9/11 and the Ultimate Remembrance

Today marks the 17^th anniversary of the day that changed the modern world. And, of course, that would be none other than 9/11. It was a day like no other and will never be forgotten by those old enough to remember the mind-boggling horror that occurred in just a few short hours on a crisp, beautiful September morning. While many went through their typical routines around the country, thousands of unsuspecting souls were brutally and abruptly thrust into eternity. The surreal scene of the mighty World Trade Center in New York crumbling seems as frightfully fresh in our minds today as when we watched it a over a decade and a half ago.

And yet enough time has passed now that something seemingly unique and sad is occurring. With 17 years having passed since this event, there are growing numbers of younger Americans who have no real recollection of the day that will forever impact their lives. All of those born since September 11, 2001, and many who were very young at the time, do not have a first hand remembrance of it all. If they know anything – and some know very little – it may be from a casual history lesson in school or some other brief encounter with the facts that likely don’t do justice to the enormity of the event.

Remembering certain key things in life is crucial. It has been said that those who forget all about history are often doomed to repeats its mistakes. And the reality of that can be seen through many troubling examples down through the years. What happened in World War II would be a sobering illustration.

But there is another form of remembrance that is even more important than the historical or any other. It is essential because it resides in the realm of the spiritual. This special and most critical kind of remembering occurred in the account of the crucifixion of Christ in Luke 23.

The Savior had been placed between two condemned criminals who were being executed with him. While suffering and dying, one of the two men began taunting Him. The account begins in verse 39. “Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, 'If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.' But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, 'Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.' Then he said to Jesus, 'Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.'"

Somehow this one thief recognized, while dying along side of Jesus, that he himself was a sinner. He somehow understood that the man next to him was indeed God in the flesh and was therefore capable of saving and justifying him. In essence he said, "Lord remember that I’m spiritually lost. And Lord please remember to save me and take me with you to your heavenly kingdom when I shortly breathe my last." The Lord’s instant response comes in verse 43. “And Jesus said to him, 'Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.'" In other words, the Savior confirmed that He would remember this man’s dying confession of saving faith and, based on that alone, guaranteed him forgiveness and a place in heaven forever.

Today, many are remembering the day that changed the world – and with good reason. But what occurred on that day was not about crashing planes, burning buildings, rescue efforts or a revitalized war on terror. It is about the precious lives that were lost that day. These can never be rebuilt or replaced.

On that fateful day, all who perished entered eternity in one of two conditions. They were either saved or they were forever lost. They either had Christ as Savior or did not according to 1 John 5:11-12. And those who were redeemed said to Christ at some point in life, "Lord, remember me. Lord, I cannot save myself. Lord, I trust You alone to forgive and make me right before God." And all who had done that prior to departing this life on 9/11 gained paradise just like the poor soul who died along side of the One who died in his place on the cross.

Being ready at a moment's notice to face God, whether in a burning building, a falling plane or through natural causes, is as simple as asking Christ to remember you as a sinner and trusting Him fully as your Savior. He is the One who died for us all and who waits for all to call upon Him in for redemption. There are many valuable things in life worth remembering, but never forget to remember the one thing that matters most in life and especially in death!

"Remember , O LORD, Your tender mercies and Your loving kindnesses, For they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; According to Your mercy remember me, For Your goodness' sake, O LORD.” (Psalm 25:6-7)

Bill Breckenridge

A Different Perspective on Labor Day

Labor Day marks a subtle shift in multiple aspects of most everyone’s life. Vacations have drawn to a close as the summer sun moves slowly southward. Schools are back in session after earnest shopping for clothes and supplies. Kids’ unaccustomed early rising is followed by piles of homework and a better organized routine for parents. Daily traffic volume changes with the back-to-school schedule. Labor Day may also mean an intensified church schedule as programs get back in gear.

Over 100 years ago, leaders of the Labor Movement organized huge parades to honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold” in the words of John McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor.

According to the Department of Labor, the first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 in New York City and planned by the Central Labor Union. They held a second Labor Day holiday a year later on September 5, 1883. In 1884, the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday.

