Good News Press
Sharing the good news of Gods Love through his Son to our local community and world!
To Contact Us: (925) 368-5052
5 Tips For Active Summer Families
(Family Features) Summer is perfect for staying active
and spending time outdoors with loved ones, but the
frantic pace of the season and overload of activities can
take a toll on the entire family.
With a little care and pampering, you can enjoy summer
to the fullest while still keeping your family rejuvenated. Pamper Yourself at Home. Once you've completed
Eat Well. Food is fuel, and it's necessary to keep the
entire family energized. During warmer weather, crav-
ings often lean toward lighter foods, making it the per-
fect time to add extra servings of seasonal fruits or veg-
etables to the family table each night. Also remember to
ensure family members are drinking plenty of water as
extended time in the sun can lead to dehydration and
dry skin if fluids aren't frequently replenished.
Make Sleep A Priority. Sleep is as important to your
body as nutrition and exercise, and making it a priority Milk fragrances, this innovative formula can make your
can be beneficial, especially when your family's calen- hands irresistibly smooth, so your touch is always a soft
dar is packed with events. Sufficient, high-quality sleep touch.
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www.goodnewspress.us
only begotten Son, that whosoever shall believe
Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that
God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt
uting to emotional and mental well-being. Most doctors
recommend 6-8 hours per night for adults, and kids of
all ages typically require even more, so work on getting
into a nightly routine to ensure all members of the fami-
ly are getting the rest they need.
chores in the heat or spent time enjoying family activi-
ties in the sun, some simple pampering can be done at
home to rejuvenate skin. Start with your hands, which
are at the center of everything you do and often the first
point of contact with an activity, whether it's cooking,
gardening, crafting or aiding friends and family. The
unique formula of Softsoap Hand Wash Plus Lotion liq-
uid hand soap is made with a touch of lotion to lock in
moisture for clean, soft hands. Available in Shea & Co-
coa Butter, Aloe Water & Lime and Orchid & Coconut
Take Time to Exercise. Even a little activity can have
a huge impact. Continued on Page 6
Summer 2017
Plan of Salvation:
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his
in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life.
Romans 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the
be saved.
A Message From Good News Press
The Christian message is often re-
ferred to as the "Gospel," which
means "good news." Specifically, it
is the good news about Jesuswho
He is, what He has done, and what
He offers. Essentially, the message
is that Jesus was God in the flesh,
that He came into the world to rec-
oncile humanity to Himself, and
that his salvation is freely offered to
each person who will respond in
faith. The Gospel message explains
that salvation is only possible
through the Crucifixion and Resur-
rection of Jesus. Through his sacri-
fice, Jesus paid the price for our sin-
fulness (rebellion against God), thus
offering us forgiveness. Then
through his Resurrection He con-
quered death, removing it as the
penalty for our sin and replacing it
with the offer of eternal life that is
only available from Him to all those
that place their faith in Him.
 Good News Press - 2
About Good News Press Recent News Headlines
Sharing the good news of Gods Love through his Son to our local community and world!

NUKING ON THE DOOR North TSA begins testing biometric finger-

Partner With Us in Sharing Korea is now 'only one step away' print screening at 2 airports
the Good News of Jesus from launching a nuclear missile Forget fumbling for your photo ID and
which can hit America, US expert boarding pass at the airport. Soon, certain
Christ to our Community! passengers will be free to move through the
warns News comes as Kim Jong- airport and check into their flights using only
Good News Press is a Christian un's rogue state continues to ramp up their fingerprints, thanks to the TSAs latest,
outreach publication in the San its weapons programme. (The Sun) more intrusive, innovation.
Francisco Bay Area. This popular (rapturready.com; rt.com)
high-quality, newspaper, informs
and inspires believers, as well as Islamic State leader Baghdadi
London fire: Six killed as Grenfell
plant seeds into the hearts of 'may have been killed by Rus- Tower engulfed
men and women that do not sia' Russia's defence ministry is in-
know Jesus Christ. Six people have been confirmed dead after a
Good News Press covers
vestigating whether one of its air huge fire raged through the night at a west
strikes in Syria killed the leader of London tower block, and police expect that
world, national, and local reli- number to rise. Eyewitnesses described peo-
gious news and events, and fea- the Islamic State militant group (IS). ple trapped in the burning Grenfell Tower, in
tures inspiring Christian articles (BBC News) north Kensington, screaming for help and
and insights. It is available, both yelling for their children to be saved. Fire-
fighters rescued large numbers, but Lon-
digitally online and in full-color don Mayor Sadiq Khan said a lot of peo-
printed format.
