DisCERN the Times

Emilee Danielson -

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Strengthening Faith for the End Times

In a world where deception runs rampant, how can believers stand firm? Here are key insights on being "end time strong":

  1. Heed the warning of Luke 21:8 - Be on guard against those who would lead you astray.
  2. Embrace a holistic understanding of Scripture. Don't just cherry-pick your favorite parts.
  3. Recognize the value of trials in building unshakeable faith.
"The only way to learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testing." - George Mueller

This quote from George Mueller encapsulates a profound truth: trials are not just inevitable, they're essential for our spiritual growth. As you face challenges in your own life, remember that these are opportunities to strengthen your faith and draw closer to God.

The CERN Conundrum: Science, Faith, and End Times Prophecy

The CERN super collider, a 17-mile underground marvel of modern science, raises thought-provoking questions for believers:

  • Could CERN's experiments have unintended spiritual consequences?
  • Is there a connection between CERN and Biblical prophecy, particularly Revelation 9?
  • How do we balance scientific progress with spiritual discernment?

As we ponder these questions, remember that our goal isn't to fear scientific advancement, but to view it through the lens of our faith and remain vigilant about potential spiritual implications.

Discerning Truth in a World of Deception

In an age of information overload, how can we separate truth from falsehood? Here are valuable insights on spiritual discernment:

  1. Test everything against Scripture. As 1 John 4:1 reminds us, we must "test the spirits to see whether they are from God."
  2. Be wary of flowery language that lacks Biblical foundation. Not everything that sounds spiritual is actually aligned with God's truth.
  3. Remember that true love has reasons and takes action. It's not just a vague, feel-good concept.
"If people really see that Christ has removed the fear of punishment from them by taking it to himself, they won't do whatever they want; they'll do whatever he wants." - John Bunyan

This powerful quote reminds us that true understanding of Christ's sacrifice leads not to lawlessness, but to willing obedience. As you grow in your faith, let this truth guide your actions and decisions.

Right On or Way Off?

Let's test your discernment with our "Right On or Way Off" challenge. Consider these statements and decide if they align with biblical truth:

  1. "Love doesn't need a reason to love. Love is like the sun that doesn't need a reason to shine on everyone."Way Off! While this sounds poetic, it lacks biblical foundation. True love, as exemplified by God, always has a purpose and takes action. Remember John 3:16 - God's love led to the greatest act in history.
  2. "The only way to learn strong faith is to endure great trials."Right On! As we discussed earlier, George Mueller's words ring true. James 1:2-3 echoes this: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
  3. "If people really see that Christ has removed the fear of punishment from them by taking it to himself, they won't do whatever they want; they'll do whatever he wants."Right On! This profound statement from John Bunyan encapsulates the transformative power of truly understanding Christ's sacrifice. It aligns perfectly with Romans 6:1-2, which asks, "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!"

How did you do? Remember, developing discernment is an ongoing process. Keep testing everything against Scripture and asking the Holy Spirit for guidance.

Practical Steps for Navigating Challenging Times

Here are some practical steps you can take to strengthen your faith and discernment:

  1. Stay grounded in God's Word through consistent Bible study.
  2. Maintain a robust prayer life. Remember to pray for global issues, including the peace of Jerusalem.
  3. Seek comfort in Scripture and prayer during moments of fear and uncertainty.
  4. Be aware of potential deceptions, even those that appeal to your virtues.
  5. Focus on spiritual consistency, understanding the whole Bible, not just your favorite parts.

Remember, whether you're grappling with AI, concerned about experiments at CERN, or feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world, the answer remains the same: get into the Word, stay close to Jesus, and abide in the vine.

We hope these insights have encouraged and equipped you to face the challenges of our times with faith and discernment. If you've found this valuable, we invite you to share it with others who might benefit from a Christian perspective on current events and spiritual growth. Until next time, stay strong in the faith!