home, and I proudly call us a group of Christian "misfits". We come from all denominations and backgrounds, and the one thing we all have in common is that we were hungry for more knowledge about the God we love and serve, and our established Churches were not feeding us. Some, like Mark and myself, tried various churches to get our questions answered but always seemed to come away disappointed. Our questions couldn't be answered, and we were often counseled to stay within the rigid theological explanations that our spirits discerned were incorrect. So, we jumped into studying the Bible for ourselves, and found it not only fascinating and full of supernatural wisdom, but seemed to be encouraging us to go even further. 

The first question that we could never get satisfactory answers to was the ever-popular and controversial passage in Genesis 6:1-4 ... When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose. Then the Lord said, "My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years." The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown."

What exactly happened in those  infamous four verses? I say they are "controversial" because they have been a sticking point for many a congregation throughout the millenniums since the Bible was written, and are currently a topic of great import in these days. And that's the real purpose of this post -- to wake up those who are not aware of the literal truth of Genesis 6:1-4 and how the consequences of that fateful event are still impacting us today. So, I'm going to try to give you a synopsis of what happened in the distant past and then connect it to the warning that Jesus gave us ... that in the End Times, there would be events like those during the days of Noah. I hope to show you that what He was describing is occurring today and what we need to be prepared for. 

So, if you are interested in reading some of my older posts that go more in-depth on what the Bible says about the Nephilim and what was actually happening between the Fallen Angels and the daughters of men, you can read here, here, and here. 

But these are the bare facts you need to know and where I stand today ... Because the established Church is unable to admit the possibility that the Fallen Angels came down from Heaven, mated with earthly women, who then produced children that were a hybrid race of giants, or semi-divine beings, they have had to come up with explanations that, while they may seem logical, are patently false. They attempt to explain the "sons of God" as the righteous descendants of Seth (the third son of Adam and Eve), who was also the six times great-grandfather of Noah. They go on to explain the "Daughters of men" as the ungodly descendants of Cain, Seth's brother. They explain away the description of the Nephilim as "giants" by construing they may simply be dictatorial, oppressive, and controlling "giants of men", in terms of how they wielded their power and exercised their violence.    

But ancient writings such as 1 Enoch, and early Christian Fathers such as Tertullian, Irenaeus, and Justin Martyr all confirm the angelic interpretation.  The Hebrew term for "sons of God" is bene ha'elohim, and scholarly debate throughout the centuries has settled on determining who were the "sons of God" , and what was their relationship with the Nephilim. According to the Book of Enoch and the writings of Second Temple Judaism, (Jewish religious and cultural practices developed between the construction of the Second Temple upon the return of the exiles from captivity in Babylon and its destruction in 70 A.D), the term "sons of God" (bene ha'elohim) refers to angelic beings.

In summary of how history has viewed the story of Genesis 6:1-4, I can say this: As I noted, Enoch, Tertullian, and Justin Martyr took the narrative at face value; that the Fallen Angels had violated God's heavenly order and produced gigantic children. Later theologians like St. Augustine and the early church became uncomfortable with the implications of that model and moved the needle towards a more human explanation, known as the Sethite View. But we can't ignore passages in the New Testament like 2 Peter 2:4, and Jude 6, both of which allude to Angels who left their "proper dwelling" (Heaven) and committed ungodly deeds; who are held in chains in hell until the day Jesus comes to execute His Divine judgment. 

And that brings us to how this extraordinary story has eternal implications for us, and why I see "the days of Noah" in our future. You see, the Fallen Angels not only cross-bred with human women, producing the Nephilim hybrids, but because they corrupted God's divine order even further by cross breeding species, they created a nightmare of genetic engineering, which we call chimeras, defined as "an organism consisting of two or more tissues of different genetic composition, produced as a result of organ transplant, grafting, or genetic engineering. Chimeras are often referred to as the mythological creatures that appear on ancient castle walls, or in cave dwellings -- with a lion's head, a goat's body, or a dragon's tail. But those stories have existed for centuries because they were real. And here's the real kicker ... as the Nephilim died, they had no hope of reuniting with their Creator in Heaven, and their disembodied spirits were condemned to wander the earth until the Day of Judgment, which means they are still here! 

And today we are producing human chimeras as noted by author Alice Park in a 2021 article in Time magazine ... "In a ground-breaking experiment, researchers have successfully created the first human-monkey chimera. The work, published in the journal Cell, describes the first embryo containing both human and monkey cells that was cultured for 20 days...which the scientist [who created it] hopes will now apply to humans." Here's the thing, God specifically states in Deuteronomy that He prohibits mixing together that which was to stay separated -- different kinds of seeds, animals, yarn, and yes, humans with other species. No other species besides man is made in God's image, and we are not to be polluted and corrupted by anything that does not hold the Spirit of God. 