By 1894, 29 states had passed laws observing Labor Day as a state holiday. That year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday. In 1909, a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention designated the Sunday preceding Labor Day as Labor Sunday dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

Work and workers in the Bible have a both a negative and positive aspect:

The thrill of harvest contrasted with the waning deliverance from impending attack and deportation is outlined in Jeremiah 8:20. “The harvest is past, The summer is ended, And we are not saved!”

The futility of working only for food is mentioned in Ecclesiastes 6:7. “All the labor of man is for his mouth, And yet the soul is not satisfied.”

Employment pressures can point us to Christ who invited, “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.” (Matt 11:28-30)

Working for salvation is futile and forbidden:

- Ephesians 2:8, 9 declares, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (emphasis added)

- Titus 3:4, 5 adds, “But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit…”

- Romans 4:5 also indicates that salvation is expressly not a result of works. “But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness…”

- The work of Christ is alone able to save. “So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” (John 19:31)

Positively, the works within salvation are carefully noted and rewarded. “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (Hebrews 6:10).

Our positive efforts done out of gratitude will linger for time and eternity. The final book of the Bible summarizes all believers’ labor days. “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.’” (Revelation 14:13)

It is best when we work for the Lord since we can fully retire in Heaven forever because of His finished work.

Dave Virkler

This was originally posted in September 2009, but its insights and message are timeless, so we are sharing it again.

Immigration and True Freedom

Illegal immigration has always been a difficult issue. President Trump’s decision to fully enforce a policy of separating children from parents who cross the U.S.border illegally while their cases are being heard has become the focus of intense criticism and debate. Each side offers facts to support their view, and emotions are running high – so much so that members of the Trump administration are being singled out by protesters and even refused service at a restaurant.

There is endless debate about this as a legal issue, moral issue, or both. The issue doesn't look like it will be resolved any time soon. Whatever the outcome, the problem highlights some biblical themes.

Every one of us is on earth temporarily. This world is not our final home, and we are all travelers seeking a permanent and eternal residence with the hope of something better. For those who have accepted Christ as Savior, that home is Heaven, which is reached when a believer dies or when Christ returns to take His church to be with Himself. For those who don’t know Christ, the border is closed and there is no entrance.

Proper documents allow immigrants to enter a country legally and afford them the opportunity to make a new life there. Illegal aliens (undocumented immigrants) live with the constant fear of deportation and rarely have the opportunity to make a better life. Likewise, having the proper “paperwork” is the only way to obtain eternal life. Only those whose names are found in the Lamb’s Book of Life gain entrance to Heaven and enjoy its benefits forever.

John described the scene that will take place when the official spiritual documents are examined. “And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life … there shall be no means enter [heaven] anything that defiles…but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” (Revelation 20:12; 21:27)

When immigrants become U.S. citizens after coming to America, they enjoy the advantages that offers. In Christ, believers are citizens of the heavenly kingdom even before we arrive there. The Apostle Paul wrote of believers, “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” (Ephesians 2:19) Because of this citizenship, believers enjoy benefits in addition to eternal life that are not available to non-citizens including God’s presence (Hebrews 13:5), God’s care (Luke 12:22-31), answered prayer (John 16:23), and, most importantly, permanent citizen status (John 10:28, 29).

For most illegal immigrants, nothing short of amnesty will allow them to stay in the U.S. legally. In His death on the cross, Jesus Christ provided the “amnesty” that allows our permanent residence in Heaven. Forgiveness of the sin that separates us from God is available to any who accept it (Romans 10:13).

While the President, Congress and political pundits debate the pros and cons of immigration legislation, deportation, amnesty, and family reunions, there is no debate on residency status in Heaven. Scripture is quite clear. “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire (hell, eternal punishment)” (Rev. 20:15).

A person who is truly born again can never be “deported” from God’s kingdom. Christ said, “…the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37). Accept Christ now so that your eternal home is secure.

Sadly, many who are legal or natural-born citizens of the U.S. think they are free, but they are still trapped in spiritual chains. Without knowing it, their hearts yearn for a freedom that is even more precious – freedom from sin through the blood of Jesus Christ.

