Butterfly Effect Decisions

Have you ever heard of the butterfly effect?

This is a theory that a small butterfly flapping its wings could eventually cause a typhoon because of how one act could impact others.

I know.  It is a far out science fiction idea but the truth is that there are times when one decision in our lives could potentially affect others.  It can get really deep if you spend some time to think on this.

I always point back to one "butterfly effect" moment in my own life when the decision of a pastor to take a job in another state led to my father filling his vacate position at the church.  His decision affected the future of my life.  If that didn't happen, I would have not met my future wife.  

Sometimes we are aware when we face those "butterfly effect" decisions and sometimes we are unaware.  That's why we always need God's direction.  I have always depended on God to direct my path.  Many times when we are seeking God's direction for decisions in our lives we want a burning bush moment where it is absolutely clear what God wants us to do.  Unfortunately we do not always get signs that clear and precise but we have to trust God with each step we take.  

I used to stress out about decisions and wanting to be in the "perfect will" of God.  I have learned that even if I make the wrong decision that God can use that and get me on the right path.  We can't always get it right.  Many times we won't know until we go further in our lives and look back at what happened.

I can tell you that I have had very few "burning bush" moments where it was clear where God was leading me.  We can't depend on a clear answer every time.  Why?  I don't know.  I wish I knew the answer to that.  

I'm sure you've heard the saying that "God works in mysterious ways".  That He certainly does and He's under NO obligation to report to us what he is doing.  The key to making decisions and trusting God is faith.  Faith to trust that God has things in control.  Many times we simply must take one step at a time.

I'm often big into signs but we have to be careful not to rely so much on burning bush signs but take the next step.  Trust God and take another step.  Is it easy?  No.  Is it worth it?  Absolutely.  

So What Is The Anti-Christ?

You may have read my blogs recently referring to something called the Anti-Christ.  That description has been alleged to many dictators and ruthless leaders throughout history.  This person has been identified in Bible Prophecy and we have heard about this person repeatedly.  So who is the Anti-Christ?

The Anti-Christ will be human but with strong Satanic influence. The Anti-Christ is someone who will be against Christ while claiming that they are God.  He will deceitfully establish himself and later show his true colors.

We identify this person as a "he" and, according to prophecy will be a man with incredible influence on everyone around him.  He will establish himself as a world leader who will come during a time of division and chaos.  (Sound familiar?)  While THE Anti-Christ may not be here there are others who come to be the same as John the Baptist was when he was described as "the forerunner" of Christ.  Others may come to be the forerunner of the Anti-Christ and is preparing the world for his arrival on the world's stage.  I absolutely guarantee you that the spirit of the Anti-Christ is definitely here.  

So what happens when the Anti-Christ is here for real?

During the rise of the Anti-Christ, there will be war in different parts of the world and with his charisma, he will be able to do what no one has ever done - he will bring peace and prosperity to the world.  Prophecy foretells that he will convince the Jewish nation and the Arab nations to sign a peace treaty which will lead to re-building the temple.  He will be seen as so great that many will think that HE is the Messiah which will be the ultimate deceit.  

The Anti-Christ will oppose God and, after the temple is rebuilt, he will descrate the temple.  (Daniel 9:27). He will be a dictator that will be worse than Adolph Hitler or any evil one the world has ever known.   

According to prophecy experts, dictators rarely take over nations by brute force. Political or economic problems almost always pave the way for tyranny. This has already proven true in history. Rome set the precedent, seeking out nations who were in political and economic turmoil. They came with seeming benevolence, only to turn to tyrannical suppression and demand worship of Caesar.

The concept of the Antichrist is found in various scriptural texts, particularly in the New Testament. While interpretations may vary, here are seven characteristics commonly associated with the Antichrist based on scripture:

1. Deceiver: The Antichrist is often described as a deceiver, leading people away from the truth. In 1 John 2:22, it states, “Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the Antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.” 
2. Opposer of Christ: The Antichrist stands in opposition to Christ and His teachings. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, it mentions the “man of lawlessness” who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship. 
3. Performer of Signs and Wonders: The Antichrist is said to perform false signs and wonders to deceive many. In 2 Thessalonians 2:9, it mentions “the coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders.” 1 
4. Claiming Authority: The Antichrist will claim authority and may demand worship. Revelation 13:4 depicts people worshiping the beast (often associated with the Antichrist), saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?” 
5. A Time of Tribulation: The Antichrist is associated with a period of great tribulation and suffering for believers. Matthew 24:21 refers to “great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now.” 
6. Denial of Jesus Christ: A key characteristic is the denial of the divinity of Jesus Christ. In 1 John 4:3, it is stated, “Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.” 
7. Ultimate Defeat: Despite the power and influence of the Antichrist, scripture assures believers of his ultimate defeat. Revelation 19:20 describes the beast being captured and thrown into the lake of fire. 

Is the Anti-Christ among us?  I submit to you that he is.  He has been prophesied for years and I believe he (or the forerunner) is here.  Agree or disagree is your choice but just consider that this is the perfect storm for him to arrive.  If not now then when?

The Post-Election Apocalypse

I am still trying to make sense of the election and having a hard time with it.  

I have several relatives and people from my former church associations who totally accepted Donald Trump and falsely believe he is "the chosen one".

I would like to know why Christians have followed Donald Trump when his actions have not shown any evidence of being a Christian.  Now, don't come at me about Kamala Harris because I don't believe she was the perfect choice either but when you have to choose between the lesser of two evils how is it possible that Donald Trump is the lesser evil?  I'm shaking my head in disbelief even when I write that.

So now I have to decide what to do.  My choices are stay here, move to another state that is less MAGA-populated or move to another country.   At this time everything is an option.  

Someone asked me "why did God allow this to happen?"   Well, it still goes back to free will.  It gets us every time.  There are many times in history where God allowed the people to choose an evil ruler, and the good people still had to suffer due to the majority selection of that ruler.  

Then I was asked: "is it going to get worse?"

Yes.  It will get worse.

I know it is radical but when I see what is going on, I can't shake the feeling that Donald Trump is either the Anti-Christ or the one who will prepare the way for the Anti-Christ.  I'm sure my allegations will turn people off, but it is an eerie feeling to witness what is going on and recall all of the sermons and lessons I have heard about End Times prophecy.  I think we are here.  

I don't know how much of this I will share in future blogs or if I will just keep them to myself, but I can't help but wonder if the rapture is imminent.  

If Donald Trump helps Israel rebuild its temple and then desecrates it, you will have proof that he is the Anti-Christ.  At this point, I will not be surprised if this happens.

Could I be wrong?  Sure, I could but my allegiance is NOT to a president or even this country.  My allegiance is in God.

Folks I am VERY concerned about what is coming.