Christian newspapers reach a targeted share the good news, and bring to Canada Passes Bill C-16 ple were unaccounted for..
(raptureready.com; bbc.com)
audience-specifically a family orient-them the love of Jesus Christ. We do
that by bringing glory to God in this
Making It A Hate Crime With
ed, audience, with strong loyalties and
convictions. newspaper. Jail Time To Address Missing US Sailors Found
Urgency We believe that these are
Why Support Good News Press
Fulfill the Great Commission! Help the last days and that Jesus Christ is Transgenders Using Wrong Dead After A Navy Destroyer
us tell our neighbors about the Good soon to return. Collided With A Cargo Ship
News of Jesus Christ and reap eternal Distribution Good News Press is
Pronoun (Buzz Feed News)
distributed FREE all over the Bay Area. Canadas Senate passed Bill C-16, which
rewards. Good News Press believes puts gender identity and gender expres-
that this commission begins in our You can find it in area grocery stores sion into the hate crime category of its
own backyards. There are more than 7 and businesses. Criminal Code by a vote of 67-1....
Million people in the Bay Area and a Good News Press is produced by (Nowtheendsbegin.com)
great number need to be reached. We Baron & Connie Woods and Family.
want to reach these men and women, To contact us: info@goodnewspress.us.

The Influence of Church on Wellbeing in Adolescents and Millennials

Teleios Research conducted a survey by perience and promoting prayer in believ- 1. Bible-based teaching and preaching to meet its own institutional needs primari-
recruiting respondents from visitors to ers' lives. (75%) - Overwhelmingly, this criterion ly, but to equip its members to impact the
InstaPray, a Christian Instagram account. 2. Spiritual growth (56%) - Participants was selected by participants. It should en- world for the gospel and to serve the local
generally recognized the church helps courage the church to see such an im- community for the common good. These
There were 884 participants surveyed them in their Christian lifestyle and to be- portant cornerstone of church function results demonstrate the incredible unity,
about their Christian life and how church come mature believers. chosen by young evangelicals. across the world and age groups, provided
affected their wellbeing. The majority of Praise and worship (54%) - Praise of God by the Bible and promoted by the Holy
participants: attended church at least 4+ 2. Encouraging Bible-based speech Spirit among young evangelicals."
is central for the Christian life and for the (51%) - This choice was a surprise for
times/month (80%); were female (73%); church.
ages 18-30 (39%); reside in the USA second place as this topic often seems More data from this study can be found
(56%); college or post-graduate degree minimized in church life. The Bible indi- here teleiosresearch.com/index.php/church
(30%); employed (37%) and evangelical The above list is encouraging in that the cates our speech should be primarily for -wellbeing-survey.
(77%). church is emphasizing spiritual growth, the hearer, to meet their needs, and not for
prayer and praise in young church at- ourselves. Teleios, a non-profit foundation, seeks to
How does church/church members help tendees. However, the amazing finding is Powerful biblical vision for the church demonstrate the truth of Scripture and the
your wellbeing? The 3 most common re- that Christian adolescents have the same (44%) - Participants also perceived that the Christian faith through the scientific meth-
sponses are noted below: desires for their church experience as the church leadership actually help their well- od by providing evidence for the positive
millennial generation. being by directing the church in Biblically results of a biblically-based life-
1. Prayer (59%) - Prayer is a cornerstone based goals!
in Christianity. The church might assist style teleiosresearch.com.
How does church leadership help your
prayer by acting as a guide to supplica- wellbeing? The 3 most common responses Dr. William Stewart, cofounder of Teleios,
tions to God, a more expansive prayer ex- are noted below.
Inc, commented "The church functions not

Understanding Angels
by Greg Hanson
Society holds a fascination for angels. Peo-
ple want to know: What do angels look
like? Does each person have a guardian
angel? How many angels are there? Is it
possible to see an angel? Is it proper to
pray to angels? Does a person become an
angel after they die?
Everyone has their own opinion about an-
gels. And most have a mental image of
what they think angels look like. They may
even collect ornaments of angels (or ra-
ther, ornaments of their perception of an-
gels).
But despite this fascination, there is a lot of sider some of the things angels are not.
confusion and misunderstanding surround-
ing angels. And thats probably because of
where people turn to get their infor-
mation.