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. …if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:31, 32, 36)

Gayle Virkler

If you are not sure if Heaven will be your eternal home, click here for more information.

Is Peace in Israel Possible?

Monday marked 70 years of Israel’s existence as a modern nation. It was also a historic day as the United States officially moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem thus acknowledging the city as Israel’s true capitol. This comes at a time when violence in Israel and on it borders continues to make headlines and war with Iran looms on the horizon. Why is Jerusalem so significant? Why does a tiny country—only the size of New Jersey—command such global attention?

Our founder, Rev. David M. Virkler, wrote about Israel’s history, its place in prophecy and the peace it longs for in an article titled "Israel: What You Need to Know". Following are some excerpts:

There is constant strife over who will have ultimate control over the land we know as Israel. The heart of the issue basically boils down to two opposing ideas. For the Israelis, the issue is their right to exist as a nation. For Palestinians and other Muslim countries, it is the desire to see Israel cease to exist as a nation.

The trouble goes back much farther than the current conflict or previous uprisings and even farther than 1948.

About 4,000 years ago, God called Abraham from his home far away to the east, probably somewhere in present day Iraq, and directed him to resettle in the land of Canaan, approximately the area of present day Israel and northeast to the Euphrates River. God promised Abraham that he would have descendants as numerous as the sand on the seashore. His purpose was to establish a new ethnic group—the Jewish people—that would provide a distinct lineage for the Messiah. They would be a blessing for all nations, and kind treatment of Abraham and his descendants would bring blessing, while unkind treatment would mean a curse (Genesis 12:1-9).

Many Arabs also revere Abraham as their father through Ishmael. The present situation is fulfillment of an astounding prophecy tucked away in Genesis 16. Abraham’s wife, Sarah, panicked and thought God’s promise of a child needed her human help. She gave Hagar, her Egyptian maid, to Abraham as a wife, and Ishmael was born. Hagar’s pride over her child-bearing resulted in friction between the two women, and Hagar and Ishmael were sent away into the wilderness. There, God sustained them and gave a promise of relative greatness for Ishmael and his progeny. There would be a problem, however. “He will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.” (Gen. 16:12)

The descendants of Isaac and Ishmael—today’s Jews and Arabs—would live together, but they would not get along. This conflict may be mitigated from time to time, but it will not be eliminated until the millennial reign of Christ when Israel, Egypt and Assyria will join in worship of God “in the midst of the land” (Isaiah 19:24), or “center of the earth” as it is more properly translated.

There is special significance to the city of Jerusalem. It is the ancient capitol of Israel. It is the site of Mount Moriah, where Abraham was instructed to offer Isaac, his old-age son of promise, as a sacrifice (Genesis 22), and a substitute ram was ultimately provided. Years later, David purchased the spot from Ornan the Jebusite and selected it as the site of the Temple (1 Chronicles 21:18-30), which his son, Solomon, later built. Solomon’s temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC, but it was later rebuilt when some Jews returned home from the Babylonian captivity (Ezra 5 & 6). Herod rebuilt this Second Temple and enlarged the Temple Mount. His penchant for gorgeous structures made the Temple a wonder of the world. This temple was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70.

The Western Wall, formerly known as the Wailing Wall, is actually a retaining wall of the Temple platform and is also a landmark for Jews. When Jerusalem was in foreign hands, Jews were allowed in only periodically to pray at the wall, which represented the hopes of the Jewish people. Since 1967, when Israel took Jerusalem, Jews have been able to pray freely at the wall.

Jews believe the Temple will be rebuilt, which will be a cause of great conflict since two Muslim structures currently occupy much of the Temple Mount. There are several theories as to where the Temple actually stood. Some believe it stood where the Dome of the Rock is located. Others believe it was located to the north where there is a huge open space.

Many have attempted to work out peace agreements. Some have been successful and others have not. … Peace agreements may be signed, but they will not be kept. Satan hates the Jews for their spiritual heritage. They were the people that God used to give us Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Satan hates the land. It was there that God became flesh and dwelt among us and where Christ died and rose again to provide our salvation.