Each "kind" has it's own God-designed "flesh", called Nephesh in Hebrew, and that word transcribes to "soul" in English, but also insinuates "life", describing living beings, including humans and animals. Unfortunately, the Bible doesn't offer as much clear-cut language as some of the extra-Biblical texts do, and that explains a lot of why Christians and the Western Church aren't as educated on Genesis 6:1-4. "Extra-biblical" has long been considered an abomination in the Western Church because it is not found directly in the text of the Bible, and therefore not considered "inspired". But these writings can be useful in providing additional context, historical records, accepted traditions, writings and reasoning from early church fathers, as well as noting that content from Enoch, Jasher, and Jubilees can help us understand details and historical background that Scripture leaves out. But we must use careful discernment in applying the entirety of these extra-biblical texts to God's Truth. We must rely on the Holy Spirit to reveal to us what is consistent with the infallible Gospel message. [NOTE: There are passages from these extra-biblical texts that are repeated verbatim in the Bible. For instance 1 Enoch 1:9 appears as Jude 1:14-15. Is God inviting us to search out more of Him with the Holy Spirit's guidance?]. 

So, as I wrap up my thesis on the corruption that happened in Genesis 6, and the fact that Scripture says the abominable Nephilim (defiled, hybrid creations) "were on the earth in those days [of Noah] and afterward, it seems to speak to the idea that the Flood did not wipe them off the face of the earth. I don't have any way of definitively explaining how they remained, or continued, but we know that although Noah was declared "perfect in his generations" [which included his sons], we also know that there were Nephilim tribes post-flood. There has been all kinds of conjecture as to how that could happen, and to be honest, no one can say for sure. There are projections that there might have been a second incursion of Fallen Angels ... or that one of Noah's sons' wives might have had Nephilim genes. At this stage of the game, I don't really need to have that answer.

It is enough for me to be understanding that in Noah's day, God proclaimed all flesh to be corrupted, debased and degenerate, and He vowed to destroy mankind from the face of the earth. It's not hard to see that the genetic manipulation that created the first-generation Nephilim is still being propagated with our modern experimentation with mRNA technology that alters the fundamental biology of our God-created bodies. Nothing has changed. Humans are injected with chimeric vaccines and chimeric cancer chemotherapy. The generations in Noah's day corrupted the human image of God that He called good. But God's spirit cannot dwell in genetically modified beings. Maybe we're not using the exact same methods, but the results are the same: mixing different DNA and creating beings without God's signature in them. 

What do we think is going to happen? The move towards transhumanism -- integrating humans (with and without corrupted DNA) and computers is creating godless vessels; host bodies for the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim (demons); opening gates and portals for these demons to once again flood the earth. And so they have continued to this day. 

I'd like to end with this quote from the website, The Wise Wolf... "The most damning parallel [from the Days of Noah and today] is this: casual acceptance. People eating, drinking, marrying right up until Noah entered the ark. No alarm. no panic. Critical detail: the pre-flood world didn't stumble into darkness screaming. They walked in calm, convinced they were progressing. Genetic manipulation felt like medicine. Chimera creation felt like science. Corrupting all flesh felt like evolution. Transcendence.

Right now, scientists edit human embryos and call it therapeutic. Create human-animal chimeras and call it research. Build artificial intelligence and call it tools. Smash particles hunting the "God particle" and call it physics. Every step justified. Every threshold crossed with peer review and ethics approval. Nobody thinks they're the villain. The pre-flood world didn't either. They didn't know what they were building until it killed them".

We're doing exactly what they did ... corrupting God's image and He will not put up with it for long. And quantum computers are going to speed up the destruction and any chance we have of turning back. Christ uttered those prophetical words 2000 years ago ... As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be at the coming of the Son of Man. For those of us who can see what's coming, please don't stop warning the unconvinced. They are our friends, our family members, and our neighbors. Jesus has warned us, and we're following the model of those who lived in the days of Noah. We're corrupting our flesh and destroying mankind. Jesus won't wait much longer. 

Genesis 6:5    The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 

 

It's Increasingly Difficult To Think Of Ourselves As "A Christian Nation"

I know that the title of this post is a painful thing to swallow. You may be involved in an active Church, and part of a group of faithful followers of Christ. In your immediate sphere of community, there is evidence that Jesus is known. But when you are able to look -- really look -- beyond what constitutes family and friends, and are willing to see with open and honest eyes, I think you have to admit that our nation has fallen far from what Jesus asks of us.  

And what He desires from us is pure living; to not only reject the world [and all it offers] but to renounce it. What does that mean? It means we can't just break agreement with the idea of the sins of the world, but we must actually disown "the hidden things of shame" -- and going even further, we must forbid even the approach of the things disowned [according to the Greek definition of the word "renounce"]. As you can imagine, that's going to require radical change in the way we live our lives in this 21st Century of compromise with the world.