Like the movies. Angels are portrayed in
films such as City of Angels with Nicolas
Cage, Dogma with Ben Affleck and Matt
Damon, Meet Joe Black starring Brad
Pitt, or even the Christmas classic, Its a
Wonderful Life. Those movies may be
entertaining or even inspiring, but they are
also misleading when it comes to angels.
Television is another source. Touched By
an Angel was a long-running show watched
by many. In the 1980s, Highway to Heaven
starred Michael Landon as an angel trying
to earn his wings. These may have been
good wholesome shows, but still not the
most reliable sources to teach about an-
gels.
Ancient mythology and antiquated works
of art also contain representations of an-
gels. But unfortunately, they are not por-
trayed very accurately or consistently.
And the result is a pretty mixed-up under-
standing of angels, including a lot of light
and fluffy beliefs drawn from all kinds of
contradictory sources. Its no wonder
there is so much confusion.
Some people do worship angels and pray
Even within the Church, there is a lack of to them. But in his letter to the Colossians,
information about angels. Back in 1975, the the apostle Paul clearly discouraged this
respected evangelist Billy Graham said, practice. Continued on Page 6
When I decided to preach a sermon on
Good News Press - 3
angels, I found practically nothing in my
library I soon discovered that little had
been written on the subject in this centu-
ry I have never heard anyone preach a
sermon on angels. Which prompted him
to write a book of his own on the subject.
Karl Barth (pronounced Bart) is consid-
ered to be one of the most important
Christian thinkers of the 20th century. As a
theologian and an authority on angels, he
described the topic as the most remarka-
ble and difficult of all.
So to clear up some of the confusion, con-
What Angels are NOT:
Angels are not cute chubby babies with
bows & arrows.
Cupid, draw back your bow This is one
of the many images of angels. But this im-
age originated from works of art during
the Renaissance, and has nothing to do
with reality.
Angels are not what people become after
they die.
This is one of the more popular beliefs
about angels, but its wrong. At funerals
people often make comments such as,
Hes an angel now, or, God needed
another angel in that heavenly choir! Its a
sweet thought, but its not true. Angels
and humans are completely different crea-
tions.
Angels are not all-knowing, all-powerful, or
all-present.
Those are attributes that belong to God
and God alone. Angels, on the other hand,
are confined by time and space. They are
smarter, more powerful, and faster than
we are, but they are not on par with God.
Angels are not objects of worship.
Good News Press - 4
Events (East Bay Times)
Events East Contra Costa County, CA
Summer Open Gym: 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays,
beginning June 13, Antioch Community
Center,4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch.
Middle school teens can hang out with
friends, play basketball, table games or
take part in other activities with supervi-
sion. $3 per visit. Purchase a punch card
in advance and get a free visit. 925-776-
3050.
Discovery Bay Library Connection: 8 a.m.-
5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9:30 a.m.-5
p.m. Saturday, Discovery Bay Community
Center, 1601 Discovery Bay Blvd. A new
service allows Discovery Bay residents to
borrow library materials without having to
travel to the library. Patrons with a valid
library card can request items, including
books and music CDs, online at ccclib.org
and they will be delivered to the Commu-
nity Center the following Thursday after-
noon. Checkout time is 27 days, including
delivery time. 925-634-1131.
Delta Shadow Boxers Parkinsons Support
Group: 6:30 p.m. third Wednesdays
monthly, John Muir Health building, 2400
Balfour Road, Brentwood. 925-550-2756.
Are You A Veteran?: Veterans Peer to
Peer night meets 6 p.m. Wednesdays,
1023 Second St., Antioch (corner of Sec-
ond and L streets). Call 925-206-4113.
GSMOL Education Classes: 4:30-6 p.m.
second and fourth Thursdays monthly.
Oakley location given upon registration.
Hosted by Golden State Manufactured
Home Owners League Chapter 196. Fa-
cilitator Glorie Illian discusses important
topics related to mobile home living. Call
925-625-6251.
Exploring the Dunes: 10-11 a.m. second
Saturdays, end of Fulton Shipyard Road,
Antioch. Guided tour will focus on the
wonders of Antioch Dunes National Wild-
life Refuge. Call 707-769-4200.
Online Drivers Education: Students 15
and older can start the process to obtain a
drivers license by enrolling in this interac-
tive online course. Learn the rules of the
road, DMV procedures and more. Regis-
ter at Oakley City Hall, 3231 Main St. A
valid email address is required. $39-$49.
Call 925-625-7041 or email
tumin@ci.oakley.ca.us.
