WHY DO WE HAVE SIGNS OF THE SECOND COMING?

Posted on December 29, 2014 by Troy Wagstaff

WHY DO WE HAVE SIGNS OF THE SECOND COMING?

“A fire shall devour before him,” “he shall destroy the sinners,” “light is darkened in the heavens,” “heavens and the earth shall shake,” “shall be desolate,” “hailstones, fire, and brimstone,” “the abomination that maketh desolate,” “gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle,” “I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way,” “the day cometh that shall burn as an oven,” “in the latter times some shall depart from the faith,” “in the last days perilous times shall come,” “I shake not the earth only, but also heaven,” “opened the sixth seal,” “desolation of abomination in the last days,” “wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood and fire,” “sun and the moon shall be darkened,” “like a refiner’s fire, and the fullers soap,” and “desolation of abomination which awaits the wicked.”

Every one of those snippets comes from the King James version of the Holy Bible. Each of those quotations was taken from passages that were talking about how things would be in the last days prior to the second coming of Jesus Christ.

If you are a student of the Bible, these quotes probably don’t disturb you, at least they shouldn’t. But to the casual observer, and the occasional reader of the Bible, the snippets sound terrible. Who would want to live in a time that is described in the first paragraph? Like it or not, we are living in those days, the last days.

The Bible teaches hope, love and peace. The Bible teaches of a loving, kind, compassionate and merciful God. So why then are their such terrible descriptions of the last days?

If you were to read each one of the passages of scripture where these fragments were taken from it would paint an even darkert and depressing time in which to live. These days are known as the “last days.” These are the days that will occur just before the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Warning Signs

There are a few reasons why the Lord mentioned so many references to the sin, wickedness and tumultuous times of the last days. As the events happen or begin happening, we can take comfort in the fact that the Lord knew it would happen. He told his prophets and apostles about the wickedness and catastrophic events that would precede the second coming.

We can take comfort in the fact that the Lord is warning us through the Bible, about the last days. As we experience these events in the last days (or our daily life) and as we read about them in the Bible, we can prepare ourselves to be ready for the second coming of Jesus Christ. As we prepare ourselves for the second coming, we are also preparing ourselves to be able to deal with all the wickedness in the cataclysms of the last days.

That first paragraph is just a small sampling of all the signs of the times of the last days. There are countless more descriptions of how the last days will play out. As we study them from the Bible and look for them to happen, it is much like the parable of the fig tree found in the book of St. Mark:

“Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.”

The last days will be in commotion, but the last days will also be much like it was in the days of Noah when he was preparing the ark for the coming flood.

“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. 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. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” (Luke 17:26-30)

sign_of_the_timesIn the last days we will live our lives, work at our jobs, eat, sleep and go about our ordinary business with the backdrop of gross wickedness and commotion, which is just about how it is right now in our day, today.

Looking at a Scripture from St. Matthew, we can see that we are already living in the last days, and we can see that many things are already happening that were prophesied of the last days, and there will be even more wickedness than we have now.

And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (Matt. 24:6-13)

The key to enduring the last days, to be able to live in a positive way, with joy and happiness in spite of all that is going on around us and to prepare ourselves spiritually so that we can cope with all the commotion of the last days and to overcome the temptations all around us during the last days.

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” (Luke 21: 25-27)

When reading about these scary activities and events of the last days and reading about all the wickedness and turmoil that is going on just before Christ comes in his glory, we should let it be a positive thing and not a negative experience for two reasons:

The first reason is that we know like the parable of the fig tree that as these events unfold before us, we are drawing closer to the great and dreadful day of the Lord and secondly, we have been warned by prophets and apostles to be prepared for the last days. By being prepared we need not fear.

What can we do to be prepared so that we can live successfully in the last days, or put another way, how can we be prepared to live our life right now? We are living in the last days, with all the sin, the commotion and the wars and rumors of wars. We are living in the last days, so if we are prepared, great! But if we are not prepared, then we are probably having trouble with our life right now. Let’s fix it (our life), and prepare ourselves so that we may live in peace, joy and happiness during troubled times.

Just as the Scriptures teach us about the signs of the times preparatory to the second coming of Jesus Christ, they also teach us how to be spiritually prepared and how to overcome sin and temptation and how to live our life so that when we die can live with our Father in Heaven.

