Sharing Opinions

Remember what it was like to be able to express an opinion without being lambasted for it? Me neither.

Well. I'm a conservative. I am pro-life. I support traditional marriage, only. I am pro-2nd Amendment. I believe in God and trust in Jesus. I think we need to build a southern-border wall. I think we need to be very very careful with any refugees we allow into our country. I am cautiously optimistic about Trump. I don't like cauliflower. I tired of the hypocrisy of Hollywood. AND the Democrats. And the Republicans. I cannot stand to be around cigarette smoke. I do not like Halloween. I do not like the commercialization/secularization of Christmas. I believe the Bible is the inspired inerrant Word of the Living God. I could live without professional sports of any kind. I love my wife. I think Islam is an ideology more than a religion. I am a Sooner. I think our time on earth is drawing to a close.

There ya go. That's not all of who I am. That is only a few OPINIONS. Don't like it? Tough. De-friend me or block me or whatever. Or, you could just be tolerant of me, like I'm supposed to be of you. I'm tired of playing games.

Trump or Clinton?

Egads!

It's like some horror movie gone terribly wrong.

There's even clowns roaming around scaring people.

Is this the end?

Well, not quite, but we're getting mighty close, in my opinion.

This is the most important election so far. In the history of America. Yeah, I said it.

I know. Lot's of people are saying it, too, but I actually mean it and believe it.

First of all, let me say that I'm getting really, really tired of my vote for president being a protest vote. Oh! How I'd love to have a candidate that I actually supported! But it ain't happening this year. Again.

Second, let me say that those who compare third party candidates to Abraham Lincoln are just being plain silly, or are deluding themselves. Gary Johnson is no Abraham Lincoln. I worked with Abraham Lincoln. I know Abraham Lincoln. I was there when.... wait. Wrong candidate.  Nevermind about that. Johnson is a miniature version of Clinton.

For all the young people who can't stand the thought of Trump being president because they don't like him as a person, let me tell you a little bit about Hillary, (although I shouldn't have to). Actually, I'm not gonna just tell you; you need to research some things, too. So here:  google.com

• Fired from Watergate
• Whitewater
• Looting the White House
• Vince Foster
• Chinagate
• Filegate
• Travelgate
• Sniper fire in bosnia
• Cash Cows
• Saul Alinsky
• Thomas Alfred Taylor
• The Clinton Foundation
• Peter Franklin Paul
• Emailgate

 and last but certainly not least, and perhaps the most infamous, treasonous reason:

• Benghazi (where the "H" is silent)

And don't forget her mysterious health issues that they emphasize is not an issue....

But the biggest issue I have about HRC, besides her integrity, loyalty, health and abilities, is the fact that the next president will most likely appoint up to four new Supreme Court Justices in their first term. With Hillary and her ideology, this scares the snot out of me!

Now, to be fair, Trump isn't without his problems, too.  But they pale in comparison to HRC. He calls people names and is rude. He lost nearly a billion dollars twenty years ago. But come on people! He had a billion dollars TO LOSE!

He is brash. He says what's on his mind without thinking (or so it appears).

So, let's now take a look at those who would be just a "heartbeat away" from the Oval Office: Mike Pense and Tim Kaine. (I wish it was Pense running instead of Trump). In any case, Kaine is simply a mini-me for Hillary and Pense appears to me to be the real deal. Plus, if there is any way possible, Kaine is more rude than Trump!

So it comes down to this in my opinion: Hillary would make Obama look like a good president. If you voted for Obama just because of his race, I hope you learned your lesson. Please don't vote for Hillary just because of her sex.

Hillary; you just can't trust her.
Trump; at least he doesn't want to destroy America.

Why all the confusion?

It's getting pretty confusing lately.

People whom I love and respect warn about the so-called "Blood Moons". Other people whom I love and respect belittle those who pay any attention to the astrological event.

People whom I love and respect are praising the Pope and his address to Congress this morning. Other people whom I love and respect are pointing at it being a sign of the last days and him being the "False Prophet."

People whom I love and respect point to all the recent earthquakes around the world as signs of the end times. Other people whom I love and respect belittle those who pay attention to these events as naive.

People whom I love and respect look to a so-called "rapture" of the church to escape tribulation. (so called because "rapture" isn't a Bible word) Other people whom I love and respect say that there won't be a rapture to escape tribulation and still others that Christians will endure the tribulation before a rapture.