Team Select Youth Basketball Tryouts: Go
to www.teamselectbasketball.com. Try-
outs will take place at Antioch Community
Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch.
Ruben Garcia, 925-367-3912, in-
fo@teamselectbasketball.com.
VOLUNTEERS
AARP Tax-Aide: Contra Costa County
AARP Tax-Aide is seeking volunteers to
become members of a team providing
free tax preparation for individuals of all
ages. Volunteer positions include tax
counselors who are trained by Tax-Aide
and certified by IRS, and client facilitators,
who schedule appointments and assist
clients at tax sites. Classes for tax coun-
selors begin in January. Apply online at
www.aarp.org/taxvolunteer or call
LaVerne Gordon at 925-726-3199 for in-
formation.
Meals on Wheels: Volunteer drivers are
needed to deliver nutritious meals to
homebound, frail seniors living in far East
County. Meals are delivered between
10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Monday-
Friday. Call 925-625-4545.
Host families needed: Cultural Homestay
International is seeking volunteer host
families for boys and girls from a variety
of countries. Students are 15 to 18 years
old. Call 209-502-7567 or 877-737-0409
or go to www.chinet.org.
Red Cross: Become part of Red Cross
disaster responders to provide assistance
to individuals and families affected by lo-
cal emergencies and disasters. Hours are
flexible, and free training, including CPR/
First Aid, is provided. Call 925-603-7426
or email VYSNB@redcross.org.
Senior Volunteer Program: Senior volun-
teers with the California Highway Patrol
provide a visual presence around school
zones. Call 925-646-4980 or visit the of-
fice, 5001 Blum Road, Martinez. Hours
are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Fri-
day.
Brentwood Library Foundation: A variety
of volunteer opportunities are available to
help support the Brentwood Library Foun-
dation. Contact Diane Alexander at 925-
634-5456.
HEALTH
Free Blood Pressure Screening: 10:30-
11:30 a.m. third Mondays. Ambrose Com-
munity Center, 3105 Willow Pass Road,
Bay Point. John Muir Health Senior Ser-
vices: free blood pressure screening. Call
925-458-1601.
Brighter Beginnings Family Health Clin-
ic: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays, 2213 Buchan-
an Road, Suite 103, Antioch. Fees: sliding
scale. Any additional costs incurred for
laboratory, radiation or medication ser-
vices are the responsibility of the patient.
Call 925-303-4780.
Freedom from Tobacco: Kaiser Medical
Offices, 4501 Sand Creek Road, Antioch.
Learn about overcoming nicotine addic-
tion and how medications can help. Call
925-813-3560.
 Good News Press - 5
Local Seminary Launches New Certificate Program

A NEW MODEL OF LEADERSHIP FOR BAY AREA

PASTORS TO ENGAGE CURRENT SOCIAL PROBLEMS
BSW & PICO TEAM UP TO LAUNCH A by those in positions of power. Sadly, faith leaders
have been hard-pressed to help their congregations
NEW PROGRAM THAT TEACHES THE understand and respond to these changes.
ART OF ACTIVE PUBLIC THEOLOGY
The events of the last decade have made it clear
that our society yearns for courageous prophetic
Berkeley, CA For the first time, The American Bap- leaders who are prepared to inspire, speak out, and
tist Seminary of the West (ABSW), in partnership with help organize their congregations, their peers, and
the PICO National Network, will launch this summer a their communities in ways that not only shape the
Public Theology Certificate Program focused on societal debate, but the outcome of the critical moral and
issues. ABSW and PICO will seek to recruit clergy, non- ethical issues of the day, said Michael-Ray
ordained congregational leaders as well as faith based Mathews, Director of Clergy Organizing, PICO
community leaders to be part of this exciting new pro- USA. Unfortunately, few seminaries are currently
gram. Applicants can learn more at www.absw.edu/ structured to prepare clergy for this type of leader-
publictheology. ship, he added, but ABSW has stepped forward
and they are uniquely equipped as one of the most
diverse seminaries in the US.
The 5-course 18-month program is designed to fill
the gap between what current seminary curriculum
The ABSW/PICO partnership for the creation of a
offers and the need for activist clergy to bring their
program in Public Theology has been made possible
spiritual perspective to the most pressing issues of
by a generous grant from the Henry Luce Founda-
the day. Classes will cover issues ranging from mo-
tion.
rality & society to community organizing. Ministers
will also be expected to participate in a placement at
Classes will begin this summer. All clergy interest-
a community organization working to expand oppor-
tunities for justice. ed in applying can go to www.absw.edu/
publictheology. Scholarships are available.