Personal Preparation

The two most important things we can do today for our own personal preparation are to read the Scriptures frequently and to pray often.

As we read the Scriptures, we will be told what to do, and how to do it. There are countless things we should do and many ways on how to do it. One example is… we are told not to commit adultery or to fornicate. The Scriptures tell us not to even lust after a woman (or a man). If we have lusted after someone, we had committed adultery already in our heart.

This example tells us what not to do and how to watch out for it. Don’t do it and avoid thinking impure thoughts. Keep our minds clean from lustful thoughts.

The Bible also teaches us about repentance and how important it is to our salvation. The merciful gift of repentance allows our sins that are red like crimson to be white as wool. After humble and sincere repentance it is like we’ve never committed the sin.

But reading the Bible alone is not enough. We need to put the teachings of the Bible into our daily lives and live like the Bible teaches us to live. That takes practice, we will make mistakes, and as we do make mistakes we can repent as the Bible teaches us to do.

The Bible also teaches about prayer, and how important prayer is, which is why it is the second item in my list of personal preparation. There is no limit to how often we should pray each day.

“Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” (St. Luke 21:36)

As we see from the verse in Luke, we are specifically told to pray for our own personal preparation in the last days.

From the Book of Revelation it says: “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” (Revelation 22:12)

From this verse in the book of Revelation we are told that we will be rewarded according to our works and efforts. Some of that reward will be helping us to overcome temptation and have the strength to resist the mighty temptations we are faced within the last days. The Bible teaches us want to do, so we need to do it. “Doing it” is a form of work.

So if we keep the commandments of the Scriptures and watch and pray often we will be blessed with success in overcoming the trying times of the last days.

As a reward for reading the Scriptures, watching and praying, and keeping ourselves clean and unspotted from the world we can receive a very joyous and righteous reward outlined in this passage of Scripture:

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thess. 4:16-18)

So if we daily read the Scriptures, putting into action the Bibles teachings and pray often, we will find ourselves well prepared for the trying times of the last days we live in.

Additional Blessings Of Person Preparation

If we are prepared or are diligently preparing ourselves for the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord, that preparation will help us face life’s challenges. If we should happen to get seriously sick or if a loved one should happen to die, the personal spiritual preparation we had made will give us great strength in dealing with those types of challenges.

Troy Wagstaff

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The Story Of The Birth Of Jesus Christ As Told By The Bible

Posted on December 21, 2014 by Troy Wagstaff

The Story Of The Birth Of Jesus Christ As Told By The Bible

From The Books of Matthew, Luke and Isaiah

This article is a compilation of passages from St. Matthew, St. Luke and the prophet Isaiah woven together to make one complete, harmonized rendition of the birth of Jesus, otherwise known as the Christmas story.

 

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, nativity-2013lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judæa: for thus it is written by the prophet.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt.

 

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Why Do We Celebrate Christmas

Posted on December 15, 2014 by Troy Wagstaff

WHY DO WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS?

We celebrate the lives of very important and accomplished men and women in our western culture by commemorating their birthdays. These men and women are the greatest thinkers, innovators, teachers, and leaders. These are the people who were known to have made a difference in our society.

Using the yardstick of “the greatest thinkers, innovators, teachers, and leaders” is it any wonder that we celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ? Truly, Jesus of Nazareth was the greatest thinker of all time; He applied the teachings of salvation in a way that was understandable by the common man. He was the greatest innovator of all time with all the answers to life’s greatest questions relating to our salvation. Our Savior was the greatest teacher of all time, teaching eternal truths and practical solutions for our salvation and He was the greatest leader of all time; more than 2000 years later and more than a billion people on the earth still follow Him.

Our western societies deem His life so monumental and so life-changing, that we set aside two holidays to mark His life. The first bring Christmas to celebrate His birth and life and the second one, Easter, to commemorate His death and resurrection.

We celebrate Christmas to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, the day the greatest being whoever lived was born. It is on Christmas Day that we honor and rejoice in the magnificent life of our Savior and Redeemer.

WHAT IS CHRISTMAS?

