Dark times

[charity]

'And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,
.. but rather reprove them.
.... For it is a shame even to speak of those things
...... which are done of them in secret.
But all things that are reproved
.. are made manifest by the light:
.... for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
Wherefore He saith,
"Awake thou that sleepest,
.. and arise from the dead,
.... and Christ shall give thee light."'
(Ephesians 5:11)

Hi there,

Ephesians 5:11 is a paraphrase of Isaiah 60:1, where the original sense is modified, and us used with a new and different application:-

'Arise, shine; for thy light is come,
and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
and gross darkness the people:
but the LORD shall arise upon thee,
and His glory shall be seen upon thee.
(Isaiah 60:1-2)

* What is impressing itself upon me is the fact that the darkness of ignorance and unbelief does indeed 'cover the earth,' and, 'gross darkness the people'.

* I am so glad that I do not have young children of school age, for some of the things being required of teachers to teach in schools today do come into the category of, 'unfruitful works of darkness', which are 'shameful' to speak of. Bringing before the minds of young children matters which should not be introduced, and causing unnecessary consternation and concern.

* Yet when parents voice their objections, they are labelled and blamed for doing so. Young people who do not want to learn of such things, and ask to be excused from lessons are also subject to labelling, and even bared from school on the basis of their objections.

So, yes, we are living in dark times.

In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[Joseph77]

'And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,
.. but rather reprove them.
.... For it is a shame even to speak of those things
...... which are done of them in secret.

Note that this is not /to be clarified/ referring to "* ... darkness of ignorance" since all people are born ignorant of the truth - hopefully some few are trained in the way they should go, yes , that is so, but in most of the world, in the majority of Christendom, the truth is not taught nor are people living in the truth, in Jesus, nor His Way.
the works of darkness are great upon this earth, throughout the world (including the coronathing, pharmakeia, violence (in religion and out of religion),
the governments committing spiritual fornication with the beast/false prophet/whoever spiritually is from and with the devil,
and so on - overwhelming upon the earth,
encompassing all people as written in Ephesians, Galatians, and Revelation, et al,
and only the redeemed are no longer sons of disobedience, period. As written.
i.e. perhaps a thousand to one against the truth, as also it is on the internet.

 

[Joseph77]

Yes, we are living in dark times, dangerous generation as Jesus says - and Jesus provides the only truth, the life, the help, as written.

 

[Nancy]

'And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,
.. but rather reprove them.
.... For it is a shame even to speak of those things
...... which are done of them in secret.
But all things that are reproved
.. are made manifest by the light:
.... for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
Wherefore He saith,
"Awake thou that sleepest,
.. and arise from the dead,
.... and Christ shall give thee light."'
(Ephesians 5:11)

Hi there,

Ephesians 5:11 is a paraphrase of Isaiah 60:1, where the original sense is modified, and us used with a new and different application:-

'Arise, shine; for thy light is come,
and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
and gross darkness the people:
but the LORD shall arise upon thee,
and His glory shall be seen upon thee.
(Isaiah 60:1-2)

* What is impressing itself upon me is the fact that the darkness of ignorance and unbelief does indeed 'cover the earth,' and, 'gross darkness the people'.

* I am so glad that I do not have young children of school age, for some of the things being required of teachers to teach in schools today do come into the category of, 'unfruitful works of darkness', which are 'shameful' to speak of. Bringing before the minds of young children matters which should not be introduced, and causing unnecessary consternation and concern.

* Yet when parents voice their objections, they are labelled and blamed for doing so. Young people who do not want to learn of such things, and ask to be excused from lessons are also subject to labelling, and even bared from school on the basis of their objections.

So, yes, we are living in dark times.

In Christ Jesus
Chris

Hi Chris,
The schools are just a part of the machine trying to mold our kids into the image of Satan. My one sister tried to home-school her children but, her ex told her no! So, she was told by the school to start to send the kids to the school. Some of the things these young "teachers" say and do are worse than many unruly students! Yep, the world is going to hell in a hand-basket!