From the Black Lives Matter movement to the chal-
lenges of the current political climate, the country is
witnessing dynamics that will shape the next decade
or more of our nations political and social debate. About American Baptist Seminary of the West
Thats why ABSW and PICO have launched this
effort. ABSW is a laboratory for building communities of
Christian hope, justice, and reconciliation. We glad-
America is facing a dramatic new set of ethical and ly welcome students from other faith traditions. Our
moral challenges for which traditional training/ mission is supported by a faculty that is representa-
formation of clergy has found itself to be inade- tive of the constituencies we serve, competent in
quate. These challenges are played out not just in- scholarship, skilled in teaching, experienced in min-
side the church but also in the community. In order istry, and dedicated to the work of social justice..
for contemporary clergy to be effective there has to
be a new awareness on how to engage community
concerns. This is why the seminary has chosen to About PICO
partner w/PICO, said LeAnn Snow Flesher, VP of
Academic Affairs at ABSW. The PICO National Network has a 44-year track
record of equipping grassroots faith leaders and
Tension is growing in communities across our coun- those most impacted by injustice with the tools to
try. There is ever-increasing frustration organize their communities to make concrete policy
change that advances racial and economic justice in the
and anger over promises made and promises broken United States.

Angels continued from Page 3
Angels are not halo-wearing, wing-clad,
harp-players.
Again, these images come mostly out of belled against God. Paul wrote in 2nd
artwork, some dating all the way back
to Greek and Roman times. But the
Bible makes no reference to angels
wearing halos or playing harps. As for
wings, the Old Testament prophets Eze- friendly.
kiel and Isaiah both refer to special clas-
ses of angels (cherubim and seraphim)
that are portrayed as having wings. But Angels are servants of God.
even these seem to be simply part of a
vision and are not meant to be a literal
description of angels. Angels are spiritu-
al beings, and they do not have physical
bodies.
messages from God. As when an angel
told Mary that she would give birth to
So with those misconceptions out of the Jesus, or when an angel informed the
way, consider these five realities that shepherds that Jesus had been born.
the Bible reveals about angels.
What Angels Are:
Angels are created beings.
Angels have not always existed. They
had a beginning. In Colossians chapter
one, Paul teaches that Jesus created
everything, including angels and the en-
tire the spiritual realm. And He didnt
just create a few prototypes; He created
a massive number. Revelation 5:11 even
refers to thousands and millions of ing out to God for help when the Assyri-
angels.
Angels are invisible spirit beings.
Angels exist as spirits, invisible to the
human eye. But, every once in a while,
angels do take on physical form in order
to make their presence known. We see
examples throughout the Bible of times
when angels interacted with humanity.
Every time, they appeared as young
men. But this does not necessary imply
that angels have gender.
There were times when an angel would
take on form and the people would not
even realize they were interacting with
an angel. And at other times, the people
would be struck with a sense of terror.
So it would appear that the form they
adopt varies.
Angels may not be what they appear to
be.
In the spiritual realm, there are good
Good News Press - 6
spirits and there are evil spirits. These
evil spirits (commonly known as demons
or devils) are actually angels that re-
Corinthians about how these fallen
angels could disguise themselves as serv-
ants of righteousness. Their aim is to
deceive. Not every spiritual being is
Aside from those that are fallen, an-
gels do what God wants them to do.
The word angel literally means
messenger, indicating that one of
their primary functions is to deliver
So angels are Gods servants; they do
not take orders from humanity. God
may assign them to serve or protect
people from time to time, but its at His
bidding.
Angels battle for God, protecting Gods
people.
The Old Testament (2nd Kings 19) con-
tains an account of King Hezekiah cry-
five days a week. Taking time out of
an army attacks. And God responds. He
sends a single angel who slays 185,000
Assyrian soldiers. Thats how powerful
angels are. They are much more fierce
than commonly thought.
Which makes the idea of a guardian
angel particularly appealing. The notion
that a person is always being protected
is compelling. But while God may peri-
odically assign an angel to a particular
person, there is no clear indication that
this assignment is permanent. Nor is it
implied that the same angel is assigned
to the same person every time.
So are angels a reality? According to the
Bible, yes. They may not fit popular con-
ceptions, but there is a host of angelic
beings hidden in a spiritual realm. They
are under the command of God Him-
self, and they are ready to serve and
battle at His discretion.
