The Most Important Thing To Share :: By Nathele Graham

Published on: May 3, 2020 by RR7

Sharing is a basic truth of life. We share family stories with our children or we share secrets with friends. Unfortunately, the most important thing to share is the one we seldom share…the Gospel. As a Christian, your life needs to be a reflection of Christ so there should be no doubt in anybody’s mind whether or not you’re a Christian. Are you ashamed to let people around you know of your faith? Jesus told His disciples to go into all the world and share the Gospel.

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

Are you a disciple? Do you follow Christ? Then He’s talking to you. This doesn’t mean you have to go to a strange land to share your faith. You can share it with your neighbors, family, and friends.

People around us may seem nice, generous, and have high moral standards. Those traits won’t bring them eternal life. Everyone has a sin nature and that is what separates us all from God. Even nice people usually don’t see anything wrong with “one-night stands” or other sins that are acceptable by human standards. Only the blood of Jesus can take our sin away. We have to repent of sin; that means to change our mind about it, and truly believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. We need to look to our own life and judge it by Biblical standards, then lovingly share the Gospel with others. If nobody tells others about sin and how it separates us from God, how will they be able to repent and accept Jesus for salvation?

God doesn’t send anyone to Hell. It’s a choice we make whether to accept His free gift of salvation or reject it that sends a person to Hell. As Christians, we need to stop being ashamed of Christ and speak up for our Lord and Saviour.

“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).

The word “power” comes from the Greek word “dynamis,” which is a very strong type of power. After all, it’s the “power of God unto salvation.” It’s not your own power, but the power of God. So, don’t be ashamed to share the Gospel. You just might be the one who says the right words in order to bring another person to salvation.

Why is it so difficult to speak up for Jesus? Somehow the world around us has made Christians feel uneasy about speaking out for Christ. So often I am offended by the messages on t-shirts, bumper stickers, and vulgar language, but that vulgarity seems to be acceptable in society. There was a time not so long ago when such public displays of vulgarity would be shunned and looked down upon, but today it’s accepted and called freedom of speech, although my freedom to speak of Jesus is being systematically silenced.

What has changed in our society to make it acceptable to be vulgar? Christians are allowing it to happen. Sadly, there are even some Christians who see nothing wrong with putting forth a worldly message rather than being uncompromising as they stand upon the Gospel. We whisper among ourselves how sad it is that the few who find it offensive to say things like “Merry Christmas” have been able to silence the majority of us who aren’t offended, yet we whisper in secret rather than speak out. Christianity is not something that should be kept secret and it needs to be shared.

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:14-15).

How will anyone come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour if nobody tells them? Brothers and sisters, it’s time to speak out. We must speak with love, but we need to stop compromising God’s truth because we might offend someone. Our silence stops us from sharing the Gospel.

Attempts to silence the Gospel began at the very beginning of Christianity. Jesus was crucified in an attempt to silence the Good News. Later, we read that Peter and other apostles were publicly teaching about Jesus. “And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women” (Acts 5:14).

This offended the high priest, who had them arrested. God had other plans and displayed His power. “But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life” (Acts 5:19-20).

These same instructions need to be followed today. We need to publicly speak of Jesus. If we don’t, who will? The Apostles were not ashamed of Jesus and followed the angel’s instructions. They were arrested again and brought before the high priest. This was one of Peter’s shining moments. He wasn’t intimidated by those in authority who wanted to silence the spread of the Gospel.

“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him” (Acts 5:29-32).

The word “dei” is translated “ought” and speaks of necessity. Can you imagine what a difference you could make in the life of a co-worker or a neighbor if you found it necessary to speak up for Christ? Like Peter said, we ought to (or rather, it is necessary to) obey God rather than men.

Today, even pastors seem to be ashamed of Christ. How can that be? Shouldn’t they be the leaders and examples of sharing the Gospel? It astonishes me that military “chaplains” or hospice “chaplains” have been silenced in sharing the Gospel. Really? That astonishes me. The Cambridge dictionary defines chaplain as “A Christian official who is responsible for the religious needs of an organization.” Yet, these “chaplains” are easily silenced and barred from sharing the Gospel with people who may lose their lives on the battlefield or to disease.

The cross on which Jesus was crucified stood between two criminals. “And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss” (Luke 23:39-40).

All three men faced death, but only Jesus was innocent. At the end of his life, one of those criminals found salvation. “And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom” (Luke 23:42).

Is it ever too late to accept the forgiveness that only comes from Jesus? Only after death is it too late. The decision has to be made in this life, and a Christian who’s too ashamed to speak of salvation through Jesus to someone who is facing death, or allows himself or herself to be silenced, denies their own faith.

“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Think about it next time you keep silent rather than speaking the truth of God to someone who needs to hear. The person you declined to witness to may face death from a car accident or heart attack before they hear the Gospel. There’s no sin which God will not forgive, but each of us has to ask for His forgiveness. Like Peter, you ought to find it necessary to speak to others about Jesus before it’s too late.