 

[VictoryinJesus]

'And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,
.. but rather reprove them.
.... For it is a shame even to speak of those things
...... which are done of them in secret.
But all things that are reproved
.. are made manifest by the light:
.... for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
Wherefore He saith,
"Awake thou that sleepest,
.. and arise from the dead,
.... and Christ shall give thee light."'
(Ephesians 5:11)

Hi there,

Ephesians 5:11 is a paraphrase of Isaiah 60:1, where the original sense is modified, and us used with a new and different application:-

'Arise, shine; for thy light is come,
and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
and gross darkness the people:
but the LORD shall arise upon thee,
and His glory shall be seen upon thee.
(Isaiah 60:1-2)

* What is impressing itself upon me is the fact that the darkness of ignorance and unbelief does indeed 'cover the earth,' and, 'gross darkness the people'.

* I am so glad that I do not have young children of school age, for some of the things being required of teachers to teach in schools today do come into the category of, 'unfruitful works of darkness', which are 'shameful' to speak of. Bringing before the minds of young children matters which should not be introduced, and causing unnecessary consternation and concern.

* Yet when parents voice their objections, they are labelled and blamed for doing so. Young people who do not want to learn of such things, and ask to be excused from lessons are also subject to labelling, and even bared from school on the basis of their objections.

So, yes, we are living in dark times.

In Christ Jesus
Chris

Not stalking you @charity. Hoping you don’t hate my coming to your threads. Regarding the topic of “Dark times” consider: 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. [3] For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. [4] But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

Returning to the same discussion you and I had the other day on another thread. Where Paul took joyfully the distribution of his goods and they also...knowing in themselves they had an better enduring substance in Heaven ...important “where thief does not approach” nor the treasure wax old... “failing not”.

Revelation 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

The only garments kept are those of “an better enduring substance”.

Can see your point on “knowledge” but in 2 Peter 1:5-8 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; [6] And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; [7] And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. [8] For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Seek first the kingdom of God” seek first the Reign of God and all those above are added unto you...that you keep your garments.

 

[Joseph77]

Hi Chris,
The schools are just a part of the machine trying to mold our kids into the image of Satan. My one sister tried to home-school her children but, her ex told her no! So, she was told by the school to start to send the kids to the school. Some of the things these young "teachers" say and do are worse than many unruly students! Yep, the world is going to hell in a hand-basket!

Amen, it is so, with grief and sorrow and much loss....

Adults , not just children, are subject to great deception (for generations now), as bobbyjo shows in his (I thought it was a girl at first, for a few days- 'she' was so 'emotional' in 'her'(um, his) posts ... but he is so tricked by the system he puts his trust in, like parents who put their trust in the school system.... it just does not lead to the truth, and does not work for good.

 

[Windmillcharge]

some of the things being required of teachers to teach in schools today do come into the category of, 'unfruitful works of darkness', which are 'shameful' to speak of. Bringing before the minds of young children matters which should not be introduced, and causing unnecessary consternation and concern.

There are things all Christians can be doing.
Volunteering to help in junior schools to listen to children read is one area, becoming a parent governor is another, being part of a group of parents prepared to work at the school to improve decoration, gardens etc another.
Meeting with Christian parents to pray for the school, pupils and teachers another.

If there is enough support a group not churches could find a Christian teacher to take what used to be the RE lessons, assembles and run Bible clubs.

Scripture union have schools workers, again if there is the support they would come and take lessons in your districts schools.
If Christians are prepared to work, pray and raise the cash all sorts of things are possible.

 

[Nancy]

Amen, it is so, with grief and sorrow and much loss....

Adults , not just children, are subject to great deception (for generations now), as bobbyjo shows in his (I thought it was a girl at first, for a few days- 'she' was so 'emotional' in 'her'(um, his) posts ... but he is so tricked by the system he puts his trust in, like parents who put their trust in the school system.... it just does not lead to the truth, and does not work for good.

Lol...yeah, a few of us thought BJ was a gal.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

But all things that are reproved
.. are made manifest by the light:
.... for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
Wherefore He saith,
"Awake thou that sleepest,
.. and arise from the dead,
.... and Christ shall give thee light."'
(Ephesians 5:11)

Arise, shine; for thy light is come,
and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
and gross darkness the people:
but the LORD shall arise upon thee,
and His glory shall be seen upon thee.