Tips/Active Summer Families
continued from front page
The American Heart Association member to take small breaks during
recommends at least 30 minutes of activities to stretch or take a short
moderate-intensity activity at least walk to help relieve potential stress
on your body.
your family's busy summer schedule
Find more tips to make your family's
to go for a walk, ride bikes around
summer a happy, healthy and stress
the park or neighborhood, or play a
-free one at softsoap.com.
game outside together can contrib-
ute to maintaining a healthy weight About Family Features Editorial
and feeling more energized. Syndicate
Established in 1974, Family Fea-
Slow Down. It's easy to spread
tures is a leading provider of free
yourself too thin, especially in the
food and lifestyle content for print
summer when there are often more
and online publications. Our articles,
activities requiring your attention
photos, videos and web content so-
and attendance. When you get
lutions save you time, money and
caught up in trying to make the most
help create advertising opportuni-
out of every second of every day, it
ties. Registration is fast and free -
can take a toll on both your family's
with absolutely no obligation. Visit
physical and emotional well-being.
editors.familyfeatures.com for more
Slow down and take that well-
information.
deserved personal time - even just
an hour a day - to do something you
enjoy with the ones you love. Re-
Good News Press - 7
 Good News Press - 8
Living for Christ in the End Times :: Dr. David R. Reagan
The Bible clearly teaches that society will degenerate in
the end times, becoming as evil as it was in the days of
Noah (Matthew 24:37-39). The Apostle Paul, speaking as
a prophet, says that society will descend into a black pit
of immorality, violence, and paganism (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
He asserts that men will be lovers of self, lovers of mon-
ey, and lovers of pleasure. People will be boastful, ar-
rogant, and unholy, and children will be disobedient to
parents.
Sounds like the evening news, doesnt it? In short, we
have arrived.
Signs of Coming Persecution
We should be deeply concerned over these developments,
not only because we are witnessing the destruction of our
beloved America, but because both Jesus and Paul proph-
esied that when these things occur, the Church will come
under attack and individual Christians will be persecuted.
Jesus said that as lawlessness increases, most peoples
love will grow cold (Matthew 24:12). He stated that in
this hostile atmosphere, many professing Christians will
fall away and will proceed to cooperate in the persecu-
tion of their former brothers and sisters in Christ
(Matthew 24:10). Paul indicates the same thing when he
says that people will be haters of good and that they
will therefore be brutal and reckless, reviling those
who stand for righteousness (2 Timothy 3:2-4).
We are watching these prophecies come true today before
our very eyes, both here in America and around the
world. As our culture has secularized and paganized,
Christianity, the Church, and Christians have come under
increasing attack as intolerant bigots. (See Dennis Pol-
locks editorial on page 9.) The attacks are going to inten-
sify, and it is going to become increasingly difficult for
Christians to stand for righteousness. Jobs will be lost.
Careers will be destroyed. Christians will even be sent to
prison for speaking out against evils like homosexuality
because such pronouncements will be labeled as hate
crimes.
What then are those of us who love Jesus to do as we face
a rising wave of ridicule, harassment, and persecution for
our faith? How shall we live for Christ in the end times?
Let me suggest a few guidelines.
1) Order Your Priorities
The starting point is to review your priorities and make
certain that God is first in your life. Be honest with your-
self. Dont play games. Dont kid yourself.
Most Christians have allowed their priorities to get very
mixed up. Usually, job or career is number one, family is
second, and God is third or even fourth behind an obses-
sion with sports or something similar.
Ask yourself this question: If God were to give you the
opportunity to make one request, what would it be?
Would you ask for money? Power? Fame? Success?
Solomon asked for wisdom, but David asked for some-
thing ten thousand times more profound he asked for
intimacy with God (Psalm 27:4). And, because he put
God first, he states in Psalm 27 that he did not fear life
(verse 1) or death (verse 13). It is also the reason that he
is remembered as the man after Gods own heart (Acts inclined to turn to prayer as a last resort only when all
13:22).
2) Stand on the Word
The Bible says that the end times will be an age of decep-
tion (Matthew 24:24, 1 Timothy 4:1, and 2 Timothy 4: 3-
4). In fulfillment of that prophecy, we are today being
bombarded with false but alluring religious systems of-
fered by the Christian cults, Eastern religions, and the
New Age Movement.
