Christians are a unique group of people. We live in every nation on earth, we come from many ethnic backgrounds, and we speak many different languages. Quite often, the only thing we have in common is our love for our Lord Jesus Christ. That love should be evident in our attitudes. Jesus is our example, and He didn’t care if someone was down and out (like the lepers He healed) or a rich Pharisee (like Nicodemus who was searching for truth). He had time and kind words for anyone who needed Him. He only argued with the self-righteous Pharisees who were filled with pride and had little love for the God they pretended to serve.

“And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment” (1 John 3:23).

Do you radiate His love? If not, what is blocking His love from shining through you? You need to examine your heart and pray.

Our sacred book, the Holy Bible, is not a rule book for us to follow. It is the story of ultimate love and forgiveness. It tells us of creation and how Adam was created in God’s image (not the result of a big bang and millions of years of evolution). We are given examples of God’s discipline when people embraced evil. When the fallen angels mated with human women, the result was Nephilim who were unredeemable hybrids. The result of that evil was that God flooded the entire earth saving only Noah and his family. God’s judgment wasn’t an act of revenge but one of love. If the hybrids hadn’t been drowned, all of humanity’s genome would have been corrupted, and there would have been nobody left to save.

All of creation was corrupted and impure before the Lord. It pays to keep yourself from sin. Jesus tells us that it will be as it was in the days of Noah when He comes again after the Tribulation.

“And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all” (Luke 17:26-27).

There was a great testimony in Noah’s day, but people didn’t pay attention. Noah was building an Ark in order to save genetically pure people and animals. Most people didn’t notice the Ark but kept on living life by their own rules, unconcerned that judgment was on its way. Examine your heart and see if you are being a witness for God by living to honor Him, or are you one who is living by your own rules, thinking there’s time to repent and that you are just as good as the next guy? Noah kept building the Ark according to God’s direction no matter what the wicked people around him thought.

Jesus used another example of judgment. “Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all” (Luke 17:28-29).

Lot was living among some very sinful and wicked people. He chose to live there, but he wasn’t a good influence on them. Lot was the nephew of Abram and went with him away from the pagan life in Ur. Abram and Lot each had their own flocks, which prospered to the point that they needed to separate. Lot chose to leave the lush fields and live in Sodom.

“Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly” (Genesis 13:13-14).

The perversion and wickedness there was so bad that God had to destroy it. Once again, mankind embraced evil. Still, Lot chose to live there. Two angels went to Sodom where the men of the city wanted to rape them. Lot pleaded with the evil men for mercy, but they loved their wicked ways and ignored him. The angels told Lot to get his family and leave. His sons-in-law wouldn’t leave, but the angels urged Lot to get his wife and daughters and leave immediately. The time had come for judgment.

Lot dilly-dallied, and the angels had to forcibly take them out prior to judgment (a picture of the Rapture). Fire and brimstone rained down upon Sodom and Gomorrah, but Lot and his family were safe… until his wife looked back. Her heart was stuck in the wickedness of those cities.

“But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt” (Genesis 19:26).

She had been warned not to look back, but she did anyway. What about you? Where’s your heart? Jesus used her as an example to those who will be living through the Tribulation.

“In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field let him likewise not return back. Remember Lot’s wife” (Luke 17:31-32).

This warning isn’t to Christians, who will have been taken Home in the Rapture before God’s judgment comes upon all the earth. It’s to those left behind. Place your faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ now, and you will be safe from judgment. God’s salvation is waiting to take you away from sin and depravity. Once you’ve been set free, don’t look back.

The days of Noe and the days of Lot are upon us. If you haven’t noticed the abundance of evil, then you aren’t paying attention. Or else you see nothing wrong with it. Examine your heart and see if you love God enough to honor Him in your daily life. Faith in Jesus will bring forgiveness for all of your sins. If you’ve proclaimed Him as your Saviour but continue living a sin-filled life, remember what happened to Lot’s wife. She just couldn’t leave the sin and wickedness. Lot almost missed his deliverance because he was comfortable in the sin of Sodom.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul spends the first part of chapter 1 talking about Jesus, the Son of God, and His wonders. Paul was a man who was changed after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, and he never looked back. From the time of that meeting, Paul boldly shared the Gospel with others.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

Are you ashamed of the Gospel of Christ? Examine your heart, and if you have continued to embrace anger and other sins, then maybe you’re ashamed of Him. Humility, not pride, should be a mark of your love and service to Christ.