People whom I love and respect point to all the events in the world that the "last days" are upon us and Jesus will return soon. Other people whom I love and respect dismiss all the so-called signs as unrelated coincidences and accuse those who believe it as having fallen prey to bad eschatological theology.

So here's the deal. I thought we all (followers of Jesus Christ) had the same Spirit; the Spirit of God. How can there be such a great divide among believers as to what to believe?

Each "group" claims spiritual authority as their guide, but are on opposite sides of an issue.  If each group is following the leadership of the Holy Spirit, how can they each be right? How can either be wrong?

To be honest, as a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, this is just downright confusing to me. I certainly don't claim to know all and understand all.

But here's what I DO know for sure: Jesus is coming back!  He said He was and I believe Him. I don't know when, but He did give us some clues so that we wouldn't be caught unaware.

I try to live my life expecting Jesus to come back today, no matter what the day is. I am longing to see His face. I want it to happen before I finish typing this line, but I see that it didn't happen....

I don't want to fall into the trap of belittling or even disrespecting my trusted friends who fall on the other side of an eschatological issue. I fell into that trap several years ago with politics, and I deeply regret it. So, today, I will do what I always do; proclaim Jesus!

God loves you so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for you (in your place to pay for your sins). If you believe that, according to Jesus, Himself, you will be saved. (John 3:16)

Won't you trust Jesus for your salvation today? You don't need a priest, or even a preacher; you can do it all through the One High Priest, Jesus! Call on Him to save you and be prepared for eternity. 

Internet Scams

Over the years, I have seen some interesting internet scams. I'm sure you have, too. The past couple of days, someone claiming to be with the "Department of Asian Domain Registration in China" has been trying to get me to answer an email. I've copied it here for your amusement:

Dear Sir/Madam,
About the "immanuelsouthern". We are the department of Asian Domain Registration Service in China. Here I have something to confirm with you. We formally received an application on November 20th, 2014 that a company claimed "CriTony Company" were applying to register "immanuelsouthern" as their Net Brand and some "immanuelsouthern" Asian countries top-level domain names through our firm.
Now we are handling this registration, and after our initial checking, we found the name were similar to your company's, so we need to check with you whether your company has authorized that company to register these names. If you authorized this, we would finish the registration at once. If you did not authorize, please let us know within 7 workdays, so that we could handle this issue better. After the deadline we will unconditionally finish the registration for "CriTony Company" Looking forward to your prompt reply.
(It's very urgent, so please transfer this email to your CEO or appropriate person. Thanks a lot.)  
Best Regards,
Luke Yang
Senior Adviser Manager

Whether or not this is a scammer from China or Nigeria, it really doesn't matter to me.

What does matter to me is the audacity of con artists. I see news stories of people conned out of thousands of dollars. I've seen my own family and friends fall victim to such treachery.

Treachery? Yes. Treachery. The word "con artist" comes from the way a person gains another person's confidence in order to use that trust for unlawful gain.

A couple of years ago, I scammed a scammer and had a whole lot of fun doing it. You can read about it here. In fact, it has been one of my favorite posts here at RickBoyne.com

Con artists and scammers are like the devil in many respects. Satan will gain your confidence, or at least get you to listen to him, and then BAM! take something away from you.

The Bible says that the devil is like a roaring lion; roaming around looking for someone to devour.  (1 Peter 5:8) It warns us to be alert; be on guard.

We should always be on the alert when it comes to anything out of the ordinary with requests from the internet. If you aren't sure about something, don't just automatically respond to it. If you get a "pop up" on your computer screen, don't just automatically put in your username and password, either. Ask someone. Get someone else's help.

Just like dealing with the devil. No need to try to go it alone; you've got a friend in Jesus!

You do, don't you? That is, you are friend with Jesus, right?  If you aren't, I'd suggest you make friends with Jesus real quick. I guarantee you want to be on HIS side when it's all said and done.  There is a link at the top right hand part of this blog that says, "Do You Know Jesus?" Click on that or right here and it will take you to another link I created just for the purpose of your making friends with Jesus.

And that's no scam!

America, Tribulation, and End Times

I've heard many Christians say that America is insignificant or plays no role in end times and the return of Jesus Christ. To that, I honestly have no opinion.

However, it is assumed that America will suffer in the Great Tribulation.  Where does that assumption come from?