I would love to tell you that I always speak up for my Lord. I don’t. Two incidents really stand out to me. My husband wasn’t a Christian when we got married. He was a great guy, one of those loving and generous people whom you’d think was a Christian. I talked to him about Jesus and I prayed. One day he had been fishing with a friend who was a Christian. Elvin said the right words and Ron repented and came to know Jesus. From that day forward, Ron lived his faith. The other person that stands out is my father. I never talked to him about Jesus. I just assumed he was a Christian. When my father died it hit me hard that I hadn’t shared the Gospel with him. The night he died I wrote my feelings on a slip of paper.

WHY DIDN’T I TELL YOU? By Nathele Graham

I knew that, like me, you were a sinner in need of Grace. Why didn’t I tell you?

I knew that sin, no matter how small, cannot enter Heaven. Why didn’t I tell you?

I knew that you were searching, in need of peace. Why didn’t I tell you?

I knew that eternity is forever. Why didn’t I tell you?

I knew that we can choose where we spend eternity. Why didn’t I tell you?

I knew that all roads do not lead to Heaven. Why didn’t I tell you?

I knew that if there was any other way of Salvation, Jesus wouldn’t have had to die on the cross. Why didn’t I tell you?

I knew that Jesus chose to die on the cross for me….and you. Why didn’t I tell you?

I knew that you had to accept that free gift which God gave us in order to be saved. Why didn’t I tell you?

But now I don’t know where you are. I was going to tell you tomorrow, but there are no more tomorrows for you. Where are you? Did somebody else tell you? Oh, dear God, forgive me.

Later, Ron told me that he had spoken to my father about Jesus and believed he was saved. A few years later, Ron died. My grief is still hard to bear, but I have absolutely no doubt that he is with Jesus today. Why didn’t I share the Gospel with my father? For the same reason many Christians don’t share. We assume there will always be time or we just don’t know how to bring it up.

How about you? Have you told others about Jesus? We never know when death will come, and tomorrow may be too late to share the Gospel. Today there’s a virus that has taken many lives, and could take many more. I wonder how many of them had heard the Gospel. Have you shared the Gospel with your family and friends? Don’t wait. The Gospel is the most important thing we have to share.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Ron and Nathele Graham’s previous commentaries archived at https://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html

All original scripture is “theopneustos”— God breathed.

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When God Speaks, We Need to Listen :: By Nathele Graham

Published on: April 26, 2020 by RR7

God wrote Scripture. Inspired men held the writing implement and recorded His words, but it was the Holy Spirit who breathed those words. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Some people think that God doesn’t want us to understand everything in the Bible, but this verse disputes that claim. God gives us facts, but through the years, people…mere humans…have decided what God really means in certain passages, even though it’s clear what God said and their interpretations are at odds with God’s words. We can either believe what men say God means, or we can take a close look at Scripture and understand what God says. I choose to trust God.

Much of prophecy has been interpreted by people using the knowledge they have during their lifetime. That’s understandable. For instance, up until the early 1900’s, who could have dreamed that weapons would be something other than swords, spears, and guns? Who could have ever thought that technology would have advanced from hand-carrying a message, to telegraph, to internet communication? It has, so now we need to take a fresh look at prophecy based upon knowledge of today.

Daniel was given an amazing prophecy and saw things he didn’t understand, but recorded the prophecy just as it was given to him. He didn’t try to interpret it based upon his knowledge, but knew it would come to pass just as it was given to him.

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” (Daniel 12:4).

In other words, Daniel couldn’t understand it all but, through the ages, people would gather knowledge and begin to understand. Daniel desired to know the meaning.

“And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand” (Daniel 12:8-10).

We’re at a time in history when knowledge has increased; and if we study Scripture without allowing human logic to blind us to the truth, we can see how close we are to the Rapture.

Let’s take a look at a warning from Jesus. “But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:37).

Some of the disciples had asked about the end of the age, and Jesus gave many indicators, including this one. He didn’t have to go into great detail, because the men He was talking to knew their history and what it was like in the days prior to the Flood of Noah. It would be the same if I was describing a time of protest, free love, and LSD; all I would need to say is “Just like the ‘60’s.” It was the same with the audience to whom Jesus directed His words. They knew that Jesus was referring to the fallen angels mating with human women. This may be a new idea to you, but it’s the reason God had to send judgment.

Through the centuries, people have made up stories about what was happening in Noah’s day, but there’s only one interpretation that’s based upon Scripture. One of the silliest interpretations is that God really meant that Seth’s lineage was good and Cain’s was bad, so God destroyed all of creation because Cain’s sons married Seth’s daughters. Really? Do you have that low of an opinion of God? Let’s take a closer look at Scripture. Unless you understand what was happening in Noah’s time, you’ll be blind as to what Jesus meant and what’s happening today.

“And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose” (Genesis 6:1-2).

Wickedness was on the earth, and people weren’t obeying God; but the wickedness went beyond people lying, cheating, stealing, and killing. The fallen angels were mating with human women. The normal response to that is “How can that happen? It doesn’t feel right.” Well, it shouldn’t feel right but it was happening.

