LCG: Troubles in Your Life?
“Orthodox” 16th Century Representation of the “Apocalypse”
In his commentary for today, LCG’s Davy Crockett (a descendant of the famous American with that name) wrote:
By Davy Crockett | Saturday, November 05, 2011…
We have jobs or careers, family responsibilities, school requirements, financial difficulties, all of which have to be dealt with. Though there are blessings along the way, for most people there is also a gnawing emptiness inside. The question, “What is the purpose of it all?” comes to mind in quiet moments. Most of us eventually learn that “things” do not fill the void. Activities and pleasures provide only temporary gratification, and still the question remains, “What happens after I die?” This unanswered question causes much angst and despair for millions of people. Hoping to answer this question, man has come up with a variety of religions and creeds based on different mythic gods and philosophic concepts. Yet these man-made answers do not really satisfy. Even “mainstream Christianity” offers answers that the Bible does not actually support and that do not prove satisfactory.
So, are there any real answers? Yes, there are! There is a trustworthy source, which starts at the beginning and progresses all the way to the end of a great Plan being carried out by the Creator God of the Bible. Those who have understood this Plan—who have discovered the purpose for their existence, and who have learned God’s way of life, not based on man-made traditions—can face life with joy and contentment, even in times of difficulty. Why? Because, like Dr. Frankl, they have come to realize that we as human beings do have a transcendent goal, a great cause and a reason for being—not an invented or temporary one that may leave us disappointed when it fails, but an enduring one that allows us to handle even life’s most challenging trials with focus and purpose.
Jesus Christ offers these comforting words to those who are troubled: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Those who accept Christ’s invitation, and who make the necessary changes in their lives to take on Christ’s “easy yoke,” will discover for themselves that the true Christian life equips them to handle the frustration and stress that plague our world today. As the Apostle Paul told the Christians in Philippi, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Are you searching for the meaning of life? Do you long to learn the purpose for which God created you? Read our inspiring and encouraging booklet, Your Ultimate Destiny, to discover what God has in store for those who serve Him. With God’s help, your search will be successful.
Much is going on in the world. Occupy movement and other protests show the frustration of many–both the frustration of the protesters as well as the frustration of those concerned that the protesters are looking the wrong way for answers, and that it is likely over time, certain protesters will turn violent.
Over in Africa there are various problems, including the following violence from Nigeria:
Dozens killed in northeast Nigeria attacks – witnesses
KANO, Nigeria (Reuters) – Dozens were killed in a spate of coordinated gun and bomb attacks in the northeastern Nigerian city of Damaturu on Friday, leaving the city almost deserted and bodies piling up in local morgues, witnesses said on Saturday…The attacks followed multiple bomb blasts in nearby Maiduguri, making Friday one of the worst days of violence in the northeast since Islamist sect Boko Haram launched an insurgency against Nigerian authorities in 2009, vowing to impose sharia law across the country.
As I have been reporting at COGwriter, the situation in the Middle East is very tense, the economic situation of areas such as North America and Europe are becoming dire, weather and earthquake issues are affecting many areas, religious deception and compromise with sin are happening all around us. These are troubles like Jesus warned about:
Take heed that no one deceives you. 6 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. 7 But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows (Mark 13:5-8).
But, notice:
13…God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
So despite what is happening in the world, even if your personal life is troubled, there is hope in Jesus.
Some biblically-referenced articles of possibly related interest may include:
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Will God call everyone? Will everyone have an opportunity for salvation? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account?
Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God differ from most Protestants How the Living Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000?
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
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