Some holidays that we celebrate each year are special and significant, while other holidays are just another excuse to recreate and barbecue. However, Christmas is a holiday that actually has the power to motivate us to do things. The “power of Christmas motivation” compels us to give of our time by serving at a soup kitchen or some other worthy charity that helps the poor, the homeless and those, otherwise in need.

It is during the Christmas season that we hear wonderful stories of everyday people doing extraordinary acts of service and kindness to their fellow man. We read stories of celebrities visiting children’s hospitals and supporting Christmas type charities such as the Marine Corps’s Toys for Tots, Sub for Santa, Salvation Army or Shop with a Cop and other kind and generous Christmas time activities.

Celebrating Christmas is reflecting on the coming of Christ to earth in a lowly manger and celebrating His sinless perfect life. None of the world’s “greatest thinkers, innovators, teachers, and leaders” have ever been able to affect mankind like Jesus Christ.

The life of Jesus is the perfect example of giving to others and serving others. He healed the sick, He fed the multitudes, He taught the gospel of life and he prepared the way for our salvation.

The birth of our Lord and Savior to the earth was so remarkable and so monumental that the whole Western world reconciled the keeping of time to His birth. If historical events happen before His birth, they are referred to as B.C. If historical events happened after the His birth, they are referred to as A.D.

Jesus taught of giving and serving one another and keeping the commandments of God. He taught us that if we would keep these commandments we would be free from the bonds of sin. To be truly free, Jesus taught us that we can only do so by keeping his commandments.

Symbolism of Gift Giving

Christmas is celebrated as the day of the birth of the greatest man to ever walk the dusty paths of earth. Christmas is a celebration and a reminder of the greatest gift that our Father in Heaven, ever gave to mankind, the gift of his only begotten Son in the flesh.

Our Creator wants everyone one of his children on earth to come back and live with him in Heaven. Like the Scripture that says be ye clean the bear the vessels of the Lord, we need to be clean and free from sin in order to live with our Father in Heaven.

While living in this life, no one is capable of living a sin free life. We all are in need of divine grace and mercy. That’s why our Creator sent Jesus Christ to the earth, to give us an example of how to live our lives and to provide a way for us to repent of our sins and to be forgiven.

We like to attach symbolic meaning to all the trappings and decorations and activities of Christmas, and these are very great, serving a great purpose, but the ultimate symbol of Christmas is in the act of giving, not the gift itself.

While we ponder on the greatest gifts given to mankind from our Heavenly Father, and our Savior, Jesus Christ, do we ever ponder the other side of gift giving? The receiving end of gift giving? How grateful are we to our Father in Heaven for the gift He gave us in the form of His only begotten Son in the flesh?

Why is the Christmas holiday season such “magical time?” If you can overlook the commando style of Christmas shopping that is associated with modern-day gift giving there really is a magical spirit, a special spirit that permeates the air during the Christmas season. Most people really are of good cheer, with shouts of Merry Christmas and happy holidays and Christmas carols coming through the airwaves of our digital devices.

Christmas All Year Long

The reason why the Christmas holiday season is so magical is because everyone is focused directly or indirectly on many symbols associated with the birth of our Savior. So why can’t, we have that spirit and that magical feeling seven days a week, for 365 days a year?

If the Christmas season is so wonderful and joyful is it not worth trying to emulate every single day of the year? Most Christians would agree with this sentiment. It’s not a hard thing to do and many of us may already be doing it. Celebrate Christmas ever day of the year by giving good gifts, the gifts that really matter, like opening the door for someone with their hands full, or shoveling the snow off of your neighbor’s side walk or being polite when someone else is being rude.

Be kind while driving, be courteous to everyone you interact with, be sensitive to the feelings of others, the kind and thoughtful in your choice of words you use to communicate with. In other words, strive to be like our Savior every day of the year and the spirit of Christmas will follow thus. This will give us a year-long spirit of Christmas.

We celebrate Christmas by paying homage to the birth of The Savior and reflecting on His life perfectly lived. Christmas is a day of celebration and commemoration for our Redeemer and Savior.

CallahanWriter

 

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Christian Theme Memes

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Troy Wagstaff

Christian Theme Memes

These are Christian themed memes or word pictures. Feel free to use these Christian memes for free. CallahanWriter retains the copyright, the memes on this blog are free to use without modification. The various text used in these Christian memes or pictures comes from the Bible, some from Christian writers (credit is given when such is the case) and some of the text is written by CallahanWriter.  These  are public domain use for non commercial purposes.