Been thinking about your post all day. About the “Arise, shine, for thy light has come” “Awake thou that sleepest”
1 Thessalonians 5:2-8 Truly complements your verses (imo). “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. [3] For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. [4] But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. [5] Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. [6] Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. [7] For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. [8] But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.


Revelation 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, (Let us watch)and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

Hope something here helps. Do like your threads ...always good topics to consider.

 

[charity]

Been thinking about your post all day. About the “Arise, shine, for thy light has come” “Awake thou that sleepest”
1 Thessalonians 5:2-8 Truly complements your verses (imo). “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. [3] For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. [4] But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. [5] Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. [6] Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. [7] For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. [8] But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.


Revelation 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, (Let us watch)and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

Hope something here helps. Do like your threads ...always good topics to consider.

Hello @VictoryinJesus,

Yes, I enjoy your responses too, though I do not always find it easy to follow your thought processes, and means of expression, which is probably because of our different backgrounds and nationalities. For though we speak the same language, we are very different culturally aren't we?
Yes, 1 Thessalonians 3:2-8 does compliment the OP.

I have just been composing an e-mail to my grandson, who is in his twenties, and who expressed his belief recently, that when the day of judgement comes he will get by on his own merit, and will be accepted because he tries to do the right thing.

I did not respond immediately, but could not let that misconception go unchallenged. So have sent the email, in which I have told him that if we could be accepted by God on the basis of our own merit, then the Lord Jesus Christ would not have needed to come to take the penalty for our sin upon Himself and die in our place.

I told him of my salvation, as a child of 12 years, how that I heard and believed that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, and that included me. That the wages of sin is death, but that the gift of God is eternal life to all who would place their trust in the sacrificial work of Christ. I asked the Lord Jesus Christ to be my Saviour that day.

I told my grandson, that the one advantage of growing older is the longer retrospective view that we gain: and that looking back over my life I can see how the Lord has kept His word, and has been my Saviour, even at times when I went astray. He has been there, protecting and delivering me, and teaching me about Himself. He is faithful.

I also told him that God identifies us with His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, in His death, burial, quickening to life, and resurrection, so that when He died, we died, when He rose, we rose, and so on, and that by God's reckoning, when He ascended up into heaven to God's right hand, so did we. That it is a done deal, a finished work, and is now awaiting fulfilment when God's time is right.

How wonderful a Saviour we have! How sure God's promises!

Praise His Holy Name!

In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[charity]

@Nancy
@Windmillcharge
@Joseph77
@VictoryinJesus

Hello there,

Thank you to all who have responded so far, thank you for your input.

Praise God! - That He has given us eyes to see, and ears to hear, and lips that we might tell, how great is God Almighty, Who has made all things well! May His Name be glorified, both in and through us, for His Name and Glory's sake. May His light shine into the darkness by means of our walk and witness.

In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[Nancy]

@Nancy
@Windmillcharge
@Joseph77
@VictoryinJesus

Hello there,

Thank you to all who have responded so far, thank you for your input.

Praise God! - That He has given us eyes to see, and ears to hear, and lips that we might tell, how great is God Almighty, Who has made all things well! May His Name be glorified, both in and through us, for His Name and Glory's sake. May His light shine into the darkness by means of our walk and witness.

In Christ Jesus
Chris

Thank you Chris,
How beautiful for sure! He will bring good out of even this as long as we do not turn off the light

 

[Nancy]

Hello @VictoryinJesus,

Yes, I enjoy your responses too, though I do not always find it easy to follow your thought processes, and means of expression, which is probably because of our different backgrounds and nationalities. For though we speak the same language, we are very different culturally aren't we?
Yes, 1 Thessalonians 3:2-8 does compliment the OP.

I have just been composing an e-mail to my grandson, who is in his twenties, and who expressed his belief recently, that when the day of judgement comes he will get by on his own merit, and will be accepted because he tries to do the right thing.

I did not respond immediately, but could not let that misconception go unchallenged. So have sent the email, in which I have told him that if we could be accepted by God on the basis of our own merit, then the Lord Jesus Christ would not have needed to come to take the penalty for our sin upon Himself and die in our place.

I told him of my salvation, as a child of 12 years, how that I heard and believed that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, and that included me. That the wages of sin is death, but that the gift of God is eternal life to all who would place their trust in the sacrificial work of Christ. I asked the Lord Jesus Christ to be my Saviour that day.