Paul continues in Romans chapter 1 to describe what happens when God’s truth of creation is rejected, as it is today. God created all that is.

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful: but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things” (Romans 1:20-23).

Paul goes on to explain that once God’s truth is compromised, life begins a downward spiral to total corruption. People begin to worship the creation instead of the Creator. Today we see people believing that animals have equal, if not superior, rights to humans. We need to care for animals, but they aren’t to be worshipped.

“Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen” (Romans 1:24-25).

Many years ago, Christians turned education over to the government. Mom and Dad both work, so babysitters raise the children, and secular government educates our children. Evolution is taught, which leads to other evils being promoted. Like homosexuality, and the latest craze is children believing they are animals and acting like animals. Schools encourage children to be transgender, and parents seem to be ok with all of this. Jesus said it would be as it was in the days of Noah and the days of Lot when He returns. The world is promoting sin that hasn’t been seen since Noah built the Ark and Lot left Sodom. Science is creating hybrids, and the wicked world is encouraging the sins of Sodom.

If you profess to be a Christian, live to honor Christ. Instead of embracing the wickedness of the world, model yourself after the attributes of Christ. The Holy Spirit indwells you and wants you to bear fruit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Do you exhibit these traits? Or does your life look more like that described in Romans chapter 1. Examine your heart and be sure you aren’t ashamed of God. It won’t be long until judgment comes. There are many signs that tell us the Rapture will happen soon. Just like God shut the door of the Ark, He will shut the door on this age of history.

“After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter” (Revelation 4:1).

Only Christians will hear that call, and it could happen any minute now. Remember, you have a choice of hearing that call or being left to face the Great Tribulation. As you read through the fruit of the Spirit, you might be thinking that you display those qualities. That’s good, but those alone won’t allow you to live eternally with Christ. Only true faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ will bring you life eternal. When you admit you’re a sinner and need Jesus for salvation, you will be sealed with the Holy Spirit. Allow Him to lead and guide you through life. Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit.

Examine your heart. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).

Do you embrace the days of Noah and life in Sodom, or do you desire to leave worldly ways behind and serve Christ? Ask Him to change your heart of stone into a heart of flesh, and let your love of the Lord shine.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com
ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you’d like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

It’s very easy for most people to find the broad path that leads to destruction. It’s a well-beaten path and clearly the way many feet have traveled. You don’t need GPS to get the directions to that path; just follow the crowd. Watch movies that promote violence, sexual promiscuity, and other sinful acts, and you’re on your way. You can also find the directions in secular music that glorifies the ways of the world. If you’re tempted by sin, instead of asking a well-grounded Christian for directions, ask a worldly person and you’ll get directions to the broad path that leads to destruction. Scripture will not guide you to that road but will guide you to the strait gate that leads to life eternal. Keep Jesus’ words in your heart and follow Him on the path to the strait gate.

Not long before He was going to offer Himself as the final sacrifice for our salvation, Jesus had a talk with His disciples. He told them He was going to prepare a place for them (and us). The disciples had followed Him for three years, but they still weren’t clear about what was about to happen.

“And wither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?” (John 14:4-5).

They were confused by Jesus’ words, and it was Thomas who asked Jesus how to find the way He spoke about rather than asking Peter or Matthew, who were as confused as he was.

Jesus will never lead us astray. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). We need to take heed to these words seriously. Faith in Jesus is the only way to find eternal life.

The Sermon on the Mount holds many lessons taught by Jesus, and we need to pay attention to His words. After stating that the path to eternal life is found by following the “strait and narrow path,” He warned against false prophets.

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15).

False prophets have always led people down the broad way to destruction. God is very serious about not following false prophets and what their punishment will be.

“But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die” (Deuteronomy 18:20).