If we are to consider ourselves true "Christians", then we must become "little Christs", willing to give up all our ownership of this world and our own desires, in favor of what He calls us to. Attending Church each Sunday, or giving up that major sin you know is wrong, is not enough. That's what I think Jesus sees as shallow faith, and allows us to hang on to everything else that we profess to have renounced and disowned. Following Jesus in a life that imitates His comes with a price. It involves true sacrifice and surrendering all in order to follow Him in truth and spirit. If we, as a nation, could do that then think how we would appear to this world.

So, take a good look around -- look at your own home and family; your community or town; your state; and then the whole nation. Can any of us truly declare that we are following Christ -- that we have disowned the world? Consider Luke 14:33 ... So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not [carefully consider the cost, and then for My sake] give up all his own possessions. NOTE: Jesus is not asking us to live in poverty, but to be willing to surrender everything that is ours to Him and His influence [physically, emotionally, and spiritually]. That means our relationships, our plans, our desires, everything material that is ours, up to and including our lives. That's why He says "carefully consider" ... it's a high cost.

Some of us have already been willing to pay the price; we have considered the individual cost and it's all been worth it. But look at our nation! We are far from even considering the cost, let alone be willing to pay it. I'm afraid our nation is unwilling to disown all that brings it pleasure, riches, and a convenient and accommodating lifestyle. As a society, we don't want to even consider renouncing what the world offers, let alone actually separating from and disowning it. The cost is too high! But we have no idea of the price God will exact from us because of those choices.

We only have to look at the Book of Romans to see a very clear picture of what it could cost us. When a righteous nation no longer lives by faith, it quickly morphs into rebellion ... For although they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks to Him, and they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts darkened (Romans 1:21). God has warned us in His Word that when we choose rebellion over walking in faith, He will remove His hedge of Protection from our nation and allow our sin to multiply. He will give us over to "the lust of our hearts for impurity, that our bodies might be dishonored among us" (Romans 1:24).

So, what has that looked like in the United States of America? I lived through the 1970s when my University Health Center handed out birth control like candy, and the morning-after pill was readily available, no questions asked. Planned Parenthood "free clinics" began popping up in the neighborhoods close to campus, where an inconvenient pregnancy could easily be terminated. To say that that generation "exchanged the truth about God for a lie" is an understatement! Romans 1:26 says "For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions". The Amplified version says "degrading and vile passions". The rebellion that began with "free love" expanded to the lust that resulted in homosexuality or "exchanging the natural function for that which is unnatural". And that acceptance and compromise we bought into has now grown into including transgenderism as a viable option for this generation.

Our hedge of protection has not only been removed, it's on the verge of being obliterated. We have not only rebelled against God's ways that afforded us 200 years of national blessings, we seem to have forgotten Him in the last 50 years! Our Judeo-Christian foundation has crumbled in favor of adopting pagan beliefs and traditions. Our unity in faith has resulted in apostasy and Cultural Christianity. I fear that the Bible no longer is the moral guide among those who call themselves "Christian"; they don't even know or read the Word! Ecumenicalism, or the theological idea that all religions are the same, and all Gods are the same, is also a rejection and rebellion against the One True God, as stated in the Bible.

I'm sorry to say that all this is leading to a conclusion that apostasy and lawlessness are quickly destroying our Christian footing in this nation. Charlie Kirk (an outspoken Christian activist) and Brian Thompson (CEO of United Healthcare) were murdered because someone disagreed with an opinion or were dissatisfied with the way a company conducted business. As true Christians, we deplore these heinous and evil acts, but our outrage hasn't changed the dark path our nation is descending upon. To me, it's pretty obvious that God has decidedly stepped back, removed the hedge of protection from our country, and allowing our rebellious natures to destroy this once great nation.

Just like it was in the days of Noah, we have reached a stage of unrepentant immorality and violence. We rightfully could ask how long before God's cup of wrath is full? Yet, we have Hope and a Promise! As the faithful remnant of this age, we have the glorious knowledge of understanding that Jesus is about to enter our realm from Heaven! As dark as this nation and the world are looking, we know that the Light of Heaven is about to shine upon us. All the pieces of God's eternal plan are falling into place and our nation will tremble at the Presence of our Creator. My spirit is fervently praying that my fellow citizens and brothers and sisters in Christ will count the cost of their rebellion and come to realize their sin is not worth losing eternity over. 

Wake up, my nation! Return to your first Love, and once again become known as a Christian nation; a people after God's own heart! Repent, call out His Name, destroy the High Places where you have worshiped and sacrificed to false gods! Enter into Holy communion with Him who calls us to purity of heart and spirit. Let us rejoice once again in His favor and grace, as we disown all that is not of Him. Amen and Amen!

Jeremiah 18:7-8     If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it. 

Socialism, Islamism, Globalism: The Triple Threat Against Western Civilization

While listening to a morning radio broadcast, I heard an interesting conversation regarding the alignment of various movements, each determined to demolish or destroy Western civilization. The subtle advancement of this coalition of Socialism/Communism, Islamism, and Globalism, while having different goals, has now resulted in their adoption of the age-old axiom of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend"... and their common enemy is Western civilization and its primary Judeo-Christian foundation.