 

 

a_christian_is_1

 

choose_hope

 

 

broken_beat

creation_pic1

 

 

 

in_gods_hands

 

palms_graven_hands

 

 

ears_mouth

gods_plan

 

 

standard_of_truth_4

godspeaks_beright

 

 

 

stand_in_awe2

 

Living Sermon by Edgar A. Guest

Living Sermon by Edgar A. Guest

 

thou_art_with_me

 

trust_in_the_lord

 

trustjesus_purple

 

wait_upon_the_lord

creation1

 

 

create_man_image

 

create_clean_heart

 

christian_quote_grace1

 

bravery_quote1

 

blessed_be_the_lord

 

judgement_ye_judge

 

river_of_life

 

 

engraven_palms_my_hands

Behold, I have engraven thee upon the palms of my hands

 

 

blessedbethelord

Bless The Lord who bears us up.

 

do_all_the_good_you_can

Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the places you can. All the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as you can. John Wesley

do_what_you_can

Do what you can and pray for what you cannot do.

 

 

2_good_2_b_true

don_all_that_you_can

ears_mouth

God gave us mouths that close and ears that don’t. That must tell us something…

faith_reassures

Stress makes you believe everything has to happen right now…Faith reassures you that everything will happen in Gods Timing.

 

footprints_in_sand_orange

Footprints In the Sand

forgive_quote

The first to forgive is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. The first to forgive is the happiest.

 

forgive_trespasses

Forgiveness: For if ye forgive men their trespasses, you Heavenly Father will forgive you. CallahanWriter.

 

forgive_tresspases

Please forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others their trespasses against us.

 

forgiveness_allows_you

Forgiveness allows you to stop carrying the burden and pain associated with whatever hurt you.

 

forgiveness_is_for_more

Forgiveness is more important to the victim than it is for the victimizer.

 

 

godspeaks_beright

When God speaks and a man that men will always will be right. Thomas s. Monson.

happens_for_a_reason

Everything happens for a reason. Oh really? Everything happens for one of two reasons…Consequences or because God wills it so.

 

a_christian_is2

Trusting God’s plan for your everyday life is equally  as important as trusting God’s plan for your eternal life.

gods_plan

SONY DSC

 

a_christian_is_1

A Christian is someone who believes Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the light, and the only way to gain salvation.

all_about_love

all_things_testify

as_i_have_loved_you

because_i_have_been_given

burden_into_blessing

creation_pic1

Jesus Is My Hope

Jesus Is My Hope

Jesus Is My Hope

do_allthe_good

do_what_you_can

don_all_that_you_can

footprints_in_sand_orange

forgive_quote

 

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IF IT IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, THEN IT IS?

Posted on November 19, 2014 by Troy Wagstaff

IF IT IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, THEN IT IS?

We’ve all heard the old adage that “if it’s too good to be true” then it is. However, I take issue with that aphorism, I say that if it is too good to be true it probably is, but not always.

2_good_2_b_trueLet’s take the following story as an example to the exception of this adage. Imagine that you have lost all your worldly possessions, you’ve lost your family and you have been living in the street for ten years. You have no income forcing you to beg for money and food, and you sleep for wherever you can find shelter. Let’s add to this sad scenario, a substance abuse problem. You have many illnesses related to exposure to the elements, poor diet and substance abuse problems. It all seems hopeless and it all seems lost! Surely, there is no hope.

You have been raised right, you know that you not supposed to steal or lie. Living on the streets has jaded you. The environment that you are forced to live in has taken away much of your humanity and your sensibilities. You find yourself committing crimes to survive and you find yourself committing crimes to sustain your substance abuse. You’re living a senseless life filled with despair and no hope.