Most professing Christians are sitting ducks for spiritual
deception because the average Christian is not certain
what he believes. And even when he is able to articulate a
belief, he usually does not know why he believes it. The
result is that a Jehovahs Witness can turn the average
Christian into a theological pretzel in two minutes flat.
Anyone can be deceived. If you are to guard yourself
against deception, you must get into the Word and stay in
it on a daily basis. Also, you must test everything by the
Word (1 John 4:1). For Catholics this means discarding
doctrines like purgatory that have no basis in the Word
whatsoever. For Protestants it means being alert to the
twisting of scriptures or the manipulation of verses out of
context. On every doctrine, the Bible needs to be
searched from Genesis to Revelation to see what is said
about the particular topic.
day. He performs a dual role. For the unbeliever, He is
3) Believe in the Power of God
I am convinced that most professing Christians are deists.
A deist is a person who believes in an impersonal god
who never intervenes in human affairs. According to De-
ism, we are supposed to cope with our god-given reason,
our talents, and the wisdom of the Scriptures. As far as
the deist is concerned, at the end of the First Century,
God retired, the supernatural ceased, and the age of mira-
cles came to an end.
But the Hebrew Scriptures teach that God never changes
(Malachi 3:6). And the New Testament specifically states
that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, yes
and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
There is no way we can cope with the evil of end time
society in our own strength. Anyone who tries to do so
will be defeated. Our only hope is to turn to a God who is
alive and well, who is still on the throne, who hears pray-
er and answers prayer, and who still performs miracles.
We must realize that the Bible teaches that we can limit
God by our unbelief. This a great paradox. Think about it
although God is all-powerful (Luke 1: 37), we who are
powerless in comparison can nonetheless limit His power
by our unbelief (Mark 6:1-6). Thats because God is a Is that the case in your life? Is the Holy Spirit on the
gentleman. He does not force Himself upon us. If we
want to try to cope on our own, He will let us. He re-
sponds when we reach out to Him in faith (James 1:6).
4) Persist in Prayer
One of the greatest blessings God has given believers is
supernatural communication. God cares for us personally
(1 Peter 5:7), and He desires to communicate with us
(James 4:8). Because He loves us, He earnestly desires
our fellowship (John 4:23).
The tragedy is that most professing Christians seem to be
a fallen world. The rain falls on the just and the unjust.
else has failed and the situation has become desperate.
Some of this reluctance to seek God in prayer is due to
pride, and thus the Scriptures continually exhort us to
humble ourselves (1 Peter 5:6). Others fail to depend on
prayer because of unbelief. They either think God doesnt
care, or else they think He is no longer active in history.
But the Bible says we do not have because we do not
ask (James 4:2). How many blessings of God have you
left on the table because you tried to handle your prob-
lems yourself? The Bible also says that the prayers of a
righteous man can accomplish much (James 5:16). Do
you interpret this to mean that the power of your prayers
depends on your righteousness? That is not what it
means. If you are truly born again, then you are a right-
eous person because you are clothed in the righteousness
of Jesus (Isaiah 61:10).
5) Rely on the Holy Spirit
Most professing Christians seem to be afraid of the Holy
Spirit. This is usually due to a lack of knowledge con-
cerning the Spirit. For example, there is a tendency to
write off the Holy Spirit as some sort of impersonal force
like The Force in Star Wars.
We need to understand that the Holy Spirit is a person.
He is the supernatural presence of God in the world to-
Gods Evangelist. He is the one who works on human
hearts to draw them to the Cross in repentance. No one is
saved apart from the testimony of the Spirit (John 6:44 &
65).
With regard to the believer, the Holy Spirit is Gods in-
dwelling presence to provide us with power and guid-
ance. He is our Enabler. He is also Gods Potter, for one
of His basic responsibilities is to daily shape believers
more fully into the image of Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:17-
18).
One of the ironies of the Christian life is that we cannot
serve God in our own power. Rather, the only way we
can effectively serve the Lord is by relying on the power
of His Holy Spirit who resides within us. It is possible to
quench and grieve the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19 and
Ephesians 4:30).
The Word calls on us to be filled with the Spirit
(Ephesians 5:18). This can happen only if we are willing
to release the Spirit to become the Lord of our lives. Most
of us are content to let the Spirit be resident in our lives.
He does not want to be simply a resident; He desires to be
president.
throne of your life? Or is He being treated as an unwel-
come guest? There is no way you will be able to with-
stand the pressures of end time society without relying
daily on the power of Gods Spirit.
6) Practice Tough Faith
Faith comes easy when everything is going smoothly.