Those critical of America's potential involvement in the end times emphasize the fact that the Bible talks about places only in the Middle East and America is irrelevant. If these events only happen in the Middle East, does the persecution from the Great Tribulation only effect those in the Middle East?

Why or why not?

Side note: The Christians in Iraq seem to be facing exactly the scenario that is fixed in most people's minds about what the Great Tribulation will look like.

Weather Forecasts & Jesus' Return

I watch KOTV for my weather news from the Tulsa TV market.  I really like their weather team, Travis Meyer, Alan Crone, Dick Faurot, and Mike Grogan. I trust these guys.

I know they do their very best to create accurate forecasts and present the public with up-to-the-minute updates when severe weather approaches. It's hard to do it, too, because weather predicting isn't an exact science; things change.

Take today, for instance. They've been telling us for the past several days that there is a good chance of severe storms this afternoon.  They've shown us graphics about it, blogged about it, and posted updates on Facebook and Twitter.

They really want us to take this seriously.  And, as an Okie, it "feels" stormy today.

(While I was typing the second paragraph, the National Weather Center in Tulsa issued a tornado watch for my area)

Last week, they told us all week about a storm that was coming in that would bring rain to our area. They showed us radar images from the storm that was still out over the Pacific. They presented us different frontal models several days in advance. The morning it was supposed to storm that afternoon, it was unbelievable that it was going to rain that afternoon. It was bright, sun shiny, and not a cloud in the sky.

Yet, because it was from the News On 6 WeatherTeam, I prepared for rain.  AND RAIN IT DID!!!!  A certified frog strangler.

It got me to thinking.

Why do people believe a forecast for rain and make plans around it, but completely ignore the words of Jesus where He says He's coming back to Earth?

Some people have made some fancy charts and others have erroneously predicted the exact date (which Jesus said would be fruitless to do), yet the "prediction" that He will return stands.

Some people humorously argue that if He hasn't come back already, what makes you think He's coming back?  That's like saying "it hasn't snowed yet this year, what makes you think it is going to snow?" (or rain, or get to 100º, or etc)

So far, we've had all the time in the world to prepare for the return of Christ. There are signs exactly according to the Bible that we are getting close, yet people treat it those predictions worse than promises from a disgraced politician.

Folks, it's getting close. I don't know when exactly, but, if we can look at the sky and know it's going to rain, we ought to be able to look at the signs that the Bible lists and know that it won't be long until Jesus returns.

Are you ready?

Serendipitous Ruminations

There have been several thoughts banging around in this empty head of mine; I need to get them in print. Here they are in no particular order:

• Any attempt to gain revenue by normalizing or legalizing a vice has proved counter-productive in the State of Oklahoma. First it was "Liquor by the drink", then para-mutual horse racing, then Indian casinos, then the lottery. They are looking at legalizing marijuana. What's next legalized prostitution?
• I visited the Jewish Art Museum in Tulsa yesterday. In their holocaust exhibition, they noted that Henry Ford was antisemitic and for a time, place antisemitic literature in the glove box of each new car he sold.
• The birth certificate that the White House presented as Obama's ORIGINAL birth certificate doesn't look anything like my original birth certificate. (He was born two years before me) It does, however, look like a copy of my birth certificate that I got back in the 1980's. We are being lied to.
• I am appalled at the attempt to normalize homosexuality.  Anyone who stands against this abomination is labeled as a homophobe or a bigot.  I have felt more hate directed at me for my views on homosexuality (which are in line with the Bible) than for any of my other opinions. For those who tout tolerance, they aren't very tolerant of me.
• The gun control issue isn't about guns; it's about control. The cities with the highest homicide rates are those with the strictest gun control. I really think they are afraid that they might lose their tyrannical power by allowing us to maintain our 2nd Amendment right. Wait a minute! Isn't that what the 2nd Amendment is all about?
• If it wasn't so pitiful and sad, I would find it hysterically amusing that homosexual "couples", especially lesbian couples, must have one partner who assumes the male role and one who assumes the female role. I've seen numerous "wedding" pictures where one of the women is dressed as a man and the other in a bridal dress. 
• Islam is NOT a religion of peace. It is a religion of hate and violence. Allah is not the same as the One true God of the Bible. It embodies the spirit of the antichrist. 
• I find it interesting that Hollywood's portrayal of lesbians is very very different from reality. Hollywood shows two slim, hot women who are extremely feminine and sensual; Walmart and the news show two obese decidedly butch and unattractive women. Then again, Hollywood has never been good at portraying reality.
• National Democratic politicians scream "racism" at every opportunity, but their own policies and programs are extremely racist, especially against African Americans. Their support of Planned Parenthood has killed more African Americans than the KKK could have ever imagined.
• I don't trust anyone in the current administration. Something is afoot.
• GENERALLY, churches with the words Liberty, Grace, Free, or Abundant are filled with anything but grace. It OFTEN denotes extreme legalism.
• I'll bet that the missing Malaysian Airlines plane is in Pakistan.
• One of the things that irk me most is church people who do something wrong, get caught, then lie about it, usually implicating someone else (often the preacher). Pride is so evil.
• Smokers are generally, some of the most selfish people you will ever meet. There is nothing worse than an angry militant smoker who demands their right to smoke, no matter the place or present company. They don't recognize that their addiction truly makes a slave of them to nicotine. And there is no way to hide it. You can't smoke at home or in the car and then cover it up with perfume; that doesn't work.
• I believe the Return of Jesus is eminent. Possibly by the end of next year.  Are you ready?

