I feel the need to ramble.
As some of you may have detected, I at times have doubts and questions about the personality and qualities of God and the bible. However I am still clinging to a good amount of my faith in their goodness. This is why I am now, as some of you have in the past, studying deeply and looking for myself into what the bible says. In this week's study from the "creator" book, it was talking about the personality of Christ and I began to read all of Matthew 24 again. I read these interesting verses with a perspective that I have never been allowed to have before.
Matthew 24:23-25
23 At that time if anyone says to you, `Look, here is the Christ!' or, `There he is!' do not believe it.
24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible.
25 See, I have told you ahead of time.
Mark 13:21-23
21 At that time if anyone says to you, `Look, here is the Christ[3] !' or, `Look, there he is!' do not believe it.
22 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect--if that were possible.
23 So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.
Luke 21:8
8 He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, `I am he,' and, `The time is near.' Do not follow them.
Matthew 24:27
27 For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
I have grown tired of placing the blame for what I have believed on other people, but these words of Jesus' struck a chord with me. Mt 24:23, and Mk 13:21 clearly say that if "ANYONE" claims to be able to tell you when and where the Christ is, not to listen to or follow them. Luke says that many will claim Jesus' ispiration in saying "the time is near". And finally Mt 24:27 says that Jesus' coming will be as lightning, something that all will see (or understand), and that in my opinion will be unmistakable.
I see now that despite what I have always told myself, I've been serving God with a time in mind. Something that is never good for anyones health, or relationship with God because you are just setting yourself up for disappointment and despair.
Anyway, I'm not trying to be preachy, sorry if it came across the way. Thanks for the outlet.
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