I told my grandson, that the one advantage of growing older is the longer retrospective view that we gain: and that looking back over my life I can see how the Lord has kept His word, and has been my Saviour, even at times when I went astray. He has been there, protecting and delivering me, and teaching me about Himself. He is faithful.

I also told him that God identifies us with His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, in His death, burial, quickening to life, and resurrection, so that when He died, we died, when He rose, we rose, and so on, and that by God's reckoning, when He ascended up into heaven to God's right hand, so did we. That it is a done deal, a finished work, and is now awaiting fulfilment when God's time is right.

How wonderful a Saviour we have! How sure God's promises!

Praise His Holy Name!

In Christ Jesus
Chris

Prayers that your grandson will be touched by that letter and it will start the wheels moving in his mind. I pray for a softened heart and a ready mind to receive God's Truth.
May God bless and keep you and yours Chris.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Hello @VictoryinJesus,

Yes, I enjoy your responses too, though I do not always find it easy to follow your thought processes, and means of expression, which is probably because of our different backgrounds and nationalities. For though we speak the same language, we are very different culturally aren't we?
Yes, 1 Thessalonians 3:2-8 does compliment the OP.

I have just been composing an e-mail to my grandson, who is in his twenties, and who expressed his belief recently, that when the day of judgement comes he will get by on his own merit, and will be accepted because he tries to do the right thing.

I did not respond immediately, but could not let that misconception go unchallenged. So have sent the email, in which I have told him that if we could be accepted by God on the basis of our own merit, then the Lord Jesus Christ would not have needed to come to take the penalty for our sin upon Himself and die in our place.

I told him of my salvation, as a child of 12 years, how that I heard and believed that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, and that included me. That the wages of sin is death, but that the gift of God is eternal life to all who would place their trust in the sacrificial work of Christ. I asked the Lord Jesus Christ to be my Saviour that day.

I told my grandson, that the one advantage of growing older is the longer retrospective view that we gain: and that looking back over my life I can see how the Lord has kept His word, and has been my Saviour, even at times when I went astray. He has been there, protecting and delivering me, and teaching me about Himself. He is faithful.

I also told him that God identifies us with His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, in His death, burial, quickening to life, and resurrection, so that when He died, we died, when He rose, we rose, and so on, and that by God's reckoning, when He ascended up into heaven to God's right hand, so did we. That it is a done deal, a finished work, and is now awaiting fulfilment when God's time is right.

How wonderful a Saviour we have! How sure God's promises!

Praise His Holy Name!

In Christ Jesus
Chris

Completely agree it is not based off our own merit which is the reason for so often pointing out God adds those things of 2 Peter 1:5-7 while sometimes men like to take the credit.

“Dark times” 2 Timothy 3:10-14 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, [11] Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. [12] Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. [13] But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse(Luke 12:33),deceiving, and being deceived. [14] But continue (remain steadfast)thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them ;

John 6:45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

1 Thessalonians 4:7-9 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. [8] He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. [9] But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

Agree, He gets all credit and glory.
Will keep you and your grandson in my prayers. Thank you for threads that edify.

 

[Joseph77]

Hi Chris,
The schools are just a part of the machine trying to mold our kids into the image of Satan. My one sister tried to home-school her children but, her ex told her no! So, she was told by the school to start to send the kids to the school. Some of the things these young "teachers" say and do are worse than many unruly students! Yep, the world is going to hell in a hand-basket!

The schools, the politic, the economic, the religious, the markets, the medical, the entertainment, hollywood, bollywood, mental magic , 'sports',
internet, search engines (censored, controlled, directed), banks, leaders (of all variety),
all
not only going along with the system, but as written in Galatians, actively seeking out everyone to drag them down everywhere to destruction...
i.e. key word (for search purposes) : Galatians, pernicious, society

Before , long before, I knew of GALATIONS, I read all the Bible voraciously, devotedly, continuously, daily, for years, asking the Father in heaven for His Purpose as I read every page, every word, enthralled with His Word, His Desire, His Meaning!

I read the end of the book also.

Revelation.