Eventually, there will be peace in Israel, but it will be false peace. Antichrist will convince the Jews to accept his leadership. He will confirm a previously-made covenant likely among Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, and the Palestinians (Daniel 9:24-27). Antichrist will break this pact after three and a half years, and then, literally, all hell will break loose (Revelation 6:8). Following the seven-year Great Tribulation, Christ will return to earth. His feet will touch the Mount of Olives just across the Kidron Valley from the Temple Mount (Zechariah 14:2-4). He will rule in Jerusalem after the world’s armies are destroyed there, and Satan will be bound for a thousand years (Rev. 20:1-3). Only then will there be a true peace in Israel.

God told Abraham, “I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curse thee.” (Gen. 12:3) Israel has a unique place in the plan of God, and we in America have likely been blessed because of our country’s position as Israel’s ally. Pray for wisdom for our government’s leaders that they not abandon that view and our blessing be lost.

Real peace in Israel will come only through her Messiah—our Savior, Jesus Christ. Rejecting the Messiah meant a missed peace for the people of Israel. Until our prayer for the peace of Jerusalem is fully answered in the Millennial rule of Christ, personal peace is available to any individual by receiving Him as Savior. Trusting Christ gives us the “peace of God, which passes all understanding” (Phil 4:7). When people respond to Christ inwardly, they can promote peace outwardly. “For He Himself is our peace, who…has broken down the middle wall of separation…that He might reconcile…both to God in one body through the cross….” (Ephesian 2:14, 16)

If you have never trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior, do so today! In a world where peace is often temporary, elusive or even impossible, you can have lasting personal peace with God and the peace of God.

The full article “Israel: What You Need to Know” can be found at our website, or it is available for a gift of any size to the ministry. Visit our website for details and a list of other articles and resources available.

Presidential Proclamation: National Day of Prayer

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 3, 2018
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER, 2018

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

On this National Day of Prayer, we join together to offer gratitude for our many blessings and to acknowledge our need for divine wisdom, guidance, and protection. Prayer, by which we affirm our dependence on God, has long been fundamental to our pursuit of freedom, peace, unity, and prosperity.  Prayer sustains us and brings us comfort, hope, peace, and strength. Therefore, we must cherish our spiritual foundation and uphold our legacy of faith.

Prayer has been a source of guidance, strength, and wisdom since the founding of our Republic. When the Continental Congress gathered in Philadelphia to contemplate freedom from Great Britain, the delegates prayed daily for guidance. Their efforts produced the Declaration of Independence and its enumeration of the self-evident truths that we all cherish today. We believe that all men and women are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Prayer sustained us and gave us the strength to endure the sacrifices and suffering of the American Revolution and to temper the triumph of victory with humility and gratitude. Notably, as one of its first acts, our newly formed Congress appointed chaplains of the House of Representatives and Senate so that all proceedings would begin with prayer.

As a Nation, we have continued to seek God in prayer, including in times of conflict and darkness. At the height of World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt called for prayer "for the vision to see our way clearly to see the way that leads to a better life for ourselves and for all our fellow men and to the achievement of His will to peace on earth." Decades later, following one of the darkest days in our Nation's history, President George W. Bush offered this prayer for our heartbroken country, mourning the precious souls who perished in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001: "We ask Almighty God to watch over our Nation, and grant us patience and resolve in all that is to come. We pray that He will comfort and console those who now walk in sorrow. We thank Him for each life we now must mourn, and the promise of a life to come."

America has known peace, prosperity, war, and depression, and prayer has sustained us through it all. May our Nation and our people never forget the love, grace, and goodness of our Maker, and may our praise and gratitude never cease. On this National Day of Prayer, let us come together, all according to their faiths, to thank God for His many blessings and ask for His continued guidance and strength.

In 1988, the Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, called on the President to issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer, "on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 3 as a National Day of Prayer.  I encourage all Americans to observe this day, reflecting on the blessings our Nation has received and the importance of prayer, with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities in their houses of worship, communities, and places of work, schools, and homes.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.

DONALD J. TRUMP