Let’s get a few definitions straight. Let’s start with “sons of God.” In Hebrew, the phrase is ben ‘elohiym. “Ben” means son and “’elohiym” means God. If this meant sons of Seth, the phrase would be ben sheth. Other places in Scripture where this phrase appears, it refers to angels. The phrase “daughters of man” comes from bath ‘adam – “bath” meaning daughters, and “’adam” meaning man. If it had meant Cain’s daughters, it would have said “bath qayin.” So, this verse says that angels took human wives. Angels who followed Satan in rebellion are evil, and their intent was to destroy what God had created. The offspring of this ungodly union were neither human nor angel. The corruption didn’t stop with humans.

“And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them” (Genesis 6:7).

God had to destroy everything because everything had been corrupted by the fallen angels. By corrupting the human genome, people were no longer human. The human soul could return to God, but a hybrid soul is no longer human. By corrupting all that God had created, a human could no longer get proper nutrition as God intended, and nature could not work together properly. Think of that next time you buy genetically modified food.

Scripture says that Noah was perfect in his generations. “These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:9).

Noah was a good guy and listened to God, but that’s not what’s meant here. The Hebrew word “tamiym” is translated “perfect” and means unblemished and without spot. It means that Noah’s genome was uncorrupted by the fallen angels; he was genetically unblemished. He was fully human…as were his wife, his sons, and his son’s wives. The animals which entered the ark were also untainted. So, creation was rebooted.

Now you know what Jesus meant when He said that in the end it will be as in the days of Noah. God’s creation will be genetically corrupted. So, before the judgment of God, Satan will also be manipulating the genetic purity of God’s creation. Do we see anything like that happening today? Yes. If you don’t believe genetic corruption is happening, then you haven’t been listening to the news. Mad scientists have been splicing and dicing genes for a number of years now. Do you think the movie about Captain America is just science fiction? Look into super-soldiers and the genetic tampering that’s creating them. Science fiction is science fact, and Satan is behind it.

Pastor Billy Crone has just published a book and CD set that goes into great detail about this subject. Listen to the Prophecy Watchers interview with Pastor Crone at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfjawButmsQ. Many others have also written about this, including Tom Horn and L.A. Marzulli. We are living in the end of days; and unless you pay attention to what God says in Scripture, you will be befuddled and deceived.

Another truth God reveals in Scripture is that Christians will be called Home prior to God’s wrath being poured out upon those who’ve rejected him in favor of following Satan. The Rapture will happen prior to God’s judgment, just as Enoch was Raptured prior to the Flood.

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

Enoch was Noah’s great-grandfather and is a picture-type of Christians. Christians are not appointed to God’s wrath and will be called Home in the Rapture prior to the beginning of Daniel’s 70^th week, also known as the Time of Jacob’s Trouble and the Tribulation. This final seven-year period of time will be horrendous. We’re seeing a glimpse of the future with this coronavirus.

This pestilence has caused a lockdown where nobody is allowed freedom. We can’t freely worship together, we can’t freely go shopping, we can’t touch each other, and we’ve willingly allowed these things to be taken from us. Let me be clear, we must be cautious by washing hands, eating properly, and staying home if feeling sick. This pestilence is very bad, but the barrage of misinformation has caused a panic. Again, be cautious but be sure you’re following the voice of the Good Shepherd and not the voice of the wrong leader.

There are even some world leaders who say we need one man to lead the world and get us through this crisis. Yes, brothers and sisters, the prophecy of Revelation is closer than ever to being fulfilled. Paul tells us that the man of sin, aka the Anti-Christ, cannot be revealed until after the Rapture.

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

When studying Revelation, you’ll see that Christians are called Home at the beginning of chapter 4. It isn’t until chapter 6 that the judgments begin; and in chapter 13 we read about the mark of the beast.

“And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six” (Revelation 13:16-18).

In order to buy food, sell merchandise, or do anything else, a person will have to take the mark. Christians will have been Raptured long before that, but today the stage is being set for it to become reality.

For many years people have been vaccinated against various diseases. This seems like a good thing, but if you read the ingredients in these vaccines, you’ll be shocked. Formaldehyde and DNA are in them. Here’s a list of “ingredients” that we allow to be shot into us and our children:

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/B/excipient-table-2.pdf.

These vaccines are behind many health problems today and compromise our own body’s immune system. Today, scientists are in a frenzy to get the cure for this coronavirus. Of all people, the former head of Microsoft, Bill Gates, has joined the vaccine bandwagon. He recently suggested any future coronavirus vaccine should have a tracking number or chip to identify everyone who has been cured of the virus. It will track you wherever you are. Sounds a lot like something the Anti-Christ will use. Every vaccine today is nothing God intended for people to shoot into themselves. It’s ironic that Bill Gates’ Microsoft products can be corrupted by a virus that destroys your computer, but he’s come up with a chip to go inside you.

“And the third angel followed them saying with a loud voice, if any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark in his name” (Revelation 14:9-11).

Be careful what you allow to enter your body. Please note that I’m not at all saying that Bill Gates is the Beast (Anti-Christ), but just noting that the stage is being set.

Brothers and sisters, study Scripture so you can have answers.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15).

When God speaks, we need to listen. If we don’t, then we can only blame ourselves for the consequences.