And, here in America, that belief system has made it easy for each of these groups to build in strength and influence due to the very things that have made us great as a nation. Alex Newman, an award-winning international journalist, author, and educator sites our belief in the values of human life, personal responsibility, individualism, God-given rights, and liberty as reasons these movements are united in hatred of the U.S. and the West. Because we have a Constitution, with a Bill of Rights that protects our freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government, it has made it easy for each of these movements to take advantage of these rights to promote their ideologies.

Make no mistake, taken separately, each of these movements have stark differences that would find this temporary unity at odds with each other. But, when it comes to their goals for the future, they understand that in order to see their world vision(s) come to fruition, America must fall and be destroyed, not only as an ideal, but in physical reality. They hate everything we stand for.

But why should we be surprised that this coalition is coming into power? The signs have been there for awhile; they have not been hiding in the shadows. While we have made brief counter punches that briefly stopped the advancement of these different movements and ideologies, we let up on the pressure, and each group waited patiently, all the while slowly eroding the very measures we had in place to protect our values and strength as a nation.

I look back on my posts circa 2014-2015 and the emergence of the idea of a Muslim Caliphate, starting in the Middle East. In case you've forgotten, a Caliphate is an Islamic state led by a man with dual power. That leader is both the supreme religious leader and a primary political leader also known as a Caliph, or successor to Mohammed. The Caliph closely follows, and strictly adheres to, Sharia law over the land. In Great Britain and in Michigan, Texas, Illinois, and New York, here in the States, there has been a growth in the desire to establish Muslim communities, as well as Sharia-compliant American financial institutions [some of which donate a percentage of their profits to openly jihadi groups] -- see this article. While I am not declaring -- nor do I believe --  that every Muslim citizen advocates Sharia law, I submit that we need to safeguard our republic by: 1) ensuring we protect freedom of [all] religions and faith in this country, and 2) carefully vetting every man or woman nominated to the office of U.S. District Judge, in order to guarantee that our individualism and God-given rights are secured. Our Constitutional laws are not compliant with Sharia law, and we must protect and secure the freedom of every citizen.

But it is not just radical Islamism that threatens the West. An article, written by Philip Carl Salzman, on the Frontier Centre for Public Policy website points out that radical Socialists and Communists hate Western Capitalism, which they see as a system of oppression and inequality. They view Capitalism and the U.S. government as the primary representative of Western hegemony, another word for authoritarianism, totalitarianism, dictatorship and tyranny. They do not align with Islamists through the lens of conflict, colonialism or foreign interventions. But, Salzman writes there is a similar approach they both take, which involves advocating for demographic and political influence as a means of spreading their ideology. That seems to be the method being employed in the race for New York City Mayor, in which a Democratic Socialist [promising free buses, universal childcare, and city-run grocery stores] also allegedly has ties with controversial Imam Siraj Wahhaj, an unindicted co-conspirator of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. 

Then you have the Globalists, who are operating in the background, seemingly encouraging both groups in their criticisms and condemnation of Western values, oftentimes funding [in secret] their demonstrations and violent dissent. Globalists have also been welcomed in establishing footholds in the West through the United Nations, Global Climate and Green initiatives, and Global Banking. They are committed to the complete erosion of Western culture and values, and it is time that we recognize this reality. If we expect to survive beyond our 250th anniversary as a nation, we must actively engage in defending the principles we were founded on, and preserving our free society. We can no longer remain complacent and watch these anti-American ideologies infiltrate and fundamentally transform our schools and academia, our justice system, and our political institutions. How can we expect to live in freedom, if we continue to give it away?

In summary, I recognize that this is a fine line to walk, and it is the American and Christian way to honor our neighbors and our differences. This is not an indictment of citizens who wish to worship differently than I do, or have different political views. That is the beauty of what defines America and the West. But it is a warning to not slumber during this tumultuous time in the world and in history. We have a very real Spiritual Enemy who wishes to destroy our nation, our hopes and dreams, and the lives of ALL our citizens -- even those who hate the "American way". We have been blessed to have been born in a country that glorifies the Creator of this world. But we have also squandered those blessings and are now about to reap the cost of that negligence. For the sake of our generations, let us stand strong and defend all that is good in this country. 

James 1:25    But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it -- not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it -- they will be blessed in what they do.    

      

 

   

   

Something Doesn't Feel Right ... Technology and the Spirit of Deception!