When there is good health and prosperity, it is easy to
praise the Lord. The test of faith comes when all the cir-
cumstances of life turn sour.
God has not promised believers a rose garden. We live in
The wicked prosper. Justice seldom prevails.
It is easy for the righteous to grow discouraged. This calls
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for the practice of tough faith the kind of faith This brings us to the final guideline I would like to
that is not dependent on circumstances. Its the kind emphasize regarding how to live for Jesus in the end
of faith that hangs in there when the going gets tough times. The Bible tells us point blank that we are to
because of a confident belief that all things work live looking for Jesus (Titus 2: 13).
together for good for those who love the Most Christians are so caught up in the world that
Lord (Romans 8:28). they live thinking about anything but the return of
God never promises that believers will be immune to Jesus. This is a sad state of affairs because Jesus
suffering. What He does promise is that He will be return is our blessed hope (Titus 2:13). And His
there to walk through the trials with us. He promises return is imminent.
to be beside us when we pass through the waters Another problem is that most Christians know so
and walk through the fire (Isaiah 43:2). And He little about Bible prophecy that they cannot get excit-
states that He will be there when we walk through ed about the Lords return. How can you get excited
the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4). about an event you know nothing about? Ignorance
What is the quality of your faith? When life turns produces apathy.
sour, do you turn to God, or do you question Him or And apathy about the Lords return has tragic conse-
even curse Him? One of the keys to hanging tough is quences. It robs us of an eternal perspective, and it
to learn the promises of Gods Word (like Philippians destroys any sense of urgency about reaching lost
4:6-7, 11-13, and 19) and start claiming them in pray- souls. It also undermines a powerful motivator for
er when confronted with the challenges of life. holy living.
You see, when a person comes to truly believe that
7) Keep an Eternal Perspective Jesus is returning and may return any moment, that
We are to be in the world but not of the world (John person will be motivated to holiness and evangelism.
17:11 & 16). Thats a difficult principle to follow. It Regarding holiness, the Apostle John put it this way:
constitutes a daily struggle. We know that when He appears [the Rapture], we
It is so easy to get our eyes off the Lord and focus shall be like Him [glorified] . . . And everyone who
instead upon the world in which we live. The daily has this hope fixed on Him, purifies himself, just as
demands are so pressing. And one of the greatest of He is pure (1 John 3:2-3). Regarding evangelism,
those demands is that we conform to the world to Peter writes that the only reason Jesus has not yet
the worlds language, dress, entertainment, and val- returned is because God does not wish that any
ues. should perish, but that all might come to repent-
Thats why we are constantly exhorted in Scripture to ance (2 Peter 3:9).
consider ourselves as aliens, exiles, and strangers
who are just passing through this world (Hebrews A Spiritual Mirror
11:13 and 1 Peter 2:11). We are told to set our Paul provides us with a spiritual mirror for end time
minds on things above, not on the things that are on conduct. He says we are to deny ungodliness and
the earth (Colossians 3:2). And we are warned to worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and
never fall in love with the world or grow comfortable godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope
with it (Romans 12:2 and 1 John 2:15-16). In fact, and the appearing of the glory of our great God and
Jesus said we are to hate our life in this Savior, Christ Jesus (Titus 2:12-13).
world (John 12:25), and His brother, James, said When you look into this mirror, what do you see?
friendship with the world is hostility toward Are you walking in the center of Gods will? Have
God (James 4:4). you ordered your priorities to put God first? Are you
What does it mean to hate the world? It means we are standing on the Word of God, testing everything by
to hate the evil world system that prevails in society. it? Do you believe in a personal, caring and all-
We are to hate a system that glorifies violence and powerful God who hears prayers and answers pray-
immorality and which depreciates the value of life. ers, and who still performs miracles? Are you relying
As C. S. Lewis once put it, We are to live like com- daily on the power of the Holy Spirit? Are you prac-
mandos behind the enemy lines, preparing the way ticing tough faith, refusing to allow the calamities of
for the coming of the Commander-in-Chief. In other life to overwhelm you? Are you keeping an eternal
words, we are to live yearning for the day when Jesus perspective, refusing to get comfortable with this
will burst from the heavens to bring peace, righteous- world? And are you daily looking for Jesus? Is the
ness, and justice to the earth. Rapture in your heart? Is Maranatha! on your lips?
(A Raptureready.com Article)
8) Look for Jesus

Connie Woods Womens Ministries

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