This is somewhat lengthy but worth reading. Psalm 46:1-11; “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the City of God, the Holy Habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter, He utters His voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Fortress.
“Come, behold the works of the Lord, how He has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the chariots with fire. Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Fortress.” (ESV all emphasis mine)
Martin Luther (November 10, 1483 – February 18, 1546) was initially a German priest, theologian, author, hymn writer, professor, and Augustinian Friar. He encountered problems with the religious leaders of his day that were similar to what Jesus experienced.
The Catholic church of Luther’s day “tweaked” God’s word to suit their own ideas rather than follow what the Father actually had written. Their members were discouraged from reading scripture for themselves. Luther took on the task of translating the Bible from the original Greek and Latin into the German language. He finished the New Testament first in 1522 and the entire Bible in 1534.
After studying the true scriptures, Luther challenged the Catholic Church’s doctrine that Salvation was earned by works and deeds jointly with God. He said that scripture plainly stated that humans cannot contribute to their own Salvation, as it is fully and completely by Divine Grace. He further stated that no one could “purchase” their way out of purgatory, which was a philosophy the Catholic church used against their membership. It is said that Martin Luther was the catalyst that started the Protestant Reformation.
Romans 1:16-17; “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the Power of God for Salvation to everyone who believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” (also Galatians 3:11-12 and Habakkuk 2:4)
And of course, Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Luther’s translations were the inspiration for others to get the Bible out to more people. William Tyndale (1494 – October 6, 1536) used Luther’s German translations to help get the Bible into the English language from around 1522 – 1535. Tyndale also used Hebrew and Greek texts as well as the Latin Vulgate. Though he was able to translate a substantial portion of the whole Bible, it was completed by Miles Coverdale. Tyndale was arrested in 1536 and ultimately burned at the stake as a heretic.
Through the ages, from Calvary to the present time, many would say that the true Word of the Father is fortunate to still be here. Hebrews 4:12; “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Then, there’s 2 Timothy 3:16; “All Scripture is breathed out by God, and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness.” Also, there’s 2 Peter 1:21; “For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
And before Jesus was raptured back to heaven, He told His disciples in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.”
Though many have tried through satanic influence to remove the Word of God, He is a mighty Fortress, more powerful than any other existing force. Consider the words of Luther’s Hymn.
1.) A Mighty Fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; our Helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe does seek to do us woe; his craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.
2.) Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing, were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing. You ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same; and He must win the battle.
3.) And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God has willed His truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him.
4.) That world above all earth by powers, no thanks to them abideth; the Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth. Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still; His Kingdom Is Forever!
Today, more than ever in our lifetime, we are seeing a strong effort to change the Word of the Father, even in some previously biblical evangelical pulpits. The Bible is being altered to “tickle the ears” of their members. Paul prophesied about this in 2 Timothy 4:3; “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.”
The final warning in Revelation 22:18-19 speaks of that book, but I’m sure it also refers to all of God’s word as well. “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book; if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away his share in the Tree of Life and in the Holy City which are described in this book.”
Jesus knew there would be a turning away from the faith near the end of this age. He said there would be more on the broad road leading to destruction than on the straight and narrow path leading to everlasting life (Matthew 7:13-14). We definitely are seeing that pattern taking place in this world today.
Jesus, Paul, James, Peter, John, and others all warned about the increase in false prophets and antichrists that will be here. Today, we are witnessing open satanic worship as never before. With all the increase in the signs such as changing weather patterns, increased earthquake activity, volcanic activity, and numerous other issues spoken of in the Bible, it should be obvious that all are here, and all at the same time. Jesus told us to be looking for His return when these “birthing pangs” begin to happen (Luke 21:28).
For all who have never called out for Jesus to be their Savior, these “pangs” started about ten or so years ago. That would indicate that we are rapidly approaching a major event called the Rapture.
To be ready to be lifted up to meet Our Savior in the air, consider following the steps given in Romans 10:9-13 to become a member of His flock. First, confess you’re a sinner and cannot save yourself, and ask Jesus for forgiveness. Believe that Jesus is truly the Son of God who died and was raised from the dead by the Father to conquer sin and death for all believers. Finally, call out to Jesus to save you. All who truly do so will not be turned away. There are no works or special payments to make – go back to Ephesians 2:8-9 for this.
For all who will not receive and accept the free gift offered by our Heavenly Father because of the sinless blood shed by His Son, Revelation 20:11-15 will be your destiny. It will be punishment in the Lake of Fire forever. There are no other options available.
We do not know the day or hour, but all the signs spoken of by the Savior are here, indicating He could be calling us at any moment. Today, right now, would not be too soon to call out for Our Jesus to save you. It will be the most important choice you will ever make in this lifetime.
Hope to see you at Home!