That’s pretty serious. Thank God for His grace and mercy through Jesus. It’s very important not to allow yourself to be swayed by the teachings of the false prophets of today who write books with new ideas and many pastor mega-churches. Scripture is God’s word and His truth. Just because someone writes a book doesn’t make them a true follower of Christ. Today there are many authors and leaders of mega-churches who promote the “prosperity gospel,” which isn’t found within the words of Scripture.

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:6-8).

Purpose-driven, kingdom now, replacement theology, name-it-and-claim-it, and other false teachings will lead along the broad way to destruction. New Age ideas aren’t found in Scripture, nor is contemplative prayer or Yoga. The only way to protect yourself from these lies is to study truth. God’s truth is found in Scripture.

When we think of following the path of destruction, quite often we think of those who live a destructive lifestyle filled with illegal drugs, drunkenness, promiscuous lifestyles, and other such activities. We are moving quickly to the end of time, and Satan and his minions are becoming more noticeable in their attempts to destroy humanity. Satan can cause many conflicts in our minds and make sin seem acceptable. We can’t expect people of the world to follow God’s truth, but for people who have professed Christ as their Saviour, sin isn’t acceptable. Confusion comes when we deviate from Scriptural truth and compromise God’s word.

It’s a sign of the times that many pastors don’t view sin as a problem but teach user-friendly sermons that don’t make the pew-sitters uncomfortable. There are even pastors who are “transgender,” which is an abomination that openly mocks God. There’s no way they can be trusted to preach God’s truth while embracing a life of sin. If we stand firm in the Lord, we won’t be detoured off of the strait and narrow path that God desires us to follow. We are in a spiritual battle.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).

As Christians, we need to use God’s truth as a filter for our thoughts, words, and actions. We need to conform ourselves to God rather than trying to conform God to our sinful ways. If you aren’t strong in your Christian walk, you can be easily beguiled by Satan’s lies. He has had centuries upon centuries of watching humanity and becoming familiar with our weaknesses. His lies to humanity began in the Garden of Eden.

God had given Adam one rule: “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:16-17).

God gave this command to Adam prior to Eve being created. It was up to Adam to be sure that Eve understood and followed God’s word. Some time after Eve was taken out from Adam, she had a conversation with Satan, which is always a bad idea. He appeared to her in the form of a serpent. Satan lied to Eve, who believed his lies instead of God’s truth. God said don’t eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil because you will die.

“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:4-5).

The broad road that leads to destruction was open for travel. Satan twists God’s truth into a ball of confusion, and those who have no grounding in God’s truth are easily detoured to the broad way of destruction. Satan lied, Eve believed him, Adam joined in sin, and Paradise was lost. Adam and Eve did not become like gods. God was right (as always). Death entered creation. Adam and Eve didn’t drop dead immediately, but their sin separated them from God, and the death they experienced was soul death. Ever since that time, anyone with no faith in the Messiah faces eternal death. Satan will always lead a person to sin and the broad road to destruction. Study God’s word in order to stay on the path that Jesus walks.

The broad road to destruction may come by someone knocking on your door and presenting you with Mormon or Jehovah’s Witness lies. Beware, and don’t be deceived.

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him… For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3-4 & 13).

Many have been led astray by these nice-looking and very sincere people who earnestly are deceived. Sadly, they desire to deceive others. Study Scripture and don’t waiver from following Christ along the strait and narrow path. If anyone preaches a different Gospel than the truth found in Scripture, don’t listen to them. Their lies are from Satan.

“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).

Keep your mind and heart on Jesus, and don’t be deceived.

When we come to a true faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our life should reflect that faith. We will continue to sin, but we have the assurance that confessing our sin to Jesus will bring forgiveness.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

What a blessing. If we confess our sin to Jesus, He forgives. When we turn away from the broad way that leads to destruction and follow Jesus on the strait and narrow road that leads to eternal life, we have Christ’s assurance that He will forgive us.

As we near the Rapture, the days will become more and more wicked as the world embraces Satan’s lies. As this happens, Christians need to become more sure in our walk on the strait and narrow path – not following false prophets, the latest fad, or any doctrine of demons. Christ is our example, and we need to follow Him closely and avoid the broad path that leads to destruction.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com

www.prophecyupdate.com

www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you’d like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.