Jewish Messiah

I found the following description of who the Jews are looking to as their messiah:

The Mashiach

The mashiach will be a great political leader descended from King David (Jeremiah 23:5). The mashiach is often referred to as "mashiach ben David" (mashiach, son of David). He will be well-versed in Jewish law, and observant of its commandments (Isaiah 11:2-5). He will be a charismatic leader, inspiring others to follow his example. He will be a great military leader, who will win battles for Israel. He will be a great judge, who makes righteous decisions (Jeremiah 33:15). But above all, he will be a human being, not a god, demi-god or other supernatural being.
It has been said that in every generation, a person is born with the potential to be the mashiach. If the time is right for the messianic age within that person's lifetime, then that person will be the mashiach. But if that person dies before he completes the mission of the mashiach, then that person is not the mashiach. 

What About Jesus?

Jews do not believe that Jesus was the mashiach. Assuming that he existed, and assuming that the Christian scriptures are accurate in describing him (both matters that are debatable), he simply did not fulfill the mission of the mashiach as it is described in the biblical passages cited above. Jesus did not do any of the things that the scriptures said the messiah would do.                                                                        [http://www.jewfaq.org/mashiach.htm]

When I was in Israel last December, I was sitting on the steps of the Church of the Agony just outside the Garden of Gethsemane, looking across to the Eastern Gate. I asked our Jewish tour guide what she thought about the messiah. Her thoughts were extremely similar to the views expressed above.  She did laugh at the Muslims for thinking they could prohibit the Messiah from using the Eastern Gate by putting a cemetery there. She said that the messiah would have supernatural properties and could fly over the cemetery, if he wanted to. She also said that a cemetery wouldn't stop him anyway, as he would not be a levite and therefore not have any prohibition regarding touching the dead.

View of the Eastern Gate with Muslim cemetery blocking the entrance at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

 
Our church prays for Israel and for the Jews that they would recognize Jesus as God's Son, and therefore the Messiah or Mashiach.

Martial Law in America?

Martial Law.

It's for 2nd and 3rd world countries who can't get their act together or who have a dictator that wants to maintain control.

I suggest America will see martial law within 6-9 months of a "default" by our government, if the default leads to national economic failure.

The Constitution will be suspended. Civil rights will be suspended. Freedom of movement will be restricted. Information/television/telecommunications/internet will be controlled.  Curfews will be imposed. And, oh yes, firearms will be confiscated.

I suggest the POTUS wants it that way.

I sincerely hope I'm wrong.

May God have mercy on the United States of America.

May her people wake up.

May her leaders lead.

Debt, Default & Doom

I believe that what's happening in Washington is no mistake. In fact, I believe God is allowing it to happen to hasten the introduction of the anti-Christ.

An upside-down American flag is a sign of distress.

In order for the anti-Christ to rise to power, the world must be in absolute chaos and looking for a "savior".  The economic destruction of the United States would set the stage for the world chaos that the anti-Christ needs.

For the past several years, powers have been in force to ruin America. We have seen debt rise to more than double the previous 230 plus years of our existence.

Our debt is owned by foreign governments.

Our fall would mean their fall as well.

