Christ First Forum

I thought that this was an appropriate article, considering the state of the world that we live in. We put our trust in Jesus, alone, and although the world around us crumbles, we have hope (the Biblical use of that word is "certainty", not hope as we know it). We post articles about world political affairs, the apostate church, economics, all in complete disarray. However, like someone said the other day, the worse it gets, the closer we get to going home to be with Him. Isn't it great what we have to look forward to? If this isn't exciting, I don't know what is!

Let's Cross Over to the Other Side
One day at the Sea of Galilee, Jesus said to His disciples, "Let us cross over to the other side" (Mark 4:35 NKJV).

As they were making their way across, a huge storm came out of nowhere, which was a common occurrence on this large freshwater lake. The seasoned sailors were terrified as hurricane force winds hit and the boat filled with water.

Despite the bad weather, Jesus managed to sleep through it. But the disciples could no longer contain themselves.

Don't you care?

So they woke up Jesus, saying, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" (v. 38). That is really a bit of accusation, but it's the way they felt.

They were saying, essentially, "Lord, are You even aware of what we are facing right now?"

"Why are You allowing this?"

As I have said, it's fine to ask why as long as you don't expect an answer. Better to cry out in anguish to God than to turn from Him in anger.

Jesus rebuked them and the storm

Jesus woke up and rebuked the storm, but then He dealt with them too, asking them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" (v. 40). Or literally, "Why are you such timid, fearful ones?"

Jesus was saying, "Boys, haven't you learned anything here?"

You see, Jesus said, "Let's cross over to the other side!" He did not say, "Let's go drown in the middle of the Sea of Galilee!"

He did not promise smooth sailing, but He did promise a safe passage.

Listen, it's better to be in a storm with Jesus than anywhere else without Him.

Or in a fiery furnace—just ask Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego.

Or in a lion's den—just ask Daniel.

Or in a prison—just ask Peter.

Or in a storm again or even shipwrecked—just ask Paul.


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LdyinChrist wrote:Awesome post Troy!!

I like this:

You see, Jesus said, "Let's cross over to the other side!" He did not say, "Let's go drown in the middle of the Sea of Galilee!"

Thank you Lord for loving us as weak and faithless as we are so many times.

I am a coward...and the Lord knows this....I need to totally depend on His grace and His grace ALONE.

And on His Word!!!

He will sustain you, He will nevr leave nor forsake you. In your weakness, He is made strong. We're all cowards. So was Peter - denied Jesus 3 times, AFTER making his profession of faith! BUT, Jesus knows what is in our hearts - we love Him, and He knows that. We try to follow His ways, and tho we fail, He holds us up. what a great God it is that we serve. I thank Him everyday that we are on His side - we're aware of what's going on in the world, prophetic and all, but let's at the same time keep our eye on Him - He alone is our main focus.

What an encouraging post!

open door wrote:However, like someone said the other day, the worse it gets, the closer we get to going home to be with Him. Isn't it great what we have to look forward to? If this isn't exciting, I don't know what is!

That's the only thing I put my hope in...otherwise, I'd probably crack up and start putting sand bags around my house if it weren't for being rescued by Jesus.

WKUHilltopper wrote:

open door wrote:However, like someone said the other day, the worse it gets, the closer we get to going home to be with Him. Isn't it great what we have to look forward to? If this isn't exciting, I don't know what is!

That's the only thing I put my hope in...otherwise, I'd probably crack up and start putting sand bags around my house if it weren't for being rescued by Jesus.

Yes, my brother believes in a post-trib rapture, and I think he & his church are really worried about "things to come". How sad that is - if they would only trust God's Word and promises to keep us from (ek) the hour of trial, not (dia) through it. I find no protection of the church watsoever in scripture, in fact, you find just the opposite of those who come to the Lord DURING the tribulation period, & called "saints". God gives power to satan to prevail over them during that period of time. Post-tribbers frantically look for an escape, and can only find it in scripture which does NOT apply to them, it applies to the remnant of Israel (Daniel & Rev. l2) where they are protected. They are missing out on one of the greatest blessing of their life here on this earth - I KNOW He's coming to rescue us from the tribulation period, because He said that He would.

Carmela wrote:You're right, Troy. People who go along with the post Trib rapture are totally missing the point of the Church. The Church is a separate entity from the Tribulation saints, Old Testament saints and Israel. We are so blessed to be counted as part of the Church and we have that hope in Christ to remove us before God finalizes His dealings with Israel and the nations.

Amen, Carmela. It's there for the whole world to see, IF they would only yield their hearts to the Lord & interpret His Word from a literal standpoint.

We're saved by GRACE ALONE---not by WORKS....

Those that believe we will endure the Tribulation are counting on their WORKS to get them through....

I rather rely on GRACE ALONE....

Thanks.....Troy......