Greetings in the name of the one who makes all things new, Jesus. While I have used that opening before, it’s still appropriate. Happy New Year!
Welcome to 2025. WOW! Being a child of the 1900s, I never even thought of this year. One hundred years ago, in 1925, alcohol prohibition was in effect, and our country was in the middle of the “Roaring Twenties.” Tennessee Governor Austin Peay signed the Butler Act making it illegal to teach evolution in the Tennessee public school system (Go Peay!). The first “motel” in the world was opened in San Luis Obispo, California (not to be confused with a hotel), and Calvin Coolidge was President. Godliness was more apparent, and the spirit of antichrists seemed to be better restrained, in my opinion. Today, our country, as a whole, has left our God behind.
Yet, the promise of a new Golden Age and a roaring economy again aligns with Jesus’ prophecy in Luke 17:26-31. People buying and selling, planting and building, celebrating, eating and drinking (and drinking doesn’t mean just alcohol . . . I received four pounds of coffee for Christmas, LOL!). Just as in Noah’s and Lot’s time, many are enjoying what the world has to offer while the God of heaven is far from their minds. This does not mean the righteous do not benefit from prosperity and are left to be poor. No, it is God who gives all the ability to gain wealth. How much more would He like to give to those who are His children?
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers. —3 John 1:2, AMPC
Allow me to say that we are not all God’s children. That is a lie from hell. Only those led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God (Rom. 8:14). You must be born again (John 3:3), and no one comes to the Father except through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Then there is the whole issue of being born again by the Spirit of God but then being led by the spirit of antichrists. Many Christians are in that position today because our adversary is the best deceiver ever.
The deception that Jesus drank wine, so drinking is okay in moderation, the support of aborting babies because they are inconvenient, and the acceptance of sodomy for the sake of inclusion, diversity, and equality indoctrination is rampant. Oh, the devil knows the Scripture, and he will attempt to influence you to twist them against God unwittingly. You must know the Scripture and the Spirit of God for yourself. Hence, you must continue daily to live out your own salvation.
Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ). —Philippians 2:12, AMPC
Prosperity is for the advancement of the gospel (Deut. 8:18); therefore, if, as a Christian, you use the power to gain wealth inappropriately, it will most likely cause you problems at some point. This great time of prosperity is upon us. Some call it the great wealth transfer. Transferring the wealth of the wicked to the just is prophesied and comes by the wise winning souls for the kingdom of heaven (Prov. 13:22). Jesus says this great time of prosperity happens right before His appearing (Luke 17:30).
The times of Noah and Lot were not all good. Wickedness, violence, and corruption had filled the earth and the city of Sodom. We will continue to see some perils in these End Times. Today is the first of January, and the news is filled with the terrorist attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas. Over the past four years, unknown numbers of terrorists have flooded into our country freely because of the Democratic Party’s encouragement of open borders.
The man who committed the attack in New Orleans was a citizen but was supposed part of a Muslim terrorist cell, according to the FBI. Allegedly, the two attackers served in Afghanistan at the same time. We must pray for these types of attacks to be minimal and stopped. Fifteen were killed, and reports of up to 30 were injured in the New Orleans attack. The suicide bomber died in Las Vegas with only minor injuries to bystanders. God is merciful, which was evidenced by the many explosive devices that did not detonate that were part of Satan’s plan, along with the scarceness of bystanders at the hotel. His mercy endures forever!
I have heard my father in the faith, Dr. Mark Barclay, say many times, “These are the days of the antichrist. But much more, these are the days of Christ!” You must actively choose Christ (the presence of God). If not, by default, you will be sucked into the gross darkness of antichrists. You must purpose to follow Jesus! Like with swimming, you will be washed down the river if you do not swim. HOWEVER, if you swim—if you chose the life that Jesus has set before you—2025 will be a great year to be alive! You will hear the word “alive” in Christian circles this year and maybe even in the secular world; it rhymes so well with “five.” The Holy Spirit impressed upon me that He has been encouraging the Church to do just that: “BE ALIVE!”
These past two years, as I have taught about the Glorious Church, I see by the Spirit that Christians who have an intimate relationship with their God are doing great exploits. People who are ALIVE IN CHRIST ARE DOERS! Faith without works is dead! When the Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells inside you, He makes you ALIVE, not sick! We have passed from death to life when we believe in Jesus and His Word (John 5:24). It is an abundant life, and this is the year to live it to the fullest. Move into the Word and Spirit of God. Let old things pass away. Don’t focus on the bad; set your eyes on Jesus and what He is and will be doing.
Jesus is healing, prospering, comforting, and giving peace to all who will come to Him. Finally, let me share a word I gave my friend today. I believe it is for all that will believe:
So live and enjoy all of the abundant life God has given you. Refuse and resist the adversary when he sends things your way. Our life is good, and it only increases! Don’t slow down, but push to the finish and reap the awards and benefits of Jesus along the way!
Until next time remember . . . Jesus is coming VERY soon! Be ready!
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