I pray that I can accurately express what my spirit is trying to show me. And I will admit that I haven't quite discerned the totality of the spiritual picture that is beginning to emerge to my soul [which is my mind, emotions, and free will to act on what God is showing me]. But I can say this ... my soul is closing in on a vision that, while disturbing, is being brought to my attention by the Holy Spirit. More importantly, I must spiritually examine this new insight in order to hear correctly what I'm to do with what is being revealed. In other words, my spirit is alerting my soul that we must be careful to correctly discern current events so that we might not be deceived by technology and those who would use it to corrupt the Bible's true  theology and our understanding of God's plan for the End Times.

Technology ... To me, the very word insinuates the possibility of deception. I don't think we can dismiss the feasibility that technology can [and has been used] to misrepresent the truth in our culture and the world. The ability to create manufactured images that look real is a deception within itself, and the fact that Hollywood is in an uproar over AI actress Tilly Norwood [who threatens the livelihood of real-life actors] should be the canary in the coal mine for the rest of us. And have you ever questioned whether Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin actually walked on the moon 56 years ago, or if it was all fabricated in a TV studio? Those are just two simple illustrations of the potential for technology to deceive us into believing what is not true. 

The advancement of Artificial Intelligence in all areas of our lives has been astounding! Recent figures show that in 2025, 50% of internet content is AI generated. And it is predicted that by 2026 that number will be 90%! The rate at which AI content is infiltrating our media and communications spheres is deeply disturbing to me. And the fact that so many people (both young and old) are unable to distinguish an image of real art from an AI-generated image shows the depth to which our populations are relinquishing their ability to use critical thinking. And furthermore, they applaud the AI piece as if it has the same significance as the real painting. The truth is that Technology and machines will never replace the creativity that humans can express and have been given by our Creator. Buck Brannaman, an acclaimed horse trainer, said, "Whether it's horses or whatever it is you do, it doesn't become an art until your soul goes into what you do". Need I remind the masses that Artificial Intelligence [and technology] don't have souls?

Let me be clear, just because internet content is made using Generative AI doesn't necessarily mean it's factually wrong. But we must not receive it without researching and evaluating the information being shared. My concern is that people have become so dependent on the created content on the internet for their truth, that it has become the sole arbiter and judge of what is true. And let's not forget the ability of AI to enthrall and captivate the masses. Because Technology has also created our need to be entertained, it has become fertile ground for deception at the highest levels. And that includes the spiritual realms.

As Christians, I think we can agree that we are seeing signs of the End Times in our world. And I believe there is a Spirit of Deception that has invaded our lives and which speaks to the presence of falsehood and deceit in the world. Bible Wisdom Hub is a website that speaks to this truth. This Spirit is operating as a spiritual force or influence that is seeking to lead people astray from God's Truth and into darkness. The Spirit of Deception is portrayed as a cunning and manipulative entity that works to distort reality and cloud our judgment. Furthermore fallen humanity is ripe for being the prime target of Satan, who is "the father of lies". And he has incorporated his followers and cohorts in convincing us of the truth of his deception, even to the point of using Technology to introduce his false prophets and teachers into our awakening anticipation of Christ's Return. I cannot stress it enough -- it is vitally important that we stay vigilant and firm in our faith to resist the schemes of these imposters. 

I want to ask you a question ... Have you noticed an increase in Tech giants, political figures, and cultural idols enter into the conversation on faith, the End Times, the Anti-Christ and the Beast System? Mind you, these topics are important subjects to understand, and I would love nothing more than to believe these people are truly seeking more of God. But something doesn't feel right. 

Anyone who is walking in Truth and Spirit with God knows that the Holy Spirit is guiding us and counseling us on what to focus on in the cultural narrative. And, believe me, I am well aware that my discernment is so different than the average American. But, like me, can you see that Tech moguls, political leaders, and cultural superstars can be used to spread false spiritual/Biblical information and knowledge in order to (not only) deceive the uneducated, but to convince even the Elect to buy into their false Biblical ideology in order to achieve their goals. Just because they are quoting Scripture, or seem to be promoting End Times theology doesn't mean they are messengers from God. Even Satan knows Scripture.

And I sense the longing in the younger generations for more meaning to life -- even a softening on living a technology-infused life. We are seeing what looks like the beginning of a tidal wave of Awakening to the Truth and Promises of Jesus among this group of young people. But I'm also sensing that they are a rich, enticing, and potentially profitable environment for the Titans of Technology and Politics. If these deceivers can speak the language of Revival and win over the 20-30 age groups, just think of how much influence they can have in the next decades. Scripture is a powerful weapon in defeating Evil. Jesus showed us that when defeating Satan's temptations in the wilderness when He began His ministry.  But Scripture, when used as a political weapon to deceive the innocent or the unlearned, can lead the masses astray. 