Put yourself in that situation, assume that you do not know of the tender mercies of Christ. You’re sitting on the street corner in filthy clothes with filthy hygiene and you’re holding a sign asking for money. Someone comes up to you and talks to you while they’re putting money in your hand and they start to tell you about a person who came to earth and he paid the price for all of your sins, and of all the sins of all the people on earth. This man has felt everything that you have ever felt or that you will ever fill. This man has provided a way for you to not only get off the street and not only get into clean clothes but to get into heaven with the righteous.

truth_never_2_good_2_b_trueDoes this sound too good to be true? If you’re reading this Blog then you know where I’m going with this illustration, but really think what would be like to be in those circumstances and then you are introduced to Christ and his love and his boundless saving grace and mercy, wouldn’t that all seem just a little too good to be true? Well it’s not too good to be true. It is a fact. It is the most blessed fact or truth on the earth.

The story of Jesus Christ, and the doctrine contained in the Bible that teaches us about His Life and His teachings are true. Within the book covers of the Bible is the way to the truth and salvation, they are the pathways whereby we can receive eternal happiness.

Consider what the word eternal means? The word eternal means “without end.” So think what this means, happiness without end. To live with God and his son Jesus Christ is happiness forever, without end.

Even though we started off with the story of the homeless person that appeared to have no hope, each one of us are beggars, we all depend on the same God to give us life, we all rely on that same God to forgive us of our sins and through His grace and His mercy to live with Him throughout eternity.

We can all say that this idea is too good to be true. But it is true! So when you hear the old adage “if it’s too good to be true, it is” always keep in the back of my mind that sometimes it can be that good and still be true. When it comes to Jesus Christ, it is too good to be true but it is true. We all need to remember Jesus Christ our Savior, and our Eternal Father in Heaven love us unconditionally, they are perfectly willing to give us grace and mercy if we are willing to reach out to them.

 

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Jesus Is The Same: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Posted on July 26, 2009 by Troy Wagstaff

Jesus Is The Same: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Today’s Christian Devotional

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ

I think most Christians have heard this truism many times but have you ever thought about it deeply?  What does it mean to us today and tomorrow?

Jesus Christ that we worship today, is the same Savior that was worshipped by the great prophets, apostles and saints thousands of years ago and He will be the same Redeemer we will worship fifty years from now.

When people are investing their money they often wonder if the investment will be as successful five years into the future as it is today. Is it a solid investment. We wonder if various aspects of our life will be the same in the future as it is today? The answer is no. The future changes everything. But the future does not change a glorified and perfected being such as Jesus Christ. We can look with faith on him now and in the future knowing He is the one constant we can count on.  The perfect way to anchor your faith.

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Love As I Have Loved You

Posted on July 26, 2009 by Troy Wagstaff

Love As I Have Loved You

as_i_have_loved_you

There are many recurring themes throughout the scriptures and the gospel message. One of the biggest themes is the idea of love. We need to love God with all our heart, might, mind and strength. We need to love our neighbor as ourselves. Love the sinner not the sin and the list keeps going.

Do we love God? If you are reading this then I think the answer is yes. I know I love God.  Do you love your self? That could be tricky but you need to love yourself. Do you love you neighbors? Neighbors are defined as everyone else from your spouse and kids to the person driving right next to you on the highway.

The gospel is a message of love. If you answered no to any of these questions then ask God for help in loving everyone.

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I HAVE ENGRAVEN THEE UPON THE PALMS OF MY HANDS

Posted on July 26, 2009 by Troy Wagstaff

I HAVE ENGRAVEN THEE UPON THE PALMS OF MY HANDS

palms_graven_hands

Christ suffered for us in the garden of Gethsemane and upon the cross of Calgary. As a sign of His suffering Christ retains scars in his feet, hands and side. Christ will never forget us because He suffered for our sins and our infirmities and pains and sorrows…

He wears that sign on his hands and so when He says I have engraved thee upon my hands, he is saying I know who you are and I am with always, even until the end of the world.

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The Gospel As Taught By The Orchard

Posted on June 3, 2009 by Troy Wagstaff

The Gospel As Taught By The Orchard

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. (John 15:2)

If you had to choose which branch you wanted to be, which would you choose?  A barren branch that bears no fruit or the tree that bears fruit? If you bear no fruit then you will be cast away. If you bear fruit you will be purged so that you may bear more fruit. Is this a tough choice? Be cast away or purged so that you can be weighed down with more fruit?

Considering we were all placed here, on earth, to bear fruit then the choice seems clear. We want to bear more fruit.  The road may be tough but it will be worth it. We will be purged to become stronger to bear up the additional fruit.

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