It is dire for the world.

as Corrie ten Boom, sweet old lady of faith known worldwide with a good , perfect, testimony of JESUS, GOD'S LOVE, in a world of war...

A LIGHT in the world of DARKNESS .. "dark times" ...

often tells, even from the grave, (or resurrection life), "the world is under a death sentence" ....

 

[charity]

The schools, the politic, the economic, the religious, the markets, the medical, the entertainment, hollywood, bollywood, mental magic , 'sports',
internet, search engines (censored, controlled, directed), banks, leaders (of all variety),
all
not only going along with the system, but as written in Galatians, actively seeking out everyone to drag them down everywhere to destruction...
i.e. key word (for search purposes) : Galatians, pernicious, society

Before , long before, I knew of Galatiansm, I read all the Bible voraciously, devotedly, continuously, daily, for years, asking the Father in heaven for His Purpose as I read every page, every word, enthralled with His Word, His Desire, His Meaning!

I read the end of the book also.

Revelation.

It is dire for the world.

as Corrie ten Boom, sweet old lady of faith known worldwide with a good , perfect, testimony of JESUS, GOD'S LOVE, in a world of war...

A LIGHT in the world of DARKNESS .. "dark times" ...

often tells, even from the grave, (or resurrection life), "the world is under a death sentence" ....

'But there were false prophets also among the people,
.. even as there shall be false teachers among you,
.... who privily shall bring in damnable heresies,
...... even denying the Lord that bought them,
........ and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
And many shall follow their pernicious ways;
.. by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you:
.. whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not,
.... and their damnation slumbereth not.'
(2 Peter 2:1-3)

Hello @Joseph77,

Would you please explain what you mean by Galatianism?

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[Joseph77]

hahaha ... sorry.... "Galatianism" ? What is that ? (where is that ?)

 

[charity]

Joseph77 said:-

... Before , long before, I knew of Galatiansm, I read all the Bible voraciously, devotedly, continuously, daily, for years, asking the Father in heaven for His Purpose as I read every page, every word, enthralled with His Word, His Desire, His Meaning!

 

[Joseph77]

Joseph77:-

... Before , long before, I knew of Galatiansm, I read all the Bible voraciously, devotedly, continuously, daily, for years, asking the Father in heaven for His Purpose as I read every page, every word, enthralled with His Word, His Desire, His Meaning!​

======================================================================

'the cat did that' i.e. see the missing "i" ? (it's not there) ..... the "m" is 'spurious' (is that correct use of spurious?) , or rather clerical error...

Thanks for noting that

(corrected it just now)​

 

[Taken]

'And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,
.. but rather reprove them.
.... For it is a shame even to speak of those things
...... which are done of them in secret.
But all things that are reproved
.. are made manifest by the light:
.... for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
Wherefore He saith,
"Awake thou that sleepest,
.. and arise from the dead,
.... and Christ shall give thee light."'
(Ephesians 5:11)

Hi there,

Ephesians 5:11 is a paraphrase of Isaiah 60:1, where the original sense is modified, and us used with a new and different application:-

'Arise, shine; for thy light is come,
and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
and gross darkness the people:
but the LORD shall arise upon thee,
and His glory shall be seen upon thee.
(Isaiah 60:1-2)

* What is impressing itself upon me is the fact that the darkness of ignorance and unbelief does indeed 'cover the earth,' and, 'gross darkness the people'.

* I am so glad that I do not have young children of school age, for some of the things being required of teachers to teach in schools today do come into the category of, 'unfruitful works of darkness', which are 'shameful' to speak of. Bringing before the minds of young children matters which should not be introduced, and causing unnecessary consternation and concern.

* Yet when parents voice their objections, they are labelled and blamed for doing so. Young people who do not want to learn of such things, and ask to be excused from lessons are also subject to labelling, and even bared from school on the basis of their objections.

So, yes, we are living in dark times.

In Christ Jesus
Chris

Agree...
Scripture calls these last days:

2 Tim 3
[1] This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

These last days:

Heb 1:
[2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

And those who remain, in Darkness, become subject to perilous times...without the Lord.

And those who are Born again, go through perilous times, with Peace and Comfort of the Lord within.

God is Good, praise His Holy Name.

Glory to God,
Taken