Have you ever asked yourself, "Why are these Tech billionaires warning us of the dangers of AI, when they are the ones who created it, are profiting off it, and advancing its capabilities"? Why are they creating more invasive uses for AI, and at the same time, predicting an apocalyptic end for mankind? Why are software companies (Palantir) named after an all-seeing orb controlled by an evil wizard in the movie The Lord of the Rings? Maybe I'm wrong -- but I'm suspicious when these Billionaires, who have never [to my knowledge] declared their faith in Jesus Christ, suddenly start appearing on popular podcasts using religious language and themes, like "demonic" and their desire to "carry out God's command to see His will done on earth, as it is in Heaven". And can you honestly trust these Tech moguls who develop companies like ACTS 17 Collective, [stands for Acknowledging Christ in Technology and Society]. Incidentally, Acts 17 is a recounting of how Paul [a Jew] and Silas entered into the synagogues with the intention of sharing the Gospel and winning converts to Christianity. 

Could this be the model that Satan is planning to use to deceive the Technology generations  -- joining a false faith message to the deception component of technology to lead people away from the narrow gate and onto the wide and broad road that leads to destruction? Be careful and wise! Do not fall into the trap of idolizing men -- even those who have a heart and reputation to represent God's Truth. They can be used by Satan's unGodly emissaries to build "godlike" organizations and AI systems whose goal is to ultimately control and destroy humanity. So, to sum it up, I can't see the whole picture yet, but my spirit is on edge and flashing warning signs. The Holy Spirit is keeping this in focus, and I will trust Him to unveil God's Truth and give me the discernment as I need it. Please join me in praying for clear and decisive knowledge and understanding. Thank you, Lord, for all you reveal to me. Amen!

Matthew 24: 4-5       Watch out that no one deceives [and misleads] you. For many will come in My Name, [misusing it, and appropriating the strength of the name which belongs to Me], claiming "I am the Messiah," and they will deceive many.   

Seeing The World Through A Kingdom Lens

In 2023, I published a book, titled Through A Kingdom Lens: Discovering What The Church Lost. I was acutely aware that God's purpose for "the Church" was not being fulfilled.  First of all, Jesus did not come to earth to establish a Church, or buildings, in which His followers were to sit and be led by men according to their understanding  of who He was. He came to establish and extend His Kingdom of Heaven [and its government] to earth. 

The late Dr. Myles Munroe has been a huge influence on my journey with the Lord. Before discovering his writings, sermons, and videos, I was unfamiliar with the concept of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Bible would soon open up to me as I came into the knowledge of Dr. Munroe's definitive and authoritative definition of a kingdom: "It is the governing influence of a king over a territory, impacting it with the king's will, his purpose, and his intent; producing a citizenship of people who reflect the king's culture, nature, values, and morals."

It is a foundational tenet of our faith that we see Jesus as the King of both Heaven and earth. With that in mind, let's continue with Dr. Munroe's thesis. "Jesus came to manifest His wisdom and execute His will with His Nature (which is Glory), and to fill it with His sons. Furthermore, He created and ordained mankind as His governmental representatives on earth." [NOTE: In the Greek language, the term for this body of people is EKKLESIA]. "The people living under that rule or government are known as citizens of the kingdom. There is a ruling document, or constitution (called the Bible) and moral laws to follow; ideals and standards by which the citizens are expected to live. Jesus, as the King of God's kingdom, presently lives and rules from His home country, Heaven. But He has sent a Governor (the Holy Spirit) to transform us, teach us, train us, and change us into citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven and to establish a kingdom culture on earth." 

I hope by now, it is easier for you to understand that wherever God is, it is His domain. He created it. Heaven is where He dwells and where He has all power and authority. It is where His sphere of influence is declared and exercised. It is where His Kingdom is firmly established. But, we need to understand that Jesus expanded that kingdom and sphere of influence, giving the power and authority of God's kingdom citizenship to those here on earth who choose to follow and obey Him. 

With what I believe is a clear and accurate description of God and His authority that is given to us in the Bible, I became increasingly frustrated with my discernment that the modern Western Church has lost that identity. How can we look at abortion, child and adult pornography, child and adult sex trafficking, the international drug trade, the corruption and greed in our nation's government, and the myriad of other ways we've offended God, and not conclude that "the Church" has lost its way in fulfilling their mission? As the earthly arbiter and intercessor of God's Word here on earth, can we honestly say the Church has done a good job of reflecting God's culture, nature, values, and morals? Just look at the state of our country, and the answer is clearly NO!  

But let's expand our view even more, and take a look at the world. I think the modern view of Christianity is from a succinctly Western perspective. And most American Christians are focused on their faith from their own personal viewpoint. In other words, we need to understand that Jesus came to change the world, and to return it to His Father's standards in Heaven. But Jesus talked about the world and all that would happen in it, and to it, as Satan increased his will and influence on the hearts of mankind. And we can clearly see the ways his lies have corrupted this realm and inhibited the ways, morals, and government of God's Kingdom on this planet. The world is made up of men, and men have certainly lost their focus on establishing the Kingdom of God on earth.