The current president has no desire to see America succeed. In fact, he has been at work to undermine and undo the very essence of our culture.

He ran on a platform of transparency and cooperation. Neither has been true in his administration.

In fact, he has been the most divisive president in US history; and he has the media in his back pocket. He/they have made us believe the fight is between Republicans and Democrats or even liberals and conservatives.

IT IS NOT!!

The fight is between patriots and socialists!  On a deeper level, the fight is not even between people, but between the forces of darkness jockeying for positions of power.

I believe that we are about to be living in a post-American world, as least from the point of view of what America used to be.

The USA will soon stand for the "United Socialists of America".

I hope I'm wrong.

May God have mercy on us all.

Maranatha, Lord Jesus!

Apostasy of a Nation

Definition of APOSTASY

1: renunciation of a religious faith

2: abandonment of a previous loyalty : defection

(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apostasy)

Let no one in any way deceive you, for it [the return of Christ] will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,
(2 Thessalonians 2:3 NASB)

 

Our nation has fallen away from God.

Despite what is taught today, the truth is our Founding Fathers believed in Jesus Christ and sought to create a government on godly principles.

To be accurate, our nation began to fall away from God and now has turned her back on God.

Once the shining light of freedom and hope to the rest of the world, the United States is now a mockery to our history with feel-good philosophy and anti-God actions.

President Obama announced judgment on our land with his proclamation, "America is no longer a Christian nation."

We've taken God out of our schools. We've taken His Laws down from our courtrooms.  We've taken prayer out of public venues. 

Our national motto, "In God We Trust" is only words, and means nothing to most.

We've embraced murder and call it a choice.  We've embraced the abomination of homosexuality and call it an alternative lifestyle.  We've embraced obscenity and call it Freedom of Speech.  We've embraced insensibilities and call it political correctness.

What we HAVEN'T embraced is God, His Word, His Desires, His Laws, and His Son.  

We have trampled these things underfoot bringing to mind the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:6, "Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."

We see the persecution of Christians on the rise in our country. Truth is now considered "Hate Speech."  People have been arrested for conducting Bible studies in their private homes in California. Campus ministries have been expelled from universities for requiring student leadership to actually BE Christians.

Our nation is under attack from radicals from an ungodly religion. The news media is so far away from God that they are unwilling to admit that it is a religious war being conducted against us, for fear of insulting or offending others. The only ones they don't worry about offending are Christians.

I want to believe that we are still at a crossroad; we may still have the ability to repent, as a nation.

HOWEVER, since the Apostasy must come before the anti-Christ is revealed AND so many of the biblical signs are being manifested, judgment may be inevitable for the United States.

In order for the conditions of the world to be "right" for the anti-Christ to come, I believe the world must be in economic disaster. In order for the world to be in economic disaster, the United States economy must fail.

It is quite possible that the national apostasy is taking place because God has lifted His hand of mercy from the United States to allow what must take place for the "Man of Lawlessness" to be revealed.

Perhaps our national apostasy is irreversible. Perhaps God is allowing it in preparation for the return of Christ.

I will keep praying for my nation and for it's leadership. I will keep sharing the Truth. I will keep my faith in God, for, in the end, He is the One Who is truly in control.

It, however, may not be too late for you, personally. God is still in the salvation business. Trust Jesus and you'll be saved from your sins, from eternal damnation, and be adopted into God's family. If you'd like more information about this, please contact me or see the link at the top of the right column, Do You Know Jesus?

End of the World?

We're a week away from the end of the Mayan calendar.

There are many who think it could mean the end of the world.

There are some who think it means the beginning of a new era.

There are some who think it doesn't mean anything because they believe it to be based on a lunar calendar and the time elapsed about two years ago.

So what do I think?

I find it particularly intriguing because of something that happened nearly 32 years ago. I got to see the actual Mayan calender wheel at the National Museum in Mexico City. When I was there, I specifically remember them talking about the how the calendar "ends in 2012".

The Mayan Calendar at the center of all the hoopla.

I knew that to be a very long time away, after all, I was only 16 years old.  However, for the past 31 years, it has been in the back of my mind.

I remember asking them what it meant.  No one knew. They speculated that it might mean the end of the world.

The only picture I had on this computer from the trip was me atop an Aztec pyramid in 1981.