The peoples of the world desperately need the government of the Prince of Peace to be established, bringing order out of the disorder, and His Light into the darkness that is surrounding us. Here's the sad truth: The earth does not look like Heaven. In fact, the "gates" (ruling power) of Satan are fighting back whenever and wherever the Ekklesia makes strides to transform any territory. Do you remember in the Bible, when Paul and Silas traveled to Thessalonica, and they were causing an uproar among the citizens with their message of the Kingdom of God? This is how the citizens described Paul and Silas's influence ... "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another King, Jesus."

We need to see and understand that Paul and his companion were turning the WORLD SYSTEM upside down! We need to be doing that in our day! We need to be dethroning human kings and calling out groups of believers to stand in opposition to the worldly systems of our day, and to act as representatives of our Heavenly King! We need to see ourselves as independent from kings and politicians and we need to agree to become ruled by God's system of government through the Holy Spirit. Instead of being in opposition to the world system and the leaders it has enticed to follow its dictates, our governing body of "the Church" has enslaved itself to the world system, becoming religious organizations (identified as "businesses.") Instead of operating in opposition to the world system, churches too often look just like [or promote[ the systems of the world. 

I want to conclude by stating that I have not lost hope in either the Church or the world. I intend to continue my mission and assignment to turn my little corner of the world upside down as an ambassador of my true home, the Kingdom of God. As I watch the world spiraling ever closer to destruction and war, I know it is crucial that I persevere in carrying forth our King's message of love, service, and sacrifice. But I am also aware that I will be hated, just as Jesus said I would. I am praying that the fire that was lit with the assassination of Charlie Kirk, (and all those that have come before him, and will come after), will continue to burn in the hearts of faithful men and women. 

Finally, there's a bigger picture I hope I can paint for you ... Every single person born on this earth was a pre-existent spirit being, created before the foundations of the world. We have all been sent to earth to live in this host body, with the plan that we will reconnect with our Creator, declare our allegiance to His Kingdom, receive His Spirit, and begin to carry out our assignment to advance the Kingdom of God, thereby defeating all the works and plans of Satan; defeating his dark kingdom as we deed those territories back to the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of God. We're in the spiritual battle of the ages. Be vigilant; be intentional; walk in your Kingdom identity, power, and authority. We have been called by God, and our King goes before us!

Matthew 6:9    Our Father who is in Heaven, uphold the holiness of Your Name. Bring in Your Kingdom so that Your will is done on earth as it's done in Heaven. (Common English Bible) 

Mature Christians: Do Not Fear Our Old Age! We are Vital to the Kingdom!

I'm going to touch on a subject that is important to approximately 1.1 Billion people worldwide who are over the age of 60. This is the number of aging Christians who are entering what should be our "golden years". In America, approximately 56 million people are over 60 years of age, and 76% of them (approximately 42.5 million) identify as Christian. [NOTE: Take these internet statistics with a grain of salt, but they will suffice for our conversation.]

Not only are we, who are in that age group, seeing increasing persecution due to our faith, but also are experiencing increasing bias towards us because of our age. That's called Ageism, and it can be noted that we are targeted by the internet and mass media. They push a social agenda that is obsessed with youth. They promote negative feedback that associates aging with decline and loss, instead of wisdom and resilience. I, personally, experienced it just the other day when trying to explain a banking situation to a young woman who was probably a late Millennial. Her attitude, tone of voice, and dismissive manner displayed her thoughts that I couldn't possibly understand the complicated world of banking management that she occupied. The real problem was that she didn't bother to listen to me, and as she talked over me, she missed out on the essential facts of my problem. 

But her attitude is one that is adopted by many of her generation, and those who are younger. They are the "internet generation"; those who have been raised with technology as a constant in their lives. Anyone older than that is considered incapable of navigating modern life, and therefore nonessential and expendable according to their social prejudice. In contrast, Native Americans and Middle Eastern cultures have a more favorable view of their elderly. But don't be discouraged! There's another who values those of us who identify as both mature and Christian. It is our Savior, Jesus Christ, and I am going to share what He says about our worthiness, our usefulness, our effectiveness, and our significance in the world as we grow ever closer to His return. 

First, let me explain that the encouragement you're about to read, is largely the teaching of a prominent Christian apologist, whom I will reveal at the end of this article. I want you to concentrate on the words of wisdom from Scripture that he shared, which lit my spirit on fire and made it clear that I (along with everyone over the age of 60) are very important to bringing His Kingdom into this Age and to welcome His return. Please take the time to read his inspiring words ...

"For too long, the world has told us a lie about what it means to grow old. It whispers that aging means weakness. That these final years of life are meant for fading, for stepping back, for silence. But today, hear this shocking truth from the lips of our Savior... Your final years are not years of decline. They are years of Divine design! The world may say you are slowing down. but Jesus says you are stepping into your greatest season of eternal purpose! Do not believe for one second that your time is finished. Do not believe that your story is ending. For the Lord Himself declared, 'The last shall be first and the first, last' (Matthew 20:16). That is not just a statement about Heaven's order. It is a reminder that the season others call your last may actually be your most powerful, your most fruitful, your most glorious!

Think about it! Abraham was 75 when he received the  Promise. Moses was 80 when the burning bush lit up his destiny. Caleb was 85 when he declared, 'I am still  as strong today as the day Moses sent me out.' Heaven's calendar does not measure years the way the world does. In God's economy, your latter days are not your weaker. They are weightier. They carry the fullness of wisdom, the richness of testimony, and the urgency of eternity. Hear the Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:16 ... ' Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.' Yes, our strength may falter. But the Spirit within you grows younger, stronger, more vibrant, more alive in Christ as the years go by. 

Hear this: Our final years are not a curse! They are a calling. They are not an end. They are a new beginning of deeper intimacy with the One who has carried us every step of the way. We have carried burdens, faced trials, and walked valleys that the younger generations have yet to experience. We have tasted the bitterness of life and the sweetness of God's deliverance. These years have forged in us a faith that is unshakeable. Can you see it? These are the years when our voices carry the most weight. Our prayers move the heaviest mountains. And our testimonies pierce the hardest hearts. 

And here's the real truth you need to grasp: Your life on this earth may be approaching sunset, but in Heaven, the sun is only beginning to rise. So, do not call these years, your final years. Call them your crowning years. Do not call them your fading years. Call them your fruitful years.  These are the days when God is shaping your legacy, when the seeds you have planted in faith begin to blossom, and your example becomes a torch for those walking behind you.

Do not believe the lies of the Enemy who wants you to think that your best days are gone; that you are finished; that there's nothing left for you to do. Here's the truth Jesus wants you to know: ' Your journey is not winding down. It is pressing upward.' Heaven counts these your richest years! The world may look at you and see age, but heaven looks at you and sees a soldier of Christ preparing for glory! Lift up your head in Christ! Do not walk in despair, but in expectation. For these years are not the fading echoes of yesterday, but the trumpet sound of eternity drawing near. Your last years are not your weakest years. They are your most victorious years in Christ.

Too often the world paints a picture of old age as a time of loss ... loss of strength, loss of relevance, loss of usefulness. But Heaven tells a very different story.  God's Word proclaims,  "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree. They will grow like a cedar o Lebanon. They will bear fruit in old age. They will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, The Lord is upright. He is my Rock and there is no wickedness in Him" (Psalm 92:12-15). Old age in the eyes of God is not decline! It is abundance. It is the season when your roots run deep. It is when your faith is proven, and when your life declares His righteousness with a strength that youth cannot yet understand.

These years of your life are a gift designed to display what only decades of walking with God can produce. Wisdom that shines like light, patience that mirrors Christ, and faith that can move mountains. Do not forget the promise written in Isaiah: "Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am He. I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain and I will rescue you" (Isaiah 46:4). You see, God does not step away as you grow older. He steps closer. He does not leave you to stumble. He carries you. His design is not abandonment, but sustaining. His design is not weakness, but (His) strength made perfect (in you).

So, how does God want you live in these years? The answer is clear. He calls you to live as bearers of fruit; as carriers of hope, as voices of Truth to a generation that desperately needs wisdom. You are not meant to fade into silence, but to rise as elders of faith who proclaim, "The Lord is upright. He is my rock!" Every wrinkle on your face is not a sign of loss [of youth], but a mark of testimony. Every gray hair is not a symbol of fading but a crown of honor. As Proverbs say, "Gray hair is a crown of splendor. It is attained in the way of righteousness."

There is much more that this Christian leader had to say, and I will leave you with a link to listen to the entirety of his faithful encouragement.  So, I join him in witnessing that we do not need to despise these years when the wrinkles appear, and our hair turns gray. We do not need to mourn them, for they are not empty but filled with divine purpose. And they are filled with opportunity. These years are our chance to mentor, to guide, to intercede, to pour out our wisdom and faith, to share our treasures of heaven that we have kept for a time such as this. 

The younger generations may run faster than we can, but they lack the depth of faith that we carry. Know that these later years are rich with purpose and usefulness for the Kingdom of God. Rise up now! Shake off despair! We are not to retreat, but advance for the cause of the Kingdom. This is our moment to shine brighter, love deeper, serve bolder, and to live with urgency. Our King is coming!! Our reward is waiting! Our call to serve is clear and needed! So, let us join together and Go Forth for the glory of God and the hope of eternity. That's why we are here! Amen.

Now, I want to reveal the author of this inspirational piece of writing. Unlike those of us 60 and over, he is actually young and has inspired both young and old alike with his faithfulness. The author is Charlie Kirk, who I'm sure expected to embrace his own words when he entered into his later years. But I thank the Lord for speaking to his heart to pen what so many of us need to hear today. Thank You, Lord! And thank you, Charlie! We older Christians needed to hear this. You can access the full video here.   

 Matthew 25:21     His Master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; Come, share in the joy of your Master."