I've seen the posts on Facebook.  "End of the World" parties at bars; news reports of panic & preparation; cartoons about why they made it end on the winter solstice in 2012.  I've heard people laughing about it, but could hear doubt and/or concern in their voice that they were worried about the future.

I think I would rather address people's perceived needs about the future and their security than to dismiss it with a snarky remark.

I got to visit the Yucatan in Southern Mexico and climb this Mayan pyramid in 1982.

So, here it is:  I do not think, nor do I believe, that the end of the world will be on December 21, 2012.  But, I could be wrong.

In case I'm wrong, here's what you need to know BEFORE the end, whether it is December 21, or whenever the end of the world happens to be for you: Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except by me." (John 14:6) He also said, "For God loved the world so much, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes (or trusts) Him, won't die an eternal death, but have life in the hereafter" (John 3:16 RBV*)

When you get down to it, that's all you really need to know. It is simply a matter of trust. Do you trust God to take care of your eternal soul through Jesus? Either you do or you don't. If you do, you get life. If you don't, you don't.

My advice is to not worry about what the Mayan calendar says or doesn't say. But instead, make sure your plans for eternity are settled. 

If you need more information, please don't hesitate to contact me; this is too important to ignore.


*Rick Boyne Version

The Mormon and the Muslim

(Or American Presidents in 2012)

What a mess we've created for ourselves.  How can we have come to this?

Well, I'll tell you. It's be because we have abandoned the Historical Christianity that made this country great.

We've abandoned it for "feel good" religion. We've abandoned it for "science."  We've abandoned it for "political correctness."  We've abandoned it for "entitlements."

In any case, this marks the end of America as we know it.

Granted, I'd rather have a Mormon like Mitt than a Muslim like Barack leading this country. At the very least, Mitt's values are more in line with American values.

Although, I don't see much difference in either man's religion.

They were both presented from an "angel" or rather a demon masquerading as an angel of God.

They both deny Jesus of the New Testament.

They both require works to be "saved."

They both deny the Bible as the only inspired Word of God.

They both desire polygamy.

They both were the fantasies of mad men with evil desires.

I don't think that Mitt has evil desires for America. I can't say the same about BHO.  He has proved his disdain for America over and over.

Do I think that Obama is the anti-Christ? (I've been asked this question several times lately)  My answer is a fairly-firm "No."  The reason? I don't think he's smart enough to be the anti-Christ.

I do, however, believe his is a puppet of the anti-Christ, setting the world up to need a false savior.  He's doing his part to destroy America's economy, which is necessary for total world economic collapse and chaos, at which time someone will step in and "make sense of it all."

I don't think he is even smart enough to KNOW that he is a puppet.

My prediction: Obama will win the 2012 US Presidential election.  If he wins, we'll see total breakdown of our American economy, suspension of the US Constitution, and total collapse of the world economy.  IMHO

2012

2012 - For many, this will be a year of fear and anxiety. Pagan religions have predicted the end of the world this year. Should you be worried? Should you be afraid? Should we give any credence to it at all? What does it mean?

The Mayan’s calendar “ends” on December 21, 2012. Maybe they ran out of room on the carving rock. Perhaps they figured someone else would make a new rock calendar when the time came. Perhaps they had something else in mind.

The fact of the matter is, that as a believer, we do not have to worry about ancient pagan prophesies about the end of the world. We only need to be concerned with God’s word.

If a person is not saved, they do need be worried, not so much about ancient pagan prophesies, but about the end of the world, or at least, the end of their own person world (their life).

(Intro from my New Year's Sermon, "Good Advice for a New Year" based on Philippians 4:6-8. You can read the sermon notes here or listen to the full sermon as preached on January 1, 2012, here.)

Earthquakes in Oklahoma and the End Times

Well, Oklahoma has recently been in the news with some earthquakes.  True, we have very small earthquakes everyday, but the recent ones haven't been small and they were felt as far as 1200 miles away.

Some are blaming these recent quakes on fracking, or the practice of petroleum companies to fracture the ground allowing access to trapped gas and oil...

Others are blaming it on geology alone.

I don't know. And I don't really care.

I know that I've felt five or six of them since they started last weekend.

For many Okies, these are the first ones they've ever felt and are extremely distressed by them.  Even during the "biggest" one (5.6 or so) none in my immediate family were distressed.  A little excited perhaps, but not distressed.

It has also been interesting to see  people positively claim that the earthquakes have nothing to do with the events of Matthew 24.  There are others that are convinced that because of these earthquakes, Jesus will return any day now.  In fact, because of both of these statements, I'm going to be preaching on Matthew 24 tomorrow.  (Here's the link to that sermon, if you're interested)

And Jesus answered and said to them, "See to it that no one misleads you. "For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many. "You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. "But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
(Matthew 24:4-8)

I've also read comments (on Facebook) of people being VERY critical of individuals and churches who make any reference at all to the events in Matthew 24 in relation to the earthquake events here and around the world.  They were condemning the use of "fear" to bring people to salvation.  However, that goes against Scripture:

And pity some, making a distinction. But save others with fear, snatching them out of the fire, hating even the garment being stained from the flesh.
(Jude 1:22-23)

So, what then? Should we trying to scare the Hell out of people so that they'll be saved?  Or should we only preach love and kindness?

Personally, I think those are good questions. And I think the answer to those questions are addressed in Jude....

Some are brought to repentance by kindness; others are saved by confronting the sin in their lives; still others are saved by being brought to the fearful reality of eternity separated by God.  It is sensitivity to the Holy Spirit to know which presentation for which person.

So, what do I, Rick Boyne, think?

I'm not afraid or ashamed to tell you.  Obviously, I have no "special knowledge" from the Lord. But I'm smart enough to see the world changing at an alarming pace.  I'm smart enough to "read the signs."  My position is: I can't believe we are still here.  I honestly thought we'd have been gathered in the skies this summer....

But, the deal is this: since we "do not know the day or the hour" we must heed the words of Jesus:

"Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.
(Matthew 24:42)

I'm ready. Are you?

The Unraveling of America

Well, it's been a wonderful experiment, but it's just about over now. Many great things has happened in it's 235 year run.

Numerous advances in medicine and science amazed the world and brought good things to mankind.

However, the basic principles of freedom have slowly been eroded or corrupted or abused to undermine the very intention of the founding fathers.

Slowly but surely, good has become evil and evil, good.  Lies have become truth and truth, hate.  Those who speak truth have been labeled as bigots, intolerant, or haters.

The words of those who established this experiment have been twisted and used, in essence, against them.

But, the end is near. Hardly any person elected to oversee this experiment remembers what the experiment was all about. They have become self-interest seekers and "for profit" politicians.  It almost begs that a grand conspiracy is underway; not necessarily the crazy idea of those who are paranoid.  The leader even appears to be hell-bent on hastening the end of the experiment.

The very fiber of this experiment is unraveling.

It would be  easy to blame it on liberalism, or atheistic leadership, or even a more devious entity.

But it is our fault.

Under the guise of Freedom of Religion, we let "them" remove God and prayer from our schools, government, and finally our own lives, and are allowing the substitution of false religions, false gods and idolatry to rule.

Under the guise of Freedom of Speech, we've allowed profanity, pornography, and propaganda rule the airways which continually erode senses of morality and decency.

Under the guise of Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, we've granted the homosexual agenda free access to our children and a pseudo-legitimate status that will only increase until it  becomes the norm, instead of the ab-norm is has always been.

We have elected ungodly leaders. We have adopted an ungodly attitude of tolerance and political correctness.  We have brought this on ourselves.

It will only get worse because, now, I believe, God is judging America for our choices.

Instead of actually following the national motto, "In God We Trust", we have replaced the trust of God with money, power, and pleasure.

God is jealous and will not tolerate the worship of others and will not share His glory with anyone or anything.

We have a choice to make. We can gripe and complain and maintain status quo and accept God's punishment, or we can change and conform to God's will and accept God's punishment.

How stupid of us to get punished and not be paying attention enough to change.

God is in control.

soli deo gloria

The Return of Jesus to Gather His Church

Here is a very interesting little tidbit I want to share. In the past two months, there have been three old retired pastors, all over the age of 75 (two in mid 80's) come up to me and said (in a whisper) "God has told me that I'm not going to die, but I'll see Jesus' return instead".


I am completely fascinated by what they've told me and the fact that out of the blue, they told ME.

Are you ready? I don't think it is very far off.  I think it could be before this summer. 

Jesus said in Mark 13:38 ""Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near."  He spoke this in regard to His redeemed knowing when to expect His return.

The signs are clear. Again, as Jesus said, "Be on the alert".

Trust Jesus now, before it is too late!